cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. XXXII. Unusual features of Ph1-positive acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), including a review of the literature

Five cases of Ph1-positive AML were studied. In all cases a Ph1-chromosome was shown with banding techniques to be due to a translocation between chromosomes No. 9 and No. 22. Cases 1 and 4 were found to have more than one Ph1 with evidence of only on Ph1-translocation accompanying other chromosome abnormalities. Two cases represented an unusual pattern of appearance and disappearance of the Ph1-positive clone during their clinical courses: Case No. 2 was originally Ph1-positive (46,XY,Ph1) but two months before his expiration the Ph1-positive clone was completely replaced by a newly developed Ph1-negative clone with an abnormal chromosome No. 21 (46,XY,21q+), whereas case No. 3, primarily Ph1-negative, developed a Ph1-positive clone among the previously karyotypically normal cells one month before death. The Ph1-positive AML cases presented have been discussed in relation to: 1) the genesis and significance of the Ph1-positive clone, 2) differentiation from the blastic phase of CML and 31 the general experience with Ph1-positive acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), the world literature of which have been tabulated.
Bond Fund Returns and Expenses: A Study of Bond Market Efficiency

This study examines the relationship between expenses and net return among bond funds with similar style - that is, duration and quality. It concludes that there is a strong, negative relation between funds9 expense ratios and net return. Most evidence implies that fund expenses, whether in the form of an annual expense ratio or a one-time sales load, are deadweight losses to the investor. The evidence suggests that the lowest-cost bond fund within a sample of similar-style funds will consistently produce top quartile net returns over five-year and longer horizons. Low costs do not produce a persistent net return advantage over shorter horizons, however.
Pulsed laser emission at 2.3μm in a thulium-doped fluorozirconate fibre

We report for the first time laser emission at 2.3μ from a thulium-doped fluorozirconate fibre pumped by a pulsed alexandrite laser at 0.786μm. Threshold occurs at 25μd incidenton the focusing lens. This wavelength is in the 2–3 n ultra-low loss region of fluorozirconate fibres. Furtherimprovement is expected to result in CW operation using diode laser pumping.
Real-time imaging of tunable adenosine 5-triphosphate release from an MCM-41-type mesoporous silica nanosphere-based delivery system

We studied a mesoporous silica nanosphere (MSN) material with tunable release capability for drug delivery applications. We employed luciferase chemiluminescence imaging to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) release with various disulfide-reducing agents as uncapping triggers. ATP molecules were encapsulated within the MSNs by immersing dry nanospheres in aqueous solutions of ATP followed by capping of the mesopores with chemically removable caps, such as cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles and poly(amido amine) dendrimers (PAMAM), via a disulfide linkage. By varying the chemical nature of the ''cap'' and ''trigger'' molecules in our MSN system, we discovered that the release profiles could indeed be regulated in a controllable fashion.
Variability of equatorial mesospheric echoes

Abstract Selected results from recent mesospheric campaigns with the 50-MHz Jicamarca radar in August 1998, December 1999 and January 2000 are reported. The data were acquired with 300 and 450 m range resolution and processed with 1 minute time resolution. The focus of this study is on signal-to-noise ratio and its variability on short and long time scales. System changes such as transmitter power were monitored using the signal level near the tropopause. We found that the daily mesopheric signal and its variability increase with solar activity monitored by the sunspot number. Several short-term enhancements of signal power could be linked to solar x-ray flares. Both observations agree with the basic assumption that high electron densities and strong density gradients enhance the illumination of mesospheric turbulence. Daily recurring and descending layers in August is evidence for strong tidal modulation of the dynamic processes that cause the echoes. The good range and time resolution allows to identify many complex structures within the echo layers, including braids and cat's eyes that may be evidence for dynamical instabilities in the mesosphere.
Machine learning for optimal blackjack counting strategies

Abstract Search for optimal counting strategies for blackjack, like many other tasks in artificial intelligence, can be transcribed into the task of finding a global minimum of a multi-modal discontinuous objective function on the basis of noisy measurements. Herein we relate an algorithm for such ‘stochastic minimization’ problems, and derive some general properties. The general framework is extended to be applicable to finding the ‘ten-count’ standing-number strategy for blackjack. Computational experiments explore this learning application. The feature here, as opposed to blackjack analyses by Thorp, Braum, and others, who rely on combinatorics in their constructions, is that our methodology requires minimal modelling or understanding of the problem structure. This is the first reasonably detailed account of a procedure for finding ten-count standing numbers. But it is general enough to be applicable to other blackjack problems and, in fact, to a wide variety of sequential decision tasks.
Elasto-Plastic Analysis of Corrugated-Core Sandwich Plates

