cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract W P191: Neurology Consultation During Assessment of Acute Stroke Patients With Mild or Rapidly Improving Symptoms

Background: Emergency Department (ED) physicians frequently cite mild and rapidly improving symptoms (RIS) as rationale for not treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with IV tPA. Approximately 33% of AIS not treated with IV tPA with RIS have poor short-term outcomes, evidenced by inability to ambulate on discharge, and not being discharged home. Determining treatment in an evolving infarct with waxing/waning symptoms is challenging. The decision not to proceed with IV tPA treatment may have lasting consequences and should be done in collaboration with neurology. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 794 records was reviewed with patients presenting to the ED at a 5 campus hospital system from January to June 2013. Inclusion criteria: MD documentation of stroke symptoms within 3 hours of arrival to the ED and RIS as criteria for withholding IV tPA. Exclusion criteria: patients who received IV tPA, evidence of hemorrhage on imaging, time of onset unclear or greater than 3 hours, and patients transferred to outside facilities where discharge data was not available. Results: After applying criteria, 54 records were included in this review. Of the patients not treated with IV tPA for RIS, 8 patients (25%) were discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or an assisted living facility. A total of 7 patients (22%) presented on admission with a Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 2 or greater, while a total of 11 patients (35%) were discharged with a mRS of 2 or greater. As a health care system, neurology was consulted during the AIS assessment in 45 patients (83% of the time). Significant variations were found with geographic location and availability of in-house neurology for consultation. Campuses with telemedicine neurology or fellows covering stroke codes cited the rationale of RIS in approximately 14-18% of cases during the period studied. In contrast, the sites with neurology at the bedside for all stroke codes only cited RIS in 5-8% of cases during the study period. Conclusions: Opportunities for education exists with ED staff in the treatment of RIS. This study also highlights the potential importance for neurology at the bedside for treatment of AIS with IV tPA and warrants additional research.
Business cycle management and firm performance: Tying the empirical knot

Purpose – Business cycles strongly influence corporate sales and profits, yet strategy research largely ignores the possibility that corporate management practices related to the business cycle influence profitability. This paper aims to offer initial empirical support for the view that high peformance firms use a variety of business cycle management (BCM) practices that low performance firms do not.Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study examines the association of firm performance with business cycle management behaviors identified in the prescriptive literature and further developed from a set of case analyses. The empirical analysis uses a matched sample of 35 pairs of high vs low performers from the S&P 500.Findings – Discriminant and conditional logit analyses provide preliminary evidence that business cycle‐sensitive behaviors such as countercyclical hiring and investment associate positively with firm performance.Research limitations/implications – Future research should use larger da...
A 1.85GHz CMOS power amplifier with zero-voltage-switching contour-based outphasing control to improve back-off efficiency

A fully-integrated Watt-level output 0.13µm CMOS power amplifier (PA) based on zero-voltage-switching contour control is presented. The technique employs duty-cycle modulation in concert with outphasing to achieve up to 1.5 times improvement in back-off efficiency compared to conventional outphasing PA. The PA meets EVM and ACLR specifications for WCDMA and LTE 10MHz uplink signals with 29% and 21% PAE respectively.
Short‐term dynamics of nest occupancy in an allopaternal species, the tessellated darter Etheostoma olmstedi

To inquire how male size interacts with alloparental behaviour and mating success in the tessellated darter Etheostoma olmstedi, males were given a choice of nests with or without eggs; subsequent nest occupancy, takeovers and egg deposits were monitored. Subordinate males readily occupied available nests with eggs but were often evicted by dominant males, suggesting that males of all sizes compete for the opportunity to provide allopaternal care in this species.
A closed eye contact lens model of corneal inflammation. Part 1: Increased synthesis of cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid metabolites.

Purpose To characterize a model of contact lens-induced corneal inflammation in the closed eye, with respect to inflammatory parameters and the metabolism of arachidonic acid by homogenates of the corneal epithelium. Methods Rabbit eyes were fitted with extended wear etafilcon A (58% water) hydrogel contact lenses in stacked fashion (two lenses per eye), followed by a silk suture tarsorrhaphy of approximately 90%. The anterior surface was analyzed over a 9-day period for inflammatory events through slit lamp biomicroscopy, subjective inflammatory scoring, corneal pachymetry, and corneal epithelial [1-(14)C]-arachidonic acid metabolism. Results Hydrogel contact lens wear in the closed eye resulted in a progressive anterior surface inflammatory response correlated over time (r = 0.999). Central corneal thickness progressively increased and was also correlated to the inflammatory score (r = 0.995). [1-(14)C]-arachidonic acid metabolism by homogenates of the corneal epithelium resulted in the time-dependent formation of two major products, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 12-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (12-HETrE). Correlations were established between the synthesis of 12-HETE and 12-HETrE, the subjective inflammatory score (r = 0.963) and the progressive increase in corneal thickness (r = 0.971), over 9 days. Conclusions With this model of contact lens wear, eicosanoid synthesizing capacity of the corneal epithelium showed a time-dependent increase in the production of 12-HETE and 12-HETrE strongly correlating to the in situ inflammatory response. The relationship between 12-HETE and 12-HETrE synthesis and the degree of anterior surface inflammation implicate these eicosanoids, among others, as mediators of the inflammatory response to hydrogel contact lens wear in the closed eye.
Convergence characteristics of approximate factorization methods

