cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of low osmolality ionic (ioxaglate) versus nonionic (iopamidol) contrast media in cardiac angiography

A double-blind randomized study was performed in 60 patients to compare the electrocardiographic and hemodynamic changes induced during cardiac angiography by 2 contrast media with relatively low osmolality. Ioxaglate meglumine sodium, an ionic dimer contrast medium, was compared with iopamidol, a nonionic compound. Of the 30 patients who received ioxaglate, 13 (43%) experienced a mild to moderate adverse reaction to the contrast media, while only 2 of the 30 patients (7%) in the iopamidol group had similar side effects (p <0.005). Significant prolongations of the QT intervals occurred with the ioxaglate injections. The QT intervals increased from 402 ± 46 to 442 ± 59 ms (p < 0.001) with the right coronary artery injection and similar changes were observed after the left coronary artery injection and left ventriculography. Significant ST-segment and T-wave amplitude changes also occurred in the ioxaglate group. With iopamidol injections, there were no significant changes in any of these parameters. After the left ventriculogram, there were similar decreases in the systolic arterial pressures in both groups (−14 ± 10 mm Hg with ioxaglate and −21 ± 9 mm Hg with iopamidol). The left ventricular end-diastolic pressures increased after the ventriculogram in both groups (5 ± 5 vs 2 ± 3 mm Hg with ioxaglate and iopamidol, respectively, 60 seconds after the injection). This report demonstrates that mild to moderate adverse reactions, QT-interval prolongations, ST and T-wave changes were significantly greater during coronary angiography with ioxagiate when compared with iopamidol. Thus, despite similar osmolalities, the nonionic contrast medium (iopamidol) appears to be better tolerated than the ionic dimer (ioxaglate) during coronary angiography.
Phosphorus-31 spectroscopic determinations of the phosphorus metabolite profiles of blood components: Erythrocytes, reticulocytes, and platelets

Abstract The phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic profiles of intact rabbit erythrocytes, reticulocytes, and human platelets have been obtained and compared, and the observed resonances identified with known phosphorus-containing compounds. The relative levels of low- and high-energy phosphates in the spectra have been correlated with the metabolic states of these blood components. Spectra of perchloric acid extracts of these tissues have been compared to those from the intact states. Two hitherto unknown resonances have been seen in the orthophosphate diester region of the spectra of platelets and reticulocytes, but not in mature erythrocytes. It was also observed that ferricyanide ion was a suitable substrate for maintaining the viability of reticulocytes in the anaerobic NMR system. Platelets stored at 4° had considerably lower metabolic reserves than either fresh platelets or those stored at room temperature, which showed only slightly diminished stores of high-energy phosphates, in accord with their known survival characteristics. It was concluded from the study that 31 P spectroscopy will be a valid analytical probe in the study of intact blood components in any disease which alters their phosphorus-containing metabolites.
Dietary copper and dimethylhydrazine affect protein kinase C isozyme protein and mRNA expression and the formation of aberrant crypts in colon of rats.

Low dietary copper has been shown to decrease the expression of various protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes and increase the risk of colon cancer development in experimental animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary copper and carcinogen administration on PKC isozyme accumulation and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation in rats fed 0.9 and 7.7 microg Cu/g diet. After 24 and 31 d on the diets, the rats were injected with either dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (25 mg/kg i.p.) or saline and killed at two time points (2 wk and 8 wk after DMH). Rats fed low dietary copper had significantly lower (p<0.0001) hematocrits, hemoglobin, ceruloplasmin activity and plasma and liver copper concentrations than rats fed adequate dietary copper. Ingestion of low dietary copper significantly (p<0.005) increased the formation of DMH-induced ACF (116.8 vs 59.6). Low dietary copper significantly (p<0.05) decreased the concentration of PKC alpha, delta, and zeta in the colon at 2 wk but not at 8 wk. Thus, changes in PKC isoform protein concentration may be related to increased susceptibility of copper-deficient animals to colon cancer.
220-Kv. Transmission Southern California Edison Company System, and Some 220-Kv. Researches

The rapid growth in the demand for electric power and the increasing distances to which transmission is desirable, have constantly forced the use of higher transmission voltages. The Southern California Edison Company, having two single-circuit tower lines 241 miles long from its Big Creek hydroelectric plants to near Los Angeles, had the alternative of either duplicating these lines or of raising the voltage upon them. The latter procedure was found to be vastly the more economical. Other things being equal, the amount of power that can be transmitted varying with the square of the voltage, and the existing voltage being 150 kv., a doubling of capacity will result by raising the voltage to 220 kv. To avoid the difficulties inherent in changing over generating and substations built for the lower voltage, and in which adequate clearances would be very difficult to obtain, it was decided to use auto-transformers at each such station, transforming between 150 and 220 kv. Additional sectionalizing switching stations will be built in the line, making six in all, so that the rebuilding of the line may be done without crippling service, and insulator testing can be done at any convenient time. An extension of the line 30 miles in length will be built so that the completed 220-kv. system will be 270 miles long. Preparatory to the final design, a considerable amount of investigation and research was carried on.
Genetic Assessment of Strain-Specific Sources of Lake Trout Recruitment in the Great Lakes

