cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resistance to the Translation Initiation Inhibitor Silvestrol is Mediated by ABCB1 /P-Glycoprotein Overexpression in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells

Protein synthesis is a powerful therapeutic target in leukemias and other cancers, but few pharmacologically viable agents are available that affect this process directly. The plant-derived agent silvestrol specifically inhibits translation initiation by interfering with eIF4A/mRNA assembly with eIF4F. Silvestrol has potent in vitro and in vivo activity in multiple cancer models including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is under pre-clinical development by the US National Cancer Institute, but no information is available about potential mechanisms of resistance. In a separate report, we showed that intraperitoneal silvestrol is approximately 100% bioavailable systemically, although oral doses were only 1% bioavailable despite an apparent lack of metabolism. To explore mechanisms of silvestrol resistance and the possible role of efflux transporters in silvestrol disposition, we characterized multi-drug resistance transporter expression and function in a silvestrol-resistant ALL cell line generated via culture of the 697 ALL cell line in gradually increasing silvestrol concentrations. This resistant cell line, 697-R, shows significant upregulation of ABCB1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) as well as cross-resistance to known Pgp substrates vincristine and romidepsin. Furthermore, 697-R cells readily efflux the fluorescent Pgp substrate rhodamine 123. This effect is prevented by Pgp inhibitors verapamil and cyclosporin A, as well as siRNA to ABCB1, with concomitant re-sensitization to silvestrol. Together, these data indicate that silvestrol is a substrate of Pgp, a potential obstacle that must be considered in the development of silvestrol for oral delivery or targeting to tumors protected by Pgp overexpression.
Gap Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool for Improving the Slot Gaming Experience

This study offers a unique application of gap analysis as a diagnostic tool to examine slot players' perception of customer service and the quality of their gaming experience. As part of the gap analysis, an importance-performance matrix was designed to visually depict significant measures according to whether or not these measures met slot players' expectations. It was discovered that several service and quality related issues lacked in terms of perceived performance by patrons of the casino that was examined in this current study. The results of this study will help casino management identify critical factors affecting slot players' overall gaming experience and thus, allocate resources effectively to the areas for improvement.
Failure patterns of cryopreserved vein grafts in liver transplantation

Reports of early success with cryopreserved saphenous veins (CSV) as arterial conduits led us to develop cryopreserved iliac veins (CIV) as interposition grafts for portal vein reconstruction in living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) (4). Despite encouraging short-term results, retrospective analysis of long-term cryopreserved vein graft performance in LRLT at our institution has revealed a high rate of late graft failure. Between July 1992 and July 1994, interposition grafts (CIV for portal vein interposition n=4, CSV for portal vein interposition n=3, and CSV for hepatic artery interposition n=2) were utilized in 7 LRLT. (Two transplanted organs had both CIV and CSV grafts.) Recipients included 5 children and two small adults (median : 3.5 years, range : 0.5-59 years). Posttransplant follow-up in excess of 36 months revealed portal vein (PV) and hepatic artery (HA) complications of cryopreserved grafts in each patient. PV complications included aneurysm (n=4) diagnosed at 28, 24, 18, and 1.5 mo, stricture (n=l) diagnosed at 11 mo, and thrombosis (n=l) diagnosed at 18 mo posttransplant. All portal vein complications have been managed without retransplantation, but one (PV thrombosis) necessitated surgical shunt therapy. Each CSV hepatic artery interposition graft has been complicated by thrombosis (diagnosed at 11 days and 24 mo posttransplant) necessitating retransplantation. Based upon these observations, we have adopted alternative strategies for HA and PV reconstruction. At present, 11 LRLT have been performed without cryopreserved vein conduits over 17 mo with no vascular complications. While this study does not permit statistical analysis, these results discourage the use of cryopreserved iliac veins for portal interposition and cryopreserved saphenous veins for arterial interposition in liver transplantation.
Refusing Care: Forced Treatment and the Use of Psychiatric Advance Directives

ABSTRACT This article discusses recommendations regarding forced treatment proposed in Refusing Care: Forced Treatment and the Rights of the Mentally Ill (2002). Two of these recommendations are discussed. First, the work proposes that on a first, serious psychotic break individuals should be committable under lesser standards than ordinary civil commitment standards (likewise for involuntary medication). Each element of this recommendation is discussed: Why the break should be psychotic, why it should be a first–and only a first–break, and why it should be serious. In addition, certain counterweights are raised and answered–e.g., will this proposal discourage voluntary admissions? The second recommendation is that after a first psychotic break, patients should self-bind (i.e., give an advance directive) to care under similar circumstances as in the case of the first break–or self-bind to no treatment undertaken for the patients' own benefit. The use of self-binding in this context is discussed, in additi...
High-efficiency energy harvesting using TAGS-85/half-Heusler thermoelectric devices

