cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression and characterisation of a Plasmodium falciparum protein containing domains homologous to sarcalumenin and a tyrosine kinase substrate, eps15

We have identified in Plasmodium falciparum a novel gene encoding a putative bi-functional protein, termed PfPast-1, from genomic and cDNA libraries. Analysis indicated that the sequence encodes a 62 kDa protein of 529 amino acid residues with two distinctive domains: a sarcalumenin-like domain of approximately 320 amino acids at the amino half of the molecule, which shares homology to a major sarcoplasmic reticulum lumenal protein, sarcalumenin, and an eps15 homology domain of about 90 amino acids located at the carboxyl terminus. The eps15 homology domain, first identified in a tyrosine kinase substrate, eps15, and found in increasing numbers of mammalian proteins, has recently been suggested as a protein-protein interaction domain involved in intracellular sorting. Genomic sequences encoding similar proteins containing both the sarcalumenin-like and eps15 homology domains have been identified in humans and Drosophila. RNA blot analysis revealed the presence of a single messenger RNA transcript approximately 3.7 kb in size, which is expressed in all the developmental stages examined with the highest level in extracellular gametes followed by erythrocytic asexual stages, and the lowest in the gametocytes. In the attempt to define its biological function, we have expressed a full-length recombinant PfPast-1 protein in Escherichia coli. Specific immune serum directed against the recombinant protein recognised a approximately 55 kDa protein in the parasite lysate. Further characterisation of PfPast-1 may help in elucidation of its functions in P. falciparum.
“The Penal Couple”: An Examination of the Relationship Between Victimization and Offending and Its Implications for Criminal Justice

Although it is commonly assumed that victims and offenders are distinct groups of people, extant research indicates significant overlap in these populations. The current review explores theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence supporting this position. It also highlights some unique challenges and consequences for the criminal justice system. Key issues and avenues for future research on the link between victimization and offending are discussed.
Frequency stability of high performance SAW oscillators

Recent advances in the short-term and long-term the frequency stability of SAW (surface acoustic wave) oscillators are reviewed. Recent advances include the ability to set accurately the frequency of AW resonator, as well as significant improvements in the frequency stability of SAW oscillators. Phase noise floors of -184 dBc/Hz in 500-MHz SAW resonator oscillators, along with flicker noise levels of -83 dBc/Hz at a 10-Hz carrier offset, have been achieved. Prototype 400-MHz SAW delay line oscillators with tuning ranges of +or-150 kHz have demonstrated noise floors of -170 dBc/Hz and flicker noise levels of -70 dBx/Hz at 10-Hz offset. Vibration sensitivities at the SAW device level of a few parts in 10/sup 10//g have also been measured. Recently, similar vibration sensitivities have been measured on a 900-MHz hybrid circuit SAW resonator oscillator. The long-term frequency stability of properly fabricated 500-MHz SAW resonator oscillators is consistently better than +or-1 ppm/year. >
A self-organization architecture for clustering analysis

The authors present an optimal clustering algorithm applied to a neural network architecture, based on the concepts of evaluation criteria and distinguishability relations. The algorithm has two stages: cluster selection and cluster growing. Cluster selection selects the most distinguishable d representatives (the prototypes of each cluster) among the input D data source. The cluster growing merges the remaining D-d samples in the most indistinguishable class of the d representatives. This architecture takes advantage of the self-organizing properties of neural networks with simple processing elements. Two processing elements, dilated and eroded processing elements, are defined. The structuring elements used in mathematical morphology are interpreted as weights associated with each input. The back-propagation networks continuously transmit back the output data to update the intermediate layers. This technique, in which the optimal clusters are automatically generated, can be useful for automated pattern recognition. >
Determining the CKM Parameter Vcd from nuN Charm Production

The formalism for extracting the CKM parameter $V_{cd}$ from $\nu N$ production of charm is discussed in some detail. The various model assumptions needed are clearly pointed out. A direct determination from neutrino induced dimuon production requires $\nu N$ charm production data, $% \nu N$ charm hadronization data, and the semi-muonic branching ratios for charmed hadrons. Hadronization data from FNAL E531 is re-analyzed to take advantage of better-determined properties of the charmed hadrons. A small bias in the original published result is removed. Neutrino induced charm fragmentation is compared to $e^{+}e^{-}$ charm fragmentation functions; the data are consistent with a common hadronization scheme. An updated value of the mean semi-muonic branching ratio for charmed hadrons produced in $\nu N$ scattering for $E_\nu >30$ GeV is obtained. This value is used to determine $% V_{cd}$ and its associated uncertainties. Prospects for improving the $% V_{cd} $ measurement to test the unitarity limit of the CKM matrix are described.
Adaptive control network for an intelligent RF front-end amplifier