Abstract Populations of wild lake trout Salvelinus namaycush have been extirpated from nearly all their historical habitats across the Great Lakes. Efforts to restore self-sustaining lake trout populations in U.S. waters have emphasized the stocking of coded-wire-tagged juveniles from six hatchery strains (Seneca Lake, Lewis Lake, Green Lake, Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, and Marquette) into vacant habitats. Strain-specific stocking success has historically been based on estimates of the survival and catch rates of coded-wire-tagged adults returning to spawning sites. However, traditional marking methods and estimates of relative strain abundance provide no means of assessing strain fitness (i.e., the realized contributions to natural recruitment) except by assuming that young-of-the-year production is proportional to adult spawner abundance. We used microsatellite genetic data collected from six hatchery strains with likelihood-based individual assignment tests (IA) and mixed-stock analysis (MSA) to iden...
Predictors of massive blood loss from placenta accreta: Wright et al

See related article, page 38 Obstetrical hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, with nearly 200,000 annual deaths worldwide attributable to this problem. Abnormal placentation, including placenta accreta, is a common cause. Because the risk for implantation abnormalities rises with each additional cesarean section a woman undergoes, the increasing cesarean rate suggests increasing risk. In a new study by Wright et al, researchers attempted to identify predictors for massive blood loss among patients with placenta accreta.
Constraints in biochemical reactions

Abstract Chemical reactions satisfy element and charge conservation equations, but generally do not satisfy additional independent conservation equations. Biochemical reactions at a specified pH satisfy conservation equations for elements in addition to hydrogen, but they often satisfy additional independent conservation equations because of the coupling of reactions through the enzymatic mechanism. The enzyme may couple together two or more biochemical reactions so that only the sum of the coupled reactions is catalysed. The biochemical reactions that are coupled together may, or may not, share reactants, but the type of coupling discussed here is stoichiometric. Since chemical equations and biochemical equations are mathematical equations, linear algebra provides the means for determining the number and types of constraints involved in the enzymatic mechanism. Constraints in addition to element balances indicate missing reactions. The identification of conservation equations is essential for calculations of equilibrium compositions using computer programs that minimize the transformed Gibbs energy at a specified pH subject to the conservation equations that apply.
Electrothermal Radiometric Detection of the Semiconductor-to-Metal-Phase Transition in Single-Crystal (TaSe4)2I:

Electrothermal radiometry, a new radiometric technique for investigating phase transitions in semiconductors and metals, is described. Single crystals of (TaSe4)2I are heated by electric current pulses, and the thermal radiation of the samples is detected. The dependence of the electrothermal radiometry signal on the frequency and amplitude of the current pulses and on the temperature is discussed. The signal intensity is inversely proportional to the frequency. The static component of the temperature at the surface is obtained from the dependence on the current intensity. The temperature dependence is mostly determined by the change of the resistivity of the sample.
Self-assembly snapshots of a 2 × 2 copper(I) grid

Self-assembled 2 × 2 grids have been characterised as high-fidelity species produced when the correct stoichiometric ratios are met, but rarely are the individual steps leading to and from their formation characterised. Here, we present such a study using equilibrium-restricted factor analysis to model a set of UV–vis spectra starting from a bis-bidentate ligand to the assembly of a 2 × 2 grid complex upon titration with 1 equiv. of [Cu(MeCN)4](PF6) and to disassembly upon further titration. Intermediate species [CuL2]+, [Cu2L3]2+, [Cu3L2]3+ and [Cu2L]2+ are evidenced along the assembly and disassembly pathways. Complementary 1H NMR titrations are consistent with the rich set of complexes and equilibria involved. Given the nature of the assembly process, the assembly is entropy driven and likely enthalpy driven as well. The disassembly process is both enthalpy and entropy driven according to the standard free energy values derived from the modelling of the spectrophotometric titration data.
Reduced expression of the LIM-homeobox gene Lhx3 impairs growth and differentiation of Rathke's pouch and increases cell apoptosis during mouse pituitary development.

