cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Synergy between Aβ42 and Oxidatively Damaged Membranes in Promoting Amyloid Fibril Formation by Aβ40

Oxidative lipid membrane damage is known to promote the misfolding of Aβ42 into pathological β structure. In fully developed senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease, however, it is the shorter and more soluble amyloid β protein, Aβ40, that predominates. To investigate the role of oxidative membrane damage in the misfolding of Aβ40, we have examined its interaction with supported lipid monolayer membranes using internal reflection infrared spectroscopy. Oxidatively damaged lipids modestly increased Aβ40 accumulation, with adsorption kinetics and a conformation that are distinct from that of Aβ42. In stark contrast, pretreatment of oxidatively damaged monolayer membranes with Aβ42 vigorously promoted Aβ40 accumulation and misfolding. Pretreatment of saturated or undamaged membranes with Aβ42 had no such effect. Parallel studies of lipid bilayer vesicles using a dye binding assay to detect fibril formation and electron microscopy to examine morphology demonstrated that Aβ42 pretreatment of oxidatively damaged membranes promoted the formation of mature Aβ40 amyloid fibrils. We conclude that oxidative membrane damage and Aβ42 act synergistically at an early stage to promote fibril formation by Aβ40. This synergy could be detected within minutes using internal reflection spectroscopy, whereas a dye-binding assay required several days and much higher protein concentrations to demonstrate this synergy.
Static Measurement of Beam Deformations via Close-Range Photogrammetry

Preliminary results from a pilot study of beam deformation measurement using digital close-range terrestrial photogrammetry (DCRTP) are reported. The study consisted of both a laboratory and a field exercise. In the laboratory exercise, photogrammetric deflection measurements of a steel beam under single-point loading were made and compared with dial gauge readings and elastic beam theory. Laboratory results showed an accuracy ranging from 0.51 to 1.3 mm (0.02 to 0.05 in.). It was shown that DCRTP provides a feasible way of evaluating the global deflected shape of a structure, which is otherwise not practical using traditional instruments. In the field exercise, the initial camber and dead-load deflection of prestressed concrete bridge girders were measured photogrammetrically and compared with level rod and total station readings. Field results fit well to the rod-measured girder camber, and an average difference of approximately 3.2 mm (0.13 in.) was achieved compared with elevation measurements made wi...
Interactive analysis of protein structure using a microcomputer spreadsheet

Abstract The use of a spreadsheet program Lotus 1-2-3, to predict secondary structural features such as α-helix, β-sheet and hydrophobicity is illustrated by the analysis of the heme-binding peptide region of cytochrome P-450 enzymes.
Fabrication of novel electrically conductive Langmuir-Blodgett thin films of the poly(3-alkylthiophenes)

Abstract Electrically conductive Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayer thin films were fabricated from mixed monolayers containing steatic acid and poly(3-hexylthiophene). It has been found that stable monolayer films can be formed at the air-water interface from mixtures containing as much as 80 mol.% of poly(3-hexylthiophene). The monolayers were found to undergo a transition from a mixed monolayer to a bilayer structure at elevated surface pressures. The mixed monolayers were successfully transferred onto solid substrates as Y-type films by the vertical lifting method. These LB films exhibit well-defined layered structures as determined by optical, capacitance and X-ray diffraction measurements. The multilayer LB films were rendered electrically conductive by doping with strong oxidizing agents. In some cases, conductivities as high as 2 S cm −1 were obtained by this doping process.
Determination of asymmetric cavity volumes using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography: an in vitro balloon model study.

Objectives: We designed a new in vitro model to test the accuracy and reproducibility of real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound imaging for determining a variety of asymmetric cavity volumes with aneurysm. Methods: Fifteen individual balloon models mimicking ventricular aneurysm were filled with water (170–322.5 ml) without air bubbles and kept in a compressor pump. Compression of the models produced only a change in shape of the balloon and no change in volume. The models were scanned with RT3D echocardiography (RT3DE) and the images recorded on an optical disk. Volumes were measured off line in two phases; maximal compression, where there was maximal change in shape and nil compression, where there was minimal or no change in shape. Volumes were measured by manual tracing technique of the inner border of B-scan images and compared with the drained volume of water from the balloon. Results: There was a high correlation between the drained volume and measured volume at maximal compression (equivalent to end-systole, r = 0.99, y = 0.99x + 3.69, SEE = 6.5 ml), between the drained volume and measured volume at nil compression (equivalent to end-diastole, r = 0.99, y = 0.94x + 12.07, SEE = 5.9 ml), and between volumes measured at maximal and nil compressions (r = 0.99, y = 0.94x + 10.55, SEE = 4.6 ml). Conclusion: The results of this experiment show that RT3DE can accurately measure the volumes of a variety of asymmetric ventricular cavities. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
La religión popular como mecanismo de sociabilidad y de defensa en El rojo de su sombra

