cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased aortic glutathione levels may contribute to impaired nitric oxide-induced relaxation in hypercholesterolaemia

The aim of this study was to determine if the decrease in aortic total glutathione (GSH) levels in hypercholesterolaemia is related to the impairment of relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and exogenous nitric oxide (NO). Isometric tension and vascular GSH levels were measured in thoracic aortic rings from rabbits fed for 12 weeks with 0.5% cholesterol diet. Hypercholesterolaemia decreased aortic GSH levels and impaired relaxation to ACh and NO. To determine if GSH depletion impaired the response to NO, normal rabbit thoracic aorta was incubated with 1,3-bis [2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosourea (BCNU; 0.2 mmol L−1), a GSH reductase inhibitor, or diazine-dicarboxylic acid bis [N, N dimethylamide] (diamide; 1 mmol L−1), a thiol oxidizing agent. BCNU or diamide decreased aortic GSH levels and impaired ACh and NO-induced relaxation. The effects of diamide on GSH levels and relaxation were partially prevented by co-incubation with GSH ester (GSE; 2 mmol L−1). Increasing GSH with GSE significantly enhanced NO-induced relaxation in aorta from both hypercholesterolaemic and normal rabbits, however relaxation of hypercholesterolaemic rabbit aorta was not restored to normal. These data suggest that other factors, perhaps related to the long-term decrease in GSH levels, are responsible for reduced NO bioactivity in hypercholesterolaemia. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 1014–1020; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703127
Assessing the Location and Magnitude of the 20 October 1870 Charlevoix, Quebec, Earthquake

Abstract The Charlevoix, Quebec, earthquake of 20 October 1870 caused damage to several towns in Quebec and was felt throughout much of southeastern Canada and along the U.S. Atlantic seaboard from Maine to Maryland. Site‐specific damage and felt reports from Canadian and U.S. cities and towns were used in analyses of the location and magnitude of the earthquake. The macroseismic center of the earthquake was very close to Baie‐St‐Paul, where the greatest damage was reported, and the intensity magnitude M I was found to be 5.8, with a 95% probability range of 5.5–6.0. After corrections for epicentral‐distance differences are applied, the modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) data for the 1870 earthquake and for the moment magnitude M 6.2 Charlevoix earthquake of 1925 at common sites show that on average, the MMI readings are about 0.8 intensity units smaller for the 1870 earthquake than for the 1925 earthquake, suggesting that the 1870 earthquake was M I 5.7. A similar comparison of the MMI data for the 1870 earthquake with the corresponding data for the M 5.9 1988 Saguenay event suggests that the 1870 earthquake was M I 6.0. These analyses all suggest that the magnitude of the 1870 Charlevoix earthquake is between M I 5.5 and M I 6.0, with a best estimate of M I 5.8. Online Material: Earthquake catalogs with distance to assignment epicenter and modified Mercalli intensity estimates.
Synthesis of a designed sesquiterpenoid that forms useful composites with peptides and related oligomers

Efficient desymmetrization of isophthalaldehyde allows a scalable asymmetric synthesis of cinnamylated sesquiterpenoid 1. We have shown that 1 forms useful, property-altered composites with peptides and related oligomers. The current synthesis promises to expand those efforts considerably.
Location of death (in-hospital or out-of-hospital) and type of death (arrhythmic, nonarrhythmic, noncardiac) after inducible sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias after syncope, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or nonfatal cardiac arrest (the ESVEM trial).

The ESVEM Trial evaluated methods to guide antiarrhythmic drug use in patients with spontaneous, inducible sustained tachyarrhythmias at electrophysiologic testing and frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) per hour (≥10). We assessed the relation between location (in-hospital or out-of-hospital) and classification of death (arrhythmic, nonarrhythmic, cardiac and/or noncardiac) for 486 randomized patients. Deaths were classified as out-of-hospital arrhythmic deaths if arrhythmic death occurred out-of-hospital, or if an arrhythmia preceded hospital admission and directly caused death. Of the 486 randomized patients, 188 (39%) died during 6 years of follow-up. The location and type of death could be determined clearly in 171 patients (91%). Ninety-one deaths were in-hospital (53%); 80 were out-of-hospital (47%). Arrhythmic deaths occurred in 85% out-of-hospital patients and in 30% in-hospital patients (p <0.001). Baseline characteristics were comparable for patients with out-of-hospital and in-hospital arrhythmic deaths. Twenty-seven of 95 arrhythmic deaths occurred in-hospital (28%); 72% occurred out-of-hospital. Out-of-hospital arrhythmic death accounted for 40% of deaths for which location and type of information were available. The 1- and 4-year actuarial out-of-hospital arrhythmic death rates were 9% and 18%, respectively. Of nonarrhythmic cardiac deaths, 91% were in-hospital and 9% were out-of-hospital. Of noncardiac deaths, 74% were in-hospital and 26% were out-of-hospital. Similar results were seen in the 296 patients for whom a drug was considered to be effective. Thus, over half the deaths in the ESVEM trial occurred in-hospital. The long-term actuarial risk of out-of-hospital arrhythmic death in ESVEM was unexpectedly low.
Free Fatty Acids in Shrunken-2 Sweet Corn Seed

High free fatty acid (FFA) levels have been reported in commercial shrunken-2 (sh2) sweet corn (Zea mays L.) seeds. Objectives of this study included comparison of FFA content of sh2 corn seed with other genotypes and preliminary study of the source of the FFA. Kernel infection by seed-borne fungi was not consistently correlated with FFA. With toluene extraction, sh2 sweet corn seed averaged 83.2 mmol kg -1 FFA compared with 2.1 mmol kg -1 from dent and 4.8 mmol kg -1 from sugary corn (.)
Internal pH of Xenopus oocytes: a study of the mechanism and role of pH changes during meiotic maturation.