Abstract The formation of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland is a multi-step process regulated by cell–cell interactions involving a number of signaling pathways and by cascades of cell-intrinsic transcription factors. The LIM-homeodoamin protein Lhx3 has previously been shown to play an essential role in the growth of Rathke’s pouch, a primordium of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary. However, the mechanisms underlying the function and regulation of Lhx3 remain to be elucidated. Here we report that a targeted insertion of a DNA fragment in the 3′-untranslated region of the Lhx3 gene reduces the expression of both Lhx3 mRNA and protein in Rathke’s pouch. Mutant mice homozygous for this Lhx3 allele show severe hypoplasia of the pouch, a defect identical to that observed in Lhx3-null mutants. To gain insights into the mechanism of Lhx3 function in pituitary development, we further analyzed the Lhx3 deficient mutants by examination of early pituitary marker expression, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis. Our results revealed an increase in cell apoptosis and a loss of Islet1 and Calbindin marker expression in Rathke’s pouch of these mutants. Recently, increased cell apoptosis in Rathke’s pouch has been described in mutant mice impaired in the function of the bicoid-like homeodomain proteins Pitx1 and Pitx2. In those mutants, the expression of Lhx3 is absent. Our results thus underscore the view that Lhx3 functions downstream of the Pitx factors in the same transcriptional cascade that controls growth and early cell differentiation of the developing pituitary gland.
Mycobacterial Hand Infections Occurring Postoperatively in Patients Treated With Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors for Inflammatory Arthritis: Report of Three Cases

Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors are potent anti-rheumatic drugs, but there is evidence that the high level of immunosuppression they provide may also lead to a higher risk of infections. At our institution, 3 patients with inflammatory arthritis treated with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors developed mycobacterial soft tissue infections after routine hand surgery. All 3 patients required multiple surgical procedures, inpatient hospitalizations, and prolonged antibiotic multidrug therapy to clear the infections.
Molecular structure studies by 3d imaging of fast ion beams

Abstract The use of the Coulomb explosion technique combined with a radically new multiparticle detector, extremely thin film targets, and low-excitation ion source has enabled, for the first time, direct measurements of the complete stereostructure of complex polyatomic molecular ions. We outline the methods used and present results for protonated acetylene (C 2 H 3 + ) and the methane cation (CH 4 + ) as examples. We demonstrate the techniques by which these methods can be generalized to determine directly vibrational motions in polyatomic molecules.
An experimental investigation of convective heat transfer from the heated floor of a rectangular duct to a low frequency, large tidal displacement oscillatory flow

Abstract This research experimentally investigates convective heat transfer from a heated floor section of a rectangular duct to a low frequency, large tidal displacement, oscillatory flow. Phase correlated oscillatory flow velocity and temperature profiles are presented. Favorable pressure gradients, with respect to time, are shown to stabilize the flow while adverse pressure gradients are shown to sustain velocity fluctuations. Higher heat transfer rates are obtained for smaller duct heights, higher oscillation frequencies, and larger tidal displacements. A nondimensional correlation based on a new correlation parameter has been obtained for the oscillatory-flow Nusselt number.
Modifications in surgical implantation of the Penn State Electric Total Artificial Heart

Abstract Background . Two modifications of the surgical implantation protocol for the Penn State Total Artificial Heart (ETAH) were evaluated: Phrenic nerve ischemia was prevented by minimizing dissection and traction; and hemostasis was augmented and ETAH cuff anastomoses reinforced by using fibrin glue. Methods . Thirteen Holstein calves underwent orthotopic surgical implantation of the Penn State ETAH between February 1998 and August 2000. Mean hemodynamic and laboratory chemistry variables from the first postoperative week were compared between calves receiving the original (n = 7) and modified (n = 6) protocol. Results . Calves assigned to the modified protocol displayed an improvement in the Po 2 /Fio 2 ratio compared to original (419.4 ± 17.5 vs 336.3 ± 35.4, respectively; p = 0.05). All additional parameters were equivalent between groups. The percent survival of animals receiving the modified protocol at 2, 4, and 12 weeks was higher than that of animals that underwent the original protocol. Original-protocol calf deaths consisting of hemothorax (n = 3), and respiratory failure (n = 1) were prevented in the modified protocol. Conclusions . Our results suggest that manipulations in surgical protocol may promote increased survival in calves implanted with the Penn State ETAH.
Board scores and resident performance: is there a link?

Abstract [Blanchard J. Board scores and resident performance: is there a link? Ann Emerg Med. July 2000;36:64-67.]
Using Dance to Deepen Student Understanding of Geometry

This article provides an example of a collaborative effort between a dance specialist and four third-grade classroom teachers at an arts magnet school. They developed a dance and geometry integrati...
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibition and the Future of Lipid Lowering Therapy

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction with statins is the cornerstone of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The LDL-C lowering non-statin therapy ezetimibe also modestly reduces CVD risk when added to statin therapy. There remains a clinical need for additional LDL-C lowering agents to reduce CVD risk in patients with genetic hypercholesterolemia, statin intolerance, or who are at high risk due to clinical CVD or diabetes. In clinical trials, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition using monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated robust LDL-C lowering efficacy of 50-65% and a favorable safety profile. These agents are a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing the unmet needs for additional CVD risk reduction. Regulatory approval for PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies may occur in the near future, and additional agents for PCSK9 inhibition are under development. This review focuses on the mechanism of LDL-C reduction using PCSK9 inhibition, as well as the phase I to III clinical trials of PCSK9 inhibitors. Results of the ongoing phase III CVD outcome trials are eagerly awaited.
Point-of-Purchase Consumer Nutrition Awareness Program