?Que puede hacer el oprimido cuando carece de todo para sobrevivir en un ambiente hostil y precario? Probablemente las oportunidades para alterar ese ambiente son nulas si no se cuenta con lo basico, pero entonces, ?como se puede sobrellevar la opresion? Elijo contestar esta interrogativa con un dicho popular: las penas, cuando se comparten, son menos.1 Ejemplo de esta sabiduria popular es El rojo de su sombra (1992), de la escritora Mayra Montero, que expone las carencias de los emigrantes haitianos empleados en los ingenios azucareros de la Republica Dominicana. En la nota introductoria a la novela Montero responde esta interrogante postulando la religiosidad como un mecanismo para contrarrestar el ambiente precario en que viven estos seres. Partiendo de estas dos premisas, en este articulo analizo las relaciones que se forjan entre los habitantes de las colonias Engracia, Azote, La Cacata y Tumba con el proposito de identifi car el origen y el uso practico de estas. En segunda instancia examino la confl ictiva relacion entre los gagas de Zule y Simila para ampliar el entendimiento no solo del origen y las consecuencias de su enfrentamiento, sino para explicar por que Jeremie Cande, quien hasta entonces habia sido un miembro de media importancia en la cofradia, se convierte en el protagonista de esta. Es innegable que la novela presenta las relaciones interpersonales como imprescindibles entre los haitianos emigrados en la Republica Dominicana y esto se
A Theoretical Study of Some Maximum Likelihood Algorithms for Emission and Transmission Tomography

This paper has the dual purpose of introducing some new algorithms for emission and transmission tomography and proving mathematically that these algorithms and related antecedent algorithms converge. Like the EM algorithms for positron, single-photon, and transmission tomography, the algorithms provide maximum likelihood estimates of pixel concentration or linear attenuation parameters. One particular innovation we discuss is a computationally practical scheme for modifying the EM algorithms to include a Bayesian prior. The Bayesian versions of the EM algorithms are shown to have superior convergence properties in a vicinity of the maximum. We anticipate that some of the other algorithms will also converge faster than the EM algorithms.
Should older patients undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis?

Background Heal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a technically demanding, lengthy procedure with substantial associated morbidity. Some have suggested that this procedure should not be performed in older patients. This study was conducted to evaluate whether older patients have a poorer functional outcome and higher complication rate than younger patients who undergo IPAA. Methods The 455 patients who have undergone IPAA at this institution were stratified according to age ( 55) to compare functional outcome and complication rates. The data were prospectively collected. The groups included 32 patients >55 (7%) and 423 patients Results Preoperative anal sphincter resting and squeeze pressures were significantly lower in the >55 group. Most complication rates were similar after IPAA except dehydration rates, which were higher in the older patients than the younger ones (27% versus 11%, respectively). Pre-ileostomy closure anal sphincter resting and squeeze pressures were not significantly lower in patients older than 55. Twenty-four hour daytime and nighttime stool frequencies were significantly higher in the >55 group, as were daytime and nighttime stool incontinence. Conclusion Although functional outcome is poorer and some complications are higher in the >55 group, the procedure can be safely performed with acceptable results and is greatly preferred by this population over permanent ileostomy.
A study of factors that control biosynthesis of the compounds which comprise the boll weevil pheromone

Biosynthesis of the four monoterpene compounds that comprise the pheromone of the male boll weevil,Anthonomus grandis Boheman, [1, (+)-cis-2-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclobutaneethanol; II, (Z)-3,3-dimethyl-Δ1,β-cyclohexaneethanol; III, (Z)-3,3-dimethyl-Δ1,α-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde; and IV, (E)-3,3-dimethyl-Δ1,α-cyclohexane-acetaldehyde] was studied. More pheromone was biosynthesized in the summer months, somewhat less was produced by males in the presence of females than by isolated males, and the pheromone was concentrated in the gut and surrounding tissue of the abdomen of the males. Incubation of abdomens with the pheromone alcohols yielded related hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and alcohols, which suggested the presence of several enzyme systems. Boll weevils were able to allylically oxidize myrcene and limonene to alcohols, a capability that suggests pheromone precursors may be at least in part inhaled rather than ingested. The hemolymph may then transport the precursor to the gut or some alternative site where allylic oxidation to the pheromone occurs.
Combining multiple evidence for gene symbol disambiguation

Gene names and symbols are important biomedical entities, but are highly ambiguous. This ambiguity affects the performance of both information extraction and information retrieval systems in the biomedical domain. Existing knowledge sources contain different types of information about genes and could be used to disambiguate gene symbols. In this paper, we applied an information retrieval (IR) based method for human gene symbol disambiguation and studied different methods to combine various types of information from available knowledge sources. Results showed that a combination of evidence usually improved performance. The combination method using coefficients obtained from a logistic regression model reached the highest precision of 92.2% on a testing set of ambiguous human gene symbols.
Identification of c-MYC as a Target of the APC Pathway

The adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) is a tumor suppressor gene that is inactivated in most colorectal cancers. Mutations of APC cause aberrant accumulation of beta-catenin, which then binds T cell factor-4 (Tcf-4), causing increased transcriptional activation of unknown genes. Here, the c-MYC oncogene is identified as a target gene in this signaling pathway. Expression of c-MYC was shown to be repressed by wild-type APC and activated by beta-catenin, and these effects were mediated through Tcf-4 binding sites in the c-MYC promoter. These results provide a molecular framework for understanding the previously enigmatic overexpression of c-MYC in colorectal cancers.
The Goldilocks model for TCR-too much attraction might not be best for vaccine design.

One of the most exciting avenues of translational research today is determining how to program αβ T cells of the immune system to treat diseases such as cancer. The main function of T cells is the surveillance of unhealthy cells throughout the body. Because of their specificity, function, and lasting memory, T cells can contribute to the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Two approaches that are being explored to improve T cell responses using different vaccine methods are adoptive cell therapies, in which T cells are expanded and possibly manipulated ex vivo and then reintroduced into the patients [1], and stimulation of the endogenous T cell repertoire [2]. Both hold promise for antigen-specific treatments of diseases.
Adjuvant therapy of breast cancer

About 180,000 American women will be diagnosed with early stage breast cancer during 1993. In many of these patients breast cancer is a systemic disease at diagnosis and thus not curable by local treatment alone. The development of optimal forms of systemic adjuvant therapy has been a major area of research for more than 30 years. The two most widely employed types of adjuvant therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy and tamoxifen, have been shown to improve relapse-free and overall survival in certain patient subsets. This review highlights recent advances in adjuvant therapy of early stage breast cancer and discusses current treatment guidelines.
Evaluation of particle size distribution of albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane administered via metered-dose inhaler with and without valved holding chambers

Background Administration of inhaled medications via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to pediatric patients younger than 4 years usually requires use of a holding chamber or spacer with an attached face mask. Objective To determine the particle size distribution and overall dose of albuterol from the albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane delivered in conjunction with 2 US-marketed valved holding chambers (VHCs) compared with the dose delivered via MDIs without VHCs. Methods Cascade impaction methods with high-performance liquid chromatography were used to evaluate the fine particle mass (FPM) of albuterol administered without and with the use of 2 commercially available VHCs. Results Particle size distributions for the 2 VHCs and the control were similar. The mean FPM values for the 2 VHCs and the control were 32, 28, and 30 μg, respectively. Statistical comparison of the FPM shows a similar profile when differences from the albuterol hydrofluoroalkane without a spacer were evaluated. Conclusions In vitro results obtained under these test conditions demonstrate that all the FPM values for the VHCs tested were within 15% of the control range, a difference that is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. These results do not warrant a change in the recommended dose of albuterol hydrofluoroalkane administered when using the VHCs tested. The use of an MDI in conjunction with a VHC provides a reasonable therapeutic approach for administration of albuterol hydrofluoroalkane to young children and other patients who have difficulty administering the MDI alone.
Muscle relaxants in organ failure

T HE OPTIMAL CHOICE of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) in patients with organ failure obviously is to avoid any agent mainly excreted by that organ. When other factors preclude this choice, the clinician has to anticipate the extent that the pathophysiology will modify the time-course of paralysis. With organ failure, the dose-response relationship is shaped more by the pharmacokinetics than by the pharmacodynamics.
The energy landscape for the interaction of the family 1 carbohydrate-binding module and the cellulose surface is altered by hydrolyzed glycosidic bonds.

A multiscale simulation model is used to construct potential and free energy surfaces for the carbohydrate-binding module [CBM] from an industrially important cellulase, Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I, on the hydrophobic face of a coarse-grained cellulose Iβ polymorph. We predict from computation that the CBM alone exhibits regions of stability on the hydrophobic face of cellulose every 5 and 10 A, corresponding to a glucose unit and a cellobiose unit, respectively. In addition, we predict a new role for the CBM: specifically, that in the presence of hydrolyzed cellulose chain ends, the CBM exerts a thermodynamic driving force to translate away from the free cellulose chain ends. This suggests that the CBM is not only required for binding to cellulose, as has been known for two decades, but also that it has evolved to both assist the enzyme in recognizing a cellulose chain end and exert a driving force on the enzyme during processive hydrolysis of cellulose.
Nature of quasiparticles in itinerant correlated electron systems with geometrical frustration