The paper describes a novel approach for adjusting the matching networks of an RF front-end amplifier to maintain system performance using an adaptive control network (ACN). To maintain system performance, the matching networks of the amplifier are dynamically adjusted as a function of frequency. The ACN consists of a back-propagation neural network that was trained for gain as a function of frequency. As a result, the ACN adapts the system performance by controlling a tunable impedance transmission line (TITL) as a function of frequency. In addition, the ACN is able to re-configure the system for different system requirements without changing the matching network topologies. Simulation results demonstrate the ability to control the TITL matching network, adapt the performance across the frequency band, and reconfigure for different specifications. The first-generation hardware prototype was demonstrated in support of the Intelligent RF Front-End Project awarded to Northrop Grumman Space Technology by DARPA
An adaptive computer model of the adoption of electricity in a village community

The paper employs the Systemic Interaction Model (SYSTIM) approach to the modeling of social reality. Its specific focus is the process of evaluation of an innovation—electricity—by an Indian village community, in terms of the perceived cultural, social, political as well as economic and marketing benefits that are likely to arise for various types of socio-economic actors.The path of commitment and final adoption of this innovation conforms to the well-known empirical adoption pattern observed for real-world villages.
The design and analysis of real-time systems using the ASTRAL software development environment

ASTRAL is a formal specification language for realdtime systems. It is intended to support formal software development and, therefore, has been formally defined. The structuring mechanisms in ASTRAL allow one to build modularized specifications of complex systems with layering. A realdtime system is modeled by a collection of state machine specifications and a single global specification. This paper discusses the ASTRAL Software Development Environment (SDE), which is an integrated set of design and analysis tools based on the ASTRAL formal framework. The tools that make up the support environment are a syntaxddirected editor, a specification processor, a verification condition generator, a browser kit, a model checker, and a mechanical theorem prover.
Social Entrepreneurship Teaching Resources Handbook

As advocates for social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship education throughout our careers, we have gathered a plethora of resources for both faculty new to the field of social entrepreneurship and seasoned veterans who blazed the trail in the early twenty first century. The first version of the Social Entrepreneurship Teaching Resources Handbook was published in January 2004 and included twenty schools actively teaching social entrepreneurship courses. The expanded version is a culmination of the Social Entrepreneurship Teaching Resources Handbook prepared in partnership with Ashoka's Global Academy for Social Entrepreneurship. Bill Drayton, founder of Ashoka said we are at a tipping point in social entrepreneurship. The growth of the sector now includes over 350 professors who are actively teaching or researching in social \entrepreneurship from more than 35 countries, with over 30 national and international competitions, 800 different articles and 200 cases used in social entrepreneurship courses. Our efforts are to consolidate the number of resources available and to catalogue the growing cadre of academics around the world who are collectively building the field of social entrepreneurship. In completing the research on social entrepreneurship programs and faculty, we are inspired by the commitment to teach students how to embrace social entrepreneurship as a career option to make a difference in the world. As individuals seek to find meaningful careers, social entrepreneurs provide an opportunity for young people to be as Gandhi said "the change you wish to see in the world."
Recurrent exacerbation of acne by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration

The inflammatory stage of acne vulgaris is mediated by neutrophils. Histologic study shows that masses of neutrophils congregate within the intact or ruptured comedo. 1 Chemoattractants, cytokines, and complement activation are important in neutrophilic migration. In addition, colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) may serve as important cytokines in neutrophil-mediated processes by promoting the proliferation, maturation, and function of neutrophils. 2 We report the exacerbation of acne after administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This is the first report of GCSF causing exacerbation of acne.
3-D Integration of RF and Photonic Devices for High Frequency Operation

Nanomembranes are crystalline semiconductor materials that have been released from their substrates and redeposited on foreign substrates, enabling the placement of flexible, deformable, and conformable crystalline semiconductor layers with properties of the bulk semiconductor material.
Nanoimprinted plasmonic nanocavity arrays

We demonstrate high resonant absorption of visible light with a plasmonic nanocavity chain structure fabricated through resistless nanoimprinting in metal (RNIM). The RNIM approach provides a simple, reproducible, and accurate means to fabricate metallic nanopatterns with high fidelity. The nanocavities are shown to be efficiently excited using normally incident light, and the resonant wavelength can be controlled by either the width or the depth of the cavity. Numerical simulations confirm the experimental observations, and illustrate the behavior of the nanocavity chain waveguide and insensitivity to incident angle. The resonant absorption is due to the excitation of a localized metal-insulator-metal cavity mode. The interacting surface waves allow cavity lengths on the order of ten nanometers for light having a free space wavelength of about four hundred nanometers. Coupling of the cavities with an intervening surface plasmon wave results in a collective excitation and a chain waveguide mode that should prove valuable for more sensitive detection based on surface enhanced Raman scattering.
Effect of the Utilization of Psycho-Spiritual Modules on the Nursing Students’ Determined Mind-Success (DMS) Self-Assessed Skills