To improve the thermal-to-electrical conversion efficiency of waste exhaust heat at temperatures in the vicinity of 750°C, RTI has combined two different high-performance materials to form a high ZT, hybrid thermoelectric (TE) device. Recently-developed enhanced “TAGS-85”, or e-TAGS, was employed as the p-leg, while the n leg was comprised of improved half-Heusler (HH) material. This hybrid material pair provides a high ZT, lead-free TE material solution for exhaust gas heat recovery for use in vehicle or industrial platforms. The improved HH material employs two novel techniques to reduce thermal conductivity: (1) high-energy milling, and (2) addition of coherent inclusions. Single n-/pcouples were produced that achieved a 9.2% efficiency with a power output of 205mW for Thot = 559°C and ΔT = 523K. This is a significant efficiency improvement at a lower hot side temperature with the hybrid e-TAGS/HH single couple over the performance of a conventional, all HH couple. By optimizing the cross sectional areas of the pellets for equal heat flow, the resulting asymmetric couple achieved 10.5% efficiency with a maximum power output of 317 mW at Thot = 537°C and ΔT = 497°C. A 49-couple hybrid module using other advanced HH materials paired with e-TAGS and operated with Thot up to 600°C reached a maximum efficiency of 10%. The improved module efficiency is believed to be due to both improved materials and optimized cross-sectional area ratios between the n- and p- elements.
What is the evidence for environmental causes of challenging behaviors in persons with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders

An extensive literature on the causes of challenging behaviors has been developed, primarily in the applied behavior analysis literature. One hundred and seventy-three empirical studies were reviewed where functional assessment serves as the primary method of identifying these causes. Most of the studies were able to identify a clear function or functions. Most commonly established causes were attention, the efforts to acquire tangibles, negative reinforcement in the form of escape from tasks or environments, and sensory stimulation, also described as an alone condition. Examples are provided regarding how these conditions are investigated across studies. Biological and cognitive causes have also been demonstrated. However, to date the empirical literature is limited with the bulk of studies being correlational. Considerably more research is needed, but some causes and methods to identify them are beginning to emerge.
Leveling the learning curve for laparoscopic bariatric surgery

Background The learning curve for laparoscopic bariatric surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Development of MEKA (phosducin), Gβ, Gγ and S-antigen in the rat pineal gland and retina

Abstract Pinealocytes and retinal photoreceptor cells contain an unusual cytoplasmic complex composed of the Gβγ dimer of GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G-proteins) tightly bound to an acidic 33 kDa phosphoprotein termed MEKA or phosducin; MEKA is a substrate of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. This study characterized the developmental appearance of these and two related proteins, Gγ and S-antigen, in pineal and retinal tissue. MEKA was absent in the pineal gland prior to birth, at a time when it was possible to detect Gβ in pineal cytoplasm, indicating that the appearance of Gβ in the cytoplasm precedes that of MEKA and does not appear to require the presence of MEKA. The absence of MEKA at this time indicates that the cyclic AMP stimulation of pineal serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity is not mediated by MEKA, which has been considered as a possible role of MEKA. After postnatal day 7, pineal MEKA and cytoplasmic Gβ increased in a parallel manner, with peak values occurring at about postnatal day 21. Thereafter, both proteins in the pineal gland decreased in a parallel fashion to 10 and 35% of their peak values, respectively; in contrast, the cytoplasmic protein S-antigen and membrane associated Gβ remained at maximal levels after this time. Whereas both MEKA and Gβ decreased late in development in the pineal gland, these proteins either increased or remained constant in the retina. These tissue-specific patterns were found to differ from those of another cytosolic protein found exclusively in the pineal gland and retina, S-antigen, which remained constant after 21 in the pineal gland but decreased in the retina late in life.
Temperature and field dependence of protonated water cluster emission from field adsorbed water layers on platinum

Water ion cluster formation in high electric fields was characterized on a Pt emitter tip over temperatures ranging from 170 to 300 K. Ion clusters emitted from the field-adsorbed water layer were mass resolved using a Wien filter. Two series of tests were conducted to characterize the ion cluster formation. In the first, tip temperature and water pressure were held constant while the applied field at the tip was ramped linearly with time. As the field was increased, water ion clusters H+(H2O)n were emitted, beginning with large n clusters (up to 7) and proceeding through each lower n cluster in turn. The ion emission onset field was found to depend on the value of n and is lower for larger n clusters. The onset of ionization for each cluster was observed to be relatively constant as a function of temperature, however, ion signal intensity was temperature dependent. For the second series of tests, tip temperature was cyclically ramped while the applied field was held constant. The cyclical ramping experiments provided Arrhenius graphs showing thermal deactivation energies for ion emission from the tip. The observed deactivation corresponds to thermal desorption of the nth solvating water molecule of the ion cluster, i.e. the energy associated with the solvation of the proton by the nth solvating water molecule. These energies were found to be 0.85, 0.76 and 0.55 eV for n=3, 4 and 5, respectively.
Evaluation of a hospital activity program for released psychiatric patients