Abstract The internal pH (pHi) of Xenopus laevis oocytes, as measured by the DMO method, covered a broad range of values from 7.06 ± 0.01 to 7.93 ± 0.01, with a mean value of 7.43 ± 0.03. The pHi measured by DMO and microelectrodes was nearly identical in control and maturing oocytes from the same batch. The oocytes from most females elevated their pHi in response to progesterone, reaching a maximum elevation of 0.30 ± 0.03 pH units above control values at 100% germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). However, some females were found to contain oocytes that already had an elevated pHi of 7.71 ± 0.03 which did not significantly increase during maturation. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hcG)-stimulated females had oocytes with slightly higher control pHi values than oocytes from nonstimulated females but still showed the same elevation in response to progesterone. Thus, the “stimulated” state of oocyte physiology as induced by hcG did not account for the variation in control pHi and responsiveness to progesterone. Other aspects of this variability are discussed. Elevating or lowering the external pH is shown to elevate and lower pHi, respectively, in a stable and predictable manner. Using this approach to change pHi we have found no effect of changes in pHi on the rate of protein synthesis in control and maturing oocytes. Similarly, pHi had only a slight facilitating effect on the rate of GVBD. A pH indicator gel was used to demonstrate that the pHi increase during oocyte maturation involved an acid efflux. We conclude that an elevated pHi is not necessary for oocyte maturation, yet the mechanism of the pHi elevation is discussed as a possible lead to events that are necessary.
Quasi-hydrodynamic lubrication effect of clay particles on sand grain erosion

Minor changes in the mass physical properties of submerged sand beds can have significant consequences relative to bed stability against erosion. To examine the effect of small amounts of clay-sized particles in bed pore water on the critical shear stress τc for the erosion of sand grains, flume experiments were carried out on the erosion of quartz sand beds impregnated with clay particles. Starting with no clay, as the clay mass fraction ψ was increased, τc was found to decrease below the value for pure sand τco at ψ = ψm, then reverted to τco at ψ = ψr and continued to increase above τco as ψ was increased further. Post-experimental analysis suggests that ψr is the pore space-filling fine sediment fraction above which sand erosion is significantly influenced by clay. In the range of ψ ≥ ψm, slider-bearing type lubrication due to the viscosity of the clay-laden interstitial fluid appears to govern the dependence of τc on ψ, mimicking Petroff's law of thick-film lubrication. When ψ < ψm, as ψ decreases lubrication is increasingly curtailed by grain asperities, and τc reverts ultimately to τco at ψ = 0. An equation relating τc to ψ is proposed in analogy with the quasi-hydrodynamic Stribeck function for lubrication. The observed effect of clay particles appears to be significant enough to require its consideration in coastal and estuarine sediment transport modeling. It may also be a factor in the estimation of bed stability when biological activity in the benthic boundary layer introduces fine particles in clean sand beds.
Super-deep penetration of Raylighons

Here ot is the small attack angle;/z is the shear modulus; l is the length of the sheet in the plane xy; p is the density of the medium; V is the travel speed of the sheet; ~ is Poisson's coefficient; m is Mach's number; c 2 is the speed ofthe lateral waves; qs is the dimensionless resistance coefficient. The dependence qs = qs(m) is shown in Fig. 2. For comparison, the same graph gives the corresponding curve for a compressible liquid [2] whose compressibility is equal to that of the elastic medium and the speed of sound is equal to the speed of longitudinal waves in the elastic medium. As indicated by Fig. 2, the resistance decreases with an increase of the speed and disappears at the Rayleigh speed V = c R = c2m R, where m R is the root of the equation
Quantization of a self-interacting maximally charged string

Abstract We discuss the quantization of a self-interacting string consisting of maximally charged matter. We construct the Hamiltonian in the non-relativistic limit by expanding around a static solution of the Einstein–Maxwell field equations. Conformal symmetry is broken on the worldsheet, but a subgroup of the conformal group acts as the gauge group of the theory. Thus, the Faddeev–Popov quantization procedure of fixing the gauge is applicable. We calculate the Hamiltonian and show that, if properly quantized, the system possesses a well-defined ground state and the spacing of its energy levels is of order the Planck mass. This generalizes earlier results on a system of maximally charged black holes to the case of continuous matter distributions.
THE EFFECT OF UPPER SURFACE CONDITIONS ON CONVECTION IN A SHALLOW CAVITY WITH DIFFERENTIALLY HEATED END-WALLS

