cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left pleural effusion after coronary artery bypass decreases with a supplemental pleural drain.

Abstract Background . This prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of symptomatic left pleural effusion after coronary artery bypass grafting, and to determine if routine drainage of the pleural cavity with a supplemental flexible drain reduces this incidence. Methods . The clinical course of study patients was prospectively recorded during the initial hospitalization and at 6-weeks after surgery. All patients had a mediastinal and a left pleural tube, which were removed on the 1st postoperative day. The supplemental drain system was implanted in a subset of patients and remained in place for 3 to 5 days. A symptomatic effusion was defined as one that required thoracentesis, tube thoracostomy, or readmission for treatment. Results . A total of 460 patients were studied, of whom 115 had a supplemental drain. The two groups (supplemental drain versus control) were equivalent with respect to age, gender distribution, and comorbid diseases. The incidence of symptomatic left pleural effusion for the entire group was 9.8% (45 of 460). Symptomatic left pleural effusion occurred in 11.9% (41 of 345) patients when only chest tubes were used, and in 3.5% (4 of 115) when a supplemental drain was placed. This difference was significant (F ratio 7.583, p Conclusions . The incidence of symptomatic left pleural effusion can be greatly reduced with the use of a supplemental pleural drain that remains in place for several days after surgery.
The management of acquired haemophilia

Summary. Acquired haemophilia is a rare but life-threatening bleeding diathesis that usually is caused by autoantibodies to factor VIII (FVIII). The disorder generally affects older persons, often is linked to other autoimmune diseases or cancer, may develop in the postpartum period, and is associated with a distinct bleeding pattern. In contrast to the haemarthroses that typify congenital haemophilia, acquired haemophilia bleeds are characterized by haemorrhage into soft tissue and muscle and the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. A prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, coupled with a normal prothrombin time, is highly indicative of a circulating anticoagulant; the inhibitor is then quantified with the modified Bethesda assay. Effective control of bleeding is the first step in management and often requires the use of the bypassing agents, either activated prothrombin complex concentrate or recombinant activated factor VII. Elimination of the FVIII antibody is the second goal of therapy. Corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab may eradicate autoantibodies and restore normal haemostasis.
Neural Mechanisms Underlying Selectivity for the Rate and Direction of Frequency-Modulated Sweeps in the Auditory Cortex of the Pallid Bat

Frequency-modulated (FM) sweeps are common in vocalizations, including human speech. Selectivity for FM sweep rate and direction is present in the auditory cortex of many species. The present study sought to determine the mechanisms underlying FM sweep selectivity in the auditory cortex of pallid bats. In the pallid bat inferior colliculus (IC), two mechanisms underlie selectivity for FM sweep rate. The first mechanism depends on duration tuning for tones that arises as a consequence of early inhibition generated by an excitatory tone. The second mechanism depends on a narrow band of delayed high-frequency inhibition. Direction selectivity depends on a broad band of early low-frequency inhibition. Here, the contributions of these mechanisms to cortical FM sweep selectivity were determined in pentobarbital-anesthetized pallid bats. We show that the majority of cortical neurons tuned to echolocation frequencies are selective for the downward direction and rate of FM sweeps. Unlike in IC neurons tuned in the echolocation range, duration tuning is rare in cortical neurons with similar tuning. As in the IC, consistent spectrotemporal differences exist between low- and high-frequency sidebands. A narrow band of delayed high-frequency inhibition is necessary for FM rate selectivity. Low-frequency inhibition has a broad bandwidth, early arrival time, and creates direction selectivity. Cortical neurons respond better to slower FM rates and exhibit broader rate tuning than IC neurons. Relative arrival time of high-frequency inhibition is slower in the cortex than in the IC. Thus whereas similar mechanisms shape direction selectivity of neurons tuned in the echolocation range in the IC and the cortex, only one of the two mechanisms underlying rate selectivity in the IC is present in the cortex.
GaN power switching device growth by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy

Newly fabricated junction field effect transistors (JFETs) and high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on gallium nitride (GaN) substrates are presented. The devices, grown with plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE), are to be used for power switching applications. Very high quality p- and n-type films were grown. Some test results are shown for surface smoothness and for successfully processed Schottky diodes.
Insight into the Broad Field of Polymer Nanocomposites: From Carbon Nanotubes to Clay Nanoplatelets, via Metal Nanoparticles

