cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Donor−Acceptor−Donor Fluorene Derivatives for Two-Photon Fluorescence Lysosomal Imaging

As part of a strategy to achieve large two-photon absorptivity in fluorene-based probes, a series of donor−acceptor−donor (D−A−D) type derivatives were synthesized and their two-photon absorption (2PA) properties investigated. The synthesis of D−A−D fluorophores was achieved by efficient preparation of key intermediates for the introduction of central electron acceptor groups. To accomplish the synthesis of two of the new derivatives, a high-yield method for a one-step direct dibromomethylation of phenyl sulfide was developed. The linear and nonlinear optical properties, including UV−vis absorption, fluorescence emission, fluorescence anisotropy, and two-photon absorption (2PA), of the new D−A−D compounds were measured and compared to their D−A or D−D counterparts. Fully conjugated acceptor moieties in the center of the D−A−D fluorophore led to the greatest increase in the 2PA cross section, while weakly conjugated central acceptors exhibited only a modest increase in the 2PA cross section relative to D−A...
Implicit and Explicit Learning of L2 Grammar: A Pilot Study

M This is a report of an exploratory study under laboratory conditions aimed at clarifying the role of explicit teaching of different kinds of rules. The report presents the motivation for and the methodology and results of this limited pilot study with 6 students in the hope that it will stimulate other researchers to think about experimental ways of untangling the various factors involved in the controversial issue of the usefulness of
Weakness as Strength Test of a "My Hands are Tied" Ploy in Bargaining

It has been argued that bargainers may be able to extract concessions from one another by coupling an intransigent bargaining stance with the justification that one's hands have been tied by one's constituent. Intransigence justified by weakness (one's constituent's commitment to an inflexible position) was predicted to prove more effective in eliciting concessions than the same intransigence coupled with no such justification. Subjects were run in a variant of the Bilateral Monopoly paradigm played with three simulated others. Unexpectedly, the participants made fewer concessions when the opponent attributed his intransigence to his constituent's behavior. Several limiting conditions for the effective implementation of a "my hands are tied" ploy were discussed.
Solving partial differential equations numerically on manifolds with arbitrary spatial topologies

A multi-cube method is developed for solving systems of elliptic and hyperbolic partial differential equations numerically on manifolds with arbitrary spatial topologies. It is shown that any three-dimensional manifold can be represented as a set of non-overlapping cubic regions, plus a set of maps to identify the faces of adjoining regions. The differential structure on these manifolds is fixed by specifying a smooth reference metric tensor. Matching conditions that ensure the appropriate levels of continuity and differentiability across region boundaries are developed for arbitrary tensor fields. Standard numerical methods are then used to solve the equations with the appropriate boundary conditions, which are determined from these inter-region matching conditions. Numerical examples are presented which use pseudo-spectral methods to solve simple elliptic equations on multi-cube representations of manifolds with the topologies T^3, S^2×S^1 and S^3. Examples are also presented of numerical solutions of simple hyperbolic equations on multi-cube manifolds with the topologies R×T^3, R×S^2×S^1 and R×S^3.
EGF receptor signaling inhibits keratinocyte apoptosis: Evidence for mediation by Bcl-XL

Signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been primarily implicated in the growth of epithelial cells including keratinocytes. However, the mechanism by which EGFR stimulation promotes keratinocyte cell growth is poorly understood. Here we report that human keratinocytes undergo apoptosis when incubated with the blocking EGFR monoclonal antibody 225 IgG, or PD153035, a highly specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Endogenous mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-XL, a member the Bcl-2 family which suppresses apoptosis, were specifically inhibited by EGFR blockade. Furthermore, stimulation of EGFR signaling through two natural ligands, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and epidermal growth factor (EGF), increased the expression of Bcl-XL in quiescent keratinocytes and HaCaT cells. Finally, ectopic expression of Bcl-XL in HaCaT cells increased survival after EGFR blockade when compared to untransfected cells or HaCaT keratinocytes transfected with empty vector. These results suggest that the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL plays an important role in the maintenance of keratinocyte survival in response to EGFR signaling.
Stochastic analysis of transient three-phase flow in heterogeneous porous media

In this manuscript, we extend the stochastic analysis of transient two-phase flow (Chen et al., Water Resour Res 42:W03425, 2006) to three-phase flow, i.e., water, air, and NAPL. We use the van Genuchten model and the Parker and Lenhard three-phase model to describe the relationships between phase saturation, phase relative permeability, and capillary pressure. The log-transformations of intrinsic permeability Y(x) = ln k(x), soil pore size distribution parameter β ow (x) = ln α ow (x) between water and NAPL, and β ao (x) = ln α ao (x) between air and NAPL, and van Genuchten fitting parameter $$\bar{n}({\bf x}) = \ln {\left[{n{\left({\bf x} \right)} - 1} \right]},$$ are treated as stochastic variables that are normally distributed with a separable exponential covariance model. The Karhunen–Loeve expansion and perturbation method (KLME) is used to solve the resulting equations. We evaluate the stochastic model using two-dimensional examples of three-phase flow with NAPL leakage. We also conduct Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to verify the stochastic model. A comparison of results from MC and KLME indicates the validity of the proposed KLME application in three-phase flow. The computational efficiency of the KLME approach over MC methods is at least an order of magnitude for three-phase flow problems. This verified stochastic model is then used to investigate the sensitivity of fluid saturation variances to the input variances.
Implementation of hexagonal micromirror arrays as phase-mostly spatial light modulators