The study focused on the development and implementation of Determined MindSuccess (DMS) Modules, a psycho-spiritual approach to help the nursing students develop determined mind to propel them to succeed in their chosen profession. The tool consisted of a questionnaire, and a set of modules. Experimental design was employed in the study. The initial draft of the DMS Tool was floated to a group of nursing students in a private school. After incorporating the corrections made by experts, the final draft was further reviewed by the deans of seven nursing schools and authorities of three government agencies for content validation. After incorporating their suggestions, the DMS Tool was pilot tested at a certain private school which revealed from moderate to high reliability. After establishing such reliability, the same tool went through standardization which was administered to seven nursing schools from the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The final instrument is a set of DMS Modules consisting of nine components, four of which are related to having a determined mind, namely: motivation, focus, decisiveness, and courage. The success components included self-confidence, productivity, hardwork, passion and faith. The DMS Modules utilizing psycho-spiritual approach were formulated to develop and enrich further the psycho-spiritual values of nursing students. The modules were implemented to an experimental group for two months in a private school. The posttest using ANCOVA revealed significant results. The study points to the potential of the DMS tool to help students develop values that will motivate them to accomplish their goals and succeed in life. Keywords - Education, Determined Mind-Success Tool, Psycho-Spiritual Approach, Nurse Licensure Examination, descriptive design, Philippines.
Context aware computing and its utilization in event-based systems

Recently, the notion of context aware computing has attracted attention in various domains, and was mentioned as emerging direction in Gartner's 2009 hype cycle for enterprise architecture. The paper provides a brief report of a tutorial given in DEBS 2010 that discusses the notion of context, generally in computing, in event processing modeling, giving examples from the current state-of-the-practice that supports some types of context, but still do not view it as a first class citizen in the model.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiographic Imaging of Intrapulmonary Tunnel Repair for Anomalous Left Coronary Artery Originating from the Pulmonary Artery

Reestablishment of aortic flow to the coronary vasculature is the optimal treatment for anomalous origin of the left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery (ALCA). We performed intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in five patients (median age 10 months; range 1.5-36 months) who underwent revascularization of the left coronary artery without coronary mobilization by creation of an aortopulmonary window and intrapulmonary tunnel to the os of the anomalous vessel. Tunnel geometry as well as supravalvar pulmonary course were well imaged. Revascularized left coronary artery antegrade flow from the aorta was documented in all via color and pulse wave Doppler. A peribaffle leak (left-to-right shunt) was noted in 2 of the 5 patients, however its presence did not influence left coronary artery flow or clinical outcome. Intraoperative TEE is helpful in assessing adequacy of repair and documenting antegrade aortic flow in the left coronary artery after intrapulmonary tunnel repair for ALCA.
Heat Flux Transducers Measure in-situ Building Thermal Performance:

This paper presents an overview of heat flux transducers (HFTs) used for in-situ measurements of building performance. HFTs that are mounted in labora tory testing apparatuses are beyond the scope of the paper. The overview is based on HFT literature from the past five years.The overview covers how HFTs are constructed to measure heat flow and touches on the near relatives of HFTs, portable calorimeters and thermal probes. The question of calibration is key to the appropriate use of HFTs. The paper discusses the range of building thermal performance applications for HFTs from roofs to foundations to mechanical systems.A variety of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards exist that relate to characterizing the building thermal context the HFT is used in. They pertain to:• Using thermography• HFT measurements• Calculatmg thermal resistance from in-situ data• Calibrating the HFTThe paper discusses key elements to consider in the use of HFTs for in-situ measure ments and addresses current ...
Evidence for antimuscarinic acetylcholine receptor antibody-mediated secretory dysfunction in nod mice.

Objective Antibodies directed against general and specific target-organ autoantigens are present in the sera of human patients and animal models with autoimmune disease. The relevance of these autoantibodies to the disease process remains ambiguous in most cases. In autoimmune exocrinopathy (Sjogren's syndrome), autoantibodies to the intracellular nuclear proteins SSA/Ro and SSB/La, as well as the cell surface muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M3) are observed. To evaluate the potential role of these factors in the loss of secretory function of exocrine tissues, a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was developed for passive transfer into the NOD animal model. Methods Monoclonal antibodies to mouse SSB/La, rat M3 receptor, and a rabbit polyclonal anti–parotid secretory protein antibody were obtained for this study. These antibody reagents were subsequently infused into NOD-scid mice. Saliva flow rates were subsequently monitored over a 72-hour period. Submandibular gland lysates were examined by Western blotting for alteration of the distribution of the water channel protein aquaporin (AQP). Results Evaluation of the secretory response indicated that only antibodies directed toward the extracellular domains of the M3 receptor were capable of mediating the exocrine dysfunction aspect of the clinical pathology of the autoimmune disease. In vitro stimulation with a muscarinic agonist of submandibular gland cells isolated from mice treated with anti-M3 antibody, but not saline or the isotype control, failed to translocate AQP to the plasma membrane. Conclusion These findings define a clear role for the humoral immune response and the targeting of the cell surface M3 signal transduction receptor as primary events in the development of clinical symptoms of autoimmune exocrinopathy. Furthermore, the anti-M3 receptor activity may negatively affect the secretory response through perturbation of normal signal transduction events, leading to translocation of the epithelial cell water channel.
Investigation of Cartilage Biomechanical Properties: Dependence on Strain, Direction, and Biochemical Composition