Highly ordered polymer nanocomposites are complex materials that display a rich morphological behavior owing to variations in composition, structure, and properties on a nanometer length scale. Metal-polymer nanocomposite materials are becoming more popular for applications requiring low cost, high metal surface areas. Catalytic systems seem to be the most prevalent application for a wide range of metals used in polymer nanocomposites, particularly for metals like Pt, Ni, Co, and Au, with known catalytic activities. On the other hand, among the most frequently utilized techniques to prepare polymer/CNT and/or polymer/clay nanocomposites are approaches like melt mixing, solution casting, electrospinning and solid-state shear pulverization. Additionally, some of the current and potential applications of polymer/CNT and/or polymer/clay nanocomposites include photovoltaic devices, optical switches, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, aerospace and automotive materials, packaging, adhesives and coatings. This extensive review covers a broad range of articles, typically from high impact-factor journals, on most of the polymer-nanocomposites known to date: polymer/carbon nanotubes, polymer/metal nanospheres, and polymer/clay nanoplatelets composites. The various types of nanocomposites are described form the preparation stages to performance and applications. Comparisons of the various types of nanocomposites are conducted and conclusions are formulated.
Hostility Now, Depression Later? Longitudinal Associations Among Emotional Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease

Given that emotional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) tend to cluster within individuals, surprisingly little is known about how these negative emotions might influence one another over time. We examined the longitudinal associations among measures of depressive symptoms and hostility/anger in a cohort of 296 healthy, older adults. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Cook–Medley Hostility (Ho) scale, and Anger-In and Anger-Out subscales of the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory at baseline and 6-year follow-up. We conducted a series of path analyses to evaluate the directionality of the depression–hostility/anger relationship. Baseline Ho scale was a predictor of 6-year increases in BDI-II (β = 0.15, p = 0.004), Anger-In (β = 0.14, p = 0.002), and Anger-Out (β = 0.11, p = 0.01). In contrast, baseline BDI-II, Anger-In, and Anger-Out did not predict change in any of the emotional variables. Additional path analytic models revealed that the pattern of relationships was not altered after controlling for demographic, biomedical, and behavioral covariates; anxiety symptoms; social support; and subjective sleep quality. The present results suggest that the cognitive aspects of hostility/anger may precede and independently predict future increases in depressive symptoms but not vice versa. Our findings lead us to speculate that (a) hostility may exert part of its cardiotoxic influence by acting to precipitate and/or maintain symptoms of depression and that (b) the potency of depression interventions designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes might be enhanced by incorporating treatments addressing hostility.
Friction Characteristics between Two Bodies under the Vibration Working Condition and their Applications

This paper mainly focus on vibration friction and discuss the dynamic characteristics of the friction under the vibration working condition. It is rather valuable to study such a special kind of friction vibration in engineering. Many practical projects have already proved that under the vibration working condition, the friction force between workpieces can be reduced obviously. Wear and damage of the machine parts can be obviously decreaed.The work efficiency can be improved greatly. The Characteristic of friction under the vibration working condition is described in the paper firstly. Two fundamental experiments illustrate the basic features of vibration friction. With the nonlinear dynamics and tribology of vibration friction, some key machinery is introduced in the paper briefly. The study of vibration tribology is attracting more and more interest of investigators.
One size does not fit all: Matching breadth of stakeholder participation to watershed group accomplishments

The role of the public in US policy making has shifted substantially during the past several decades. This shift is particularly evident in environmental policy, where collaboration among multiple stakeholders is on the rise. Much of the literature on collaborative environmental management emphasizes the need for widespread community involvement, especially from private citizens. Many proponents of collaboration have argued that broad inclusion can lead to better environmental solutions while also establishing legitimacy, building social capital, and overcoming conflicts. Yet such broad inclusion may be costly in terms of time, energy, and resources, and it may not yield the desired results. Thus, a key question is how the breadth of public involvement is linked to collaborative group accomplishments. This study, using watershed groups in Ohio, demonstrates several links between group membership and results. Groups with a broader array of participants tend to excel in watershed plan creation, identifying/prioritizing issues, and group development and maintenance. In addition, groups comprised of a relatively balanced mix of governmental and non-governmental participants are more likely to list planning/research and group development and maintenance results than are groups comprised primarily of non-governmental participants. In contrast, groups with a narrower membership and groups that are composed primarily of non-governmental participants may focus more on pressuring government for policy change.
Application of the robust factor concept to the fear survey schedule

Abstract Responses from 468 college undergraduates to the Fear Survey Schedule were factor analyzed using four different methods which differed in principle. The resultant factor structures were compared with each other to determine which of the extracted factors were robust. The method that provided the most interpretable and robust set of factors was selected for analysis on the male and female samples separately. Results obtained by this method for the male, female, and total samples were compared to the various factor structures of the Fear Survey Schedule previously reported. Implications for the clinical use of the Fear Survey Schedule are discussed.
What the statistical slide rule will do

