cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of complement components and inhibitors on platelet microparticles

Platelet microparticles (PMP) are released from activated platelets and play an important role in hemostasis, thrombosis and inflammation. Since platelets were recently found to demonstrate an intrinsic capacity for activating both classical and alternative pathways of the complement system, the present study extended these observations to PMP. PMP were generated by treating platelets with 10 µM A23187 (37°C, 5 min). PMP were identified by flow cytometry, based on size, Annexin V binding, and expression of P-selectin and GPIIb (CD41). PMP expressed gC1qR/p33, a multifunctional cellular protein that was recently described to activate the classical complement cascade. PMP also expressed the classical pathway and contact system regulator, C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), as well as CD55 and CD59. Despite C1-INH expression, PMP supported classical pathway C4 activation in the presence of purified C1 and C4. Moreover, statistically significant deposition of C3b and C5b-9 was detected on PMP exposed to plasma, concurrent...
Optical Metrology Requirements for Coherence-Preserving and Next-Generation X-Ray Mirrors

Nanometer focusing of nanometer wavelength x-rays produced by next-generation accelerator sources will require extraordinary control of wavefront errors introduced by reflective and refractive optics. Achieving this goal will require significant advances in metrology techniques.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying Bell's palsy using administrative or claims data.

Abstract Purpose To identify and assess billing, procedural, or diagnosis code, or pharmacy claims-based algorithms used to identify Bell's palsy in administrative and claims databases. Methods We searched the MEDLINE database via PubMed from 1991 to September 2012 using controlled vocabulary and key terms related to Bell's palsy. We also searched the reference lists of included studies. Two investigators independently assessed the full text of studies against pre-determined inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data regarding participant and algorithm characteristics and assessed a study's methodologic rigor. Results One study identified Bell's palsy using an algorithm that included ICD-9 code 351.x and H-ICDA code 350.x, and two other studies analyzed a dataset for ICD-9 code 351.0. The positive predictive values of these studies were 0.81 and 0.88, based on case adjudication of ICD-9 matches. Two further studies calculated incidence rates without validation of their methods, also including ICD-9 code 351.0. No study reported the sensitivity of algorithms to identify Bell's palsy. Conclusions Few publications used rigorous methods to identify a validated algorithm that could identify cases of Bell's palsy from an administrative database. The best evidence from two different datasets in the literature addressed in this review used ICD-9 code 351.0 or a collection of ICD-9 codes 351.x for facial nerve disorders including Bell's palsy, along with other ICD-9 and H-ICDA codes for facial weakness. Each study had acceptable PPV, suggesting that ICD-9 based-algorithms have some utility in detecting Bell's palsy cases.
Effects of Turbulent Fluctuations on Nanoparticle Coagulation in Shear Flows

The effects of fluid turbulence on the coagulation of aerosols are studied quantitatively and qualitatively. Direct numerical simulation data is used to isolate the effect of the small or subgrid-scale (SGS) particle–particle interactions on nanoparticle coagulation in three-dimensional flows. The rate of particle growth is decomposed into the contribution of the large-scales and small-scales interactions. The contribution of the small-scale interactions is presented as a function of time, space, flow dynamics, and coagulation Damkohler number. Results show that small-scale interactions act to both increase and decrease particle growth. The probability density functions (PDFs) of the SGS growth rate exhibit a negative bias, which increases with time and coagulation Damkohler number. Additionally, PDFs conditioned on the Q-criterion suggest that the contribution of the small-scale interactions primarily act to reduce particle growth in regions characterized by fluid rotation.
On non-uniqueness of representations of phase-type distributions

We introduce two properties which are useful in addressing the question of non-uniqueness of representations of phase-type distributions. One property, called phase-type simplicity, concerns the possibility that a given phase-type distribution may have two distinct representations in terms of the same Markov chain. The second, called phase-type majorization, concerns the possibility that one Markov chain may provide representations for all the distributions represented by another Markov chain. We prove some characterizations of these properties, discuss their interrelationship, and relate them to some known results on mixtures of convolutions of exponential distributions.
Diagnosis of Lemierre Syndrome by Bedside Emergency Department Ultrasound

Oropharyngeal infections such as pharyngitis and odontogenic abscess are routinely encountered in emergency and primary care medical practice. Lemierre syndrome is a rare but serious complication of such infections. This syndrome is characterized by penetration of the primary infection into the lateral pharyngeal space, suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, and metastatic infections resulting from septic emboli. A combination of clinical suspicion, microbiologic identification of the causative organism, and diagnostic imaging may be required to make the diagnosis. We present a case of Lemierre syndrome that was rapidly diagnosed in the Emergency Department with bedside ultrasound of the internal jugular vein. This case suggests that bedside ultrasound, performed before other radiologic imaging, may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome, which historically has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Local-global double algebras for slow H/sup infinity / adaptation. II. Optimization of stable plants

For Pt.I see ibid., vol.36, no.2, p.130-42 (1991). The authors presently establish an explicit formula linking global and local sensitivity for systems with stable plants, in which local sensitivity is a Lipschitz-continuous function of data. Frequency-domain estimates of time-domain sensitivity norms, which become accurate as rates of time variation approach zero, are obtained. Notions of adaptive versus nonadaptive (robust) control are introduced. It is shown that adaptive control can achieve better sensitivity than optimal nonadaptive control. It is demonstrated that, in general, H/sup infinity /-optimal interpolants do not depend Lipschitz continuously on data. However, delta -suboptimal interpolants of the AAK central (maximal entropy) type are shown to satisfy a tractable Lipschitz condition. >
Phosphorylation of VASP by AMPK alters actin binding and occurs at a novel site.

