cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symmetries and the search for physics beyond the standard model

Beginning with an introduction to its significance, we briefly review the status of our knowledge of the strangeness content of the nucleon, both experimental and theoretical. We then recall how the success of the corresponding experimental program at JLab led to an unanticipated improvement in the precision with which we constrain the possible existence of parity violating lepton-quark interactions beyond the Standard Model. This leads naturally to the consideration of the major outstanding discrepancy in the evolution of sin2θW. In particular, we explain how the nuclear modification of parton distributions, combined with charge symmetry violation eliminate this discrepancy.
Neighborhood Hispanic composition and depressive symptoms among Mexican-descent residents of Texas City, Texas.

Abstract Substantial research shows that increased Hispanic neighborhood concentration is associated with several beneficial health outcomes including lower adult mortality, better self-rated health, and fewer respiratory problems. Literature on the relationship of Hispanic composition and depressive symptoms is more equivocal. In addition, few studies have directly investigated hypothesized mechanisms of this relationship. This study uses data from a probability sample of 1238 Mexican-descent adults living in 48 neighborhoods in Texas City, Texas. Multilevel regression models investigate whether Hispanic neighborhood composition is associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study also investigates whether social support, perceived discrimination, and perceived stress mediate or moderate the relationship, and whether results differ by primary language used at home. We find that individuals living in high Hispanic composition neighborhoods experience fewer depressive symptoms than individuals in low Hispanic composition neighborhoods. In addition, we find that these beneficial effects only apply to respondents who speak English. Social support, perceived discrimination, and perceived stress mediate the Hispanic composition–depressive symptoms relationship. In addition, discrimination and stress moderate the relationship between Hispanic composition and depressive symptoms. Our findings support theories linking higher neighborhood Hispanic composition and better mental health, and suggest that Spanish language use, social support, discrimination and stress may play important roles in the Hispanic composition–depressive symptoms relationship.
Analysis of the RNASEL Gene in Familial and Sporadic Prostate Cancer

The RNASEL gene on chromosome 1q25 was recently identified as a candidate gene for hereditary prostate cancer (PC). To confirm these findings, we screened 326 patients from 163 families with familial PC for potential germline mutations, by use of conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis, followed by direct sequence analysis. A total of six variants were identified, including one intronic and five exonic changes (three missense and two silent alterations). There were no unequivocal pathogenic changes. To further test for potential associations between genes and increased risk for disease, the three missense polymorphisms (Ile97Leu, Arg462Gln, and Glu541Asp) were genotyped in 438 patients with familial PC and in 510 population-based control subjects. Association testing revealed no significant differences between patients and control subjects for either the Leu97 variant (χ 2 trend test=1.42; P =.23) or the Asp541 variant (χ 2 =1.52; P =.22). However, significant differences were detected for the Arg462Gln genotypes (χ 2 =5.20; P =.02; odds ratio [OR] = 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32–0.91) when the genotype Gln/Gln was compared with Arg/Arg. In subset analyses, associations were also observed in the younger group (age at diagnosis ≤64 years) ( P =.0008; OR=0.29; 95% CI=0.13–0.66), in node-negative patients ( P =.01; OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.27–0.84), patients with stage T 1 /T 2 disease ( P =.008; OR=0.39; 95% CI 0.2–0.75), and patients with low-grade disease ( P =.01; OR=0.40; 95% CI 0.20–0.78). To evaluate whether this variant was also associated with sporadic PC, we genotyped an additional 499 patients with sporadic PC. Differences in frequency were not detected between patients with sporadic disease and control subjects. However, the same association was observed between patients with familial disease and patients with sporadic disease for the entire group (χ 2 =4.82; P =.03), as well as in the subset analyses. These results suggest that polymorphic changes within the RNASEL gene may be associated with increased risk of familial but not sporadic PC.
On the Memory Conflict Problem in Multiprocessor Systems

This paper presents quadratic programming models of memory conflict in multiprocessor systems where main memory consists of a set of memory modules common to all processors. Two jobs (programs) are said to be in conflict, or subject to memory conflict, whenever at a given time portions of them must be executed in the same memory module by different processors. We are interested in minimizing the total conflict by the proper assignment of jobs to main memory. Two allocation models are considered: one in which the jobs-to-memory assignment is to be made independent of any particular processors-to-jobs schedule, that is, expected memory conflict is to be minimized over the space of all schedules; and the second in which a definite processor schedule is assumed to be available. For both models, algorithms are formulated for the assignment of jobs to memory.
Electromyographic patterns associated with a carpet installation task.