Using the exact diagonalization technique, we study the effect of geometrical frustration on single-particle, spin and charge excitations in the Hubbard model in a metallic state close to half-filling. As the frustration increases, the magnetic order in the system is suppressed and the peak in the single-particle spectrum becomes sharper, indicating enhanced quasiparticle formation. Careful examination of spin and charge excitations shows that increasing frustration also leads to the merge of spin and charge excitation energies to that of the single-particle excitation. This is consistent with a Fermi liquid having well-defined quasiparticles with both spin and charge characteristics. The calculated results show that geometrical frustration plays an important role in defining the nature of quasiparticles in itinerant correlated electron systems.
Bile acids in the fetal rat: Effect of maternal bile duct ligation☆

The effect of bile duct ligation during pregnancy in rats (thereby increasing maternal plasma bile acids levels) on the bile acid content and composition in the fetus was examined. In spite of 30-fold increase in maternal plasma cholic acid, the bile acid content in the fetus of bile duct ligated rats was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) with a significant reduction in cholic acid content. Plasma cholesterol levels of fetuses from bile duct ligated rats were also significantly lower (p less than 0.05). In addition to the commonly expected bile acids, gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of the fetal bile acid pool showed peaks corresponding to several secondary bile acids. These results suggest that the transfer of primary bile acids of maternal origin into the fetus is minimal.
Cholangiocarcinoma of the liver. Case report with seven-year survival, with review of the literature on primary liver tumors and hepatic resections.

A survey of the English literature concerning primary tumors of the liver has failed to discover a 5-year survivor with cholangiocarcinoma. A 67-year-old Caucasian housewife is presented as a 7-year cure following left lateral hepatic lobectomy. The tumor was a fortuitous finding during elective cholecystectomy and resection was accomplished at that time. The subject of hepatocarcinoma and cholangicarcinoma is reviewed, along with the history and techniques of hepatic resection. Apparently, cholangiocarcinoma has a hopeless prognosis unless found at a very early stage, as in the case presented.
Odorant reception in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae

The mosquito Anopheles gambiae is the major vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. It locates its human hosts primarily through olfaction, but little is known about the molecular basis of this process. Here we functionally characterize the Anopheles gambiae odorant receptor (AgOr) repertoire. We identify receptors that respond strongly to components of human odour and that may act in the process of human recognition. Some of these receptors are narrowly tuned, and some salient odorants elicit strong responses from only one or a few receptors, suggesting a central role for specific transmission channels in human host-seeking behaviour. This analysis of the Anopheles gambiae receptors permits a comparison with the corresponding Drosophila melanogaster odorant receptor repertoire. We find that odorants are differentially encoded by the two species in ways consistent with their ecological needs. Our analysis of the Anopheles gambiae repertoire identifies receptors that may be useful targets for controlling the transmission of malaria.
Environmental Endocrine Disruptors Promote Adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 Cell Line through Glucocorticoid Receptor Activation

The burgeoning obesity and diabetes epidemics threaten health worldwide, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are incompletely understood. Recently, attention has focused on the potential contributions of environmental pollutants that act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Because glucocorticoid signaling is central to adipocyte differentiation, the ability of EDCs to stimulate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and drive adipogenesis was assessed in the 3T3-L1 cell line. Various EDCs were screened for glucocorticoid-like activity using a luciferase reporter construct, and four (bisphenol A (BPA), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), endrin, and tolylfluanid (TF)) were shown to significantly stimulate GR without significant activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were then treated with EDCs and a weak differentiation cocktail containing dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) in place of the synthetic dexamethasone. The capacity of these compounds to promote adipogenesis was assessed by quantitative oil red O staining and immunoblotting for adipocyte-specific proteins. The four EDCs increased lipid accumulation in the differentiating adipocytes and also upregulated the expression of adipocytic proteins. Interestingly, proadipogenic effects were observed at picomolar concentrations for several of the EDCs. Because there was no detectable adipogenesis when the preadipocytes were treated with compounds alone, the EDCs are likely promoting adipocyte differentiation by synergizing with agents present in the differentiation cocktail. Thus, EDCs are able to promote adipogenesis through the activation of the GR, further implicating these compounds in the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
Toward more effective management of information technology benefits

Abstract A critical issue facing senior executives is how to improve the return on their information technology (IT) investments. The results of numerous studies are inconclusive as they have failed to show conclusively that IT investments produce expected payoffs. The purpose of this paper is to offer an explanation for the perceived lack of IT payoff and show how managers can improve the return on their IT investments. We argue that IT can provide significant benefits, but in many cases these benefits are not captured by the firm that made the investment. Instead, a large portion of the benefits are reaped by a variety of participants or stakeholders. The implications of this for managers is that they need to view IT payoff as a portfolio of benefits across many stakeholders. They must also understand and manage the distribution of the benefits within the portfolio to assure that benefits are transferred to the bottom line. The paper offers a framework for analyzing the nature and distribution of IT benefits among various stakeholder groups and concludes with a set of guidelines for measuring and managing these benefits.
Action potential and contraction of heart muscle