Abstract The effect of upper surface boundary conditions on the flow structure in shallow cavities with differentially heated end-walls is examined. Matched asymptotic solutions, valid for small cavity aspect ratios are presented for the following cases; uniform shear stress with zero heat flux, uniform heat flux with zero shear stress, and heat flux linearly dependent on surface temperature with zero shear stress. It is shown that these changes in surface boundary conditions have an important influence on the temperature and flow structure within the cavity.
SIMS analysis of thermal and ion-beam induced broadening of thin metal markers in silicon

Abstract SIMS depth profiles of Ag/Si, Mg/Si and W/Si multilayer structures were measured over the temperature range of 80–775 K in order to study the temperature-independent and temperature-dependent contributions to atomic mixing. For the Ag/Si system, thermally activated diffusion dominates the mixing above 675 K. For the Mg/Si system the broadening appears temperature independent over the entire range studied. In the W/Si system the observed mixing is attributed to increased radiation enhanced diffusion and to compound formation. An interesting oxygen “gettering” effect is also observed in the MgSi multilayers.
Effect of Stage of Lactation, Age of Ewe, Sibling Status, and Sex of Lamb on Gross and Minor Constituents of Dorset Ewe Milk

Abstract Samples of colostrum and milk were obtained from 27 Dorset ewes. Colostrum obtained within 24h after lambing contained: protein 10.1%, fat 10.4%, lactose 2.9%, ash .9%, total solids 25.4%, and energy 1683 cal/g. The average composition of milk for lactation (day 5, 28, and 56 postpartum) was: protein 5.2%, fat 12.6%, lactose 4.8%, total solids 23.4%, ash .79%, energy 1631 cal/g, amino acids 997 g/kg milk protein; minerals, calcium 188 mg/dl, phosphorus 183 mg/dl, magnesium 15.1 mg/dl, potassium 101 mg/dl, sodium, 132 mg/dl, copper 1.3ppm; zinc 11.8ppm, iron 1.9ppm; fatty acids (14:0) 10.5, (16:0) 29.2, (16:1) 2.9, (18:0) 19.8, (18:1) 34.6, (18:2) 3.1% wt; cholesterol 61 mg/100g; vitamins, A 313 IU/dl, E .35 mg/dl, C 2.0 mg/dl, niacin .51 mg/dl, pantothenic acid .45 mg/dl, riboflavin .40 mg/dl, B 6 .07 mg/dl, B 12 .56 mg/dl, biotin 3.52µg/dl. Age of ewe, lamb sibling status, and sex of lamb had no effect on nutrient composition of Dorset ewe milk. Many constituents were different for colostrum from milk. Daily milk yield by Dorset ewes averaged in excess of 1000g during the 1st mo of lactation and decreased to 500g during the 8th wk of lactation. Lamb growth and milk production by ewes were positively correlated during early lactation. Milk components were not significantly related to growth.
Infant use of relative motion as information for form: evidence for spatiotemporal integration of complex motion displays.

Previous studies of infants’ ability to integrate and to utilize relative motion as information for form in the absence of structural cues have primarily involved motions that are uniform in rate, direction, and path within the form to be constructed. In the present study, we examined infants’ ability to integrate relative motion information from motions that are nonuniform along these dimensions, and from this integrative process to construct a coherently rotating two-dimensional form. Infants’ ability to integrate nonuniform motion was measured with regard to their ability to discriminate the rotating form from a noncoherent control display containing the same absolute motions. The results showed that discrimination of the coherent and incoherent displays was not demonstrated until 7 months of age. Two additional experiments were conducted to rule out the possibility that this discrimination was based on the detection of local regions of coherence, rather than the perception of the global rotating form. In both experiments, the results did not support discrimination based exclusively on local cues alone. From the combined results of all three experiments, we conclude that infants demonstrate the capacity to integrate the information contained within nonuniform trajectories into a coherent structure by 7 months of age.
Effects of specific fatty acid methyl esters on diesel fuel lubricity

Abstract Previous studies on the effects of vegetable oil methyl esters on diesel fuel lubricity have shown an increase in lubricity associated with the addition of these esters. This study sought to examine the effects of individual component fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) on diesel lubricity. Additive levels of 0–1.0% of specific fatty acid methyl esters were added to diesel fuel and the resulting lubricity was measured using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig method. The lubricity enhancing effects of the single FAMEs were compared to those of other pure FAMEs and to those of previously studied FAME mixtures derived from vegetable oils. An attempt was made to correlate FAME chain length, saturation and hydroxylation to lubricity enhancement. The individual fatty acid esters did not have as dramatic an effect on lubricity as did methyl esters derived from vegetable oils composed of a mixture of several fatty acids.
DC-Chol lipid system in gene transfer

Abstract Lipidic systems including cationic liposomes offer many potential advantages for delivering functional DNA to cells in intact animals. DC-Chol:DOPE, a cationic liposome formulation developed in this laboratory, is highly efficient for delivering nucleic acids into various cell types in vitro as well as in vivo. Mixing DNA with cationic liposomes produce condensed DNA along with tubular structures and aggregated liposomes. Interaction with cell membrane, followed by endocytosis and disruption of endosomes, appears to be the main mechanism of cytoplasmic delivery of DNA by DNA/cationic liposome complex. In an attempt to overcome the low efficiency of nuclear entry of cytoplasmic DNA, a limiting step for the overall expression level of the transgene, a cytoplasmic expression system was developed. A plasmid containing the reporter gene, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), driven by the bacteriophage T7 promoter, following co-delivery with T7 RNA polymerase by DC-Chol cationic liposomes into cells, gives a rapid, but transient CAT gene expression. However, strong and sustained gene expression could be achieved by co-delivery of a T7 RNA polymerase enzyme regenerating system such as a T7 autogene. An independent study found that a single i.p. injection of cisplatin could sensitize lipofection of tumors in situ. A combined and sequential protocol was therefore proposed for cancer gene therapy.
Muscle synergism during isometric plantarflexion in achilles tendon rupture patients and in normal subjects revealed by velocity-encoded cine phase-contrast MRI.