Articular cartilage (AC) serves as the major load bearing material within synovial joints and provides a low friction and wear resistant interface. As an avascular tissue, AC lacks the ability to repair structural damage or degeneration. Thus, the need for replacement tissue was a motivating factor in the development of cartilage tissue engineering. Recently, a finite element model (FEM) of cartilage growth [1] has been developed to simulate various growth conditions such as in vitro (outside the body) tissue growth experiments. In order to validate growth laws used in the FEM, empirical measurements of AC properties (mechanical and biochemical) before and after in vitro growth are needed. The goal of this study is to design protocols to comprehensively quantify the biomechanical structure-function relations of AC.© 2007 ASME
Miniature acousto-optic module fabrication

Miniaturization and ruggedization is paramount in the application of optical signal processing systems to modern electronic combat (EC) applications. This paper describes two state-of-the- art fabrication methods used for miniaturizing acousto-optic processing modules.
Cure-dependent viscoelastic poisson's ratio of epoxy

The evolution of the lateral contraction ratio of two commercial (high and low temperature cure) epoxy resins is studied in uniaxial tension using moire interferometry. The ratio of transverse to axial strains evolves from an elastic value of about 0.40 to a rubbery plateau value of 0.49 at long times. Furthermore, the data indicate that the contraction ratio follows time-temperature superposition with a shift function indistinguishable from other axial viscoelastic functions. The lateral contraction behavior at several cure states past gelation was measured and a model is proposed to describe the cure dependence.
Chebyshev time-domain deconvolution for transversal filter equalisers

Design equations are presented for computing the N tap weights of a transversal filter equaliser. The associated time-domain deconvolution is performed subject to the Chebyshev (minimax) error criterion. Individual or pointwise deconvolution errors are controlled and minimised uniformly. This method offers an alternative to least square error or discrete Fourier transform designs wherein only the cumulative de-convolution error is minimised. Computationally, the Ascent algorithm is used which requires inversion of two (N + 1) × (N + 1) matrices followed by a finite number of elementary algebraic exchange operations. The equations needed to implement this algorithm are presented in a form suitable for digital computation.
Ecology and management of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) in the Chimanes Forest, Beni, Bolivia

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) regenerates in areas of erosion on high terraces and in forest killed by flooding and deposition of alluvial sediments in the Chimanes Forest, Bolivia. These hydrological disturbances are patchy, and only one of five stands of mahogany that we inventoried was regenerating. Mahogany survives these disturbances significantly better than the common tree species. The long time between disturbances appears to favour late maturation. Mahogany trees allocate little photosynthates to reproduction until they are very large emergents, at least 80 cm in diameter. The episodic nature of the regeneration sites means that mahogany stands are composed of one or a few cohorts, which are vulnerable to overharvesting, particularly with the current use of a minimum cutting diameter to regulate harvest. The delayed onset of fecundity means that the small trees that escape harvest are not very fecund, resulting in minimal seed input to logged forest. Only 7–9% of the gaps created by logging contain natural regeneration after 20 + yr. A successful management plan for mahogany would entail a monocyclic harvest, with a rotation age of 100 + years, the estimated time that it takes for trees to achieve commercial size in natural forest. Since the number of seed trees that will be left is small, they should be concentrated in sites that are likely to be conducive to natural regeneration, such as near rivers and flood damaged forest. Seed production will be maximized for a given basal area (opportunity cost to loggers) if trees c. 110 cm dbh are selected as seed trees. The mahogany stocks in the Chimanes Forest are nearly exhausted, but the findings of this study could be used to help rebuild the mahogany populations, or to design management plans for the commercial species that have similar ecologies to mahogany.
Cutaneous Connective Tissue Diseases: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are a group of clinical disorders that have an underlying autoimmune pathogenesis. These include a diverse set of diseases such as relapsing polychondritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and eosinophilic fasciitis, along with more common entities like Sjogren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and lupus erythematosus. The latter three will be the focus of this review, as they constitute the most significant and common CTD with cutaneous manifestations. The cutaneous signs often represent the preliminary stages of disease and the presenting clinical symptoms. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of CTD manifestations is essential for accurate diagnosis, better assessment of prognosis, and effective management. Although the precise etiologies of CTDs remain obscure, recent advances have allowed for further understanding of their pathogenesis and improved disease classifications. In addition, there have been developments in therapeutic options for CTDs. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and current treatment options of cutaneous lupus erythematous, dermatomyositis and scleroderma.
Discriminative learning in children's acquisition of phonology.