In this paper, the elasto-plastic analysis of corrugated-core sandwich panels is developed. The developed study is based on the incremental theory of plasticity with the initial incremental plastic moments calculated by the iterative procedure. The yield criterion is proposed for the structurally orthotropic 2D sandwich plates. It combines Hill's criterion for naturally orthotropic material and Ilyushin's criterion for isotropic plates and shells. Applying the developed approach, a closed-to analytic solution is obtained for a rectangular corrugated-core sandwich plate. The numerical examples presented demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed technique.
A new gustometer for psychophysical taste testing in the rat

This paper provides a detailed description of a gustometer designed and constructed in our laboratory for psychophysical taste testing in rats. The gustometer features: a) 12 stimulus channels, b) the ability to deliver a specified volume of a taste stimulus per lick (e.g., 5 microliters), c) the accurate measurement of immediate licking responses, d) an automatic drinking spout cleaning mechanism for use between taste trials, and e) complete computer control and analysis. Complete plans and electronic schematics are included. In addition, results from contamination tests are presented verifying the reliability of the stimulus delivery system. The usefulness and versatility of this apparatus in a variety of behavioral tasks is discussed.
Polydispersion in the diameter of fibers in fibrin networks: consequences on the measurement of mass-length ratio by permeability and turbidity.

The diameters of the fibrin fibers in a clot are not uniform. Morphometric analysis of transmission electron micrographs show a bimodal distribution. The effect of polydispersity of fiber diameter on mass–length ratio calculated from the turbidity and permeability of a clot has been investigated with the aid of a two network model, the networks being called Major and Minor. The fibers in the Major network are many times thicker than those in the Minor network. In a model in which Major network fibers are 10 times thicker than fibers of the Minor network, the fibers in the Minor network make a negligible contribution to the turbidity of the clot. However, they may have a marked effect on its permeability. Experiments with clots made from human fibrinogen show that the Minor network is stabilized by α-polymer and γ-γ linkages and that without such linkages it is washed away during permeation. It remains relatively intact in crosslinked clots. In agreement with the theoretical model, when mass–length ratios calculated from the turbidity are compared with those calculated from the permeability, the latter were reduced in crosslinked clots with an intact Minor network.
Long term storage of some dry foods: a discussion of some of the principles involved

Summary Foods which have been dried to the point where microbiological growth is inhibited can still deteriorate through chemical, biochemical and physical changes. Keeping foods cool and dry is normally the best way of minimizing these changes but this is not universally the case. Some exceptions are discussed in relation to the scientific principles underlying storage practice with flour, fats, yeast, sugar and dried milk. The mechanisms involved in loss of baking quality of flour, β-carotene deterioration in fats, loss of gassing power in yeast, syrup formation in sugar and loss of solubility in dried milk are discussed.
Erratum: Theory of ferromagnetic resonance and static magnetization in ultrathin crystals

A theory of the static magnetization orientations ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ and of the ferromagnetic resonance fields ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{res}}$ in ultrathin (\ensuremath{\lesssim}50 \AA{}) monocrystalline films is presented. Both ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ and ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{res}}$ are shown to depend crucially on the magnetocrystalline surface anisotropy, and a generalization of this anisotropy is proposed. The equation of motion of the magnetization is combined with the general exchange boundary condition, and realistic approximations are introduced in order to obtain closed algebraic expressions for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ and ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{H}}}_{\mathrm{res}}$. The spatial dependence of the oscillations in the presently calculated resonance modes do not represent spin waves but nondissipative exponential decays perpendicular to the film surfaces. The film thicknesses $2L$ are so small that the films are "beyond spin-wave cutoff." It is shown that the angular dependence of ${H}_{\mathrm{res}}$ differs strongly from that predicted by the uniform mode theory and that ${H}_{\mathrm{res}}$ is a linear function of $\frac{1}{L}$ rather than independent of $L$. An extension of the theory to somewhat thicker films is also presented.
Populations of ants in a Missouri Woodland

Populations of ants were studied in a mixed oak-hickory woods in St. Charles County, Missouri. Forty plots of soil, each measuring a yard square, were dug during the fall, winter, and spring, and records were kept of the species of ants, number of colonies, types of nests and hibernating conditions.
Cranial Irradiation Leads to Acute and Persistent Neuroinflammation with Delayed Increases in T-Cell Infiltration and CD11c Expression in C57BL/6 Mouse Brain

Radiotherapy is commonly employed to treat cancers of the head and neck and is increasingly used to treat other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Exceeding the radiation tolerance of normal CNS tissues can result in sequelae contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. Animal studies and clinical experience suggest that neuroinflammation plays a role in the etiology of these effects; however, detailed characterization of this response has been lacking. Therefore, a dose–time investigation of the neuroinflammatory response after single-dose cranial irradiation was performed using C57BL/6 mice. Consistent with previous reports, cranial irradiation resulted in multiphasic inflammatory changes exemplified by increased transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines, along with glial and endothelial cell activation. Cranial irradiation also resulted in acute infiltration of neutrophils and a delayed increase in T cells, MHC II-positive cells, and CD11c-positive cells seen first at 1 month with doses ≥15 ...
Remembering Mel Henriksen and (some of) his theorems