The statistical slide rule was first announced in July, 1934.1 It is an actual calculating instrument based on the engineers' log log duplex rule. Ten standard scales are identical on the two rules, while seven new scales have been devised for the statistical rule. This statistical slide rule has recently been revised, as a result of numerous suggestions offered in response to the original descriptive article and experimentation by the designer. A trial "batch" of the revised rules has been produced by the world's largest manufacturers of engineering slide rules who have named it the Enlow Statistical Slide Rule. Interested researchers here and there are trying it out. The slide rule, as an instrument to facilitate computation, is not new to many of the leading educational and psychological statisticians. In fact, they have made use of it in their laboratories and offices. Probably most of them have felt the inadequacy of the various engineering rules for statistical purposes. In a letter to the writer, one of the country's outstanding statistics teachers expressed discomfiture over the difficulty of going from the slide rule to tables and vice versa. The main object in the writer's mind in designing the statistical slide rule was to provide a device which would enable one to make all the ordinary statistical computations without having to refer to printed mathematical tables. That this has actually been achieved, the statistician may readily observe by noting the accompanying reproduction of both faces of the slide rule. There are seventeen scales, which are the equivalent of eighteen, since one serves a double
Lung transplantation for scleroderma-related lung disease

Lung transplantation for scleroderma-related lung disease is controversial due to extra-pulmonary organ involvement that may threaten allograft and patient survival after transplant surgery. Despite concerns, several lung transplant programs do offer lung transplantation to patients with scleroderma-related lung disease. In this review, we evaluate the scleroderma-related extra-pulmonary organ involvement that may result in poorer outcomes after lung transplantation as well as the existing evidence on survival, freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and other important clinical outcomes after lung transplantation. Among the nine studies reviewed, comprising 226 subjects, survival and freedom from BOS appears to be similar for subjects undergoing lung transplantation for scleroderma compared to non-scleroderma lung diseases. Although scleroderma is a systemic disease with several unique potential threats to allograft and patient survival, lung transplantation appears to be a reasonable intervention for this patient population.
Canonical forms for multivariable systems

A new variant of observability is introduced, minimal observability, which has an interesting practical meaning. This concept is then exploited to obtain a simple and completely specified canonical form for multioutput nonautonomous analytic systems.
Numerical modeling of a CNT–Cu coaxial nanowire in a vacuum to determine the thermal conductivity

Abstract A molecular dynamics simulation is created to predict the thermal conductivity of a (7,7) single wall carbon nanotube filled with a copper nanowire for lengths ranging from 9.957 nm to 63.091 nm. In the simulations, a temperature difference is created using Nose–Hoover thermostats at the two ends with 320 K and 280 K. The thermal conductivity of the carbon nanotube–copper nanowire nanostructure is calculated to be 24% higher than that of a corresponding pure single wall carbon nanotube and estimated to be 40% lower than that of a pure copper nanowire.
Raman spectroscopic study of the rare earth sesquisulfides

Abstract Raman spectra have been measured on carefully synthesized and characterized sesquisulfides of the rare earth ions plus yttrium and scandium. Six structure-types are represented. The Raman spectra are diagnostic of the structure-types. Raman line widths indicate structural disorder only in the defect gamma-type structure. High wavenumber bands shift with ionic radius of the rare earths and only slightly with cation coordination number.
Secondary relaxation in o-terphenyl glass.

We have measured the dielectric response, \ensuremath{\varepsilon}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}(\ensuremath{\omega}), in o-terphenyl due to the secondary relaxations that occur below the glass-transition temperature. We have found that the imaginary part of \ensuremath{\varepsilon}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}(\ensuremath{\omega}) has a log-normal shape that can be ascribed to a Gaussian distribution of barrier heights. The width of this distribution increases slightly as the temperature is lowered. The peak position shifts in an Arrhenius manner with temperature as was reported previously by Johari and Goldstein. The data appear to be of different origin from what has also been called \ensuremath{\beta} relaxation in mode-coupling theories and light-scattering experiments.
A Note on Lot-sizing with fixed charges on stocks: The convex hull

We update and complete the proof of Proposition 7 in Van Vyve and Ortega (2004) [1], which states that the projection of a facility location reformulation of an uncapacitated lot-sizing problem with fixed charges on stocks (ULSW) to the original space is equivalent to that of the tight shortest path reformulation of ULSW. Their proof is interesting and consists of two cases, only first of which is analyzed in detail. We show that the second case exhibits several challenges not present in the first one and necessitates an updated proof.
Reversal of Laryngotracheal Separation: A Detailed Case Report with Long-term Followup

