cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of a nurse practitioner-assisted preoperative assessment program on quality.

Summary Background : The anesthesia manpower shortage in the last few years in the US has limited many hospital pediatric surgical services. We sought to meet an increasing surgical caseload, while providing safe, timely and patient-centered care by instituting a nurse practitioner-assisted preoperative evaluation (NPAPE) program. The strategic goal of this program was to shift anesthesiologists from the preanesthesia clinic to the operating room (OR), while maintaining the quality of preoperative care. Our study sought to evaluate the quality of the NPAPE program. Methods : One thousand five hundred and nine children aged 1 month–18 years, 463 parents, 25 anesthesiologists and 20 preoperative clinic nurses were studied. Indicators of quality were incidence of respiratory complications (apnea/hypopnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and supplemental oxygen use in postanesthesia care unit), patient preoperative preparation time and parent and staff (anesthesiologists and preoperative clinic nurse) satisfaction. These indicators were recorded for 1 week every 3 months for 1 year. The first week (baseline) was an anesthesiologist-only preoperative assessment (three anesthesiologists performing approximately 120 evaluations per day). The subsequent four data collection weeks at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were nurse practitioner (NP)-aided preoperative assessments (one anesthesiologist with six NPs performing approximately 120 evaluations per day). Results : The incidence of respiratory complications, patient preoperative preparation time, and levels of parental satisfaction did not differ significantly between anesthesiologist-only and NP-aided assessments. However, anesthesiologist and preoperative clinic nurse satisfaction increased significantly postimplementation of the program. Conclusions : Our study revealed that within a year of its implementation, the NPAPE program maintained patient safety, timeliness, and a high level of parent satisfaction as well as increased staff satisfaction, while shifting two anesthesiologists to the OR. A NP-assisted preoperative evaluation program can offer operational advantages without compromising care.
Constraints and development

The notion of constraints is discussed, and a comparison made between the ideas of genetic constraints on learning and developmental constraints on natural selection. Both depend on a contrast between conservative internal forces and external contingency. An alternative developmental systems perspective is introduced, in which constraint and formation are not separate phenomena but two aspects of complex interactive systems. The implications of these conceptual changes for some definitions of innateness and of sensitive periods are shown, and the relationship between development and evolution is reformulated.
Formation and structure of Na2S + P2S5 amorphous materials prepared by melt-quenching and mechanical milling

Abstract xNa 2 S + (1 − x)P 2 S 5 amorphous and partially crystalline materials were prepared by melt-quenching and mechanical milling. These products were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. Compared to the narrower x-ray amorphous range for this system obtained through melt-quenching as found in this study, 0.50 ≤ x ≤ 0.67, the x-ray amorphous range for this system could be extended from the low-alkali ultra-thiophosphate composition of x ~ 0.25 to slightly above the high-alkali pyro-thiophosphate composition of x ~ 0.70 using mechanical milling. Mechanically milled samples with Na 2 S of composition x = 0.75 yielded a partially crystalline material that had diffuse XRD peaks associated to the α-Na 3 PS 4 phase. A similar result was obtained for the x = 0.80 composition except that, as expected, it also showed peaks for unreacted (over stoichiometric) Na 2 S. The melt-quenched and mechanically milled samples with the same compositions 0.50 ≤ x ≤ 0.67 showed similar FT-IR and Raman spectra, indicating very similar chemical short-range structures are present in both of these amorphous materials. It was found that the Na 2 S + P 2 S 5 system exhibited similar behavior to that of the Li 2 S + P 2 S 5 in that chemical reaction between Na 2 S and P 2 S 5 could be induced by mechanical milling near room temperature to produce both amorphous and polycrystalline materials.
Clinical application of hybrid subtraction digital angiography. Preliminary results

The clinical application of hybrid subtraction in digital fluoroscopy of the vasculature is reported in our first 30 patients studied. Hybrid subtraction combines the advantages of temporal and dual energy subtraction techniques to achieve simultaneous elimination of overlying bone, soft tissue, and motion induced artifacts. Hybrid subtraction improved the subjective appearance of an image in 19 of 30 (63%) studies but additional diagnostic information was only revealed in 11 of 30 (37%) patients.
Strategies for Analyzing Random Vibration of Jointed Structures

Development of mathematical models for built-up structures, particularly those with many interfaces, is still primitive. This limitation is particularly evident when complex loads and load histories are considered, an example of which is random vibration.Two steps in simplifying this problem are explored here. First, the system response is approximated as that of the superposition of numerous decoupled modes, the coordinates of which evolve according to a constitutive model designed to capture the nonlinearity of the structure. Second, because among the categories of load for which dynamic analysis on nonlinear structures is particularly difficult is that of random loads and the resulting random vibration, and given the previous approximation, it is natural to apply the method of stochastic equivalent linearization to the governing equation of each mode. Both of these approximations are explored for the case where the nonlinear behavior of the interfaces is represented by a Masing-Prandtl-Ishlinskii-Iwan model employing a Palmov kernel.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A Bayesian Hierarchical Approach for Relating PM2.5 Exposure to Cardiovascular Mortality in North Carolina