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: Utilize aspects of a successful point-of-purchase nutrition for cardiovascular health program. Point-of-purchase programs have proved effective in advertising and in studies of populations participating in research. We report a program designed and implemented using mass-media and grocery store sites to reach the public and create awareness regarding the positive impact good nutrition and other lifestyle behaviors can have on cardiovascular health. The program was initially designed nationally for use by local agencies in retail establishments and enjoyed more than 5 years of success in this format. Our program was redesigned for implementation in an 8-county area. Funding was obtained from a local food manufacturer and the program was implemented during a two week period. Consumer incentives (exercise equipment, spa vacations, food) were offered in a sweepstakes drawing. Public awareness was generated by print, radio and TV to encourage participation. The media blitz was conducted for two weeks. In the second week, 81 grocery stores provided in-store displays and promotions. Registered Dietitians were contracted to provide guided shopping tours. In-store displays housed educational brochures on purchasing, consuming and preparing foods low in total and saturated fat and high in vitamins and minerals. A quiz featuring six questions related to diet and other controllable Coronary Heart Disease risk factors was the primary education tool. An entry form for sweepstakes prizes was printed on the reverse side of the quiz. Prize winners were determined by random drawing and correct quiz answers. Quiz answers were provided daily on drive-time radio and circulated by 84 volunteers in stores on the final day of the program. Program outreach was measured by the number of sweepstakes entries submitted. The method of program evaluation netted 56,700 consumers reached. Seventy-five thousand consumers received education materials from in-store displays.
Deborah Cameron, Good to talk? Living and working in a communication culture. London, Thousand Oaks, CA, and New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2000. Pp. ix, 213. Hb $65.00, pb $24.95.

Deborah Cameron's Good to talk is excellent: an innovative and insightful analysis of what she terms “communication culture” in Britain. With a few changes, it also works for the United States. Cameron analyzes how it happened and what it means that “a commonplace social activity has been transformed into a technical skill, with its own professional experts and its own technical jargon” (p. 2) – i.e., that talk has become technicized as communication. She asks two sets of questions. First, what are the ways in which people are encouraged or required to talk, what are these norms of talk, and who has established them? Second, why codify and regulate talk in these ways, and why has communication come to be seen as causal? By addressing these questions, she gives new direction to the literature on ideologies of English, beyond the examination of linguistic form and correctness issues.
Flexible endoscopic clip-assisted Zenker's diverticulotomy (with videos).

Background In treating Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), there are potential risks associated with flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy without suturing or stapling. Rigid endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy has limitations. The septum is usually not completely dissected with either technique. Objective Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of flexible endoscopic clip-assisted diverticulotomy (ECD) for complete septum dissection. Design Case report. Setting Academic center. Patient An elderly male with symptomatic residual ZD. Interventions After 1 endoclip (InScope multiclip applier, Ethicon Endo-Surgery) was placed on each side of the cricopharyngeal bar, the septum was easily and completely dissected between these 2 clips down to the bottom of the diverticulum into the esophageal mucosa with a needle-knife. Main Outcome Measurement Symptom resolution and complications. Results Complete esophageal symptom resolution without complications. Limitation Case report. Conclusions ECD is feasible, easy, safe, and effective for complete septum dissection. This is the first reported case of ECD. ECD provides another option in managing ZD with flexible endoscopy.
Nondestructive evaluation of aircraft composites using terahertz time domain spectroscopy

Terahertz time domain spectroscopy was used for nondestructive evaluation of aircraft glass fiber composites stressed with bending and heating damage. Refractive index and absorption coefficients were measured for both damaged and undamaged composites. The two dimensional extent of the heat damage could be shown with either a simple phase or amplitude terahertz imaging technique.
Necrotic testicle with increased blood flow on doppler ultrasonic examination

A twelve-year-old male with a five-day history of scrotal swelling and pain had increased blood flow on ultrasonic examination. A testicular flow and scan indicated an ischemic testicle. Surgical exploration revealed complete torsion of the spermatic cord. In chronic cases of torsion, the Doppler stethoscope may give a false negative result because of reactive hyperemia.
Arguments against a fifth chromosomal factor in control of aldrin epoxidation and propoxur resistance in the Fc strain of the house fly

Abstract The DDT-resistant Fc strain of house flies, Musca domestica L., was analyzed genetically by means of crosses with a susceptible strain carrying a recessive mutant marker for each of the five autosomes. Progeny (substrains) retaining combinations of two, three, or four chromosomes of the resistant parent were selected for measurement of their microsomal aldrin expoidase activity and its correlation with chromosomal makeup and level of resistance to DDT and propoxur. There was no evidence that microsomal epoxidation of aldrin or resistance to propoxur, is associated with chromosome V in the Fc strain as has been reported. Instead, the well-known oxidase regulating factor on chromosome II was of major importance in the strain's microsomal oxidation of aldrin. There was also evidence, though not conclusive, that a factor on chromosome I has an influence on the oxidative metabolism of insecticides in this strain, possibly through an interaction with the factor on chromosome II. The reasons for the conflicting reports on the genetic control of microsomal oxidation in the Fc strain are discussed.
A Monte Carlo study of the c=0 matrix model☆

