cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies of phenothiazine derivatives for their effects on swelling of normal and sickle erythrocytes

Abstract 1. 1. Three phenothiazines with similar structure; chlorpromazine (CPZ), triflupromazine (TFPZ), and trifluoperazine (TFP), were compared for the potency of swelling of normal red cells and antisickling effect of red cell from patients with sickle cell disease. 2. 2. Normal erythrocytes treated with the phenothiazines became swollen within 60 min, and the percent increase in mean cell volume (MCV) was dose-dependent and varied according to the agent used. 3. 3. The cell swelling was hematocrit-dependent, and pH-dependent. A greater swelling potency was seen at lower hematocrits and higher pH values. 4. 4. The swelling was also dependent on the p K a values of these chemicals. TFP with the lowest p K a induced the highest degree of swelling while CPZ with the highest p K a induced the lowest. 5. 5. The un-ionized fraction of the phenothiazines at a given pH was directly related to potency of the swelling. 6. 6. The cell swelling was directly related to the binding affinities of the phenothiazines to calmodulin. 7. 7. The antisickling effect of these compounds using sickle red cells, numerically estimated by an automated image analysis system, was found in the same order as that of swelling potency: TFP > TFPR > CPZ.
Orbitotomy for retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a dog

A retrobulbar malignant fibrous histiocytoma was diagnosed in a 12-year-old castrated male Keeshond dog. The mass was excised with a lateral orbitotomy and zygomatic arch resection. Vision was preserved in the affected eye, and no recurrence was noted up to 10 months postoperatively. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma originates from primitive mesenchymal stem cells. The malignant fibrous histiocytoma seen in our patient was most consistent with the storiform-pleomorphic variant, given the storiform arrangement of spindle cells, the presence of histiocytoid cells, and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, without giant cells. The metastatic potential of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in general, and the storiform variant in particular, is unknown. Seventeen months later the dog was presented to the referring veterinarian with anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss and bilateral purulent nasal exudates. The dog was euthanized without necropsy.
Extracellular matrix of newly forming vessels--an immunohistochemical study.

Abstract During wound healing, embryological development, and solid tumor growth, the established vasculature gives rise to large numbers of new blood vessels. This neovascular response occurs at the level of the capillary bed, where endothelial cells divide rapidly, locally remodel the surrounding stroma, and migrate away from existing vessels to form capillary sprouts. In order to examine the environment of these newly forming vessels, actively growing blood vessels in neovascularized rabbit and guinea pig corneas were examined immunohistochemically using antibodies against laminin, type IV collagen, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, entactin, and factor VIII-related antigen. Sequential serial 5-μm sections taken from the unfixed frozen corneas in a plane perpendicular to the direction of vessel growth were stained with these antibodies. It was possible to follow well-defined lumenized vessels out through sequential sections to the point where they became single factor VIII-R positive cells in the region of the capillary sprout. Examination of these stained sections has shown the presence of four important basement membrane components—laminin, type IV collagen, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and entactin—associated with actively migrating and invading capillary sprouts. These results suggest that the extracellular matrix of the actively invading capillary sprouts does not differ qualitatively from that of the established vasculature.
Inhibition of leukotriene B4-induced neutrophil degranulation by leukotriene B4-dimethylamide.

Abstract Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent mediator of pro-inflammatory responses including neutrophil degranulation. Leukotriene B4 dimethylamide has been synthesized and shown to inhibit neutrophil degranulation induced by LTB4. The inhibition required time to develop (∼60 secs), and had a KD of circa 2 × 10−7M, and occurred at concentrations where LTB4 dimethylamide had negligible agonist activity.
Direct analysis of anticonvulsant drugs in vitreous humour by HPLC using a column switching technique.

Abstract A method is described for the rapid HPLC analysis of a number of anticonvulsant drugs in vitreous humour by injection directly onto a preconcentration column without the need for prior extraction. The conditions for optimum precision and accuracy were investigated and the method was subsequently applied to the analysis of phenytoin in a number of overdose cases. Sensitivity was 0.05 μg/ml on a 0.5 ml vitreous sample. The mean blood/vitreous ratio for phenytoin was found to be 2.8 (range: 1.4–5.1). The relationship between blood and vitreous levels had a correlation coefficient of 0.85. Vitreous was found to be a very clean, stable sample, ideally suited to this technique.
Effect of nedocromil sodium on antigen-induced airway responses in allergic sheep.

