cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the allergenic properties of bee venom and whole bee body extract

Summary The allergenic properties of bee venom and whole bee body extract were compared by in vivo and in vitro tests. The majority of patients with known bee sting sensitivity had positive intracutaneous skin test reactions with bee venom and had bee venom specific IgE in their sera. Of seventeen patients with positive bee venom skin tests, nine had positive tests with whole bee body extract. Of thirty sera containing elevated levels of bee venom specific IgE obtained from untreated patients, fourteen sera contained whole body specific IgE but in much lower titres. In RAST inhibition experiments using both bee venom and whole bee body extract as coupling antigens, bee venom was a more potent inhibiting antigen than whole body extract. From these experiments we conclude that bee venom is a more potent allergen than whole bee body extract.
Pseudorandom selective excitation in NMR

Abstract In this work, average Hamiltonian theory is used to study selective excitation under a series of small flip-angle θ -pulses θ ≪ π 3 applied either periodically [corresponding to the DANTE pulse sequence] or aperiodically to a spin-1/2 system. First, an average Hamiltonian description of the DANTE pulse sequence is developed that is valid for frequencies either at or very far from integer multiples of 1 τ , where τ is the interpulse delay. For aperiodic excitation, a single resonance, ν sel , can be selectively excited if the θ -pulse phases are modulated in concert with the interpulse delays. The conditions where average Hamiltonian theory can be accurately applied to describe the dynamics under aperiodic selective pulses, which are referred to as pseudorandom-DANTE or p-DANTE sequences, are similar to those found for the DANTE sequence. Signal averaging over different p-DANTE sequences improves the apparent selectivity at ν sel by reducing the excitations at other frequencies. Experimental demonstrations of p-DANTE sequences and comparisons with the theory are presented.
Consequence Analysis in the Production and Transportation of Oil and Gas

In the event of a pipeline or vessel leak or rupture at an oil and gas production facility, understanding of vapor-liquid multiphase flows can be very helpful in mitigating the safety and environmental consequences. The relevant multiphase flow phenomena involve flows both internal and external to the pipe or vessel. They include the release rates of vapor and liquid hydrocarbons, the sonic flow region immediately downstream of the opening, possible generation of aerosols, and possible segregation of the efflux into a gas jet and a liquid pool. If the release does not ignite, it is important to be able to describe the dispersion of the heavy multiphase plume. If the release does ignite, the size, position, and luminosity of the resulting jet and pool fires are important. Many aspects of these flow phenomena are not well understood. A survey is made of the relevant issues, existing calculation methods, and suggested research initiatives.
Trust Development: The Forgotten Leadership Skill

The importance of employer-employee trust in the workplace is a concept that receives a great deal of lip service. But more than lip service is needed, says this writer, who examines key be haviors necessary to establish trusting relationships.
Visual modulation of vestibularly-triggered air-righting in the rat.

Unlike cats, which can initiate righting in the air either with vestibular or visual input alone, the rat is dependent solely upon the labyrinths to trigger this response. We show, however, that the rat can modulate the onset and speed of its rotation according to the height above the ground from which it is dropped. In the absence of vision, rates initiate rotation with a latency of about 50 ms, irrespective of the height from which they are dropped. With vision, rats can modulate their latency to begin rotation, from about 102 ms at 50 cm, to about 39 ms at 7.5 cm. Similarly, as height of release decreases, the speed of rotation (i.e. degrees/ms) increases. Thus, in rats, even though vision cannot trigger air-righting, it does adaptively modulate this behavior as an allied reflex, increasing the likelihood that the animals will land on their feet.
MEMS Material Microstructure and Elastic Property Modeling

Results from initial efforts to develop a quantitative understanding of the material microstructure–elastic properties relationship for electroplated LIGA nickel will be presented. Microsample tensile testing and microstructural characterization results including grain size and grain orientation measurements obtained using orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) are discussed. The use of these data in the development of a finite element modeling approach to represent the mechanical response of “meso-scale” LIGA nickel MEMS material will be highlighted.
Treatment strategies for central nervous system infections: an update

Introduction: Central nervous system infection continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Our incomplete knowledge on the pathogenesis of how meningitis-causing pathogens cause CNS infection and emergence of antimicrobial resistance has contributed to the mortality and morbidity. An early empiric antibiotic treatment is critical for the management of patients with bacterial meningitis, but early recognition of bacterial meningitis continues to be a challenge.Areas covered: This review gives an overview on current therapeutic strategies for CNS infection with a focus on recent literature since 2010 on bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, requiring early recognition and treatment. The selection of appropriate empiric antimicrobial regimen, after incorporating the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis, impact of vaccination, emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, role of adjunctive therapy and the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of meni...
From Book Classification to Knowledge Organization: Improving Internet Resource Description and Discovery

