cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rosai Dorfman syndrome — A rare clinical entity

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (also known as Rosai Dorfman syndrome) is a unique disease of unknown etiology with a childhood predilection. It is an uncommon benign condition, often confused with lymphoma. Patients usually present with massive, painless, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and clinical course is variable. This condition has been sporadically reported in Indian literature. Here we report a 26-year-old women presenting with a painless bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. A FNAC from cervical lymph node was compatible with Rosai Dorfman syndrome and confirmed histopathologically.
An internally staged hollow-fiber permeator for gas separation

Conventional membrane permeation of gases employ a non-step process between the feed and the product on two sides of a membrane. By applying the overall driving force change through a two-step process using two membranes in one device, we illustrate theoretically the possibility of achieving a much higher enrichment without any extra energy consumption. Such an internally staged permeation is experimentally carried out in a hollow-fiber permeator with two sets of asymmetric cellulose acetate hollow fibers for the systems of O2N2 (air) and CO2N2. The superior enriching performance of the internally staged permeator over the same permeator operated in the conventional mode is demonstrated experimentally. A cocurrent flow pattern is found to be superior to a countercurrent flow pattern for the conditions employed. The simulation model incorporating fiber lumen pressure drop predicts the experimental performance quite well. A further improvement in performance can be achieved by recycling the intermediate pressure shell reject stream to the feed stream. The energy requirement in an internally staged permeator without recycle is less than that of a conventional permeator with permeate recycle.
A novel Monte Carlo simulation for molecular interactions and diffusion in postsynaptic spines

We developed a new Monte Carlo simulator that can incorporate anomalous diffusion and chemical kinetics of intracellular signaling molecules in the dendritic spine. The simulator is based on two well-established Monte Carlo approaches, namely the Kopelman algorithm and the Kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm. This paper describes the basic features of the simulator and compares its performance for the general case of elementary chemical reactions. We then explore anomalous diffusion of calmodulin (CaM) in the dendrite. The simulations suggest that the CaM-binding protein RC3 plays a significant role in determining the spatio-temporal dynamics of CaM-target interaction.
Reconnaissance and surveillance in urban terrain with unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract Unmanned vehicles endowed with attributes of intelligence are finding applications in reconnaissance, surveillance, and rescue operations in both military and civilian domains. We are introducing a methodology to locate a number of such Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) optimally over an urban environment and identify and track potential ground targets using a particle filtering framework. The particle filtering framework, when used in conjunction with novel initialization and adaptation techniques, is a robust, reliable state estimation tool that avoids many of the drawbacks of classical techniques. Simulation results support the efficacy of the proposed approach and validate the effectiveness of the algorithmic developments.
Gas Phase Reaction Kinetics of O Atoms with (CH3)2NNH2, CH3NHNH2, and N2H4, and Branching Ratios of the OH Product

The gas-phase reaction kinetics of O atoms with the two alkylated diamine rocket fuels, (CH3)2NNH2 and CH3NHNH2, was studied in a discharge flow-tube apparatus under pseudo-first-order conditions in [O atom]. Direct vuv cw-resonance fluorescence monitoring of the [O atom] temporal profiles in a known excess of the [diamine] yielded the following absolute second-order O atom rate coefficient expressions: k1 = (1.94 ± 0.34) × 10-11e(25±25)/T and k2 = (2.29 ± 0.40) × 10-11 e(-145±40)/T cm3 molecule-1 s-1, respectively, for reactions with (CH3)2NNH2 and CH3NHNH2 in the temperature range 232−644 K and in He pressure of 2.0 Torr. The total yields of OH in the reactions were measured to be (0.12 ± 0.09) and (0.14 ± 0.10) at 298 K and in 2.0 Torr He pressure. Close to ∼ 53% and ∼ 59% of the OH produced was estimated to be vibrationally excited. A pulsed-photolysis reactor was used to extend our measurements on the O atom reaction kinetics with the unsubstituted rocket fuel, N2H4 that we had previously studied in...
Protein denitrosylation: enzymatic mechanisms and cellular functions

Protein denitrosylation, the removal of nitric oxide groups from Cys thiols, was once considered to be a spontaneous event. Now, the discovery of denitrosylases, the enzymes that catalyse this process, is advancing our understanding of redox-based signalling in normal and aberrant cellular functions.
Ideal matching of heavy ion beams

Abstract A novel technique is developed, and demonstrated via simulations, which allows ideal matching of an ultrahigh-brightness heavy ion beam in a linear focusing channel with general magnetic focusing field profile. Unlike the conventional rms matching used in accelerator design, this technique is based on a new class of corkscrewing elliptic beam equilibria in a linear focusing channel consisting of uniform solenoidal fields, periodic solenoidal fields, and/or alternating-gradient quadrupole magnetic focusing fields in an arbitrary arrangement including field tapering. As an illustration of the effectiveness of this technique, a perfect matching of an ultrahigh-brightness heavy ion beam from an axisymmetric particle source into alternating-gradient quadrupole focusing channel is achieved without beam hollowing and beam halo formation. Discussions are made of how to implement such a perfect beam matching to avoid beam hollowing observed in the LBNL 2-MV Heavy Ion Injector Experiment.
The Nation and the Subaltern in Yvonne Vera’s Butterfly Burning

