cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The structure and function of platelet integrins

Integrins are a ubiquitous family of non-covalently associated alpha/beta transmembrane heterodimers linking extracellular ligands to intracellular signaling pathways [1] [Cell, 2002; 110: 673]. Platelets contain five integrins, three beta1 integrins that mediate platelet adhesion to the matrix proteins collagen, fibronectin and laminin, and the beta3 integrins alphavbeta3 and alphaIIbbeta3 [2] [J Clin Invest, 2005; 115: 3363]. While there are only several hundred alphavbeta3 molecules per platelet, alphavbeta3 mediates platelet adhesion to osteopontin and vitronectin in vitro [3] [J Biol Chem, 1997; 272: 8137]; whether this occurs in vivo remains unknown. By contrast, the 80,000 alphaIIbbeta3 molecules on agonist-stimulated platelets bind fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and fibronectin, mediating platelet aggregation when the bound proteins crosslink adjacent platelets [2] [J Clin Invest, 2005; 115: 3363]. Although platelet integrins are poised to shift from resting to active conformations, tight regulation of their activity is essential to prevent the formation of intravascular thrombi. This review focuses on the structure and function of the intensively studied beta3 integrins, in particular alphaIIbbeta3, but reference will be made to other integrins where relevant.
Abundance of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase molecules observed to rotate via single-molecule microscopy with gold nanorod probes

The abundance of E. coli F1-ATPase molecules observed to rotate using gold nanorods attached to the gamma-subunit was quantitated. Individual F1 molecules were determined to be rotating based upon time dependent fluctuations of red and green light scattered from the nanorods when viewed through a polarizing filter. The average number of F1 molecules observed to rotate in the presence of GTP, ATP, and without nucleotide was approximately 50, approximately 25, and approximately 4% respectively. In some experiments, the fraction of molecules observed to rotate in the presence of GTP was as high as 65%. These data indicate that rotational measurements made using gold nanorods provide information of the F1-ATPase mechanism that is representative of the characteristics of the enzyme population as a whole.
On-the-Fly Identification of Conformational Substates from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We recently introduced a new method for discovering, characterizing, and monitoring spatiotemporal patterns in the conformational fluctuations in molecular dynamics simulation data ( J. Comput. Biol. 2010 , 17 ( 3 ), 309 - 324 ). Significantly, our method, called Dynamic Tensor Analysis (DTA), can be performed as the simulation is progressing. It is therefore well-suited to analyzing long timescale simulations, which are critical for studying biologically relevant motions but may be too large for traditional analysis methods. In this paper, we demonstrate that the patterns discovered by DTA often correspond to functionally important conformational substates. In particular, we apply DTA to a 150 ns simulation of ubiquitin and discover patterns that provide unique insights into ubiquitin's ability to bind multiple substrates. Moreover, we take advantage of DTA's ability to identify patterns on different timescales and investigate how fast positional fluctuations may modulate slower, large-scale motions in functionally important regions. Our findings here suggest that DTA is well-suited to organizing, visualizing, and analyzing very large trajectories and discovering conformational substates.
A PROCESS ANALYSIS OF COMPUTER-GENERATED PATIENT REMINDERS DELIVERED BY NURSING PERSONNEL

Purpose: To measure the extent to which health care reminders are offered by nursing personnel and accepted by patients, we performed a detailed process study of a computer-generated, patient-specific mammography reminder. Subjects: 25,971 consecutive visits by 2,814 women age 50 and older seen during an eight year period in an academic internal medicine practice. Methods: An implementation trial with historical controls was done in the Internal Medicine Clinic at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. We incorporated a computer reminder system into the nursing check-in process along with the standing orders for mammograms. The administration of the reminder, the patient response to the reminder, and subsequent follow-through with mammography were tracked during the intervention phase. Patients were considered "up-to-date" if a mammogram had been done within two years before the visit, or if one was obtained within 60 days after the visit. Results: The proportion of patients up-to-date increased from 48% during a four-year pre-intervention phase to 54% in the intervention phase. Process analysis showed that clinic personnel offered the reminder in 31% of eligible visits, 11% of reminded patients agreed, and 53% of patients who agreed had mammography done. One unsuspected carcinoma was diagnosed. Patient race, insurance coverage, and number of visits during the prior two years influenced whether patients agreed to mammography and whether they then had the test done.
Differences in medication compliance among elderly patients with asthma in Chicago