The theories of acquired equivalence and acquired distinctiveness of cues are presented as particularly effectual models in terms of their capacity to explain certain normal and deviant articulatio...
Cardiovascular Responses to Conflict Stress in African American Mother-Daughter Dyads

This study evaluated the effect of family conflict interactions on cardiovascular responses of African American hypertensive and normotensive mother-daughter dyads and determined degree of mother-daughter concordance of physiologic response. Sixteen African American hypertensive mothers and 21 African American normotensive mothers and their teenage daughters discussed 2 topics, one involving no conflict and the other involving participant-identified conflict. Differences in blood pressure (BP), both systolic and diastolic, and heart rate (HR) were examined. As expected, hypertensive mothers and their daughters had higher BP levels (responsivity) than did their normotensive counterparts. For mothers, differences were due largely to group differences at baseline. For daughters, differences were due largely to group differences in body mass. BP reactivity (change) did not differ significantly between the groups. Few HR effects were observed. There was moderate BP concordance and low HR concordance. The findi...
Batch reaction of methanol and oxygen over TiO2 at 400 °C: Observing surface species by infrared spectroscopy, and gas species by mass spectroscopy

Batch reactions of methanol-oxygen mixtures have been studied over TiO/sub 2/ at 400/sup 0/C. Analysis of the combined infrared and mass spectroscopic results suggests the following reaction mechanism: chemisorption of methanol to form surface methoxy; hydrogen abstraction from surface methoxy to give surface hydroxyl and gas-phase formaldehyde; formaldehyde chemisorption to give surface formate; and surface formate decomposition by dehydrogenation giving H/sub 2/ and CO/sub 2/, and by dehydration giving H/sub 2/O and CO. Kinetic isotope effects present in reactant consumption, product formation, and surface species evolution support assignments of the rate-limiting step in the reaction sequence to hydrogen abstraction from the surface methoxy. 16 references, 3 figures.
Rethinking State and Local Reliance on the Retail Sales Tax: Should We Fix the System or Discard It?

The advent of electric commerce reemphasizes that the existing state and local sales tax is not an ideal way to finance subnational government. This paper describes problems that inevitably arise in attempting to implement a retail sales tax (RST) in a multijurisdictional setting, as well as problems that are not inevitable, but are caused by the way the sales tax has evolved. It discusses both proposals for overcoming these problems within the context of the existing sales tax system and more fundamental changes in the finance of state and local governments, including tax sharing, substitution of a value-added tax for the RST, and elimination of subnational reliance on sales taxes. It concludes that, while reliance on sales taxes to finance state and local governments may not be optimal, especially in a world of electronic commerce, switching to reliance on income taxation at this late date would involve wrenching adjustments that make it preferable to try to fix the existing system, rather than replace it.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY OF STAGE IV-S NEUROBLASTOMA

We determined levels of N-myc oncogens amplification and RNA expression in two infants with stage IV-S neuroblastoma, a rare subtype with limited metastatic potential and generally favorable outcome. Patient 1, age 5 mo, had a primary adrenal tumor with bone marrow metastasis and unfavorable histologic features. Patient 2, age 9 mo, had a primary adrenal tumor with skin and marrow metastases of favorable histology. Southern blots of chromosomal DNA from tumors of both patients showed no amplification of N-myc. RNA from the primary tumor of patient 1 exhibited approximately 10-fold enhanced expression of N-myc compared to a neuroblasfcoma cell line known to express a single copy of N-myc (defined as baseline). RNA from the primary tumor and involved lymph node of patient 2 revealed baseline levels of N-myc expression; a subcutaneous nodule exhibited 5-fold enhanced levels of expression, while normal adrenal tissue had no detectable levels of expression. A cell line was established from tumor cells of patient 2; these cells appeared to differentiate more readily than cell lines from stage IV tumors. Patient 1 manifested disease progression 1 month after diagnosis, while patient 2 remains disease free. Molecular and cellular characterization thus predicted the biological behavior of the tumors in each case.
Sampling and Aggregation Issues in Random Utility Model Estimation

Measurement of nonmarket values often involves subjective judgments. Since these judgments may influence results, they should be carefully considered. I focus on an aspect of subjective choice relating to the estimation of random utility models. Such models require specification of each recreationalist's choice set. Whether an individual perceives his choice set as composed of all possible alternatives, a few popular alternatives, or collections of spatially aggregated alternatives is an important judgment affecting the conclusions.
INVESTIGATION OF MYCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION IN INFANTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ENTEROVIRAL INFECTION