Abstract Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is an actin regulatory protein that functions in adhesion and migration. In epithelial cells, VASP participates in cell–cell adhesion. At the molecular level, VASP drives actin bundling and polymerization. VASP activity is primarily regulated by phosphorylation. Three physiologically relevant phosphorylation sites significantly reduce actin regulatory activity and are targeted by several kinases, most notable Abl and protein kinases A and G (PKA and PKG). AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) is best characterized as a cellular sensor of ATP depletion, but also alters actin dynamics in epithelial cells and participates in cell polarity pathways downstream of LKB1. While little is known about how AMPK direct changes in actin dynamics, AMPK has been shown to phosphorylate VASP at one of these three well-characterized PKA/PKG phosphorylation sites. Here we show that phosphorylation of VASP by AMPK occurs at a novel site, serine 322, and that phosphorylation at this site alters actin filament binding. We also show that inhibition of AMPK activity results in the accumulation of VASP at cell–cell adhesions and a concomitant increase in cell–cell adhesion.
Teaching social and ethical issues in the literacy course

A growing number of colleges and universities educate their computer science majors in social and ethical issues relating to computers. This article presents the case for incorporating consciousness of social and ethical issues of computing into the computer literacy course. The article examines our ethical obligations as professional educators in this area. It notes the focus provided by Computing Curriculum 91 and CSAB on social and ethical issues for majors. It suggests social and ethical issues related to topics in computer competency and describes specific strategies used to incorporate social and ethical issues in a computer literacy course at one university.
The digit naming speed test: Its power and incremental validity in identifying children with specific reading disabilities

This paper presents two studies, both of which address the question of whether a test that measures the automaticity with which digits can be named could be useful as part of a diagnostic battery to assess reading disabilities. In the first study, the Digit Naming Speed Test significantly differentiated elementary-school boys who were disabled readers from age-matched boys reading at appropriate grade levels, correctly classifying 83.3% of the children. In the second study, the Digit Naming Speed Test accounted for a significant portion of the word recognition variance of nondisabled readers over and above that portion accounted for by general intelligence as measured by the WISC-R. Taken together, these studies indicate that the Digit Naming Speed Test has the potential to contribute significantly to the diagnostic process.
Induction of allogeneic cytolytic t lymphocytes by partially purified membrane glycoproteins.

Abstract It has been previously shown that P815 (H-2 d ) purified plasma membranes can induce cytolytic activity from primed C57BL/6 (H-2 b ) spleen cells. The secondary cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducing activity is retained when these P815 plasma membranes are solubilized in deoxycholate. Evidence is now presented that the cell surface antigens responsible for CTL induction can be partially purified in active form and these antigens can be incorporated into reconstituted membranes and phospholipid vesicles. The active antigens have the properties expected for H-2 molecules on lentil lectin chromatography and gel filtration.
MO-D-BRB-04: Mixed Integer Models for Elucidating the Tradeoff Between Treatment Time and Plan Quality in VMAT Delivery

Purpose: Rotational IMRTdelivery techniques, such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), are alternatives to standard IMRTdelivery, claiming faster delivery and equally good dose distributions. In reality there is a cost to faster delivery times. The purpose of this investigation is to understand the tradeoff between plan quality and treatment time in rotational delivery by use of optimization models. Method and Materials: We study a simplified VMAT model for a 2D phantom and construct an exact mixed integer optimization model for it. The model includes treatment time as a constraint, and otherwise does not specify how the delivery is to be done, allowing for either VMAT or IMRT solutions. The model is too large to solve, but we trap the optimal solution between tight upper and lower bounds with additional models. The lower bound solutions are used to warm start the upper bound solutions. We construct Pareto surfaces for the joint tradeoffs of treatment time, tumor maximum dose, and organ at risk mean dose. Results: Upper bounds are within 10% of lower bound solutions. This allows us to conclusively demonstrate that 1) the treatment time constraint becomes more important when high intensity modulation is required to achieve optimal dose distributions, and 2) finding a good feasible VMAT plan is benefitted (by ∼5% in objective value) by warmstarting using the fluence modulation required at each angular location. Conclusion: For problems where the optimal dose distribution has non‐convex iso‐dose lines (to avoid nearby critical structures), the high modulation necessary to achieve such plans translates into longer treatment times. In these cases, when allowed treatment time is small, the optimal solutions show fluence being delivered at every angle — VMAT. If treatment time is allowed to be larger, IMRT plans are found to be optimal.
Cytoplasmic viruses associated with Lucké tumor cells.