Convergence characteristics and efficiency of several implicit approximate factorization schemes (including standard ADI, a diagonally dominant form of ADI:DDADI and a diagonalized version of DDADI:D3ADI) are examined using stability analysis and numerical convergence studies. We also discuss the use of subiterations to eliminate the approximate factorization errors and thereby improve convergence behavior. Numerical convergence studies are utilized to demonstrate the theoretical findings. We conclude that, ADI and D3ADI with sub-iterations perform equally well in terms of efficiency, although D3ADI may be more robust with respect to time step selection.
High f/sub /spl tau// and f/sub max/ InAlAs-InGaAs transferred-substrate HBTs

We report the design, fabrication and measurement of a high speed InAlAs-InGaAs heterostructure bipolar transistor (HBT). At a V/sub CE/ of 0.96 V the current gain cut-off frequency, f/sub /spl tau//, and the maximum oscillation frequency, f/sub max/, were 300 GHz and 235 GHz, respectively. This value of f/sub /spl tau// is the highest ever reported for bipolar transistors. At a slightly higher V/sub CE/ bias, simultaneously high values of f/sub /spl tau//=293 GHz and f/sub max/=275 GHz were obtained. Fast HBTs have become key components in future and current designs for 100 GHz digital communication systems, direct digital frequency synthesizers and radar. To achieve these goals, it is essential for the device to have simultaneous high values of f/sub /spl tau// and f/sub max/ capability for high current density operation and a low extrinsic base collector capacitance.
Poverty and Equality

This review essay questions whether the recent focus on "moral virtue" in poverty reform is true to the history and values of our democracy. Joel Schwartz's FIGHTING POVERTY WITH VIRTUE: MORAL REFORM AND AMERICA'S URBAN POOR (Indiana University Press, 2000) reminds us that current reform welfare efforts, designed to encourage self-virtue, have strong historical origins. However, while Schwartz describes much of the war on poverty as a "historical detour", his account forgets the historical and conceptual role that equality plays in our democrat system. For example, the heroic efforts of Mary Jones, as described in Elliott J. Gorn's MOTHER JONES: THE MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN IN AMERICA (Hill & Wang, 2001), was inspired by a commitment to the belief that inequality represents a failure of American democracy. Present focus on questions of poverty may more closely track Schwartz's account than Mother Jones', but Mother Jones' vision of the call of American democracy challenges us to aspire not to forget about equality.
SubModule failure detection methods for the modular multilevel converter

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become one of the most promising converter topologies for medium/high-power applications. As the MMC is structured based upon stacking up of a number of series-connected identical SubModules (SMs), to improve its fault tolerance and reliability, SM failure detection and location is of significant importance. In this paper, two SM-failure detection and location methods are proposed, i.e., a clustering algorithm (CA)-based method and a calculated capacitance (CC)-based method. In the proposed CA-based method, a pattern recognition-based fault diagnosis approach is developed, which employs the clustering algorithm to detect and locate the faulty SMs with open-switch failures through identifying the pattern of two-dimensional trajectories of the SM characteristic variables. The proposed CC-based method is based on calculation and comparison of a physical component parameter, i.e., the nominal SM capacitance, and is capable of failure detection, location, and classification within one stage. Performance of the proposed failure detection methods for an MMC system is evaluated based on time-domain simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment. The reported study results demonstrate the capabilities of the two proposed methods in detecting and locating any SM failure under various conditions accurately and efficiently.
Reduction of β-Amyloid Levels by Novel Protein Kinase Cϵ Activators

Isoform-specific protein kinase C (PKC) activators may be useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer disease. Three new ϵ-specific PKC activators, made by cyclopropanation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been developed. These activators, AA-CP4, EPA-CP5, and DHA-CP6, activate PKCϵ in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike PKC activators that bind to the 1,2-diacylglycerol-binding site, such as bryostatin and phorbol esters, which produce prolonged down-regulation, the new activators produced sustained activation of PKC. When applied to cells expressing human APPSwe/PS1δ, which produce large quantities of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), DCP-LA and DHA-CP6 reduced the intracellular and secreted levels of Aβ by 60–70%. In contrast to the marked activation of α-secretase produced by PKC activators in fibroblasts, the PKC activators produced only a moderate and transient activation of α-secretase in neuronal cells. However, they activated endothelin-converting enzyme to 180% of control levels, suggesting that the Aβ-lowering ability of these PKCϵ activators is caused by increasing the rate of Aβ degradation by endothelin-converting enzyme and not by activating nonamyloidogenic amyloid precursor protein metabolism.
Dissociation constants for carbonic anhydrase-sulfonamide binding by high-performance liquid chromatography