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that the knee joint is subject to impact forces greater than 3000 newtons when workers use a knee-kicker to install carpet. Such forces may be modified, however, by the action of large muscle groups in the legs and upper body. To evaluate the role of these key muscle groups, electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from the rectus femoris, long head of the biceps femoris, anterior deltoid, and extensor carpi radialis muscles of eight male subjects. Each subject simulated the four static body postures most commonly used during carpet installation. These were (a) on hands and knees, (b) beginning kick cycle, (c) mid-kick cycle and (d) impact kick cycle. To assess the dynamic component of the task, each subject performed the act of carpet stretching using a knee-kicker. For both static and dynamic activities, the anterior deltoid showed the highest normalized EMG values. It was also found that immediately before the impact phase the knee flexor muscles contracted, ...
Seasonal Variation in Reproductive Hormones of Rhesus Monkeys: Anovulatory and Short Luteal Phase Menstrual Cycles

Rhesus monkeys show a period of low fertility and decreased ovulation during the spring and summer months. In the present study, menstrual events and reproductive hormone concentrations associated with this period were examined to determine if secretion of gonadotropins was lower in the anovulatory cycle and if the !evel of gonadotropin was related to secretion of estrogen. A maximum of 90 mature rhesus monkeys was observed during portions of the period from January 1973 through August 1976 for the occurrence of menstruation and for the frequency of irregular lengths of menstrual cycles as related to the winter (October through March) and the summer (April through September). The onset ‘of summer was marked by a decline in the fraction of the colony menstruating in April and May each year. Although lengths of menstrual cycles were more irregular during the summer than during the winter months, this variability was less pronounced in the second and third years of study. Two types of irregular reproductive hormonal patterns were found in menstrual cycles during the summer. One type, the anovulatory cycle, was characterized by low concentrations of estrogen in serum compared with ovulatory cycles, by an absence of surges of gonadotropic hormone, and by undetectable levels of progesterone. The other type, the short luteal phase cycle, was characterized by a limited interval of secretion of progesterone (3.2 ± 0.5 days) and luteal phases of 8.1 ± 0.3 days. These intervals were shorter than the respective intervals observed in ovulatory cycles (13.1 ± 0.8 and 16.4 ± 0.8 days). Although gonadotropic hormones during the follicular and “luteal” phases of both types of irregular cycles appeared to be secreted at levels somewhat higher than those observed in ovulatory cycles when measured by radioimmunoassay, luteinizing hormone concentrations were similar when determined by the rat interstitial cell testosterone bioassay. Thirteen monkeys were injected during the summer with estradiol benzoate to determine if the absence of surges of gonadotropic hormone was due to decreased aenaitivity of the hypothalamopituitary axis. Ten animals secreted surges of luteinizing hormone and nine of these also secreted surges of follicle stimulating hormone. These results, as well as the low concentrations of estrogen, suggest that insufficient estrogen is secreted to evoke surges of gonadotropins in anovulatory cycles.
Distortion of mirex residues in insects owing to use of isopropyl alcohol as a collection solvent

Collection or storage of insects in 70% IPA was found to cause loss of body weight, major loss of nonpolar insecticides from submerged specimens, and transfer of insecticide to previously uncontaminated specimens. These effects may by no means be limited to mirex, since any chlorinated hydrocarbon is relatively lipophilic and may behave similarly. Residues reported for treated insects that have been collected or stored in alcohol may have been reduced to 12% of the original value. Moreover, small untreated vertebrates and invertebrates trapped in alcohol with insecticideladen insects are likely to absorb significant amounts of insecticide from the solution.
Smoking cessation with and without assistance

Abstract Objective: To examine usage rates of smoking-cessation assistance and to compare the success rate of those who used assistance with the success rate of those who did not. Methods: The data come from the 1996 California Tobacco Survey, a random sample of 4480 individuals (18 years or older) who tried to quit smoking in the 12 months before the survey. We calculated population estimates for demographics, smoking histories, rate of using assistance, and abstinence rates. Results: One fifth (19.9%) of those who attempted to quit smoking used one or more forms of assistance: self-help, counseling, and/or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Heavy smokers were more likely to use assistance than were light smokers. Women were more likely to use assistance than were men, and usage increased with age. Whites were more likely to use NRT than were other ethnic groups. Overall, those who used assistance had a higher success rate than those who did not; the 12-month abstinence rates were 15.2% and 7.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Use of assistance for smoking cessation has increased over recent years, from 7.9% in 1986 to 19.9% in 1996. The use of assistance is associated with a greater success rate. Anti-tobacco campaigns in California and increased availability of multiple forms of assistance probably facilitated the use of assistance and successful quitting for those using assistance.
Giant dermoid cyst of the neck can mimic a cystic hygroma: using MRI to differentiate cystic neck lesions.