Yvonne Vera’s death in 2005 brought to a tragic close the career of one of Zimbabwe’s, indeed Africa’s, more engaging contemporary writers. But her powerful novel, Butterfly Burning continues to mirror an aspect of Vera’s enduring concern: the place of African women in the context of power both within the colonial and the postcolonial moments. This image of the “woman in shadows” also resonates in the kernel of the subaltern subject in Spivak’s essay, “Can the Subaltern Speak?” I draw from Spivak’s canonical essay, but simply as a critique of its notion of the burdened subjectivity of the colonized reified in the widow’s self-immolation, and seen as a problematic condition of representation—a form of impotent silence. In contrast, I suggest that Vera’s Phephelaphi directs our attention by a votive suicide that speaks. This essay thus proceeds from a re-reading of the discourse of subalternity to situate Yvonne Vera’s novel as an act primarily of resistance against the situation of patriarchal enclosure under colonialism. Keywords: colonialism, melancholia, nation, patriarchy, subaltern.
Topological and Geometric Consistency in Boundary Representations of Solid Models of Mechanical Components

This paper describes a method of verifying the consistency (i.e., agreement) between the topology and geometry of boundary representation (B-rep) solid models of mechanical components. This verification is well-suited for implementation as an algorithm and has been implemented as such in a polyhedral boundary representation solid modeling system (Jablokow, 1989). This technique and algorithm is important in the design of mechanical components for design documentation, integration with analysis and manufacturing applications, and design data exchange between solid modeling systems. Information regarding boundary representations has typically divided into the geometry and topology. It is important that the two are consistent for a valid solid model. In this work the genus of a solid model of an object is calculated topologically and geometrically and then compared to verify the consistency of the solid model. The genus of an object gives insight as to the geometric complexity of the object. This is equivalent to verifying the Gauss-Bonnet Theorem for the model, and is discussed in the paper.
Perspective: cardiovascular disease in the postgenomic era--lessons learned and challenges ahead.

Despite remarkable advances in medical therapeutics and technology over the last 40 yr, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Elucidation of the human genome and the application of gene mapping techniques to kindreds harboring rare monogenic cardiovascular syndromes have provided fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of common cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathy with and without conduction system disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and most recently congenital heart disease. These findings led to the unanticipated conclusion that common cardiovascular pathologies (e.g. cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias) are united by association with distinct subsets of genes. In this review, the impact of these data on the molecular pathogenesis and development of future therapies for cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and atherosclerosis are highlighted. In addition, the application and limitations of evolving genetic and genomic technologies to acquired and/or multigenic cardiovascular states including atherosclerosis and high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism is discussed.
GENE CONVERSION IN MOUSE 21-HYDROXYLASE GENE. † 633

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a common genetic disease affecting 1 in 10,000 newborns. CAH is caused by deficiency of 21-hydroxylase (CYP21B). The last exon of CYP21B is overlapped by Tenascin-X (TN-X) and both genes are duplicated in man and mouse. During cloning of a mouse TNX cDNA, we noted its 3′UTR was equally similar to the published cyp21A and B genes, suggesting a gene conversion event might have occurred in the mouse from which these sequences were derived. In humans, gene conversion events alter CYP21B gene sequences to those of the CYP21A gene and are the primary cause of CAH. To identify whether similar gene conversions occur in the mouse, we developed a two-step PCR method to identify a specific conversion in the 3′ UTR of cyp21A using mouse sperm genomic DNA. In the first step, cyp21A-specific primers were selected so that amplification occurs from both normal cyp21A alleles and converted cyp21A-B-A chimeric alleles. 1 to 105 genomes were amplified in separate reactions. Amplification was optimized to produce single copy sensitivity. Products from this reaction were diluted 10,000-fold, and used as template for a second PCR with the same cyp21A-specific sense primer and an antisense primer specific for cyp21B. Using 1 to 105 genomes of liver genomic DNA, no amplification was seen in the second PCR, showing that artifactual recombination during PCR does not occur under the conditions used. Sperm samples were analysed in pools of three; altogether, seven pools were tested. Each pool showed single-molecule sensitivity in the first PCR. Gene conversion was detected with a frequency of 1 in 103 in one pool, 1 in 104 genomes in four pools, while the remaining two pools showed no conversion in 104 genomes. Because low frequency events are being detected in the second amplification, this variation is the expected result. These experiments show that gene conversion occurs in the murine cyp21 genes with a rate of 1 in 104 meioses. This method will allow study of the molecular mechanism(s) of cyp21 gene conversion.
The Estrogen Receptor Activity Cycle: Dependence on Multiple Protein-Protein Interactions