Abstract Background The triceps surae muscle is often considered to be the sole contributor to the plantarflexion torque although the deeper plantarflexor muscles may also be activated in the plantarflexion task. Methods We measured coordinative strategies and muscle synergism during isometric plantarflexion task from 11 volunteers. Velocities from the distal end of the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and flexor hallucis longus muscles were encoded in the superior–inferior direction using cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Eight of the subjects were healthy and served as controls for subject to subject variability. Three of the subjects had experienced an Achilles tendon rupture followed by surgical repair and they were measured up to 8 weeks of rehabilitation. Results There were marked individual differences in the use of the different muscles during plantarflexion task in control subjects. Soleus to flexor hallucis longus displacement ratio during contraction varied from 0.4 to 9.6 while the moment arm ratio between Achilles tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendons was 1.9 (standard deviation 0.2). In Achilles tendon rupture patients the relative contribution of flexor hallucis longus was very high both in their injured and uninjured leg. This coordinative strategy remained throughout rehabilitation. Interpretation The findings suggest that early recovery of plantarflexion torque after Achilles tendon rupture may be due to compensation by flexor hallucis longus as well as to normalization of the triceps surae muscle function. Also, this study suggests that the individual differences in coordinative strategies in addition to moment arms and muscle–tendon properties can influence the calculation of forces produced by individual muscles.
‘Sticky business’: The influence of streambed periphyton on particle deposition and infiltration

Strong feedbacks exist between physical and ecological components of aquatic systems. Aquatic plants can alter flow and sedimentation patterns, in turn influencing habitat condition and organism responses. In this study, I investigate the interactions between streambed periphyton, particle deposition and infiltration, and flow hydraulics to determine the influence of these organisms on the local environment. In a series of flume experiments, I measured the effects of two contrasting forms of periphyton at several densities and growth stages on near-bed hydraulics, particle loss from the water column, surface deposition, and subsurface infiltration. Data show that periphyton assemblages altered the rate and quantity of particle deposition via several mechanisms, including shear stress modification, surface adhesion, and bed clogging. Although trends varied for different size classes within a suspension of fine sediment, diatoms and algae had distinctly different effects on hydraulics, deposition, and infiltration. In general, diatoms increased the rate of decline in suspended particle concentrations relative to non-periphyton surfaces by reducing shear stresses and enhancing surface deposition via adhesion. Increases in diatom biomass, however, reduced the quantity and depth of particle infiltration, presumably by clogging interstitial pore spaces, in turn lowering rates of concentration decline. In contrast, all algal growth stages had slower or similar rates of concentration decline compared to non-periphyton conditions, due to partial clogging by high biomass and a lack of adhesion at the bed surface. Clogging effects were counteracted at later growth stages, however, as late-stage algal structures increased shear stresses and downward advection, in turn increasing amounts of infiltration. Compiled data from several field studies and experiments demonstrate a positive relation between periphyton biomass and inorganic mass, but also show a wide range in the relation because of external factors such as discharge and suspended sediment concentration. My analysis indicates that the decrease in the concentration of suspended particles under controlled conditions is strongly influenced by periphyton structure, through direct mechanisms such as adhesion and clogging as well as indirect changes to hydraulics, but that external factors in field settings such as discharge and sediment supply may outweigh the effects of periphyton structure.
Anodic Polarization Behavior Of Nickel-Chromium Alloys In Sulfuric Acid Solutions

Abstract Anodic polarization behavior of annealed high-purity Ni, Cr and selected Ni-Cr alloys in hydrogen-saturated, 1, 5, 10 and 20N sulfuric acid solutions was investigated at 25 ± 1 C (77 F) us...
Evaluating and pricing lanes in the truckload motor freight industry

In this article, we develop methods for evaluating and pricing lanes in the truckload motor freight industry. An optimisation-based simulation approach is used to suggest lane prices in the carrier's existing network and to examine various strategic scenarios. Two efficient heuristics are developed which provide relatively accurate prices and facilitate implementation. Computational results are reported and the pricing methods are compared to actual carrier prices and prices from a commercial data service.
Consensus filter on networked single-integrator system

A novel consensus filter is addressed to solve the multi-agent cooperative problem in the presence of measurement noise, where single-integrator is considered as the model of the agent. Consensus filter is established by modifying the fundamental consensus algorithm to achieve not only the cooperation of state but the attenuation of noise. Initially, the low-pass property of this consensus filter is shown by a specific and fixed topology among the agents. Sequentially, the tracking stability to a dynamic reference is proven by the linear system theory and matrix theory. Due to the communication limit, switching topologies case is also considered. Finally, effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation results.
Sub-Saharan Africa's Integration in the Global Financial Markets

