bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Authors: Goldman Mitchel P , Merial‐Kieny Christelle , Nocera Thérèse , Mery Sophie
Published: March 2007

Introduction  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses, superficial cutaneous carcinoma, photodamage, and/or acne. The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness of Avène thermal spring water (ATSW), a low mineral content spring water, to a high mineral content spring water. We evaluated post‐PDT clinical symptoms and findings when used as an adjunctive therapy in postprocedure skin care.

Methods  A double‐blind monocentric comparative study was conducted on 25 patients suffering from either vulgaris acne or photodamage with or without actinic keratoses. The patients were treated with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) activated with an intense pulsed light and/or blue light source. Patients were randomized so that 12 patients treated their faces with ATSW and 13 were treated with a comparative water spray. Clinical signs were evaluated by the investigator at day 0, before and 15 min after the first spraying, at days 2, 4, and 7, and each day from day 0 to day 6 by patients. Clinical signs (erythema, stinging, pruritus, pain, and tightening) were evaluated by the use of a 4‐point grading scale.

Results  The intragroup analysis showed that pain was significantly reduced by ATSW spraying at days 2, 4, and 7. The evaluation by patients showed that only ATSW alleviates pain from day 3 to day 6. The between‐group analysis revealed that pruritus was significantly reduced by ATSW at day 7. Erythema, stinging, and tightening were not significantly reduced by both waters. Patients wished to continue using ATSW in 83% of cases.

Conclusion  This comparative clinical trial demonstrates that ATSW, a low mineral content spring water, can be useful after ALA‐PDT in reducing postprocedure cutaneous inflammation and patient discomfort better than a high mineral content spring water.
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N‐acetyl glucosamine
Authors: Bissett Donald L , Robinson Larry R , Raleigh Patricia S , Miyamoto Kukizo , Hakozaki Tomohiro , Li Jim , Kelm Gary R
Published: March 2007

Glucosamine has been reported to inhibit melanin production in melanocyte culture. It thus has a potential to reduce hyperpigmentation via topical use. Due to stability limitations of glucosamine, we chose to clinically evaluate the stable derivative N‐acetyl glucosamine (NAG). Based on in vitro Franz cell testing, NAG is a good skin penetrant. In an 8‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, left‐right randomized, split‐face clinical test, topical 2% NAG reduced the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation. In a second clinical study involving the topical combination of 2% NAG with 4% niacinamide, an agent previously shown to be clinically active, the effect on hyperpigmentation was greater. Both of these agents are well tolerated by the skin. This high tolerance coupled with relative ease of formulation and stability in solution make NAG, especially in combination with niacinamide, a suitable cosmetic ingredient for use in skin care products dealing with issues of skin hyperpigmentation.
An experimental assessment of the potential effects of human disturbance on Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the North Pennines, England
Authors: BAINES DAVID , RICHARDSON MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

In the United Kingdom, Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix have declined in range and abundance during the 20th century. In England at present, birds are largely found only on the margins of managed grouse moors in the north, where more than 80% of birds are confined to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Black Grouse is one of a group of species potentially at risk from increased human recreational disturbance owing to their threatened status and their use of habitats to which a statutory right of human recreational access has recently been granted. To assess the likely impact of increased disturbance to Black Grouse, 77 were caught and radiotagged between 2002 and 2004, and each was randomly assigned to one of three experimental disturbance categories: no disturbance (low), fortnightly disturbance (moderate) or twice weekly disturbance (high). Birds that were disturbed more regularly flushed at greater distances, especially in spring and winter when birds exposed to high disturbance flushed at 32% greater distances than those in moderate disturbance treatments. There were no differences in fecundity (clutch size, hatching success, breeding success) or survival between disturbance treatments. Winter survival was 78% and summer survival 92%. There was no age‐related difference in survival. The disturbance regimes imposed had no discernible impact upon Black Grouse population dynamics. However, in the absence of appropriate data to indicate likely changes in patterns and levels of human recreation resulting from open access, we cannot be sure whether the levels we applied will be representative in the future. Should actual disturbance levels be higher than those we used in this study, we list visitor management options that may help reduce any conflict that arises.
Predicting the effect of disturbance on coastal birds
Authors: STILLMAN RICHARD A. , WEST ANDREW D. , CALDOW RICHARD W. G. , DURELL SARAH E. A. LE V. DIT
Published: March 2007

Assessments of whether disturbance is having a deleterious effect on populations have often measured behavioural responses to disturbance and assumed that populations with a larger behavioural response are more susceptible to disturbance. However, there is no guarantee that the behavioural response to disturbance is related to the population consequence, measured in terms of decreased reproduction or increased mortality. Individual‐based models, consisting of fitness‐maximizing individuals, are one means of linking the behavioural responses to disturbance to population consequences. This paper reviews how individual‐based models have been used to predict the effect of disturbance on populations of shorebirds and wildfowl at several European sites, and shows how these models could be improved in the future by incorporating a range of alternative responses to disturbance.
Predicting the population consequences of human disturbance for Ringed PloversCharadrius hiaticula: a game theory approach
Authors: LILEY DURWYN , SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J.
Published: March 2007