in the Dewey ETC anc WordSmith projects we are demonstrating how the DDC knowledge base can be enhanced with supplemental concepts and indexing vocabulary. Mapped headings often represent current and popular topics not represented by existing captions or Dewey index terms but within the scope of Dewey's structure. We further show how terminology imported from free text can form a bridge between prevailing language usage and the Dewey editorial process. The new associations (from free text and controlled indexing systems) can be used in turn to enhance Scorpion Dewey databases capable of automatically generating NetFirst-like metadata. Through these complementary efforts we are trying to explore the true potential of a library classification scheme to organize electronic resources
Rubella vaccine-induced cellular immunity: evidence of associations with polymorphisms in the Toll-like, vitamin A and D receptors, and innate immune response genes.

Toll-like, vitamin A and D receptors and other innate proteins participate in various immune functions. We determined whether innate gene-sequence variations are associated with rubella vaccine-induced cytokine immune responses. We genotyped 714 healthy children (11–19 years of age) after two doses of rubella-containing vaccine for 148 candidate SNP markers. Rubella virus-induced cytokines were measured by ELISA. Twenty-two significant associations (range of P values 0.002–0.048) were found between SNPs in the vitamin A receptor family (RARA, RARB, TOP2B and RARG), vitamin D receptor and downstream mediator of vitamin D signaling (RXRA) genes and rubella virus-specific (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) cytokine immune responses. A TLR3 gene promoter region SNP (rs5743305, −8441A > T) was associated with rubella-specific GM-CSF secretion. Importantly, SNPs in the TRIM5 gene coding regions, rs3740996 (His43Tyr) and rs10838525 (Gln136Arg), were associated with an allele dose-related secretion of rubella virus-specific TNF-α and IL-2/GM-CSF, respectively, and have been previously shown to have functional consequences regarding the antiviral activity and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. We identified associations between individual SNPs and haplotypes in, or involving, the RIG-I (DDX58) gene and rubella-specific TNF-α secretion. This is the first paper to present evidence that polymorphisms in the TLR, vitamin A, vitamin D receptor, and innate immunity genes can influence adaptive cytokine responses to rubella vaccination.
Malignant infantile osteopetrosis: case report with review of literature

Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis (MIOP) is a rare genetic disorder due to osteoclast abnormal activity. We report a thirteen month-old male patient, diagnosed as MIOP while investigating the cause of hepatosplenomegaly associated with hydrocephalus. His medical history revealed non consanguineous parents and one brother's death at the same age of unknown etiology (similar symptoms). Systemic examination showed hepatosplenomegaly, growth failure, developmental milestones delay, and rickets features. Ophthalmic exam yielded bilateral optic atrophy. Skeleton radiographs detected generalized dense bone and rickets. Cerebral CT scan revealed hydrocephalus. Histological examination showed hypoplastic bone marrow and extra-medullary hematopoeisis. Diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing that showed two heterozygote mutations within the TCIRG1 gene. The patient received supportive treatment. He died from an acute respiratory distress. MIOP should be kept in mind as a rare cause of hepatosplenomegaly. Early diagnosis and timely Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are the only curative approach for an otherwise fatal disease.
An Evaluation of an Electronic System for the Continuous and Simultaneous Assessment of Body Postures

This paper describes the initial evaluation of an electronic system that makes use of accelerometers that act as electronic inclinometers during static or semi-static (constant angular velocity) conditions and estimates angles with respect to gravity within 2 to 3 degrees. The accelerometers are attached directly to the body near the joint of interest and have been used to estimate shoulder, knee and trunk flexion. A study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the electronic inclinometer system to evaluate body postures. Measurements were made with a manual goniometer or weighted inclinometer and the electronic inclinometers simultaneously as 5 subjects who wore the device assumed a variety of different static postures. Several calibration procedures for each body region, ranging from no calibration for the individual to relatively involved calibration procedures, were used in the evaluation. The electronic inclinometers predicted shoulder, knee and trunk flexion to within about 5 to 10 degrees of the...
A gallery of gout being a miscellany of prints and caricatures from the 16th century to the present day

The prominence of the gout in the annals of medical art and pictorial satire may be looked upon as an interesting by-product of the centuries old association of the disease with overindulgence in food and drink, in venery, and the “like exhausting passions” of a life of unregulated, oft ill-gotten luxury. Le prominentia del gutta in le annales del arte medical e del satira pictorial pote esser reguardate como un interessante producto secundari del perenne association del morbo con immoderation in mangiar e biber, in le servicio de Venere, e in le altere exhauriente passiones de un vita de irregularitate e de un luxo non semper honestemente acquirite.
Police supervision on the street: An analysis of supervisor/officer interaction during the shift