The paper uses a unique database covering 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries between 2000 and 2007 to study the determinants of the allocation and composition of flows across countries, as well as channels through which private capital flows could affect growth. In our sample, the degree of financial market development is an important determinant of the distribution of capital flows across countries as opposed to property rights institutions. The fairly consistent positive association between net capital flows and growth for SSA countries contrasts with the more pessimistic results of recent studies, though our data do not allow us to make conclusive inferences about a causality relationship.
Dynamic Models for Sideways Falls From Standing Height

Despite our growing understanding of the importance of fall mechanics in the etiology of hip fracture, previous studies have largely ignored the kinematics and dynamics of falls from standing height. Beginning from basic principles, we estimated peak impact force on the greater trochanter in a sideways fall from standing height. Using a one degree-of-freedom impact model, this force is determined by the impact velocity of the hip, the effective mass of that part of the body that is moving prior to impact, and the overall stiffness of the soft tissue overlying the hip. To determine impact velocity and effective mass, three different paradigms of increasing complexity were used: 1) a falling point mass or a rigid bar pivoting at its base; 2) two-link models consisting of a leg segment and a torso; and 3) three-link models including a knee. The total mechanical energy of each model before falling was equated to the total mechanical energy just prior to impact in order to estimate the hip impact velocity. In addition, the configuration of the model just before impact was used to estimate the effective mass. Our model predictions were compared with the results of an earlier experimental study with young subjects falling on a 10-inch thick mattress. Values from literature were used to estimate the soft tissue stiffness. For the models, predicted values for hip impact velocity and effective mass ranged from 2.47 to 4.34 m/s and from 15.9 to 70.0 kg, respectively. Predicted values for the peak force applied to the greater trochanter ranged from 2.90k to 9.99k N. Based on comparisons to the experimental falls, impact velocity and impact force were best predicted by a simple two-link model with the trunk at 45 degrees to the vertical at impact. A three-link model with a quadratic spring incorporated in the knee of the model was the best predictor of effective mass. Using our most accurate model, the peak impact force was 2.90k N for a 5th percentile female and 4.26k N for a 95th percentile female, thereby confirming the widely held perception that "the bigger they are, the harder they fall".
Treatment context and return of fear in spider phobia

Recent research indicates that return of fear occurs when spider-fearful individuals are confronted with the phobic stimulus in a context different than the one used during exposure therapy (Mineka, Mystkowski, Hladek, & Rodriguez, 1999; Rodriguez, Craske, Mineka, & Hladek, 1999). However, limitations regarding fear measurement, lack of real-world context manipulations and statistical power suggest that further investigation is warranted. With these concerns in mind, 46 spider-fearful individuals received a 1-session exposure-based therapy in one of two contexts, and were followed-up 1 week later for fear assessment in the treatment context, as well as in a new context, in a counterbalanced order. Self-report data confirmed the hypothesis that return of fear will appear when individuals are tested for fear in a context different than the treatment context. In addition, changes in perceptions of safety, danger, control, and predictability did not mediate and/or moderate a contextually based return of fear. Limitations of the current study and directions for future study are discussed.
Effects of sweating on peripheral temperatures in goats

Abstract 1. 1.|We have investigated how the episodic secretion of sweat in heat-exposed goats affects the temperature of the fur, the skin surface and deep skin regions. 2. 2.|Each peak in sweating was followed immediately by heating of the fur surface above T a and cooling of the shaved skin surface below T a . Cooling in deep skin regions was delayed. The average temperature change produced by a sweat peak was similar in skin beneath furred and shaved surfaces. 3. 3.|We conclude that episodic sweating leads to the generation of heat in the pelage of goats. This heat does not appear to impair the rate of evaporative heat loss from the skin surface.
Proinflammatory role of stem cells in abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Objective The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation includes inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation, and oxidative stress. That multipotent stem cells have an important role in cardiovascular health and disease has been well established, but the role of stem cells in aortic structural deterioration is poorly defined. We sought to describe the presence of stem cells in human AAA tissue and also investigated the differentiation of stem cells within the aneurysmal aorta. Methods Infrarenal aortic wall specimens were collected from patients (n = 7) undergoing open AAA surgical repair. Nonaneurysmal infrarenal aortic control samples (n = 4) were collected at autopsies. Using immunohistochemistry, we compared the abundance of Stro1-positive ( + ), c-kit + , and CD34 + cells in aortic tissue. Using double-immunofluorescence staining, we evaluated stem cell differentiation into smooth muscle cells (SM22), fibroblasts (FSP1), and macrophages (CD68). We then investigated the colocalization of CD68 + cells with the cellular marker of proliferation Ki67. Results The media and adventitia of infrarenal AAA samples both demonstrated a significantly greater number of c-kit + and CD34 + cells compared with matched control nonaneurysmal aortic tissues; however, the abundance of Stro1 + cells was not significantly different between the groups. Using double-immunofluorescence staining, we identified that AAA stem cells express the macrophage marker CD68 but not the smooth muscle cell marker SM22 or the fibroblast marker FSP1. CD68 + cells within the aortic wall colocalized with the cellular marker of proliferation Ki67. Conclusions Stem cells are significantly elevated in infrarenal AAA tissue compared with matched control aortic tissue. Our data also demonstrate that AAA stem cells express macrophage surface antigens but not smooth muscle cell or fibroblast markers. Furthermore, CD68 + cells within the aortic wall colocalized with the cellular marker of proliferation Ki67. These finding suggest an inflammatory/immune role of stem cells during AAA pathogenesis and raise the possibility of localized replenishment therapy within the aneurysm wall.
Sexual communication and associative learning in the parasitic waspItoplectis conquisitor (Say)