A group of long-term psychiatric patients who were released to trial visit with participation in a hospital-based daily activity program was compared to a matched group released on trial visit at approximately the same time without participation in such a program. At the end of one year, the average days-incommunity was 35% higher than the base rate for all other patients released on trial visit. At the end of the second year no significant difference in length of time out of hospital was found between the activity group and the comparison group. However, the activity group had a longer in-hospital stay prior to release, fewer viable marriages, and a poorer work record than did the comparison group. This program is perceived as one which has contributed to making community placement more acceptable to both patients and community.
New results using capacitance transient studies to investigate deep defect relaxation in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract Recent studies of deep defect relaxation processes in a-Si:H using capacitance transient measurements are reported. First, to disprove any significant role of from contact effects, nearly identical transients for samples deposited on p+ crystalline Si with a blocking back contact or on n+ crystalline Si substrates with single junction characteristics have been obtained. Similar transients are also obtained for a film deposited on a thin n+ a-Si:H layer over a Cr coated substrate. Second, the effects of incorporating temperature steps during the time evolution of the transients have been investigated. Such transients are compared to the case where the emission of charge is allowed to proceed isothermally. These results verify the existence of a defect distribution whose thermal emission properties evolve in time.
Odyssey: Principles for enduring space exploration

Abstract As the USA, Europe and other nations embark on a new voyage of exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond, they should lay the foundations and establish precedents that invite a host of participants and followers. We argue that international cooperation, driven by foreign-policy and cost-sharing considerations, has taken a prominent role but must be pragmatically and flexibly balanced with economic and strategic self-interest. Since exploration visions are likely to differ, the steps each country will pursue, the funding provided, and schedules followed will also differ. To support an enduring exploration vision, it will be important to remain flexible to changing priorities and amenable to the inclusion of new, non-traditional participants. Open-systems principles and metaprinciples should be employed at all levels—hardware, software, programmatic, political and cultural. Equally important, national leadership and decision makers should be mindful of the potential pitfalls that might undermine the venture. While the new vision inspires us all, it will take creativity, resourcefulness, hard work and cooperation to succeed.
Asymmetry as a Measure of Embryological Stress in Golden Shiners

Abstract Recent changes in techniques for producing farm-raised baitfish include spawning and hatching indoors, advances that provide better control over these steps during the production cycle. However, developing embryos experience different conditions indoors than in the traditional outdoors pond production technique. Stress during embryological development can result in small random differences between the left and right sides of a bilateral trait. For characters influenced by the environment, the degree of asymmetry can be a measure of the level of stress experienced during embryological development. Asymmetry was compared in morphological characters between two groups of golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas representing indoor and outdoor spawning and hatching techniques. Relative weight was also compared in fingerlings produced by the two techniques. There were no differences in asymmetry between the two groups for seven characters. Two characters were significantly more asymmetric in the group p...
Product of second moments in time and frequency for discrete-time signals and the uncertainty limit

Abstract The product of ordinary second moments in time and frequency for discrete-time signals has a unique global minimum for the unit sample sequence. When the ordinary-second-moment product is used as the measure of localization in the continuous-time case, Gaussian signals are the best localized simultaneously in time and frequency. But sampling of the Gaussian signals provides discrete-time signals which are far from being the best localized. In general, it turns out that the product of ordinary second moments in time and frequency is not a most reasonable measure of simultaneous time–frequency localization for discrete-time signals. Motivated by this discrepancy, in this paper an uncertainty relation for the product of generalized second signal moments in time and frequency is derived, and optimal signals that reach the uncertainty limit are found. The requirement for convolution invariance between the optimal signals offers a new uncertainty relation for the discrete-time case. The set of optimal discrete-time signals, beside the unit sample sequence, binomial sequences, the sampled band-limited minimum-effective-duration signal, contains also, as a limit case, the Gaussian signals. The second moments involved in the uncertainty relation are described in more details.
Is atrial activation beneficial in heart transplant recipients

Abstract Because of the distortion of alrial morphology that occurs during cardiac allograft transplantation in humans, the beneficial effects of properly sequenced atrial and ventricular activation are unclear in these patients. To evaluate the atrial contribution to ventricular pump performance in heart transplant recipients, arterial pressure and cardiac output during pacing from either chamber were measured in nine patients 10 ± 1 days after transplantation. Systolic, diastolic and mean systemic arterial pressures were significantly higher during atrial pacing compared with ventricular pacing: 143 ± 23 versus 125 ± 20 mm Hg, 73 ± 15 versus 66 ± 14 mm Hg and 94 ± 17 versus 84 ± 16 mm Hg, respectively (p Thus, there is a significant atrial contribution to cardiac performance in patients after heart transplantation. This may have clinical implications in those patients who later require a permanent pacemaker.
Should Jurors be Informed about Parole Eligibility in Death Penalty Cases? An Analysis of Kelly V. South Carolina