Abstract Rationale Medication noncompliance is one of many factors that lead to the sub-optimal management of asthma in elderly patients. Several hypotheses as to why elderly patients are non-compliant have been made including multiple medical problems requiring numerous prescriptions and the high cost of prescription medications. Our study compares medication non-compliance rates in two different populations of elderly patients with asthma in an effort to better understand the obstacles to appropriate management of asthma in elderly patients. Methods Surveys regarding asthma symptoms and treatment were given to two distinct groups of elderly individuals with asthma. The first group was recruited from senior centers subsidized by the Chicago Department on aging catering to disadvantaged seniors. The second group was recruited from Northwestern University's Aging Research Registry and although these individuals represent a spectrum of incomes, they all entered the registry through their healthcare providers. Results From a total of 86 disadvantaged participants with asthma, only 24 (28%) took their prescribed medications on a regular basis. From a total of 35 registry participants with asthma, 28 (80%) took their medications on a regular basis. All but 12 (34%) of the registry participants had either a prescription plan or senior discount for obtaining their medications. Conclusions Although medication non-compliance is common in elderly patients with asthma, our survey results suggest that good access to healthcare and a prescription coverage plan that helps cover the cost of medications improves compliance.
A Structure for Caring in Schools

ABSTRACT I examine a historical structure that explores the influence of caring on human interactions under adverse conditions. The helping tradition is defined and described with a focus on the potential for improving teacher-student relationships in the interest of developing more effective classrooms for students at risk of school failure.
Infrared Gas Cell Contamination Due to Sorption on Gaskets

Difficulties have been encountered in the identification of gas–liquid chromatographic (GLC) fractions of some chlorinated hydrocarbons by ir spectroscopy. These fractions were individually collected into an ir gas cell as they emerged from a gas chromatograph. Their spectra were then amplified and compared to those of standard materials, the vapors of which were injected directly into the cell. The resulting spectra were not reproducible; standards and materials often gave different spectra. The cell was cleaned between determinations by flushing with dry air for about 10 min. Also, gradually the supposedly clean and well flushed cell again produced spectra. This behavior was observed in several types of gas cells containing gaskets made of several kinds of plastic material. Examination of the individual cell parts identified the plastic gaskets as the cause of this phenomenon.
On large eddy simulation of non-homogeneous flows

The performance of the subgrid kinetic energy equation model for a wall-bounded inhomogeneous flow is evaluated and reported. Near-wall behavior has eluded any kind of modeling in turbulence simulations. Most large eddy simulations (LES) have a near direct numerical simulation resolution in the near-wall region. The effect of inadequate grid resolution and unresolved viscous sublayer phenomena on the core region turbulence is studied. Such a study could provide valuable information for developing LES models that could predict turbulence away from the wall despite the errors in the near-wall region or for development of simple empiricisms to account for near-wall effects in an LES. It is shown that the subgrid kinetic energy model shows a tendency of capturing, at least qualitatively, the near-wall turbulence and could be used as a starting point for development of near-wall models that could be used in conjunction with LES. (Author)
Plasmalogenase activity in normal and dystrophic chicken erythrocytes

Abstract 1. 1. The enzyme kinetics for plasmalogenase have been analyzed on a developmental basis and correlated with the presence of ethanolamine plasmalogen (1-alkyl,1′-enyl,2-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoryl-ethanolamine) in dystrophic chicken erythrocyte membranes. 2. 2. At day 15 ex ovo , both dystrophic (Line 413) and normal (Line 412) chicken erythrocyte enriched microsomal preparations manifest high K m forms of plasmalogenase. 3. 3. However, with time, the K m of this enzyme from normal erythrocyte preparations drops significantly whereas the K m of the enzyme from dystrophic preparations remains high. 4. 4. This observation may account for elevated concentrations of plasmalogen observed in dystrophic chicken tissues.
The deterministic limit of infectious disease models with dynamic partners

This paper analyzes the large population dynamics of an infectious disease model with contacts that occur during partnerships. The model allows for concurrent partnerships following a very broad class of dynamic laws. Previous work, with a stochastic version of the model, computed the reproductive number, the initial growth rate, and the final size. In the present paper, the deterministic system that is the limit for large populations is constructed. The construction is unusual in requiring two different scaling factors. Next, the approximation used by Watts and May for a related model is compared with the exact solution. This approximation is most accurate at the beginning of the epidemic and when partnerships are short. Lastly, the model is generalized to allow dependencies among partnerships. This generalization permits proportional mixing with an arbitrary distribution on the number of partners.
Hand-held high-throughput ultrasonic monodisperse aerosol inhalers for detoxification of massive cyanide poisoning

Detoxification of massive cyanide (CN) poisoning by inhalation of antidotes is recognized to be superior to intra venous (IV) or intra muscular (IM) treatment with regard to ease of administration, self-administration, and rapidity of onset. However, there are currently no effective, portable, high-throughput inhalers that can be produced in large quantities and distributed for such purpose. A hand-held inhaler has been realized using silicon-based ultrasonic nozzle to produce high-throughput of monodisperse cobinamide antidote solution for detoxification of CN poisoning in a rabbit model.
Fetal dexamethasone exposure interferes with establishment of cardiac noradrenergic innervation and sympathetic activity.