Chronic aspiration is a difficult and potentially lethal problem. Patients who have persistent soilage of the upper respiratory tract despite discontinuing oral intake may be offered surgical intervention to avoid life-threatening pulmonary infections. The Lindeman procedures (tracheoesophageal diversion and laryngotracheal separation) have gained popularity as surgical treatments for intractable aspiration because of their efficacy in preventing aspiration and their technical simplicity. A major downside of these procedures is the necessity for a tracheostoma and the loss of speech following surgery. Rarely, patients recover from the neurologic deficits which led to their intractable aspiration and desire reversal of their Lindeman procedure. While few "successful" reversals have been reported, detailed accounts of the long-term results of such patients are lacking. We describe a patient who underwent a laryngotracheal separation for intractable aspiration following a brainstem stroke. In the following six months he experienced significant neurologic recovery and, after careful evaluation, underwent surgical restoration of laryngotracheal continuity. Five years later he speaks fluently and has no dietary restrictions. Videofluooroscopic examination and quantitative voice analysis reveal near-normal laryngeal function.
The connection machines CM-1 and CM-2: solving nonlinear network problems

Massively parallel computers — like the Connection Machines CM-1 and CM-2 — have demonstrated remarkable performance in applications like pattern recognition, database searching, dense linear algebra computations and so on. In this paper we discuss the use of these systems for the solution of nonlinear network optimization problems that appear is operations research, transportation, engineering design, financial modeling and other areas.We describe the implementation of a distributed relaxation algorithm for strictly convex network problems on a massively parallel computer. A Connection Machine CM-1 configured with 16,384 processing elements serves as the primary testbed of the implementation. Experiments are also conducted on a CM-2. Computational results are reported with a series of stick percolation and quadratic transportation problems. The algorithm is compared with an implementation of the primal truncated Newton on an IBM 3081-D mainframe, an Alliant FX/8 shared memory vector multiprocessor and the IBM 3090-600 vector supercomputer.
Changes in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor excess dosing with site-specific safety feedback in the Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA guidelines (CRUSADE) initiative

Background Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors can improve outcomes in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes but raise the risk of bleeding, particularly if dosed in excess. The impact of GP IIb/IIIa dosing feedback on safety and major bleeding is unknown. Methods Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa dosing feedback was added to the CRUSADE quarterly site reports in the first quarter of 2006. We describe GP IIb/IIIa use and dosing among 25,641 patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes from the fourth quarter of 2005 to the fourth quarter of 2006. Results Eleven thousand eight hundred forty-six patients received GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, including 4,031 women and 2,609 elderly patients (age, ≥75 years). Among GP IIb/IIIa–treated patients, unadjusted rates of excess GP IIb/IIIa dosing declined overall (26.4%-22.4%, P trend = .01) and among the elderly (65.6%-52.1%, P trend P trend P trend = .02), but declines among women (14.4%-11.5%, P trend = .08) and the elderly (17.1%-11.0%, P trend = .05) did not reach statistical significance. After adjustment for baseline characteristics and excess dosing, declines in major bleeding rates were no longer significant overall or for any subgroup. Conclusion Within 9 months of initiating a safety feedback program, we observed early decreases in excess GP IIb/IIIa dosing among the elderly but minimal changes in excess dosing overall. Further work is needed to promote safe and effective medication use in vulnerable patients who are most at risk of harm.
Depression of hepatic mixed-function oxidase activity by B. pertussis in splenectomized and athymic nude mice

Abstract Administration of Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis), Corynebacterium parvum (C. parvum) , and several other immunoactive substances is known to cause a marked decrease in the activity of the hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase system. The effect of C. parvum has been reported to involve the reticuloendothelial system. In the present study, the effect of B. pertussis administration to decrease hepatic microsomal drug metabolism was studied in unoperated, sham-operated, and splenectomized mice as well as in athymic nude (nu/nu) mice and their phenotypically heterozygous (+/nu) littermates. Administration of B. pertussis to the splenectomized, sham-operated, and unoperated mice resulted in a decrease in the activity of the microsomal enzyme system that was approximately the same for each of the three groups of animals. Administration of B. pertussis to nu/nu mice and the +/nu mice also decreased the microsomal enzyme activity measured 24 hr after injection. However, at 7 days after B. pertussis administration, the hepatic drug-metabolizing activity of the nu/nu mice was not significantly different from control values, whereas the activity of the +/nu mice was still significantly depressed. The failure of splenectomy to prevent the decrease in microsomal mixed-function oxidase activity caused by B. pertussis indicates that the effect of this agent differs from that of C. parvum , whose effect was prevented by splenectomy. Indeed, the results obtained with the athymic nude mouse suggests that the depression of hepatic mixed-function oxidase activity by B. pertussis may involve T-cell dependent responses.
BMW and Mercedes-Benz first international plant location decision: the site selection and negotiation process in the USA