Hexagonal micromirror arrays and associated test structures have been fabricated using a commercial surface-micromachining process. The hexagonal micromirrors are 50 micrometers across and are arranged in a hexagonal array of 127 mirrors with 75 micrometers center-to-center spacing between nearest micromirrors. Each micromirror is supported by three flexure hinges, each of which surrounds one third of the micromirror perimeter. Each micromirror in the array can be displaced independently through a vertical distance of over 1 micrometers by a voltage applied to an underlying address electrode. The flexures and other highly diffracting or poorly reflecting areas can be covered by a statinary reflecting plate with holes that expose the moving micromirrors. These micromirror arrays function as efficient phase-mostly spatial light modulators. Applications for these micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems include optical processing, coherent beam shaping, and adaptive optics. This design has several important advantages. First, the hexagonal micromirror and array geometries maximize the active surface area of the array. Second, the use of three flexures instead of four, as is typical for square phase-mostly micromirrors, lowers the required drive voltage. Third, the reflecting cover plate ensures that light efficiency is maximized and that a substantial stationary coherent reference plane is provided. Design considerations for fabricating the arrays in commercial surface mciromachining processes are discussed. The deflection versus voltage behavior of the hexagonal micromirror is determined analytically and experimentally. Test results are used to design the next generation array.
Relative transition probability measurements in the A-X and B-X systems of CH

Abstract Relative Einstein emission coefficients have been measured for transitions from the ν′ = 0 and 1 levels in the A2Δ−X2Π and B2Σ-−X2Π systems of the CH radical. The measurements were made in an atmospheric pressure methane-air flame, and the results are compared with theoretical calculations.
Hypnosis and episodic memory

Abstract Earlier work, not controlled for state and trait effects, indicated that highly susceptible Ss lose aspects of the episodic structure of events during hypnosis (Schwartz, 1978). In the present study, after being given a standard hypnotic induction, pretested highly susceptible Ss while hypnotized were found to signficantiy lose access to the sequential and durational context of their activities. After hypnosis was terminated, some highly susceptible Ss were better able to assess the sequence and to a marginal extent the duration of equivalent events. The Ss of low susceptibility given an induction and highly susceptible Ss given a reality test instruction did not manifest this context loss. Loss of sequential and durational reference and the number of items recalled were not significantly correlated.
An assessment of the value of triple endoscopy in the evaluation of head and neck cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of triple endoscopy in the routine diagnostic evaluation of head and neck cancer patients to (1) ascertain the accuracy and safety of this approach in identifying multiple neoplasms and (2) determine if such an approach is justifiable rather than relying on radiographic examinations coupled with the routine head and neck exam including indirect laryngoscopy. in this series, The incidence of second malignancies was found to be 11.3%, consistent with other reports in the medical literature. There were no complications noted as a result of triple endoscopy. There were no instances where the second malignancy was not diagnosed prior to triple endoscopy with either the physical exam or routine roentgenograms. There were no incidences where the treatment program of the primary tumor was altered by the information obtained at triple endoscopy. The results of this single institutional study suggest that triple endoscopy need not be a routine component of the diagnostic evaluation of every patient with head and neck cancer. However, every patient should probably have a thorough physical examination coupled with chest and esophageal roentgenograms to search for a simultaneous secondary neoplasm.
Magnetotaxis as a Means for Nanofabrication

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), discovered in early 1970s contain single-domain crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) called magnetosomes that tend to form a chain like structure from the proximal to the distal pole along the long axis of the cell. The ability of these bacteria to sense the magnetic field for displacement, also called magnetotaxis, arises from the magnetic dipole moment of this chain of magnetosomes. In aquatic habitats, these organisms sense the geomagnetic field and traverse the oxic-anoxic interface for optimal oxygen concentration along the field lines. Here we report an elegant use of MTB where magnetotaxis of Magnetospirillum magneticum (classified as AMB-1) could be utilized for controlled navigation over a semiconductor substrate for selective deposition. We examined 50mm long coils made out of 18AWG and 20AWG copper conductors having diameters of 5mm, 10mm and 20mm for magnetic field intensity and heat generation. Based on the COMSOL simulations and experimental data, it is recognized that a compound semiconductor manufacturing technology involving bacterial carriers and carbon-based materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes would be a desirable choice in the future.
A Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry Method for the Online Analysis of Organic Aerosols