We studied the effects of nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate on early and late bronchial responses, the airway inflammation associated with the late response to inhaled Ascaris suum antigen in allergic sheep in vivo, and the antigen-induced contractile responses of sheep tracheal smooth muscle in vitro. In addition, we examined the effect of nedocromil sodium on the development of antigen-induced airway hyper-responsiveness in this model. Pretreatment with either nedocromil sodium or sodium cromoglycate was effective in blocking antigen-induced early and late responses in allergic sheep. Both drugs also prevented the influx of eosinophils into the airways, as assessed by bron-choalveolar lavage, observed during the late response in this model. No difference in drug potency was observed in vivo, but in vitro nedocromil sodium was 10- fold more potent than sodium cromoglycate against antigen-induced contractions of sheep tracheal smooth muscle. Nedocromil sodium was effective in blocking antigen-induced late responses and the subsequent development of airway hyper-responsiveness irrespective of whether the drug was given before antigen challenge or after the immediate response to antigen but before the late response. These findings indicate that nedocromil sodium is effective in the sheep model of asthma and therefore may be beneficial in the treatment of reversible obstructive airway disease in man.
Not in My Backyard: Iraq's Neighbors' Interests

Iraq's neighbors find the declared U.S. vision for the future of Iraq and the region deeply threatening, and they have the means to keep that vision from coming to pass. Moreover, the United States undermines its own goals by talking about them so much.
LARGE PARTICLE DIFFUSION FROM AN ELEVATED LINE SOURCE - A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF A THEORETICAL MODEL WITH FIELD DIFFUSION EXPERIMENTS.

Abstract A theoretical model of atmospheric diffusion of a polydispersed material from an elevated line source is used to predict downwind deposition of large particles (nominally 100 μ diameter) released during six separate field diffusion experiments. Two equations are used. One, where diffusion is dependent on the distribution of particles as advected in a steady-state condition. The second includes factors to account for atmospheric turbulence and diffusion. When the correct equation is chosen for a given turbulence condition, in all but two of the diffusion trials the model is within 5 m of predicting the point of maximum deposition; in all six trials the greatest discrepancy is 15 m. The model is reasonably capable of predicting values of downwind deposition. Wind profile fitting terms are shown to be most accurate under thermally stable atmospheric conditions.
A nonlinear model for predicting radiographic contrast.

Abstract A computerized model has been developed which permits ideal maximum radiographic contrast, associated with clinically meaningful changes in x-ray attenuation for any combination of tissues, to be predicted from the spectral energy of the primary beam and the characteristics of the film. Results suggest that these factors influence available contrast in ways which depend on the specific diagnostic task to be accomplished. Hence, it appears that no single technique is optimal for all tissue configurations.
Anti-oxidants prevent focal rat brain injury as assessed by induction of heat shock proteins (HSP70, HO-1/HSP32, HSP47) following subarachnoid injections of lysed blood.

The initial aim of this study was to determine if the HSP70 (the main inducible heat shock protein), HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1, HSP32) and HSP47 (a collagen chaperone) stress proteins were induced in the same focal regions of rat brain following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The next objective was to determine whether anti-oxidants prevented the stress gene expression in the focal regions. Lysed blood (150 μl) was injected into the subarachnoid space of adult, female Sprague–Dawley rats via the cisterna magna. Animals were sacrificed 24 h later. Immunocytochemistry showed focal regions of stress gene induction in most animals (13/21), HSP70 and HO-1 proteins being expressed in neurons, microglia and astrocytes and HSP47 being expressed in microglia. Co-induction of the same three stress proteins was observed in focal areas in the striatum and cerebellum as well. In the 13 animals with focal regions of stress gene induction there were 8.1±1.8 foci in cortex, 5.5±0.9 foci in striatum, and 11.7±7.3 foci in cerebellum in the brain of each animal. The focal regions of stress gene induction varied in size from 200 μm to 7 mm in diameter. Systemic administration of the tirilazad-like anti-oxidants U101033E (n=8) and U74389G (n=7) completely blocked stress protein induction in focal brain regions normally produced by cisternal injections of lysed blood. There were fewer drug treated animals (0/15) with focal areas of stress gene induction compared to non-drug (13/21) treated animals following the cisternal lysed blood injections (p<0.01 using Fisher's probability test). This study shows that anti-oxidants prevent focal regions of injury as assessed by heat shock protein expression in a rat model of SAH.
Epidermal growth factor activation of rat parotid gland adenylate cyclase and mediation by a GTP-binding regulatory protein