Abstract This article examines a major assumption of street supervisors in police agencies—that control of police officer behavior is dependent on strict hierarchical organization. The intellectual roots of this assumption are examined, and an emerging perspective developed from direct observation of patrol operations is presented. The research questions are addresses with data that were collected from observations of patrol activities in 60 residential neighborhoods in 24 agencies. The analysis, which is referenced to officers' shifts of duty, shows that the effect of supervision is in the direction posited by the authors of traditional police administration texts, but the magnitude of the effect is not overly strong. The findings are used to inform the evaluation of a common policy option directed at improving officer performance through supervision.
Synergy in the toxicity of cytokines: Preclinical studies

Synergistic therapeutic activity has been observed both preclinically and clinically with combinations of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents as well as with several combinations of immunotherapeutic agents. Frequently the synergistic therapeutic activity has been accompanied by unexpected toxicities demonstrating the need for the development of systematic studies to determine the nature and origin of the toxicity observed when these potent immunoregulatory agents are combined. Several examples have been demonstrated including IFN-gamma and TNF and AZT and IFN-alpha. In this paper approaches to study the pathobiology of combination cytokine therapy and strategies to limit the toxicity, to understand its mechanism, and to retain the synergistic therapeutic activity are discussed.
Measuring surface properties and oxidation of coal macerals using the atomic force microscope

Abstract Early microscopic examination of coals and coal macerals began with the use of transmitted and then reflected light microscopy. These methods were limited by the resolution and optical quality of the microscopes used. Improved microscope technology and the development of oil immersion techniques led to advancements in coal petrology. Introduction of the atomic force microscope (AFM) has led to higher resolution (angstrom and nanometer scale) imaging of various inorganic and organic surfaces with ability to quantitatively measure surface features and forces, but the use of AFM for measuring coal surfaces has been limited by a lack of a method to identify the macerals being analyzed. This paper describes a method using AFM to identify individual macerals and precisely measure their surface properties through the use of various AFM modes and analyses. This method has the potential to yield useful information about the physical properties of coal macerals (e.g. topography, roughness, hardness, and elastic modulus), and also about the effects of natural oxidation on coal macerals and the intentional oxidation of individual macerals to enhance either optical properties or surface porosity.
GHS and other inequalities

We use a transformation due to Percus to give a simple derivation of the Griffiths, Hurst, and Sherman, and some other new inequalities, for Ising ferromagnets with pair interactions. The proof makes use of the Griffiths, Kelly, and Sherman and the Fortuin, Kasteleyn, and Ginibre inequalities.
Band-integrated infrared absorptance of low-molecular-weight paraffin hydrocarbons at high temperatures

The spectral absorptance of the 3.4-µm band of methane, ethane, propane, and butane has been measured with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer over a range of temperatures from 296 to 900 K. The measurements were made at a 4-cm-1 resolution and integrated over the entire band to give the total absorptance. The total absorptance is found to behave in such a way that it can be correlated by a combination of algebraic expressions that depend on the gas temperature and concentration. Average discrepancies between the correlations and the measurements are less than 4%, with maximum differences of no greater than 17%. In addition, the correlations presented here for methane are shown to be in good agreement with established models. Expressions given for the integrated intensity of each gas show an inverse dependence on temperature, reflecting the associated change in density.
Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Previous Femoral Osteotomy An Average 16-Year Follow-up Study

The indications for proximal femoral osteotomy would be substantially limited if it significantly compromised the outcome of a subsequent hip arthroplasty. Previous reports have followed only early cementing techniques over intermediate duration. This study comprised 22 primary cemented total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon following failed proximal femoral osteotomies at an average follow-up period of 15.8 years. Three patients who died prior to the 11-year minimum follow-up period are not included, leaving 19 hips for long-term review. All stems were cemented with second-generation techniques. Stem placement and collar-calcar contact, however, were substantially worse compared with historical control subjects. Eight reconstructions required custom miniature or calcar replacement components, and in 6 hips, the stems were inserted only in the diaphysis. Two of 19 femoral components (10.5%) were revised for aseptic loosening and 2 additional femoral components were loose. The average Harris hip score of those not revised was 80.4. Five acetabular components (26.3%) required revision. Four additional cups were loose, yielding a total acetabular loosening rate of 47.4% at 15.5 years. Intertrochanteric osteotomy in general did not affect the expected excellent results of the femoral component using modern cementing techniques. Severe deformity following subtrochanteric osteotomy, however, did adversely affect the outcome.
The effects of octopamine on contraction kinetics and power output of a locust flight muscle