The 5-to-4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kelly v. South Carolina represents an important turning point in the death penalty sentencing procedure. Expanding on their prior ruling in Simmons v. South Carolina, the Supreme Court, in Kelly, determined that a defendant is entitled to a jury instruction regarding parole eligibility when the only alternative to a death sentence is life without parole and the implication of future dangerousness is present. In this article, the controversial Kelly decision is examined, and both the majority opinion and the two dissenting opinions are analyzed. The broad as well as the more specific implications and ramifications of this important decision are presented.
X-ray photoemission measurements of RbCl

Abstract The binding energy of the electronic core levels of RbCl were determined by X-ray induced photoemission measurements. The effects of a surface charge are accounted for.
Comprehensive services for pregnant and parenting adolescents: Historical and political considerations

Abstract Federal policy has promoted the development of local comprehensive care programs as a response to adolescent childbearing. This article traces the origin of comprehensive services and assesses both their effectiveness and feasibility as public policy. Evaluations suggest that they do benefit some participants. The aggregate effects are modest, however, and may not become evident until years, or even decades after participation. Due to the implementation constraints, few localities can develop and sustain programs without substantial outside funding, which is currently unavailable.
Electromagnetic Two-Body Problem

The circular motion of two classical point charges interacting through their time-symmetric electromagnetic fields is determined with complete relativistic rigor. Expressions are obtained for the total energy and angular momentum of this two-body system, which include the contributions of the field. This work is a preliminary to a calculation, undertaken jointly with Schlosser and now in progress, of the relativistic electromagnetic interaction of two classical particles with charge, spin, and magnetic moment, and of the quantization of this classical two-body system. The purpose of the investigation is to check the possibility that some elementary particles may be atoms composed of other elementary particles in states where the principal interaction is due, not to the Coulomb force between point charges, but to forces where the intrinsic magnetic moments of the particles play an essential role and must not be considered as small perturbations. A very rough, but very simple, estimate by Corben indicates that this possibility is worth exploring.
Effects of amphetamine on the contents of norepinephrine and its metabolites in the effluent of perfused cerebral ventricles of the cat.

Abstract One hr after the injection of dl- 3 H-norepinephrine into various regions of the cat cerebroventricular system, the ventricles were perfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This perfusing fluid was pumped into the left lateral ventricle at a rate of 0.1 ml/min and collected at 10-min intervals from a catheter in the cerebral aqueduct or in the cisterna magna. Two hr after the perfusion was initiated the amount of radioactivity in the effluent remained relatively steady. At this time the ventricular system was perfused for 30 min with CSF containing various concentrations of d- or l-amphetamine. d-Amphetamine sulfate (25–400 μg/ml) caused an immediate increase in the content of 3H-norepinephrine in the effluent; after a latent period of 10–20 min there was also a significant increase in the effluent content of 3H-normetanephrine while the concentration of deaminated-O-methyl metabolites did not change. l-Amphetamine sulfate (50 μg/ml) did not significantly increase the amount of 3H-norepinephrine or 3-Hnormetanephrine in the perfusion effluent. d-Amphetamine caused a greater increase in the effluent concentration of 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-normetanephrine when the amine was injected into the lateral ventricle than when it was injected into the third ventricle or cisterna magna. Intravenous injections of d-amphetamine (1 mg/kg) also increased the content of 3H-norepinephrine in the perfusion effluent. After injections of 3H-dopamine into the lateral ventricle, d-amphetamine increased the efflux of both 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-dopamine, whereas after the intraventricular administration of 14C-inulin or 14C-urea, the effluent content of these inert substances was not increased by d-amphetamine. These results indicate that amphetamine increases the efflux of catecholamines from structures bordering the cerebroventricular system by blocking the reuptake process, or enhancing the release mechanism, or both.
Using Multiple Intelligences to Improve Negotiation Theory and Practice

In this brief question-and-answer format, education theorist Howard Gardner discusses the application of the multiple intelligences framework to negotiation. Work on how human beings understand the world around them, and the effects of scripts and stereotypes on their comprehension, is also discussed. The interviewee concludes by offering specific suggestions on how negotiators might “ dissolve” nonproductive theories and substitute improved frameworks to guide their practice.
Creation, detection, and decoherence of macroscopic quantum superposition states in double-well Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the possibility of creating many-particle macroscopic quantum superposition (Schr\"odinger cat)--like states by using a Feshbach resonance to reverse the sign of the scattering length of a Bose-Einstein condensate trapped in a double-well potential. To address the issue of the experimental verification of coherence in the catlike state, we study the revival of the initial condensate state in the presence of environmentally induced decoherence. As a source of decoherence, we consider the interaction between the atoms and the electromagnetic vacuum, due to the polarization induced by an incident laser field. We find that the resulting decoherence is directly related to the rate at which spontaneously scattered photons carry away sufficient information to distinguish between the two atom distributions which make-up the cat state. We show that for a ``perfect'' cat state, a single scattered photon will bring about a collapse of the superposition, while a less-than-perfect catlike state can survive multiple scatterings before the collapse occurs. In addition, we study the dephasing effect of atom-atom collisions on the catlike states.
Identification of Cecropin A Proteolytic Cleavage Sites Resulting from Aspergillus flavus Extracellular Protease(s)