Injection of rats with a single dose of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or isoproterenol increased parotid gland acinar cell levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) significantly above control basal concentrations (34, 177 and 11.5 pmol/g tissue/100 g body weight, respectively). Following a chronic regimen of isoproterenol (3 days), EGF, bovine galactosyltransferase (Gal Tase, EC 2.4.1.22) and isoproterenol increased cAMP levels, albeit to a lower level than observed for the single dose (21, 17 and 51 pmol, respectively). Using isolated parotid gland membranes, EGF and bovine galactosyltransferase also stimulated adenylate cyclase (EC 2.7.4.3) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Introduction of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol blocked isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and cAMP accumulation, but not that observed with EGF or the transferase treatment. Growth factor-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity required the presence of the guanosine triphosphate (GTP) analogue, guanyl-5'-imidodiphosphate (p[NH]ppG), while cAMP accumulation could additionally be blocked by introducing the GDP analog, guanosine 5'[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]). The ability of EGF to activate adenylate cyclase was not affected by pretreatment of acinar cell membranes with pertussis toxin, whereas pretreatment with cholera toxin eliminated EGF-stimulated cyclase activity. The experimental results presented here expand to the parotid gland our knowledge of the ability of EGF to stimulate the cAMP second messenger signalling pathway via a G-binding regulatory protein, by a mechanism independent of beta-adrenergic receptor activation.
Timing-driven, over-the-block rectilinear steiner tree construction with pre-buffering and slew constraints

In this paper, we study a fundamental and crucial problem of building timing-driven over-the-block rectilinear Steiner tree (TOB-RST) with pre-buffering and slew constraints. We pre-characterize the tree topology and buffer distribution to provide accurate timing information for our final RST construction. In most previous work, the routing resources over the IP blocks were simply treated as routing blockages. Our TOB-RST could reclaim the ``wasted'' over-the-block routing resources while meeting user-specified timing (slack and slew) constraints. Before fixing topology, a topology-tuning is performed based on location of buffers to improve timing without increasing buffering cost. Experiments demonstrate that TOB-RST can significantly improve the worst negative slack (WNS) with even less buffering and wirelength compared with other slack-driven obstacle-avoiding rectilinear Steiner tree (SD-OARST) algorithms.
Prospective trial of early feeding and bowel stimulation after radical hysterectomy.

Abstract Objective: In an attempt to decrease hospital stay we performed a prospective trial of aggressive bowel stimulation and early postoperative feeding after radical hysterectomy. Study Design: In a prospective trial of 20 consecutive patients undergoing class 3 radical hysterectomy, feeding of a clear liquid diet and bowel stimulation with oral 66% sodium phosphate solution (Fleet Phospho-Soda) were instituted on postoperative day 1. Patients were discharged after passage of flatus or stool. Results: Median time to discharge was 3.5 days. No patient had emesis, ileus, or bowel obstruction. The decrease in hospital stay with respect to those in our previous trial with traditional postoperative feeding and our original study on postoperative bowel stimulation was statistically significant. Conclusion: Aggressive bowel stimulation with Fleet Phospho-Soda and early feeding after radical hysterectomy resulted in early return of bowel function and early discharge without significant intestinal complication. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:996-8.)
Indoleacetic-acid-enhanced chloride uptake into coleoptile cells.

The enhancement by indoleacetic acid (IAA) of 36Cl- uptake into Avena coleoptile sections was used to study the effects of a hormone on a membrane-controlled phenomenon. Compared to sections in phosphate buffer only, Cl- content of the cells increases 15 min after addition of IAA; the promotion is seen only with growth-active auxins and is saturated at 3 μM IAA. The percent enhancement by IAA is the same over a wide range of Cl- concentrations. The hormone effect is not observed at ice-bath temperature and is not correlated with growth or water movement into the cells. IAA does not influence the movement of Cl- in the section. While auxin must be present within the tissue in order to maintain the enhancement, there is no relationship between the total amount of auxin and the accelerated Cl- uptake that results. A polarity in the auxin effect is implied since only apical applications of IAA promote Cl- uptake.
We're number one: Manipulating perceived market rankings to induce a placebo effect in credibility evaluations of a local newscast

Because newscasts have evolved into a lucrative profit center for many local television stations, broadcasters desperately seek ways to boost the perceived credibility of their news brands. Audience perceptions, however, are sometimes vulnerable to forces that have little connection to objective reality. In particular, there is growing evidence that expected outcomes can circumvent critical thinking and alter audience evaluations of program content. In this controlled experiment, a type of placebo effect was revealed whereby audiences that were told that a particular newscast was ranked “number one” gave the program better overall credibility evaluations than equivalent test audiences who were told that the identical program was ranked last in its market. Implications for the management and marketing of television news are discussed.
Investigations of New Self-Assembled Multilayer Thin Films Based on Alternately Adsorbed Layers of Polyelectrolytes and Functional Dye Molecules

The layer-by-layer self-assembly of a number of different functional dye molecules has been accomplished via the alternate spontaneous adsorption of polyelectrolytes and ionic dyes from dilute solutions. Multilayer thin films containing such functional dyes as pH indicator dyes, infrared absorbing dyes, porphyrin dyes and various fluorescent dyes have been successfully fabricated and their electrical and opt, 2al properties examined. Multilayers containing a newly synthesized ionic ruthenium based polypryidyl dye have been utilized to fabricate light emitting thin film devices with high brightness (ca. 100 cd/m2) at voltages in the range of 5–10 volts. These new light emitting thin film devices exhibit excellent stability when compared to devices based on conjugated polymers such PPV. The fabrication and device evaluation of new heterostructure thin films based on this new light emitting dye as well as the properties of other multilayer thin films containing dye molecules are presented.
Replication of simian virus 40 in simian virus 40-transformed hamster kidney cells induced by mitomycin C or 60Co γ irradiation