In the early 1990s, BMW and Mercedes-Benz decided to establish their first international production facility. Both chose the USA, their single largest international market, yet they planned to export the majority of its production. This paper, based upon interviews with host country executives of both companies, state officials, and politicians, examines the nature and duration of the site selection process of each company. BMW and Mercedes adopted a very different approach to the decision-making process and in their negotiations with state policy-makers. Although, the internationalisation process is well understood, the site selection decision-making process of auto producers (and indeed multinationals in other sectors) is a neglected area of international business. This paper aims to address this void, and encourage further studies in this area.
Bilirubin mono and bis-dimethylamides. synthesis, spectroscopy and solution structures

Abstract Bilirubin-IXα bis-dimethylamide and 8- and 12-monodimethylamides, and bilirubin-IIIα and XIIIα bis-dimethylamides have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. In deuteriochloroform, as deduced from 1H-nmr N- H resonances, the mono-dimethylamides prefer a folded, intramolecularly H-bonded conformation characteristic of the parent bilirubins. The possiblity of similar conformations for the bis-dimethylamides is discussed.
The Effects of Reversing the Roles of the Hands on the Development of Piano Performance Skill: A Preliminary Investigation:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of reversing the r6les of the two hands during the early stages of learning to play the piano. We transcribed the treble clef parts (traditionally the right hand) from a common piano method book to bass clef, and the bass clef parts (traditionally the left hand) to the treble clef. We then sought to determine the effects of this r6le reversal on the performance skill of beginning piano students. Twenty-four righthanded volunteer participants were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. Each group received traditional group piano instruction for ten weeks with the only difference being the transcribed parts of the treatment group. A post-test revealed that the treatment group scored significantly higher than the control group in four out of five performance categories. Recommendations were that piano teachers consider reversing the r6les of the two hands during the early stages of piano study.
Do Educators Use the Literature of the Profession

Educators make little use of the professional literature, according to this writer, who compared the reading habits of educators with subjects in three other professions.
A new paradigm of fatigue variability behavior and implications for life prediction

The treatment of the fatigue variability behavior has traditionally been based on the understanding of the mean-lifetime behavior. With reference to two turbine engine materials, an α + β titanium alloy and a nickel-based superalloy, it is shown that the traditional approach may not accurately describe the fatigue variability behavior of these materials. Decreases in stress level, or microstructural change directed at increasing the mean lifetime, were found to affect mean and worst-case (life-limiting) fatigue behavior differently, and these differences could not be accounted for in the traditional understanding. In particular, the life-limiting mechanism was controlled by crack growth although the mean-lifetime response was increasingly dominated by crack initiation with decreasing stress level. A new paradigm of fatigue variability was therefore suggested, in which the total uncertainty in lifetime breaks down into the variability in (1) the worst-case mechanism and that in (2) the classical, mean-lifetime governing response. The effects of microstructure and temperature on the fatigue variability behavior were studied with respect to the new paradigm and found to have a very systematic effect on the worst-case and the mean behavior, depending on the degree of influence of these variables on the crack initiation and the growth regime.
No stones left unturned

Introduction to the Physics of Rocks. By Yves Gueguen Y. and Victor Palciauskas V.. Princeton University Press: 1994. Pp. 294. $49.50, £35.
Familial aggregation of retinal vessel caliber in the beaver dam eye study.

PURPOSE. To describe familial correlations of retinal vessel measurements. METHODS. A standardized examination and interview was administered to a population-based cohort of adults aged 43-86 years. Blood pressure was measured, and family relationships, current smoking status, and photographs of the retina were obtained. Computer-assisted grading was done to determine central retinal arteriole (CRAE) and venule equivalents (CRVE), and the arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) was computed. Familial correlations were calculated using FCOR in the SAGE software package. Analysis was done on the right eye measures for 871 sibling, 341 parent- child, 1362 cousin, 554 avuncular, and 887 spousal pairs. RESULTS. After adjustment for age, gender, mean arterial blood pressure, and current smoking status, the correlations (and 95% confidence interval) between siblings for the CRVE, CRAE, and AVR were 0.23 (0.16, 0.31), 0.20 (0.12, 0.28) and 0.13 (0.05, 0.20), respectively. Parent-child correlations were very similar, and the avuncular correlations were about half as great. The cousin correlations were about half the avuncular correlations. Spousal correlations of 0.03, 0.04, and 0.01 for CRVE, CRAE, and AVR, respectively, were not significantly different from 0. CONCLUSIONS. Retinal vessel equivalents were more highly correlated between relatives than between unrelated individuals. The relative magnitudes of these correlations were likely the result of shared genes. Because the vessel measurements have been shown to be predictive of cardiovascular and other systemic diseases, understanding the determinants of these familial relationships could have important health benefits.
Angina pectoris and disease progression.