Considerable attention has been given to the relationship between levels of fine particulate matter (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5) in the atmosphere and health effects in human populations. Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began widespread monitoring of PM2.5 levels in 1999, the epidemiologic community has performed numerous observational studies modeling mortality and morbidity responses to PM2.5 levels using Poisson generalized additive models (GAMs). Although these models are useful for relating ambient PM2.5 levels to mortality, they cannot directly measure the strength of the effect of exposure to PM2.5 on mortality. In order to assess this effect, we propose a three-stage Bayesian hierarchical model as an alternative to the classical Poisson GAM. Fitting our model to data collected in seven North Carolina counties from 1999 through 2001, we found that an increase in PM2.5 exposure is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in the same day and next 2 days. Specifically, a 10-μg/m3 increase in average PM2.5 exposure is associated with a 2.5% increase in the relative risk of current-day cardiovascular mortality, a 4.0% increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular mortality the next day, and an 11.4% increase in the relative risk of cardiovascular mortality 2 days later. Because of the small sample size of our study, only the third effect was found to have > 95% posterior probability of being > 0. In addition, we compared the results obtained from our model to those obtained by applying frequentist (or classical, repeated sampling-based) and Bayesian versions of the classical Poisson GAM to our study population.
1026-86 The Influence of Sodium Channel Blockade on the Defibrillation Threshold of Biphasic versus Monophasic Defibrillation Waveforms

Several Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are known to increase the defibrillation threshold (DFT) of monophasic shock waveforms delivered by implantable defibrillators (ICD). The influence of sodium channel blockade on biphasic shocks is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lidocaine (LIDO) on the DFT with biphasic versus monophasic shock waveforms in an anesthetized canine model of transvenous defibrillation (n = 101. The DFT was determined by the iterative increment-decrement protocol. Monophasic and biphasic shock OFT's were tested in random order at baseline and during LIDO infusion (8 mg/kg load; 400 microgm/kg/min) and presented below. Monophasic DFT (Joules) Biphasic DFT (Joules) P Value * Baseline 160 ± 56 11.1 ±2.7 0.006 LIDO 264 ± 109 16.9 ± 9.0 0.018 P Value ** 0.009 0.054 * p value of monophasic vs biphasic ** p value of baseline vs LIDO In 2 dogs, the DFT during LIDO was g 50 joules with monophasic shock and 27.9 ± 5.6 joules with biphasic shocks. LIDO caused a 13.1 ± 9.8% increase in ventricular refractoriness (p l 0.037) and a 29.8 ± 22.7% increase in GAS duration (p l 0.01). neither of which were predictive of DFT response. Conclusion Sodium channel blockade does increase the DFT of biphasic shocks but to a lesser extent than observed with monophasic shock DFT's. These results may have favorable implications for the use of Class I antiarrhythmics in patients with newer generation lCD's.
A correction lens for laser Doppler velocimeter measurements in a cylindrical tube

A lens was designed using analytical ray tracing techniques to correct aberrations caused by a cylindrical tube wall when measurements are made off the plane of symmetry with a dual-beam laser Doppler velocimeter. The lens keeps the probe volume stationary when the measurement axis is rotated and reduces aberrations in the image of the probe volume on the pinhole. A planoconcave cylindrical lens with a radius of curvature of 1195 mm (47 in.) was fabricated and tested for use with a 101.6 mm (4 in.) o.d., 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) thick acrylic plastic tube with air as the flow medium. Good results were obtained out to a normalized tube radius of r/R = 0.83.
Analytical modeling of laser ablated sublimators - The heat balance integral method

The purpose of this work i s t o generate broadly applicable equations o f immediate relevance for investigating CW laser-radiation interactions w i t h material targets that vaporize without f irst melting. The procedure that was adopted i s based an the Heat-Balance Integral IHBI) method o f Goodman, and emphasizes the use o f non-dimensional variables. First, it is shown that HBI-based calculations o f the vaporization t ime and the depth o f thermal penetration are in essential agreement with exact results, but this does not hold for the backface temperature. This situation i s examined in the context o f describing ablation in the "burnthrough mode," which involves two categories o f problems: "Highintensity" situations that may exhibit steady-state features, and "low-intensity" situations that exhibit perceptible backface-heating in the preablation phase. In conjunction with a key result on steady-state recession rates, the concept of an effective heat o f ablation is reexamined and il lustrated in the l ight o f data referring t o a polycrystalline graphite. The same material is then used t o compare calculations based on the HBI approximation with the results o f a computercode analysis that takes the temperature dependence o f the thermai properties into account. Finally, it is shown how the inherently one-dimensional HBI approach can be extended t o ref lect spatial variations in the beam intensity as well as heat losses caused by thermal reradiation and lateral transport. "BT uss
Black Holes and Loose Connections in a Global Urban Network