The estrogen steroid hormone receptor (ER) is a member of a family of related hormone-inducible transcriptional regulators. The function of these receptors is dependent on multiple protein-protein interactions with other cellular polypeptides. These contacts regulate the four steps in the receptor "life cycle": synthesis and nuclear transport, priming/storage, activation, and recycling. Each of these steps is mediated by the formation of distinct protein complexes and results in a temporal and spatial regulation of ER activity. This review focuses on the cellular proteins that interact with the ER, and the role that these interactions are believed to play in the regulation of ER.
Are proton pump inhibitors indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children

ABSTRACT Randomized controlled trials in the pediatric population that support the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are lacking. Studies are needed to establish the safety of long-term acid suppression in infants and children, as well as to confirm a causal relationship between GER and extraesophageal symptoms and signs.
Cardiac Procedures in Patients With a Body Mass Index Exceeding 45: Outcomes and Long-Term Results

Background Obesity has become a public health crisis. Although prior studies in obese patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures have shown variable effects on outcomes, data are limited for extremely obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 45). We undertook this study to evaluate outcomes in this cohort. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 14,571 patients in our database who underwent cardiac operations from 1992 to 2005. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were recorded. A univariate analysis between two groups: BMI 21 to 34.9 and BMI 45 or more was performed. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Long-term follow-up of the extreme obese group was achieved. Results We identified 128 extreme obese patients, and 480 patients with a BMI of 21.0 to 34.9 were randomly selected for comparison. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, gender, and multiple comorbidities, as well as in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times, operative procedure, and transfusion requirements. Extreme obese patients had a higher incidence of infection, acute renal failure, and 30-day mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed BMI, preoperative renal insufficiency, and transfusion status to be independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Follow-up data did not reveal significant functional improvements. Long-term survival was 33.6% at 12 years. Conclusions Extreme obese patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures have higher perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with a lower BMI group. BMI and preoperative renal insufficiency increase mortality in both groups, whereas transfusion does so only in the extreme obese. These patients can realize acceptable outcomes from cardiac procedures, but continue to suffer from the comorbidities of obesity.
Down-regulation of tissue lipoprotein lipase expression in experimental chronic renal failure.

Down-regulation of tissue lipoprotein lipase expression in experimental chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, impaired clearance of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons and their remnants as well as triglyceride-enrichment of various lipoproteins. These abnormalities are indicative of depressed lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated hydrolysis of triglycerides in VLD and chylomicrons. In fact, impaired post-heparin lipolytic activity and decreased adipose tissue LPL activity have been previously demonstrated in CRF. The reduction in LPL activity in CRF has been attributed to PTH-induced insulin resistance and the presence of excess lipase inhibitors in uremic plasma. However, the effect of CRF on gene expression of LPL has not been elucidated and was studied here. Heparin-releasable, detergent-extractable and total LPL activities, as well as LPL mRNA of the heart, soleus muscle and fat body were determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats at baseline and on weeks 1, 3 and 6 following 5/6 nephrectomy (CRF group) or sham operation (control group). The CRF group exhibited a marked and steady rise in plasma triglycerides along with a steady decline in LPL activities and mRNA levels of all tissues studied. In contrast, the study parameters remained virtually unchanged throughout the study period in the control group. A strong inverse correlation was found between plasma triglycerides and LPL activity in the study animals. LPL activity was directly related to LPL mRNA. We conclude that CRF results in marked down-regulation of LPL expression that can contribute to dyslipidemia and altered energy metabolism in uremia. The effect of depressed LPL expression is compounded by the previously demonstrated elevations in uremic plasma of Apo C-III and pre-β-HDL, which are potent inhibitors of LPL.
Will the Axion Be Found Soon

We show that if the light isoscalar pseudoscalr meson ($h$) proposed by Wilczek and by Weinberg exists, it must be seen in the decay ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}h$. The theoretical lower bound and the present experiment upper bound differ by approximately an order of magnitude.
Reinflating truth as an explanatory concept

: Despite his protests, there have been numerous efforts to enroll Davidson in the deflationist program. Michael Williams has recently continued this enterprise, arguing that a truth-theoretic Davidsonian approach to meaning can be harnessed to a deflationary approach to truth. It is our contention that Williams’ attempt is unsuccessful.
A new sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay for amino-terminal parathyroid hormone in the rat