Human disturbance and its potential impacts upon bird populations are currently topical and contentious issues for conservationists. Although many studies have revealed a behavioural impact, or even direct effect on breeding success or survival, these cannot usually be extended to predict the impact on population size. Here we present a population model that allows predictions of the effect that changes in human numbers, visiting a 9‐km‐long section of the coastline, may have upon the size of a Ringed PloverCharadrius hiaticulapopulation. Human disturbance affects Ringed Plovers in our study area through birds avoiding areas of high disturbance and, in addition, through the accidental trampling of a small number of nests by people walking on the beach. Using the level of human disturbance and habitat variables (which define territory quality) it is possible to predict which areas of beach are occupied and therefore the sites available to the population. Breeding success, for a given area of beach, can be predicted from habitat data. Incorporating known, density‐independent, adult mortality allows the equilibrium population size to be predicted. This provides a model that predicts population size. This model is then used to predict the population that the site would support with different, hypothetical, levels of disturbance. If nest loss from human activity was prevented, for example by fencing nests, we predict the Plover population size would increase by 8%. A complete absence of human disturbance would cause a population increase of 85%. If the numbers of people were to double, we predict the population would decrease by 23%.
Winter field use and habitat selection by Eurasian Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria and Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus on arable farmland
Authors: GILLINGS SIMON , FULLER ROBERT J. , SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J.
Published: March 2007

Eurasian Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria and Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus winter in large numbers on Britain's farmland. Previous studies in mixed farming areas showed pronounced preferences for permanent pasture, but increasing numbers of plovers winter in eastern Britain where arable farmland dominates. We show that an area of intensive arable farmland supported significant numbers of both species from October to February in the absence of large areas of pasture. Habitat use varied seasonally as the habitats present changed. Throughout winter, use of cereal crops matched their availability: plovers selected harrow in early winter, sugar beet stubbles in midwinter and other crops in late winter. Pastures were rarely used at any time of the year. Flocks occupied only a fraction of the available fields, concentrating most in large fields with open boundaries and where manure had been applied. Daytime feeding was more likely during cold days after nights with a new moon, short duration of moonlight or low‐intensity moonlight. These results show that plovers are currently able to utilize intensive arable farmland but future changes in management, such as cessation of manure applications and reductions in sugar beet cropping, could have detrimental effects.
Synergistic Combinations of Anticonvulsant Agents: What Is the Evidence from Animal Experiments?
Authors: Jonker Daniël M. , Voskuyl Rob A. , Danhof Meindert
Published: March 2007

Summary: Purpose:Combination therapy is often used in the treatment of seizures refractory to monotherapy. At the same time, the pharmacodynamic mechanisms that determine the combined efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are unknown, and this prevents a rational use of these drug combinations. We critically evaluate the existing evidence for pharmacodynamic synergism between AEDs from preclinical studies in animal models of epilepsy to identify useful combinations of mechanisms and to determine whether study outcome depends on the various research methods that are in use.

Methods:Published articles were included if the studies were placebo‐controlled, in vivo, or ex vivo animal studies investigating marketed or experimental AEDs. The animal models that were used in these studies, the primary molecular targets of the tested drugs, and the methods of interpretation were recorded. The potential association of these factors with the study outcome (synergism: yes or no) was assessed through logistic regression analysis.

Results:In total, 107 studies were identified, in which 536 interaction experiments were conducted. In 54% of these experiments, the possibility of a pharmacokinetic interaction was not investigated. The majority of studies were conducted in the maximal electroshock model, and other established models were the pentylenetetrazole model, amygdala kindling, and the DBA/2 model. By far the most widely used method for interpretation of the results was evaluation of the effect of a threshold dose of one agent on the median effective dose (ED50) of another agent. Experiments relying on this method found synergism significantly more often compared with experiments relying on other methods (p < 0.001). Furthermore, experiments including antagonists of the AMPA receptor were more likely to find synergism in comparison with all other experiments (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:Intensive preclinical research into the effects of AED combinations has not led to an understanding of the pharmacodynamic properties of AED combinations. Specifically, the majority of the preclinical studies are not adequately designed to distinguish between additive, synergistic, and antagonistic interactions. Quantitative pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic studies of selectively acting AEDs in a battery of animal models are necessary for the development of truly synergistic drug combinations.
Oral Contraceptives Induce Lamotrigine Metabolism: Evidence from a Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Trial
Authors: Christensen Jakob , Petrenaite Vaiva , Atterman Jørn , Sidenius Per , Öhman Inger , Tomson Torbjørn , Sabers Anne
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of oral contraceptives on lamotrigine (LTG) plasma concentrations and urine excretion of LTG metabolites in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in patients with epilepsy.