Abstract The author selects theorems from three papers co-authored by Mel Henriksen, proves some of those, and offers some consequences and commentary. Also included are some comments, mathematical and social, on Mel Henriksen as a colleague, a co-author, and a forceful presence in the wider political and mathematical community.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone and pituitary development, hyperplasia and tumorigenesis

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is essential for expansion of the somatotrope lineage during pituitary development, and excessive GHRH secretion and/or action results in unregulated somatotrope proliferation and neoplastic transformation. Our understanding of the molecular and morphological bases for these effects from both animal and clinical studies has greatly increased during the past decade. However, many features of the cellular pathways remain to be defined, including the interaction of other genes in the multistep process of somatotrope tumorigenesis.
Accumulation of 3H-dopamine by synaptic vesicles from rat striatum in an impermeant medium.

The accumulation of3H-dopamine by synaptic vesicles from rat striatum was significantly stabilized in a membrane impermeant medium. The characteristics of dopamine accumulation by striatal vesicles were quite similar to those reported for dopamine accumulation by a whole brain vesicle preparation in the same medium, and were siginificantly different from the characteristics previously reported for vesicular accumulation of norepinephrine.
Measures we can take when we're driven to distraction by disturbing circumstances or troublesome people

The constructive employment of feelings (especially negative feelings)—termed neutralization—generated in us affords creative ways of dealing with upsetting events or people. The possible outcomes may benefit, not only ourselves, but also those who typically alienate other people. Ways of marshaling the power of feelings are described. The obvious benefits during psychotherapeutic sessions are available, also, in nontherapeutic encounters, and to nonprofessionals as well as to psychotherapists.
Functional allelic heterogeneity and pleiotropy of a repeat polymorphism in tyrosine hydroxylase: Prediction of catecholamines and response to stress in twins

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, has a common repeat polymorphism, (TCAT)n. We asked whether variation at TH influenced the autonomic stress responses in a human twin study design. Autonomic traits displayed substantial heritability (h2), up to h2=56.8±7.5% (p<0.0001) for norepinephrine secretion, and h2=61±6% (p<0.001) for heart rate. Common (TCAT)n alleles, particularly (TCAT)6 and (TCAT)10i, influenced such traits (including catecholamine secretion, as well as basal and post-stress heart rate) in allele copy number dose-dependent fashion, though in directionally opposite ways, indicating functional allelic heterogeneity. Multivariate ANOVA documented genetic pleiotropy: joint effects of the (TCAT)10i allele to influence both biochemical (norepinephrine) and physiological (heart rate) traits. (TCAT)6 allele frequencies were lower in normotensive twins at genetic risk of hypertension, consistent with an effect to protect against later development of hypertension, and suggesting that the traits predicted by these variants in still-normotensive subjects are early, heritable, “intermediate phenotypes” in the pathogenetic scheme for later development of sustained hypertension. We conclude that common allelic variation within the TH locus exerts a heritable effect on autonomic control of the circulation, and that such variation may have implications in later development of cardiovascular disease. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P6–P6; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.025
The effects of distraction during exposure to phobic stimuli

Theoretical conceptualizations regarding the role of attentional focus during exposure-based treatments for fear and anxiety suggest that distraction interferes with the mechanisms required for fear reduction, typically by preventing emotional and/or cognitive processing of the phobic stimulus and response. The present discussion reviews the current literature and demonstrates the paucity of empirical evidence supporting such notions. Seemingly conflicting findings are integrated upon close examination of the various qualitative dimensions of the distracters employed. These characteristics, which differed substantially across studies, include the nature of the attentional demand posed by the distracter (e.g. cognitive vs sensory demand) as well as the distracter's affective quality (e.g. neutral vs relaxing). The effects of differing dimensions of distraction on fear reduction, in addition to interaction with aspects of the exposure situation, are discussed. The need for further investigation of the qualitative dimensions of distraction, including their operational specification, is recognized. Finally, recommendations for future research are made.
Organische Reaktionen an Aluminiumoxid‐Oberflächen

Aluminiumoxid kann an adsorbierten organischen Molekulen vielfaltige und oft auch unerwartete chemische Reaktionen hervorrufen. Diese Reaktivitat last sich fur praparative Zwecke nutzen. So gelingen z. B. einige intramolekulare Reaktionen bereits beim Stehenlassen einer Losung des Substrats mit Aluminiumoxid bei Raumtemperatur. Besondere Vorteile bietet das Arbeiten mit Aluminiumoxid, das vor der Reaktion mit einem der Reaktionspartner belegt wird. Beispielsweise lassen sich Epoxide mit (adsorbierten) Nucleophilen umsetzen; der Epoxidring wird dabei regio- und stereospezifisch geoffnet. Mit 2-Propanol belegtes Aluminiumoxid ist als Reduktionsmittel in manchen Fallen den hochspezialisierten Bor- und Aluminiumhydriden uberlegen. - Die meisten dieser Reaktionen verlaufen unter ungewohnlich milden Bedingungen; viele sind hochselektiv. Vorteilhaft ist oft auch die heterogene Arbeitsweise.
Cholesterol-induced macrophage apoptosis requires ER stress pathways and engagement of the type A scavenger receptor