1. Perfusion with saline containing octopamine resulted in an increase in mechanical power output, and an increase in twitch and tetanic tension, from a flight muscle (metathoracic, second tergocoxal muscle) of the desert locust,Schistocerca americana gregaria. 2. Mechanical power output was measured under conditions approximating those of flight. Power output increased upon exposure to 10−6M DL-octopamine by about 20% when the muscle was activated by 1 stimulus per cycle and by about 8% when the muscle was activated by paired stimuli. 3. The increase in twitch tension was approximately proportional to the log of the octopamine concentration from 10−8M to 10−5M. At 10−6M, the twitch tension was about 19% greater than control values and the tetanic tension was about 8% above control values. The average twitch tension in control muscles was 17.0 N/cm2, and the average control tetanic tension was 27.9 N/cm2. 4. The maximum shortening velocity was little affected by octopamine. In control muscles, the maximum shortening velocity was 8.3 muscle lengths/s (L/s) for slack-test measurements and 5.7 L/s by extrapolation of force-velocity curves. In octopamine, the corresponding maximum shortening velocities were 8.0 and 5.9 L/s, respectively. 5. Octopamine perfusion resulted in a small increase in twitch duration (control mean = 40.5 ms at 30 °C). Both contraction and relaxation times increased by about 4%.
Factors predicting family reunification for African American, Latino, Asian and white families in the child welfare system

We examined child, family and system-related factors associated with reunification across African American, Latino, Asian and White families involved in the child welfare system in one large and ethnically diverse California County. Data were obtained from extensive reviews of child welfare case records and multivariate analysis was performed on a wide array of variables not found in previous research. Results indicated that when taking other factors into account, ethnicity was not a strong predictor of reunification. Factors that predicted reunification varied across ethnic groups, with none of the predictors being significant for the Asian group. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Buckling of unsymmetric composite laminates

Abstract An initial experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to examine the effects of the inherent mechanical couplings exhibited in fully anisotropic (i.e. unsymmetric) graphite/epoxy laminates on the buckling loads and mode shapes. Experimental techniques were devised to test 254 mm square plates of AS1/3501-6 graphite/epoxy under uniaxial compressive load with free, simply-supported and clamped edges. The results indicate that the mechanical couplings, especially those which relate stretching and bending behavior, cause out-of-plane deflections prior to buckling and reduce the buckling load significantly, i.e. the load at which out-of-plane deflections become large. The analytical results also show that the buckled mode shapes exhibit twisting due to the mechanical couplings. Suggestions are offered for improvements in the experimental and analytical techniques to better understand these phenomena.
Application of solid waste from anaerobic digestion of poultry litter in Agrocybe aegerita cultivation: mushroom production, lignocellulolytic enzymes activity and substrate utilization

The degradation and utilization of solid waste (SW) from anaerobic digestion of poultry litter by Agrocybe aegerita was evaluated through mushroom production, loss of organic matter (LOM), lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, lignocellulose degradation and mushroom nutrients content. Among the substrate combinations (SCs) tested, substrates composed of 10-20% SW, 70-80% wheat straw and 10% millet was found to produce the highest mushroom yield (770.5 and 642.9 g per 1.5 kg of substrate). LOM in all SCs tested varied between 8.8 and 48.2%. A. aegerita appears to degrade macromolecule components (0.6-21.8% lignin, 33.1-55.2% cellulose and 14-53.9% hemicellulose) during cultivation on the different SCs. Among the seven extracellular enzymes monitored, laccase, peroxidase and CMCase activities were higher before fruiting; while xylanase showed higher activities after fruiting. A source of carbohydrates (e.g., millet) in the substrate is needed in order to obtain yield and biological efficiency comparable to other commercially cultivated exotic mushrooms.
Comparison of Prescription Drug Costs in the United States and the United Kingdom, Part 4: Antibiotics in Young Children

Objectives To compare the usage and cost of antibiotics in the United States and United Kingdom in children younger than 10 years. Methods A follow up of some 160,000 young children enrolled in U.S. private health insurance companies and an equal number in general practices in the United Kingdom in 2009, based on two prospectively designed and documented electronic medical databases. Main Results Percentage of young children in each country prescribed an antibiotic together with the estimated total annual cost. Principal Conclusions In the United States, ~75% of privately insured children were prescribed one or more antibiotics compared with an estimated 50% in the United Kingdom. The annual cost was more than five times higher in the United States compared with the United Kingdom The usage and cost of antibiotics in young privately insured children is far higher in the United States than in the United Kingdom, where the government pays the cost of prescription drugs.
Interregional differences in brain intracellular pH and water compartmentation during acute normoxic and hypoxic hypocapnia in the anesthetized dog.