A new technique employing chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) is described that allows the composition of organic particles to be determined on the time scale of seconds. With this Aerosol CIMS technique, particles are vaporized thermally at temperatures up to 480 °C, and the resulting vapor is chemically ionized and detected with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The separation of the vaporization and ionization steps allows greater control and more flexibility for the detection of condensed phases than with other chemical ionization methods. Consequently, composition can be correlated to volatility, providing an additional dimension of information. The use of a variety of positive and negative reagent ions, such as H+(H2O)2, H+(CH3OH)2, NO+, O2+, O2-, F-, and SF6-, offers flexibility in the detection sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the degree of fragmentation of the resulting ion can be controlled, providing more straightforward identification and quantification than with other commonly...
Standing evolution on its head: The uneasy role of evolutionary theory in comparative cognition and communication

King, Barbara J. The Information Continuum: Evolution of Social Information Transfer in Monkeys, Apes, and Hominids. Santa Fe, NM: SAR Press, 1994. xii + 166 pp. including references and index. $17.50 paper. Parker, Sue Taylor, Mitchell, Robert W., and Boccia, Maria L., eds. Self‐Awareness in Animals and Humans: Developmental Perspectives. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994. xviii + 442, including chapter references and index. $27.95 paper.
An approach to the assessment of high-level radioactive waste containment. I: Waste package degradation

A description is presented of the various models (i.e. thermal, chemical environment, humid-air and aqueous corrosion) used in the engineered barrier system performance assessment code (EBSPAC) to represent processes that govern the failure of waste packages (WPs) and, ultimately, the release of radionuclides from the engineered barrier system (EBS). These models are specifically adapted to the US Department of Energy (DOE) WP design, adopted in 1996, for the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), NV. The design consists of a double-wall overpack composed of two concentric containers of different metallic materials in a horizontal drift emplacement. EBSPAC was developed to deterministically evaluate the performance of the engineered barriers and to be used as the source term module incorporated in the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (CNWRA)/Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) total performance assessment (TPA) code. EBSPAC essentially consists of two separate codes. The code dealing with WP failure calculations is the focus of this paper and the other, dealing with radionuclide release, is described in a companion paper. An example problem is presented to illustrate the results obtained with the code analyzing the influence of several critical input parameters, related to the repository and EBS designs and the resulting environmental conditions, on WP failure.
Boolean derivatives on cellular automata

Abstract Boolean derivatives are applied to cellular automata. They extract the linear part of arbitrary rules, and provide an intrinsic classification. Derivatives are applied to tracing complexity growth and to lattice gases. A complete table of derivatives is given for one-dimensional elementary cellular automata.
Polystyrene specimen support films for the collection of ultrathin serial sections.

One drawback to the use of Formvar film on slot grids is that it must be stabilized by evaporating a thin layer of carbon onto it to prevent drifting of the sections while they are viewed. Polystyrene exhibits a high degree of radiation resistance due to inherent aromatic stabilization; for this reason, no carbon coating is necessary when using thin films of this material as specimen supports for both thin sections and negative staining of isolated particles
Prediction of Arteriovenous Fistula Dysfunction: Can it be Taught?

Physical examination (PE) is an excellent means of predicting arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction. Although quick and inexpensive, PE is seldom used as a tool to assess stenosis by general nephrologists, dialysis nurses, and dialysis technicians. Previous studies have demonstrated that PE can be taught to interventional specialists, but the perception remains that it is too complex to be performed by other health care professionals. We hypothesized that the physical exam can be taught to a nonmedical professional, and that, with time, it would be comparable to the physical exam performed by a full-time interventional specialist. An undergraduate student and an interventional specialist (MD) examined AVF for dysfunction in a tertiary care hospital over a 6-month period. PE was performed on patients who were suspected of having dialysis access dysfunction and were referred for angiography and intervention (n = 49). Physical exam findings were categorized blindly by each examiner into four categories of lesion location: inflow, outflow, both, or neither. Data were privately recorded and compared to the gold standard of angiographic results. Potential confounding variables, including age, gender, diabetic status, and location of AVF were recorded. Weighted Cohen's kappa value was used as a measurement of the level of agreement beyond chance between the diagnoses made by physical exam and angiography. The full-time interventional specialist demonstrated correct prediction of lesion location of 89.8% (kappa = 0.850), while the undergraduate student had a correct prediction of 77.6% (kappa = 0.625). The student's performance, however, differed significantly over time. The student correctly predicted the location of the lesion in 6 (42.9%) of the first 14 patients (kappa = 0.082), compared to 32 (91.4%) of the last 35 patients (kappa = 0.855). We suggest that physical exam of AVF can be taught to a nonmedical professional in a short duration of time and the predictive value of the exam can be similar to that of an interventional specialist.
Chloroquine in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a new role for an old drug?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex condition resulting from excess proliferation and impaired apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), as well as vasoconstriction, inflammation, endothelial abnormalities, dysfunctional autophagy, and alterations in PASMC metabolism. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPR-II) is the most common genetic abnormality in hereditary PAH and is also significantly reduced in both nonhereditary PAH and experimental PAH. The treatments currently available for PAH are primarily vasodilators, which have been shown to improve functional capacity and survival. However, despite these agents, PAH remains a fatal disease without curative therapies. In this study, Long et al examined the role of autophagy and BMPR-II degradation in experimental and human PAH. Previous work from this group identified that the decreased levels of BMPR-II in experimental models of PAH are due in part to degradation of BMPR-II by the lysosome. Therefore, they also studied the role of chloroquine, a long-established antimalarial drug and known inhibitor of autophagy, in experimental PAH. Long et al studied both human PASMCs and a well-established rat model of PAH to test the relationship among autophagy, lysosomal degradation of BMPR-II, PASMC proliferation/apoptosis, and the development of PAH. The authors used the monocrotaline rat model of PAH to study the use of chloroquine in both preventing and regressing PAH. After treatment with chloroquine, the animals were assessed with invasive hemodynamics, vascular staining for PASMC proliferation and apoptosis, as well as immunohistochemistry staining for lung p62 and LC3B-II expression, both markers …
Doppler-tolerant signal waveforms