Extracts of newly emerged virgin females and newly emerged virgin males of the parasitic waspItoplectis conquisitor were highly active in eliciting sexual behavior in older males. Newly emerged males did not respond to the extracts. A reliable biological assay was devised in which the responses of males to extract could be evaluated under varying conditions. Optimum male responses to female extract were obtained at 27 °C and at 1.0 female equivalents (the amount of pheromone extractable from the body surface of a female). A decrease in sexual response was observed when males were repeatedly exposed to pheromone. Males also learned to associate bioassay conditions with the presence of pheromone.
Comment on Rae's “The Limits of Consensual Decision”

On the whole, I am very much an admirer of Douglas Rae's article. Indeed, if the editor will not object to my revealing this fact, I was one of the referees who recommended its publication. I do find myself with two objections to it, however, and as I suppose the reader will not be very surprised to learn, these concern its treatment of the general approach to politics which James Buchanan and I put into The Calculus of Consent.' These objections fall into two general fields: first, the intellectual history of the doctrine of consent, and, second, the methodological importance of Pareto optimality. With respect to the intellectual history, Rae, I think, may have been misled by the literature. The origins of the doctrine of consent or consensus, which he traces through political scientists from Locke and Calhoun, were actually quite disparate from those of the doctrine of Pareto optimality, which was drawn from economics, and there is no obvious reason to believe that the earlier political writers influenced the economists particularly. Pareto, for example, was an Italian engineer and Wicksell a Swede. Their educations would have put little emphasis on Locke, and I doubt that either had even heard of Calhoun. The positions they adopted were essentially efforts to deal with technical problems which had arisen in economic analysis in their particular fields. It was only after their positions had been developed that the resemblance between their position and that of certain earlier political philosophers was noticed. Even to this day there is a great difference between the two. I myself, for example, have never read so much as one page of Calhoun and have no desire to do so. Similarly, my knowledge of Locke and John Stuart Mill and even Bentham is largely derived from secondary sources. Buchanan, on the other hand, who is interested in philosophy, has done a good deal of reading in these areas, but I must say even in his case he is totally ignorant of the original text of Calhoun's work. The fact that there is some resemblance between the two points of view has, however, led to a number of recent writers, who are writing in what I might call the economic tradition, to refer to these political philosophers. In fact, what we have are
Managing Nonmalignant Chronic Abdominal Pain and Malignant Bowel Obstruction

Evaluation of abdominal pain requires an understanding of the possible causes(benign or malignant) and recognition of typical patterns and clinical presentation. Abdominal pain has multiple causes; associated signs and symptoms may aid in the diagnosis. Remember that some patients will not have a textbook presentation, and unusual causes for pain must be considered. Those with chronic pancreatitis with structural complications should be operated on early, whereas those with other types of chronic pancreatitis should receive medical therapy focusing on alleviating symptoms. Control of the most troublesome symptoms will provide the best management for IBS. Pharmacologic success in bowel obstruction depends on the level and degree of obstruction. Decision making is based on reasonable expectations of survival, treatment-related success, performance status, and goals of care. Quality of life will be enhanced by appropriate symptom management.
On the involvement of apical O in CuO-based superconductors

Abstract A model based on spectroscopic evidence for holes residing on O in CuO-based superconductors is discussed. Accordingly, superconductivity stems from two separate species, namely O in the CuO2 planes (pO) and O is apical positions (aO, located in BaO planes in YBa2Cu3Ox). In YBa2Cu3Ox, this leads to two separate phases with Tc ∼ 60 and Tc ∼ 90 K, respectively, as these two species become successively oxidized. Predictions are made concerning the behavior of compound families such as Bi2Sr2Can−1CunOx. For a given n, two separate superconducting phases should potentially generally obtain as a function of increasing hole concentration with Tc ratios reflecting the ratios of p O a O .
Preserving health of Alzheimer caregivers: impact of a spouse caregiver intervention.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of counseling and support on the physical health of caregivers of spouses of people with Alzheimer disease. Methods: A randomized controlled trial, conducted between 1987 and 2006 at an outpatient research clinic in the New York City metropolitan area compared outcomes of psychosocial intervention to usual care. Structured questionnaires were administered at baseline and regular follow-ups. A referred volunteer sample of 406 spouse caregivers of community dwelling patients with Alzheimer disease enrolled over a 9.5-year period. Enhanced counseling and support consisted of six sessions of individual and family counseling, support group participation, and continuous availability of ad-hoc telephone counseling. Indicators of physical health included self-rated health (SRH) of caregivers and the number of reported illnesses. Results: Controlling for baseline SRH (mean: 7.24), intervention group caregivers had significantly better SRH than control group caregivers based upon model predicted mean scores four months after baseline (6.87 versus 7.21), and this significant difference was maintained for two years (6.70 versus 7.01). The effect of the intervention on SRH remained significant after controlling for the effects of patient death, nursing home placement, caregiver depressive symptoms and social support satisfaction. Similar benefits of intervention were found for number of illnesses. Conclusion: Counseling and support preserved SRH in vulnerable caregivers. Enhancing caregivers’ social support, fostering more benign appraisals of stressors, and reducing depressive symptoms may yield indirect health benefits. Psychosocial intervention studies with biological measures of physical health outcomes are warranted. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 15:780–789)
Wound healing complications after autologous breast reconstruction: A model to predict risk