Abstract We use Monte Carlo methods to study a c =0 matrix model stabilised with the method of Greensite and Halpern. We use these techniques to explore the nonplanar contributions to matrix model correlators. In principle, these methods can also be used to study nonperturbative features of c >0 string theories.
Optimal tariff under domestic distortions

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to derive a generalized formula for a third-best optimal tariff in the presence of domestic production distortions in a country in which tariff is the only available trade policy.
Performance Analysis of Cooperative Spectrum Sensing in Suzuki Fading Channels

This paper examines the performance of cooperative spectrum sensing, using energy detection, in Suzuki fading channels. Sub-optimal centralized detection approaches are examined where decisions are made based on identical tests performed at the individual radios. Decisions are performed at a fusion center using a counting rule that encompasses the OR, AND, and majority rules as special cases. Analytical and simulation results are presented for Rayleigh, Log-normal and Suzuki distributions.
Evidence for the involvement of quinone rings in reactions of some coals with tetralin

Abstract Model compounds representing a variety of hydrocarbon groups and most of the oxygen-containing functional groups have been tested for reactivity with tetralin at 400° C. Only the quinones were capable of oxidizing tetralin to naphthalene. Anthraquinone is completely deoxygenated to anthracene. Evidence for homolysis of carbon-carbon bonds was found only in the case of dibenzyl, and this was not accompanied by oxidation of tetralin. The extractability of subbituminous coals with the non-reducing solvent, diphenyl-diphenyl ether eutectic, is correlated with oxygen content and depth of burial. It is suggested that oxidized coals near the surface contain quinone rings, and that dissolution by tetralin is primarily then due to lowering of the solvent parameter as a consequence of deoxygenation.
On the perception of incongruity; a paradigm.

Perceiving, for all its nicety of functioning in the dark room under strict instructions for accuracy, comprises a highly complex series of little understood psychological processes. For under all conditions, perceiving represents a resultant of two complex sets of specifications. One set describes the conditions of stimulation. This is done either in terms of physical measures such as wave length, or in terms of psychological norms such as in the description of a picture as that picture is seen by "normal" observers under optimal conditions and with a set for accuracy. This first set of specifications we are used to calling "stimulus" factors.
Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship of novel opioid κ-agonists

By focusing on 4,5-epoxymorphinan, a traditional opioid skeleton but a new structure in the opioid kappa-agonist research field, and by rationally applying the 'message-address concept' and 'accessory site hypothesis,' we discovered a new chemical class opioid kappa-agonist, TRK-820 (1). Its development as an antipruritus is now in the final stage. Here, the full scope of its design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship are described.
Insulin-induced expression of prostacyclin receptors on platelets is mediated through ADP-ribosylation of Giα protein

Abstract The binding of insulin in physiological amounts to human blood platelets, which increases adenylate cyclase-linked prostacyclin receptor numbers on the cell surface, was found to be directly related to the ADP-ribosylation of the Giα. Conversely, resuspension of the insulin-treated platelets in the hormone-free medium decreased both the prostaglandin receptor numbers and ADP-ribosylation of Giα. Furthermore, incubation of platelets with pertussis toxin or its A-protomer, which ADP-ribosylates Giα, also stimulated the binding of the prostanoid. These results suggest that the increase of prostacyclin receptor numbers in platelets is mediated through the ADP-ribosylation of Giα.
Resolution enhancement through a temporal accumulation of registered video

This paper outlines a generalized image reconstruction approach that improves the resolution of an Electro-Optic (EO) imaging sensor based on multiple frame exposures during a temporal window of video. Such an approach is innovative in that it does not depend on controlled micro dithering of the camera, nor require the set of exposures to maintain any strictly defined transformation. It suffices to assume such video is physically captured by a focal plane array, and loosely requires some relative motion between sensor and subject.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Coagulation factor Xa synergistically interacts with serotonin in inducing vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract Introduction Initial events following vascular interventions include activation of platelets and coagulation cascade. Activated platelets release several vasoactive mediators including serotonin. Activation of coagulation cascade results in conversion of inactive zymogens such as factor X to its active form (factor Xa). So this study designed to examine the effect of factor Xa on rabbit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and its interaction with serotonin. Methods Growth-arrested VSMCs were incubated in a serum-free medium with different concentrations of factor Xa with or without serotonin. VSMC proliferation was examined by increase in incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA and by increase in cell number. Results Factor Xa and serotonin stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Factor Xa had a maximal effect at 100 nM (1180±110%) and serotonin at 50 μM (345±21%). When added together, at nonmitogenic concentrations, factor Xa (0.1 nM) and serotonin (1 μM) synergistically induced DNA synthesis (312±12%). These increases in DNA synthesis were paralleled by an increase in cell number. Serine protease inhibitors, active site blockers and platelet-derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocked the mitogenic effect of factor Xa and its interaction with serotonin. Similarly, serotonin type 2 receptor inhibitor and Gi-protein-coupled receptor inhibitor inhibited the mitogenic effect of serotonin and its interaction with factor Xa. When used in combination, they blocked the interaction between factor Xa and serotonin. Conclusion Coagulation factor Xa and serotonin are mitogenic to VSMCs and also function as amplification factors to each other, suggesting that inhibition of neointimal proliferation after vascular injury may require the combined use of multiple growth factor inhibitors to simultaneously block several critical cellular activation pathways.
Molecular integrals over slater orbitals