Endogenous glucocorticoids provide natural differentiation signals for adrenergic neurons, and exposure to high exogenous steroid levels thus disrupts the timing of neuronal maturation. In the current study, pregnant rats were given 0.05, 0.2, or 0.8 mg/kg dexamethasone on gestational days 17, 18, and 19, and the effects on development of cardiac sympathetic function were assessed postnatally in the offspring. Dexamethasone produced a dose-dependent retardation of body and heart weight gains; at the highest dose, heart weight deficits were smaller than those for body weight, producing a relative cardiomegaly. The weight effects were accompanied by abnormalities of noradrenergic innervation, as assessed with measurements of norepinephrine levels and turnover. Norepinephrine levels were significantly reduced at all doses of dexamethasone, with the magnitude of effect exceeding that on heart or body weights; thus the levels were reduced even when corrected for tissue weight (ng norepinephrine/g heart weight). Norepinephrine turnover, a measure of neuronal impulse activity, showed delayed development at the lowest dose of dexamethasone and displayed profound suppression throughout development at the higher doses. Adverse effects of dexamethasone on norepinephrine turnover were still apparent in young adulthood, despite the recovery of weight variables to within 15% of normal values. In light of the release of steroids during maternal stress and the use of steroids in the therapy of neonatal respiratory distress, developing adrenergic neurons are likely to be targeted for adverse effects even when standard growth indices have normalized. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fluctuation microscopy: a probe of medium range order

Fluctuation microscopy is a hybrid diffraction-imaging technique that detects medium range order in amorphous materials by examining spatial fluctuations in coherent scattering. These fluctuations appear as speckle in images and diffraction patterns. The volume of material contributing to the speckle is determined by the point-spread function (the resolution) of the imaging optics and the sample thickness. The spatial periodicities being probed are related to the diffraction vector. Statistical analysis of the speckle allows the random and non-random (ordered) contributions to be discriminated. The image resolution that gives the maximum speckle contrast, as determined by the normalized variance of the image intensity, is determined by the characteristic length scale of the ordering. Because medium range ordering length scales can extend out to about the tenth coordination shell, fluctuation microscopy tends to be a low image resolution technique.This review presents the kinematical scattering theory underpinning fluctuation microscopy and a description of fluctuation electron microscopy as it has been employed in the transmission electron microscope for studying amorphous materials. Recent results using soft x-rays for studying nanoscale materials are also presented. We summarize outstanding issues and point to possible future directions for fluctuation microscopy as a technique.
U.S. medical schools' valuing of curriculum time: self-directed learning versus lectures.

BACKGROUND As medical schools implement curriculum changes to address the relevancy of medical education to today's health care needs, examining schools' grading systems and their valuing of curriculum hours has become a priority. METHOD In 1991-92 all 126 U.S. medical schools were surveyed regarding various issues related to the schools' grading systems and valuing of curriculum time, including the ways in which the schools achieved a balance between lectures and self-directed learning activities. RESULTS A total of 122 schools responded. Forty-eight schools calculated grade-point averages and used them to compute and publish class ranks; 72 published grade-point averages. Fifty schools reported curriculum revisions that decreased lecture hours, incorporated small-group discussion, or used problem-based learning and/or assessments using standardized patients. These 50 schools fell into four categories: had a system to balance lecture time and self-directed learning (11 schools); were moving toward such a system (27 schools); had tried but failed to balance lecture time and self-directed learning (one school); and had no policy to achieve a balance (11 schools). CONCLUSION The survey results indicate that most schools have not established systems for the valuing of curriculum time that include balancing values for lecture time and values for self-directed learning. If needed curriculum reforms are to be implemented effectively, they must be valued meaningfully.
Pharmacology of a New Antianginal Drug: Perhexiline: I. Coronary Circulation and Myocardial Metabolism

In the anesthetized dog with right-heart bypass the injection of perhexiline was followed by the vasodilatation of the coronary, systemic and pulmonary vascular beds. There was a fall in left ventricular work, index of energy utilization, and myocardial oxygen consumption. The ratio of Δ cardiac output/Δ oxygen consumption was elevated following the administration of perhexiline. All these effects of perhexiline are potentially desirable in the treatment of coronary insufficiency.
Resistance to malaria in ankyrin and spectrin deficient mice.

Summary Inbred mice carrying mutations in ankyrin and/or spectrin synthesis and assembly were studied for their ability to support the growth of the rodent malarias, Plasmodium chabaudi adami and P. berghei, in vivo. Mice carrying the nb/nb (normoblastosis) mutation which do not synthesize ankyrin and therefore also have a deficiency in membrane-bound spectrin, were refractory to P. chabaudi adami, which invades mature erythrocytes and to P. berghei, which invades reticulocytes. Similarly, sph/sph mice which do not synthesize the α chain of spectrin but do synthesize ankyrin, were also resistant to both parasites. The heterozygote for the nb defect (nb/+) exhibited a diminution of parasitaemia. We conclude that the host cell spectrin may be necessary for the invasion and/or growth of rodent malarial parasites.
29 A new era in radiotherapy