The determination of circulating biologically active PTH in the rat has been difficult due at least in part to the inability to develop an antibody suitable for RIA of rat PTH. However, since the amino acid sequence of the rat PTH molecule has been deduced by molecular techniques, corresponding synthetic peptides have made it possible to produce such an antibody. A total of 12 roosters were immunized with synthetic rat PTH-(1–34), and one animal, RD1, developed a sensitive antibody against this amino-terminal region of the rat PTH molecule. To further increase the sensitivity of the RIA, we utilized an analog of rat PTH, Tyr1 rat PTH-(2–34), as the radioligand, which can be iodinated to high specific activity (450 μCi/μg). The iodinated peptide was purified by HPLC using a C18 Nova Pak HPLC column and a 20–60% acetonitrile gradient in 0.1% TFA. Synthetic rat PTH-(1–34) was used as the standard. To validate the RIA, we measured PTH under a variety of metabolic conditions. Normal values for PTH were 55.6 ± 3.9 pg/ml (n = 26). Levels in parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats (n = 9) were undetectable, but renal insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency increased PTH to 587.4 ± 141.3 pg/ml (n = 73) and 1662.0 ± 137.8 (n = 27), respectively. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 200 mg/kg, was used to decrease ionized calcium (ICa) from 4.75 ± 0.07 to 3.55 ± 0.10 mg/dl, which increased PTH from 51.3 ± 5.9 to 109.3 ± 13.4 pg/ml (n = 12). During calcium administration (30 mg/kg) IP, serum ICa increased from 4.69 ± 0.05 to 7.26 ± 0.24 mg/dl and PTH became rapidly undetectable (n = 14). Dietary manipulation (low Ca 0.02% and high PO4 2.0%) for 3 weeks increased PTH from 43.2 ± 3.2 to 71.9 ± 11.4 pg/ml (n = 13). In conclusion, we have developed a specific, sensitive, homologous RIA directed against the biologically active region of the rat PTH molecule. Rapid changes in PTH in response to physiologic stimuli are readily quantitated with this assay, which will be a useful tool for the assessment of parathyroid function in the intact rat.
The Political Economy of Standards Coalitions: Explaining China's Involvement in High-Tech Standards Wars

Through a comparison of two ongoing standards development efforts—wireless local area networks and home networking—this essay demonstrates how China's ability to successfully adopt and commercialize new global technology standards is shaped by the strength of business coalitions in China relative to that of coalitions formed by their foreign competitors.
Ketamine for Treatment of Non-neuropathic Pain from Non-Malignant Sources

Objectives 1. Identify the FDA-approved uses of ketamine. 2. Discuss a case of ketamine as an off-label use for effective palliation for non-neuropathic and non-malignant pain. Ketamine can be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of refractory cancer pain. However, there is little data published on its use in these patients and less on patients with refractory nonneuropathic pain from non-malignant sources. We present the case of a 74-year-old male who underwent an exploratory laparotomy for an ampullary mass. The patient’s post operative course was complicated by a lengthy intensive care unit (ICU) stay and severe pain. The focus of his pain appeared to be from his surgical wound and resulting complications. The patient required escalating doses of opioid analgesia and benzodiazepine sedation to peak doses of intravenous fentanyl at 250 mcg/hr and midazolam at 15 mg/hr, respectively. With the patient’s pain still inadequately controlled as evidenced by continued facial grimacing, intravenous ketamine was trialed. IV ketamine was administered. Twenty minutes after the initial bolus, the midazolam drip was discontinued. After an additional 20 minutes the fentanyl drip was discontinued without evidence of distress to the patient. A supplementary dose of ketamine was given at 50 minutes. The fentanyl drip was restarted due to perceived pain as evidenced by facial grimacing and lower extremity twitching, but eventually stopped completely. The midazolam drip was restarted at a rate of 1 mg/hr. The patient was terminally extubated approximately 2 hours after the initial ketamine dose and survived another 4 hours. During this time, no facial grimacing was noted, his respirations and heart rate remained normal, and his lower extremity twitching had resolved. The patient required an additional four doses of morphine, IV 10 mg, for perceived dyspnea between extubation and his death. The patient remained comfortable until his death with his wife and family at bedside. IV ketamine, when used as an adjuvant to opioids, can be an effective means of treating non-cancere related pain refractory to other measures.
Wear-lines and split-lines of human patellar cartilage: relation to tensile biomechanical properties

Summary Background Articular cartilage undergoes age-associated degeneration, resulting in both structural and functional biomechanical changes. At early stages of degeneration, wear-lines develop in the general direction of joint movement. With aging, cartilage exhibits a decrease in tensile modulus. The tensile modulus of cartilage has also been related to the orientation of the collagen network, as revealed by split-lines. Objective To determine the relative contribution of wear-line and split-line orientation on the tensile biomechanical properties of human patellar cartilage from different depths. Methods In human patellar cartilage, wear- and split-lines are aligned parallel to each other at the proximal facet, and perpendicular to each other at the medial facet. Using superficial, middle, and deep cartilage sections from these two sites, tensile samples were prepared in two orthogonal orientations. Thus, for each depth, there were four groups of samples, with their long axes were aligned either parallel or perpendicular to wear-line direction and also aligned parallel or perpendicular to split-line direction. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed to assess equilibrium and ramp moduli. Results Tensile equilibrium moduli varied with wear-line orientation ( P P P P =0.16). In the superficial layer, equilibrium and ramp modulus were higher when the samples were loaded parallel to wear-lines ( P Conclusion These results indicate that mild wear (i.e., wear-line formation) at the articular surface has deleterious functional effects on articular cartilage and represent an early aging-associated degenerative change. The identification and recognition of functional biomechanical consequences of wear-lines are useful for planning and interpreting tensile biomechanical tests in human articular cartilage.
Immunotoxins: new therapeutic reagents for autoimmunity, cancer, and AIDS.