Carbonic anhydrase-azosulfonamide dissociation constants (Kd) were determined by gel filtration with high-performance liquid chromatography. By measuring the area of the elution peak at two wavelengths, Kd values were derived without having to measure a shallow trough. The procedure proved to be fast and reliable and has a general application. The dissociation constants were measured for 7-acetamido-2-(4'-sulfamylphenylazo)-1-hydroxynaphthalene-3, 6-disulfonate (Neoprontosil) complexes with carbonic anhydrase isozymes CA I, CA II, and CA III from bovine and human sources, and chicken CA III from skeletal muscle.
Surgical treatment strategies and outcome in patients with breast cancer metastatic to the spine: a review of 87 patients

Aggressive surgical management of spinal metastatic disease can provide improvement of neurological function and significant pain relief. However, there is limited literature analyzing such management as is pertains to individual histopathology of the primary tumor, which may be linked to overall prognosis for the patient. In this study, clinical outcomes were reviewed for patients undergoing spinal surgery for metastatic breast cancer. Respective review was done to identify all patients with breast cancer over an eight-year period at a major cancer center and then to select those with symptomatic spinal metastatic disease who underwent spinal surgery. Pre- and postoperative pain levels (visual analog scale [VAS]), analgesic medication usage, and modifed Frankel grade scores were compared on all patients who underwent surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess risks for complications. A total of 16,977 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 479 patients (2.8%) were diagnosed with spinal metastases from breast cancer. Of these patients, 87 patients (18%) underwent 125 spinal surgeries. Of the 76 patients (87%) who were ambulatory preoperatively, the majority (98%) were still ambulatory. Of the 11 patients (13%) who were nonambulatory preoperatively, four patients were alive at 3 months postoperatively, three of which (75%) regained ambulation. The preoperative median VAS of six was significantly reduced to a median score of two at the time of discharge and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001 for all time points). A total of 39% of patients experienced complications; 87% were early (within 30 days of surgery), and 13% were late. Early major surgical complications were significantly greater when five or more levels were instrumented. In patients with spinal metastases specifically from breast cancer, aggressive surgical management provides significant pain relief and preservation or improvement of neurological function with an acceptably low rate of complications.
Lipid-degrading enzymes from potato tubers

Abstract Three varieties of potato were used to investigate the activity of lipolytic acyl hydrolase, (LAH) and lipoxygenase, (LOX), for a short period after harvest. Both enzymes displayed very low levels of activity during the first few days, followed by an increase in later storage, with the hydrolase activity of Desiree tubers remaining low. An inverse relationship was found between the total LOX activity and the percentage of activity obtained in a particulate form. Only when the total LOX content was below 0.7 units (μmol/g/min fr. wt), was it possible to obtain a highly active particulate fraction. LAH particulate activity was dependent upon both enzymes remaining low. Protoplasts were isolated by the use of cell-degrading enzymes. When the total LOX activity in the tubers was low, 50% of this activity could be obtained in intact protoplasts. Once the LOX concentration in the tubers had risen, fewer intact protoplasts were isolated. No particulate activity of either enzyme was found when these protoplasts were lysed. The two lipid-degrading enzymes were not located in the amyloplasts.
Multinational Oil Companies in South America in the 1920s: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru

Generalizations are always difficult, especially in the context of varied national experiences. But by looking at the evolution of oil company activity in the 1920s in South America and by examining the range of relevant business functions — marketing, refining, production, exploration, transportation — the author throws light on the development of business-government relations in that part of the world, where the hostility of host nations to multinational enterprises was to grow so strong.
Experience with long-term outpatient venous access utilizing percutaneously placed silicone elastomer catheters.

One hundred forty consecutive cancer patients had percutaneously placed subclavian vein catheters for up to 882 days' duration. The incidence of suspected and proven catheter-related sepsis was low. This is a cost-effective alternative to tunneled catheter insertion for chronic venous access in cancer patients. Cancer 56: 2074-2077, 1985.
A specific cholesterol binding site is established by the 2.8 A structure of the human beta2-adrenergic receptor.