Although enteroviral infections have been associated with myocarditis, the importance of subclincal myocardial dysfunction (MD) caused by enteroviruses (EV) has not been investigated. From 7/83 through 9/85 we prospectively studied, for evidence of MD, hospitalized pts <16 mo of age whose illnesses were compatible with EV infection. Viral and bacterial cultures were submitted for all pts. EKG and M-mode echocardiograms (EC) were obtained within 48 hours of admission. Of the 52 pts studied, 20 had positive cultures for non-polio EV, 9 additional pts had aseptic meningitis with negative cultures, and the remainder had febrile illnesses consistent with EV. Left ventricular shortening fraction (LVSF) was <27% in 6/52 pts (4 with positive EV cultures). EC for 12 healthy control infants <6 mo old showed LVSF ≥30%. None of the 52 pts showed clinical or EKG evidence of MD. EC performed 2 weeks after hospitalization demonstrated improved LVSF in 3/6 pts who had shown MD initially. These data indicate that subclinical MD is a frequent complication of EV infection, and neither physical examination nor EKG is adequate for its detection.
Epilepsy: preserving memory in temporal lobectomy-are networks the key?

Dominant mesial temporal lobe resection for pharmacoresistant epilepsy is frequently associated with verbal memory impairment. More-extensive lesioning improves seizure outcome, but further compromises memory. A better understanding of ipsilateral neural structures and networks for verbal memory could improve selectivity of surgical ablation, thereby holding promise for seizure-freedom without memory impairment.
A general approach for the purification and quantitative glycomic analysis of human plasma

The development of a general method for the purification and quantitative glycomic analysis of human plasma samples to characterize global glycosylation changes shall be presented. The method involves multiple steps, including the depletion of plasma via multi-affinity chromatography to remove high abundant proteins, the enrichment of the lower abundant glycoproteins via multi-lectin affinity chromatography, the isotopic derivatization of released glycans, and quantitative analysis by MALDI-TOF MS. Isotopic derivatization of glycans is accomplished using the well-established chemistry of reductive amination to derivatize glycans with either a light analog (12C anthranilic acid) or a heavy analog (13C7 anthranilic acid), which allows for the direct comparison of the alternately labeled glycans by MALDI-TOF MS. The method displays a tenfold linear dynamic range for both neutral and sialylated glycans with sub-picomolar sensitivity. Additionally, by using anthranilic acid, a very sensitive fluorophore, as the derivatization reagent, the glycans can be analyzed by chromatography with fluorescence detection. The utility of this methodology is highlighted by the many diseases and disorders that are known to either show or be the result of changes in glycosylation. A method that provides a generic approach for sample preparation and quantitative data will help to further advance the field of glycomics.
Immunotherapy in Collagen-Induced Arthritis: Past, Present, and Future

Type II collagen-induced arthritis has played a critical role in the development of novel approaches to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The model has provided insights into autoimmune mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of joint disease and permitted the identification of potential targets for arthritis therapy. Notably, the model excelled in the development of cytokine inhibition for rheumatoid arthritis, with investigations demonstrating that a complex network of cytokine interactions regulate the autoimmune response to collagen. Recent studies of collagen-induced arthritis provide indications of novel approaches to disease intervention. New directions include modulation of the recognition and presentation of autoantigens, inhibition of specific T cell subsets responding to autoantigens, blocking of stimulatory cosignals at the cell surface, decoys for cytoplasmic and nuclear activation signals, interference with lymphocyte migration to the synovial joint, and reduction of the mediators of joint destruction. These approaches can be implemented through gene therapy, biological response mediators, or classic pharmacological intervention.
Uses and Misuses of Intranasal Corticosteroids and Cromolyn

Corticosteroids modulate the effect of the allergic event but do not prevent mast cell degranulation and the release of vasoactive kinins. Cromolyn, on the other hand, prevents such reactions from ...
Reduction of NOx by plasma-facilitated catalysis over In-doped γ-alumina

Abstract Sol–gel derived γ-alumina and its 2.5 wt.% indium doped derivative were examined as plasma-activated catalysts for reduction of NOx in model lean burn exhaust. The extent of promotional effect on catalysis due to indium doping depends both on the speciation of hydrocarbon used as a reducing agent in addition to reaction temperature. In/γ-alumina catalysts were tested with eight hydrocarbons (propane, propene, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, acetaldehyde, isooctane) at a C1:N ratio of 12 to investigate the effect of hydrocarbon structure and chemistry on activity for plasma-enhanced catalysis. The functionality, the location of the functional group, as well as the molecular size all proved to have an impact on the ability of the hydrocarbon to participate in NOx reduction chemistry. Plasma assist provided benefits at moderate temperature, but NOx reduction was dominated by thermal activity (no plasma required) at high temperature. The effect of aging on catalyst performance was also examined, and the most negative impact on thermal activity was observed at moderate temperatures. Plasma assist resulted in recovery of nearly all activity for most of the oxygenated hydrocarbons examined. At high temperature, aging had negligible impact on catalyst performance with the exception of catalytic reduction with methanol.
Noninvasive blood-free full quantification of positron emission tomography radioligand binding