Summary Objective To describe differential features of giant cervical dermoid cysts and other cystic lesions of the head and neck. Methods Case report including magnetic resonance imaging, surgical excision, pathologic examination and correlation. Results We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented for evaluation of a slowly enlarging doughy submental mass. Ultrasound showed some features consistent with a cystic hygroma and both sclerotherapy and surgical excision were discussed with the family. However, an unusual solid component on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) mitigated toward surgical excision. At surgery, the cystic mass was excised and measured 9.5 cm × 5.5 cm × 4.0 cm. Histology showed a giant dermoid cyst similar to those seen in the ovary. The solid component was a smooth spherical collection of inspissated sebum. Conclusions The unique MRI characteristics of giant dermoid cysts can help to separate these rare lesions from more common cystic hygromas. Fine needle aspiration should be considered for questionable lesions before treatment with OK 432 or similar agents.
Identification of power steering system dynamic models

This paper presents the identification of the dynamic model for a power steering system constructed using a rotary valve. The steering system is divided into two subsystems: mechanical and hydraulic. Each subsystem is modeled separately. An experimental setup is designed and built to instrument the steering system. The parameters of the steering system are identified using experimental data. Several methods are proposed for model parameter estimation. The steering system is de-coupled for identification of parameters of each subsystem. The Least Square Estimation method (LSE) is used to determine the parameters that are not directly measurable or are not measurable at steady state. The developed dynamic model is validated against experimental results.
Nonspiking local interneurons mediate surround inhibition of crayfish sustaining fibers

1. A class of local, non-spiking interneurons in the second optic lobe of the crayfish is described, and their role in mediation of surround inhibition of sustaining fibers (SFs) is examined. 2. Surround inhibition in SFs is not associated with a measurable IPSP or postsynaptic conductance change in SFs and thus is produced by a decrease in the level of exciatory synaptic input (Fig. 1). 3. Local (amacrine) interneurons in the medulla, the second optic lobe, have biplanar dendritic trees. The proximal plane is coextensive with the single plane of SF dendrites (Fig. 2). 4. The amacrine cells respond to light with a graded depolarization but without impulses (Figs. 3 and 4). Depolarization with extrinsic current strongly reduces ongoing light-induced SF firing, and hyperpolarization enhances SF firing (Fig. 7). 5. Amacrine cell light responses share many properties with SF surround inhibition, including wide receptive fields (Fig. 4), response waveform and time course, and tonic light responses which are proportional to the log of the light intensity (Fig. 5). 6. When sinusoidal current is injected into an amacrine cell (Fig. 9) the SFs exhibit a peak sensitivity to current at modulation frequencies of 2–4 Hz and a flat response above about 10 Hz. SFs exhibit a similar frequency sensitivity to the modulation of illumination in the inhibitory surround. 7. Several results imply that the amacrine cells provide feedback or recurrent inhibition to the excitatory visual pathway.
The program matrix: A conceptual framework for language programs

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual framework which is intended to help those involved in language teaching programs, especially teachers and administrators, to get the “big picture” of a given program. Programs are conceptualized using a matrix formed by the interaction of processes such as design, implementation and revision, elements such as curriculum and the groups of people involved in the program. Previous work on programs has concentrated on evaluation and on the curriculum; the model presented here places these in the broader context of the program as a whole. This paper synthesizes other work on different aspects of programs. It presents programs as integrated and contextualized, involving processes that are not necessarily linear and emphasizing the human elements in the programs. Particular importance is placed on the role of stakeholders in the program. Four groups of stakeholders are identified: learners, teachers, administrators and controlling authorities. The purpose of the framework presented is to raise awareness of programs, to encourage critical thinking on power structures in programs, to facilitate the description and comparison of programs, and to assist in the implementation of change in programs.
Interactions between estrogen and growth factor receptors in human breast cancers and the tumor-associated vasculature.

: Estrogens and growth factors stimulate the proliferation of human breast cancer cells by primary binding and activation of specific receptors that regulate downstream signaling events. Receptors for estrogen are phosphoproteins, and the biologic function of these proteins can be modulated by changes in their phosphorylation state. Signal transduction by growth factor receptors, including HER-2/neu and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, can alter the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor (ER) and the biologic activity of ER-dependent signaling networks both in the presence and in the absence of estrogenic ligands. In addition, both estrogen and growth factor signaling pathways regulate the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factors that stimulate tumor-associated angiogenesis. These molecular interactions significantly impact breast cancer cell growth and survival, and integration of selected signal transduction inhibitors with antiestrogen therapies show promise as a new antitumor treatment strategy that will soon be evaluated in the clinic. Sensitive and reliable assays of estrogen, HER-2/neu, and EGF receptors and tumor-associated angiogenesis will be important biologic factors to consider in the choice of optimal antitumor therapies for patients with breast cancer.
Automated and interactive analysis of eye fixation data in reading