Methods: Women with epilepsy, treated with LTG in monotherapy and taking combination‐type oral contraceptives, were randomized to treatment with placebo or a standard combination‐type contraceptive pill. The dose‐corrected trough plasma concentration of LTG and the ratio of N‐2‐glucuronide/unchanged LTG on urine after 21 days of concomitant placebo treatment was analyzed versus those after 21 days of concomitant treatment with the oral contraceptive pill.

Results: The mean dose‐corrected LTG concentration after placebo treatment was 84%[95% confidence interval (CI), 45–134%] higher than after oral contraceptives, signifying an almost doubling of the concentration after cessation of oral contraceptives. Most of this increase took place within the first week after oral contraceptives were stopped. The N‐2‐glucuronide/LTG ratio in the urine was decreased by 31% (95% CI, −20–61%) when shifting from oral contraceptives to placebo.

Conclusions: Cessation of oral contraceptives leads to an 84% increase in the concentration of LTG. In parallel, the excretion of the N‐2‐glucuronide was decreased, indicating that the changes are caused by altered LTG glucuronidation. The change in LTG concentrations was observed within 1 week of the shift of treatment, suggesting that induction and deinduction of LTG glucuronidation is faster than that seen for other metabolic pathways (e.g., cytochrome P450).
Testosterone, Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin, and Frailty in Older Men
Authors: Mohr Beth A. , Bhasin Shalender , Kupelian Varant , Araujo Andre B. , O'Donnell Amy B. , McKinlay John B.
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether testosterone (T) levels are associated with frailty or its components.

DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study conducted in three waves (T1: 1987–1989, T2: 1995–1997, T3: 2002–2004).

SETTING: Communities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.

PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred forty‐six men aged 50 to 86 at T3 with complete data on frailty components and hormone measurements.

MEASUREMENTS: The frailty phenotype was defined as the presence of three or more of the following: weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weakness. Men were classified as frail (≥3 components), intermediate (1–2 components), and nonfrail (0 components). Whether total and free T or sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) levels were associated cross‐sectionally with frailty and with degree of frailty was determined. Potential confounders such as age, chronic disease, lifestyle factors, diet, and physical activity were considered.

RESULTS: No association was observed between total or free T and the frailty phenotype after adjusting for confounders. Conversely, a significant association was observed between SHBG and frailty phenotype with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.25 (95% confidence interval=1.06–1.46) per 10‐nM increase in SHBG levels. Associations between hormones and degree of frailty were similar to those for overall frailty. Of frailty components, grip strength and physical activity, but not exhaustion, slow walking, or weight loss, were associated with total T levels, whereas SHBG was related to weight loss, exhaustion, and physical activity.

CONCLUSION: Total and free T levels were not associated with frailty phenotype, but SHBG was. Furthermore, T and SHBG levels were associated with some, but not all, components of frailty. Therefore, T trials in older men should focus on men experiencing decreases in strength.
Dynamics of α‐synuclein aggregation and inhibition of pore‐like oligomer development by β‐synuclein
Authors: Tsigelny Igor F. , Bar‐On Pazit , Sharikov Yuriy , Crews Leslie , Hashimoto Makoto , Miller Mark A. , Keller Steve H. , Platoshyn Oleksandr , Yuan Jason X.‐J. , Masliah Eliezer
Published: March 2007

Accumulation of α‐synuclein resulting in the formation of oligomers and protofibrils has been linked to Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. In contrast, β‐synuclein (β‐syn), a close homologue, does not aggregate and reduces α‐synuclein (α‐syn)‐related pathology. Although considerable information is available about the conformation of α‐syn at the initial and end stages of fibrillation, less is known about the dynamic process of α‐syn conversion to oligomers and how interactions with antiaggregation chaperones such as β‐synuclein might occur. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations based on the micelle‐derived structure of α‐syn showed that α‐syn homodimers can adopt nonpropagating (head‐to‐tail) and propagating (head‐to‐head) conformations. Propagating α‐syn dimers on the membrane incorporate additional α‐syn molecules, leading to the formation of pentamers and hexamers forming a ring‐like structure. In contrast, β‐syn dimers do not propagate and block the aggregation of α‐syn into ring‐like oligomers. Under in vitro cell‐free conditions, α‐syn aggregates formed ring‐like structures that were disrupted by β‐syn. Similarly, cells expressing α‐syn displayed increased ion current activity consistent with the formation of Zn2+‐sensitive nonselective cation channels. These results support the contention that in Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, α‐syn oligomers on the membrane might form pore‐like structures, and that the beneficial effects of β‐synuclein might be related to its ability to block the formation of pore‐like structures.
A Numerical Study of Entrainment Mechanism in Axisymmetric Annular Gas-Liquid Flow
Authors: Han Huawei , Gabriel Kamiel
Published: March 2007