Interregional differences in intracellular pH (pHi) in brain tissue, and its regulation following 1 and 5 h of respiratory alkalosis (with and without hypoxemia) were determined in N2O anesthetized dogs. Two techniques for pHi estimation were used (Tco2 and14C-DMO) and included corrections for measured extracellular fluid (35SO42−) space (ECS). Cortical pHi by the two techniques agreed closely in control and in 3 of the 4 experimental conditions, suggesting: (a) our estimation of extracellular fluid (ECF) [HCO3−] from measured CSF [HCO3−] was a valid ssumption; and (b) our method had sufficient resolution to determine the magnitude of brain pHi regulation during respiratory acid-base disturbances. When moderate normoxic respiratory alkalosis (PaCO2 ≈ 25 mm Hg) was imposed for 5 h, pHi (in most brain regions) was well regulated and always exceeded the incomplete regulation noted in bulk CSF. When moderate hypoxemia (PaO2 ≈ 45 mm Hg) accompanied hypocapnia, pHi was more closely regulated during the early phase (1 h) of respiratory alkalosis. Increased levels of metabolic acids (especially lactic acid) were critical to brain pHi regulation during the initial hour of respiratory alkalosis and accounted for much of the independent effect of hypoxemia on pHi regulation. However, these metabolic acids remained unchanged as pHi was more completely regulated between 1 and 5 h of continued hypocapnia or hypoxic hypocapnia. This time-dependent tregulation of pHi may involve some regulatory role for changed transmembrane fluxes of H+ and/or HCO3−. Significant interregional differences were observed in both pHi and in ECS; with tendencies toward more alkaline pHi and lower ECS in brain stem and white matter. With respiratory alkalosis ECS fell and intracellular fluid increased in both cortex and caudate nucleus, possibly reflecting an osmotic effect of increased metabolic acid levels or reduction in cell membrane ion pumping.
An individualized elementary school science program

(1974). An individualized elementary school science program. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 13, Learning: An Individual Experience, pp. 136-148.
Recurrent pneumatosis intestinalis in young infants.

In 67 infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) at Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1987–1990, three had recurrent pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) after the neonatal period and after hospital discharge. All three infants were premature (26–34 weeks), and one had an additional risk factor of gastroschisis. All three had their initial episode of NEC within the first month of life. Two had bowel resections, and one was treated medically. 15 h to seven months after discharge from the hospital, all three infants developed recurrent PI at ages ranging from 2.5 to 9 months. Two of the infants had free intraperitoneal air. Though all three infants had PI, only one had true recurrent NEC with ischemic bowel and died. This baby was the only one with rotazyme positive stools. The second infant, who had surgery for gastroschisis, had incomplete obstruction secondary to adhesions resulting in PI. Since surgery this infant has thrived. The third infant had extensive PI of the colon with free air. At surgery there was no evidence of bowel perforation. The free air was attributed to rupture of one of the many colonic cysts of PI. Subsequently, the child has done well. Recurrent PI in infants who have had NEC is unusual and the causes are varied. Because more neonates are surviving NEC, the pediatric radiologist needs to be aware of this delayed complication.
NITROGEN SATURATION IN STREAM ECOSYSTEMS

The concept of nitrogen (N) saturation has organized the assessment of N loading in terrestrial ecosystems. Here we extend the concept to lotic ecosystems by coupling Michaelis-Menten kinetics and nutrient spiraling. We propose a series of saturation response types, which may be used to characterize the proximity of streams to N saturation. We conducted a series of short-term N releases using a tracer (15NO3-N) to measure uptake. Experiments were conducted in streams spanning a gradient of background N concentration. Uptake increased in four of six streams as NO3-N was incrementally elevated, indicating that these streams were not saturated. Uptake generally corresponded to Michaelis-Menten kinetics but deviated from the model in two streams where some other growth-critical factor may have been limiting. Proximity to saturation was correlated to background N concentration but was better predicted by the ratio of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) to soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), suggesting phosphorus limitation in several high-N streams. Uptake velocity, a reflection of uptake efficiency, declined nonlinearly with increasing N amendment in all streams. At the same time, uptake velocity was highest in the low-N streams. Our conceptual model of N transport, uptake, and uptake efficiency suggests that, while streams may be active sites of N uptake on the landscape, N saturation contributes to nonlinear changes in stream N dynamics that correspond to decreased uptake efficiency.
Press Independence and Blogs in the Alito Nomination Debate

Using the Alito Supreme Court nomination as a case study, this paper examines the triangular relationship among politicians, traditional news media, and blogs. The various participants in the debate did not uniformly rely on arguments related to policy or Alito's personal qualifications. Newspapers and blogs mentioned these types of arguments as frequently as others. Members of Congress focused more on policy-related arguments, perhaps because of the common policy focus of nomination hearings. President Bush focused significantly more frequently on arguments related to personal qualifications, reflecting his greater ease of focusing on preferred arguments. In addition, many arguments in the debate first appeared in blogs, despite the fact that the elected officials made public statements about the debate from the day that Bush announced the nomination, and that the newspapers also provided extensive coverage of the entire debate. Also, newspapers and blogs appear to focus their attention on a subset of th...
Decreased aerobic capacity in children with juvenile dermatomyositis.