Immunotoxins consist of cell-reactive ligands coupled to toxins or their toxic subunits. The ligands are usually antibodies, hormones, or growth factors and the toxins are of bacterial or plant origin.In vitro studies using A chain-containing immunotoxins specifically to kill tumor cells were successful and led to further experimentsin vivo. Such studies, carried out over the past 5 years in both animals and humans, have demonstrated that the efficacy of immunotoxinsin vivo is often poor, due to problems involving instability of the conjugate, inferior potency, inaccessibility of tumor cells, nonspecific binding to cells other than the target cells, and survival of antigen-negative mutants. In addition, immune responses against both the ligand and the A chain are usually elicited, precluding repeated therapy. During the past several years, there have been attempts to solve these problems and develop more effective immunotoxins.
A carboxyl-terminal peptide of the DNA-binding protein ICP8 of herpes simplex virus contains a single-stranded DNA-binding site

The DNA-binding protein ICP8 of herpes simplex virus is a multifunctional protein which is required for viral replication. To identify the single-stranded DNA-binding domain of the protein, recombinant plasmids containing the 5' or 3' coding portion of the ICP8 gene or the intact gene were constructed and transcribed using SP6 RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA was translated in vitro to produce a 62,000-Da amino-terminal peptide, a 69,000-Da carboxyl-terminal peptide, or the intact protein. When these were analyzed by single-stranded DNA-cellulose column chromatography, large amounts of the intact ICP8 bound to the columns while small amounts of the carboxyl-terminal peptide and undetectable amounts of the amino-terminal peptide bound. The majority of the carboxyl-terminal peptide which bound eluted from the columns with the same salt concentration as the intact ICP8. The in vitro synthesized intact protein had the same affinity for single-stranded DNA-cellulose as ICP8 purified from infected cells. These results suggest that the carboxyl-terminal portion of ICP8 contains a single-stranded DNA-binding site.
Distinct Requirements for Cranial Ectoderm and Mesenchyme-Derived Wnts in Specification and Differentiation of Osteoblast and Dermal Progenitors

The cranial bones and dermis differentiate from mesenchyme beneath the surface ectoderm. Fate selection in cranial mesenchyme requires the canonical Wnt effector molecule β-catenin, but the relative contribution of Wnt ligand sources in this process remains unknown. Here we show Wnt ligands are expressed in cranial surface ectoderm and underlying supraorbital mesenchyme during dermal and osteoblast fate selection. Using conditional genetics, we eliminate secretion of all Wnt ligands from cranial surface ectoderm or undifferentiated mesenchyme, to uncover distinct roles for ectoderm- and mesenchyme-derived Wnts. Ectoderm Wnt ligands induce osteoblast and dermal fibroblast progenitor specification while initiating expression of a subset of mesenchymal Wnts. Mesenchyme Wnt ligands are subsequently essential during differentiation of dermal and osteoblast progenitors. Finally, ectoderm-derived Wnt ligands provide an inductive cue to the cranial mesenchyme for the fate selection of dermal fibroblast and osteoblast lineages. Thus two sources of Wnt ligands perform distinct functions during osteoblast and dermal fibroblast formation.
In vitro study of magnetic particle seeding for implant-assisted-magnetic drug targeting: Seed and magnetic drug carrier particle capture

An implant-assisted-magnetic drug targeting system using seed particles as the implant to increase the capture of magnetic drug carrier particles (MDCPs) in capillary tissue was studied in vitro. Dextran-coated magnetite particles were used as seeds, polydivinylbenzene magnetite particles were used as MDCPs, and a polyethylene porous cylinder was used as surrogate capillary tissue. The results showed that seeds could be magnetically captured first and then used to magnetically capture the MDCPs, causing a significant increase in their collection compared to when the seeds were absent.
The economic impact of disease on human resources: a cross-country study

Health status has played an important role in recent developments of the economic literature. The two-way relationship between health and economic performance has a mechanism of transmission that is explained by their impact on labour productivity (human resources) and potential output. This paper reviews the literature on growth theory, analyses the importance of human capital and portrays the role of health as a determinant of economic performance. This survey also introduces the impact of a particular disease, HIV/AIDS, on human resources. It includes empirical work explaining the interrelationship of health and income per capita, which is measured using a multivariate framework controlling for other background variables. Good health improves economic performance whereas ill health (using HIV prevalence as a proxy) deteriorates human capital, negatively affecting income per capita across countries.
Gait Analysis in Cerebral Palsy