Several clones of simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed hamster kidney cells, which are heterogeneous for induction of infectious SV40, have been studied. SV40 yields are low after induction with /sup 60/Co ..gamma.. irradiation or mitomycin C. In order to clarify the mechanism(s) by which virus is produced in induced cells, we analyzed the replication of viral DNA and production of virion (V) antigen and infectious virus after induction in various clones as well as in lytically infected permissive cells. Cells replicating SV40 DNA or synthesizing V antigen were visualized by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence techniques, respectively. Only some cells in induced cultures were found to produce SV40 and those which did were less efficient than lytically infected monkey cells. Mitomycin C or /sup 60/Co ..gamma.. irradiation acted by inducing more cells to replicate virus rather than by increasing the amount of SV40 released from individual cells. A greater proportion of cells could be induced to replicate SV40 DNA than to synthesize V antigen in all induced clones studied. Also, SV40 DNA replication was induced at lower doses of ..gamma.. irradiation than the production of either V antigen or infectious virus suggesting that synthesis of late virus protein is more restrictedmore » in induced cells than is replication of SV40 DNA. These findings indicate that one of the effects of induction treatments on SV40-transformed hamster cells is an enhancement of the cells' capacity to support SV40 replication.« less
Complex variable element solution of potential flow problems using Taylor series for error analysis

Abstract The complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) is a numerical approach to solving boundary value problems of two-dimensional Laplace and Poisson equations. The CVBEM estimator exactly solves the governing partial differential equations in the problem domain but only approximately satisfies the problem boundary conditions. In this paper a new CVBEM error measure is used in aiding in the development of improved CVBEM approximators. The new approach utilizes Taylor series theory and can be readily programmed into computer software form. On the basis of numerous test applications it appears that use of this new CVBEM error measure leads to the development of significantly improved CVBEM approximation functions.
Tissue specificity of the hormonal response in sex accessory tissues is associated with nuclear matrix protein patterns.

The DNA of interphase nuclei have very specific three-dimensional organizations that are different in different cell types, and it is possible that this varying ONA organization is responsible for the tissue specificity of gene expression. The nuclear matrix organizes the three-dimensional structure of the DNA and is believed to be involved in the control of gene expression. This study compares the nuclear structural proteins between two sex accessory tissues in the same animal responding to the same androgen stimulation by the differential expression of major tissue-specific secretory proteins. We demonstrate here that the nuclear matrix is tissue specific in the rat ventral prostate and seminal vesicle, and undergoes characteristic alterations in its protein composition upon androgen withdrawal. Three types of nuclear matrix proteins were observed: 1) nuclear matrix proteins that are different and tissue specific in the rat ventral prostate and seminal vesicle, 2) a set of nuclear matrix proteins that e...
Stun gun induced myotendinous injury of the iliopsoas and gluteus minimus

We report a 57-year-old man with a complete tear of his iliopsoas tendon at the distal myotendinous junction, a near complete tear of the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter of the femur, and a high-grade tear of his gluteus minimus tendon at the greater trochanter of the femur after being struck by a stun gun in the proximal left thigh. The stun gun discharge resulted in a forced contraction of the left hip flexor muscles, which resulted in pain, weakness and difficulty with active hip flexion. Three months after the being struck with the stun gun, the patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left hip. MRI of the left hip revealed a complete tear of the left iliopsoas tendon from the lesser trochanter with 4 cm of proximal retraction and a high-grade strain of the gluteus minimus tendon at the greater trochanter. The distal iliopsoas myotendinous junction and lesser trochanter tendon insertion were surgically repaired. This case illustrates that a stun gun can cause acute rupture of the iliopsoas tendon and tear of the gluteus minimus tendon, which is well visualized on MRI.
Large-scale mammalian cell culture

Mammalian cell culture continues to draw major research efforts. A great deal of progress has recently been made in cellular physiology, especially in factors adversely affecting cell growth or viability. Through molecular genetic manipulation, cells are more readily cultivated in a medium free of animal proteins. Achieving a high cell concentration and high viability continue to be common themes in engineering research. The need to implement a control policy for fed-batch and perfusion cultures has prompted increased efforts in process monitoring and control. Integrating these advances will be beneficial for ensuring product quality and process consistency.
Contribution of Malic Enzyme, Pyruvate Kinase, Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase, and the Krebs Cycle to Respiration and Biosynthesis and to Intracellular pH Regulation during Hypoxia in Maize Root Tips Observed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