Cecropin A (CA) has wide-spectrum antifungal properties except for the nongerminated conidial form of Aspergillus spp. A possible reason for this difference in activity has been explored. This study demonstrated that CA was being degraded enzymatically by proteases present in the culture supernatant. As a first step in the characterization of the type of protease responsible for the degradation of CA and for the prevention of degradation of gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides based on CA, the amino acids surrounding the cleavage sites were determined. On the basis of the molecular weights of the fragments, the cleavage sites were determined to be near the N terminus of the peptide at the Lys3−Leu4, Phe5−Lys6, and Lys7−Ile8 bonds. Keywords: Cecropin; Aspergillus flavus; protease; antifungal; reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography; electrospray mass spectrometry
The relative importance of campaign expenditures: An application of production theory

In an election campaign a politician attempts to combine the resources at his disposal so as to maximize the percent of the votes he receives. This behavior is consistent with an economic model of production where the producer combines inputs in order to maximize output. In this paper the concept of an election campaign as a production process is applied to elections to the U.S. House of Representatives. The three inputs were campaign expenditures, years of tenure in office, and the percent of registered voters in candidate's party. Cobb-Douglas and CES versions of the production function are estimated. Each estimation indicated that the marginal productivity of campaign expenditures was very low. Further, the CES estimation indicated low elasticity of substitution between campaign expenditures and other inputs. This means that it is difficult for a candidate who faces a disadvantage—either because his opponent is an incumbent with several years experience, or because he belongs to a minority party—to overcome this disadvantage by simply spending more money.
Suppression of lordosis in guinea pigs by ethamoxy-triphetol (MER-25) given at long intervals (34-46 hr) after estradiol benzoate treatment.

Abstract Ovariectomized guinea pigs were given estradiol benzoate (EB) followed 40 hr later by progesterone (P). Behavioral testing commenced 1 hr after P injection and continued at hourly intervals for 8 hr. This treatment activated lordosis in almost 100% of animals. Administration of the antiestrogen MER-25 (75 mg/kg body wt per injection) between 2 hr before and 6 hr after EB treatment did not cause a significant decline in proportion of animals displaying lordosis, but did cause a decrease in length of time the lordosis position was held (maximum lordosis, sec). In contrast, 13 14 animals given MER-25 at 2 hr before and 2 hr after P and 8 10 animals given MER-25 simultaneously with and 2 hr after P, failed to show lordosis. Administration of supplementary EB at around the time of P injection, partially alleviated these behavior-blocking effects of MER-25. When MER-25 was given 2–6 hr after administration of P there was a significant decrease in duration of heat (hr). These results suggest that in addition to its early “triggering” effects, estrogen has important “maintenance” effects which determine the character of heat in guinea pigs. Continued presence of estrogen in the nervous system may be a requirement for the facilitatory actions of P on sexual behavior in guinea pigs, but such a requirement may not exist in other rodents such as rats.
Maturation of patterns of sleep and wakefulness in the kitten

Summary o 1. The maturation of patterns of sleep and wakefulness in the kitten was analyzed quantitatively on the basis of 23 h recording procedures. Statistical analysis was performed for the following variables as a function of age: (i) percentage occurrence of the patterns of sleep and wakefulness, (ii) the frequency and duration of episodes of these patterns, and (iii) the circadian distribution of the patterns and their component episode characteristics. 2. It was observed that during this period of maturation the total percentage of active sleep decreased while the percentage of the alert and drowsy states increased. No change was noted for quiet sleep. 3. In close agreement with data from adult cats a circadian rhythm was observed to develop for the alert, drowsy, and active sleep patterns. 4. The changes in total pattern percentage were accounted for by variations in the occurrence of those episodes 6 min or less in duration. The frequency of episodes longer than 6 min did not change with age. The circadian rhythm developed due to a systematic grouping of the episodes of long duration. 5. These facts suggest that discrete processes in the regulation of sleep-waking behavior may be responsible for (i) the changing frequency occurrence of the short duration episodes, (ii) the stable frequency occurrence of the long duration episodes, and (iii) the specific circadian grouping of the episodes of long duration. 6. A negative correlation in every parameter of analysis was noted for the active sleep and alert patterns. No changes were observed to occur during maturation for any aspect of quiet sleep.
Signal recovery in free induction decay imaging using a stimulated spin echo.