The search for new radiation treatment techniques to improve local tumor control continues to represent a major challenge in the management of localized human cancer. Before CT scans became available for planning radiation treatments, tumor target volumes and the boundaries between tumor and normal organs were poorly defined. To reduce the risk of local relapse, radiation target volumes classically included a wide “safety” margin of surrounding normal tissue. Restrictions imposed by normal tissue tolerance often limited the radiation doses administered to less than optimal levels. CT-assisted treatment planning improved the ability to define tumor target volumes for radiotherapy. However, the limitations imposed by computer technology have confined the use of CT information in conventional 2D treatment planning to one or at most a few CT slices at or near the central axis of the radiation beam, whereas treatment planning at levels beyond the central axis is not based on detailed CT anatomical information. The introduction of three-dimensional conformai radiation therapy (3D-CRT) has heralded a new era in radiotherapy. Sophisticated computer-aided techniques are used to plan and deliver prescribed radiation doses, conforming the desired dose distribution to the entire 3D configuration of the tumor. The use of 3D imaging technology for treat -ment planning has reduced the risk of underdosing parts of the tumor. In addition, the effective exclusion of normal tissues from the volume carried to high radiation dose levels has allowed an escalation in tumor dose to levels beyond those feasible with conventional 2D radiotherapy. The aim is to improve local tumor control, as failure to control the primary tumors is associated with increased rates of both metastatic disease and mortality. Because of the increasing complexity of 3D treatment planning and the need to evaluate large numbers of competing plans, a critical development for realizing the full potential of 3D-CRT is the introduction of computer-aided optimization of treatment planning. In addition, the extraordinary increase in the complexity of treatment delivery requires the introduction of immobilization devices, computer-controlled treatment delivery machines with automated multileaf collimatore for beam shaping, on-line verification systems with a potential for feedback control loops to automatically correct set-up errors during treatment, and patient safety devices. Dosimetrie methods are being developed to compensate for the inaccuracy in 3D treatment caused by organ motion. Many of these components have been implemented at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Effects of different test conditions on the susceptibility of Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium chelonae to amikacin

Eighteen rapidly growing mycobacteria were tested for susceptibility to amikacin by six different antibiotic susceptibility procedures to assess method variability and factor variation within a single method. Using amikacin MICs determined by the microdilution method as the reference standard, results for Mycobacterium chelonae were on average eight-fold higher by the macrodilution method and two-fold higher by the BACTEC, 1% standard proportion, and agar dilution methods. For Mycobacterium fortuitum, macrodilution MICs were on average four-fold higher than microdilution results; however, for this species, agar dilution, the 1% standard proportion method, and the BACTEC method showed good correlation with microdilution testing. The use of different test media and incubation in increased CO2 tension increased amikacin MICs for Mycobacterium chelonae. An inoculum effect was observed with both species, especially when the organism concentration increased from 10(5) cfu/mL to 10(6) cfu/mL for broth testing and 10(5) to 10(6) cfu per spot for agar dilution. These results indicate that different antibiotic susceptibility methods and test conditions markedly influence MICs of amikacin for these rapidly growing mycobacteria.
Causes of Student Absenteeism in Community College Classes.

In an era of declining college enrollments it is vital to identify potential causes of absenteeism and implement strategies for reducing it. To accomplish this two open‐ended approaches were used t...
High-resolution, High-speed, Three-dimensional Video Imaging with Digital Fringe Projection Techniques

Digital fringe projection (DFP) techniques provide dense 3D measurements of dynamically changing surfaces. Like the human eyes and brain, DFP uses triangulation between matching points in two views of the same scene at different angles to compute depth. However, unlike a stereobased method, DFP uses a digital video projector to replace one of the cameras 1 . The projector rapidly projects a known sinusoidal pattern onto the subject, and the surface of the subject distorts these patterns in the camera’s field of view. Three distorted patterns (fringe images) from the camera can be used to compute the depth using triangulation. Unlike other 3D measurement methods, DFP techniques lead to systems that tend to be faster, lower in equipment cost, more flexible, and easier to develop. DFP systems can also achieve the same measurement resolution as the camera. For this reason, DFP and other digital structured light techniques have recently been the focus of intense research (as summarized in 1-5 ). Taking advantage of DFP, the graphics processing unit, and optimized algorithms, we have developed a system capable of 30 Hz 3D video data acquisition, reconstruction, and display for over 300,000 measurement points per frame 6,7 . Binary defocusing DFP methods can achieve even greater speeds 8 . Diverse applications can benefit from DFP techniques. Our collaborators have used our systems for facial function analysis 9 , facial animation 10 , cardiac mechanics studies 11 , and fluid surface measurements, but many other potential applications exist. This video will teach the fundamentals of DFP techniques and illustrate the design and operation of a binary defocusing DFP system.
REPRESENTABILITY OF PARTIAL MORPHISMS IN TOPOLOGICAL AND MONOTOPOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTS

Abstract The paper continues recent research on the representability of partial morphisms in topological constructs with constants. It contains new characterizations for the fact that this property is inherited by bireflective subcategories. Possibilities and limitations of generalization to topological and monotopological constructs (without constants) are discussed.
Aerosol deposition characteristics in distal acinar airways under cyclic breathing conditions.