Although most viruses associated with Lucke renal tumors are herpeslike and are restricted to epithelial cells, a small percentage (10%) of tumors were found to contain polyhedral, cytoplasmic viruses, 135 mμ in diameter, associated with stromal cells. From the viewpoint of morphology and maturation sequence, these latter viruses resemble certain iridescent insect viruses. However, unlike insect viruses, frog viruses do not iridesce upon pelleting, fail to propagate in mealworms, and lack resistance to lipid solvents. The disease-producing capacity, if any, of the described frog viruses is unknown.
Auto-tuning based resonance damping of grid-connected voltage source inverters with long transmission cable

Resonance phenomenon of a grid-connected voltage source inverter with a long transmission cable is briefly introduced in this paper. Multiple resonant peaks are found to exist in the system and also very sensitive to the cable parameters. The fluctuation of the cable inductance and capacitance would directly affect the resonant frequencies and thereby deteriorate the damping performance of deterministic damping techniques, such as notch-filter based damping method. To effectively damp the resonances, an auto-tuning notch frequency of the notch-filter damping solution is proposed to address potential resonance fluctuation. The autotuning scheme is desired to calculate the resonant peaks online by incorporating the operating status of the inverter and cable, i.e., the cable input voltage and current. The performances and practicalities of the proposed auto-tuning damping technique have been verified by simulations and experiments.
Clinical Correlates of Anaerobic Bacteriology in Peritonitis

Recent surgical reports indicate that for patients with secondary bacterial peritonitis, surgeons do not routinely use the identification of the bacterial pathogens and determination of their antimicrobial susceptibilities in choosing antimicrobial therapy. Further, some surgeons advocate abandoning the routine practice of obtaining culture specimens from patients with complicated appendicitis, because the data from the clinical laboratory have not been found to have an impact on postoperative care. We review the rationale for continued surveillance of and implementation of bacteriological data in treatment of secondary peritonitis. We also describe in detail the anaerobic flora of secondary peritonitis, the unique susceptibility patterns of these organisms, and the specific virulence factors of anaerobes, particularly Bacteroides fragilis. The fact that clinical investigations sometimes result in treatment failure when gram-negative anaerobes are resistant to the antimicrobials used or when complete antimicrobial susceptibility data are not available emphasizes the need for accurate and early knowledge of the bacteriologic characteristic of the flora of the operative site. We emphasize the relationship of in vitro susceptibility of intraoperative isolates with clinical outcome. We propose a cooperative trial that would demonstrate that successful antimicrobial therapy should be based on the susceptibility of the flora of the operative site, which correlates with clinical outcome.
Duplex ultrasound as the sole long-term surveillance method post-endovascular aneurysm repair: A safe alternative for stable aneurysms

Objective Long-term surveillance with computed tomography (CT) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) increases both cost and risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of an alternative follow-up modality with color flow duplex ultrasound scanning (CDU) as the sole method of imaging. Methods In 2003, we initiated a new follow-up (FU) schedule with yearly CDU as the sole imaging method for selected patients. Indications included a residual sac of less than 4 cm, expanded later to stable sac size for more than 2 years. A stable type II endoleak was not a contraindication. CT scans were obtained selectively-based on suspicious findings of a new endoleak or enlarging sac on CDU. The records of all patients with at least 1 year FU under this schedule were reviewed. Results One hundred eighty-four patients were followed with CDU only for 1 to 4 years for a mean of 24 ± 13 months. The new schedule was initiated at a mean of 34 ± 24 months after EVAR (range 1-112 months). Twenty-three patients had previous endoleaks that had resolved spontaneously or had been treated. During CDU FU, three new endoleaks were detected, one with sac enlargement. All prompted CT evaluation: one type II endoleak with stable sac size could not be identified on CT 3 months later, and two distal type I endoleaks that required limb extension. All three had a prior Ancure endograft. No ruptures or graft occlusions were noted. One abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) related death followed graft explantation for infection. There were two additional deaths from malignancy and two from cardiac causes. After the FU switch, freedom from endoleaks was 96%, and from secondary interventions 95% at 48 months by life table method. Mean AAA diameter at baseline was 54 ± 8 mm and decreased to 40 ± 11 mm before the switch to CDU only FU. At last FU mean aneurysm diameter was 39 ± 11 mm. When the current switch criteria were applied to a consecutive series of 200 EVAR patients, 97% would have been eligible for CDU only surveillance by 3 years postoperatively. Conclusions CDU only surveillance post-EVAR is safe and can be initiated early after treatment in patients with shrinking or stable aneurysms. This policy should result in cost savings advantage and avoid the complications associated with CT.
NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE SUPERLIGHTWEIGHT LO 2 TANK: PART I - BEHAVIOR UNDER BOOSTER ASCENT LOADS

NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE SUPERLIGHTWEIGHTLO 2 TANK: PART I - BEHAVIOR UNDER BOOSTER ASCENT LOADSRichard D. Young, Michael P. Nemeth, Timothy J. Collins, and James. H. Starnes, Jr.NASA Langley Research CenterHampton, Virginia 23681-0001Presented at the 39th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures,Structural Dynamics, and Material ConferenceAIAA Paper No. 98-1838Long Beach, CahforniaApril 20-23, 1998
Recent advances in clinical low-vision care

In the past decade there has been a growth in the awareness of the impact that low vision has on the individual and on society in general. The clinical eye-care professions have become more conscious of their responsibility to assist partially sighted patients and low-vision care is becoming a specialty area within optometry and ophthalmology. This paper reviews recent advances in the optical devices and prescribing procedures that have contributed to improving the care that is available to assist low-vision patients with distance-vision tasks, near-vision tasks and visual-field problems.ResumeDepuis une dizaine d'annees, on percoit mieux l'impact d'une diminution de l'acuite visuelle sur le comportement d'un individu dans sa vie privee et sociale. Les ophtalmologues sont actuellement bien conscients du role important qu'ils jouent dans l'encadrement et le traitement personnes affligees de troubles visuels; dans les services d'optometrie en Ophtalmologie, la prise en charge de patients souffrant d'une dim...
On sharp constants in Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund and Plancherel-Polya inequalities

The Plancherel-Polya inequalities assert that for 1 < p <∞, and entire functions f of exponential type at most π, Ap ∞ ∑ j=−∞ |f (j)| ≤ ∫ ∞ −∞ |f | ≤ Bp ∞ ∑ j=−∞ |f (j)| . The Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund inequalities assert that for n ≥ 1, and polynomials P of degree ≤ n− 1, Ap n n ∑ j=1 ∣∣∣P (e2πij/n)∣∣∣p ≤ ∫ 1 0 ∣∣P (e2πit)∣∣p dt ≤ B′ p n n ∑ j=1 ∣∣∣P (e2πij/n)∣∣∣p . We show that the sharp constants in both inequalities are the same, that is Ap = Ap and Bp = B ′ p. Moreover, the two inequalities are equivalent. We also discuss the case p ≤ 1.
Identification of two major resistance genes against race IE-1k of Magnaporthe oryzae in the indica rice cultivar Zhe733

The race IE-1k of Magnaporthe oryzae recovered from the Southern US overcomes the resistance (R) gene Pita. The objectives of the present study were to identify and tag R genes to IE-1k for rice breeding. TM2, S1, 94071, and B isolates of the race IE-1k were used to identify and map R genes from a resistant indica rice cultivar Zhe733 using a recombinant inbred line population from a cross of the genetic stock KBNTlpa1-1 and Zhe733. The ratio of 3 resistant:1 susceptible in 162 RIL of an F10-11 KBNTlpa1-1/Zhe733 (K/Z) population indicated that two major R genes in Zhe733 confer resistance to IE-1k. A total of 118 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers were analyzed in 162 F10-11 individuals of the K/Z population to determine chromosomal locations of the loci conferring resistance to race IE-1k using composite interval mapping. Two major R genes temporarily designated as Pi42(t) and Pi43(t) each providing complete resistance to IE-1k were identified on chromosomes 8 and 11, respectively. RILs containing Pi42(t) and Pi43(t) were also resistant to other US races IB-1, IB-45, IB-49, IB-54, IC-17, IE-1, IG-1, and IH-1. The Pi42(t) gene was mapped between RM310 and RM72, and the location of Pi43(t) was closely associated with two flanking SSR markers RM1233 and RM224 on chromosome 11 in a chromosomal region carrying the resistance gene Pi1. Two molecular markers RM72 and RM1233 identified in this study should be useful for fine mapping and for facilitating incorporation of Pi42(t) and Pi43(t) into advanced breeding lines by marker-assisted selection.
Computer-aided generation of optimum chatter-free pockets

Abstract This work outlines the development of NC programming subroutines for use in generating the tool path for pocket milling operations in such a way as to avoid the occurrence of chatter. While information is currently available to the programmer about acceptable feeds and speeds, choices of these parameters do not radically affect the part program structure by altering the number of passes or tool path required. For the purposes of chatter avoidance, however, the decisive parameters are the axial and the radial depth of cut, and these parameters are decisive in the program structure. There is almost no information currently available to the programmer about selecting these parameters, and he must use his experience or intuition. A substantial fraction of the productive time of a modern machine tool is therefore spent in verification cuts (the program must be written, tried, and then corrected several times). It is shown that the acceptable (chatter-free) axial and radial depths of cut change depending on the dynamics of the machine and particular tool, the direction of the cut, and the mode of milling (up- or down-milling). The subroutines outlined in this paper select from a database of acceptable cuts the tool path which will result in the maximum metal removal rate. The pockets may have complex 2 1/2 D geometries and may include multiple islands. Several examples are used to illustrate the resulting tool paths, and comparisons are made to tool paths resulting from other available software.
Perceived HIV stigma in AIDS caregiving dyads