Electromyography is the most frequently used laboratory method of assessing gait of patients with cerebral palsy. This method has shown that slow stretch testing is non-specific and that electromyograms obtained during walking are of greater value in planning treatment. If surgical treatment is necessary, only those muscles with phase reversal should be considered for transfer; lengthening is appropriate for those with phase prolongation. The addition of movement measurements and force-plate recording increases the amount of information available for analysis. Distinctions can then be attempted between primary abnormalities and compensatory mechanisms, and gait patterns with common demominators can be identified. Only by precise pre- and post-operative studies can treatment for locomotor problems be reliably assessed. Progress in the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy cannot be achieved without such objective assessment.
Building a Java virtual machine for server applications: the Jvm on 0S/390

As the use of the JavaTM language and virtual machines proliferates beyond the sphere of applets into the space of server programs, developers are requiring better performance, availability, and transactional and scalability features. This paper describes the work done for the Operating System/390 (OS/390®) Java virtual machine to improve performance and serviceability, to introduce security and performance enhancements, and to redesign parts of the virtual machine to enable it to run server programs efficiently and safely. Although OS/390 was the motivating platform for these changes, Java server programs on any platform can benefit from these features.
CONVICTED RAPISTS' VOCABULARY OF MOTIVE: EXCUSES AND JUSTIFICATIONS*

This paper analyzes the excuses and justifications which a sample of convicted, incarcerated rapists used to explain themselves and their crimes. Excuses consisted of appeals to forces outside of their control which, the men argued, compelled them to rape. Justifications attempted to present their own behavior as situationally appropriate and, using a number of common rape stereotypes, to make their victims appear culpable. We demonstrate how these excuses and justifications allowed the majority of these rapists to view themselves as either non-rapists or “exrapists.” Finally, through their narrative accounts, we explore convicted rapists' own perceptions of their crime.
Cytotoxic testing for food allergy: Evaluation of reproducibility and correlation

Cytotoxic food tests still present conflicting opinions concerning their validity. Nine atopic patients with or without a history of food allergy were studied along with 5 nonatopic patients. All tests were conducted in a double-blind fashion with 6 determinations for each of 10 food antigens. Reproducibility of the test (5/6 positive or negative) was demonstrated with wheat, milk, yeast, chocolate, and orange. In the nonatopic group, reproducible results were obtained for wheat, egg, yeast, chocolate, and chicken. Clinical correlation with 11 foods in 7 patients was demonstrated. However, there were 46 positive tests without correlation and 2 negative tests with positive histories. Therefore, there appears to be reproducibility of the tests to only 3 foods but no apparent correlation with clinical symptoms. At the present time, cytotoxic tests offer no reliable help in establishing the diagnosis of food allergy.
General entries to C-aryl glycosides. Formal synthesis of galtamycinone

Abstract Utilizing a general entry we had developed for the synthesis of C-aryl glycosides, we have prepared the juglone derivatives 18–20 as well as the juglone precursor 13 . Because 19 had been previously converted in two steps by Suzuki into galtamycinone ( 1 ), its preparation constitutes a total synthesis of 1 .
Malassezia dermatitis in the dog: a retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study of 86 cases (1990-95).

A retrospective histopathological and immunopathological study was conducted on 86 dogs with Malassezia dermatitis. West Highland White terriers, English Setters, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, spayed females, and castrated males were found to be at increased risk. The histopathological reaction pattern of lymphocytic superficial perivascular to interstitial dermatitis with parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia, diffuse intercellular oedema and lymphocytic exocytosis was found to be consistent with a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis whether yeast were histologically visible (73.3% of the cases) or not (26.7%). Immunopathological studies revealed that 60– > 90% of the inflammatory cells within the epidermis, and 25–75% of those within the dermis were CD3+T lymphocytes, and that the only immunoglobulin-positive cells were dermal plasma cells.
Color display formats in the cockpit: who needs them?

The introduction of color cathode ray tubes into aircraft crewstations has reemphasized the debate on the value of color codes as a performance aid. This paper discusses the value of color in electro-optical displays which use computer generated imagery formats. The conclusion is that color displays will be needed by airborne systems operators because of the information rich formats which they will be utilizing in performing their mission related tasks.
Oxidation of catechol to muconic acid: A theoretical study

Abstract The oxidation reaction of catechol to cis – cis muconic acid was studied with the B3LYP density functional and the 6-311G** basis set to explore the singlet and triplet potential surfaces. The singlet potential surface was treated with the broken symmetry formalism, and the stability of the wave function was confirmed. The calculations indicate that, in absence of catalyst, the reaction must undergo photo-excitation in order to promote the system to the singlet potential surface, which leads to a lower-lying transition state and the final products. Oxidation is a two step process; the singlet transition state is peroxide-like, while that of the triplet state involves a cyclic structure. Intermediates along the triplet surface lie at substantially higher energy.
(Where) Do Campaigns Matter? The Impact of National Party Convention Location