In vivo pyruvate synthesis by malic enzyme (ME) and pyruvate kinase and in vivo malate synthesis by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and the Krebs cycle were measured by 13C incorporation from [1-13C]glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, alanine, glutamate, aspartate, and malate. These metabolites were isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) root tips under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to discern the positional isotopic distribution within each metabolite. This information was applied to a simple precursor-product model that enabled calculation of specific metabolic fluxes. In respiring root tips, ME was found to contribute only approximately 3% of the pyruvate synthesized, whereas pyruvate kinase contributed the balance. The activity of ME increased greater than 6-fold early in hypoxia, and then declined coincident with depletion of cytosolic malate and aspartate. We found that in respiring root tips, anaplerotic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity was high relative to ME, and therefore did not limit synthesis of pyruvate by ME. The significance of in vivo pyruvate synthesis by ME is discussed with respect to malate and pyruvate utilization by isolated mitochondria and intracellular pH regulation under hypoxia.
A Future for Software Engineering

This paper suggests the need for a software engineering research community conversation about the future that the community would like to have. The paper observes that the research directions the community has taken in the past, dating at least back to the formative NATO Conferences in the late 1960's, have been driven largely by desire to meet the needs of practice. The paper suggests that the community should discuss whether it is now appropriate to balance this problem-solving-oriented research with a stronger complement of curiosity-driven research. This paper does not advocate what that balance should be. Neither does it advocate what curiosity driven research topics should be pursued (although illustrative examples are offered). It does does advocate the need for a community conversation about these questions.
New results and open problems on nonuniform filter-banks

Nonuniform filter-banks (FBs) have traditionally been built either by cascading uniform ones in a tree structure or by direct design methods that lead to near-perfect reconstruction. However many theoretical issues remain unresolved. This paper begins by pointing out a number of these issues, and summarizes the known conditions for existence of nonuniform perfect reconstruction (PR) FBs. As a new contribution, we simplify some of these conditions and make them more explicit. We provide examples that illustrate some hitherto unobserved connections between these conditions.
Output feedback control of the FitzHugh-Nagumo equation using adaptive model reduction

This work addresses the problem of tracking and stabilization of FitzHugh-Nagumo equation (FHN) subject to Neumann boundary conditions via static output feedback control using adaptive model reduction methodology and specifically the adaptive proper orthogonal decomposition (APOD) approach. Initially, an ensemble of eigenfunctions is constructed based on a relatively small data ensemble using method of snapshots and Karhunen-Loeve expansions (KLE). We then recursively update the eigenfunctions as additional data from the process become available periodically, thus relaxing the need for a representative ensemble in KLE. An accurate reduced-order model (ROM) is constructed and periodically refined via nonlinear Galerkin's method based on the eigenfunctions. Using the ROM and continuous measurements available from restricted number of sensors a static output feedback controller is subsequently designed. This controller is used achieve the desired control objective of stabilizing the FHN equation at a desired reference trajectory. The success of the adaptive model reduction and output-feedback controller design methodology are illustrated using computer simulations.
Normal Growth and White Blood Cell Development in Large White Turkey Embryos

Two experiments were conducted to determine normal growth and hematological values for turkey embryos. In each experiment, differential white blood cell counts, hematocrits, sex, and body weights were recorded for 10 Nicholas Large White turkey embryos beginning at Day 12 and at select days thereafter through Day 25 of incubation. Because there were so few white blood cells present in the turkey embryonic blood, differential white blood cell counts were scored by two observers. Each observer counted for a fixed time, 5 min, rather than to a specific number of cells. A significant difference (P less than or equal to .05) due to embryo age was found for BW, hematocrit, heterophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and total white blood cell counts. Significant differences due to sex of the embryo or day by sex interaction were not found for BW, hematocrit, heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, and total white blood cell counts. A significant day by sex interaction was found for lymphocytes. No significant differences were observed between either of the main effects or their interaction for the monocyte totals. The predominant circulating white blood cell in turkey embryos was the heterophil not the lymphocyte.
Real-time cardiac MRI using prior spatial-spectral information

Cardiac MRI performed while the patient is breathing is typically achieved using non-real-time techniques such as ECG triggering with respiratory gating; however, modern dynamic imaging techniques are beginning to enable this type of imaging in real-time. One of these dynamic imaging techniques is based on forming a Partially Separable Function (PSF) model of the data, but the model fitting process is known to be sensitive even when truncated SVD regularization is used. As a result, physiologically meaningless artifacts can appear in the dynamic images when the total number of measurements is limited. To address this issue, the dynamic imaging problem is formulated as a generalized Tikhonov regularization problem with the PSF model as a component of the forward data model, and a penalty function is used to introduce spatial-spectral prior information. This new method both reduces data acquisition requirements and improves stability relative to the original PSF based method when applied to cardiac MRI.
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL REGULATION