Objective To determine whether patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) have limited aerobic capacity compared with healthy controls. Methods Fourteen juvenile DM patients with inactive to moderately active, stable disease (age range 7–17 years) and 14 age- and sex-matched controls performed a maximal exercise test using a cycle ergometer. Oxygen uptake and power were measured at peak exercise (VO2peak and Wpeak, respectively) and at anaerobic threshold (AT and WAT). Juvenile DM disease activity and damage were also assessed. Results Patients with juvenile DM had significantly reduced VO2peak (19.6 ml O2/kg/minute in juvenile DM versus 31.1 ml O2/kg/minute in controls), peak heart rate (166 versus 184 beats per minute), Wpeak (1.6 versus 2.7 watts/kg), AT (11.1 versus 18.0 ml O2/kg/minute) and WAT (0.6 versus 1.4 watts/kg), compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05 for each). Aerobic exercise parameters correlated with physician global disease activity and damage, T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale scores (rs = 0.58 − 0.82, P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Patients with juvenile DM with a range of disease activity have a decreased aerobic and work capacity compared to healthy children. Aerobic exercise limitation in juvenile DM correlates best with measures of disease damage (global damage assessment, T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and disease duration). Aerobic exercise testing may be valuable in the assessment of physical endurance, and aerobic training may be indicated as part of the therapeutic regimen in myositis patients with inactive to moderately active, stable disease.
Triton Reaction Cross Sections

Measurements of the $\mathrm{D}(t, \ensuremath{\alpha})n$ reaction cross section at triton energies of 1.9 and 1.5 Mev have been made to resolve a disagreement among previously published values. Corrections for published values of the ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}(t, t){\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ and $\mathrm{T}(t, t)\mathrm{T}$ scattering cross sections are also suggested.
Molecular imaging of gene expression and protein function in vivo with PET and SPECT

Molecular imaging is broadly defined as the characterization and measurement of biological processes in living animals, model systems, and humans at the cellular and molecular level using remote imaging detectors. One underlying premise of molecular imaging is that this emerging field is not defined by the imaging technologies that underpin acquisition of the final image per se, but rather is driven by the underlying biological questions. In practice, the choice of imaging modality and probe is usually reduced to choosing between high spatial resolution and high sensitivity to address a given biological system. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) inherently use image-enhancing agents (radiopharmaceuticals) that are synthesized at sufficiently high specific activity to enable use of tracer concentrations of the compound (picomolar to nanomolar) for detecting molecular signals while providing the desired levels of image contrast. The tracer technologies strategically provide high sensitivity for imaging small-capacity molecular systems in vivo (receptors, enzymes, transporters) at a cost of lower spatial resolution than other technologies. We review several significant PET and SPECT advances in imaging receptors (somatostatin receptor subtypes, neurotensin receptor subtypes, v3 integrin), enzymes (hexokinase, thymidine kinase), transporters (MDR1 P-glycoprotein, sodium-iodide symporter), and permeation peptides (human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat conjugates), as well as innovative reporter gene constructs (herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase, somatostatin receptor subtype 2, cytosine deaminase) for imaging gene promoter activation and repression, signal transduction pathways, and protein-protein interactions in vivo.
Phencyclidine exposure alters in vitro cellular immune response parameters associated with host defense

Abstract Phencyclidine hydrochloride (PCP) was tested for its ability to alter a variety of immune effector and regulatory functions in vitro. B 6 C 3 F 1 murine splenic lymphocytes or elicited peritoneal macrophages were cultured in vitro with medium only or medium containing 10 −10 –10 −4 M PCP. Macrophages cultured with or without PCP were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, and production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was assessed by bioassay. Cytotoxic T-cell effector function was determined following 5-day lymphocyte co-culture with tumor stimulator cells in the presence of PCP. In addition, the ability of T-lymphocytes to produce specific immunoregulatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-4 in the presence of PCP was quantitated by bioassay. B-lymphocyte function was determined by quantitating lymphocyte proliferation following stimulation with anti-IgM antibody and murine IL-4. Natural immunity was assessed by culturing lymphocytes with or without PCP for 24 h, then quantitating basal and IL-2 augmented natural killer (NK) cell activity. In the absence of effects on cell viability, significant suppression of IL-2 production by T-cells was noted at pharmacologically relevant PCP concentrations (1 μM). In vitro concentrations of 10 μM suppressed the generation of specifically sensitized cytotoxic T-cells. In addition, PCP significantly suppressed both IL-2-augmented NK function as well as B-lymphocyte proliferation. By comparison, macrophage IL-6 production was not affected by any concentration of PCP examined in this study.
Cytogenetic profiling using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) allow cytogenetic analyses of primary tumors without culture. CGH allows detection and mapping of allelic imbalance by simultaneous in situ hybridization of differentially labeled tumor (green fluorescing) and normal DNA (red fluorescing) to a normal human metaphase spread. Regions of increased or decreased copy number in the tumor are mapped onto the normal metaphase chromosomes as increases or decreases in the green to red fluorescence ratio. This technique gives a comprehensive assessment of gene dosage imbalance throughout the tumor. However, it is limited, at present, to fairly large tumors containing few normal cells. FISH, on the other hand, allows analysis of DNA sequence copy number at specific loci in single nuclei. A wide variety of DNA probes is available for FISH, including chromosome-specific probes which hybridize to alpha-satellite pericentromeric DNA regions (to detect changes in specific chromosome copy number and overall ploidy) and specific locus probes targeting 20–150 kilobase sequences (to detect specific amplifications, deletions, breakpoints, or rearrangements). FISH using these probes has been applied to interphase nuclei in touch preparations, smears from fine needle aspirates, and thin ( 20 μm) sections cut from formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded tissue. Analysis of thick sections allows accurate actual signal enumeration within the histological context. This approach may allow analysis of subtle premalignant, early malignant, and infiltrating tumors in which malignant cells must be differentiated from nonmalignant cells. These capabilities suggest a strategy of tumor analysis, beginning with CGH analysis of advanced tumors to identify regions of common gene dosage imbalance, followed by FISH with specific probes to these regions to study their presence in earlier stage lesions.
An expressed β-tubulin gene, TUBB, is located on the short arm of human chromosome 6 and two related sequences are dispersed on chromosomes 8 and 13