A package of five FORTRAN programs that provides for fast user-controlled analyses of reading eye fixations is described. The package requires the data to be in a fixation format and to be rescaled to screen dimensions. OLDEYE identifies six types of fixations and calculates descriptive statistics on each of them, on their associated saccades, and on their average pupil diameter. CONVRT represents the text as a string of words that can be coded according to experimentally relevant variables. PLTFIX prints fixation durations by letter position and sequence of occurrence. MODDAT is an interactive program for marking parts of the text in which the data quality is below acceptable standards. It also allows the correction of systematic errors due to calibration or drift. MATCH combines the outputs from OLDEYE, CONVRT, and MODDAT and calculates 11 dependent measures for every word. The output of MATCH is suitable for input to conventional multivariate statistical programs.
Developing a Non-Human Primate Experimental Model for Studying Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This study investigated changes in median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) over several weeks of exposure to a voluntary, moderately forceful, repetitive pinching task performed for food rewards by a small sample of young adult female monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Sensory NCV, derived from peak latency, decreased significantly in the working hands of three of the four subjects. The overall decline in NCV was 25–31% from baseline. There was no decrease in NCV in the non-working hands. The results demonstrate a temporally unambiguous relationship between exposure to a moderately forceful, repetitive manual task and development of median mononeuropathy. This study contributes to the pattern of evidence of a causal relationship between manual work and significant median nerve impairment (carpal tunnel syndrome in humans). In the future, such a model could be used to assess dose-response relationships between physical risk factors and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Disinfection of animal manures, food safety and policy

Manure is a resource, but sometimes also a nuisance. Manure management strategies have traditionally focused on soil nutrients (N, P, K), COD, and more recently biological substances (antibiotics, hormones, etc.), with disinfection being a relative afterthought. Zoonotic pathogens (Salmonella and other bacteria, protozoa, etc.) may be present in manure, but only occasionally cause foodborne disease. In countries where food is relatively safe, requiring heroic manure disinfection measures may be a net detriment to public health. Decisions that a new, elegant disinfection technology can, should, or must be done may result from invoking the "precautionary principle." Additional capital and operating costs must be passed to the consumer. Since such measures are likely to prevent very few human illnesses, policymakers should also consider the effect of increased prices on human nutrition and hunger. In most situations, not eating is more dangerous than eating.
The impact of rapid sequence intubation on trauma patient mortality in attempted prehospital intubation.

Abstract Background: Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has been instituted in some prehospital settings to improve the success of endotracheal intubation (ETI); whether RSI improves outcomes is unclear. Objectives: We sought to determine if trauma patients intubated with RSI in the prehospital setting had better survival compared to those intubated without RSI. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis. We analyzed all injured adults (aged ≥ 15 years) meeting state trauma system criteria, having a prehospital ETI attempt, and transported from the scene (19 counties) to one of the two state Level 1 trauma centers from 2000–2005. To adjust for the non-random selection of patients for field RSI, we built a propensity score from 15 important confounders, including demographics, injury severity, blood transfusion, surgical procedures, comorbidities, alcohol use, transport mode, injury mechanism, and initial field physiologic values. A propensity-adjusted multivariable logistic regression model (outcome = in-hospital mortality), with a time-based variable for system-wide implementation of changes in airway management, was used to test the association between RSI-ETI and mortality. Results: There were 877 consecutive trauma patients who had prehospital ETI during this period and were included in the analysis. Of these, 496 (57%) had RSI-ETI. In univariate analyses, those with RSI-ETI had less severe injuries, better prehospital physiology (i.e., higher Glasgow Coma Scale score and blood pressure), fewer operations, fewer blood transfusions, and lower unadjusted mortality than those intubated without RSI. However, in the propensity-adjusted model, there was no statistical difference in mortality between the two groups (odds ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.52–1.06). Conclusions: Patients selected for RSI-ETI were less seriously injured, with better prognostic factors than intubated patients for whom RSI was not used. After adjusting for these differences, use of prehospital RSI-ETI was not associated with improved survival.
Constraining phases of quark matter with studies of r-mode damping in compact stars

With the goal of constraining the phase of matter at high density, we study r-mode damping in the color-flavor-locked phase with kaon condensation (CFL-K0) and contrast it with the CFL phase. The mode frequencies in these phases are found to differ very slightly. While the bulk viscosity in either phase is only effective at damping the r-mode at temperatures T > or approx. 10{sup 11} K, the shear viscosity in the CFL-K0 phase is the only effective damping agent all the way down to temperatures T > or approx. 10{sup 8} K characteristic of cooling neutron stars. However, it cannot keep the star from becoming unstable to gravitational wave emission for rotation frequencies {nu}{approx_equal}56-11 Hz at T{approx_equal}10{sup 8}-10{sup 9} K. Stars composed almost entirely of CFL or CFL-K0 matter are ruled out by observation of rapidly rotating neutron stars, indicating that dissipation at the quark-hadron interface or nuclear crust interface must play a key role in damping the instability.
Characterizing atherosclerotic plaque with computed tomography: a contrast-detail study