Summary The role of cholesterol in eukaryotic membrane protein function has been attributed primarily to an influence on membrane fluidity and curvature. We present the 2.8 A resolution crystal structure of a thermally stabilized human β 2 -adrenergic receptor bound to cholesterol and the partial inverse agonist timolol. The receptors pack as monomers in an antiparallel association with two distinct cholesterol molecules bound per receptor, but not in the packing interface, thereby indicating a structurally relevant cholesterol-binding site between helices I, II, III, and IV. Thermal stability analysis using isothermal denaturation confirms that a cholesterol analog significantly enhances the stability of the receptor. A consensus motif is defined that predicts cholesterol binding for 44% of human class A receptors, suggesting that specific sterol binding is important to the structure and stability of other G protein-coupled receptors, and that this site may provide a target for therapeutic discovery.
Capillary Limit of Evaporator Wick in Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converters

Vapor anode, multitube alkali metal thermal-to-electric converters are being developed for potential use in space and terrestrial electric power generation. In these converters, the capillary pressure head produced in the evaporator wick circulates the sodium working fluid. A two-dimensional, thermal-hydraulic model of the porous evaporator wick and of the liquid sodium return artery is developed and thermally coupled to an integrated model of a five-beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) tube, stainless-steel sodium converter (PX-3A), and an eight-tube, Mo-41% Resodium converter. Results showed that the capillary limit in the evaporator wick of the PX-3A converter is reached at zero electrical current, when the thermal input power to the converter exceeds 16 W, or the hot-side temperature exceeds 1136 K. For the Mo-41%Re converter, these values are 22 W and 1150 K, respectively. Before reaching the capillary limit, however, two or more of the following temperature limits occurred in both converters: 1) the TiNi metal-ceramic braze joints' temperature exceeded 1123 K, 2) the evaporator wick surface temperature exceeded 1023 K, or 3) the temperature difference between the cold end of the BASE tubes and the evaporator wick surface was less than +20 K.
Bimodality in diversification: An efficiency and effectiveness rationale

Various researchers have observed that the frequency distribution of firm diversification is bimodal. The two modes are created by a majority of firms employing either very little or substantial amounts of diversification. Only a minority of firms opt for medium amounts of diversification. From theoretical discussion of the forces of efficiency and effectiveness in diversification, this work provides a rationale for the bimodality phenomenon. In turn, research implications arise regarding optimum degrees of diversification, what the impact of optimization is upon firm performance, and why the measurement of both type and degree of diversification is important.
Formulas for the number of (n-2)-gaps of binary objects in arbitrary dimension

In this paper we define the notion of a gap in an arbitrary digital binary object S in a digital space of arbitrary dimension. Then we obtain an explicit formula for the number of gaps in S of maximal dimension, derive combinatorial relations for digital curves, and discuss possible applications to image analysis of digital surfaces (in particular planes) and curves.
Purification, Characterization, and Kinetic Studies of a SolubleBacteroides fragilis Metallo-β-lactamase That Provides Multiple Antibiotic Resistance

Resistance to multiple β-lactam antibiotics traced to the expression of Zn(II) requiring metallo-β-lactamases has emerged in clinical isolates of several bacterial strains includingBacteroides fragilis, a pathogen commonly found in suppurative/surgical infections. A soluble B. fragilismetallo-β-lactamase has been purified to homogeneity from the cell growth medium after expression as a secretory protein inEscherichia coli. The enzyme requires two tightly bound Zn(II) ions for full activity, and the Zn(II) ions can be removed by EDTA from the enzyme. The apoenzyme is reactivated by stoichiometric amounts of Zn(II) and Co(II) ions. The Co(II)-substituted enzyme exhibits a UV-visible spectrum characterized by strong Co(II) d-d transitions at 510, 548, 615, and 635 nm and an EPR spectrum withg values of 5.52, 4.25, and 2.01: features that serve as useful spectroscopic handles for the mechanistic studies of the enzyme. Although steady-state and transient-state kinetic studies of the soluble Zn(II) enzyme with nitrocefin as substrate found no ionizable groups with pKa values between 5.25 and 10.0 involved in catalysis, a kinetically significant proton transfer step in turnover was implicated by studies in deuterium oxide. These studies also detected the accumulation of an enzyme-bound intermediate and provide the basis for a minimal kinetic scheme describing metallo-β-lactamase-catalyzed nitrocefin hydrolysis.
Weekend bias in Citizen Science data reporting: implications for phenology studies.

Studies of bird phenology can help elucidate the effects of climate change on wildlife species but observa- tions over broad spatial scales are difficult without a net- work of observers. Recently, networks of citizen volunteers have begun to report first arrival dates for many migratory species. Potential benefits are substantial (e.g., understand- ing ecological processes at broad spatial and temporal scales) if known biases of citizen data reporting are identi- fied and addressed. One potential source of bias in bird phenology studies is the tendency for more "first" migratory arrivals to be reported on weekends than on weekdays. We investigated weekend bias in data reporting for five com- mon bird species in North America (Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula; Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica; Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica; Purple Martin, Progne subis; and Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris), and assessed whether this bias affected mean arrival dates reported using data from historical (1880-1969; N0 25,555) and recent (1997-2010; N063,149) Citizen Science databases. We found a greater percentage of first arrivals reported on weekends and small but significant differences in mean arrival dates (approximately 0.5 days) for four of five species. Comparing time periods, this weekend bias decreased from 33.7 % and five species in the historical time period to 32 % and three species in the recent, perhaps related to changes in human activity pat- terns. Our results indicate that weekend bias in citizen data reporting is decreasing over time in North America and including a 'day of week' term in models examining changes in phenology could help make conclusions more robust.
Survivable WDM mesh networks. Part I-Protection