Current concepts of the mechanisms responsible for the cardiac action potential are reviewed, as are the relations between the electrical activity and cardiac contraction. The development of techniques allowing direct control of the membrane voltage of cardiac cells has led to a rapid increase in our understanding of the cellular basis of cardiac electrophysiology. There appear to be 8 separately identifiable ionic channels that interact to produce the distinctive cardiac action potential. These “voltage clamp” methods also provide a new approach to the study of excitation-contraction coupling in heart muscle. The application of these methods has led to several new ideas about the relation between membrane voltage and contraction. In addition to triggering contraction, the cardiac action potential plays an important role in the control of contraction, and the nature of this electrical control is examined.
Signal Transduction Due to HIV-1 Envelope Interactions with Chemokine Receptors CXCR4 or CCR5

Infection with HIV-1 requires expression of CD4 and the chemokine receptors CXCR4 or CCR5 at the target cell surface. Engagement of these receptors by the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein is essential for membrane fusion, but may additionally activate intracellular signaling pathways. In this study, we demonstrate that chemokines and HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins from both T-tropic and macrophage-tropic strains rapidly induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2. The response requires CXCR4 and CCR5 to be accessible on the cell surface. The results presented here provide the first evidence for activation of an intracellular signaling event that can initiate multiple signaling pathways as a consequence of contact between HIV-1 and chemokine receptors.
The retreat from usability: user documentation in the post-usability era

During the 1980s, developers and documentors collaborated on a joint mission: to make applications (and their manuals) as usable as possible: easy-to-learn, easy-to-operate, and therefore more useful. In recent years, however, developers have substantially retreated from this protective approach to users, placing a greater emphasis on flexibility, feature-richness, and customizability, none of which is consistent with the traditional, technical communicator's model of usability. New conceptions of software, and new expectations about users, may result in a "post-usability era," in which documentors will probably need to moderate their traditional rhetorical and pedagogical roles as protectors of users and advocates for the primacy of ease-of-use.
Scanners for visualizing activity of analog VLSI circuitry

This paper tutorially describes mixed digital-analog serial multiplexers (scanners) that we use to visualize the activity of one- and two-dimensional arrays of analog VLSI elements. These scanners range from simple one-dimensional devices designed to scan a one-dimensional array onto an oscilloscope, to complete video scanners with integrated sync and blank computation and on-chip video amplifiers. We discuss practical details of design and performance, and we give a source for example scanner layout.
NEW ESTIMATES OF THE TERM STRUCTURE OF INTEREST RATES: 1920–1939

New estimates of the term structures of interest rates for the inter-war period are constructed using a McCulloch-type bond pricing model. The new estimates are compared to the Durand Basic Yields. The Basic Yields are found to be poor estimates: being oversmoothed, wiping out humped term structures, and emasculating the liquidity premium. In contrast, the new estimates appear to behave very much like post-war term structures: exhibiting humps at cyclic peaks and evidence of a liquidity premium.
Age and the Nobel prize revisited

This paper analyzes the relationship between age and productivity for Nobel prize winners in science during the period 1901–1992. The relationship found is field dependent as well as dependent upon the definition used to measure the age at which the ward-winning work was done. The results suggest that although it does not require extraordinary youth to do prizewinning work, the odds decrease markedly in mid-life and fall off precipitously after age 50, particularly in chemistry and physics. The discussion underscores the problem of drawing conclusions about the age structure of research by examining medians instead of the entire distribution.
The relationship between functional capacity and community responsibilities in middle-aged and older Latinos of Mexican origin with chronic psychosis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between scores on the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA), a performance-based measure of functional capacity, and level of patient community responsibilities (i.e., work for pay; volunteer work; attend school; household duties) in a Latino sample. Participants were 58 middle-aged and older Latinos of Mexican origin (mean age = 48.8 years) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We conducted an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age, symptoms of psychosis, and participant language, to determine if greater participation in community responsibilities was associated with higher functional capacity, as measured by the UPSA. Results indicated significant group differences in UPSA scores (F = 5.11, df = 2,51; p = .009), with patients reporting only a single community responsibility having significantly higher UPSA scores than those reporting zero community responsibilities (p = .016) and those reporting two responsibilities scoring significantly higher than those reporting zero community responsibility (p = .008). There were no differences found between those reporting one and those reporting two community responsibilities (p= .256). In contrast, no group differences were observed on the Dementia Rating Scale, a global measure of cognitive functioning (F = 2.14, df = 2,51; p = .128). These results provide initial support for the validity of the UPSA in Latino patients of Mexican origin, and suggest that improvement in functional capacity (i.e., UPSA scores) may be associated with increased capacity for greater community involvement in this population.
Exponential representations of the canonical commutation relations

A class of representations of the canonical commutation relations is investigated. These representations, which are called exponential representations, are given by explicit formulas. Exponential representations are thus comparable to tensor product representations in that one may compute useful criteria concerning various properties. In particular, they are all locally Fock, and non-trivial exponential representations are globally disjoint from the Fock representation. Also, a sufficient condition is obtained for two exponential representations not to be disjoint. An example is furnished by Glimm's model for the :Φ4: interaction for boson fields in three space-time dimensions.
Comparing the bispectral index and suppression ratio with burst suppression of the electroencephalogram during pentobarbital infusions in adult intensive care patients.