This study examines perceived HIV stigma in AIDS caregiving dyads in the United States, assessing the measurement of and correlates of personal stigma (among care-recipients living with HIV), courtesy stigma (among caregivers), and dyadic stigma. Survey data from 135 dyads in which the caregiver is a midlife or older mother or wife, and the care-recipient is her HIV-infected adult son or husband, are analyzed with individual-level and multilevel regression models. Results indicate that: (1) perceived stigma can be reliably measured among both persons living with HIV (PLH) and caregivers; (2) personal stigma can be distinguished from courtesy stigma; (3) perceived stigma is relatively low in this sample, and is higher among PLH than caregivers, higher among caregiving wives than mothers, and similar between PLH who are husbands and sons; (4) dyadic stigma is influenced by the caregiver's HIV status, the ethnic composition of the dyad, caregiving duration, and household income; (5) stigma discrepancy within dyads is a function of health discrepancy within dyads; and (6) differences in multivariate correlates of perceived stigma at the individual-level, in comparison to the dyad-level, suggest that dyadic stigma is a unique construct. A recognition that perceived stigma bears its own unique influence on the caregiving dyad is important for understanding how best to allocate resources aimed at alleviating stigma among individuals and families impacted by HIV.
Crystallographic structure of Rhodospirillum molischianum ferricytochrome c' at 2.5 A resolution.

Abstract This paper describes the 2.5 A crystallographic structure determination of ferricytochrome c ′ from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum molischianum . The molecule is a symmetric dimer, with each 128-residue polypeptide chain incorporating a covalently bound protoheme IX prosthetic group. The monomer is structurally organized as an array of four nearly parallel α-helices, which pack most closely at one end and thereafter spatially diverge to accommodate the heme prosthetic group. Although local features of the heme attachment pattern resemble those seen in cytochrome c , the heme iron in cytochrome c ′ is pentaco-ordinate with a solvent-exposed histidine residue furnishing the single axial ligand to the heme iron. Subunit association in the dimeric molecule is principally stabilized by helix interactions, which are qualitatively similar to those occurring within each monomer. These interactions result in a dimer geometry that situates the exposed regions of both hemes on the same molecular surface. The structural basis for some of the physiochemical properties cytochrome c ′ are examined and compared to those of other heme proteins of known structure.
The Moon's influence on the location of the Sun-Earth exterior libration point

If the Sun and Earth were isolated in space, the exterior libration point (Lz) of this two-body system would always lie on a line passing through their centers. However, it will be shown below that when the gravitational field of the Moon is taken into account, it is more accurate to place this point on a line that passes through the Sun and the Earth-Moon barycenter. Since the location of the exterior libration point is essential to the Gylden-Moulton gegenschein hypothesis (Moulton, 1914) and is also needed for certain satellite applications (Farquhar, 1969), this result is of some interest. The geometry for the Sun-Earth-Moon system is depicted in Figure i. Consider the motion of a small satellite that is located near a point O which is collinear with the Earth-Moon barycenter B and the Sun. The distance rBo is taken as the libration point distance for the case where the total mass of the Earth and Moon are concentrated at B. AIthough rl~o experiences small periodic fluctuations due to the orbital eccentricity of the barycenter B, the ratio YL = r~o/rn3 is a constant (YL = 1.007 8 x 10- 2).
Defective antibody response to Hemophilus influenzae type b immunization in children receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Pediatric end-stage renal disease patients, maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD), may have a variety of immunological abnormalities, including hypogammaglobulinemia and poor responses to vaccines. We measured antibody levels toHemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in 24 CPD patients. Eight children received primary Hib immunization while undergoing CPD. Of these, 1 of 8 (12%) lacked protective levels of antibody. In another child, who had an initial protective response, antibody levels were undetectable 12 months after immunization. Sixteen of the patients had not been immunized with Hib vaccine because they were more than 5 years old when the vaccine was licensed. In this group, 5 of 16 (31%) lacked protective levels of anti-Hib antibody. Of those available for follow-up, 3 responded normally to Hib vaccine. It is not sufficient to provide childhood immunizations to CPD patients with the assumption that those immunizations will lead to long-lived immunity. Antibody levels should be measured within a month of immunization and at regular intervals thereafter to document immunity.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and Cardiovascular Therapeutics: A Review

Hypothyroidism is associated with an abnormal hemodynamic state characterized by decreased heart rate, stroke volume, output, and contractility, and increased systemic vascular resistance. Since cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and surgical stress can induce profound decreases in triiodothyronine (T3) levels, the hemodynamic consequences of "stress-induced" hypothyroidism and T3 repletion are of increasing clinical interest. Available data generally support the likelihood of a beneficial effect associated with T3 replacement in brain-dead organ donors and in cases of low cardiac output following CPB. Although hypotheses have been advanced to account for these salutary effects, the mechanism by which T3 may augment hemodynamic performance has not been precisely defined, particularly in the acute setting. Although additional research is needed to clarify these and other issues, preliminary findings with T3 replacement indicate that such investigation is warranted.
Tropospheric Ozone and Interspecific Competition between Yellow Nutsedge and Pima Cotton