A novel pulse sequence for acquiring a stimulated spin echo (SSE) is devised and implemented to recover the initial portion of the signal that is usually blanked or distorted in MRI using free induction decays (FIDs). The receiver-phase offset, center of the k-space, and time frame coordinates of the FID data points can be accurately determined from the SSE. A simple numerical method of signal recovery is formulated which can merge the FID and the SSE data for higher extrapolation accuracy. The application of the signal recovery method is demonstrated using the rotating ultrafast imaging sequence (RUFIS). The result shows the importance of experimentally finding the correct time origin of the FID signal.
Predominance of Large LDL and Reduced HDL2 Cholesterol in Normolipidemic Men With Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that a predominance of small, dense LDL particles is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. In the present study we examined the LDL peak particle diameter (determined by lipid-stained 2% to 16% gradient gel electrophoresis) in 92 normolipidemic men with CAD (total cholesterol <200 mg/dL and triglyceride <250 mg/dL) and 92 matched healthy controls. Plasma triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and apo B levels were similar in subjects with CAD and in control subjects, whereas subjects with CAD had decreased HDL2 cholesterol levels (mean±SEM, 10±0.7 compared with 15±0.7 mg/dL in control subjects; P<.0002). Mean LDL particle diameter (±SEM) was increased in the subjects with CAD compared with control subjects (26.8±0.08 and 26.4±0.08 nm, respectively; P<.001). The association between large LDL size and CAD was significant (P<.0001) after adjustments were made for age, body mass index, HDL cholesterol levels, and VLDL cholesterol levels. An LDL particle size dist...
Chromospheric limb spectra from Skylab - 2000 to 3200 A

Chromospheric limb spectra of a quiet-sun region between 2000 and 3200 A recorded by the normal-incidence spectrograph on Skylab are discussed. The spectral resolution is 0.12 A, and the projected slit area on the sun is 2 by 60 arcsec. A list of lines with wavelengths, identifications, and absolute intensities is given for the spectrum recorded at +4 arcsec outside the white-light limb. The intensity behavior outside the limb is shown for lines of the ions C II, Si II, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II, Fe III, Co II, and Ni II. The widths of the intersystem lines of Si II and C II increase monotonically with height above the limb. The full width at half-maximum of the Si II lines increases from 0.034 A at the limb to 0.27 A at +12 arcsec above the limb. The widths of the C II lines increase from 0.17 A at +2 arcsec to 0.31 A at +12 arcsec.
Edward O. Wilson and the Organicist Tradition

Edward O. Wilson’s recent decision to abandon kin selection theory has sent shockwaves throughout the biological sciences. Over the past two years, more than a hundred biologists have signed letters protesting his reversal. Making sense of Wilson’s decision and the controversy it has spawned requires familiarity with the historical record. This entails not only examining the conditions under which kin selection theory first emerged, but also the organicist tradition against which it rebelled. In similar fashion, one must not only examine Wilson’s long career, but also those thinkers who influenced him most, especially his intellectual grandfather, William Morton Wheeler (1865–1937). Wilson belongs to a long line of organicists, biologists whose research highlighted integration and coordination, many of whom struggled over the exact same biological riddles that have long defined Wilson’s career. Drawing inspiration (and sometimes ideas) from these intellectual forebears, Wilson is confident that he has finally identified the origin of the social impulse.
An early report on encompass

ENCOMPASS is an environment designed to support the incremental construction of Ada programs using executable specifications and formal techniques similar to the Vienna Development Method. ENCOMPASS supports the rigorous development of software: parts of a project may use completely formal methods, while other, less critical parts use less expensive techniques. ENCOMPASS provides automated support for all aspects of the development process including specification, prototyping, testing, formal verification, documentation, configuration control, and project management. In ENCOMPASS, software can be specified using PLEASE, an Ada-based executable specification language which can be automatically translated into Prolog. A prototype implementation of ENCOMPASS has been constructed. The authors give an overview of ENCOMPASS, describe the decisions made in the design of the prototype, and discuss the lessons learned in the process. >
901-90 In Vivo Genetic Engineering of Cardiac Cells: Intracoronary Administration of Antisense (AS) Oligonucleotides (ODN)

We have previously documented that transfection of antisense ODN by a highly efficient Sendai virus (HVJ)-liposome delivery system can be utilized to modify lesion formation within the peripheral vasculature in vivo. In this study, we defined the feasibility of modifying cardiac cell gene expression via a catheter-based coronary infusion of AS ODN in rabbits. The coronary artery was cannulated via an over-the-wire approach from the carotid artery. Fluorescein (F)-Iabeled ODN were utilized to evaluate the cellular distribution and kinetics of ODN uptake within the myocardium after a single intraluminal bolus of HVJ-liposomes containing ODN. Cellular uptake of F-ODN was primarily localized in the microvasculature and significant staining was also observed in conduit vessels and cardiac myocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis verified prominent localization of F-ODN within the microvascular endothelium. Expression of F-ODN was observed within 10 minutes, peaked at 1 day, and remained evident for up to one week after transfection by the HVJ-liposome method. In contrast, F-ODN infused within liposomes without the viral particle exhibited transient expression that was undetectable within 3 days. These findings indicate that a single intracoronary bolus infusion of ODN within HVJ-liposomes is a reproducible methodology for delivery of AS ODN to targeted cells within the myocardium. Future studies will characterize the feasibility of using this approach to modify cardiac structure and function via regulating myocardial cell gene expression.
Review of autoxidation and driers