Although the major mechanisms of aerosol deposition in the lung are known, detailed quantitative data in anatomically realistic models are still lacking, especially in the acinar airways. In this study, an algorithm was developed to build multigenerational three-dimensional models of alveolated airways with arbitrary bifurcation angles and spherical alveolar shape. Using computational fluid dynamics, the deposition of 1- and 3-μm aerosol particles was predicted in models of human alveolar sac and terminal acinar bifurcation under rhythmic wall motion for two breathing conditions (functional residual capacity = 3 liter, tidal volume = 0.5 and 0.9 liter, breathing period = 4 s). Particles entering the model during one inspiration period were tracked for multiple breathing cycles until all particles deposited or escaped from the model. Flow recirculation inside alveoli occurred only during transition between inspiration and expiration and accounted for no more than 1% of the whole cycle. Weak flow irreversibility and convective transport were observed in both models. The average deposition efficiency was similar for both breathing conditions and for both models. Under normal gravity, total deposition was ∼33 and 75%, of which ∼67 and 96% occurred during the first cycle, for 1- and 3-μm particles, respectively. Under zero gravity, total deposition was ∼2–5% for both particle sizes. These results support previous findings that gravitational sedimentation is the dominant deposition mechanism for micrometer-sized aerosols in acinar airways. The results also showed that moving walls and multiple breathing cycles are needed for accurate estimation of aerosol deposition in acinar airways.
Racial difference in the correlates of bone mineral content/density and age at peak among reproductive-aged women.

Summary Racial/ethnic differences were observed in age at peak bone density and their correlates, with whites peaking at least 5 years earlier at the femoral neck than black and Hispanic women. Race-specific standards generated in this study could be useful when interpreting bone densitometry data in young women. Introduction The influence of race/ethnicity on bone measurements has not been widely examined. This study identifies age and amount of bone accumulated at peak density and their correlates by race/ethnicity. Methods Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femoral neck were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in 708 white, black, and Hispanic reproductive-aged women. Race- specific nonlinear models were used to describe the relationship between age and bone measurements, after adjusting for body weight and height. Log-transformed bone measurements were used to determine predictors based on multiple linear regression. Results Predictors, which were race and site specific, included age, age at menarche, body weight, height, months of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate use, weight-bearing exercise, and alcohol use. Women of all races gained BMC and BMD at the spine up to 30-33 years of age. BMC and BMD of the femoral neck peaked among white women earlier (≤16 years) than among blacks (BMC 22 years; BMD 21 years) and Hispanics (BMC 29 years; BMD 20 years). Conclusion Age at peak bone mass and its correlates differ by race/ethnicity. Race-specific standards generated in this study could be useful when interpreting bone densitometry data in young women.
Optical contamination measurements on early Shuttle missions

Two camera/photometers were included as part of the Induced Environment Contamination Monitor on STS-2, -3, -4, and -9 orbital missions to record photographically Shuttle-induced particulate and background contamination. The cameras collected stereoscopic data continuously during the on-orbit phases of these missions making exposures every 150 s. The results recorded throughout a 32 degrees field-of-view indicate high particle concentrations during early mission operations. These decay to a quiescent rate of 500 particles of >10-microm radius observed per orbit. Preliminary size and velocity distributions of measured particles are presented as are measurements of background brightness due to unresolved particles in the visible spectral region.
Substrate specificity and inhibition characteristics of a fluoride-sensitive tributyrinase.

Abstract In this paper the results of further investigations on the characteristics of a previously reported F−-sensitive tributyrinase isolated from rat adipose tissue are presented. This tributyrinase showed a specificity for esters of butyric acid (1-monoglycerides, 1,2-diglycerides, triglycerides, and methyl esters). No activity against the cholesteryl esters tested was evident. F− inhibition was maximum with triglycerides and was also seen with mono- and diglycerides; this inhibition was absent, however, when methyl esters were employed as substrates. In addition, the F−-sensitive tributyrinase was shown to be unaffected by various lipolytic blocking agents, but was almost completely inhibited by the organophosphorous insecticides (DFP, malathion, parathion). It is suggested that this enzyme may be an esterase involved in drug metabolism, a nonspecific esterase, or possibly an enzyme related to a hormone-activated lipase.
Biomass round bales infield aggregation logistics scenarios