This investigation considers optical networks which employ wavelength cross-connects that enable the establishment of wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) channels, between node-pairs. In such and other networks, the failure of a network element (e.g., fiber link, cross-connect, etc.) may cause the failure of several optical channels, thereby leading to large data losses. This study examines different approaches to protect mesh based WDM optical networks from single-link failures. These approaches are based on two basic survivability paradigms: (a) path protection/restoration, and (b) link protection/restoration. In path- and link-protection schemes, backup paths and wavelengths are reserved in advance at the time of call setup. Path- and link-restoration schemes are dynamic schemes in which backup paths are discovered (from the spare capacity in the network) upon the occurrence of a failure. In part 1 of this study presented in this paper, we formulated integer linear programs to determine the capacity requirements for the above protection schemes for a static traffic demand.
Inclusion body myositis in connective tissue disorders: case report and review of the literature.

We report a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and secondary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) who developed inclusion body myositis (IBM) which, contrary to the typical presentation of this disorder, was symmetrical in nature although the diagnosis was only made after electron microscopy was performed. Therapy with increased doses of methotrexate proved to be beneficial, with the patient having full recovery after 8 months of therapy. It appears that a subset of IBM may be related to autoimmune disorders, an issue that was disputed in the past, and these patients may have a better prognosis than typical IBM patients. This is the first case report of IBM in a patient who had the dual diagnosis of SLE and SS.
State Certification Standards for Teachers of Learning Disabled Students.

Given the current concern about the quality of educational programs, as reflected by the many highly publicized task force and commission reports, it seems timely to systematically examine the standards by which teachers in the field of learning disabilities (LD) become certified by state agencies. Indeed, it is ultimately by these standards that our discipline officially confers the status of professional on those individuals who complete prescribed teacher training programs. The broad issue of professional standards in special education has been addressed in recent articles (e.g., Heller, 1983; Heller & Ridenhour, 1983; Lilly, 1983; Maple, 1983). In a position paper on the preparation of professional personnel in learning disabilities (1982), the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities pointed out that the goals of accrediting, certifying, or licensing agencies often differ from those of institutions of higher education and may exert negative influences on curriculum and policy in teacher preparation programs. Ideally, state agency certification requirements should be consistent with the highest level of standards maintained in teacher training programs within a given state (Leigh, 1980). In reality, however, prospective teachers often circumvent attempts by universities to establish higher standards by obtaining certification directly from state certification agencies that do not apply comparably high standards. In other cases, on the other hand, personnel preparation programs are forced to adopt higher training standards in order to comply with certification criteria imposed by state agencies. In a national survey, Adelman and Taylor (1985) asked prominent LD professionals to identify the most significant and fundamental issues and/or problems facing the field of learning disabilities in the next decade. Not surprisingly, the need to adopt higher standards for preparing LD practitioners was cited as one of the main concerns. The authors reported that the major training-related issue mentioned by respondents wa the debate concerning categorical vs. generic training and certification of LD teachers. Based upon a recognition of the above concerns, and in accordance with its stated purpose of promoting higher standards for professional practice, the Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) conducted a survey of state certification standards for LD teachers in the United States. The purpose of the present article is to report the resul s of this study and to briefly discuss them in relation to LD state certification requirements.
Discharge Practice Patterns Following Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Evidence for the Shifting of the Burden of Care

Purpose: Between 1985 and 2000 the incidence of bladder cancer in this country increased by 33%. Radical cystectomy is the primary treatment modality in patients with invasive disease. We characterized trends in cystectomy use and discharge practice patterns following cystectomy during a recent 13-year period.Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample comprises a 20% probability sample of hospital discharges in the United States each year. Patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer from 1988 to 2000 were identified using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Outcome variables included in-hospital mortality, length of stay and hospital discharge status.Results: From 1988 to 2000 an estimated 119,491 patients underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer. Cystectomy rates decreased by 17% from 3.91/100,000 (1988 to 1990) to 3.25/100,000 (1997 to 2000), largely due to a decreasing number of partial cystectomies. In-hospital mortality decreased fro...
Changing patterns of dominance in the CD8+ T cell response during acute and persistent murine gamma-herpesvirus infection.