The main purpose of this study is to investigate liquid entrainment mechanisms of annular flow by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. In the modeling, a transient renormalization group (RNG) k-ε model in conjunction with an enhanced wall treatment method was employed. In order to reconstruct the two-phase interface, the volume of fluid (VOF) geometric reconstruction scheme was adopted. Simulation results indicated that disturbance waves were generated first on the two-phase interface and that their evolution eventually resulted in the liquid entrainment phenomena. The most significant accomplishment of this work is that details of the entrainment mechanism are well described by the numerical simulation work. In addition, two new entrainment phenomena were presented. One entrainment phenomenon demonstrated that the evolution of individual waves caused the onset of liquid entrainment; the other one showed that the “coalescence” of two adjacent waves (during the course of their evolution) played an important role in the progression of liquid entrainment. Further analysis indicated that the two entrainment phenomena are inherently the same entrainment mechanism. The newly developed entrainment mechanism is based on conservation laws.
Nanoscale Fluid Flow Over Two Side-by-Side Cylinders With Atomically Rough Surface
Authors: Ziarani A. S. , Mohamad A. A.
Published: March 2007

A molecular dynamics simulation of flow over two side-by-side cylinders with atomically rough surfaces is presented. The model is two-dimensional with 3×105 liquid argon atoms. The surface roughness is constructed by external protrusion of atoms on the surface of the cylinders with specified amplitude and width. Two cylinders, with diameters of d=79.44 (molecular units), are placed at a distance of D in a vertical line. The solids atoms are allowed to vibrate around their equilibrium coordinates to mimic the real solid structure. The influence of various parameters, such as roughness amplitude, topology, periodicity, and the gap between cylinders on the hydrodynamics of flow, especially drag and lift forces, is studied. It was noted that even very little surface roughness, with amplitude on the order of a few nanometers, can influence the drag forces. Both roughness texture and the number of roughening elements affects the drag and lift coefficients. The gap between the cylinders showed to be an effective parameter, especially on the lift force for flow over the nanoscale cylinders.
Two‐dimensional iterative region‐of‐interest (ROI) reconstruction from truncated projection data
Authors: Zhang B. , Zeng G. L.
Published: March 2007

A small detector or limited gantry rotation angles may cause data truncation, in which case the entire object cannot be completely reconstructed. However, a small region of interest (ROI) may be recoverable in certain truncation situations. Two analytical methods have been proposed for exact ROI reconstruction. Here we evaluate the capability of ROI reconstruction using an maximum‐likelihood expectation‐maximization (ML‐EM) method, which directly solves the inverse problem of the system equations. ROI reconstruction using the ML‐EM method is compared with that using the two analytical methods. Comparisons are based on reconstructions of four specifically designed, computer‐simulated truncation cases. In the simulation, each reconstructed ROI is coupled with its counterpart in the nontruncated case to evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed ROI. We found that, (a) in two truncation situations the ROI can be reconstructed by both the analytical methods and the two‐dimensional ML‐EM method, but the ML‐EM method may produce a larger ROI; (b) for a truncation case [Fig. 3(c)] that neither analytical algorithm is applicable, the ML‐EM method provides a quantitative ROI reconstruction; and (c) for the well‐known “interior” truncation problem, neither the analytical methods nor the ML‐EM method can perform an exact ROI reconstruction, but the ML‐EM method provides informative ROI images. We also propose an analysis using the truncated projection matrix and its Moore‐Penrose inverse matrix which can help to determine the recoverable ROI using iterative methods for a given truncation situation.
Determination of x‐ray spectra from attenuation data by imposing a priori positiveness and bounded support: Theory and experimental validation
Authors: Delgado Víctor
Published: March 2007

The determination of the spectral distribution of an x‐ray beam from attenuation measurements in a narrow beam has aroused great interest since it was first proposed by Silberstein in 1932. Since then, it has become clear that this is an ill‐conditioned problem. Then, due to the intrinsic difficulties of the problem, care has been taken to improve the mathematical and numerical inversion techniques. Alternative ways to circumvent the explicit inversion by using the attenuation curve itself to calculate directly generalized moments of the solution have also been found. In this work, the explicit reconstruction of the spectral distribution is carried out by an expectation‐maximization method that satisfies the a priori condition of positiveness of the solution and allows us to impose the boundness of its support easily, conditions which are known to be fulfilled by physically acceptable solutions. The simulations made and the experimental validation of the proposed method allow us to prove its scope and limitations.
Ultrasonic tissue characterization via 2‐D spectrum analysis: Theory and in vitro measurements
Authors: Liu Tian , Lizzi Frederic L. , Ketterling Jeffrey A. , Silverman Ronald H. , Kutcher Gerald J.
Published: March 2007