Abstract We have improved the outlook for ζ-function computations of molecular integrals over Slater orbitals by a new technique to deal with slow convergence at equal internuclear distances. It is explained by application to a prototype. In one example, ten-figure accuracy results from 60 terms of a power series in the new formulation, where 10 10 terms containing complicated functions would have previously been needed.
Modeling High-Level Behavior Patterns for Precise Similarity Analysis of Software

The analysis of software similarity has many applications such as detecting code clones, software plagiarism, code theft, and polymorphic malware. Because often source code is unavailable and code obfuscation is used to avoid detection, there has been much research on developing effective models to capture runtime behavior to aid detection. Existing models focus on low-level information such as dependency or purely occurrence of function calls, and suffer from poor precision, poor scalability, or both. To overcome limitations of existing models, this paper introduces a precise and succinct behavior representation that characterizes high-level object-accessing patterns as regular expressions. We first distill a set of high-level patterns (the alphabet S of the regular language) based on two pieces of information: function call patterns to access objects and type state information of the objects. Then we abstract a runtime trace of a program P into a regular expression e over the pattern alphabet S to produce P's behavior signature. We show that software instances derived from the same code exhibit similar behavior signatures and develop effective algorithms to cluster and match behavior signatures. To evaluate the effectiveness of our behavior model, we have applied it to the similarity analysis of polymorphic malware. Our results on a large malware collection demonstrate that our model is both precise and succinct for effective and scalable matching and detection of polymorphic malware.
3D-SOP Millimeter-Wave Functions for High Data Rate Wireless Systems Using LTCC and LCP Technologies

In this paper, the development of three-dimensional (3-D) millimeter-wave functions in multilayer low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) technologies is presented for millimeter-wave compact and easy-to-design passive solutions for high data rate wireless systems. Both ceramic and organic technologies are candidates for the 3-D integration of system-on-package (SOP) miniaturized RF/microwave/millimeter-wave systems. LTCC has been widely used as a packaging material because of its process maturity/stability and its relatively high dielectric constant that enables a significant reduction in the module/function dimensions. As an alternative, LCP is an organic material that offers a unique combination of electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties, enabling high-frequency designs due to its ability to act as both the substrate and the package for flexible and conformal multilayer functions. A LTCC patch resonator filter that uses vertical coupling overlap and transverse cuts as design parameters has been designed to achieve a high level of miniaturization and a great compromise between compactness and power handling. Excellent agreement between the simulation and the measurement has been verified for two operating frequency bands (58–60GHz/38–40GHz) of RF communications and sensors for applications such as wireless broadband internet or inter-satellite communications. A band pass filter has been fabricated on LCP substrate, offering a very simple, low loss flexible and low lost filtering solution for wideband millimeter waves applications such as 60 GHz WLAN short-range gigabit wireless systems. The design exploits the ripple near the cut off frequency of Tchebysheff low pass filter to create a band pass response and it exhibits the insertion loss as low as 1.5 dB at the center frequency of 60GHz and 3-dB bandwidth of 16.7% (∼10 GHz).Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Vapor pressures and enthalpies of vaporization of a series of γ and δ-lactones by correlation gas chromatography

Abstract The vaporization enthalpies of γ-octanolactone, γ- and δ-undecanolactone and γ and δ-dodecanolactone used commercially as flavor ingredients are reported as are their vapor pressures over the temperature range T = (298.15 to 350) K. Vaporization enthalpies at T = 298.15 K of: (66.0 ± 3.9), (79.4 ± 4.4), (80.1 ± 4.5), (83.9 ± 4.6), and (84.61 ± 4.7) kJ · mol−1 and vapor pressures also at T = 298.15 K of: (2.8 ± 0.9), (0.12 ± 0.05), (0.09 ± 0.04), (0.04 ± 0.02), and (0.03 ± 0.02) Pa, respectively, have been evaluated by correlation gas chromatography experiments. The vaporization enthalpies of the lactones studied are reproduced within ±0.5 kJ · mol−1 using a group additivity scheme reported previously for γ- and δ-lactones. The vaporization enthalpies of the γ- and δ-lactones are compared to a similar series of ω-lactones.
LABORATORY CONTROL OF THUMBSUCKING BY WITHDRAWAL AND RE‐PRESENTATION OF REINFORCEMENT