Objective. The bispectral index (BIS), a processed variable derived from the raw electroencephalogram (EEG) used to guide sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU), has not been tested during barbiturate therapy for elevated intracranial pressure. We determined the BIS and suppression ratio (SR) values during traditional burst monitoring of the raw EEG during pentobarbital infusions. Design. Prospective, observational cohort study. Setting. A 42-bed multidisciplinary ICU in a tertiary care medical center. Patients. Twelve consecutive patients with elevated intracranial pressure treated with pentobarbital infusions. Intervention. All patients were monitored continuously with the Aspect Medical Systems A-1050 bedside EEG monitor using a bilateral referential montage. Pentobarbital doses were titrated based on the raw EEG to attain a burst-suppression pattern with a goal of 3–5 bursts/minute. Drug dosage, intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure values, EEG bursts/minute, BIS version 3.2, and SR were recorded daily. Measurements and Main Results. The 12 patients were monitored for 62 patient-days. Mean ± SD age was 32 ± 15 years, seven (58%) patients were male, mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Heath Evaluation II score was 17.0 ± 5.0, and hospital mortality was 42%. The mean pentobarbital infusion rate was 124 ± 49 mg/hour or 2.3 ± 1.3 mg/kg/hour, and mean pentobarbital serum concentration was 29.7 ± 13 μg/ml. The mean BIS value was 18 ± 14, mean SR 56% ± 36%; BIS correlated well with SR (r=-0.99, p<0.001). For patient-days with a burst-suppression pattern, BIS 3.2 (r=0.90, p<0.001) and SR (r=-0.89, p<0.001) strongly correlated with the number of bursts/minute. The mean BIS value corresponding to 3–5 bursts/minute was 15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 10–20); SR value was 71 (95% CI 61–80). Conclusion. The Aspect A-1050 applied to patients and monitored by nurses and physicians works well as a bedside EEG monitor, providing a raw EEG signal to titrate barbiturate therapy. The continuous data trend and realtime digital output for the BIS and SR quantify the degree of EEG suppression well and may prove helpful in facilitating titration of barbiturate infusions.
Flux Estimation In Switched Reluctance Motors Using a Two Dimensional Least Square Method Approximation

Switched reluctance (SR) motors are among the most robust motors founnd in industry. The adoption in practice is limited by the difficulty of the drive electronics and control. This is due to the highly non linear characteristics of SR motors. Existing control methods used in SR motors are often based on look-up tables of the torque and the flux characteristics that are derived from magnetic finite element analysis (FEA). This paper proposes a new method of control that will not rely upon look-up tables of the flux values. It is replaced by a two-dimensional least squares polynomial estimate of the magnetic flux linkage. The variables are phase current and rotor position. To obtain the polynomial coefficients, magnetostatic simulations are run for several blocked rotor positions. The phase current is increased until saturation values are achieved. During runtime operation, the rotor position and the current values will be evaluated by the algorithm which results in flux linkage values that are subsequently used by the motor control scheme.
The ontogeny of the neuroendocrine response to endotoxin.

Abstract During development, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is normally hyporesponsive between postnatal days (pnd) 4 and 14. This interval has been designated as the stress-hyporesponsive period (SHRP). Recent evidence indicates that the neonate can respond to selective stimuli, i.e., exposure to immune signals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural correlates of the neonatal stress axis in response to a stimulus that activates the pituitary–adrenal hormones. Thus, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to neonates at three ages (pnd 6, 12, and 18) during or after the SHRP. In an effort to understand the neonatal hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) response to an endotoxin, we measured c-fos immunoreactivity and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene expression. At all ages tested, there was an increase in ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) following LPS compared to controls. During the SHRP, LPS treatment resulted in a marked increase in Fos-positive cells in the PVN, whereas a saline injection had no effect. However, at pnd 18, both LPS and a saline injection elicited equivalent PVN Fos expression. In contrast to the effect on Fos, LPS and a saline injection decreased CRH mRNA at pnd 6 and 12. Outside the SHRP, LPS resulted in an increase in CRH gene expression relative to saline-injected controls. Thus, while the LPS-induced activation of Fos protein and plasma hormones were concordant, CRH mRNA did not positively correlate with the peripheral response. This suggests that the SHRP is not absolute, and the brain is responsive to some stimuli during this period.
The efficacy of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in Stage I uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC).