A seemingly paradoxical finding for years puzzled cardiologists who were engaged in evaluating coronary angiograms: the number and severity of coronary stenoses were similar in patients with stable and unstable angina, despite the worse short-term prognosis of the latter.1 2 In 1985, Ambrose et al3 offered an explanation that since has been confirmed by many others: the difference between these two ischemic syndromes relates to the morphology of the culprit lesion rather than the number and severity of coronary stenoses. The distinct angiographic morphology characteristically seen in unstable angina was originally classified as a type II eccentric lesion and described as “an asymmetric stenosis usually in the form of a convex intraluminal obstruction with a narrow base or neck, due to one or more overhanging edges or borders that were very irregular or scalloped.”3 Culprit stenoses in unstable angina, however, are not necessarily eccentric, and the term “complex” lesions is now generally preferred. Postmortem studies and coronary angioscopy in living patients have revealed that plaque disruption, often with superimposed nonocclusive thrombosis, is usually responsible for the “complex” morphology seen by angiography.4 5 6 In patients with angina pectoris, previous studies on short-term prognosis have focused primarily on unstable angina-producing stenoses, ie, culprit lesions. Patients with stable or unstable angina pectoris, however, have many nonculprit plaques in their coronary arteries that could also influence the prognosis. Nonetheless, not much attention has been paid to nonculprit plaques in such patients. Therefore, the approach taken by Kaski, Chen, and colleagues,7 8 assessing the entire coronary tree rather than just looking for culprit lesions, is sound, and the results reported in this and a recent issue of Circulation illustrate clearly that the “conventional medical therapy” usually offered patients with angina pectoris is far from optimal. Kaski et al,7 …
PIWI proteins are essential for early Drosophila embryogenesis.

PIWI proteins, a subfamily of the ARGONAUTE/PIWI protein family, have been implicated in transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene regulation and transposon silencing mediated by small non-coding RNAs, especially piRNAs. Although these proteins are known to be required for germline development, their somatic function remains elusive. Here, we examine the maternal function of all three PIWI proteins in Drosophila; Piwi, Aubergine (Aub) and Argonaute3 (Ago3) during early embryogenesis. In syncytial embryos, Piwi displays an embryonic stage-dependent localization pattern. Piwi is localized in the cytoplasm during mitotic cycles 1–10. Between cycles 11 and 14, Piwi remains in the cytoplasm during mitosis but moves into the somatic nucleus during interphase. Beyond cycle 14, it stays in the nucleus. Aub and Ago3 are diffusely cytoplasmic from cycle 1 to 14. Embryos maternally depleted of any one of the three PIWI proteins display severe mitotic defects, including abnormal chromosome and nuclear morphology, cell cycle arrest, asynchronous nuclear division and aberrant nuclear migration. Furthermore, all three PIWI proteins are required for the assembly of mitotic machinery and progression through mitosis. Embryos depleted of maternal PIWI proteins also exhibit chromatin organization abnormalities. These observations indicate that maternal Piwi, Aub and Ago3 play a critical role in the maintenance of chromatin structure and cell cycle progression during early embryogenesis, with compromised chromatin integrity as a possible cause of the observed mitotic defects. Our study demonstrates the essential function of PIWI proteins in the first phase of somatic development.
Regulation of the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β Gene by the LHX3 LIM-Homeodomain Transcription Factor

FSH is a critical hormone regulator of gonadal function that is secreted from the pituitary gonadotrope cell. Human patients and animal models with mutations in the LHX3 LIMhomeodomain transcription factor gene exhibit complex endocrine diseases, including reproductive disorders with loss of FSH. We demonstrate that in both heterologous and pituitary gonadotrope cells, specific LHX3 isoforms activate the FSH -subunit promoter, but not the proximal LH promoter. The related LHX4 mammalian transcription factor can also induce FSH promoter transcription, but the homologous Drosophila protein LIM3 cannot. The actions of LHX3 are specifically blocked by a dominant negative LHX3 protein
Multiple Exciton Generation in Silicon Nanocrystals

We report the threshold for multiple exciton generation (MEG) in silicon nanocrystals is approximately 2.5 times the effective bandgap, Eg, and 2.7 excitons are produced per absorbed photon at 3.3 Eg.
Effects of adeno-associated virus-vectored ciliary neurotrophic factor on retinal structure and function in mice with a P216L rds/peripherin mutation.