Macrophage death in advanced atherosclerosis promotes necrosis and plaque destabilization. A likely cause of macrophage death is accumulation of free cholesterol (FC) in the ER, leading to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)–induced apoptosis. Here we show that p38 MAPK signaling is necessary for CHOP induction and apoptosis. Additionally, two other signaling pathways must cooperate with p38-CHOP to effect apoptosis. One involves the type A scavenger receptor (SRA). As evidence, FC loading by non-SRA mechanisms activates p38 and CHOP, but not apoptosis unless the SRA is engaged. The other pathway involves c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)2, which is activated by cholesterol trafficking to the ER, but is independent of CHOP. Thus, FC-induced apoptosis requires cholesterol trafficking to the ER, which triggers p38-CHOP and JNK2, and engagement of the SRA. These findings have important implications for understanding how the UPR, MAPKs, and the SRA might conspire to cause macrophage death, lesional necrosis, and plaque destabilization in advanced atherosclerotic lesions.
CONSTANT CONVECTIVE HEATING RATE SURFACES FOR LIFTING RE-ENTRY VEHICLES

A constant emissivity surface of known area is considered. It is assumed that heat input to the surface is balanced by radiation to space. The minimum peak temperature possible on this surface occurs when the surface temperature is constant. It is shown that constant temperature is equivalent to constant local heating rate. Constant convective heating rate contours are determined by setting Lees' 1956 equation for laminar heating rate distribution equal to unity and solving for the surfaces that satisfy that condition. The resulting nose and leading edge geometries are presented for a ratio of specific heats of 1.2. Stagnation region heating rates and temperatures for constant convective heating rate surfaces and circular arc surfaces are compared at the same flight condition. Stagnation heating rates on the constant convective heating rate surfaces are approximately 70% of the values on circular arc surfaces fitting the same vehicle.
The Influence of Trabecular Microstructure on Mechanical Properties and the Pullout Strength of Suture Anchors

Suture anchors provide soft-tissue fixation, often tendons and ligaments, to bone. The most common type of surgery in which suture anchors are used is in rotator cuff repairs, where the anchor is implanted into the humerus to create a point of fixation for the supraspinatus.[1–2] Pullout strength, or the force necessary to pull the anchor from the bone, has been previously used as a metric to compare suture anchor performance. In investigating suture anchor performance, it has been suggested that pullout strength is positively correlated to bone mineral density (BMD).[2]Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Household sanitation in Kumasi, Ghana: A description of current practices, attitudes, and perceptions

Abstract Over 1200 households in Kumasi, Ghana were interviewed in 1989 about their current sanitation practices, perceptions of existing sanitation conditions, expenditures, and their knowledge of improved sanitation options. The results of the survey and related research revealed an appalling and, from a public health perspective, dangerous situation. Households were generating about 25,000 cubic meters of waste per month, but only about 10% of it was removed from the city. The remaining 90% was left in the urban environment. In aggregate, households were spending about US$75,000 per month to use the existing sanitation system (about 75% of which was spent for the use of public latrines). People in Kumasi were only spending about US$1.50 per capita annually for sanitation services, and, correspondingly, were getting very poor service. Households were quite open to the idea of simple, low-cost, on-site solutions to their sanitation problems.
Ligninolytic and Nonligninolytic Mineralization of Trinitrotoluene by Several White Rot Basidiomycetes

ABSTRACT The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is considered a toxic environmental pollutant that contaminates the soil and ground water. The white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium is well known for the degradation of TNT under ligninolytic condition. Very few, if any, studies have been done using other white rot fungi. In this study four fungal species, namely, P. chrysosporium, Kuehneromyces mutabilis, Hypholoma fasciculare, and Phlebia radiata, were used to investigate TNT degradation. All fungi were grown under ligninolytic (low-nitrogen) and nonligninolytic (high-nitrogen) conditions containing 25 parts per million (ppm) (0.11 mM) of TNT. Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed biotransformation of TNT under both conditions. Complete degradation occurred under ligninolytic conditions (peroxidase enzymes were present) by P. chrysosporium and P. radiata. A nitrite release assay at 6 days indicated the denitrifying abilities of all the tested varieties of white rot fun...
Cancer chemoprevention: principles and prospects