Plaque characterization may benefit from the increasing distinctiveness of the attenuating properties of different soft plaque components at lower energies. Due to the relative slight increase in the CT number of the nonadipose soft plaque at lower tube voltage settings vs. adipose plaque, a higher contrast between atheromous adipose and non-adipose plaque may become visible with modern 64 slice systems. A contrast-detail (C-D) phantom with varying plaque composition as the contrast generating method, was imaged on a commercial 64 slice MDCT system using 80, 120, and 140 kVp settings. The same phantom was also imaged on a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) system with a lower tube voltage of 75 kVp. The results of experiments from four different observers on three different plaque types (lipid, fiber, calcific) indicate that CT attenuation within lipid cores and fibrous masses vary not only with the percentage of lipid or fiber present, but also with the size of the cores. Furthermore, the C-D curve analysis for all three plaque types reveals that while the noise constraints prevent visible differentiation of soft plaque at current conventional 64 slice MDCT settings, CBCT exhibits superior visible contrast detectability than its conventional counterpart, with the latter having appreciably better resolution limits and beneficial lower tube voltages. This low voltage CT technique has the potential to be useful in composition based diagnosis of carotid vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.
Adverse effects of laxatives.

Laxatives are among the most commonly used drugs or additives. Most are quite safe when used judiciously, intermittently when possible, and in the absence of contraindications. Bulking agents and nonabsorbable compounds such as lactulose can cause bloating but have very few serious adverse effects except for the allergic reaction to psyllium preparations. Osmotic laxatives containing poorly absorbable ions such as magnesium or phosphate can cause metabolic disturbances, particularly in the presence of renal impairment. However, if taken intermittently, in the absence of conditions such as ileus or bowel obstruction, they have few adverse effects. Polyethylene glycol solutions are emerging as an effective and safe mode of treatment for chronic constipation. Of stimulant laxatives, senna compounds and bisacodyl are the most commonly used. Although there are data to support the neoplastic potential of this class of drugs inin vitro studies, epidemiologic data in humans so far has not established a clear link between these laxatives and colonic neoplasia. The link between stimulant laxatives and structural changes, such as the “cathartic colon” or enteric nerve damage, is not well established either. Danthron compounds should be avoided because of hepatotoxicity.
Effects of contaminants on genetic patterns in aquatic organisms: a review

There is increasing awareness of the need to evaluate the effects of contaminants at the population level. Genetic techniques offer a powerful approach to assess contaminant-induced changes in populations. Yet studies to date are relatively few and not always carefully designed to maximize the utility inherent in this approach. We present a summary of contemporary genetic assessment methods and a review of published studies of genetic effects in field-exposed aquatic organisms. We discuss evaluations of genetic patterns that use genetic adaptation, allozyme variation, and molecular genetic (DNA) variation. Direct tests of genetic adaptation are very effective in establishing a concrete, and potentially deleterious population-level effect of contaminant exposure, but they are difficult to accomplish with most field-exposed organisms. Allozyme surveys are relatively simple and common, and may provide data that are suggestive of contaminant effects. However, these are rarely conclusive, primarily because few allozyme loci are variable and these few loci represent extremely small portions of the genome. Molecular genetic techniques have the potential to be very effective. But, there is a tendency to emphasize the power of the techniques, rather than the underlying causes of the molecular genetic patterns observed. The strength of the conclusions of each study varies widely, partially derived from variation in the strength of the techniques. We caution that all these approaches are greatly improved by careful experimental design that includes adequate numbers of reference and contaminated sites and sample size. In addition, careful exposure assessment is required, including site and tissue chemistry, biomarker responses, and measures of potentially deleterious effects, such as DNA damage, or reduced reproductive output or survival.
Introduction: Shifting Perspectives on Development

Of the 5.3 billion people in the world, 4 billion live in the low and middle income economies. About 1.5 billion people still lack basic health care and more than 1 billion adults are illiterate. The gap between rich and poor countries in the world remains and in many cases has widened. An average person in Tanzania earns $140 compared to $37,930 in Switzerland. The debt and trade difficulties in Latin America and Africa have led to declining standards of living in the 1980s for much of the population in these areas, particularly women. In many countries, women are often the most vulnerable group. They face acute health problems, have much lower levels of literacy and lack access to basic resources as well as legal rights. Among women, only one out of two is literate in Asia and only one out of three in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Menthol pharmacology and its potential impact on cigarette smoking behavior

Menthol is the only tobacco additive promoted and advertised by the tobacco industry. Although a considerable body of research has examined the effects of menthol when it is administered alone and unburned, the effects of menthol when burned in cigarette smoke are more complex because it is administered in a matrix of more than 4,000 substances. Therefore, it is difficult to isolate potential pharmacological and toxic effects of menthol when it is administered in a smoke mixture. Menthol properties include cooling and local anesthesia, as well as effects on drug absorption and metabolism, bronchodilation and respiration changes, and electrophysiology. Subjective effects of smoothness and less harshness have been identified as reasons for menthol cigarette smoking, but findings have been inconclusive regarding the effect of menthol on carbon monoxide exposure and smoking topography parameters. Gaps in the research literature and future research areas include the following: (a) What is the role of menthol in tobacco reinforcement and addiction? (b) In the absence of nicotine, is menthol reinforcing? (c) Are the pharmacological and physiological effects of menthol mediated by a menthol-specific receptor or some other central nervous system-mediated action? (d) What are the influences of menthol and menthol metabolism on the metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens in tobacco smoke? and (e) Do differences exist in cigarette smoking topography in relation to the interaction of ethnicity, gender, and menthol cigarette preference? Answers to these questions will help to elucidate the function of menthol in cigarettes and its impact on smoking behavior.
CMS Preparations for New Physics Searches Involving Lepton Final States