The emphasis of this paper is on the development of a framework for analyzing the impacts of governmerit intervention on issues of public health and safety. Government policies are classified into three general strategies: regulatory, fiscal, and educational. In most issues, governments pursue policies in all three categories. The authors explain how the effects not only of specific policies, but also of these general policy types can be assessed over the range of social issues. The conceptual framework is tested with regard to a particular issue–alcohol-related traffic accidents–across the American states from 1979-1 984. The results suggest that fiscal and educational policies had little effect, but certain of the regulatory policies tended to be related to traffic fatalities involving alco- hol. The empirical analysis demonstrates the utility of the conceptual framework presented.
Extracytoplasmic PAS-Like Domains Are Common in Signal Transduction Proteins

We present the crystal structure of the extracytoplasmic domain of the Bacillus subtilis PhoR sensor histidine kinase, part of a two-component system involved in adaptation to low environmental phosphate concentrations. In addition to the PhoR structure, we predict that the majority of the extracytoplasmic domains of B. subtilis sensor kinases will adopt a fold similar to the ubiquitous PAS domain.
Redox and Anion Exchange Chemistry of a Stibine–Nickel Complex: Writing the L, X, Z Ligand Alphabet with a Single Element

According to the covalent bond classification (CBC) method, two-electron donors are defined as L-type ligands, one-electron donors as X-type ligands, and two-electron acceptors as Z-type ligands. These three ligand functions are usually associated to the nature of the ligating atom, with phosphine, alkyl, and borane groups being prototypical examples of L-, X- and Z-ligands, respectively. A new SbNi platform is reported in which the ligating Sb atom can assume all three CBC ligand functions. Using both experimental and computational data, it is shown that PhICl2 oxidation of (o-(Ph2P)C6H4)3SbNi(PPh3) (1) into [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)3ClSb]NiCl (2) is accompanied by a conversion of the stibine L-type ligand of 1 into a stiboranyl X-type ligand in 2. Furthermore, the reaction of 2 with the catecholate dianion in the presence of cyclohexyl isocyanide results in the formation of [(o-(Ph2P)C6H4)3(o-O2C6H4Sb)]Ni(CNCy) (4), a complex featuring a nickel atom coordinated by a Lewis acidic, Z-type, stiborane ligand.
Optical-packet switching and optical-label switching technologies for the next generation optical internet

This paper discusses recent advances in optical-packet switching and optical-label switching technologies. All-optical label swapping techniques, optical-label based packet-switching router systems, and evolution paths from MPLS to optical-label switching networks will be covered.
Influence of dietary calcium and zinc on zinc-65 metabolism in laying hens and their progeny.

Abstract INTRODUCTION ZINC deficiency has been observed in practice and has been produced experimentally in a number of species. The deficiency syndrome is often precipitated or aggravated by additional dietary calcium. Mature laying hens fed a low-zinc diet showed little or no zinc deficiency symptoms themselves, but the hatchability of their eggs was often decreased (Supplee et al., 1958; Turk et al., 1959). Upon incubation, eggs laid by zinc-deficient hens often contained grossly abnormal embryos with skeletal defects being most common (Blamberg et al., 1960; Kienholz et al., 1961). Increased maternal calcium potentiated the zinc deficiency in the developing chick embryo (Kienholz et al., 1961). Although dietary zinc had a profound effect on zinc content of egg yolks, dietary calcium did not alter the concentration of zinc in yolks from eggs laid by hens fed either 10 or 70 p.p.m. zinc (Kienholz et al., 1964). This indicated that a calcium:zinc interaction …
Spatial Selective Auditory Attention in the Presence of Reverberant Energy: Individual Differences in Normal-Hearing Listeners

Listeners can selectively attend to a desired target by directing attention to known target source features, such as location or pitch. Reverberation, however, reduces the reliability of the cues that allow a target source to be segregated and selected from a sound mixture. Given this, it is likely that reverberant energy interferes with selective auditory attention. Anecdotal reports suggest that the ability to focus spatial auditory attention degrades even with early aging, yet there is little evidence that middle-aged listeners have behavioral deficits on tasks requiring selective auditory attention. The current study was designed to look for individual differences in selective attention ability and to see if any such differences correlate with age. Normal-hearing adults, ranging in age from 18 to 55 years, were asked to report a stream of digits located directly ahead in a simulated rectangular room. Simultaneous, competing masker digit streams were simulated at locations 15° left and right of center. The level of reverberation was varied to alter task difficulty by interfering with localization cues (increasing localization blur). Overall, performance was best in the anechoic condition and worst in the high-reverberation condition. Listeners nearly always reported a digit from one of the three competing streams, showing that reverberation did not render the digits unintelligible. Importantly, inter-subject differences were extremely large. These differences, however, were not significantly correlated with age, memory span, or hearing status. These results show that listeners with audiometrically normal pure tone thresholds differ in their ability to selectively attend to a desired source, a task important in everyday communication. Further work is necessary to determine if these differences arise from differences in peripheral auditory function or in more central function.
New Model for Ductile Fracture of Metal Alloys. I: Monotonic Loading