Summary Introduction Delayed wound healing is costly to the breast reconstruction patient and the health care infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to identify potentially modifiable risk factors and to create a model to assess patient risk of these complications. Methods We performed a retrospective study of all free autologous reconstructions at a single institution (2005–2011). Patients with delayed wound healing (operative wounds requiring dressing changes for longer than 3 weeks) were compared to patients with normal healing with respect to history and case characteristics. A risk model was developed to stratify patients based on the multivariate logistic regression results. Results Delayed wound healing impacted 297 (44%) of 682 patients. These patients were older ( p = 0.02), with higher BMI( p p p = 0.02) and bilateral reconstruction ( p = 0.02). They received a lower rate/kg of fluid resuscitation intraoperatively ( p = 0.001) and more commonly received vasopressors ( p = 0.004), with a greater total reconstructive cost ( p = 0.003). A regression demonstrated that progressive obesity, smoking, bilateral reconstruction, and utilization of vasopressors were associated with delayed healing ( p Conclusions While patient disease remains a major predictor of wound complications, potentially modifiable variables including smoking and vasopressor administration impacted this complication. Utilizing the simple model to preoperatively assess patient risk, targeted measures can be undertaken with the goal of ultimately reducing wound healing complications and cost.
A Laboratory Model of Cooling over the Continental Shelf

Abstract A laboratory experiment is conducted where hot water is cooled by exposure to air in a cylindrical rotating tank with a flat shallow outer “continental shelf” region next to a sloping “continental slope” bottom and a flat “deep ocean” center. It is taken to be a model of wintertime cooling over a continental shelf. The flow on the shelf consists of cellular convection cells descending from the top cooled surface into a region with very complicated baroclinic eddies. Extremely pronounced fronts are found at the shelf break and over the slope. Associated with these are sizable geostrophic currents along the shelf and over shelf break contours. Eddies are particularly energetic there. Cooling rate of the hot water is determined and compared with the temperature difference between the continental shelf and deep ocean. The results are compared with scaling arguments to produce an empirical best-fit formula that agrees with the experiment over a wide range of experimental parameters. A relatively strai...
Endogenous nitric oxide in the control of skeletal muscle oxygen extraction during exercise

Our previous studies uncovered an inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on leg skeletal muscle respiration in dogs at rest. The role of NO in the modulation of O2 consumption and O2 extraction in hindlimb muscle during elevated metabolic states was investigated in chronically instrumented dogs while walking and at three exercise intensities which markedly increased hindlimb blood flow. Walking resulted in increased O2 consumption by 17 +/- 4 mL min-1 and O2 extraction from 24 +/- 1 to 37 +/- 8%, with no alteration in hindlimb blood flow (BFLeg) and vascular resistance (VRLeg). Running at the highest speed (9.1 mph) resulted in an increase in BFLeg from 0.67 +/- 0.05 to 2.2 +/- 0.1 L min-1, a reduction of VRLeg and elevation of hindlimb O2 consumption from 33 +/- 3 to 226 +/- 21 mL min-1 and O2 extraction from 29 +/- 2 to 61 +/- 5%, with a decrease in leg venous PO2 from 38 +/- 1 to 25 +/- 1 mmHg. After nitro-L-arginine (NLA) (35 mg kg-1, i.v.) to inhibit endogenous NO synthesis, walking caused greater increases in hindlimb O2 consumption (29 +/- 5 mL min-1) and O2 extraction (43 +/- 1 to 60 +/- 3%) (both P < 0.05), with no significant change in BFLeg. During running at the highest speed, BFLeg was 1.9 +/- 0.1 L min-1 (P < 0. 05) and VRLeg was higher, accompanied by increases in hindlimb O2 consumption from 49 +/- 7 to 318 +/- 24 mL min-1 and O2 extraction from 41 +/- 2 to 79 +/- 4% (both P < 0.05), with a greater decrease in leg venous PO2 from 33 +/- 1 to 20 +/- 1 mmHg (P < 0.05). Similar results were found for intermediate levels of exercise. Our results indicate that NO modulates hindlimb skeletal muscle O2 extraction and O2 usage whether blood flow increased or not during exercise.
ACTION OF DIETHYLSTILBESTROL IN THE CHICK1

THE ACTION of diethylstilbestrol and estrone with respect to relative potency, and physiological activity has been considered at length in the mammal, and the literature is well reviewed by Lee et al. (i). Comparable studies, however, on other forms havebeen meager. It was demonstrated in our laboratory that estrogen has a very pronounced effect on the growth of the viscera in the White Leghorn cockerel and also greatly inhibitsthe secretion of androgen by the testes and gonadotropin by the pituitary (2,). This experimental background has made it possible to analyze some aspects of the physiological action of diethylstilbestrol and to compare its effects with those of estrone. It was considered important to ascertain, in view of its estrogenic effect in mammals, if diethylstilbestrol would also duplicate the action of estrogenic hormone in the chick, namely: stimulate the growth of the viscera and inhibit testicular growth and androgen secretion.
Detection of carbonic anhydrase-9 gene expression in peripheral blood cells predicts risk of disease recurrence in patients with renal cortical tumors.