A theoretical model is described for application in ultrasonic tissue characterization using a calibrated 2‐D spectrum analysis method. This model relates 2‐D spectra computed from ultrasonic backscatter signals to intrinsic physical properties of tissue microstructures, e.g., size, shape, and acoustic impedance. The model is applicable to most clinical diagnostic ultrasound systems. Two experiments employing two types of tissue architectures, spherical and cylindrical scatterers, are conducted using ultrasound with center frequencies of 10 and , respectively. Measurements of a tissue‐mimicking phantom with an internal suspension of microscopic glass beads are used to validate the theoretical model. Results from in vitro muscle fibers are presented to further elucidate the utility of 2‐D spectrum analysis in ultrasonic tissue characterization.
SUPRAMOLECULAR CHIRALITY OF THE LANGMUIR-BLODGETT FILMS OF AN ACHIRAL 2-(HEPTADECYL)PHENANTHRO[9, 10-d]IMIDAZOLE
Authors: YUAN JING , LIU MINGHUA
Published: March 2007

A novel amphiphilic compound, 2-(heptadecyl)phenanthro[9, 10-d]imidazole (PhImC17), was synthesized and its assembly at the air/water interface was investigated. It has been found that although the compound was achiral, it can form a chiral Langmuir–Blodgett film through the interfacial organization. The larger aromatic ring of the compound, which caused the cooperative arrangement of the chromophore in the assembled ultrathin film, was suggested to play an important role in forming such supramolecular chirality. A comparison between the supramolecular chirality of the PhImC17 film with that of previously published 2-heptadecyl-naphtha[2, 3]imidazole film was performed and a further insight into the supramolecular chirality of the system from achiral molecules was proposed.
NANOCRYSTALLINE IRON–ALUMINUM COATINGS ASSISTED BY BALL PEENING PROCESSES
Authors: ZHAN ZHAOLIN , HE YEDONG , WANG DEREN , GAO WEI
Published: March 2007

A novel method of producing nanocrystalline Fe – Al coatings on carbon steel has been proposed. A vibrating apparatus generated mechanical vibration to a retort, which was loaded with Al powder, alumina filler, ammonium chloride activator and alloy balls. The operation temperature was from 440 to 600°C. By combining the effects of ball impact, deposition of Al powders, nucleation of Al -rich phases, plastic deformation and fast inter-diffusions, a nanocrystalline Fe – Al intermetallic coating was produced. The grain size was less than 20 nm. Microstructural observation suggested that the coatings appeared to be homogeneous, with a high density, free of porosity and excellent adherence to the substrate. The coatings consisted mainly of η- Fe 2 Al 5 with small amounts of θ- FeAl 3 and β- FeAl . This method provided a new approach to produce nanostructured alloy or alloy–ceramic composite coatings with great energy and timesavings.
PPARs in Calorie Restricted and Genetically Long-Lived Mice
Authors: Masternak Michal M. , Bartke Andrzej
Published: March 2007

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptors superfamily. The three subtypes, PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, are expressed in multiple organs. These transcription factors regulate different physiological functions such as energy metabolism (including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism), insulin action, and immunity and inflammation, and apparently also act as important mediators of longevity and aging. Calorie restriction (CR) is the most effective intervention known to delay aging and increase lifespan. Calorie restriction affects the same physiological functions as PPARs. This review summarizes recent findings on the effects of CR and aging on the expression of PPARγ,α, andβ/δin mice and discusses possible involvement of PPARs in mediating the effects of murine longevity genes. The levels of PPARs change with age and CR appears to prevent these alterations which make “PPARs-CR-AGING” dependence of considerable interest.
Fixed Points of Two-Sided Fractional Matrix Transformations
Authors: Handelman David
Published: March 2007

Let "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" be "Equation missing" complex matrices, and consider the densely defined map "Equation missing" on "Equation missing" matrices. Its fixed points form a graph, which is generically (in terms of "Equation missing") nonempty, and is generically the Johnson graph "Equation missing"; in the nongeneric case, either it is a retract of the Johnson graph, or there is a topological continuum of fixed points. Criteria for the presence of attractive or repulsive fixed points are obtained. If "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" are entrywise nonnegative and "Equation missing" is irreducible, then there are at most two nonnegative fixed points; if there are two, one is attractive, the other has a limited version of repulsiveness; if there is only one, this fixed point has a flow-through property. This leads to a numerical invariant for nonnegative matrices. Commuting pairs of these maps are classified by representations of a naturally appearing (discrete) group. Special cases (e.g., "Equation missing" is in the radical of the algebra generated by "Equation missing" and "Equation missing") are discussed in detail. For invertible size two matrices, a fixed point exists for all choices of "Equation missing" if and only if "Equation missing" has distinct eigenvalues, but this fails for larger sizes. Many of the problems derived from the determination of harmonic functions on a class of Markov chains.
Identification and Analysis of Novel Amino-Acid Sequence Repeats inBacillus anthracisstr.AmesProteome Using Computational Tools
Authors: Hemalatha G. R. , Rao D. Satyanarayana , Guruprasad L.
Published: March 2007