Cancer chemoprevention can be defined as prevention of cancer by the administration of one or more chemical entities, either as individual drugs or as naturally occurring constituents of the diet. For several reasons, chemoprevention has received growing consideration as a means of cancer control. In the USA, the 5 year survival rate of cancer patients is currently 51 % overall (1). Among those organ sites with exceptionally low 5 year survival rates are lung (13%), ovary (39%), stomach (16%), esophagus (9%) and pancreas (3%) (1). Clearly, the considerable advances that have occurred in earlier detection and treatment of cancer have done little to improve the prognosis for patients diagnosed with cancer at certain organ sites. Thus, the aggressive prevention of cancer should be a cornerstone of any cancer control policy. Primary cancer prevention requires removal of exposure of individuals to etiologic agents. However, numerous subpopulations at high risk for certain types of cancer may already have received considerable exposure to such agents, and many human cancers cannot be ascribed to specific etiologic agents. Thus, preventative strategies that do not require prior knowledge of specific etiologic factors have great appeal. Additionally, the cost of chemopreventative programs in a given population should be considerably less than the actual health care costs incurred by any fraction of that population that develops cancer. Hence, chemoprevention of cancer may become a major weapon in the anticancer arsenal.
Improving Power to Detect Changes in Blood miRNA Expression by Accounting for Sources of Variability in Experimental Designs

Background: Blood miRNAs are a new promising area of disease research, but variability in miRNA measurements may limit detection of true-positive findings. Here, we measured sources of miRNA variability and determine whether repeated measures can improve power to detect fold-change differences between comparison groups. Methods: Blood from healthy volunteers (N ¼ 12) was collected at three time points. The miRNAs were extracted by a method predetermined to give the highest miRNA yield. Nine different miRNAs were quantified using different qPCR assays and analyzed using mixed models to identify sources of variability. A larger number of miRNAs from a publicly available blood miRNA microarray dataset with repeated measures were used for a bootstrapping procedure to investigate effects of repeated measures on power to detect fold changes in miRNA expression for a theoretical case‐control study. Results:TechnicalvariabilityinqPCRreplicateswasidentifiedasasignificantsourceofvariability(P <0.05) for all nine miRNAs tested. Variability was larger in the TaqMan qPCR assays (SD ¼ 0.15‐0.61) versus the qScript qPCR assays (SD ¼ 0.08‐0.14). Inter- and intraindividual and extraction variability also contributed significantly for two miRNAs. The bootstrapping procedure demonstrated that repeated measures (20%‐50% of N) increased detection of a 2-fold change for approximately 10% to 45% more miRNAs. Conclusion:Statistical powertodetectsmallfoldchanges inblood miRNAscanbeimprovedbyaccounting forsourcesofvariabilityusingrepeatedmeasuresandchoosingappropriatemethodstominimizevariabilityin miRNA quantification. Impact:Thisstudydemonstratestheimportanceofincludingrepeatedmeasuresinexperimentaldesignsfor blood miRNA research. See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2658–66. � 2014 AACR.
The cardiovascular effect of induced controlled anoxemia; a preliminary ballistocardiographic study of normal subjects and a few patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular responses were studied by means of the ballistocardiograph and electrocardiograph in 16 normal subjects and 11 patients with suspected coronary artery disease before, during and after the induction of oximetrically controlled anoxemia. Progressive and significant increases occurred in cardiac output, pulse rate, left ventricular work, maximum cardiac force and pulse pressure during anoxemia in all of the normal subjects and in the 5 patients whose ballistocardiograms allowed the calculation of these variables. The increase in cardiac output resulted almost entirely from an acceleration of cardiac rate. In the normal subjects control ballistocardiograms were normal in form and remained normal throughout anoxemia. Of the patients, 1 with normal, 2 with borderline and 1 with abnormal ballistocardiograms became abnormal or more abnormal. Two of the patients had a positive electrocardiographic test for coronary insufficiency while the test was negative in all of the normal subjects. The linear relationship between left ventricular work and arterial oxygen saturation suggests that when cardiovascular function is tested by means of anoxemic stress the level of arterial desaturation should be controllable. This is made possible by the use of a variable oxygen-nitrogen mixture and an oximeter.
Withdrawal: Expanding a Key Addiction Construct

Withdrawal is an essential component of classical addiction theory; it is a vital manifestation of dependence and motivates relapse. However, the traditional conceptualization of withdrawal as a cohesive collection of symptoms that emerge during drug deprivation and decline with either the passage of time or reinstatement of drug use, may be inadequate to explain scientific findings or fit with modern theories of addiction. This article expands the current understanding of tobacco withdrawal by examining: (1) withdrawal variability; (2) underlying causes of withdrawal variability, including biological and person factors, environmental influences, and the influence of highly rou tinized behavioral patterns; (3) new withdrawal symptoms that allow for enhanced characterization of the withdrawal experience; and (4) withdrawal-related cognitive processes. These topics provide guidance regarding the optimal assessment of withdrawal and illustrate the potential impact modern withdrawal conceptualization and assessment could have on identifying treatment targets.
The instability of plastic flow of metals at very low temperatures