AbstractIn the absence of geometrical constraints, ductile fracture has been identified as the predominant mode of failure for structural elements under extreme loads, the prediction of which still represents considerable challenges. Ductile fracture of metals has only recently been recognized to be dependent on both stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. In this study, a new fracture model that is dependent on both stress triaxiality and Lode parameter is proposed. The developed model is proposed for the case of monotonic loading and is applicable to a wide range of stress states. The extension of the model to reverse loading, with complex loading history, is addressed in a parallel paper. The developed criterion is evaluated against data extracted from a series of multistress states monotonic experimental results for various metals, and a strong correlation is evident between the proposed model and experimental results in the entire range of the tested stress states. A detailed parametric study is...
Effective facilitation of virtual dialogues: tested strategies and practical guidelines

Online discussions can enhance Internet-based as well as traditional format classes. Course topics can be expanded and explored and students can express their opinions and debate controversial issues. When online discussions are not skillfully facilitated, however, they can become confusing and chaotic, with some people dominating the interactions and others hesitant to participate. In traditional classrooms, efforts are made to encourage a distribution of participation, to acknowledge contributions without being judgmental, and to avoid people interrupting other people. This can be done by calling on students with raised hands and encouraging non-contributors to participate. In online discussions contributions are made asynchronously so taking turns is built into the system. Skillful facilitation can increase participation, focus the dialogue if it has drifted from the topic, and promote and support thoughtful, meaningful responses. Writing effective group and individual interventions can be the key to successful facilitation. If you are faced with the challenge of facilitating online interactions and fostering online collaboration, there are tested strategies that can be learned, then modified for individual use. The following observations and suggestions are the result of five years of teaching in and observing an Internet-based, online Master's degree program. Classes averaged 15 students each and more than 2,000 students were observed. Student course evaluations and unsolicited comments reinforced the findings of online instructors.
Pseudomystus stenogrammus, a new species of bagrid catfish from Borneo (Teleostei, Bagridae)

Pseudomystus stenogrammus, a new species of bagrid catfish, is described from the Barito River drainage of southern Borneo. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by its colour pattern.
Detection of Differential Item Functioning for More Than Two Groups: A Monte Carlo Comparison of Methods

ABSTRACTDifferential item functioning (DIF) assessment is a crucial component in test construction, serving as the primary way in which instrument developers ensure that measures perform in the same way for multiple groups within the population. When such is not the case, scores may not accurately reflect the trait of interest for all individuals in the population. Most DIF research has focused on the two groups case. However, in practice researchers may wish to investigate DIF for more than two groups; that is, for examinee ethnicity, nation of origin, or treatment condition, among others. DIF detection methods for such cases have been proposed, but little empirical work has been done to investigate their performance. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to use a simulation methodology to compare four proposed methods for assessing DIF in the multiple groups case, including the Generalized Mantel-Haenszel test, Generalized Logistic Regression, Lord’s chi-square test, and the multiple group alignm...
Presiones empresariales a los medios: El caso de un medio deportivo chileno

El proposito de este articulo es analizar como los intereses corporativos modelan el sistema de medios en Chile y el ejercicio periodistico. Las implicancias para la democracia tambien son consideradas en consideracion. Este articulo usa un caso de estudio para mostrar como los intereses empresariales operan concretamente en los medios para fortalecer los intereses privados en vez de los publicos. El articulo sugiere que el periodismo chileno esta constrenido principalmente por un marco neoliberal, jugando un rol colaborativo para no entorpecer el medioambiente empresarial debido a que este genera empleos y crecimiento economico para el pais. En segundo lugar, el texto explora el caso, analizando en el marco de la perspectiva del periodismo del desarrollo, siguiendo un discurso publico mas amplio sobre los requerimientos de desarrollo para Chile. De hecho, las corporaciones periodisticas y la esfera economica chilenas estan fuertemente relacionadas a pesar de las tensiones de los anos recientes en el sistema de medios chileno.
Utilization and limitations of the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment instrument: A systematic review