Abstract This paper introduces the concept of black holes and loose connections in a global urban hierarchy. Black holes are defined as large cities, with a population of over 3 million, that are not classified as world cities. The paper draws upon a classification that uses advanced producer services as an indicator of world city status. Large, nonworld cities are identified, and provisional ideas about explaining their position are outlined. Connectivity and population data are used in a simple regression analysis to identify loose connections: cities whose connectivity is less than that predicted by their population.
Hypothermia and Other Cold-Related Morbidity Emergency Department Visits: United States, 1995–2004

Abstract Objective.—Although hypothermia is preventable, little has been published on its epidemiology. This study estimates the incidence of hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. Methods.—We identified hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity ED visits from the 1995– 2004 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (991.6–991.9) or cause-of-injury E-codes (901.0–901.9 and 988.3). Results.—In the United States there were an estimated 15 574 (95% CI = 9 103–22 045) hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity ED visits during 1995 to 2004. Compared with other ED patients, those with hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity diagnoses were older (mean age 45 vs 36 years; P = .009) and were more likely to be uninsured (risk ratio [RR] = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.54–3.84). Hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity ED visits required more transfers to critical care units (RR =...
A comparison of two pipeline organizations

We examine two pipeline structures which are employed in commercial microprocessors. The first is the load-use interlock (LUI) pipeline, which employs an interlock to ensure correct operation during load-use hazards. The second is the address-generation interlock (AGI) pipeline. It eliminates the load-use hazard, but has an address-generation hazard which requires an address-generation interlock for correct operation. We compare the performance of these two pipelines on existing binaries and on applications which have been recompiled with a local code scheduler that understands the difference in the pipeline structures. When branch prediction is more than 80% accurate and the data cache access time is greater than two cycles, the AGI pipeline performs significantly better than the LUI pipeline on existing binaries. Recompiling the benchmarks with a new local code scheduler provides little additional performance improvement.
Attachment-Site Patterns of Adult Blacklegged Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on White-Tailed Deer and Horses

The attachment site pattern of adult Ixodes scapularis Say on white-tailed deer and horses in Maryland was determined by whole-body examinations during fall and spring periods of tick host-seeking activity. On deer in the fall, both female and male I. scapularis attached largely to anterior dorsal body regions, with attachment to the ears (outside), head, neck, and brisket accounting for 87.9% of females and 86.6% of males. The attachment pattern of females differed between bucks and does during fall, but not in spring, and both females and males were more abundant on bucks than does during fall, but not in spring. Neither female nor male attachment patterns on deer differed between fall and spring seasons. In contrast to deer, the ears and neck of horses were largely devoid of blacklegged ticks, and 84% of the females were attached either on the chest, in the axillae of the fore and rear legs, or under the jawbone. The restricted attachment of female blacklegged ticks to ventral body regions of horses may reflect avoidance of light. An understanding of the attachment patterns of adult I. scapularis, an increasingly abundant and economically important species, enhances sampling of feeding ticks, deticking to limit host irritation or exposure to tick-borne pathogens, and identifies body areas that should be targeted for delivery of repellents or acaricides.
The Political Ideas of C. G. Jung

The article examines two of Jung's contributions to the study of politics: his conjectures about the origin of culture and politics and his theory of psychic inflation. Culture arises because man is subjected to a series of opposing tensions that divert a part of his libidinal energy from its natural flow and produce a degree of surplus psychic energy. Symbols, rising from the unconscious, transform this energy into cultural manifestations. Through ornaments and rituals, symbols also play a vital role in differentiating individual consciousness from collective consciousness. The gradually evolving consciousness of both the indivdual and the group leads to the inception of politics—of conscious conflict and harmony.Psychic inflation is the extension of the ego beyond its natural limits as a result of an identification with the contents of the collective unconscious. It leads to an illusory sense of either superiority or inferiority. The atrophy of conscious development follows. On the other hand, the conscious assimilation of the contents of the collective unconscious produces a charismatic personality or group. But these are rare cases. For the most part, psychic inflation is a natural psychic law that can be partially controlled through an awareness of the forces of the unconscious.
Emerging roles of the SUMO pathway in mitosis