A 5-year-old boy was shown cartoons, and punished for thumbsucking during alternate cartoons by turning off the cartoons for as long as his thumb remained in his mouth. Thumbsucking weakened during such periods. During alternate periods of uninterrupted cartoons, thumbsucking promptly recovered, suggesting a quick discrimination process. Two other 5-year-old boys were shown the same cartoons; withdrawal of the cartoons was made contingent upon thumbsucking for one, and randomly yoked for the other. Then their roles were reversed. Contingent withdrawal and re-presentation of the cartoons controlled thumbsucking rate; yoked withdrawal and re-presentation did not.
Increased excretion of o-hydroxymandelic acid in phenylketonuria

o-Hydroxymandelic acid has been found in large amounts in the urine of patients with phenylketonuria by gas chromatography mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring. Using deuterated o-hydroxymandelic acid as an internal standard, five patients were found to excrete 150-340 ng mg-1 creatinine. This may be compared with the excretion of 4-16 ng mg-1 creatine by normal subjects. Neither o-octopamine nor o-synephrine were found in urine under conditions by which 1 ng mg-1 creatinine would have been detected.
Dysphagia following anterior cervical arthrodesis is associated with continuous, strong retraction of the esophagus.

Background: The prevalence of dysphagia after anterior cervical decompression and arthrodesis is estimated to be 50% within one month and 21% at twelve months. However, its exact etiology is not well understood. The objective of the present study was to explore the relationship between intraoperative intra-esophageal pressure due to surgical retraction, esophageal mucosal blood flow at the level of surgery, and postoperative dysphagia. Our hypothesis was that sustained elevated pressure on the esophagus during anterior cervical arthrodesis is associated with postoperative dysphagia. Methods: Seventeen selected patients scheduled for anterior cervical arthrodesis were studied. Throughout the procedure, intraluminal pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter was measured (mm Hg) with a custom-made manometer probe and mucosal perfusion was measured at the level of surgery with a laser Doppler flowmeter. The type of retraction chosen by the surgeon was noted. Postoperatively, the patients were specifically evaluated for dysphagia on the first postoperative day and at six weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively with use of the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Results: Four of the eleven patients who had dynamic retraction and five of the six patients who had static retraction during surgery had postoperative dysphagia. In the group of patients with dysphagia, the average M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory score decreased from 93.8 ± 12.1 preoperatively to 67.7 ± 11.4 on the first postoperative day (p < 0.001). The patients with dysphagia had a significantly higher average intraluminal pressure (60.8 ± 54.3 compared with 54.4 ± 51.8 mm Hg; p < 0.0001) as well as significantly lower average mucosal perfusion (26.1 ± 18.1 compared with 40.8 ± 26.2 tissue perfusion units; p < 0.0001) in comparison with the asymptomatic patients. Conclusions: Patients with dysphagia following anterior cervical arthrodesis were exposed to higher intraoperative esophageal pressure and decreased esophageal mucosal blood flow during surgical retraction as compared with patients without dysphagia. In this small series, dynamic retraction seemed to be associated with a lower prevalence of postoperative dysphagia. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
FISHER'S "POWER ORIENTATION AND CONCEPT OF SELF HEIGHT IN MEN": A COMMENT.

Fisher reported obtaining a positive relationship in males between overestimation of self height and both power aspirations and commitment to the idea of male superiority. Possible explanations for...
Radiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma in young female patients: a new technique to avoid the breasts and decrease the dose to the heart.

Purpose To demonstrate how, in young female patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, using an inclined board technique can further decrease the volume of breasts and heart in the treatment field. Methods and Materials An inclined board was constructed with the ability to mount an Aquaplast face mask, a Vacu-Lock, and a hip stopper. Eight female patients with early-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma were planned and compared using the conventional flat position and the inclined board position. All patients on the inclined board were planned with 90° degree table position and 15° gantry angle rotation to compensate for the beam divergence resulting from the patient's position on the inclined board. Dose–volume histograms were generated, as well as the mean V30 and V5 of both breasts and heart using both treatment positions. Results The mean value of V30 of the right breast, left breast, and heart decreased from 3%, 3%, and 13%, respectively, using the flat position to 0, 0.4%, and 5%, respectively, using the inclined board. The mean value of V5 of the right breast, left breast, and heart decreased from 6%, 13%, and 36%, respectively, using the flat position to 2%, 8%, and 29%, respectively, using the inclined board. Conclusions Compared with conventional flat positioning, this simple device and technique allows better sparing of the breasts and the heart while maintaining comparable target coverage and total lung dose.
Electronic structure and photoemission on VNi3

