This thesis presents three ideas. First, it presents a novel use of formal specification to promote a programming style based on specified interfaces and data abstraction in a programming language that lacks such supports. Second, it illustrates the uses of claims about specifications. Third, it describes a software reengineering process for making existing software easier to maintain and reuse...

Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), known as "chiclero's ulcer" in southeast Mexico, was described by Seidelin in 1912. Since then, the sylvatic region of the Yucatan peninsula has been identified as an endemic focus of LCL. The purpose of the present work was to describe the clinical picture of LCL caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in the Yucatan peninsula. A total of 136 cases o...

The Epstein-Barr-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines, LCL, which express antigens, are potential antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro. However, transfecting LCL with subsequent selection by antibiotics is notoriously difficult because the plating efficiencies of LCL are reported to be 1% or less. Therefore, this study investigated the optimal...

Seroepidemiological studies of cutaneous leishmaniasis were carried out in 169 individuals in a rural area of the Campeche state of México. Fifty showed cutaneous lesions suggestive of leishmaniasis, 70% were parasite positive and 96% skin test positive. An overall 40% positivity to skin test with Montenegro's antigen was found. Most of the affected individuals were males from 11 to 30 years-ol...

Lycopodium alkaloids (LAs) are derived from lysine (Lys) and are found mainly in Huperziaceae and Lycopodiaceae. LAs are potentially useful against Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and myasthenia gravis. Here, we cloned the bifunctional lysine/ornithine decarboxylase (L/ODC), the first gene involved in LA biosynthesis, from the LA-producing plants Lycopodium clavatum and Huperzia serrata We ...

BACKGROUND Unstable simple elbow dislocation (USED) repair is challenged by the maintenance of joint reduction; hence, primary repair or reconstruction of disrupted ligaments is required to maintain the congruency and allow early motion of the elbow. We evaluated the effectiveness and the outcome of lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex repair with additional medial collateral ligament (MCL...

The carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndromes (CDGS) are genetic, multisystemic diseases characterized by deficiencies in the glycosylation of many secretory glycoproteins, lysosomal enzymes, and possibly cell surface glycoproteins resulting in central nervous system abnormalities and frequent early death by infection. Here we examined whether membranous glycoconjugates of lymphocytes are a...

Lateral tissue releases in valgus total knee arthroplasty frequently produce asymmetric flexion-extension gaps and ligamentous instability. This study compared 2 lateral-release sequences and quantified the effects of sequential lateral capsular ligamentous structure release. One knee from 7 paired specimens was released according to a 4-step sequence: posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), ibiotib...