When Doppler distortions of radar signals can be neglected, correlation or matched-filter processing is relatively simple. In those applications where high resolution requirements and high target speeds combine, the distortions in the waveform lead to severe processing problems. One way around these difficulties is the so-called Doppler-invariant waveform, which stays matched to the filter in the presence of an arbitrarily large Doppler effect; however, in many situations this waveform cannot be used. This paper extends the idea of Doppler invariance to only parts of the waveform, the complex modulation function and the real envelope. We then obtain waveforms which simplify the Doppler search rather than eliminate it entirely, and hence are referred to as Doppler-tolerant. The addition of a constant-carrier term to the Doppler-invariant signal leads to the signal of which only the modulation function is Doppler-invariant. It permits independent measurement of range and range rate at the expense of having to search for the Doppler shift of the carrier. For applications of the principle to the envelope of a signal, the type of signal which is of particular interest is the pulse train. It is shown that a Doppler-tolerant pulse train can be designed such that it can be processed by a delay line with fixed taps even if the pulse spacing is significantly changed by the Doppler effect. This approach is useful for both coherent and incoherent pulse trains.
Clinicopathologic features and management of blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma

The blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), which accounts for less than one-third of MCL, may arise de novo or as a transformation from the classical form of MCL. Blastoid variant, which predominantly involves men in their sixth decade, has frequent extranodal involvement (40–60%), stage IV disease (up to 85%) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Diagnosis relies on morphological features and is challenging. Immunophenotyping may display CD23 and CD10 positivity and CD5 negativity in a subset. Genetic analysis demonstrates an increased number of complex genetic alterations. Blastoid variant responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy and has a short duration of response. Although the optimal therapy remains to be established, CNS prophylaxis and the use of aggressive immunochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant may prolong the remission rate and survival. Further studies are crucial to expand our understanding of this disease entity and improve the clinical outcome.
Result-Oriented Modeling—A Novel Technique for Fast and Accurate TLM

Efficient communication modeling is a critical task in system-on-chip design and exploration. In particular, fast and accurate communication is needed to predict the performance of a system. Recently, transaction level modeling is used to speed up communication simulation at the cost of accuracy. This paper proposes a novel modeling technique, called result-oriented modeling (ROM), which removes the inaccuracy drawback of transaction level models (TLMs) in many cases. Using ROM, simulation models yield nearly the same speed as their traditional TLM counterparts, yet are still 100% accurate in timing. ROM utilizes the fact that internal states in the communication channel are not observable by the caller. Hence, ROM omits the internal states entirely and optimistically predicts the end result. Retroactively, the outcome of the prediction is checked, and if necessary, corrective measures are taken to maintain the accuracy of the model. We have applied the ROM concept to two examples: the industry standard AMBA AHB and the controller area network. To validate the proposed ROM approach, we have analyzed the models in detail for performance and accuracy. Our experimental results show the clear advantages of the ROM concept. For both bus systems, ROM achieves 100% accuracy and highest speeds. In essence, ROM eliminates the TLM tradeoff for a wide range of platforms. It frees the system designer from having multiple models for different purposes and extends the TLM idea to applications that require timing accurate simulation, such as real-time communication.
Hyperspectral sensor characteristics needed for coastal ocean science

The complexity of the coastal ocean, particularly when the bottom is visible, necessitates the use of hyperspectral imagery for remote measurement of bathymetry, bottom type, and water properties. This is in contrast to the open ocean where water column properties alone are of interest and for which the use of multispectral imagery is normally sufficient. The Remote Sensing Division of the NRL has had a program to develop hyperspectral imagery for coastal studies for more than 10 years. The Ocean Portable Hyperspectral Imager for Low-Light Spectroscopy (Ocean PHILLS), the most recent version of NRL's imaging spectrometer, is designed specifically for this application. It uses a thinned, backside-illuminated CCD for high sensitivity and an all-reflective spectrograph with a convex grating in an Offner configuration to produce a nearly distortion-free image. The sensors, which are constructed entirely from commercially available components, have been successfully deployed on numerous aircraft based experiments since 1999. After data collection is complete the data are geolocated, calibrated, atmospherically corrected and used for a variety of ocean and land products. In this presentation, we describe the instrument design, with emphasis on the specifications required for observing the coastal ocean. We also present examples of remote-sensing reflectance data obtained from the LEO-15 site in New Jersey that agree well with ground-truth measurements
A multi-directional rapidly exploring random graph (mRRG) for protein folding