Biomass bales often need to be aggregated (collected into groups and transported) to a field-edge stack or a temporary storage before utilization. Several logistics scenarios for aggregation involving equipment and aggregation strategies were modeled and evaluated. Cumulative Euclidean distance criteria evaluated the various aggregation scenarios. Application of a single-bale loader that aggregated bales individually was considered as the “control” scenario with which others were compared. A computer simulation program developed determined bale coordinates in ideal and random layouts that evaluated aggregation scenarios. Simulation results exhibited a “diamond pattern” of bales on ideal layout and a “random pattern” emerged when ≥10% variation was introduced. Statistical analysis revealed that the effect of field shape, swath width, biomass yield, and randomness on bale layout did not affect aggregation logistics, while area and number of bales handled had significant effects. Number of bales handled in the direct method significantly influenced the efficiency. Self-loading bale picker with minimum distance path (MDP, 80%) and parallel transport of loader and truck with MDP (78%) were ranked the highest, and single-bale central grouping the lowest (29%) among 19 methods studied. The MDP was found significantly more efficient (4%–16%) than the baler path. Simplistic methods, namely a direct triple-bale loader with MDP (64%–66%), or a loader and truck handling six bales running parallel with MDP (75%–82%) were highly efficient. Great savings on cumulative distances that directly influence time, fuel, and cost were realized when the number of bales handled was increased or additional equipment was utilized.
A Historical Inquiry into the Appropriateness of the Term `Panic Disorder':

Panic disorder was introduced in the standard psychiatric nosology with the publication of the DSM-III in 1980. The myriad of earlier medical and psychiatric names describing anxiety attacks and re...
Efficient Insertion of Crosstalk Shielding along On-Chip Interconnect Trees

Scaling of the on-chip feature size down into the deep submicron range has emphasized the importance of variations in interconnect delay due to capacitive coupling. A methodology for reducing crosstalk noise along tree-structured interconnects is proposed in this paper. An algorithm is implemented to compute the optimal sequence of shielding insertion along a capacitively coupled interconnect tree. The reduction in crosstalk is verified through simulation and compared to alternative shielding schemes, considering a limited availability of shielding resources. It is demonstrated that the proposed methodology consistently achieves greater reduction in interconnect delay variation.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Structural Systems Using a Direct Integration Method

The main categories of numerical analyses of dynamical response of structural systems represented by finite elements are discussed and a direct integration method is derived using Pad£ approximations to the exact exponential series solutions. The method can be employed for the analysis of aircraft structures subjected to arbitrary time-dependent loading. Numerical stability, artificial attenuation, and phase shift of the approximate solutions are discussed in detail. The dynamic response solution is presented in the form of an explicit operator requiring only one inversion of the mass matrix of the system. A numerical example is included for the dynamic response of an elastic circular bar subjected to axisymmetric compressive stress at the free end. The numerical results are compared with a solution obtained by the finite difference method.
Rheumatoid factor inhibition of in vitro binding of IgG complexes in the human glomerulus.

We studied the effects of rheumatoid factor (RF) on binding of immune complexes to activated C3 (C3b) receptors in vitro. IgM fraction of serum containing RF activity (IgM-RF), IgM isolated from pooled normal human serum and having no RF activity (IgM-control), bovine serum albumin, and Veronal buffered saline solutions were used in a C3b assay system consisting of aggregated human IgG (AggHuIgG) coupled to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) with guinea pig and normal human serum complement. The number of glomerular bound AggHuIgG-SRBC with IgM-control and bovine serum albumin or Veronal buffered saline was similar, while the number of bound cells with IgM-RF was reduced significantly. This effect was seen with both guinea pig and normal human serum complements. Supernatant hemolytic complement activity was maintained with IgM-RF, but reduced with control solutions. The blocking factor was shown to be RF by serial dilutions of IgM-RF resulting in inverse correlations with latex flocculation and inhibition of SRBC binding, absorption of blocking from IgM-RF with insolubilized AggHuIgG, and failure of IgM-control to block binding. IgM-RF did not directly interfere with activation of complement, but blocked attachment of C3 to AggHuIgG and formation of C3b capable of reacting with glomerular receptors. These results showed that IgM-RF can inhibit binding of AggHuIgG complexes to human glomeruli. This in vitro phenomenon may represent a possible protective mechanism of RF in vivo in diseases with immune complexes.
Thematic Review Series: Skin Lipids. Antimicrobial lipids at the skin surface

The skin surface represents our interface with the external environment, and as such, is our first line of defense against microbial colonization and infection. Lipids at the skin surface are thought to underlie at least part of an antimicrobial barrier. Some of these lipids are synthesized in the epidermis and are carried to the surface as cells differentiate, whereas others are secreted onto the surface from the sebaceous glands. One such group, free sphingoid bases, are known to have broad antimicrobial activity, and our previous studies demonstrate their presence at the skin surface. Free sphingoid bases may be generated by enzymatic hydrolysis of epidermal ceramides. In addition, our preliminary results demonstrate potent antibacterial activity associated with two specific fatty acids derived from sebaceous triglycerides. Most remarkably, one of these fatty acids (sapienic acid, C16:1Delta6), in combination with a low concentration of ethanol, is very effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In fact, this combination was far more effective than mupirocin with or without ethanol. Mupirocin is a "gold standard" for activity against MRSA.
Studies on the conditions of limit cycle oscillations in the K2 models of neural populations