Plant competition may be altered by ongoing climate change, including rising tropospheric O 3 . This may depend less on the O 3 tolerance of isolated species than on O 3 effects on the mechanisms of competition. To explore this possibility, we investigate the growth and gas exchange responses of a crop-weed system in partial additive competition in open-top chambers (OTCs). Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) and Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) were grown in pots in ratios of 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, plus 1:0 to contrast with 0:1. O 3 concentrations (12-h means) were 12.8 nL L -1 (low O 3 , L03), 79.9 nL L -1 (medium O 3 , MO3), and 122.7 nL L -1 (high O 3 , HO3). Cotton was more sensitive than nutsedge to O 3 (reduction at HO3: 75 vs. 20% in shoot growth, 33 vs. 20% in assimilation). Cotton was inhibited by O 3 and by competition and the interaction was significant for leaf properties of cotton and tuber production in nutsedge. A coefficient of competition (slope of inverse cotton shoot biomass vs. nutsedge density) was significantly increased at HO3. The species were mutually inhibitory to similar extents. Root respiration declined with O 3 in nutsedge but increased in cotton, though both species reduced allocation below-ground. Nutsedge tuber production increased inconsistently with O 3 . Rising tropospheric O 3 may decrease the current C 4 advantage of nutsedge in water use efficiency (WUE) and stomatal avoidance of O 3 , but appears likely to increase the competitiveness of nutsedge with respect to cotton.
Exclusion of oscillations in heterogeneous and bi-composite media thermal conduction

Analysis of Fourier heat conduction in heterogeneous and bi-composite media (e.g. porous media, fluid suspensions, etc.) subject to Lack of Local Thermal Equilibrium (LaLotheq) reveals a condition for thermal oscillations and resonance to be possible. This paper shows that this condition cannot be fulfilled because of physical constraints leading to the exclusion of thermal waves and resonance.
A transatlantic approach to sustainability? The perspective of sociology

Differing views of the state and varying ideological postures in the United States and Europe place “invisible and clandestine” obstacles against the smooth functioning of transatlantic treaties, agreements, and cooperation in general. These differing views and postures must be rendered visible and acknowledged if efforts to perpetuate a cross-Atlantic dialog are to be viable and stable. Neither the advantages of sharing technology nor common economic and political interests will alone adequately ground cooperation. Sociologists in particular are aware of the ways in which indigenous values and beliefs frequently endure, despite the homogenizing structural change that accompanies industrialization, urbanization, and globalization, and cause misperceptions and misunderstandings.
Imaging of pediatric foot disorders.

Infants and children undergo imaging studies to evaluate a wide variety of congenital and acquired disorders. Conventional radiographs are usually the first imaging study performed with the need for additional imaging guided by the plain film findings and clinical presentation. Because children are usually less cooperative and their feet are smaller than adults, special care is needed when choosing and interpreting an imaging study of the pediatric foot. Imaging protocols must be tailored in consideration of the patient's comfort, level of anxiety, and smaller size. For instance, children younger than 7 years of age usually require sedation and continuous monitoring during MR imaging; and in infants, positioning devices are often needed for conventional radiography. Furthermore, the bones become progressively more ossified as children develop and this must be considered when selecting and interpreting imaging studies. This article reviews several common and unusual disorders that involve the pediatric foot.
A POPULATION DYNAMICS MODEL FOR PRAWN AQUACULTURE

We have used a stochastic population model to simulate the prawn size distribution in the grow-out ponds as a function of time. The model allows for growth and mortality parameters which are dependent on size class and pond biomass. We have written a computer program based on this model in which the user inputs a stocking number, a stocking size distribution, a stocking schedule, the harvest size classes, and a harvest schedule. The computer then computes the number of prawns and the prawn size distribution in the pond at specified time increments and a quarterly production economics summary. We compare simulated growth and harvest data generated by the program to actual growth and harvest data from Hawaii and Florida. We also use the program to evaluate the effects of stocking number, stocking schedule and stocking size on annual yields from a prawn grow-out pond.
Using transport equations in the teaching of electromagnetics

The use of transport equations in the study of electromagnetics is explored. The proper form of the continuity equation for a moving, deforming region of space is given, and large-scale forms of Maxwell's equations are investigated. Useful large-scale forms may be obtained by integrating the point forms and applying various transport theorems.
987 SHOCK: NEONATAL HYPOPERFUSION SYNDROMES AND MUSCLE SURFACE