The low-temperature unstable plastic deformation of aluminium alloys is described. It is shown that discontinuities in the stress-strain curve are caused by a localized temperature rise produced during the deformation. The calculated magnitudes of the drops in load and the transition temperature between smooth and discontinuous flow agree reasonably well with the experimental observations. It is believed that all metals should exhibit unstable deformation at sufficiently low temperatures.
Electronic band structures and optical properties of type-II superlattice photodetectors with interfacial effect

The electronic band structures and optical properties of type-II superlattice (T2SL) photodetectors in the mid-infrared (IR) range are investigated. We formulate a rigorous band structure model using the 8-band k · p method to include the conduction and valence band mixing. After solving the 8 × 8 Hamiltonian and deriving explicitly the new momentum matrix elements in terms of envelope functions, optical transition rates are obtained through the Fermi’s golden rule under various doping and injection conditions. Optical measurements on T2SL photodetectors are compared with our model and show good agreement. Our modeling results of quantum structures connect directly to the device-level design and simulation. The predicted doping effect is readily applicable to the optimization of photodetectors. We further include interfacial (IF) layers to study the significance of their effect. Optical properties of T2SLs are expected to have a large tunable range by controlling the thickness and material composition of the IF layers. Our model provides an efficient tool for the designs of novel photodetectors.
Effect of therapy on T cell subpopulations in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract We have previously demonstrated functional and quantitative imbalances in two human thymic (T) cell subpopulations. Tγ and Tμ, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Serial evaluations of the numbers of Tγ and Tμ subsets in CLL were performed in order to delineate more completely the patterns of T cell abnormalities. Two groups of CLL patients were studied: (1) previously untreated (n = 3) and (II) stable CLL on chemotherapy (n = 12). In Group I, two of three patients had significantly increased percentages of Tγ cells (mean ± S.E.M. = 57 ± 5 vs 18 ± 2 for controls). There was defective in vitro appearance of Tμ cells in both groups. In Group II, repeated studies of T cell subsets revealed persistently elevated Tγ cells despite various modes of oral chemotherapy. In three CLL patients who required splenectomy a dramatic decrease in the percentages of Tγ, cells was noted post-splenectomy (51 ± 3 to 15 ± 3). In all cases the spleen was diffusely involved with CLL. These findings indicate: (1) abnormalities of T cell subsets are present early in CLL. (2) chemotherapy does not affect the levels of Tγ cells in stable patients and (3) removal of infiltrated CLL spleens results in a dramatic decrease in the proportion of Tγ cells. This latter finding plus the increase in Tγ cells in progressive disease post-splenectomy suggest Tγ cells may be an important determinant of the course of CLL.
How electoral systems matter for democratization

Electoral rules delimit the democratic game, but are also part of the game. In conjunction with political culture and skills they lead to an electoral system. This overview first addresses their effect in mature democracies, especially on the number of parliamentary parties and deviation from proportionality. The results are cautiously extended to early democratization. The main advice is to keep the electoral rules simple, so that world‐wide empirical and analytical experience can be used to obtain somewhat predictable outcomes. Once chosen, keep the same rules for at least three elections, so that an electoral system has time to develop. For scholars the main lesson of the newly democratizing countries is modesty in prediction.
Gell-mann-low Function and Callan-symanzik Function: Two Lepton (Electron - Muon) Case

Abstract The consistency of the Gell-Mann-Low equation is checked up to order α 2 using the Gell-Mann-Low function to order α 3 . The Callan-Symanzik function β e μ ( α ,ln( m μ 2 / m e 2 )) for the electron-muon case is obtained up to sixth order employing the results of De Rafael and Rosner for the electron Callan-Symanzik funtion β e (α). The corresponding electron-muon Gell-Mann-Low function ψ eμ is derived from β eμ and found to be consistent with the Gell-Mann-Low equation.
Cardiac conduction disturbance after loperamide abuse

Context. Prescription opioid abuse is a major public health concern and an ongoing epidemic in the United States. Loperamide is a widely available and inexpensive over-the-counter antidiarrheal wit...
The effects of temperature, salinity, concentration and PEGylated lipid on the spontaneous nanostructures of bicellar mixtures

Abstract The self-assembling morphologies of low-concentration (mostly 1 and 10 mg/mL) bicellar mixtures composed of zwitterionic dipalmitoyl (di-C16) phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dihexanoyl (di-C6) phosphatidylcholine (DHPC), and negatively charged dipalmitoyl (di-C16) phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) were investigated using small angle neutron scattering, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. A polyethylene glycol conjugated (PEGylated) lipid, distearoyl phosphoethanolamine-[methoxy (polyethyleneglycol)-2000] (PEG2000-DSPE), was incorporated in the system at 5 mol% of the total lipid composition. The effects of several parameters on the spontaneous structures were studied, including temperature, lipid concentration, salinity, and PEG2000-DSPE. In general, nanodiscs (bicelles) were observed at low temperatures (below the melting temperature, TM of DPPC) depending on the salinity of the solutions. Nanodisc-to-vesicle transition was found upon the elevation of temperature (above TM) in the cases of low lipid concentration in the absence of PEG2000-DSPE or high salinity. Both addition of PEG2000-DSPE and high lipid concentration stabilize the nanodiscs, preventing the formation of multilamellar vesicles, while high salinity promotes vesiculation and the formation of aggregation. This study suggests that the stability of such nanodiscs is presumably controlled by the electrostatic interactions, the steric effect induced by PEG2000-DSPE, and the amount of DHPC located at the disc rim.
Allylnickel(II) and Allylpalladium(II) Derivatives of [(2-(Diphenylphosphino)ethyl)cyclopentadienyl]tricarbonylmetalates: Reactions with Free Radicals