The chromosomal assignments of an expressed beta-tubulin gene and two related sequences have been determined by Southern blot analysis of DNA from a panel of human x Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids cleaved with Hind III or EcoRI. Probes containing the 3' untranslated regions of the expressed gene M40 and of pseudogene 21 beta were used to localize the M40 sequence (gene symbol TUBB) to chromosome 6 region 6p21----6pter, the 21 beta pseudogene (TUBBP1) to chromosome 8 region 8q21----8pter and a third related sequence (TUBBP2) to chromosome 13. Asynteny of expressed genes and related processed pseudogenes has now been demonstrated for several gene families.
Relationship of whole-blood FK506 concentrations to rejection and toxicity in liver and kidney transplants

FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to be a safe and effective immunosuppressant for the prevention of organ rejection after liver and kidney transplantation. Like cyclosporine, the use of FK506 has been associated with some adverse effects such as toxicity and organ rejection. Therapeutic monitoring of the whole-blood FK506 drug concentrations has been used in an effort to determine how the concentration of FK506 in the blood is related to the development of toxicity or the risk for organ rejection. Cox regression analysis of two recent clinical trials of FK506 in patients receiving kidney and liver transplants shows a significant correlation between the whole-blood FK506 concentrations and the incidence of both toxicity and organ rejection. Because of these relationships and the pharmacokinetics of FK506, therapeutic monitoring of the whole-blood FK506 levels is expected to be helpful for minimizing the risks of both toxicity and rejection in liver and kidney transplants.
Exploring the perceptual causes of search set-size effects in complex scenes.

We explored search set-size effects in the context of scenes, where objects are difficult to delineate and define. Observers searched for a tank target in landscape scenes populated by boulder, shrub, and tree distractors, which varied in their color and size similarity to the target. Scenes contained either 75 or 125 distractors. In two experiments we found that adding boulder or shrub distractors that were similar to the target in color and in size produced a consistent set-size effect, but adding distractors that were similar to the target only in size did not. Tree distractors, which were larger than the target, also produced a set-size effect regardless of whether they had a target-similar color (experiment 1) or not (experiment 2). In a third experiment we varied target-tree color similarity and tree color heterogeneity and found no change in search efficiency. We interpret these data as evidence for two independent sources of set-size effects in scenes, one subject to target–distractor similarity r...
Law & Tactics for a Market-Reality Narcotics Policy

The War on Drugs seems to be ending, leading to a crucial question: What comes next? Legalization of narcotics (marijuana aside) is unlikely, and the pursuit of broad incarceration to create deterrence or incapacitation has been largely disavowed. However, drug use continues to be a profound social problem that must be confronted. This article argues for the aggressive use of asset forfeiture to capture cash flow to core sources in order to systemically disrupt narcotics networks. Importantly, such a project would steer police efforts away from capturing people, drugs, or the profits retained by drug dealers and instead target the lifeblood of the narcotics business, which is proceeds flowing back to mass producers, importers, and major wholesalers of drugs. This tactic would address the continuing narcotics problem without mass incarceration or the problems associated with seizing small amounts of profit through forfeitures. Fortunately, the necessary tools are already embedded in existing federal statutes; all that is left to do is to use them wisely in a new and more effective way.
Timing of fledging is influenced by glucocorticoid physiology in Laysan Albatross chicks