Abstract Objective. To determine the efficacy of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in Stage I uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). Methods. A retrospective multi-institutional investigation was performed to identify surgically staged patients with Stage I UPSC who were (1) treated after surgery with 3–6 courses of platinum-based chemotherapy without radiation from 1990–2003, and (2) followed for a minimum of 12 months, or until recurrence. Results. Six patients (IA—2, IB—3, IC—1) were treated with carboplatin (AUC 6) or cisplatin (50 mg/m 2 ) alone. One patient recurred to the vagina, was treated with chemo-radiation, and is alive and well at 122 months. One patient recurred to the lung, liver, and brain, and died of disease at 24 months. The remaining 4 patients are alive with no evidence of disease 15–124 months (mean 62 months) after treatment. Two patients (IB-1, IC-1) were treated with cisplatin (50 mg/m 2 ) and cyclophosphamide (1000 mg/m 2 ), and both are alive and well with no evidence of disease 75 and 168 months after treatment. Twenty-one patients (IA—5, IB—13, IC—3) were treated with a combination of carboplatin (AUC 6) and paclitaxel (135 mg/m 2 –175 mg/m 2 ). One patient recurred to the vagina after 3 cycles of carboplatin/paclitaxel, and was treated with chemo-radiation. She is now without evidence of disease 10 months after treatment. At present, all 21 patients with Stage I UPSC treated following surgical staging with carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy are alive and well with no evidence of disease 10–138 months (mean 41 months) after treatment. Conclusion. Combination carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy following surgery is effective in the treatment of Stage I UPSC.
Sudden infant death syndrome in infants of substance-abusing mothers.

A population-based study was performed to determine whether substance abuse during the perinatal period may be a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The incidence of SIDS was studied in 2143 infants of substanceabusing mothers (ISAM) born in Los Angeles County during 1986 and 1987 who were reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services because of a history of drug exposure or positive urine test results in the mother, infant, or both. By comparing the ISAM birth reports with records of autopsy-proven SIDS in Los Angeles County, we found 19 SIDS cases in the population of 2143 ISAM, a SIDS rate of 8.87 cases per 1000 ISAM (95% confidence interval 5.3 to 13.8). This was significantly higher than the SIDS rate for the non-ISAM general population: 396 SIDS deaths among 325, 372 live births, an incidence rate of 1.22 cases per 1000 births, p p =0.022). We conclude that ISAM have a higher incidence of SIDS than the non-ISAM general population. However, it was not possible to separate maternal substance abuse from other confounding variables that may also have had an impact on SIDS risk in the ISAM group.
Real-time PCR compared to Binax NOW and cytospin-immunofluorescence for detection of influenza in hospitalized patients

Background Rapid tests have had a significant impact on influenza diagnosis, but more accurate tests are needed for hospitalized patients who test negative by rapid methods. Objective We sought to determine the increased yield obtained from influenza RT-PCR in hospitalized patients compared to two rapid methods. Study design Binax NOW, cytospin-enhanced direct immunofluoroescence (DFA), and influenza A and B multiplex TaqMan RT-PCR were performed on 237 clinical samples. Results Binax NOW detected 70 (53.0%), cytospin-DFA detected 127 (96.2%), and TaqMan RT-PCR detected 132 (100%) influenza-positive samples. The difference in sensitivity was significant between RT-PCR and Binax NOW (p < 0.0001), but not between RT-PCR and cytospin-DFA (p = 0.0736). Two samples testing positive for influenza B by all three methods, tested falsely positive for influenza A by Binax. Eight true positive samples did not become reactive by Binax until 30 min, and thus were counted as negative. Conclusions The accuracy of real-time RT-PCR should greatly improve the diagnosis of influenza in hospitals using simple rapid flu tests, but may have a more modest impact in hospitals with expertise in cytospin-DFA. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of influenza RT-PCR on patient management and costs in hospitalized patients.
A robust estimation algorithm for printer modeling

This paper describes a robust estimation algorithm (REA) for estimating the device-specific parameters of the so-called spectral Neugebauer model. This physics-based model is used to characterize the response of color printers. The various steps required to use REA are given. A detailed case study, using a high-end color printer, was conducted to evaluate the performance of REA relative to the methods of least squares and total least squares. The main result of the study shows that the model obtained with REA achieves the smallest approximation errors in both spectral and L* a* b* color spaces.
Text to Intelligence: Building and Deploying a Text Mining Solution in the Services Industry for Customer Satisfaction Analysis

We present our experiences in building and deploying a text mining solution in services industry settings, specifically in contact centers. We describe the voice of customer (VoC) and customer satisfaction (C-Sat) analysis settings and outline several unique research challenges brought about by this confluence of text mining and industrial services research. We describe our system for integrated text classification, business intelligence and interactive text labeling for C-Sat analysis. We recount invaluable lessons learned as computer science researchers in services research engagements. The system has been deployed in multiple accounts in contact centers and can be extended to any industrial CRM service practice to analyze unstructured text data.
An integrated input signal design and control-relevant parameter estimation approach for highly interactive multivariate systems