Abstract Objectives To present extended follow-up on a cohort of patients with renal cortical tumors treated with partial or radical nephrectomy and preoperatively assess for carbonic anhydrase 9 tumor marker expression in the peripheral blood. Methods All patients were originally enrolled in an institutional review board-approved study assessing the role of a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction peripheral blood assay designed to detect the tumor-specific gene carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA9). A total of 41 patients with renal cortical tumors confined to the kidney were enrolled at a single institution and assessed preoperatively with peripheral blood test for CA9 expression before undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy. A Kaplan-Meier estimated survival analysis and log-rank test were performed to determine whether detection of peripheral blood cells expressing the CA9 gene influences disease-free and disease-specific survival. Results The median follow-up was 4.3 years. The median age was 71 years. Of the 41 patients, 26 were men and 15 were women. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival for patients with detectible expression of the CA9 gene in the peripheral blood was 39.5% compared with 88.1% for patients without detection of the CA9 gene ( P = 0.048). On bivariate analysis, disease-free survival correlated with histologic type, tumor diameter, and tumor grade. Conclusions The expression of the tumor-specific marker CA9 in the peripheral blood is associated with decreased disease-free survival in patients with renal cortical tumors. This is the first study reporting on the prognostic value of this peripheral blood-based tumor marker for kidney tumors.
The thermal light emission properties of various polymers

Abstract DSC and light emission (LE) curves were obtained in nitrogen, air, and oxygen atmospheres between 300 and 700 K for samples of poly(ethylene), 66 Nylon, polycarbonate, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and poly(acrylonitrile). In all atmospheres, initial LE was the “oxyluminescence” type associated with the hydroperoxide radical formation; in nitrogen, after the depletion of absorbed oxygen, a much weaker “chemiluminescence” was observed.
Lysis of human monocytes by lymphokine-activated killer cells.

Abstract Human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), stimulated in vitro with recombinant human interleukin 2 (IL-2) for 2–7 days, were seen to lyse autologous and allogeneic monocytes in a 4-hr 51 Cr-release assay. The lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells against monocytic cells were selective in that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and nonadherent PBLs were not lysed by these cells. Monocytes which had been cultured for 2–7 days served as better targets than uncultured cells. Also, kinetic studies demonstrated parallel activation of cytolytic activity against monocyte targets and FMEX, an natural killer cell-insensitive human melanoma target. Separation of PBLs by discontinuous density centrifugation identified the effector population in the fractions enriched for large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Precursor cells were seen to express CD2, CD11, and some CD16 markers, but not CD3, CD4, CD8, CD15, Leu M3, or Leu 7. The effector population after IL-2 activation retained the phenotype of the precursor cell. These studies indicate that IL-2 can generate LAK cells against monocytic cells, and this cytolytic activity, especially against autologous monocytes, must be taken into account when IL-2 or LAK. cells are used for immunodulation in cancer patients.
X‐ray and Raman scattering characterization of Ge/Si buried layers

Germanium buried layers in (001) oriented silicon with thicknesses of 2–12 monolayers have been studied with synchrotron x‐ray diffraction, x‐ray reflectivity, and Raman scattering spectroscopy of visible light. Relaxation, strain, and intermixing have been observed via diffraction and intermixing is inferred from vibrational frequency shifts.
Effects of mercury on fatigue behavior of Type 316 LN stainless steel: application in the spallation neutron source

Abstract The high-cycle fatigue behavior of Type 316 stainless steel (SS), the prime candidate target-container material for the spallation neutron source (SNS), was investigated in air and mercury at frequencies of 0.2 and 10 Hz with a R ratio of −1, and at 10 and 700 Hz with a R ratio of 0.1. Here R equals the ratio of the applied minimum to maximum loads during fatigue experiments. A decrease in the fatigue life in mercury was observed, relative to that in air, at 0.2 Hz. Correspondingly, intergranular fracture was found on the fracture surfaces of specimens tested in mercury at 0.2 Hz, which is a typical fracture mode caused by liquid metal embrittlement (LME). Heating by mechanical working was observed during fatigue tests at 10 Hz and a R of −1, and at 700 Hz and a R of 0.1, which resulted in great increases in specimen temperatures and shorter fatigue lives for large stress amplitudes (⩾210 MPa), relative to those in mercury. However, in the fatigue tests at 10 and 700 Hz, the fatigue lives in air with cooling and those in mercury seemed to be comparable, indicating little influence of the mercury. Thus, both specimen self-heating and LME need to be considered in understanding fatigue behavior of Type 316 SS in air and mercury.