Past studies have shown that acute administration of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) can prolong the survival of retinal photoreceptor cells that have undergone phototoxic injury or that express gene mutations. Adenovirus-vectored CNTF has also been effective but for all of these treatments, the effect has been transient. On the other hand, adeno-associated virus-vectored minigenes offer considerable promise for long-term survival. The authors sought to provide long-term, CNTF-based protection of mouse photoreceptors expressing a dominant-negative point mutation in the rds gene by using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) to deliver minigenes that code for a secreted form of CNTF.Secreted CNTF, under control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) or chick beta actin (CBA) promoter provided long-term, panretinal rescue of photoreceptors following single injections of rAAV vectors into the subretinal compartment. Rescue was much less effective and less reproducible when the vectors were placed in the vitreous compartment. However, there were unexpected side effects that appeared to be dose-related. One side effect was a change in rod photoreceptor nucleus phenotype, featuring an increase in euchromatin and an increase in nuclear size following subretinal injections but not intravitreal injections. These nuclear changes were panretinal when the putatively stronger CBA promoter was used but not panretinal when the CMV promoter was used. In the latter case, the nuclear changes were much more pronounced at the site of injection. Thus, chronic hyperstimulation of retinal cells with CNTF may up-regulate gene expression in photoreceptors. Based on current knowledge of retinal cell targets for CNTF, this effect may be indirect and may not represent direct stimulation of photoreceptors by CNTF.A second side effect was a paradoxical decrease in scotopic a- and b-wave amplitudes and a decrease in photopic b-wave amplitudes in the injected, rescued retina when compared to its contralateral, uninjected counterpart, in spite of the fact that these retinas had more photoreceptors than their untreated mates. The basis for these decreased ERG amplitudes may be related to changes in gene expression. The mechanisms for these side effects and proper doses of CNTF administration should be determined before human clinical trials are considered for the amelioration of inherited retinal degenerations with CNTF.
Hippocampal RAGE Immunoreactivity in Early and Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease

Microvascular accumulation and neuronal overproduction of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) are pathologic features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), a multi-ligand receptor found in both neurons and cerebral microvascular endothelia that binds Abeta. RAGE expression was assessed in aged controls (n = 6), patients with early AD-like pathology (n = 6), and severe, Braak V-VI AD (n = 6). Human hippocampi were stained with a specific polyclonal antibody directed against RAGE (Research Diagnostics, Flanders, NJ). Immunoreactivity was localized in both neurons and cerebral endothelial cells. Quantitative image-analyses were performed on grayscale images to assess the total surface area of endothelial RAGE immunoreaction product in cross sections of cerebral microvessels (5-20 microm). Confocal images were acquired for confirmation of RAGE immunoreactivity in both microvessels and neurons by coupling RAGE with CD-31 and neurofilament, respectively. A significant increase in endothelial RAGE immunoreactivity was found in severe Braak V-VI AD patients when compared to aged controls (p < 0.001), and when compared to patients with early AD pathology (p = 0.0125). In addition, a significant increase in endothelial RAGE immunoreactivity was witnessed when comparing aged controls having no reported AD pathology with patients having early AD-like pathology (p = 0.038). Our data suggest that microvascular RAGE levels increase in conjunction with the onset of AD, and continue to increase linearly as a function of AD pathologic severity (p < 0.0001).
Particle-hole states in 124Sn excited by proton inelastic resonance scattering

Abstract The proton decay of the f 7 2 analog resonance in 124 Sn+p at E p lab = 10.614 MeV has been studied. Proton spectra from this experiment are compared to data from a recent (t, p) experiment on 122 Sn, which showed a number of strongly excited states at about 5 MeV excitation energy. These states in 124 Sn are also excited in the (p, p′) experiment, thus confirming the particle-hole structure, suggested in the (t, p) work. Decay widths, tentative spin assignments and spectroscopic factors are given. The level scheme of 124 Sn up to an excitation energy of 5.6 MeV is established.
Factors influencing the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes in vitro

Our objectives were to isolate bovine stromal-vascular cells using explants and to determine media components that promote differentiation into mature adipocytes for studies of lipogenic enzyme regulation. Stromal-vascular cells were grown from explants and treated with differentiation media for 8 d after reaching confluence. Differentiation was assessed by measuring radiolabeled acetate incorporation into lipids, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and the mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein-4, PPAR-gamma, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-alpha (ACCalpha). After 8 d of differentiation, medium containing 10 microg/mL of insulin, 0.25 microM dexamethasone, 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine, 1 mM octanoate, and 2% Intralipid (Fisher Scientific, Suwanee, GA) produced greater acetate incorporation (P < 0.001) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.001) compared with other media tested. This differentiation medium also increased mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein-4, PPARgamma, and ACCalpha by 180-, 7-, and 3-fold, respectively, compared with undifferentiated control cells (P < 0.05). To further improve the differentiation protocol, the effects of Intralipid, rosiglitazone, and troglitazone were examined. Removal of 2% Intralipid did not improve any differentiation measures. Addition of rosiglitazone (1 microM), a PPAR-gamma agonist, increased acetate incorporation and ACCalpha mRNA (P < 0.01). Addition of troglitazone (5 microM), another PPAR-gamma agonist, increased acetate incorporation to a similar extent as rosiglitazone and produced the greatest expression of ACCalpha mRNA (P < 0.01), but was not superior to medium that included rosiglitazone for any other differentiation measures. Cell-seeding density influences the cell divisions required to reach confluence, and increased plating density (2 x 10(4) cells/cm(2) vs. 6.7 x 10(3) cells/cm(2)) increased acetate incorporation by 100% (P < 0.001). Differentiating stromal-vascular cells in the presence of trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibited differentiation of stromal-vascular cells into mature adipocytes, reducing radiolabeled acetate incorporation into lipids (P < 0.001), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein abundance (P < 0.05), and ACCalpha protein abundance (P < 0.05). We have developed a method to differentiate primary bovine adipocytes, which will allow us to study the regulation of lipogenic enzymes by nutrient and endocrine factors.
Investigation of microbending effects in single-mode optical fibers