The quadrennial presidential nominating conventions are the biggest campaign events of the election cycle. Previous studies find that conventions significantly impact national-level candidate preferences; however, scholars have not yet specified the effects that such large campaign events have on residents of the host areas. As fairly uniform and one-sided interventions across years and parties, the conventions offer an opportunity for a cross time, cross-sectional analysis of the local effect of campaign events. We develop a difference-in-difference analysis to show conventions significantly affect the presidential candidates’ county-level vote shares. Individual-level data from panel surveys from before and after the 2000 and 2004 conventions are used to validate the aggregate-level findings. Beyond providing strong evidence of meaningful campaign event effects, the results demonstrate how campaign effects can be conditional on local political characteristics and geography. Overall, we find Democrats ar...
Cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase from Escherichia coli: involvement of zinc in homocysteine activation.

Methionine synthase (MetH) is a modular protein with at least four distinct regions; amino acids 2−353 comprise a region responsible for binding and activation of homocysteine, amino acids 345−649 are thought to be involved in the binding and activation of methyltetrahydrofolate, amino acids 650−896 are responsible for binding of the prosthetic group methylcobalamin, and amino acids 897−1227 are involved in binding adensylmethionine and are required for reductive activation of enzyme in the cob(II)alamin form. Previous studies have shown that mutations of Cys310 or Cys311 to either alanine or serine result in loss of all detectable catalytic activity. These mutant proteins retain the ability to catalyze methyl transfer from methyltetrahydrofolate to exogenous cob(I)alamin, but have lost the ability to transfer methyl groups from exogenous methylcobalamin to homocysteine [Goulding, C. W., Postigo, D., and Matthews, R. G. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 8082−8091]. We now demonstrate that both MetH holoenzyme and a...
Michel Foucault: a Marcusean in Structuralist Clothing:

Foucault's rejection of the repressive hypothesis is generally taken as a critique of Freud. Its real target is, however, the left Freudian tradition, which received its paradigmatic articulation in the work of Herbert Marcuse. Marcuse sought to show that the conflict between the repressive demands of civilization and instinctual desires of the individual didn't represent a transhistorical state of affairs, as Freud maintained. He argues, rather, that it represents a particular historical constellation that can be transcended. Foucault purports to reject the entire structure in which the problem arises, that is, the conflict between the demands of civilization and bodily based desire. The thesis of this article is, however, that he doesn't reject the conflict, but simply displaces it. In his scheme, the displaced conflict takes place between the apparatus of sexuality and bodies and pleasures. Furthermore, Foucault maintains that the emancipation of bodies and pleasures from their entrapment in the appara...
Principal component-based radiative transfer model for hyperspectral sensors : theoretical concept

Modern infrared satellite sensors such as the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), the Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES), the Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS), and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) are capable of providing high spatial and spectral resolution infrared spectra. To fully exploit the vast amount of spectral information from these instruments, superfast radiative transfer models are needed. We present a novel radiative transfer model based on principal component analysis. Instead of predicting channel radiance or transmittance spectra directly, the principal component-based radiative transfer model (PCRTM) predicts the principal component (PC) scores of these quantities. This prediction ability leads to significant savings in computational time. The parameterization of the PCRTM model is derived from the properties of PC scores and instrument line-shape functions. The PCRTM is accurate and flexible. Because of its high speed and compressed spectral information format, it has great potential for superfast one-dimensional physical retrieval and for numerical weather prediction large volume radiance data assimilation applications. The model has been successfully developed for the NAST-I and AIRS instruments. The PCRTM model performs monochromatic radiative transfer calculations and is able to include multiple scattering calculations to account for clouds and aerosols.
Understanding Policy Diffusion across Feminist Social Movements: The Case of Gender Mainstreaming in Eastern Germany

Gender mainstreaming emerged on the European policy scene in the mid-1990s as an innovative and controversial policy tool for reducing gender inequalities. The European Union seeks to propagate the practice of gender mainstreaming both within EU institutions and among member states. Feminist scholars and policy elites have discussed and debated gender mainstreaming widely but have yet to consider how local feminist activists, who could play a central role in diffusing gender mainstreaming, understand, interpret, and respond to this agenda. This article examines whether and why local feminist movements in two cities in eastern Germany adopt gender mainstreaming into their advocacy agendas. Consideration of the characteristics of the contexts in which local feminist movements are embedded clarifies the conditions under which social movements rally around new policy paradigms.
Equilibrium distribution of dissolved sulphur species in water at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure

Abstract The E h -pH diagrams for the equilibrium concentrations in aqueous solution at 25°C of native sulphur and all the various sulphur-containing ions and acids from which the ions are produced have been constructed for systems having a total sulphur concentration of 0.1 molar. The composite of these diagrams indicates that elemental sulphur, H 2 S, HS − HSO 4 − and SO 4  are the species that predominate in the environments that might be found in nature. This indication is in agreement with the composition of all sulphur-containing minerals.
A study on the stabilization of the van der Pol limit cycle