Modeling large-scale protein motions, such as those involved in folding and binding interactions, is crucial to better understanding not only how proteins move and interact with other molecules but also how proteins misfold, thus causing many devastating diseases. Robotic motion planning algorithms, such as Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRTs), have been successful in simulating protein folding pathways. Here, we propose a new multi-directional Rapidly Exploring Random Graph (mRRG) specifically tailored for proteins. Unlike traditional RRGs which only expand a parent conformation in a single direction, our strategy expands the parent conformation in multiple directions to generate new samples. Resulting samples are connected to the parent conformation and its nearest neighbors. By leveraging multiple directions, mRRG can model the protein motion landscape with reduced computational time compared to several other robotics-based methods for small to moderate-sized proteins. Our results on several proteins agree with experimental hydrogen out-exchange, pulse-labeling, and Φ-value analysis. We also show that mRRG covers the conformation space better as compared to the other computation methods.
Effects of ischemia and hemoglobin on vascular function in isolated rabbit aortas

Abstract The vascular endothelium is important in the modulation of vascular tone via production of endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors. The abdominal aortas of five groups of rabbits were subjected to varying lengths of ischemia (0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours), removed, sectioned into transverse rings, and placed in tissue baths containing Krebs' buffer at 37° C and aerated with 95% O 2 /5% CO 2 . After equlibration the rings were tested for endothelium-dependent vasodilation with methacholine and nonendothelium-dependent vasodilation with nitroprusside. Endothelium-dependent relaxation as elicited by methacholine was impaired at 3 and 4 hours of ischemia but was not significantly different at 1 and 2 hours as compared to control, whereas endothelium-independent vasodilation remained normal throughout the different periods of ischemia. The addition of 1 × 10 −6 mol/L rabbit hemoglobin reduced the time needed to demonstrate significant impairment of endothelial function to 2 hours. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was not affected by hemoglobin. We conclude that hemoglobin exacerbates ischemia vascular dysfunction in the rabbit aorta. (J VASC SURG 1991;13:487-90.)
Weakly reducible Heegaard splittings of Seifert fibered spaces

Abstract We prove that for exceptional Seifert manifolds all weakly reducible Heegaard splittings are reducible. This provides the missing case for the Main Theorem in (Moriah and Schultens, to appear). It follows that for all orientable Seifert fibered spaces which fiber over an orientable base space, irreducible Heegaard splittings are either horizontal or vertical.
The Mitogenic, but Not Differentiative, Response of Crop Tissue to Prolactin Is Circadian Phase Dependent*

The circadian time of PRL administration is an important determinant of its stimulatory activity in pigeon crop tissue. Based on previously published experiments we chose two phases of the entrained circadian cycle (0 and 9 h after light onset) which represent minimum and maximum crop sensitivity and examined several specific biochemical markers of mitogenesis and differentiation. These included DNA synthesis, ornithine decarboxylase activity, total RNA concentration, polyadenylated RNA concentration, and a specific PRL-induced messenger RNA. In confirmation of previous studies, crop weight was increased twice as much by ovine PRL (0.5 μg/g BW × 3 days) injected 9 h after light onset compared with the 0 h time of injection. A single local injection of 10 μg of ovine-PRL increased DNA synthesis by 4-fold when injection was made at 9 h but had no effect when injection was made at 0 h after light onset. In contrast, PRL stimulation of gene expression, including total RNA, polyadenylated RNA, and a specific P...
Mass spectrometry in structural and stereochemical problems—CLXXXV Effect of phenyl group in the mass spectra of trans-10-phenyl-2-decalone and trans-10-phenyldecalin

With the use of deuterium labeling and metastable ion measurements, the major fragmentation pathways of trans-10-phenyl-2-decalone (II) have been deduced. A comparison with trans-10-phenyldecalin (IV) demonstrated the almost complete domination of the phenyl group in directing the electron-impact promoted decomposition of II. In fact, in contrast to the spectra of the methylated analogs, only one fragmentation pathway is uniquely associated with the carbonyl function. The substitution of a phenyl group at the ring junction in IV has permitted the recognition of definitive fragmentation pathways for this compound also. Such definition has not previously been possible for unsubstituted alicyclic hydrocarbons. The formation of an abundant tropylium ion from both II and IV has been examined, but its genesis is too complicated to be accurately defined from the labeling data at hand.
Smokers Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Present With Fewer Narrowings in the Target Coronary Artery

Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization, cigarette smoking remained associated with fewer lesions in the target artery even after adjusting for age, extent of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. These findings support the hypothesis that smokers have less active, yet more active, coronary artery disease.
Original Excluder component overlap from proximal or distal extension during initial repair not correlated with aneurysm sac shrinkage.