Microbend losses have been used as the transduction mechanism in intensity modulated optical fiber sensors for the measurement of various physical variables such as pressure, strain, temperature, acceleration, magnetic, and electric fields 1-4. These sensors are attractive for the industrial sector because of their robust construction and simple signalprocessing techniques.
Coherent population oscillations and hole burning observed in Sm+2:CaF2 using polarization spectroscopy.

Polarization spectroscopy was used for the first time known to the authors to measure the homogeneous linewidth and excited-state lifetime of an inhomogeneously broadened transition of an absorbing impurity ion in a crystalline host. The observed line shapes agree with those predicted by a density-matrix calculation.
Survey of literature related to the problems of gas embolism in human body

Abstract This survey is concerned with academic and clinical researches related to the problems of gas embolism in the human body which have commonly been regarded as a dreaded complication of a variety of surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic technics. The gas emboli may be found in the human body through surgery, decompression, transfusion of oxygenerated blood, and anesthesia, etc. The survey indicates that the cases so far investigated can be classified into those in the cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory, and reproductive systems and other parts of the human body. Most of the existing literature deals with detection, identification, prevention and treatment procedures. No apparent effort has been made on the study of their dynamic behavior in the blood, interstitial fluids and organs where they are formed. An attempt is made to prompt further research in the field of embolus dynamics by describing what needs to be investigated.
Cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines as a practical model for mitochondriopathies

Cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines can incorporate human subject mitochondria and perpetuate its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded components. Since the nuclear background of different cybrid lines can be kept constant, this technique allows investigators to study the influence of mtDNA on cell function. Prior use of cybrids has elucidated the contribution of mtDNA to a variety of biochemical parameters, including electron transport chain activities, bioenergetic fluxes, and free radical production. While the interpretation of data generated from cybrid cell lines has technical limitations, cybrids have contributed valuable insight into the relationship between mtDNA and phenotype alterations. This review discusses the creation of the cybrid technique and subsequent data obtained from cybrid applications.
Knowledge-based test planning: framework for a knowledge-based system to prepare a system test plan from system requirements

Abstract Early planning for system acceptance testing will result in better prepared and executed tests of a system being delivered. Since system acceptance testing is tightly coupled to system requirements, a test plan can be derived directly from requirements statements. For complex systems with hundreds of requirements, knowledge-based support has the potential to improve the quality and timeliness of a test plan document. This article discusses a framework for such knowledge-based support. First, it describes a taxonomy for classifying requirements an two exercises given to testers to validate the taxonomy and the classification concept. Then, the test-types taxonomy, a rudimentary knowledge base, and matching algorithms are presented. The article gives a complete example of matching requirements statement to an appropriate test type for demonstrating system compliance. An overview is presented of ongoing efforts to construct a robust, knowledge-based product that will implement this framework to automatically prepare a system test plan from requirements.
Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America

Abstract Several themes dominate this year's column on foreign documents. First, continued privatization in the economies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union is an object of great interest, both within the region and outside. Publications from the Czech and Hungarian central banks, and from the Bulgarian Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development provide an internal view of issues related to “economic transition.” The Bank of Italy publication provides a Western view of the process. A central theme for countries in Africa (reflected in documents from the Central African Republic and Liberia) is analysis of the effects of structural adjustment policies on the conditions of life in those countries. Population issues emerged during 1993–1994 as another central theme—the Malagasay national report to the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development is a representative example. A trend in foreign government publishing worth noting is increasing reliance on electronic and networked publishing. This is reflected in the publication of the latest edition of the Estadisticas Historicas de Mexico on both paper and CD-ROM. In addition, several government agencies world-wide are setting up World Wide Web and gopher servers. Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Census and Singapore's Ministry of Education servers are described below as representative examples. The editor wishes to thank Walter Brem of the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley, for submitting descriptions for the two Mexican documents that appear in this column.