SUMO proteins are small ubiquitin-like modifiers found in all eukaryotes that become covalently conjugated to other cellular proteins. The SUMO conjugation pathway is biochemically similar to ubiquitin conjugation, although the enzymes within the pathway act exclusively on SUMO proteins. This post-translational modification controls many processes. Here, I will focus on evidence that SUMOylation plays a critical role(s) in mitosis: Early studies showed a genetic requirement for SUMO pathway components in the process of cell division, while later findings implicated SUMOylation in the control of mitotic chromosome structure, cell cycle progression, kinetochore function and cytokinesis. Recent insights into the targets of SUMOylation are likely to be extremely helpful in understanding each of these aspects. Finally, growing evidence suggests that SUMOylation is a downstream target of regulation through Ran, a small GTPase with important functions in both interphase nuclear trafficking and mitotic spindle assembly.
Branch and bound computation of exact p-values

Summary: P-value computation is often used in bioinformatics to quantify the surprise, or significance, associated with a given observation. An implementation is provided that computes the exact p-value associated with any observed sample, against a null multinomial distribution, using the likelihood-ratio statistic. The efficient branch and bound code, far exceeding the full enumeration implemented by commercial packages, is especially useful with small sample, sparse data and rare events, common scenarios in bioinformatics, where approximations are often inaccurate and inappropriate. This code base can also be adapted to compute exact p-values of other statistics in diverse sampling scenarios. Availability: Freely available at http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/~jill/src/ Contact: jill@soe.ucsc.edujill
Hybrid control of the Pendubot

Swing up and balance control are two interesting control problems for the Pendubot. Many studies have been conducted for swing up control of the Pendubot. A few results have been reported for feedback stabilization of the Pendubot. In this paper, we apply a new hybrid controller for feedback stabilization of the Pendubot. It is well-known that it is impossible to use smooth feedback to stabilize a class of underactuated mechanical systems around their equilibra, even locally. Various nonsmooth controllers have been presented for feedback stabilization of this type of system. However, most of the studies are either based on theoretical proofs or simulations. There is a strong need for experimental study. The Pendubot arises as a special test bed for this purpose. This experimental study has a particular interest for feedback stabilization of underactuated mechanical systems that are not feedback stabilizable using smooth control.
Calcium Phosphate Cements: Chemistry, Properties, and Applications

This paper reviews recent studies on self-setting calcium phosphate cements (CPC). Discussions are focused on the cement setting reactions, the products formed, those properties of the cements that contribute to their clinical efficacy, and areas of future improvements that could make CPC useful in a wider range of applications. The strengths of CPC are considerably lower than ceramic calcium phosphate biomaterials and are also lower than some of the dental cements. On the other hand, the combination of self-setting capability and high biocompatibility makes CPC a unique biomaterial. Near perfect adaptation of the cement to the tissue surfaces in a defect, and a gradual resorption followed by new bone formation are some of the distinctive advantages of CPC. In its present state CPC appears to be suitable for a number of applications. Much remains to be done to further improve its properties to meet the requirements for different applications.
Novel antibacterial orthodontic cement containing quaternary ammonium monomer dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate.

Abstract Objectives Demineralized lesions in tooth enamel around orthodontic brackets are caused by acids from cariogenic biofilm. This study aimed to develop a novel antibacterial orthodontic cement by incorporating a quaternary ammonium monomer dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) into a commercial orthodontic cement, and to investigate the effects on microcosm biofilm response and enamel bond strength. Methods DMADDM, a recently-synthetized antibacterial monomer, was incorporated into orthodontic cement at 0%, 1.5%, 3% and 5% mass fractions. Bond strength of brackets to enamel was measured. A microcosm biofilm model was used to measure metabolic activity, lactic acid production, and colony-forming units (CFU) on orthodontic cements. Results Shear bond strength was not reduced at 3% DAMDDM (p > 0.1), but was slightly reduced at 5% DMADDM, compared to 0% DMADDM. Biofilm viability was substantially inhibited when in contact with orthodontic cement containing 3% DMADDM. Biofilm metabolic activity, lactic acid production, and CFU were much lower on orthodontic cement containing DMADDM than control cement (p Conclusions Therefore, the novel antibacterial orthodontic cement containing 3% DMADDM inhibited oral biofilms without compromising the enamel bond strength, and is promising to reduce or eliminate demineralization in enamel around orthodontic brackets.
Elemental speciation in biomolecules by LC-ICP-MS with magnetic sector and collision cell instruments