The murine γ-herpesvirus MHV-68 causes an acute, transient pneumonitis, followed by an infectious mononucleosis (IM)-like illness with splenomegaly, widespread latent infection of B lymphocytes and an expansion of Vβ4 CD8 T cells. CD8 T cells specific for an H-2D-restricted epitope were prominent during the acute respiratory infection, but their prevalence declined rapidly during the mononucleosis. In contrast, CD8 T cells specific for an H-2K-restricted epitope, apparently expressed by virus-infected B lymphocytes, were most numerous during the mononucleosis illness and were maintained at relatively high frequencies thereafter. The prevalence of all peptide-specific CD8 T cells decreased during the expansion of the Vβ4 CD8 population, which did not recognize any peptide epitopes identified and was apparent also in an MHC class I-deficient environment. The CD8 T cell population recognizing productively infected epithelial cells thus differed substantially from that responding during the IM illness.
Tensile Fatigue Limits of Prosthodontic Adhesives

Tensile fatigue limits and ultimate tensile strengths of some prosthodontic adhesive systems were determined. Ni-Cr-Be cylinders were: electro-etched, chemically etched, and sandblasted prior to being bonded end-to-end with BIS-GMA and 4-META adhesives. Bonded specimens were stored in distilled de-ionized water for three days prior to being tested. Fifteen paired specimens per group were subjected to a cyclic tensile load for 1000 cycles. Tensile fatigue limits were determined by the staircase method. Five specimens per group were tested for ultimate tensile strength. In addition, those specimens which survived the 1000 cycles during fatigue testing were also tested for ultimate tensile strength. Statistical evaluations to compare tensile fatigue limits and ultimate tensile strengths for fatigued and non-fatigued specimens were then performed.The results indicated that the tensile fatigue limit and the ratio of fatigue limit to ultimate tensile strength of the sandblasted, 4-META adhesive system were sign...
Fluorescence characteristics of thermo-altered exinites (sporinites)

Abstract Fluorescence spectra of heat-treated exinites (sporinites) vary systematically with increasing temperatures of treatment. The wavelength of the fluorescence maximum, λmax, shifts toward the longer wavelength as a result of thermal alteration. The maxima shift from 560 nm in untreated lignite to 640 nm in lignite after heating to 350 °C. Numerical values, such as fluorescence maximum, λmax, and spectral quotient, Q S = I 650 I 500 , can be used as rank parameters of coals. The technique can also be used as a tool to monitor thermal reactions of coals at relatively moderate temperatures. The method can distinguish certain resinites from exinites.
The Long-Term Predictive Validity of the Consumers’ Need for Uniqueness Scale

This research examines the long-term ability of the consumers’ need for uniqueness measure to predict consumers’ valued possessions, shopping behaviors, and experiences. Consumers’ need for uniqueness reflects individual differences in counterconformity motivation (i.e., the pursuit of differentness relative to others) that is manifest in consumer responses. This research reports on 2 longitudinal assessments of the scale's predictive validity using data collected at 4 stages from a consumer mail-survey sample. One year following initial responses to the trait measure, respondents participated in a second survey in which they photographed and rank ordered their valued possessions. In a third survey, the photographs served as cues to obtain responses to ratings of possession benefits and to questions regarding acquisition of the possession. Overall, the results support a number of hypotheses regarding the relation of consumers’ need for uniqueness to salient possession benefits, types of goods comprising consumers’ valued possessions, and shopping behaviors associated with acquiring valued possessions. Two years following initial responses to the trait measure, members of the consumer mail panel completed a fourth survey, indicating their participation in various uniqueness-enhancing consumer activities. Results support the stability and predictive validity of the measure over the 2-year period. Because the design of possessions and endorsed uniqueness-enhancing activities considered in the consumer mail panel studies varied across individuals, an additional study was conducted that demonstrated the scale's ability to predict individuals’ counterconformity responses to the same choice situation.
Structural role of tyrosine 98 in photoactive yellow protein: effects on fluorescence, gateway, and photocycle recovery.

We have recently shown that the Y98Q mutant of PYP has a major effect on the photocycle kinetics (∼40 times slower recovery). We have now determined the crystal structure of Y98Q at 2.2 A resolution to reveal the role of residue Y98 in the PYP photocycle. Although the overall structure is very similar to that of WT, we observed two major effects of the mutation. One obvious consequence is a conformational change of the β4−β5 loop, which includes a repositioning of residue M100. It had previously been shown that the photocycle is slowed by as much as 3 orders of magnitude when residue M100 is substituted or when the conformation is altered as in Rhodocista centenaria PYP. To investigate whether the altered photocycle of Y98Q is due to this repositioning of M100 or is caused by an effect unrelated to M100, we determined the dark recovery kinetics of the Y98Q/M100A mutant. We find the recovery kinetics to be very similar to the M100A single mutant kinetics and therefore conclude that the slower recovery kine...
Trigeminal neuralgia : a guide to drug choice.