In 2007, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will circulate and collide proton-proton beams at an expected center-of-mass energy of 14 TeV. The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) is one of four experiments at the LHC and has been designed with particular attention to selecting and reconstructing muons with high redundancy. This paper briefly describes the CMS Muon System and provides an overview of CMS preparations for new physics searches involving lepton final states during the early phases of running at the LHC.
Studies on the metabolism of troglitazone to reactive intermediates in vitro and in vivo. Evidence for novel biotransformation pathways involving quinone methide formation and thiazolidinedione ring scission.

Therapy with the oral antidiabetic agent troglitazone (Rezulin) has been associated with cases of severe hepatotoxicity and drug-induced liver failure, which led to the recent withdrawal of the product from the U.S. market. While the mechanism of this toxicity remains unknown, it is possible that chemically reactive metabolites of the drug play a causative role. In an effort to address this possibility, this study was undertaken to determine whether troglitazone undergoes metabolism in human liver microsomal preparations to electrophilic intermediates. Following incubation of troglitazone with human liver microsomes and with cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 isoforms in the presence of glutathione (GSH), a total of five GSH conjugates (M1-M5) were detected and identified tentatively by LC-MS/MS analysis. In two cases (M1 and M5), the structures of the adducts were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and/or by comparison with an authentic standard prepared by synthesis. The formation of GSH conjugates M1-M5 revealed the operation of two distinct metabolic activation pathways for troglitazone, one of which involves oxidation of the substituted chromane ring system to a reactive o-quinone methide derivative, while the second involves a novel oxidative cleavage of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) ring, potentially generating highly electrophilic alpha-ketoisocyanate and sulfenic acid intermediates. When troglitazone was administered orally to a rat, samples of bile were found to contain GSH conjugates which reflected the operation of these same metabolic pathways in vivo. The finding that metabolism of the TZD ring of troglitazone was catalyzed selectively by P450 3A enzymes is significant in light of the recent report that troglitazone is an inducer of this isoform in human hepatocytes. The implications of these results are discussed in the context of the potential for troglitazone to covalently modify hepatic proteins and to cause oxidative stress through redox cycling processes, either of which may play a role in drug-induced liver injury.
Ultrastructural modifications of nexuses (gap junctions) during early myocardial ischemia

Abstract Ultrastructural alterations in the nexuses or gap junctions of ischemic dog myocardium were investigated with transmission electron microscopy combined with the freeze-fracture technique. The anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for either 45 min, 2 h, or for 45 min with 5 min reperfusion. Nexuses remained physically intact in all ischemic myocardial cells studied even in cells where intercalated discs were separated. However, the distances between transverse densities of the nexuses were significantly reduced from 101 A in the normal non-ischemic to 51 A in the ischemic cells. Freeze-fractured replicas showed no overall changes in nexuses examined from myocardium ischemic for 45 min. Structural alterations were frequently observed in myocardium ischemic for 2 h but were also present in myocardium ischemic for 45 min which was then reperfused for 5 min. These alterations were comprised of patches free of P fracture face particles. Interparticle distance was significantly reduced from 184 A in the normal non-ischemic to 130 A in the ischemic myocardium. The nexal lesions may be involved in electrical or ionic uncoupling of the ischemic myocardial cells.
TREATMENT OF THE NECK IN MELANOMA

Because the focus of this chapter concerns the treatment of the neck in patients with melanoma, the following comment must be made: if a primary melanoma occurs in any one of the following sites (parietal/frontal scalp, temple, lateral forehead, lateral cheek, or ear), the first echelon of lymphatic drainage may be to the parotid nodal basin. Consequently, the neck must never be dissected without a concomitant superficial parotidectomy. This is true if there is no evidence of any nodes and the dissection is done electively or if there is an obvious clinically positive node in the neck and the patient has no evidence of any disease in the parotid. Having said that, the treatment of the neck in melanoma is getting more and more confusing every day. In order to provide some rationale, several observations will be useful and will comprise the major content of this article.
Monopole (pn) excitations and isobaric-spin splitting of single-particle and single-hole states☆