Fledging is a major life transition for birds, when juveniles move from the safety of a nest into an environment where they must find food and avoid predators. The timing of fledging within a season can have significant effects on future survival and breeding success. Proximate triggers of fledging are unknown: though wing development is likely a primary factor, other physiological changes, such as elevated plasma corticosterone (CORT), may affect fledging behavior. Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) chicks have an extended post-hatching period during which they reach 150% of adult mass. However, approaching fledging, chicks fast for days to weeks and lose mass while still putting energy into feather growth. We evaluated chick morphology and physiology to elucidate proximate triggers of fledging. As in some other species, CORT increased as chicks fasted and lost body mass. At the same time, corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) declined, thus amplifying free CORT prior to fledging. Once chicks reached a morphological threshold, free CORT levels predicted how long they stayed at the colony: chicks with higher free CORT fledged sooner. To perturb the relationship between body condition, endocrine physiology, and fledging behavior, we supplementally fed chicks for the month before fledging. Fed birds had a slower decrease in body mass, slower decrease in CBG, slower increase in free CORT, and stayed at the colony longer after reaching a morphological threshold. Our study suggests that as chicks lose mass, free CORT acts as a signal of energetic or nutritional state to adjust the timing of fledging.
Improved Schottky Contacts on n-Type 4H-SiC Using ZrB 2 Deposited at High Temperatures

We report on improved electrical properties and thermal stability of ZrB2 Schottky contacts deposited on n-type 4H-SiC at temperatures between 20°C and 800°C. The Schottky barrier heights (SBHs) determined by current-voltage measurements increased with deposition temperature, from 0.87 eV for contacts deposited at 20°C to 1.07 eV for those deposited at 600°C. The Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) spectra of these contacts revealed a decrease in oxygen peak with an increase in the deposition temperature and showed no reaction at the ZrB2/SiC interface. These results indicate improved electrical and thermal properties of ZrB2/SiC Schottky contacts, making them attractive for high-temperature applications.
Abdominal diameter index: a more powerful anthropometric measure for prevalent coronary heart disease risk in adult males.

Aim: The authors wished to compare the strength of association of several anthropometric measures of body size and fat distribution among themselves and in comparison with other known risk factors for prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: Prevalent CHD was assessed in 466 middle-aged, male, multiracial Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority officers in New York City by verified history, electrocardiogram or exercise stress test. Anthropometric measures included body mass index, waist, hip and thigh circumferences, waist-hip ratio, waist-thigh ratio, sagittal abdominal diameter and abdominal diameter index (sagittal abdominal diameter/thigh circumference). Results were compared with other CHD risk factors measured simultaneously (history of diabetes, smoking, blood pressure, lipid profile, apolipoproteins A and B, lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, urinary microalbumin, serum vitamin E and ferritin) and a calculated 10-year CHD risk using a Framingham algorithm (10-year Framingham CHD risk). Results: CHD was found in 29 individuals. Of the six anthropometric measures, abdominal diameter index gave the largest and most significant standardized odds ratio (OR) for CHD [1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 2.71], equivalent to 10-year Framingham CHD risk. Men in the highest compared with the lowest tertile of abdominal diameter index had a univariate OR of 5.47 (95% CI 1.55, 19.28) which was the only anthropometric measure that remained significant after adjusting for 10-year Framingham CHD risk. Conclusions: For middle-aged American men, abdominal diameter index may be the most powerful anthropometric measure of risk for prevalent CHD.
Forecasting continuous-time processes with applications to signal extraction

The paper derives forecasting and signal extraction estimates for contin- uous time processes. We present explicit formulas for filters and filter kernels that yield minimum mean square error estimates of future values of the process or an unobserved component, based on a continuum of values in the semi-infinite past. The class of processes considered are cumulations of moving average processes, which includes the CARIMA class. Explicit examples are calculated, and some discussion of applications to signal extraction is provided. We also provide an explicit algorithm for spectral factorization of continuous-time moving averages.
The effect of individual and team goals on team coordination

The authors present a normative-descriptive study involving empirical and analytic efforts to examine the effects of different goals in a distributed task processing context. This study concentrates on the effects of goals, and the interaction of goal structure with task processing requirement and resource availability for a team of two human decision-makers (DMs). A computerized testbed was utilized to create a laboratory task processing environment where two DMs with limited renewable resources were involved in either sequential or parallel activities. The DMs' decision-making and coordination functions involved getting those interrelated activities to occur at the right time and in sequence. In the experiment, team vs. individual goals were operationalized through team vs. individual reward structures. Under a team reward structure, the DMs were rewarded based on team performance, and were motivated by a team goal. Under an individual reward structure, they were rewarded based on their individual performance, and were motivated by their individual goals. Experimental results, hypothesis validation, and implications of the results are outlined. >