The classical Van der Pol equation is investigated with the goal of stabilizing the well-known limit cycle with only a linear feedback controller. This result is demonstrated in this paper through a five-step process. The stabilization is global in the sense that, with the appropriate controller, the origin now becomes a stable equilibrium point for initial starting points both inside and outside the region, which would normally produce the oscillatory behavior. The technique is outlined in detail sufficient to generalize to other applications that arise in certain classes of nonlinear systems.
Polyreactive autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus have pathogenic potential

The present study was undertaken to determine whether germline encoded and polyreactive antibodies might be pathogenic and whether the breach of early tolerance checkpoints in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might lead to a population of B cells expressing germline encoded antibodies that become pathogenic merely by class switching to IgG in a pro-inflammatory milieu. We demonstrate here that IgM, DNA-reactive antibodies obtained from lupus patients that are unmutated and display polyreactivity can bind to isolated glomeruli and exhibit neurotoxic potential. Thus, the IgM polyreactive repertoire in SLE includes antibodies that may acquire pathogenic function merely by undergoing class-switch recombination to become IgG antibodies.
Large Time Scale Optimal Control of an Electrodynamic Tether Satellite

Low-thrust propulsion systems offer a fuel-efficient means to maneuver satellites to new orbits; however, they can only perform such maneuvers when they are continuously operated for a long time. Such long-term maneuvers occur over many orbital revolutions, often rendering short time scale trajectory optimization methods ineffective. An approach to multirevolution large time scale optimal control of an electrodynamic tether is investigated for a tethered satellite system in low Earth orbit with atmospheric drag. Control is assumed to be periodic over several orbits because, under the assumptions of a nearly circular orbit, periodic control yields the only solution that significantly contributes to secular changes in the orbital parameters. The optimal control problem is constructed in such a way as to maneuver the satellite to a new orbit while minimizing a cost function subject to the constraints of the time-averaged equations of motion by controlling current in the tether. Three optimal maneuvers were investigated for a 4 km tether in a 270 km initial orbit: maximum climb, maximum final inclination, and a minimum time orbit change. The resulting control solutions were propagated to verify their accuracy.
Laser Inhibition of Dental Caries Suggested by First Tests in Vivo

Intact tooth enamel from humans was exposed extraorally to a superpulsed, carbon-dioxide laser at energy densities of 10 to 15 joules/cm 2 . When it was tested in the mouth of one of the investigators, the lased enamel proved much more resistant than unlased control enamel to the oral environmental influences generally conducive to dental caries.
XXXII.—The status of Parabates, Foerster, and Parabatus, Thomson [Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidæ]

(1919). XXXII.—The status of Parabates, Foerster, and Parabatus, Thomson [Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae] Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 3, No. 16, pp. 319-324.
Gay men choosing parenthood through assisted reproduction: medical and psychosocial considerations

Objective To medically and psychologically assess gay men seeking parenthood through assisted reproduction and to provide guidelines for the assessment. Design Qualitative observational study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Thirty gay males (15 couples) presenting for assisted reproduction using an oocyte donor and a gestational carrier. Intervention(s) Semistructured interview and medical evaluation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Determination of psychological and medical eligibility for treatment. Result(s) The average age of men was 38.4 years. All couples were in a committed relationship and had been together for an average 6.4 years. All met medical and psychological criteria for acceptance. Conclusion(s) Gay men increasingly choose fatherhood through assisted reproduction. Counseling these couples on the medical and emotional demands of in vitro fertilization with a gestational carrier and an oocyte donor is a vital component of pretreatment preparation.
Welcome message from the conference chair

On behalf of the Boston Section of the IEEE, welcome to the thirteenth Conference on Homeland Security Technologies. The conference Steering Committee has assembled a very relevant program that will provide perspective on the current state of the art and recent advances to address homeland security concerns. As the homeland security landscape evolves, the topics in this conference continue to address a wide range of important issues. With this year's conference, we continue to receive robust participation from researchers working to protect our homeland against land or maritime threats, to strengthen our biometrics and forensics capabilities, to improve our resilience to attacks and natural disasters, and to mitigate cyber security threats. In particular, participation from the cyber security field flourished in parallel with national and global trends.
The resolution of P Cygni's stellar wind

The 6 cm radio emission from P Cygni's stellar wind has been resolved using the Very Large Array. The wind is apparently spherically symmetric, and the radial surface brightness distribution agrees with that predicted by the constant velocity, isothermal wind model. The wind temperature is directly determined from the observations to be within 2000 K of 18,000, which is consistent with an effective temperature of 20,000 K for P Cygni. The technique makes it possible to study the adiabatic cooling of the wind, which should be important for most early-type stars but which cannot be recognized through its effects on the radio spectrum. To avoid systematically underestimating fluxes, it is essential to fit models directly to the (u-v) data when observing stellar winds with the VLA.