Abstract This article is an overview of the chemistry and driers used in autoxidatively cured coatings and in particular alkyds. The drying process for alkyds and other unsaturated fatty acid materials is based on a series of chemical reactions known as autoxidation. The autoxidative process is usually catalyzed by metal salts known as driers. Numerous of investigations have elucidated the catalytic activity and reaction mechanism of the drying process. Spectroscopic techniques, especially mass spectrometry, have been used to study the autoxidation process and its products. Recent investigations on the oxidative drying of alkyd coating films are presented with a focus on both metal based and more environmental friendly means of catalysis.
Application of boron isotopes for tracing sources of anthropogenic contamination in groundwater

Natural sodium borate minerals from non-marine evaporite sequences are used for world production of sodium perborate, an industrially manufactured bleaching agent added to a variety of detergent formulations and cleaning products. During end use, water-soluble boron compounds are discharged with domestic aqueous effluents into sewage treatment plants, where little or no boron is removed and, hence, the anthropogenic boron load is almost entirely released into the aquatic environment. Natural sodium borate minerals are characterized by a rather narrow range in boron isotopic composition within the large natural variations, such that an isotopic approach may be used to decipher an anthropogenic boron source (mainly from industrial perborate, the dominant use of mined boron) in a given natural aquatic system that is characterized by a distinctive local background signature. This paper presents new boron isotope data for a series of industrial sodium perborate monohydrate and tetrahydrate products. 11B/10B isotopic ratios were measured by NTIMS (Negative Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry) with an analytical uncertainty of ±0.5‰ (2σmean). Boron isotope values of sodium perborate monohydrate and tetrahydrate products, reported as δ11B values (in per mille) relative to a mean 11B/10B ratio of 4.00125 measured for the NIST SRM-951 boric acid standard (δ11B={[(11B/10B)Sample/(11B/10B)Standard ]−1}×103), show variations from −3.9 to +0.9‰ and −4.8 to +0.5‰, respectively, which are within the δ11B range of natural sodium borate minerals. The application of this innovative stable isotope tracer technique for monitoring pollution of natural aquatic systems is discussed in the framework of two case studies which demonstrate the usefulness of boron isotopes for constraining distinct solute sources (anthropogenic vs natural) in groundwater.
Plasmon tuning and local field enhancement maximization of the nanocrescent

We present a systematic numerical study of plasmon resonance of the nanocrescent. We show that by varying the nanocrescent geometry, the plasmon resonance peak can be tuned into the near-infrared and local field enhancement can be increased significantly, with maximum enhancement of the electric field amplitude of approximately 100 for realistic geometric parameters. Because of its wide tunability, high local field enhancement, and geometry which utilizes both sharp features and intra-particle coupling, the nanocrescent is a structure well suited for in vivo cellular imaging as well as in vitro diagnostic applications.
Calcium-, Strontium- und Bariumacetylid – neue Befunde für die gewinkelte Struktur von Derivaten der schweren Erdalkalimetalle

Abgewinkelt koordiniert sind die Acetylidliganden in den ersten strukturell charakterisierten metallorganischen Erdalkalimetallverbindungen [M([18]Krone-6)(CCSiPh3)2] (M=Sr und Ba), die Metall-C-σ-Bindungen aufweisen. Die daruber hinaus beobachtete Abnahme des Winkels am sp-hybridisierten C-Atom beim Gang zu den schweren Elementen (siehe Strukturen im Bild) liefert neue Ansatze fur ein tieferes Verstandnis der Bindungsverhaltnisse in Erdalkalimetallverbindungen.
The QCD phase diagram at nonzero baryon, isospin and strangeness chemical potentials: results from a hadron resonance gas model

Abstract We use a hadron resonance gas model to study the QCD phase diagram at nonzero temperature, baryon, isospin and strangeness chemical potentials. We determine the temperature of the transition from the hadronic phase to the quark–gluon plasma phase using two different methods. We find that the critical temperatures derived in both methods are in very good agreement. We find that the critical surface has a small curvature. We also find that the critical temperature's dependence on the baryon chemical potential at zero isospin chemical potential is almost identical to its dependence on the isospin chemical potential at vanishing baryon chemical potential. This result, which holds when the chemical potentials are small, supports recent lattice simulation studies. Finally, we find that at a given baryon chemical potential, the critical temperature is lowered as either the isospin or the strangeness chemical potential are increased. Therefore, in order to lower the critical temperature, it might be useful to use different isotopes in heavy ion collision experiments.
Cartilage type IX collagen is cross-linked by hydroxypyridinium residues

Type IX collagen, a recently discovered, unusual protein of cartilage, has a segmented triple-helical structure containing interchain disulfides. Its polymeric form and function are unknown. When prepared by pepsin from bovine articular cartilage, type IX collagen was found to contain a high concentration of hydroxypyridinium cross-links, similar to that in type II collagen. Fluorescence spectroscopy located the hydroxylysyl pyridinoline and lysyl pyridinoline cross-linking residues exclusively in the high-molecular-weight collagen fraction, from which they were recovered predominantly in a single CNBr-derived peptide. The results point to a structural role for type IX collagen in cartilage matrix, possibly as an adhesion material to type II collagen fibrils.
Dependence of band offset and open-circuit voltage on the interfacial interaction between TiO2 and carboxylated polythiophenes.