A methodology that can monitor and identify inorganic elements in biological and environmental systems was developed. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) separates biomolecules, which are then nebulized by a microconcentric nebulizer. The resulting aerosol is desolved and introduced into either a high resolution ICP-MS device or a quadrupole device with a collision cell. Because of the high sensitivity and spectral resolution and high sample introduction efficiency, many unusual or difficult elements, such as Cr, Se, Cd and U, can be observed at ambient levels bound to proteins in human serum. These measurements are made in only a few minutes without preliminary isolation and preconcentration steps. Serum samples can be titrated with spikes of various elements to determine which proteins bind a given metal and oxidation state. Experiments concerning the effects of breaking disulfide linkages and denaturation on metal binding in proteins were also investigated. Elemental distribution in liver extract was also obtained.
The Effect of Sex Steroids on Radioimmunoassayable Plasma Somatomedin C Concentrations

While the effect of sex steroids on growth is well known, their effects on somatomedin C, a mediator of growth, are unclear. To investigate the effect of sex steroids on somatomedin C (Sm-C) concentrations, Sm-C was measured in adults receiving pharmacological doses of various sex steroids (estrogens, testosterone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate). Testosterone therapy had no effect on the somatomedin C concentration. Although both estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy reduced the plasma testosterone concentration into the normal female range, they had different effects on Sm-C concentrations. Estrogen therapy produced no detectable change in the Sm-C concentration; medroxyprogesterone acetate caused an increase in the plasma somatomedin C concentration (P < 0.001). Since medroxyprogesterone acetate also does not increase the serum GH concentration, other mechanisms by which medroxyprogesterone acetate stimulates Sm-C production are discussed. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 55: 1184, 1982)
Interactions of flow and reaction in fluid catalytic cracking risers

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is the primary conversion process in oil refining. The performance of an FCC riser strongly depends on the interactions between oil/catalyst flow and cracking kinetics, but most FCC riser models do not consider such interactions. Accordingly, this work develops a computationally simple model capturing the dominant features of flow-reaction coupling in the riser's dense phase and acceleration zones. Specifically, the particle–particle collision force and the particle–fluid interfacial force are considered. With a four-lump kinetic model, the riser model predicts conversion and selectivity from the axial profile of the catalyst-to-oil ratio resulting from particle–fluid interfacial momentum transfer. The cracking intensity in the riser bottom zone is much greater than that calculated from conventional riser models, which neglects oil-catalyst hydrodynamic coupling and catalyst dilution due to volume expansion. The present model compares well with published data and predicts conversion-selectivity patterns that are qualitatively different from those obtained from conventional models. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
The Highly Conserved Bacterial RNase YbeY Is Essential in Vibrio cholerae, Playing a Critical Role in Virulence, Stress Regulation, and RNA Processing

YbeY, a highly conserved protein, is an RNase in E. coli and plays key roles in both processing of the critical 39 end of 16 S rRNA and in 70 S ribosome quality control under stress. These central roles account for YbeY’s inclusion in the postulated minimal bacterial genome. However, YbeY is not essential in E. coli although loss of ybeY severely sensitizes it to multiple physiological stresses. Here, we show that YbeY is an essential endoribonuclease in Vibrio cholerae and is crucial for virulence, stress regulation, RNA processing and ribosome quality control, and is part of a core set of RNases essential in most representative pathogens. To understand its function, we analyzed the rRNA and ribosome profiles of a V. cholerae strain partially depleted for YbeY and other RNase mutants associated with 16 S rRNA processing; our results demonstrate that YbeY is also crucial for 16 S rRNA 39 end maturation in V. cholerae and that its depletion impedes subunit assembly into 70 S ribosomes. YbeY’s importance to V. cholerae pathogenesis was demonstrated by the complete loss of mice colonization and biofilm formation, reduced cholera toxin production, and altered expression levels of virulence-associated small RNAs of a V. cholerae strain partially depleted for YbeY. Notably, the ybeY genes of several distantly related pathogens can fully complement an E. coli DybeY strain under various stress conditions, demonstrating the high conservation of YbeY’s activity in stress regulation. Taken together, this work provides the first comprehensive exploration of YbeY’s physiological role in a human pathogen, showing its conserved function across species in essential cellular processes.
Is Clopidogrel Cardiovascular Medicine’s Double-Edged Sword?

Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin has been unequivocally demonstrated to reduce the risk of ischemic complications across a broad spectrum of patients with vascular disease.1 This agent is also an important pharmacological adjunct to percutaneous and surgical coronary revascularization procedures. Administration of aspirin after coronary bypass graft operations had been the standard of care for many years, although early experience suggested that this agent would increase hemorrhagic complications if administered before surgery.2 However, subsequent evidence showed that preoperative aspirin improves survival without an appreciable increase in surgical bleeding.3 More recently, concerns regarding surgical bleeding risk have resurfaced with the introduction into clinical practice of a newer class of platelet inhibitors: the thienopyridines, ticlopidine and clopidogrel. Article p 1667 Thienopyridines interfere with platelet activation by selectively and irreversibly blocking a subunit of the adenosine diphosphate receptor. This provides an antiplatelet effect that is additive to the inhibition of the thromboxane A2 pathway by aspirin. The clinical benefit derived from the combination of aspirin and a thienopyridine first became apparent with trials demonstrating the efficacy of these agents in preventing subacute thrombosis after coronary stenting.4 Subsequently, large-scale clinical studies showed that long-term therapy (9 to 12 months) with aspirin and clopidogrel reduces ischemic complications compared with aspirin alone among patients with acute coronary syndromes5 or after percutaneous coronary revascularization.6 In the population of patients with acute coronary syndromes, dual antiplatelet therapy begins to reduce adverse outcomes as early as 2 hours after administration, and the magnitude of benefit expands over the following 9 months.5 Moreover, several lines of evidence suggest that the greatest suppression of ischemic events among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization is achieved if a 300- to 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel is administered 2 to 6 hours before the interventional procedure is …
The Rab GTPase RabA4d Regulates Pollen Tube Tip Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana

During reproduction in flowering plants, pollen grains form a tube that grows in a polarized fashion through the female tissues to eventually fertilize the egg cell. These highly polarized pollen tubes have a rapid rate of growth that is supported by a tip-focused delivery of membrane and cell wall components. To gain a better understanding of how this growth is regulated, we investigated the function RABA4D, a member of the Arabidopsis thaliana RabA4 subfamily of Rab GTPase proteins. Here, we show that RABA4D was expressed in a pollen-specific manner and that enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP)-RabA4d-labeled membrane compartments localized to the tips of growing pollen tubes. Mutant pollen in which the RABA4D gene was disrupted displayed bulged pollen tubes with a reduced rate of growth in vitro and displayed altered deposition of some cell wall components. Expression of EYFP-RabA4d restored wild-type phenotypes to the raba4d mutant pollen tubes, while expression of EYFP-RabA4b did not rescue the raba4d phenotype. In vivo, disruption of RABA4D resulted in a male-specific transmission defect with mutant raba4d pollen tubes displaying aberrant growth in the ovary and reduced guidance at the micropyle. We propose that RabA4d plays an important role in the regulation of pollen tube tip growth.
The role of cellular parenchyma and extracellular matrix in the histogenesis of the paruterine organ of Mesocestoides lineatus (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda)

The cellular parenchyma of adult Mesocestoides lineatus consists primarily of muscle cells divided into myofibrils, myocytons with numerous greatly dilated cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum, and glycogen-rich myocytons with lipid droplets and membranous whorl inclusions. The latter are connected to each other by numerous gap junctions. Other mesenchymally arranged cells in the parenchyma are calcareous corpuscle cells. The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of an electron-lucent ground substance and numerous filaments. During histogenesis of the paruterine organ wall, the myocytons surrounding the posterior end of the uterus undergo extensive flattening, followed by cellular deterioration. There is a concomitant reduction in ECM/cell ratio. The paruterine organ lumen dilates and then its uterine epithelium breaks down as the wall thickens, so that the late gravid paruterine organ consists of a thick wall of membranous sheets enclosing the egg mass. Parenchymal cells in other regions of the proglottid do not undergo change. These data provide evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal-ECM interactions in the development of an epithelio-mesenchymal organ in the Platyhelminthes.
Spatial Temporal Reasoning Using QSR, Physics, and Image Processing.

Ƞ Qualitative spatial reasoning (QSR) is a powerful tool in automated computer reasoning, a necessary step forward in fields like computer vision and media analysis. Stereo graphical media has rapidly become a prevalent part of technological culture, and the amount of these kinds of data that exists is staggering. Humans interpret depth informa- tion using prior knowledge that a computer lacks. This prior knowledge stems from remembered observance of the basic laws of physics. While the computer lacks the intu- itive understanding of these principal physical properties, it is capable of determining more precise information through calculation. Herein the authors explore the information that can be gained from an amalgamation of QSR methods and physics, and present some preliminary results from an im- plementation based on this powerful combination. 뀀ഀȠ 뀀ഀȠ 뀀ഀȠ
PMD Compensation at Ultra-High Bit Rates

This tutorial discusses novel optical equalization methods, based on wavelength-parallel processing and sensing, for compensation of severe polarization mode dispersion (PMD). Experiments performed over a wide range of time scales are reviewed.
Re-Evaluating Suspect Classifications

In this article I argue that the factors commonly used to determine suspect status in equal protection jurisprudence (discrete and insular minority, political powerlessness, immutability, relevancy of trait and so forth) have been poorly defined by the courts despite over 50 years of consideration. The Supreme Court, as well as the lower courts, have not provided a coherent explanation for what factors trigger heightened scrutiny, creating a haphazard analytical framework where the boundary line between suspect and non-suspect classes is drawn imprecisely and inconsistently. The majority of the paper is devoted to trying to show that the factors have been poorly defined. In the conclusion, I briefly suggest some of the issues that should animate any future discussion about these factors.
Conversion of interferon-induced, long-term cytogenetic remissions in chronic myelogenous leukemia to polymerase chain reaction negativity.