Objectives The original abdominal Excluder (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) endoprosthesis has been associated with late aneurysm sac expansion over time from transgraft ultrafiltration of serous fluid. This has been treated by relining the graft with original or low-permeability components. We asked whether additional component overlap of the original graft material resulting from proximal or distal extensions placed at the time of initial repair would influence the rate of late aneurysm sac expansion in the absence of endoleak. Methods Computed tomography (CT) scans from subjects (n = 120) receiving the original endoprosthesis from the Excluder pivotal trial were measured for total distance of original graft overlap (including contralateral gate, proximal extension, or distal extension overlap) based on reformatted CT scans. This was compared to change in aneurysm sac diameter and volume (as measured in independent laboratories) at the latest time point available. Patients were omitted if they were missing CT scan data (n = 10), their graft was explanted for endoleak (n = 2), they underwent an intervention for endoleak and did not have diameters available after their intervention (n = 3), or if they had a continued endoleak that could account for an increase in aneurysm sac diameter (n = 11). This left 27 patients with more overlapping components than the required contralateral limb/gate overlap (mean follow-up time 40.6 ± 17.0 months) and 67 patients with required gate overlap (mean follow-up time 46.2 ± 15.9 months). Results Subjects with increased component overlap (mean overlap 87.1 mm ± 57.4 mm) were not protected from aneurysm sac expansion when compared to those with the minimum required gate overlap (mean overlap 31.2 mm ± 3.4 mm). There was no association of total distance of overlap with aneurysm sac size change by diameter or volume (r 2 = 0.00034, P = .86 for diameter and r 2 = 0.0019, P = .68 for volume). Increasing percentage of overlap within the aneurysm sac was likewise not associated with aneurysm sac decrease in diameter (r 2 = 0.0028, P = .61). Few patients had large percentages of original graft overlap (mean 26.2% ± 14.1% for the increased overlap group and 18.6% ± 5.5% for the required overlap group, P = .0097). Conclusion Partial graft overlap involving multiple original components from proximal and distal extensions is not protective against aneurysm sac expansion due to transgraft ultrafiltration. This suggests that transgraft ultrafiltration is not impeded by having partial double layers of original material. All patients who received the original Excluder and have late aneurysm sac expansion in the absence of endoleak should have as complete relining as feasible with low permeability components if sac shrinkage is the surrogate goal.
Effect of tamoxifen on cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells and cultured rat hepatocytes

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which tamoxifen modifies cholesterol metabolism in cellular models of liver metabolism, HepG2 cells and rat hepatocytes. The effect of tamoxifen on cholesterol and triglyceride-palmitate synthesis was measured using isotopomer spectral analysis (ISA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and compared with the effects of progesterone, estradiol, the antiestrogen ICI 182,780, and an oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25OHC). Cholesterol synthesis in cells incubated in the presence of either [1-(13)C]acetate, [U-13C]glucose, or [4,5-(13)C]mevalonate for 48 hours was reduced in the presence of 10 micromol/L tamoxifen and 12.4 micromol/L 25OHC in both HepG2 cells and rat hepatocytes. The ISA methodology allowed a clear distinction between effects on synthesis and effects on precursor enrichment, and indicated that these compounds did not affect enrichment of the precursors of squalene. Progesterone was effective in both cell types at 30 micromol/L and only in HepG2 cells at 10 micromol/L. Estradiol and ICI 182,780 at 10 micromol/L did not inhibit cholesterol synthesis. None of the compounds altered the synthesis of triglyceride-palmitate in either cell type. Treatment of cells with tamoxifen produced accumulation of three sterol precursors of cholesterol, zymosterol, desmosterol, and delta8 cholesterol. This pattern of precursors indicates inhibition of delta24,25 reduction in addition to the previously described inhibition of delta8 isomerase. We conclude that tamoxifen is an effective inhibitor of the conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol in cellular models at concentrations comparable to those present in the plasma of tamoxifen-treated individuals. Our findings indicate that this mechanism may contribute to the effect of tamoxifen in reducing plasma cholesterol in humans.
Design of decision device for the adaptation of decision directed equalizers

Adaptation of the coefficients of an equalizer usually takes place in the decision directed mode. The decision used for adaptation has a profound influence on the performance of the equalizer. In this work, we consider the influence of the probabilistic model used by a soft information decision device on the performance of the equalizer. It is shown that the equalizer output is distributed as a Gaussian Mixture, and these statistics are used to form a soft-decision device. We show that this is very near optimal in the sense of the Recursive Expected Least Squares algorithm introduced in prior work. Sub-optimal decision devices that are often more practical are also introduced and the loss of performance as a result of using these is considered.
The association of 6-minute walk performance and outcomes in stable outpatients with heart failure.