A difficulty in making direct measurements of the isobaric-spin splitting of single-particle and hole states in pickup and stripping studies is that the T/sub >/(T/sub target/ + 1/2/) component is unfavored with respect to the T/sub / component. In this case the state that is the isobaric analogue of the target state is strongly monopole excited. Estimates of T-splittings of single-hole states from pickup reactions are tabulated for Cr/sup 51/, Fe/sup 53/, Zn/sup 65/, Zn/sup 67/, and Zr/sup 89/. Estimates of T-s plittings are made for Sc/sup 49/, and a discussion is presented of conclusions that couid be drawn if there were detectable monopole (p,n) transitions to states other than the isobaricspin analogue of the target ground state. (H.D.R.)
Sensing sheets based on large area electronics for fatigue crack detection

Reliable early-stage damage detection requires continuous structural health monitoring (SHM) over large areas of structure, and with high spatial resolution of sensors. This paper presents the development stage of prototype strain sensing sheets based on Large Area Electronics (LAE), in which thin-film strain gauges and control circuits are integrated on the flexible electronics and deposited on a polyimide sheet that can cover large areas. These sensing sheets were applied for fatigue crack detection on small-scale steel plates. Two types of sensing-sheet interconnects were designed and manufactured, and dense arrays of strain gauge sensors were assembled onto the interconnects. In total, four (two for each design type) strain sensing sheets were created and tested, which were sensitive to strain at virtually every point over the whole sensing sheet area. The sensing sheets were bonded to small-scale steel plates, which had a notch on the boundary so that fatigue cracks could be generated under cyclic loading. The fatigue tests were carried out at the Carleton Laboratory of Columbia University, and the steel plates were attached through a fixture to the loading machine that applied cyclic fatigue load. Fatigue cracks then occurred and propagated across the steel plates, leading to the failure of these test samples. The strain sensor that was close to the notch successfully detected the initialization of fatigue crack and localized the damage on the plate. The strain sensor that was away from the crack successfully detected the propagation of fatigue crack based on the time history of measured strain. Overall, the results of the fatigue tests validated general principles of the strain sensing sheets for crack detection.
Adenine nucleotides in erythrocytes of horses, Equis cabalus☆

Abstract 1. 1. Concentrations of adenine nucleotides in erythrocytes from four different breeds of horses (Arabian, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Shetland Pony) were measured. 2. 2. No significant differences were detected among the various breeds. 3. 3. Erythrocytes from adult horses contained 14.7 ± 2.1 nmols ATP and 2.7 ± 0.6 nmols ADP/109 cells. AMP was usually not detectable ( 4. 4. Erythrocytes from foals contained half the concentration of these nucleotides. 5. 5. Effects of phosphate concentration on adenosine and deoxyadenosine metabolism were studied.
New Apparatus to Measure Reciprocating Friction Results of Experiments on Textile Yarn Given

An apparatus to measure reciprocating friction has been developed, with which the frictional behaviors of yarns on a cylinder observed.Furthermore, the effect of persistency on the measuring of friction, the relationship between frictional coefficient and the load or number of yarn, and the friction-lowering effect of waxing have been investigated with it.
Temperature-induced alterations in the metabolic activation of benzo[a]pyrene to DNA-binding metabolites in the Bluegill fry cell line BF-2

Abstract Many carcinogenic chemicals such as the environmental pollutant benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) require metabolic activation to reactive DNA-binding intermediates in order to induce cancer formation. To determine whether the temperature of incubation affects the proportion of B[ a ]P metabolized to DNA-binding metabolites as well as the amount of B[ a ]P metabolized, cultures of the Bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) fry cell line BF-2 maintained at 23°C and 35°C were exposed to [ 3 H]B[ a ]P. Exposure at 35°C resulted in an increase in the amount of B[ a ]P metabolized by 61% at 24 h compared with cultures incubated at 23°C. The amount of B[ a ]P-9,10-diol present in the medium was similar at both temperatures, but the amount of water-soluble metabolites was greater in the cultures maintained at 35°C. The amount of B[ a ]P bound to DNA in cultures exposed to B[ a ]P at 35°C was 97% greater at 24 h and 61% greater at 48 h than in cultures exposed at 23°C. The increase in the major B[ a ]P-deoxyribonucleoside adduct, (+)- anti -B[ a ]P-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (B[ a ]PDE; the isomer with the epoxide and benzylic hydroxyl on opposite faces of the molecule)-deoxyguanosine at 35°C, was 314% and 100% at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. There was no significant change in the amount of syn -B[ a ]PDE (the isomer with the epoxide and benzylic hydroxyl on the same face of the molecule)-deoxyguanosine. These results indicate that although the amount of B[ a ]P metabolized by BF-2 cell cultures is 60% greater at 35°C than at 23°C, the amount of B[ a ]P bound to DNA through the (+)- anti -B[ a ]PDE increased by more than 300%. Thus increased temperature can increase the proportion of B[ a ]P metabolized to an ultimate carcinogenic metabolite in BF-2 cells in culture.
Determination of the Absolute Rate Constant of Propagation for Ion Pairs in the Cationic Polymerization of p-Methylstyrene