PURPOSEInterferon alfa (IFN-alpha) induces complete cytogenetic remission in a significant minority of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). To date, use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has suggested that residual disease is present in virtually all these individuals at median follow-up intervals of approximately 1 year after initial achievement of cytogenetic remission. We sought to determine the PCR status of CML patients with very long continuous complete cytogenetic remissions on IFN-alpha.PATIENTS AND METHODSBlood and/or bone marrow samples from 18 CML patients maintained in continuous cytogenetic remission by IFN-alpha for at least 1 year were studied for residual BCR-ABL mRNA by single-step reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR methodology, followed by detection of the amplification product by the hybridization protection assay (HPA).RESULTSTen of 18 patients showed RT-PCR negativity for BCR-ABL. The median duration of continuous complete cytogenetic remission at the time of sample coll...
Graphene-beaded carbon nanofibers with incorporated Ni nanoparticles as efficient counter-electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract A novel porous three dimensional (3D) hierarchical graphene-beaded carbon nanofibers with incorporated Ni nanoparticles (G/CNFs–Ni) were used for the first time as cost-effective counter-electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). G/CNFs–Ni was synthesized by electrospinning G/PAN/Ni(AcAc)2 precursor nanofibers, followed by carbonization and activation. The introduction of graphene nanosheets and Ni nanoparticles in CNF networks significantly increased the cells' stability and decreased the charge-transfer resistance at the interface between electrolyte and counter-electrode, leading to the high electrocatalytic activity/efficiency for triiodide reduction. The G/CNFs–Ni composite counter-electrodes possessed larger capacitance than that of Pt counter-electrodes due to larger specific surface area, leading to significantly higher electrocatalytic activity/efficiency for triiodide reduction at the interface between electrolyte and counter-electrode. The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) fabricated using G/CNFs–Ni composite as counter-electrodes were tested at 100 mW/cm 2 AM 1.5 illumination. The G/CNFs–Ni composite exhibited an overall power conversion efficiency of 7.14% as compared to 7.59% for reference platinum (Pt) counter-electrodes.
Age-related differences in foraging in the Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles in Australia

(1985). Age-Related Differences in Foraging in the Masked Lapwing Vanellus Miles in Australia. Emu - Austral Ornithology: Vol. 85, No. 1, pp. 47-48.
Effects of Mechanical Strain on the Electrical Performance of Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Transistors with a New Gate Dielectric

The stiff SiNx gate dielectric in conventional amorphous silicon thin film transistors (TFTs) limits their flexibility by brittle fracture when in tension. We report the effect on the overall flexibility of TFTs of replacing the brittle SiNx gate dielectric with a new, resilient SiO2-silicone hybrid material, which is deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Individual TFTs on a 50µm-thick polyimide foil were bent to known radii, and measurement of transfer characteristics were made both during strain and after re-flattening. Compared with conventional TFTs made with SiNx, TFTs made with the new hybrid material demonstrated similar flexibility when strained in compression and significantly increased flexibility when strained in tension. Under bending to compressive strain, all TFTs tested delaminated from the substrate for compressive strains greater than 2%. Conventional a-Si:H/SiNx TFTs have been previously found to delaminate at a similar compressive strain. Under bending to tensile strain, the most flexible TFTs made with the new hybrid material that were tested after re-flattening did not exhibit significant changes in transfer characteristics up to strains of ~2.5%. Conventional a-Si:H/SiNx TFTs have been found to remain functional for strains of up to 0.5%, a value only one-fifth of that for TFTs made with the new hybrid material.
Understanding the Obesity Problem: Policy Implications of a Motivational Account of (Un)Healthy Eating

Obesity represents a serious public health issue. One major contributor to obesity is the quality and quantity of foods one consumes. Psychological research trying to understand overeating and unhealthy eating behavior has often attributed it to homeostatic malfunction and/or lack of self-regulatory ability. We propose a different approach here, suggesting that eating behavior represents goal pursuit and that obesity is the result of reliance on foods that fulfill convenience goals and price goals at the expense of health goals. We propose and present empirical evidence suggesting that people are capable of making healthier choices when health (rather than convenience and price) concerns predominate and healthy options are available. Based on this existing evidence we suggest that (1) future research should further explore individuals’ food choice as a function of the multiple goals they attempt to achieve rather than as a lack of willpower, and (2) policy may contribute to healthy eating by reprioritizing these goals and emphasizing health while increasing the availability and affordability of healthy foods.
The Pollen-stigma Interaction: Pollen-tube Penetration in Crocus