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of the 6-minute walk test in stable outpatients with heart failure. Methods and results We examined the association of 6-minute walk test distance and outcomes among 541 patients enrolled in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial. Patients were grouped by total distance (≤200 m, 201 m–300 m, 301 m–400 m, and >400 m) with median follow-up of 32 months. All-cause mortality for patients who walked ≤200 m was significantly higher than patients who walked >200 m (43.9% versus 23.3%, P 200m (201 m–300 m: 23.7%, 301 m–400 m: 25.2%, >400 m 19.8%, P for trend 0.45). Results were similar for death due to worsening heart failure (≤200 m: 29.3%, 201 m–300 m: 7.6%, 301 m–400 m: 6.7%, >400 m: 6.1%, P for trend 200 m: HR 1.00, Referent; P = 0.07) and death due to worsening heart failure (≤200 m: HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.54–5.41; >200 m: 1.00, Referent; P = 0.001). Conclusions The 6-minute walk test identifies patients who walk less than 200 m as being at markedly increased risk of death. Changing the 6-minute walk test to a time- and distance-based standard would improve the efficiency of the test while retaining the bulk of the prognostic information.
A computationally stable solution algorithm for linear programs

An active area of research for linear programming is to construct initial Simplex tableau that is close to the optimal solution, and to improve its pivoting selection strategies efficiently. In this paper, we present a new approach to the problem of initialization and pivoting rules: the algorithm is free from any artificial variables and artificial constraints, known as the big-M methods. By supplying the Simplex method without using any large numbers, therefore the result is computationally stable and provides a better initial basis that reduces the number of pivoting iterations efficiency. A three-phase simplex type solution algorithm is developed for solving general linear programs. In phase 1, greater-than constraints are relaxed and the problem is solved starting at the origin. If it is unbounded; then the objective function is modified in order to have a bound feasible solution. Then, in phase 2 the greater-than constraints are introduced in a dual simplex framework. Following this, in the case the original objective function was modified, phase 3 restores optimality for the original objective function. The algorithm is numerically stable and works with the original decision variables. Our initial experimental study indicates that the proposed algorithm is more efficient than both the primal and the dual simplex in terms of the number of iterations.
Protein Kinase D1 Has a Key Role in Wound Healing and Skin Carcinogenesis

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a family of stress-responsive serine/threonine kinases implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular functions including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell motility. Although all three isoforms are expressed in keratinocytes, their role in skin biology and pathology is poorly understood. We recently identified a critical role for PKD1 during reversal of keratinocyte differentiation in culture, suggesting a potential proproliferative role in epidermal adaptive responses. Here, we generated mice with targeted deletion of PKD1 in the epidermis to evaluate the significance of PKD1 in normal and hyperplastic conditions. These mice displayed a normal skin phenotype, indicating that PKD1 is dispensable for skin development and homeostasis. Upon wounding, however, PKD1-deficient mice exhibited delayed wound re-epithelialization correlated with a reduced proliferation and migration of keratinocytes at the wound edge. In addition, the hyperplastic and inflammatory responses to topical phorbol ester were significantly suppressed, suggesting involvement of PKD1 in tumor promotion. Consistently, when subjected to the two-stage chemical skin carcinogenesis protocol, PKD1-deficient mice were resistant to papilloma formation when compared with control littermates. These results revealed a critical proproliferative role for PKD1 in epidermal adaptive responses, suggesting a potential therapeutic target in skin wound and cancer treatment.
Intervention Strategies and Research With Socially Isolated Children: An Ecological-Systems Perspective

Drawing on an ecological-system perspective, the authors consider socially isolated children in three contexts: as individuals, as partners in dyadic intervention, and as members of a social group or hierarchy. Implications for interventions that may facilitate isolated children's access to peer interaction in both dyadic and group contexts are Suggested.
Partisan Campaigns, Ballots, and Voting Patterns: The Case of Charlotte

This article uses the unique election history of Charlotte, North Carolina, to study the effects of ballot and campaign types. Charlotte had a nonpartisan campaign and ballot in 1971, a partisan campaign with a nonpartisan ballot in 1973, and a partisan campaign and ballot in 1975. The voting pattern by precinct in these three municipal elections shows that a partisan voting pattern failed to occur in the absence of a partisan ballot, even when the campaign was vigorously partisan. Racial voting patterns were muted when the partisan ballot was introduced, but not in the partisan campaign without a partisan ballot.
Thermal Equilibrium of the Atmosphere with a Given Distribution of Relative Humidity

Abstract Radiative convective equilibrium of the atmosphere with a given distribution of relative humidity is computed as the asymptotic state of an initial value problem. The results show that it takes almost twice as long to reach the state of radiative convective equilibrium for the atmosphere with a given distribution of relative humidity than for the atmosphere with a given distribution of absolute humidity. Also, the surface equilibrium temperature of the former is almost twice as sensitive to change of various factors such as solar constant, CO2 content, O3 content, and cloudiness, than that of the latter, due to the adjustment of water vapor content to the temperature variation of the atmosphere. According to our estimate, a doubling of the CO2 content in the atmosphere has the effect of raising the temperature of the atmosphere (whose relative humidity is fixed) by about 2C. Our model does not have the extreme sensitivity of atmospheric temperature to changes of CO2 content which was adduced by M...
Redetermination of brackebuschite, Pb2Mn3+(VO4)2(OH)