The cationic polymerization of p-methylstyrene (p-MeSt) was studied in dichloromethane, chloroform, and methylcyclohexane/methyl chloride 60/40 (v/v) at different temperatures with various initiators in conjunction with different Lewis acids, TiCl4, BCl3, SnBr4, and SnCl4. Well-controlled living cationic polymerization was obtained in dichloromethane, in conjunction with SnCl4 as Lewis acid, and the living nature of the polymerization was verified by linear first-order ln([M]0/[M]) vs time and linear number-average molecular weight (Mn) vs conversion plots in the temperature range of −15 to −70 °C. The number-average molecular weight of the polymers increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion up to Mn ≈ 90 000 and agreed reasonably well with the calculated molecular weight, assuming that one polymer chain forms per molecule of initiator. The kinetics of p-MeSt polymerization suggests that the polymerization is first order with respect to SnCl4 concentration. Employing the model compound 1-chloro-...
The importance of the anomalous left gastric artery in the arteriography of gastric haemorrhage

The importance of the occasional anomalous origin of the left gastric artery (LGA) from the aorta in the arteriographic evaluation of gastrointestinal haemorrhage is illustrated by two cases. The incidence of the anomaly is between 2.5 and 5.4% and should be considered when the LGA is not opacified on a coeliac arteriogram.
Effect of the novel direct factor Xa inhibitor DX-9065a on thrombin generation and inhibition among patients with stable atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction Thrombin, a pluripotential effector enzyme with prothrombotic, proinflammatory, and mitogenic properties, plays a pivotal role in the pathobiology and clinical expression of atherothrombotic coronary artery disease. Existing anticoagulant drugs have not been shown to attenuate thrombin generation or activity consistently. We sought to investigate the effect of DX-9065a on thrombin generation and inhibition in patients with stable CAD. DX-9065a is a small-molecule, synthetic, direct inhibitor of factor Xa. Materials and methods Peripheral venous blood samples were collected serially during and after administration of either placebo or 1 of 4 weight-adjusted regimens of DX-9065a, in 73 patients with stable CAD participating in the XaNADU-1B study. Results and conclusions At baseline, the median (25th, 75th) prothrombin activation fragment 1.2 (F1.2) level was 2.56 (2.05, 3.20) nmol/L, and the median d -dimer level was 0.26 (0.19, 0.38) μg FEU/L. There were significant relationships between measured plasma DX-9065a concentrations and both F1.2 (4.9% decrease for each doubling of DX-9065a) (P d -dimer (5.5% decrease for each doubling of DX-9065a) (P = 0.001). F1.2 was suppressed (below baseline) at 96 h after administration of DX-9065a. Coronary thrombotic events did not occur during or after study drug administration. DX-9065a, the first in a class of small-molecule, direct, selective and reversible factor Xa inhibitors, reduces thrombin generation and fibrin formation among patients with stable CAD. The effect is concentration-dependent and persists for at least 96 h following drug cessation, without biochemical or clinical evidence of rebound.
Comparative pharmacophysiology of vernakalant, ranolazine, and d-sotalol in canine pulmonary vein sleeve preparations: new flavors or same old taste?

s Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions of people worldwide, and as longevity increases, the burden becomes greater. Triggers of AF often arise from the pulmonary veins (PVs), and there has been much emphasis on treating this arrhythmia by ablating these triggers. The use of antiarrhythmic drugs to suppress AF has been disappointing in that recurrence rates are high and side effects are common. Yet the search for newer antiarrhythmic agents continues. None so far have targeted the PVs in patients. The current arsenal of anti-AF agents includes amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide, and dronedarone, although some are given by infusion, others are more “pill-in-the-pocket,” and others used for sustaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion. For all approaches, overall long-term efficacy is still low. Vernakalant is an investigational drug in the United States but has been approved in Europe for the conversion of AF. It is a very complex compound that is capable of blocking many channels: IKur, Ito, IKr, IKACh, INa. 2 In clinical trials compared with placebo, vernakalant rapidly converts short-term AF (3–48 hours). Side effects include dysgeusia and hypotension. Ranolazine is an approved antianginal drug capable of blocking multiple channels—IKr, late INa, and peak and late ca—and shares many similarities with amiodarone. 7 In wedge reparations, ranolazine suppressed delayed afterdepolarizaions (DADs) and reduced transmural dispersion of repolarizaion induced by the IKr blocker d-sotalol. Using whole-cell atch-clamp techniques, in canine myocytes, ranolazine prouces a use-dependent block of atrial sodium channels, leading o the suppression of AF. Ranolazine also reduced dofetilideinduced torsades de pointes episodes. In the MERLIN trial, 6560 patients with acute coronary syndrome were randomized to ranolazine or placebo. There was a trend of fewer new onset of AF episodes with use of ranolazine. d-Sotalol is approved for maintenance of sinus rhythm in delaying time to AF recurrence. It is also indicated for