In a compatible pollination in Crocus , pollen tube tips enter the stigma papillae after the enzymic erosion of the cuticle, and the tubes continue downward growth towards the ovary between the cuticle and the underlying pectocellulosic wall. The cuticle of the receptive zone of the stigma papilla is chambered, the chambers containing a secretion accumulated during the maturation of the stigma. Pollen exudates contain various acid hydrolases, but are incapable alone of eroding stigma cutin. Furthermore, there is no penetration when the proteins of the wall-held stigma secretions are degraded enzymically. These facts are taken to indicate that the pollen contributes a 'cutinase' precursor which is activated by a factor or factors held in the stigma secretion. Pollens of certain Cruciferae produce tubes capable of penetrating the Crocus stigma cuticle, suggesting that notwithstanding the taxonomie remoteness of Cruciferae and Iridaceae the enzyme activation systems are quite similar.
Does Procalcitonin Measurement in ICU Patients Correlate With Bacterial Culture Results

Appropriate antimicrobial therapy is crucial in serious bacterial infections. Conversely, the use of unneeded antibiotics is detrimental to patient outcome. Studies in critically ill patients have shown that severe bacterial infections result in elevation of procalcitonin (PCT). However, a number of noninfectious conditions, like trauma, bur,n and cardiogenic shock, may also cause PCT elevation. We evaluated the usefulness of …
Selection of principal components based on Fisher discriminant ratio

Principal component analysis transforms a set of possibly correlated variables into uncorrelated variables, and is widely used as a technique of dimensionality reduction and feature extraction. In some applications of dimensionality reduction, the objective is to use a small number of principal components to represent most variation in the data. On the other hand, the main purpose of feature extraction is to facilitate subsequent pattern recognition and machine learning tasks, such as classification. Selecting principal components for classification tasks aims for more than dimensionality reduction. The capability of distinguishing different classes is another major concern. Components that have larger eigenvalues do not necessarily have better distinguishing capabilities. In this paper, we investigate a strategy of selecting principal components based on the Fisher discriminant ratio. The ratio of between class variance to within class variance is calculated for each component, based on which the principal components are selected. The number of relevant components is determined by the classification accuracy. To alleviate overfitting which is common when there are few training data available, we use a cross-validation procedure to determine the number of principal components. The main objective is to select the components that have large Fisher discriminant ratios so that adequate class separability is obtained. The number of selected components is determined by the classification accuracy of the validation data. The selection method is evaluated by face recognition experiments.
The development and current status of Intensive Care Unit management of prospective organ donors.

Introduction: Despite continuous advances in transplant medicine, there is a persistent worldwide shortage of organs available for donation. There is a growing body of research that supports that optimal management of deceased organ donors in Intensive Care Unit can substantially increase the availability of organs for transplant and improve outcomes in transplant recipients. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, comprising a comprehensive search of the PubMed database for relevant terms, as well as individual assessment of references included in large original investigations, and comprehensive society guidelines. Results: In addition to overall adherence to catastrophic brain injury guidelines, optimization of physiologic state in accordance with established donor management goals (DMGs), and establishment of system-wide processes for ensuring early referral to organ procurement organizations (OPOs), several specific critical care management strategies have been associated with improved rates and outcomes of renal transplantation from deceased donors. These include vasoactive medication selection, maintenance of euvolemia, avoidance of hydroxyethyl starch, glycemic control, targeted temperature management, and blood transfusions if indicated. Conclusions: Management of deceased organ donors should focus first on maintaining adequate perfusion to all organ systems through adherence to standard critical care guidelines, early referral to OPOs, and family support. Furthermore, several specific DMGs and strategies have been recently shown to improve both the rates and outcomes of organ transplantation.
Estimating regional species richness using a limited number of survey units

Abstract:The accurate and precise estimation of species richness at large spatial scales using a limited number of survey units is of great significance for ecology and biodiversity conservation. We used the distribution data of native fish and resident breeding bird species compiled for two geographic regions in the U.S.A. to evaluate five established (Jackknife-1 and -2, Chao-2, ICE, and Bootstrap methods) and two new (CY-1 and -2) estimators. Both new estimators are based on relationships between species richness per subsample and the mean Jaccard coefficient across multiple pairs of subsamples, but they differ in the way the relationships are fit. The four regional faunas (two regions × two taxonomic groups) exhibited distinct species-occurrence distributions and a range of spatial heterogeneity. Re-sampling techniques were used to generate subsamples of five sizes (0.61-11.5% of a whole region) for examining the effect of sampling effort. With the total number of species recorded in each region taken...