Abstract The electronic structure of VNi 3 has been calculated and compared with the experimental results from photoemission, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements. The linearized muffintin orbitals method is used to compute the electronic density of states. Both paramagnetic and spin-polarized calculations have been performed and give results in good overall agreement with the experimental data.
Galanin secretion from anterior pituitary cells in vitro is regulated by dopamine, somatostatin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and thyrotrophs have been shown to contain immunoreactive galanin. furthermore, estrogen stimulates galanin mRNA and peptide levels in the rat anterior pituitary, particularly within lactotrophs. To determine whether galanin is released from the anterior pituitary in a regulated manner, we used cultured pituitary cells from male and ovariectomized Fischer 344 rats implanted with estrogen- containing capsules. Anterior pituitary cells (5 × 105 cells/ well) were challenged (0.5–3 h) with hypothalamic factors known to regulate anterior pituitary hormone secretion, and medium galanin levels were measured by RIA. In female pituitary cells, galanin secretion was inhibited by dopamine (10 and 100 nM) and stimulated by TRH (20 and 100 nM). Although galanin release was significantly lower in male pituitary cells, dopamine and TRH inhibited and stimulated galanin secretion, respectively. Medium galanin levels were also significantly reduced by somatostatin (5 nM) in both female and male c...
New technologies for dissecting the arteriolar myogenic response

The arteriolar myogenic response is crucial for the setting of vascular resistance and for providing a level of tone upon which vasodilators can act. Despite its physiological importance, questions remain regarding the underlying signaling mechanisms of the arteriolar myogenic response. Does an increase in pressure within an arteriole exert its effects via the extracellular matrix, an action on cell membranes and/or deformation of cytoskeletal structures? Recent advances in methodology, particularly involving sophisticated imaging approaches, are enabling the study of forces at single-cell and even subcellular levels. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) not only enables detection of cell morphology and stiffness but also allows discrete forces to be applied to single smooth muscle cells and subsequent responses to be observed. Importantly, the repertoire of approaches involving AFM can be expanded by using it in combination with other imaging approaches – including fluorescence imaging for cellular signals such as Ca 2+ , and total internal reflectance fluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and confocal microscopy for probing cellular contact function. Combinations of these advanced imaging and nanomechanical approaches will be instructive to studies of intact vessels and the circulatory system in general.
Tsunami: The Underrated Hazard

Tsunami: the Underrated Hazard, by Edward Bryant, would appear to be a welcome addition to the scholarly tsunami literature. No book on tsunamis has the broad perspective of this work. The book looks attractive, with many high-quality photographs. It looks comprehensive, with discussions of tsunami hydrodynamics, tsunami effects on coastal landscapes, and causes of tsunamis (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts). It looks practical, with a section on risk and mitigation. It also looks entertaining, with an opening chapter on tsunami legends and a closing chapter presenting fanciful descriptions of imagined events. Appearances are deceiving, though. Any initial enthusiasm for the work evaporates on even casual reading. The book is so flawed by errors, omissions, confusion, and unsupported conjecture that we cannot recommend it to anyone.
The 193-nm Photodissociation of NCO

The 193-nm photolysis of the NCO radical has been investigated. NCO was generated from the reaction of CN + O2, where the CN was produced by 193-nm photolysis of C2N2 close to the nozzle of a pulsed jet. A second 193-nm photon dissociated the NCO radical during the same laser pulse. At this photon energy both the N−CO and the NC−O bonds may break. N(2D,2P) and CO products have been detected using vacuum ultraviolet laser induced fluorescence. A direct measurement of the N(2D):N(2P) branching ratio yielded an upper limit of 72 ± 18. The CO vibrational distribution was modeled with prior distributions for each of the contributing channels with coproducts N(4S,2D,2P). Combination of the results from the prior model and the direct measurement yielded a branching ratio of N(4S):N(2D):N(2P) of (5.1 ± 1.8):(93.6 ± 4.8):(1.3 ± 0.3). For the N(2D) + CO product channel, the average energy disposal into product relative translation (8%) and CO vibration (24%) was determined, leaving 68% of the available energy to ap...
Building a Metal Binding Domain, One Half at a Time

The recently determined structure of a zinc binding peptide reveals that a particular sequence can adopt one stable fold as an isolated peptide but adopt an alternative structure as part of a larger protein domain.
Fluids with microstretch

In this paper fluids with stretch are introduced as a subclass of simple microfluids. In these fluids the local fluid elements are allowed to undergo only a uniform stretch, or contraction without microrotation. These fluids might find applications especially inNewtonian fluids with bar-like polymeric additives. The field equations are obtained, initial and boundary conditions discussed and the thermodynamics of such fluids is studied. The solution of the problem ofPoiseuille flow between two parallel plates is given. Microstretch fluids with constrained microrotation are also discussed briefly as another subclass of simple microfluids.