The crystal structure of brackebuschite, ideally Pb2Mn(3+)(VO4)2(OH) [dilead(II) manganese(III) vanadate(V) hydroxide], was redetermined based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data of a natural sample from the type locality Sierra de Cordoba, Argentina. Improving on previous results, anisotropic displacement parameters for all non-H atoms were refined and the H atom located, obtaining a significant improvement of accuracy and an unambiguous hydrogen-bonding scheme. Brackebuschite belongs to the brackebuschite group of minerals with general formula A 2 M(T1O4)(T2O4)(OH, H2O), with A = Pb(2+), Ba, Ca, Sr; M = Cu(2+), Zn, Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Mn(3+), Al; T1 = As(5+), P, V(5+); and T2 = As(5+), P, V(5+), S(6+). The crystal structure of brackebuschite is based on a cubic closest-packed array of O and Pb atoms with infinite chains of edge-sharing [Mn(3+)O6] octa-hedra located about inversion centres and decorated by two unique VO4 tetra-hedra (each located on a special position 2e, site symmetry m). One type of VO4 tetra-hedra is linked with the (1) ∞[MnO4/2O2/1] chain by one common vertex, alternating with H atoms along the chain, while the other type of VO4 tetra-hedra link two adjacent octa-hedra by sharing two vertices with them and thereby participating in the formation of a three-membered Mn2V ring between the central atoms. The (1) ∞[Mn(3+)(VO4)2OH] chains run parallel to [010] and are held together by two types of irregular [PbO x ] polyhedra (x = 8, 11), both located on special position 2e (site symmetry m). The magnitude of the libration component of the O atoms of the (1) ∞[Mn(3+)(VO4)2OH] chain increases linearly with the distance from the centerline of the chain, indicating a significant twisting to and fro of the chain along [010]. The hy-droxy group bridges one Pb(2+) cation with two Mn(3+) cations and forms an almost linear hydrogen bond with a vanadate group of a neighbouring chain. The O⋯O distance of this inter-action determined from the structure refinement agrees well with Raman spectroscopic data.
Supply Side Health Education—An Rx for Failure; Demand Side Health Education—An Rx for Success

(2004). Supply Side Health Education—An Rx for Failure; Demand Side Health Education—An Rx for Success. American Journal of Health Education: Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 298-301.
4594 Endoscopic ultrasound and eus-guided fine needle aspiration of pleural effusion.

Background: EUS has been shown to be effective in detecting small amounts of ascites, which are frequently not detected by computed tomography (CT). EUS imaging of the mediastinum can also detect pleural fluid (Gastro Endo 1999). No prior series report the sensitivity of EUS in detecting pleural fluid or EUS-guided FNA in performing thoracentesis. Aim: To determine the sensitivity of EUS when compared to CT scanning and to evaluate the utility of EUS-guided FNA for pleural fluid. Methods: Between the periods of May 1994 through October 1999, 1048 patients underwent upper EUS exams for various indications. Retrospectively, 130 patients found to have pleural effusions were evaluated using File Maker ProTM software, chart review and telephone interviews. EUS was performed using the Olympus echoendoscope (GF-UM20/130) and EUS-guided FNA with the Pentax echoenodscope (FG32UA/36UX) or Olympus echoendoscope (GF-UC30P) in conjunction with the GIP-Mediglobe or Wilson Cook 22-gauge needle. Fluid was seen and aspirated from the right pleural space, via a trans-esophageal approach. As patients are in the left lateral decubitus position, only right pleural effusions can be seen near the esophagus. Results: Of the 130 patients found to have a pleural effusion by EUS, CT scans were performed before EUS in 89. Prior to EUS, 35 of 89 (40%) of patients had CT scans which did not detect a pleural effusion. Of the 130 patients, 20 (15%) patients had EUS-guided FNA of the pleural effusion detected. The mean volume of fluid obtained was 6cc (range 1- 24cc). The average number of passes required to obtain fluid was 1.05 passes. Three patients had a diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion on EUSguided FNA. In two of the patients with malignant pleural effusions, CT failed to detect the pleural fluid. The diagnosis of metastatic disease in these patients precluded surgery. On follow up of the 20 patients who had EUS-guided thoracentesis, 16 patients were found to have a final diagnosis of cancer. Of these 20 patients, 11 did not have a previously detected pleural effusion. In these 11 patients, 3 subsequently developed a pleural effusion. No complications occurred after EUS-guided FNA of pleural fluid. Conclusions: EUS is a sensitive method of detecting small amounts of pleural fluid, which are often not seen by CT scans. EUS-guided thoracentesis is feasible and it can establish the diagnosis of metastatic disease, altering patient management.