We have identified four repeats and ten domains that are novel in proteins encoded by theBacillus anthracisstr.Amesproteome using automated in silico methods. A “repeat” corresponds to a region comprising less than 55-amino-acid residues that occur more than once in the protein sequence and sometimes present in tandem. A “domain” corresponds to a conserved region with greater than 55-amino-acid residues and may be present as single or multiple copies in the protein sequence. These correspond to (1) 57-amino-acid-residue PxV domain, (2) 122-amino-acid-residue FxF domain, (3) 111-amino-acid-residue YEFF domain, (4) 109-amino-acid-residue IMxxH domain, (5) 103-amino-acid-residue VxxT domain, (6) 84-amino-acid-residue ExW domain, (7) 104-amino-acid-residue NTGFIG domain, (8) 36-amino-acid-residue NxGK repeat, (9) 95-amino-acid-residue VYV domain, (10) 75-amino-acid-residue KEWE domain, (11) 59-amino-acid-residue AFL domain, (12) 53-amino-acid-residue RIDVK repeat, (13) (a) 41-amino-acid-residue AGQF repeat and (b) 42-amino-acid-residue GSAL repeat. A repeat or domain type is characterized by specific conserved sequence motifs. We discuss the presence of these repeats and domains in proteins from other genomes and their probable secondary structure.
Continuous-Time Multiobjective Optimization Problems via Invexity
Authors: De Oliveira Valeriano A. , Rojas-Medar Marko A.
Published: March 2007

We introduce some concepts of generalized invexity for the continuous-time multiobjective programming problems, namely, the concepts of Karush-Kuhn-Tucker invexity and Karush-Kuhn-Tucker pseudoinvexity. Using the concept of Karush-Kuhn-Tucker invexity, we study the relationship of the multiobjective problems with some related scalar problems. Further, we show that Karush-Kuhn-Tucker pseudoinvexity is a necessary and suffcient condition for a vector Karush-Kuhn-Tucker solution to be a weakly efficient solution.
Uniform Blow‐Up Rates and Asymptotic Estimates of Solutions for Diffusion Systems with Nonlocal Sources
Authors: Cui Zhoujin , Yang Zuodong
Published: March 2007

This paper investigates the local existence of the nonnegative solution and the finite time blow‐up of solutions and boundary layer profiles of diffusion equations with nonlocal reaction sources; we also study the global existence and that the rate of blow‐up is uniform in all compact subsets of the domain, the blow‐up rate of |u(t)|∞ is precisely determined.
A Discrete Two-Sector Economic Growth Model
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin
Published: March 2007

This paper studies a key model in economic theory—the two-sector growth model—with an alternative utility function. We show that the system has a unique stable equilibrium when the production functions take on the Cobb-Douglas form. We also simulate the model and demonstrate effects of changes in some parameters.
Pathogenesis of Chronic Chagas Heart Disease
Authors: Marin-Neto Jose Antonio , Cunha-Neto Edécio , Maciel Benedito C. , Simões Marcus V.
Published: March 2007

Background—

Chagas disease remains a significant public health issue and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. Despite nearly 1 century of research, the pathogenesis of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood, the most intriguing challenge of which is the complex host-parasite interaction.

Methods and Results—

A systematic review of the literature found in MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIREME, LILACS, and SCIELO was performed to search for relevant references on pathogenesis and pathophysiology of Chagas disease. Evidence from studies in animal models and in anima nobile points to 4 main pathogenetic mechanisms to explain the development of chronic Chagas heart disease: autonomic nervous system derangements, microvascular disturbances, parasite-dependent myocardial aggression, and immune-mediated myocardial injury. Despite its prominent peculiarities, the role of autonomic derangements and microcirculatory disturbances is probably ancillary among causes of chronic myocardial damage. The pathogenesis of chronic Chagas heart disease is dependent on a low-grade but incessant systemic infection with documented immune-adverse reaction. Parasite persistence and immunological mechanisms are inextricably related in the myocardial aggression in the chronic phase of Chagas heart disease.

Conclusions—

Most clinical studies have been performed in very small number of patients. Future research should explore the clinical potential implications and therapeutic opportunities of these 2 fundamental underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.
Echocardiography in Chagas Heart Disease
Authors: Acquatella Harry
Published: March 2007

Background—

Chagas heart disease is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America. Echocardiography provides useful diagnostic and prognostic information and is an important tool in the management of patients with Chagas disease.

Methods and Results—

A search for relevant publications was obtained from MEDLINE, LILACS, and SCIELO sources. Acute Chagas myocarditis is a rare disorder in which pericardial effusion is frequent. Echocardiography may exclude pericardial tamponade in case of heart failure. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy evolves for several decades after the infection. Epidemiological history, positive serology, and suggestive clinical and ECG abnormalities establish the diagnosis. About three quarters of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy subjects remain asymptomatic with normal (indeterminate form) or abnormal ECGs. Early Doppler abnormalities includes prolongation of isovolumic contraction and relaxation times. Systolic function frequently is normal, but dysfunction may be elicited by stress tests. Half or more of symptomatic patients have a left ventricular apical aneurysm and other segmental contractile abnormalities similar to those seen in coronary heart disease. The dilated nonsegmental form is indistinguishable from dilated cardiomyopathy. Results from univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses indicate that impaired systolic function and increased ventricular dimensions have significant value in predicting cardiac morbidity and mortality. Cardiac ultrasound commonly is used in the follow-up of patients and in the assessment of various therapeutic modalities.