Low perfusion states are inadequately defined by standard methods in the Neonatal ICU. Using a stepwise induction of hemorrhagic shock in 7 spontaneously breathing nembutal-sedated laboratory cats, pHm was shown to vary independently of routinely monitored parameters and most strikingly, autonomous of blood pH (0-1.21 difference). In 4 critically ill human infants (760-3500 gms) pHm was shown to fall during states known to be associated with tissue underperfusion although compensatory mechanisms maintained the patient at clinically acceptable levels. During hypotensive episodes, acute volume expansion with PRBC or albumin resulted in an average transient rise in pHm of 0.18 pH units (range 0.11-0.27) with no significant change in blood pH. Trends associated with a rising mean aortic blood pressure and general improvement correlated with pHm returning to “healthy” values in HMD patients (range 6.52-7.47). There were no complications in monitoring up to 6 days. This study demonstrates (1) pHm can be used as an independent indicator of tissue perfusion at the end organ; (2) blood volume expansion temporarily increases tissue perfusion in critically ill neonates; (3) newborn and premature infants can regulate blood flow to non-vital organs (muscle); (4) this previously inaccessible information in the newborn nursery may help reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality by permitting earlier diagnosis of shock and institution of appropriate therapy.
Sampling of the NMR time domain along concentric rings

We present a novel approach to sampling the NMR time domain, whereby the sampling points are aligned on concentric rings, which we term concentric ring sampling (CRS). Radial sampling constitutes a special case of CRS where each ring has the same number of points and the same relative orientation. We derive theoretically that the most efficient CRS approach is to place progressively more points on rings of larger radius, with the number of points growing linearly with the radius, a method that we call linearly increasing CRS (LCRS). For cases of significant undersampling to reduce measurement time, a randomized LCRS (RLCRS) is also described. A theoretical treatment of these approaches is provided, including an assessment of artifacts and sensitivity. The analytical treatment of sensitivity also addresses the sensitivity of radially sampled data processed by Fourier transform. Optimized CRS approaches are found to produce artifact-free spectra of the same resolution as Cartesian sampling, for the same measurement time. Additionally, optimized approaches consistently yield fewer and smaller artifacts than radial sampling, and have a sensitivity equal to Cartesian and better than radial sampling. We demonstrate the method using numerical simulations, as well as a 3D HNCO experiment on protein G B1 domain.
The Interaction of Disagregin with the Platelet Fibrinogen Receptor, Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa

Abstract Disagregin, a 6kDa protein isolated from salivary glands of the tick Ornithodoros Moubata, is a potent and selective inhibitor of fibrinogen dependent platelet aggregation and of the adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen (Karczewski et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 6702–6708). In the current study the interaction of disagregin with purified glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) was examined. Biotin-labeled disagregin (b-disagregin) bound to GPIIb-IIIa immobilized on the surface of the ELISA plate. This binding was specific, dependent on divalent cations, and was blocked by the peptides fibrinogen γ-chain fgγ(400-411), GPIIb(296-306) and by the RGD-containing peptide, GRGDSP. Disagregin also bound to soluble GPIIb-IIIa as demonstrated in studies using the chemical crosslinker, BS 3 . This binding was inhibited by the peptides fgγ(400-411) and GPIIb(296-306). In contrast to the results in the solid phase, peptide GRGDSP had no effect on the binding of b-disagregin to soluble GPIIb-IIIa. These data demonstrate that disagregin binds to GPIIb-IIIa through a mechanism distinct from that used by RGD-containing disintegrins. Further analysis of the region(s) of disagregin which bind to GPIIb-IIIa should provide useful information for molecular modeling of the fibrinogen binding site on GPIIb-IIIa and for the design of a new class of potent fibrinogen receptor antagonists.
Skills for diversity and inclusion in organizations: A review and preliminary investigation.

In this article the authors argue that much organizational diversity training is conducted without benefit of linkage to a comprehensive conceptualization of skills which the training is intended to develop. Literature on the topic is reviewed and the Critical Incidents method is suggested as a means of developing a list of skills for diversity effectiveness at all levels of the organization. Based on critical incidents from a convenience sample of experienced professionals and another of students, a model is proposed to address values, knowledge, and skills most important at rank and file, managerial, and executive levels of organizations. Hypothetical scenarios are presented to illustrate the critical incidents.
A Conventional Approach to a New Classification of the Strongyloidea, Nematode Parasites of Mammals

The conventional approach to systematic parasitology uses any kind of information, with a posteriori weighting of characters demonstrated to be concordant with many others. Two types of ovejectors and dorsal rays divide the strongyloid nematodes into groups that correlate with their host groups, resulting in the first phylogenetic classification of the superfamily Strongyloidea.
Brain stem and cerebellar lesions in female rats. II. Lordosis reflex.