A novel methodology that integrates a directional multisine input design procedure and control-relevant parameter estimation is developed in this paper, leading to desirable models for the control of highly interactive multivariable process systems. A priori information on system directionality is utilized in the input design procedure and recognized in the subsequent parameter estimation step, which consists of control-relevant curve fitting of frequency responses obtained from identification data. As a result, a systematic procedure for generating a control-relevant model with balanced gain directionality is developed, appropriate for highly interactive processes. A case study involving a binary distillation column and model predictive control is presented in this paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Varicella Infection in Pregnancy

Varicella (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness. Most adults are immune to the virus because of previous exposure. Pregnant women who contract varicella risk complications such as pneumonia. Varicella may be transmitted from mother to fetus and could cause congenital varicella syndrome or perinatal infection. Susceptibility to varicella should be determined before pregnancy. Varicella zoster immune globulin may be considered for the mother or newborn if exposure occurs. Acyclovir may decrease the risk of maternal complications from infection.
Nucleotide Metabolism During Differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum

Energy metabolism in Dictyostelium discoideum was studied by following the incorporation of [ 3 H]adenine and [ 32 P]Pi into the intracellular adenine nucleotides at two stages of differentiation. That the levels of nucleotides measured represented levels present in vivo was shown by demonstrating that the concentrations determined from cells quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen were identical to those from cells harvested and subsequently killed in perchloric acid. In addition, significant compartmentalization among the nucleoside triphosphates was not observed after 30 min, since uridine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were at radioactive equilibrium after exposure to [ 32 P]Pi. At the sorocarp stage of differentiation, the dominant role of adenylate kinase activity is indicated by the observations that (i) adenylate kinase activity was found to be present, (ii) the specific radioactivities of the beta- and gamma-phosphates of ATP were equal, (iii) the increase in specific radioactivity of adenosine diphosphate was one-half that of ATP in the presence of [ 32 P]Pi, and (iv) the steady-state equilibrium constant calculated (0.69) from the nucleotide levels equaled that of the apparent equilibrium constant reported in the literature (0.70). By using the same criteria, adenylate kinase activity was not the predominant reaction establishing the adenine nucleotide levels in cells at the pseudoplasmodium stage of differentiation.
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Condensed Matter

Photoacoustic spectroscopy is a new analytical tool that provides a simple nondestructive technique for obtaining information about the electronic absorption spectrum of samples such as powders, semisolids, gels, and liquids. It can also be applied to samples which cannot be examined by conventional optical methods. Numerous applications of this technique in the field of inorganic and organic semiconductors, biology, and catalysis have been described. Among the advantages of photoacoustic spectroscopy, the signal is almost insensitive to light scattering by the sample and information can be obtained about nonradiative deactivation processes. Signal saturation, which can modify the intensity of individual absorption bands in special cases, is a drawback of the method.
Molecular detection and serotyping of infectious bronchitis virus from FTA® filter paper

Abstract We investigated the feasibility of using Flinders Technology Associates (FTA®) filter cards for the storage of allantoic fluid containing an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), such as Arkansas-DPI, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and for their identification by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and characterization by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or nucleotide sequencing. FTA® paper is a cotton-based cellulose membrane containing lyophilized chemicals that lyses many types of bacteria and viruses. IBV was inactivated upon contact with the FTA®, as shown by the inability of the virus to be propagated in embryonating chicken eggs. RT-PCR of the S1 gene showed that viral RNA in allantoic fluid remained stable after storage on FTA® filter cards and that the stability was time and temperature sensitive for the large (1700 base pair [bp]) but not the small (383 bp) PCR products. Analysis of the amplified products showed that molecular characterization is feas...
On r-regular r-connected non-hamiltonian graphs

Some methods are given for constructing regular r-valent r-connected non-hamiltonian graphs; often the graphs are also non-r-edge-colorable. The extent of the class of such graphs constructible from these methods and previous methods is discussed.
A fair congestion control scheme for LAN interconnection via ATM

When LANs are interconnected via an ATM back-bone, traffic mismatch between the source LANs and the destination LAN can cause congestion at the destination Interworking Unit (DIWU). In this paper, we present an end-to-end credit-based feedback congestion control scheme that operates on the LAN side of the LAN/ATM interface. The scheme ensures that there is no packet loss at DIWU due to buffer overflow. It provides fair allocation to the source traffic demand in a max-min fashion and achieves maximum throughput possible at all level of loading conditions. The results of simulation conducted on various traffic patterns clearly demonstrate that the optimal buffer sizing at DIWU achieves minimum delay and maximum throughput at the same time.