Conclusions—

Echocardiographic and Doppler techniques provide useful structural and functional information in the detection of early myocardial damage, risk assessment of prognosis, disease progression, and management of patients with Chagas disease.
Depiction of the Variations of Great Plains Precipitation and Its Relationship with Tropical Central-Eastern Pacific SST
Authors: Yang Song , Ding X. , Zheng D. , Li Q.
Published: March 2007

Several advanced analysis tools are applied to depict the time–frequency characteristics of the variations of Great Plains (GP) precipitation and its relationship with tropical central-eastern Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature (SST). These tools are advantageous because they reveal the detailed features of the dominant time scales of precipitation variations, the combined effects of multiscale oscillating signals on the intensity of precipitation, and the variations of SST–precipitation relationships in time and frequency domains. The variability of GP precipitation is characterized by strong annual and semiannual signals, which have the most stable oscillating frequencies and the largest amplitudes. However, nonseasonal signals, which are less oscillatory and have smaller amplitudes and more variable frequencies with time, also contribute significantly to precipitation variability and may modify the seasonal cycle of GP precipitation. The phase of these nonseasonal signals is in phase (out of phase) with that of seasonal signals during the periods of heavy (deficient) precipitation. Significant correlations exist between GP precipitation and Niño-3.4 SST, and the strongest relationship appears when the SST leads the precipitation by 1 month. The GP precipitation increases (decreases) during El Niño (La Niña) episodes. Significant relationships appear on semiannual and annual time scales in the 1950s and on interannual time scales in the 1910s, 1940s, and 1980s. A particularly significant relationship appears on biennial time scales in the 1980s. The revealed SST–precipitation relationship is strongly seasonally dependent, with the greatest significance in summer. Warming of tropical central-eastern Pacific SST weakens the overlying easterly trade winds and strengthens the northward moisture supply from Central America through the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Plains. This dominant SST influence prevails in all seasons. However, the moisture transport from the southwest coast and the Gulf of California also contributes to the variability of GP precipitation in September–November, December–February, and March–May. In June–August, the increase in GP precipitation is caused by convergence between anomalous northerly flow over the northern plains, associated with the warming in the northeastern Pacific, and southerly flow over the southern plains, associated with the warming in the tropical central-eastern Pacific.
The Game of Chicken
Authors: Rapoport Anatol , Chammah Albert M.
Published: March 2007

Behavior in a game simulating brinksmanship and appeasement is analyzed as a function of varying parameters in the game and as over-time trends. Anatol Rapoport is Professor of Mathematical Biology and Senior Research Mathematician at the Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan. He is the author of Fights, Games and Debates; Strategy and Conscience, and co-author of Prisoner's Dilemma. Albert M. Chammah is also at MHRI, as Assistant Research Mathematical Psychologist, he is co-author of Prisoner's Dilemma.
Two Computer-Based Economics Games for Sixth Graders
Authors: Wing Richard L.
Published: March 2007

In an individualized learning situation, sixth graders play against computers and proceed at their own rate to learn about economic principles. Richard L. Wing is Coordinator of Curriculum Research at the Center for Educational Services and Research, Board of Cooperative Educational Services, in Northern Westchester County, New York.
A Training Course for Juvenile Court Judges
Authors: Burns Eugene H.
Published: March 2007

The Juvenile Court Judges Institute, a ten-week training program, held its first classes at the University of Minnesota during the summer of 1961. Supported by funds from the Na tional Institute of Mental Health, the Institute may be attended at no cost to the registrants, who receive a $400 stipend for living expenses. Courses deal with juvenile court law, child growth and development, factors contributing to delinquency, prevention and treatment, communications and public relations, and or ganization and administration of the juvenile court. The faculty is drawn from several departments of the University and from leaders in correction, psychiatry, psychology, and social work. Those attending are given opportunity to make field trips to agencies and institutions and to participate in local juvenile court operations.
Prediction Tables as Accounting Devices for Judges and Parole Boards
Authors: Glaser Daniel
Published: March 2007

"Prediction tables" may be defined as any compilation of statistics on the postrelease behavior of offenders who are dif ferentiated on the basis of prior information or judgment. These tables vary greatly in complexity, but all can indicate to judges and parole boards the prognostic value of some presentence or prerelease case information or evaluation.
Standard Parole Prediction Methods
Authors: Powers Sanger B.
Published: March 2007

Professionally qualified, experienced parole boards are able to distinguish good risks from bad risks, and, in making their judgment, can and do apply the very same factors that appear on prediction tables.
An Experiment with Ohlin's Prediction Report
Authors: Barron Alfred J.
Published: March 2007