Summary The effects of brain stem and cerebellar lesions upon the lordosis reflex were studied. Lesions of the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NGc) produced significant deficits in lordosis. Lesions of the deep cerebellar nuclei, inferior olive, medial vestibular nucleus, and superior vestibular nucleus did not produce significant effects. Results from animals with lesions of both lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) and nucleus gigantocellularis (NGc) suggested that these structures act independently in their control of lordosis. Histological analysis showed that giant cell loss in NGc and Deiters' cell loss in LVN were both significantly correlated with decrements in lordosis. These results indicate that lateralvestibulospinal and reticulospinal pathways participate in the descending control of segmental mechanisms responsible for the lordosis reflex.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Pathogenetic insights and myocardial perfusion kinetics using myocardial contrast echocardiography

Transient apical ballooning syndrome or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a novel acute cardiac syndrome, characterized by regional systolic dysfunction involving the apex and mid-ventricular segments, with hyperkinesis of the basal segments. Mid-ventricular ballooning cardiomyopathy (MVBC) is a recently recognized variant of TC. Both disorders share the same precipitating factors, clinical features and course; however, unlike TC, MVBC is characterized by ballooning and akinesis of the mid-ventricular segments with hypercontractility of the basal and apical segments. While the precise pathogenetic mechanism of this disorder remains elusive, microvascular dysfunction from excessive catecholamine release has been implicated. We report findings on regional contractile dysfunction (strain imaging), myocardial blood flow (semi-quantitative), and perfusion kinetics using myocardial contrast echocardiography in a series of three illustrative cases of TC.
Determination of the nucleotide sequences in mouse U14 small nuclear RNA and 18S ribosomal RNA responsible for in vitro intermolecular base-pairing.

U14 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is an evolutionarily conserved RNA species that plays a role in rRNA processing. The conserved ability of fungal, amphibian and mammalian U14 snRNAs to hybridize with both homolous and heterologous eukaryotic 18S rRNAs indicates a potential role for this intermolecular RNA/RNA interaction in U14 snRNA function. To understand better the possible role of this intermolecular base-pairing in rRNA processing, we have defined those nucleotide sequences in mouse U14 snRNA and 18S rRNA responsible for the observed in vitro hybridization. We have constructed, using synthetic DNA oligonucleotides, a U14 snRNA gene which has been positioned behind a T7 RNA polymerase promoter site and then inserted into a plasmid. The presence of natural or engineered restriction endonuclease sites within this construct has permitted the in vitro transcription of full-length mouse U14 snRNA transcripts (an 87-nucleotide mouse U14 snRNA minus 5′ or 3′ leader sequences) or 3′ terminally truncated U14 snRNA fragments. Hybridization of full-length or truncated fragments of U14 snRNA to mouse 18S rRNA demonstrated the utilization of a previously proposed 18S rRNA complementary sequence located near the 3′ end of mouse U14 snRNA (nucleotides 65–78) for intermolecular hybridization. Conversely, RNase-T1-generated fragments of 18S rRNA capable of hybrid-selection by U14 snRNA have been isolated and sequenced. A nested set of hybrid-selected 18S rRNA fragments define a mouse 18S rRNA sequence (nucleotides 459–472) which exhibits perfect complementarity to the defined U14 snRNA sequence 65–78. Primer-extension/chain-termination mapping of mouse U14-snRNA · 18S-rRNA hybrids has confirmed the formation of the proposed hybrid structure. A second set of observed complementary sequences in mouse U14 snRNA (nucleotides 25–38) and mouse 18S rRNA (nucleotides 82–95) are not used for the in vitro hybridization of these two RNAs. Presumably the involvement of this prevents its base-pairing with 18S rRNA. However, the strong evolutionary conservation of both U14-snRNA · 18S-rRNA hybrid structures and their juxtapositioning within the folded secondary structure of 18S rRNAs argues for a biological role for each in U14 snRNA function.
The pathophysiology of thoracic disc disease

Nucleus pulposus herniations are far less common in the thoracic spine than at the cervical and lumbar regions. Traditionally, diagnosis of thoracic disc herniations has been challenging because the signs and symptoms are often subtle early in their course. As a result, delays in diagnoses are common. Because they are uncommon as well as difficult to diagnosis, the neurosurgical community has sparse data on which to base good clinical decision making for the treatment of these herniations. In this review the authors seek to place the phenomenon of thoracic disc disease into the context of its pathophysiology. After a careful evaluation of the available clinical, pathological, and basic science data, a case is made that the cause of nucleus pulposus herniations in the thoracic spine is similar to those occurring in the lumbar and cervical regions. The lower incidence of herniations is ascribed primarily to the reduced allowable flexion at the thoracic level compared with the lumbar and cervical levels. To a lesser extent, the contribution of the ribs to weight-bearing may also play a role. Further review of clinical data suggests that thoracic disc herniations, like herniated cervical and lumbar discs, may be asymptomatic and may respond to conservative therapy. Similarly, good surgery-related results have been reported for herniated thoracic discs, despite the more challenging nature of the surgical procedure. The authors conclude that treatment strategies for thoracic disc herniations may logically and appropriately follow those commonly used for the cervical and lumbar levels.
The Dial: Preschool Screening for Learning Problems

The Development Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL), a preschool screening instrument, was administered to 436 children aged 3 years-1 month to 5 years-11 months. The results, in terms of the number of children identified as having potential problems, and the organization of the DIAL subscales, supported the use of the DIAL. Several practical limitations to the use of the DIAL are discussed, including the amount of time and personnel required. An experimental social-emotional checklist was found to have little empirical support, and its omission from the screening process is recommended.