The emerging utility of the bridging (2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl)cyclopentadienyl (CpPPh) ligand to kinetically stabilize early-late metal−metal bonds to facilitate novel reactions in heterobimetal...
Prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and utilization of evidence-based treatment strategies among statin users in a Medicare and commercial health plan.

ABSTRACTBackground: Although statins are widely used for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in patients with dyslipidemia, the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities among statin users has not been well studied.Objective: To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, use of concomitant medications, interventions for managing the comorbidities, and hospitalization rates among statin users in Medicare and commercial health plan populations in the United States.Research design and methods: This retrospective study assessed pharmacy and medical claims of Medicare and commercial health plan members between 4/1/2005 and 3/31/2006. Patients with at least one claim for a statin were included in the analyses. Comorbidities and procedures were identified based on the presence of at least one diagnosis or procedure code.Results: Of the continuously eligible 238 900 Medicare and 3 258 266 commercial health plan members, 51 818 (21.7%) and 285 820 (8.8%) were statin users. Among th...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine activates nuclear factor-κB, increases intracellular calcium, and modulates gene transcription in rat heart cells

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illicit psychoactive drug that has gained immense popularity among teenagers and young adults. The cardiovascular toxicological consequences of abusing this compound have not been fully characterized. The present study utilized a transient transfection/dual luciferase genetic reporter assay, fluorescence confocal microscopy, and gene expression macroarray technology to determine nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, intracellular calcium balance, mitochondrial depolarization, and gene transcription profiles, respectively, in cultured rat striated cardiac myocytes (H9c2) exposed to MDMA. At concentrations of 1×10−3 M and 1×10−2 M, MDMA significantly enhanced NF-κB reporter activity compared with 0 M (medium only) control. This response was mitigated by cotransfection with IκB for 1×10−3 M but not 1×10−2 M MDMA. MDMA significantly increased intracellular calcium at concentrations of 1×10−3 M and 1×10−2 M and caused mitochondrial depolarization at 1×10−2 M. MDMA increased the transcription of genes that are considered to be biomarkers in cardiovascular disease and genes that respond to toxic indults. Selected gene activation was verified via temperature-gradient RT-PCR conducted with annealing temperatures ranging from 50°C to 65°C. Collectively, these results suggest that MDMA may be toxic to the heart through its ability to activate the myocardial NF-κB response, disrupt cytosolic calcium and mitochondrial homeostasis, and alter gene transcription.
Amplification of calcium-induced gene transcription by nitric oxide in neuronal cells

NITRIC oxide (NO) is a short-lived, highly reactive gas, which has been identified as a mediator in vasodilation, an active agent in macrophage cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity, and a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems1–5. Production of NO by neurons is critical for facilitated synaptic transmission in models of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression, suggesting a role for NO as a retrograde messenger that could complete a hypothetical feedback loop by strengthening the connection between postsynaptic and presynaptic cells6–10. We report here that although alone NO has no evident effect on transcription, it can act as an amplifier of calcium signals in neuronal cells. NO and Ca2+ action have to coincide in time for amplification to occur. Experiments with a series of simplified reporter genes in combination with specific recombinant protein kinase inhibitors suggest that induction of gene activity following NO-amplified calcium action involves protein kinase A-dependent activation of the transcription factor CREB.
The Optics of Human Skin

An integrated review of the transfer of optical radiation into human skin is presented, aimed at developing useful models for photomedicine. The component chromophores of epidermis and stratum corneum in general determine the attenuation of radiation in these layers, moreso than does optical scattering. Epidermal thickness and melanization are important factors for UV wavelengths less than 300 nm, whereas the attenuation of UVA (320-400 nm) and visible radiation is primarily via melanin. The selective penetration of all optical wavelengths into psoriatic skin can be maximized by application of clear lipophilic liquids, which decrease regular reflectance by a refractive-index matching mechanism. Sensitivity to wavelengths less than 320 nm can be enhanced by prolonged aqueous bathing, which extracts urocanic acid and other diffusible epidermal chromophores. Optical properties of the dermis are modelled using the Kubelka-Munk approach, and calculations of scattering and absorption coefficients are presented. This simple approach allows estimates of the penetration of radiation in vivo using noninvasive measurements of cutaneous spectral remittance (diffuse reflectance). Although the blood chromophores Hb, HbO2, and bilirubin determine dermal absorption of wavelengths longer than 320 nm, scattering by collagen fibers largely determines the depths to which these wavelengths penetrate the dermis, and profoundly modifies skin colors. An optical "window" exists between 600 and 1300 nm, which offers the possibility of treating large tissue volumes with certain long-wavelength photosensitizers. Moreover, whenever photosensitized action spectra extend across the near UV and/or visible spectrum, judicious choice of wavelengths allows some selection of the tissue layers directly affected.
Magnetic dipole moment of a spherical shell with TRM acquired in a field of internal origin