Full quantification of a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand binding to its target is preferred because it requires the fewest assumptions, but generally involves measuring the concentration of free radioligand in the arterial plasma by collecting blood samples from the subject's radial artery during the scan, and performing metabolite analysis. This invasive, costly procedure deters subjects’ participation, and requires specialized staff and equipment. Simultaneous estimation (SIME) can fully quantify binding using only PET data from multiple brain regions and one individual anchor value, which is based on a single arterial blood sample. Drawing this sample can still be challenging in clinical settings, particularly when using simultaneous PET/magnetic resonance scanners. Here we propose a methodology for full quantification of binding that does not require any blood samples. The methodology substitutes the SIME blood-based anchor with a value predicted using multiple linear regression of noni...
Is Diagnosis Relevant in the Hospitalization of Potentially Dangerous Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective This study tests the assumption that psychiatric diagnosis facilitates clinical evaluations of need in emergency care before and after controlling for danger. Method The data are from structured crisis assessments completed by emergency clinicians in four ethnically diverse locales (N = 653). Clinician-assigned diagnosis was categorized as adjustment, disruptive, mood, psychotic, and other, and a Danger scale score reflected danger to self or others. Results Mood and psychotic disorders significantly increased hospital rates in multivariate analyses which controlled for demographic characteristics, site, and danger when relevant. The model with the best fit included both diagnosis and danger. Conclusions Decisions should be linked to verifiable ratings of need and attention to danger, and its measurement should complement the current focus on diagnosis. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1998, 37(10):1030–1037.
Studies on the uptake of fatty acids by Escherichia coli

Oleate uptake by Escherichia coli showed saturation kinetics with a Km of 34 μm and an activation energy of 6.25 kcal/mole indicating that the rate limiting step in oleate uptake involves an enzyme-catalyzed step. The rate of oleate uptake was decreased by the respiratory poisons, arsenate and 4-pentenoate, which apparently is activated to pentenoyl CoA, thus reducing the intracellular concentration of free intracellular CoA. These data indicated that oleate uptake is dependent on cellular ATP and CoA. During short pulses with [1-14C]oleate, most of the radioactivity which was taken up was released as 14C02; cells accumulated radioactivity in phospholipids and compounds with the chromatographic mobility of Krebs cycle intermediates. Neither free fatty acid nor oleyl CoA were detectable in the cells. The results support the hypothesis that long-chain fatty acids are translocated by the long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase and that uptake is the rate limiting step in the utilization of exogenous fatty acid.
The toxicity of T-2 toxin in swine following topical application. I. Clinical signs, pathology, and residue concentrations.

Abstract T-2 toxin at 0 or 15 mg/kg in 0.75 ml dimethyl sulfoxide was topically applied to 11- to 12-week-old specific-pathogen-free derived crossbred female pigs. Animals were killed on Days 1, 3, 7, or 14 after treatment. Clinical signs and morphologic changes in the skin and internal organs, as well as the residual concentrations of T-2 toxin and its metabolites in plasma, bile, urine, skin, and subcutaneous tissue, were examined. The T-2-treated pigs had signs of lethargy, anorexia, posterior weakness or paresis, and persistent fever. The skin at the site of application was red and swollen initially and progressively became dark red and then purple. By Day 7, at the margin of the exposed area, clefts had formed and were covered by serosanguinous exudate. By Day 14, the affected skin was focally separated from the underlying tissue and covered by a thick scab. The initial skin lesions were characterized as a spongiotic dermatitis and were located mainly in the dermal papillae and stratum germinativum of the epidermis. These lesions progressed to a locally extensive necrotizing dermatitis between Days 3 and 7 that was still evident at Day 14. Healing began on Day 7 and was more prominent on Day 14. Morphologic changes in the internal organs were minimal. They consisted of necrosis of single cells in the follicles of lymphoid tissues and in the exocrine pancreas. Significant amounts of T-2 toxin and several of its metabolites were detected in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the dosed area for up to 14 days, but neither the parent compound nor its metabolites, as unconjugated free compounds, were found in the plasma, bile, or urine. We propose that the skin and subcutaneous tissue of swine may act as a depot and site of metabolism for T-2 toxin from which the toxin and its metabolites are slowly absorbed.
Floquet Theory Of The Interaction Of A Molecule With A Laser Field: Techniques And An Application

Using Floquet's theorem, the elements of the time propagation matrix for a class of matter-radiation Hamiltonians are resolved into products of functions periodic over the optical cycle and aperiodic exponential functions of time. The methodology is applied to nonrotating HF, with particular emphasis upon the determination of dynamic Stark shifts and power broadening parameters.
Left ventricular function in chronic aortic regurgitation