K2 sets are basic building blocks of dynamical neural network memories called K3. The K3s are strongly biologically motivated models of neural organization and functioning at the mesoscopic level in the cortex of vertebrate brains. The present study focuses on the fixed point and the limit cycle attractors in K2s. It considers the eigenvalues of the linearized K2 system and outlines the conditions under which it exhibits limit cycle oscillations. The derived conditions are instrumental in tuning the parameters of the K3 models having sustained chaotic oscillations.
Proliferation of NG2-Positive Cells and Altered Oligodendrocyte Numbers in the Contused Rat Spinal Cord

Given the numerous reparative roles glia may play after spinal cord injury (SCI), glial proliferation and cell number were examined in a model of traumatic SCI. Emphasis was placed on analysis of oligodendrocytes and NG2-positive (NG2+) cells, an endogenous cell population that may be involved in oligodendrocyte replacement. Overall, proliferation (assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation) was markedly elevated during the first 2 weeks after injury and declined thereafter; a large portion of these dividing cells likely consisted of microglia–macrophages. Although the total number of NG2+ cells in the epicenter was reduced by half, we noted protracted proliferation in surviving NG2+ cells, with values sevenfold greater than in uninjured controls. Elevated proliferation of NG2+ cells persisted throughout the first 4 weeks after injury. However, the absolute number of NG2+ cells was not increased over controls, suggesting that the daughter cells either did not survive or they differentiated into other cell types. As expected, oligodendrocyte numbers were drastically altered after SCI. By 7 d after injury, the number of oligodendrocytes at the impact site was reduced by 93%. Despite ongoing tissue loss, the number of oligodendrocytes in spared tissue rose threefold at 14 d after injury. Although the function of NG2+ cells within the spinal cord is not completely understood, several studies suggest that they may differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Thus, proliferating NG2+ cells may contribute to the increased oligodendrocyte number observed at 2 weeks after injury. Future studies are required, however, to definitively determine the role NG2+ cells play in oligodendrocyte genesis, remyelination, and other post-injury events.
Analyzing the software aspect of an embedded system's power consumption

Today's embedded processors are becoming an important aspect of daily life. As a whole, a large amount of energy we consume everyday is dependant upon CPU technology and their applications. Hardware has continued to advance in finding new techniques for low power consumption. Software is an area that can also be improved for better power efficiency. In order to write efficient power programs, we need to know how much power each instruction uses. This paper looks at identifying the power consumption of the PIC microcontroller to understand the relationship between software and energy. After gathering all the power characteristics of the PIC assembly language a power estimator was developed for a PIC CPU simulator.
Sensing gluten development during bread dough mixing

The mean, standard deviation, and low frequency energy calculated from the outputs of a power transducer are used to indicate gluten development during mixing. Since the mean, standard deviation, and low frequency energy all contribute to the indication of gluten development, they can be combined and quantified as a dough mixing index. Using this index, the elapsed mixing time, and the dough temperature, the necessary inputs to a fuzzy logic control system for dough mixing control are provided. The authors discuss the instantaneous input power data acquisition system (DAS) and digital signal processing (DSP) system that was constructed, and employed. The DAS and DSP system and the fuzzy logic control system provide a non-intrusive real-time gluten development sensing and control technique which follows gluten development during mixing. >
Mielichhoferia shevockii, comb. nov. (Mielichhoferiaceae)

The California endemic species described as Schiymenium shevockii A. J. Shaw is transferred to the genus Mielichhoferia because phylogenetic analyses have shown that peristome structure (exostomial versus endostomial) is not a reliable character for distinguishing these two genera.
Conditional Party Government and the Homogeneity of Constituent Interests

The conditional party government (CPG) theory posits that political parties will be strong when they are polarized and homogeneous. The homogeneity of the parties is generated from the homogeneity of constituent coalitions. However, these root causes of constituent interests have remained largely untested. By focusing on trade policy issues, we can provide one such test, albeit limited, because the level of factor mobility a priori defines constituent interests and the relative homogeneity of constituent coalitions. Using ideal point estimation and an originally compiled data set of constituent economic demographics at the level of U.S. House districts from 1963 to 1992, I confirm the constituent foundations of the conditional party government theory for trade policy and add factor mobility to the secular trends that have contributed to the decline and resurgence of American political parties.
Influence of Communication Partner’s Gender on Language

Forty participants (20 male) had 3-minute conversations with trained male and female communication partners in a repeated-measures, within-subject design. Eighty 3-minute conversations were transcribed and coded for dependent clauses, fillers, tag questions, intensive adverbs, negations, hedges, personal pronouns, self-references, justifiers, and interruptions. Results suggest no significant changes in language based on speaker gender. However, when speaking with a female, participants interrupted more and used more dependent clauses than when speaking with a male. There was no significant interaction to suggest that the language differences based on communication partner was specific to one gender group. These results are discussed in context of previous research, communication accommodation theory, and general process model for gendered language.
Probability-Utility Model for Managing Evidence-based Central Database