The interface of planar TiO2/polymer photovoltaic cells was modified with two carboxylated polythiophenes having different densities of carboxylic acid groups. Both of the interface modifiers increase the photocurrent of the cells but lower the open-circuit voltage. The work function of the TiO2, measured using a Kelvin probe, increases with increasing density of carboxylic acid groups due to the formation of interfacial dipoles pointing toward the TiO2 surface. The formation of interfacial dipoles results in a shift in the band offset at the TiO2/polymer interface, which explains the decrease in the open-circuit voltage. This work demonstrates that care must be taken when using carboxylic acid side groups to attach polymers to titania surfaces in photovoltaic cells. If the density of attachment groups is just enough to attach the polymer, then the benefits of the interface modifier can be realized without substantially decreasing the open-circuit voltage.
A novel technique of preserving internal mammary artery perforators in nipple sparing breast reconstruction.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with implant-based reconstruction (IBR) has gained in popularity.1,2 Greater than 15% of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) loss is attributed to vascular compromise.3 Moreover, in patients who subsequently undergo IBR, NAC necrosis can lead to chronic open wounds, infection, implant exposure, and need for explantation.4–8 Blood supply of the breast stems from a deep and a superficial arterial system. The superficial system is composed of perforators from both lateral thoracic and internal mammary arteries.9 According to Palmer and Taylor,10 the internal mammary artery (IMA) contributes significant blood supply to the NAC. IMA perforators are superficial and can be identified using a handheld Doppler probe.9 Previous investigations have used Doppler ultrasound to identify major perforators to the NAC to increase nipple viability in reduction mammoplasty for gigantomastia.11 However, the application of Doppler ultrasound has not been applied to NSM with IBR. In this study, we introduce a novel, easy, and inexpensive technique for improving NAC viability in NSM with IBR. Specifically, we employ preoperative Doppler ultrasound to identify IMA perforators to augment NAC perfusion.
Status of thermobarometry in granitic batholiths

Most granitic batholiths contain plutons which are composed of low-variance mineral assemblages amenable to quantification of the P– conditions that characterise emplacement. Some mineral thermometers, such as those based on two feldspars or two Fe–Ti oxides, commonly undergo subsolidus re-equilibration. Others are more robust, including hornblende–plagioclase, hornblende–clinopyroxene, pyroxene–ilmenite, pyroxene–biotite, garnet–hornblende, muscovite-biotite and garnet–biotite. The quality of their calibration is variable and a major challenge resides in the large range of liquidus to solidus crystallisation temperatures that are incompletely preserved in mineral profiles. Further, the addition of components that affect Kd relations between non-ideal solutions remains inadequately understood. Estimation of solidus and near-solidus conditions derived from exchange thermometry often yield results >700°C and above that expected for crystallisation in the presence of an H2O-rich volatile phase. These results suggest that the assumption of crystallisation on an H2O-saturated solidus may not be an accurate characterisation of some granitic rocks.Vapour undersaturation and volatile phase composition dramatically affect solidus temperatures. Equilibria including hypersthene–biotite–sanidine–quartz, fayalite–sanidine–biotite, and annite–sanidine–magnetite (ASM) allow estimation of Estimates by the latter assemblage, however, are highly dependent on . Oxygen fugacity varies widely (from two or more log units below the QFM buffer to a few log units below the HM buffer) and can have a strong affect on mafic phase composition. Ilmenite–magnetite, quartz–ulvospinel–ilmenite–fayalite (QUILF), annite–sanidine–magnetite, biotite–almandine–muscovite–magnetite (BAMM), and titanite–magnetite–quartz (TMQ) are equilibria providing a basis for the calculation of .Granite barometry plays a critical part in constraining tectonic history. Metaluminous granites offer a range of barometers including ferrosilite–fayalite–quartz, garnet–plagioclase–hornblende–quartz and Al-in-hornblende. The latter barometer remains at the developmental stage, but has potential when the effects of temperature are considered. Likewise, peraluminous granites often contain mineral assemblages that enable pressure determinations, including garnet–biotite–muscovite–plagioclase and muscovite–biotite–alkali–feldspar–quartz. Limiting pressures can be obtained from the presence of magmatic epidote and, for low-Ca pegmatites or aplites, the presence of subsolvus versus hypersolvus alkali feldspars.As with all barometers, the influence of temperature, , and choice of activity model are critical factors. Foremost is the fact that batholiths are not static features. Mineral compositions imperfectly record conditions acquired during ascent and over a range of temperature and pressure and great care must be taken in properly quantifying intensive parameters.