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is an idiopathic condition of severe, unilateral, paroxysmal facial pain. The abrupt nature of the painful attacks (a temporal profile that is similar to that of seizures) led to the discovery that some anticonvulsant drugs are effective against neuralgia.Carbamazepine is the drug of choice, and treatment requires careful dosage titration. Baclofen, phenytoin and sodium valproate are also effective. Transient relief is sometimes possible with local anaesthetics. Limited data suggest that topical capsaicin, and tizanidine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pyridostigmine and enalapril have helped some patients. While effective, other drugs are limited by their adverse effects; for example, clonazepam is too sedating, pimozide induces extrapyramidal adverse effects, and tocainide and felbamate can cause aplastic anaemia. Phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), opioids, mexiletine, tricyclic antidepressants, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sympatholytics are ineffective.The antineuralgic effect of any drug may eventually wear off. If this occurs, combination therapy can restore pain relief, as can the reintroduction of a previously effective drug following a drug-free interval.Similar pharmacological strategies potentially apply to other paroxysmal pain syndromes such as vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia. Clinical overlap with multiple sclerosis or cluster headache suggests additional drugs that may be useful in specific patients. Effective neurosurgical procedures exist for patients with trigeminal neuralgia that is refractory to medications.
Analytical models for optimal NC machining of regular convex polygonal pockets

Abstract We address the problem of developing analytical models of the cutter-path length in pocket machining. The availability of such analytical models will enable the determination of an optimal set of cutting-tools and cutter-paths that will minimize the time or cost to machine a pocket. In this paper, we derive an analytical model for machining a 2.5-D pocket having the shape of an equilateral triangle with rounded corners. The proposed approach can be used to derive analytical models for other regular convex polygonal pockets.
Instability behaviour of superconductor wires/cylinders under finite linear thermal disturbance

Abstract The behaviour of a cylinder/wire type superconductor subjected to an instantaneous thermal disturbance, characterized by a linear heat source of finite length, is investigated. The mechanism of quenching and recovery of superconductivity is investigated by solving the transient two-dimensional heat conduction equation with or without volumetric heating, and fixed or moving boundary. A criterion with regard to different modes of behaviour is developed.
Validating Cluster Analysis: Consistent Replication and Symmetry

Two simulation studies evaluated a cross-validation approach for cluster analyses (CA). Study 1 examined the extent to which the magnitude of replication and two aspects of replication, consistency and symmetry indicate recovery of true clusters for ten CA algorithms. Cluster size, number of clusters, covariance structure, number of variables, sample size, and error perturbation were systematically varied. Replication indices significantly predicted recovery. Study 2 evaluated replication as an indicator of the number of true clusters within a sample. Although on the average replication indices peak in the region of the true number of clusters, choosing the number of clusters by maximum replication results in a negatively biased estimate. A proposed "scree test" attenuates this bias, however, and improves accuracy.
Comparison of Spartina alterniflora loisel. Transplants from different locations in a man-initiated marsh in North Carolina

Short and tall height form transplants ofSpartina alterniflora from Beaufort were compared with intermediate height form plants from three other North Carolina locations (Oregon Inlet, Ocracoke Island, and Snow’s Cut) at a common site for five growing seasons to determine variation in growth response as related to marsh initiation. In September, 5 months after planting, there were significant differences in height, basal area, and aboveground dry weight among transplants from the five locations. By the end of the second growing season, 17 months after planting, Beaufort short plants were still significantly shorter than those from any other location except Oregon Inlet and Beaufort tall plants were still taller than Beaufort short or Oregon Inlet plants. For the first two growing seasons, flowering occurred sequentially from north to south based on the site of origin of the transplants. Of five measures of growth, only the number of flowering culms m−2 differed significantly by the end of the third growing season, 29 months after planting. Over the 5 years, Beaufort tall plants at higher elevation and exposed to shorter periods of inundation decreased in height while the height of Beaufort short plants remained essentially unchanged. The reverse was observed in the lower elevation zone, inundated longer, where Beaufort short plants increased in height and the height of Beaufort tall plants remained essentially unchanged. Results support the ecophene, rather than ecotype, status of short and tall height forms. Results further indicate that transplants from different locations, over a relatively narrow latitudinal range, can vary in several measures of growth response for several growing seasons and suggest that it would be best to use transplants from stands of intermediate height form from recently colonized sites for stabilization and initiation of marsh development projects.
Lessons from a liver hemangioma registry: subtype classification