ABSTRACTObjective: To analyze the literature in which researchers have utilized the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) I or the NCHA II. Participants and Methods: The authors selected peer-reviewed articles published between 2004 and July 2013 utilizing a single search term: National College Health Assessment. Articles were assessed for instrument use, limitations, and data analyses. Results: The search resulted in 72 articles for inclusion. Researchers used the instrument to either conduct a primary investigation or utilize reference group data for secondary analysis. Researchers used many data analyses, statistical tests, techniques, and methods. Limitations of the instrument were consistently mentioned by researchers. Conclusions: Results indicate limitations in the NCHA. To ensure college health professionals are gaining the best information possible regarding students on their campuses, specific improvements to the NCHA are recommended.
Energy Levels of Be 8

The ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}({\mathrm{He}}^{3}, p){\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ reaction has been used in a study of the levels of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ up to an excitation energy of 14 Mev. The protons were observed with a NaI scintillation spectrometer. The ground state, the 2.9-Mev state, and, tentatively, a 12.3-Mev state were the only levels observed. No evidence was found for levels at 4.05, 4.9, 5.3, or 7.5 Mev.
The development of a set of core communication competencies for introductory communication courses

ABSTRACTIn most academic disciplines, there is one introductory course that presents an overview of the discipline and introduces fundamental, discipline-specific principles and competencies. However, in Communication Studies, the discipline recognizes and offers multiple course options that may serve as the introductory course. This project sought to identify a set of core communication competencies that should constitute the basis for any and all introductory communication courses within and across a variety of communication contexts. Working in four phases over a three-year period using a modified Delphi method and conducting seven focused group sessions with 125 participants, seven core competencies for the introductory communication courses were identified: Monitoring and Presenting Your Self, Practicing Communication Ethics, Adapting to Others, Practicing Effective Listening, Expressing Messages, Identifying and Explaining Fundamental Communication Processes, and Creating and Analyzing Message Strat...
Health Insurance Effects on Preventive Care and Health: A Methodologic Review

The Affordable Care Act has led to significant gains in insurance coverage and reduced the cost of preventive care for millions of Americans. There is considerable interest in understanding how these changes will impact the use of preventive care services and health outcomes. Obtaining unbiased estimates of the impact of insurance on these outcomes is challenging because of inherent differences between insured and uninsured individuals. This article reviews common experimental and quasi-experimental approaches researchers have used in the past to address this problem, including RCTs, differences-in-differences analyses, and regression discontinuity. In each case, the key assumptions underlying the models are discussed alongside some of the main research findings related to prevention and health. The review concludes with a discussion of how experimental and quasi-experimental methods can be used to study the impact of the Affordable Care Act on preventive care and health outcomes.
Interventional treatment of congenital heart disease a common complication of

Objective Interventional complications and preventive measures for the analysis and research of congenital heart disease in children.Methods We selected 2010 February 2012 February 283 cases of children with congenital heart disease interventional therapy were retrospectively analyzed and summarized,and the clinical data of 8 cases with severe complications after operation and 1 cases of death in children.Results In this group of cases,the complication rate was 2.83%,the death of 1 cases of children in the intervention and 6 months after treatment,the cause of death was combined with restrictive cardiomyopathy,the mortality rate was 0.35%.Conclusion Congenital heart disease interventional therapy is an effective treatment option in children,postoperative complications and intraoperative occurrence probability is low,take effective methods to cure,can cure,standardized operation and preoperative strict control of operation indication,more incidence rate and improve the success rate of the operation is reduced and hair disease.
Commentary on: Incidence and Risk Factors of Major Complications in Brachioplasty: Analysis of 2,294 Patients.

“Incidence and Risk Factors of Major Complications in Brachioplasty: Analysis of 2294 Patients” is an outcomes analysis that describes the greatest number of patients undergoing brachioplasty studied in the literature.1 Patients who underwent brachioplasty and were covered by CosmetAssure health insurance comprised the database. The study investigates risk factors for major complications as well as the major complications that occur in patients undergoing brachioplasty as a stand-alone or as part of a combined cosmetic surgical procedure. The investigators found that patients undergoing brachioplasty were more likely to be older than 50 years and typically have a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. With regard to complicated outcomes, 77 patients (3.4%) developed at least one major complication, the most common being infection (1.7%), followed by hematoma (1.1%), venous thromboembolism (VTE) evaluation (0.4%), hypotension (0.1%), and cardiac complications (0.04%). Male gender led to an increased risk in overall complications, and specifically hematoma rates. BMI ≥ 30 was similarly found to be a risk factor for overall complications and infection. Brachioplasty was most frequently combined with liposuction or abdominoplasty, and there was an increase in hematoma rates and overall complications in combined procedures. The study assists plastic surgeons in forming a risk stratification scheme for patients pursuing brachioplasty, with a greater understanding of the factors that incite a higher risk for a major complication. The literature investigating body contouring outcomes (and brachioplasty outcomes more specifically) is generally young and relatively thin. The majority of papers are retrospective and emanate from a single surgeon experience. The benefit of this source of data is that the investigator knows the study population and has followed the patients, so the reader knows …