Left ventricular performance was determined in 42 patients with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation during upright exercise by measuring left ventricular ejection fraction and volume with radionuclide ventriculography. Classification of the patients according to exercise tolerance showed that patients with normal exercise tolerance (≥ 7.0 minutes) had a significantly higher ejection fraction at rest (probability [p] = 0.02) and during exercise (p = 0.0002), higher cardiac index at exercise (p = 0.0008) and lower exercise end-systolic volume (p = 0.01) than did patients with limited exercise tolerance. Similar significant differences were noted in younger patients compared with older patients in ejection fraction at rest and exercise (both p = 0.001) and cardiac index at rest (p = 0.03) and exercise (p = 0.0005). The end-diastolic volume decreased during exercise in 60% of the patients. The patients with a deCrease in volume were significantly younger and had better exercise tolerance and a larger end-diastolic volume at rest than did patients who showed an increase in volume. The mean corrected left ventricular end-diastolic radius/wall thickness ratio was significantly greater in patients with abnormal than in those with normal exercise reserve (mean ± standard deviation 476 ± 146 versus 377 ± 92 mm Hg, p Thus, in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation: 1) left ventricular systolic function during exercise was related to age, exercise tolerance and corrected left ventricular end-diastolic radius/wall thickness ratio, and 2) the end-diastolic volume decreased during exercise, especially in younger patients and patients with normal exercise tolerance or a large volume at rest.
Diagnostic Verification of Temperature Forecasts

Abstract A diagnostic approach to forecast verification is described and illustrated. This approach is based on a general framework for forecast verification. It is “diagnostic” in the sense that it focuses on the fundamental characteristics of the forecasts, the corresponding observations, and their relationship. Three classes of diagnostic verification methods are identified: 1) the joint distribution of forecasts and observations and conditional and marginal distributions associated with factorizations of this joint distribution; 2) summary measures of these joint, conditional, and marginal distributions; and 3) performance measures and their decompositions. Linear regression models that can be used to describe the relationship between forecasts and observations are also presented. Graphical displays are advanced as a means of enhancing the utility of this body of diagnostic verification methodology. A sample of National Weather Service maximum temperature forecasts (and observations) for Minneapolis, ...
Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Invasive Disease in AIDS: Review of 342 Cases

Aspergillosis is an infrequent but commonly fatal infection among HIV-infected individuals. We review 342 cases of pulmonary Aspergillus infection that have been reported among HIV-infected patients, with a focus on invasive disease. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis usually occurs among patients with 60% of the cases. BAL is often suggestive, but biopsy specimens are necessary for definite diagnosis. Amphotericin B is the mainstay of treatment and mortality is >80%. Avoiding neutropenia and judicious use of steroids may be helpful in prevention. Aggressive diagnostic approach, early initiation of treatment, adequate dosing of antifungals, and close follow-up may improve the currently dismal prognosis.
Large-area quantification of BaCeO3 formation during processing of metalorganic-deposition-derived YBCO films

A method is described for the quantification of BaCeO3 formation during the growth of YBa2Cu3O7–x (YBCO) films on CeO2 buffer layers. The method is based on the selective etching of BaCeO3 followed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) excitation spectroscopy. A 10% HNO3 solution, at room temperature, dissolved BaCeO3 and YBCO in minutes but did not significantly etch CeO2 films. ICP excitation spectroscopy was used to quantify the extent of the reaction over macroscopic areas of film (∼1 cm2). BaCeO3 peak areas were measured by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and calibrated to the ICP excitation spectroscopy results. XRD and ICP excitation spectroscopy results indicated that BaCeO3 formation through a metalorganic deposition (MOD)-derived CeO2 layer follows the parabolic growth law. Almost the entire ceria cap layer was consumed by the growth of BaCeO3 after 2 h at 760 °C in the MOD process examined. BaCeO3 growth was substantially slower at 725 °C; only 25 ± 3% of the ceria layer reacted.
Observational and modelling studies of Amazonia interannual climate variability

The interannual variability of climate in the Amazon basin is studied using precipitation and river level anomalies observed near the March/April rainy season peak for the period 1980–86, supported by satellite imagery of tropical convection. Evaluation of this data in conjunction with the corresponding circulation and sea-surface temperature (SST) anomaly patterns indicates that abundant rainy seasons in Northern Amazonia are characterized by anomalously cold surface waters in the tropical eastern Pacific, and negative/positive SST anomalies in the tropical North/South Atlantic, accelerated Northeast trades and a southward displaced Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over the Atlantic sector. Years with deficient rainfall show broadly opposite patterns. General circulation model (GCM) experiments using observed SST in three case studies were aimed at testing the teleconnections between SST and Amazon climate implied by the empirical analysis. The GCM-generated surface fields resemble the corresponding observers fields most closely over the tropical Pacific and, with one exception, over the tropical Atlantic as well. The modeled precipitation features, along the Northwest coast of South America, anomalies of opposite sign to the North and South of the equator, in agreement with observations and results from a different GCM. Similarities in simulations run from different initial conditions, but using the same global SST, indicate broad consistency in response to common boundary forcing.