Abstract Purpose A previously proposed classification of hepatic hemangioma postulated 3 types of lesions: focal, multifocal, and diffuse. A registry ( www.liverhemangioma.org ) was created to track patients to validate this classification scheme. Methods Registry records entered between 1995 and 2010 were reviewed. Results Of 121 patients with hepatic hemangioma, 119 were focal (n = 33), multifocal (n = 68), and diffuse (n = 18). Two patients shared features of multifocal and diffuse. The focal group had a balanced sex distribution, whereas multifocal and diffuse were more common in women (66.2% and 70.0%, respectively). Hepatic hemangioma was detected prenatally in 30% (9/30) of patients with focal disease. Detection was not possible in multifocal or diffuse hepatic hemangioma, indicating postnatal proliferation typical of common cutaneous infantile hemangioma. Cutaneous hemangiomas accompanied 77.4% (48/62) of multifocal hepatic hemangioma, 53.3% (8/15) of diffuse hepatic hemangioma, and 15.3% (4/26) of focal hepatic hemangioma. Hypothyroidism was documented in all (16/16) patients with diffuse hepatic hemangioma, 21.4% (9/42) with multifocal hepatic hemangioma, but in no patients with focal hepatic hemangioma (0/17). Conclusions Analysis of the Liver Hemangioma Registry confirms that focal lesions are biologically distinct from multifocal and diffuse hepatic hemangioma. Feared diffuse hepatic hemangioma may evolve from previously undetected multifocal hepatic hemangioma. Screening ultrasounds in infants with multiple cutaneous infantile hemangioma may allow for earlier detection and therapy.
Sensitivity of carbon sequestration costs to soil carbon rates

Modifying current agricultural management practices as a means of sequestering carbon has been shown to be a relatively low cost way to offset greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper we examine the sensitivity of the estimates of the amount of soil carbon sequestered and the implied costs of sequestering a tonne of carbon to changes in the rates of soil carbon sequestered for alternative production practices. An application is made to the dryland grain production systems of the US Northern Plains where the marginal costs of soil C range from $20 to $100 per MT. We show that the resulting changes in the marginal costs quantities of C sequestered are not a monotonic transformation of the changes in the soil carbon rates. These results underscore the importance of using a linked economic and biophysical simulation model to assess the economic potential for sequestering carbon in agricultural soils.
Too much of a good thing?: Positive religious coping predicts worse diurnal salivary cortisol patterns for overwhelmed African American female dementia family caregivers.

Objectives Religious coping arguably prevents negative health outcomes for stressed persons. This study examined the moderating role of religious coping (positive, negative, and combined) in the connection of care recipient functional status with diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among dementia family caregivers. Methods Thirty African American (AA) female dementia caregivers and 48 AA noncaregivers completed the Religious Coping (RCOPE) scale, the Activities of Daily Living scale, and the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC) and collected five saliva samples daily (at awakening, 9 A.M., 12 P.M., 5 P.M., and 9 P.M.) for 2 straight days. Results Hierarchical regression tests with mean diurnal cortisol slope as the outcome illustrated surprisingly that higher combined and positive (but not negative) RCOPE scores were associated with increasingly flatter or worse cortisol slope scores for caregivers (but not noncaregivers). Of note, the RCOPE by RMBPC interaction was significant. Among caregivers who reported higher RMBPC scores, higher combined and positive (but not negative) RCOPE scores were unexpectedly associated with increasingly flatter cortisol slopes. Conclusions These results extend current findings by showing that being AA, a caregiver, and high in positive religious coping may predict increased daily stress responses, mainly for those with higher patient behavioral problems. Because religious coping is a central coping strategy for AA caregivers, it is vital that epidemiologic assessments of religious coping in health and aging as well as tailored interventions focus on the unique reasons for this disparity.
The biosynthesis of flavonoid pigments: On the incorporation of phloroglucinol and phloroglucinyl cinnamate into rutin in Fagopyrum esculentum

Abstract The problem of whether phloroglucinol is a direct biosynthetic precursor of flavonoids was reinvestigated. Phloroglucinol-2,4,6- 14 C was found to be incorporated into rutin in Buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum ) but most of the activity was found in the sugar moiety, the remainder being approximately equally distributed among the A- and B-rings of the aglycone, quercetin. This indicates extensive degradation of the added phloroglucinol prior to its utilization in the biosynthesis of the flavonoid. The hypothesis of a bio-Fries rearrangement of phloroglucinyl cinnamate to a chalcone, and hence to flavonoids, was also eliminated by comparing the efficiency of incorporation of 14 C-labelled phloroglucinyl cinnamate and those of labelled phloroglucinol and cinnamic acid.
Diurnal salivary cortisol in pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additional information on basal cortisol levels in children exposed to trauma and experiencing PTSD symptoms may contribute to the understanding of the role of this axis in PTSD. Methods: Fifty-one children (30 boys and 21 girls, mean age 10.7 years) with a history of exposure to trauma and PTSD symptoms were compared with 31 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Salivary cortisol was obtained from participants during home measurements and was collected four times a day (prebreakfast, prelunch, predinner, and prebed) for up to 3 consecutive days. Results: The clinical group demonstrated significantly elevated cortisol levels when compared with the control group. In addition, exploratory analyses revealed that girls with PTSD symptoms had significantly elevated cortisol levels when compared with boys with PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: The physiologic response of children with history of trauma and with PTSD symptoms may be characterized by heightened adrenal activity.