The acquisition of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) by a cooling spherical shell is studied for internal magnetizing dipole fields, using Runcorn's (1975) theorems on magnetostatics. If the shell cools progressively inward, inner regions acquire TRM in a net field composed of the dipole source term plus a uniform field due to the outer magnetized layers. In this case, the global dipole moment and external remanent field are nonzero when the whole shell has cooled below the Curie point and the source dipole has disappeared. The remanent field outside the shell is found to depend on the thickness, radii, and cooling rate of the shell, as well as the coefficient of TRM and the intensity of the magnetizing field. Some implications for the moon's remanent dipole moment are discussed.
The effects of CaCl2 on limestone sulfation in fluidized-bed coal combustion

Abstract In an investigation into the effects of CaCl 2 on the sulfation of limestones in a laboratory furnace simulating fluidized-bed coal combustion conditions, small additions of CaCl 2 ( 2 /O 2 flue gas at 850°C. At much higher concentrations of CaCl 2 , large amounts of a liquid phase are produced, containing a substantial quantity of dissolved CaO and leading to greatly enhanced sulfation when exposed to SO 2 /O 2 . The use of CaCl 2 additive in fluidized-bed combustion would reduce the quantity of limestones required to meet air pollution standards for SO 2 and also reduce the quantity of solid waste generated.
Can randomized controlled trials be done with suicidal youths

Designing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to identify the efficacy of treatments for suicidal youths is challenging and requires great care. The lack of a comprehensive treatment evidence base for suicidal youths is largely the result of the complexity of these youths and the many impediments to mounting a RCT for the commonly used treatments–medication and psychotherapy. Correctly choosing the hypothesis to be tested, the appropriate sampling frame, the intervention and control groups, and the outcome variables increases the likelihood that the study will be feasible, ethical and clinically meaningful. To meet these goals, the sampling frame needs to be broad, but not require overly complex assessment, treatment and rescue protocols; intervention and control groups must meet or beat the ‘standard of care’, and be acceptable to participants and clinicians. The outcome variables need to be measurable, sensitive to change and common enough to identify between group differences without large samples. Thi...
Clostridium septicum gas gangrene in a previously healthy 8-year-old female with survival

We present the only reported case of an immunocompetent pediatric patient in the literature to have fulminate gas gangrene of the lower extremity and concomitant gastrointestinal tract infection due to Clostridium septicum coinfected with Clostridium difficile colitis respectively. The patient survived with aggressive medical and surgical treatment.
Galaxy evolution in groups and clusters: satellite star formation histories and quenching time-scales in a hierarchical Universe

Author(s): Wetzel, AR; Tinker, JL; Conroy, C; van den Bosch, FC | Abstract: Satellite galaxies in groups and clusters aremore likely to have low star formation rates (SFRs) and lie on the 'red sequence' than central ('field') galaxies. Using galaxy group/cluster catalogues from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7, together with a high-resolution, cosmological N-body simulation to track satellite orbits, we examine the star formation histories and quenching time-scales of satellites of Mstar g 5 × 109 M⊙ at z ≈ 0. We first explore satellite infall histories: group preprocessing and ejected orbits are critical aspects of satellite evolution, and properly accounting for these, satellite infall typically occurred at z ~ 0.5, or ~5 Gyr ago. To obtain accurate initial conditions for the SFRs of satellites at their time of first infall, we construct an empirical parametrization for the evolution of central galaxy SFRs and quiescent fractions.With this, we constrain the importance and efficiency of satellite quenching as a function of satellite and host halo mass, finding that satellite quenching is the dominant process for building up all quiescent galaxies at Mstar l 1010M⊙. We then constrain satellite star formation histories, finding a 'delayed-then-rapid' quenching scenario: satellite SFRs evolve unaffected for 2-4 Gyr after infall, after which star formation quenches rapidly, with an e-folding time of l0.8Gyr. These quenching time-scales are shorter for more massive satellites but do not depend on host halo mass: the observed increase in the satellite quiescent fraction with halo mass arises simply because of satellites quenching in a lower mass group prior to infall (group preprocessing), which is responsible for up to half of quenched satellites in massive clusters. Because of the long time delay before quenching starts, satellites experience significant stellar mass growth after infall, nearly identical to central galaxies. This fact provides key physical insight into the subhalo abundance matching method. © 2013 The Authors Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society.