The Probability-Utility Model is dependent on the clinical practice guideline for its function. The Model functions to provide decision analyses that demonstrate to clinicians and patients how personal preferences change the character of best evidence. Initially, patients are provided a clinical practice guideline based on “average patient” best evidence. The Model works to demonstrate how decision, utility, and cost best evidence impact on decisions. It offers to patients an explanation of these impacts. Thus, patients may become more informed about the choices that go into making optimal clinical decisions for their own personal health care. The model also provides for visual images to be used in discussing their personal choices when considering different treatment options and clinical scenarios. The calculations accomplished through the Model provide trade-off analyses by which discussions may be facilitated between provider and patient in reaching informed consent and optimal clinical decisions in formulating treatment plans.
The Midterm Outcomes of Bioprosthetic Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Children

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of bioprosthetic pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in children. This is a retrospective review of all bioprosthetic PVR in children (≤ 20-year old) between 1992 and 2013 at a single institution. Most outcomes studied included pulmonary valve reintervention and bioprosthetic valve function. A total of 136 bioprosthetic PVRs were identified for 123 patients. The median age and body weight at the time of operation were 13.2 years and 48.4 kg. There were 1 early death and 3 late deaths during the median follow-up of 7.2 years (0-22.0 years). The actuarial transplant-free survival was 97.6% at 10 years. There were 43 bioprosthesis reinterventions with 29 reoperations and 14 catheter-based interventions. The freedom from bioprosthesis reintervention was 89.6% and 55.0% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Echocardiographic bioprosthesis dysfunction (≥ moderate bioprosthesis insufficiency, ≥ 50 mmHg peak gradient through bioprosthesis, or bioprosthesis endocarditis with vegetation) was found in 57 bioprostheses. The freedom from bioprosthesis dysfunction was 74.0% and 32.8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Results from the Cox proportional hazards models showed that age had significant association with freedom from bioprosthesis reintervention and freedom from bioprosthesis dysfunction (P < 0.001 and P = 0.03), whereas bioprosthesis type had nonsignificant association with freedom from bioprosthesis dysfunction (P = 0.068). Bioprosthetic PVR in children had excellent early outcomes but rapidly deteriorating midterm outcomes. Careful and close follow-up are necessary for children with bioprosthesis in the pulmonary position.
Synthesis of Gold Nanoshells and Their Use in Sensing Applications

A general approach involved template-engaged, galvanic replacement reactions has been developed to prepare metallic nanostructures with hollow interiors by reacting solutions of appropriate salts with metallic solid nanoparticles. The reaction between aqueous chloroauric acid and silver nanoparticles was used as a typical example to demonstrate the synthesis of gold nanoshells. The morphology, void space, and wall thickness of these hollow structures were all determined by the silver templates, which were completely converted into soluble species during the replacement reaction. The extinction peaks of these gold nanoshells were considerably redshifted as compared to solid gold colloids having approximately the same dimensions. In addition, the surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoshells exhibited a much more sensitive response toward environmental changes even when compared with solid colloids with a mean size much smaller than that of gold nanoshells.
Human Factors and Educational Quality

This paper discusses the demands on and by universities to update and improve educational delivery in an increasingly difficult economic context The actions of a number of universities consider the...
Central adiposity and its metabolic correlates in obese adolescent girls.

To establish whether alterations in insulin action and secretion and their relationship to body fat distribution occur early in the course of developing obesity, we studied 14 obese adolescent girls [13.2 +/- 0.7 yr, body mass index (BMI) 32 +/- 1.4], 16 nonobese young women (24.0 +/- 0.6 yr, BMI 21.0 +/- 0.9). Insulin action was assessed by a sequential two-step (8 and 40 mU,m-2.min-1) euglycemic insulin clamp in combination with [1-13C]glucose and indirect calorimetry. Insulin secretion was determined by the hyperglycemic clamp technique (6.9 mmol/l). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat depots. In obese girls, an impairment in glucose disposal was present with both insulin doses; at the higher dose, rates of glucose uptake were reduced by 30% in nonobese girls (240 +/- 30 vs. 340 +/- 19 mg.m-2.min-1, P < 0.05) and by an additional 29% (170 +/- 17 mg.m-2.min-1, P < 0.05) in obese girls. Insulin infusion failed to stimulate glucose oxidation and to suppress lipid oxidation only in obese girls. Suppression of free fatty acid levels, but not hepatic glucose production, was decreased in obese girls compared with controls. Fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin responses were greater in obese than in nonobese adolescents, who, in turn, had greater responses than lean women. In obese girls, visceral fat, but neither waist-to-hip circumference ratio nor subcutaneous fat, was highly correlated with basal insulin secretion (r = 0.89, P < 0.001), stimulated insulin secretion (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), and insulin resistance (r = -0.87, P < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)