Using the Ohlin Parole Prediction Report, a follow-up study was made of 347 inmates who were paroled from the Minnesota State Reformatory for Men between 1954 and 1957. The study, conducted in March, 1962, measured success or failure on parole by a single criterion: whether parolees did or did not "violate the parole agreement." Five tables detail both the overall viola tion rate and the violation rate for each of the nine score groups at the Reformatory. The actual overall violation rate of parolees was found to be 42.5 per cent; the expected viola tion rate derived from Ohlin's detailed parole experience table was 28.2 per cent. Because the overall rate and also the indi vidual rates for the nine score groups were so much higher than those reported by Ohlin, further use of this predictive instrument at the Minnesota State Reformatory was abandoned.
Criteria for the Probation Officer's Recommendations to the Juvenile Court Judge
Authors: Cohn Yona
Published: March 2007

This study, conducted at the Bronx Children's Court in New York City, analyzes the underlying criteria used by probation officers in recommending probation, institutionalization, psychi atric examination, or discharge. Such features as sex, age, religion, race, home situation, employment, church attendance, and per sonality difficulties of the children in each of the four recom mendation groups are described and evaluated.
Some Hidden Factors behind a Probation Officer's Recommendations
Authors: Bartoo Chester H.
Published: March 2007

The article reports on an informal "bull session" held by pro bation officers whose primary function is to make a presentence investigation of adult candidates for probation in the criminal courts. The group met for the express purpose of looking into some of the less obvious factors which may, consciously or uncon sciously, influence a probation officer's recommendation to the court in a particular case. Discussion centered in some rather searching questions which called for and elicited interesting and frank responses.
The Unpromising Client
Authors: Lytle Milford B.
Published: March 2007

A large urban probation office noted that many "unpromising clients" who had been assigned to relatively untrained officers in an attempt to conserve expensive professional time were some how completing their probationary periods without any further outbreak of misbehavior. This observation led to a re-examina tion of the attitudes of both the professionals and the nonprofes sionals-and to some disquieting conclusions. It was found that the relatively inexperienced men were not just using themselves in the helping process, but were actively involving themselves. Not particularly concerned with the pathology present in their clients, they instead sought out the strengths with which they could rationally work. The professional, by contrast, was unduly in fluenced by the pathology present and the danger of "taking over" for the client or establishing an overly dependent relation ship with him.
Review of Annual Reports
Authors: Glick Nada Beth
Published: March 2007

Annual reports received by NCCD during 1963 and 1964 show particular concern with the development of a research point of view in the correctional field; more effective gathering and uti lization of juvenile delinquency statistics; and extension of pro grams—including prerelease preparation, work release, vocational training, parole superuision, and community public relations— which act as a bridge between incarceration and freedom.
Group Counseling with Juveniles
Authors: Faust Frederic L.
Published: March 2007

Group counseling is not a new technique in working with juvenile probationers. To date, however, such programs have usually involved leadership by professionally trained groupwork ers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and the costs of these perma nent services have been prohibitive for most juvenile courts. To face the challenge of improving services to probationers, using existing resources, the Franklin County (Columbus, Ohio) Juve nile Court developed a limited group counseling program. After one year of operation, an evaluation of data led to three major observations: (1) probation officers without professional training in groupwork can function effectively in a limited group counsel ing program; (2) a substantial number of juvenile probationers can benefit significantly from this group counseling; and (3) the effectiveness of probation officers in handling a heavy caseload, and the quality of probation services offered by them, can be much improved by use of group counseling as a supervisory technique.
Work-Release—the Sheriff's Viewpoint
Authors: Grupp Stanley E.
Published: March 2007

The sheriff typically occupies a key position in county- administered work-release programs. Therefore, his views on work release are important, and he is an excellent source of information.
Judicial Intervention in Correctional Decisions: Threat and Response
Authors: Kimaall Edward L. , Newman Donald J.
Published: March 2007

Courts are giving increasing consideration to probationers', inmates', and parolees' challenges of various discretionary deci sions by correctional authorities. In general, this intervention is perceived by correctional personnel as undesirable and threaten ing to agency and professional autonomy. However, in proper perspective, judicial review of correctional decisions poses no substantial threat since courts generally ask only whether correc tion has acted in a reasonable way. Courts do not try to substitute their evaluation of the wisdom of decisions for the judgments of professional correctional personnel. Correction has usually re sponded to the threat of intervention by adopting a defensive position, claiming, under the guise of the right-privilege doc trine, that courts have no right to review agency decisions. This is self-defeating; in our society, courts have the last word in all situations where liberty is involved. A wiser strategy is for correction to make changes in certain practices and procedures to persuade courts of the competency and fairness of correctional discretion. The result will be judicial satisfaction with correc tional expertise and, at the same time, improvement in the ability of correction to articulate its policies and achieve its objectives.