cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rate of elution of leachable components from composite

The uptake of solvent and the elution of molecules from a dental composite and an unfilled resin were monitored with time during soaking in either water or an ethanol/water mixture. The results showed that approximately 50% of the leachable species were eluted from the composite within three hours of soaking in water, while 75% of the leachable molecules were eluted into the ethanol/water mixture. Elution of nearly all of the leachable components was complete within a 24-hour period in either solvent. The study lends support to the view that dental composites do not provide a chronic source of unreacted monomer to the pulp or other oral tissues, due to a rapid and complete elution of the molecules.
SUBSTITUTION REACTION OF TETRACYANOETHYLENE WITH ACETONE-ANILS

The products from the condensation of acetone-anils (1) and TCNE reaction were characterized after separation. The main products, tricyanoethylene derivatives (7–9) were isolated with the malonodinitrile derivatives (10–12), respectively. The [2+2] cycloaddition product (13), namely 5-methoxy-3,4-(2′,2′,3′,3′-tetracyanocyclobutano)-l,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline also has been isolated. The distribution of these three products is substituent dependent.
Ensuring transmission through dynamic host environments: host-pathogen interactions in Plasmodium sexual development.

A renewed global commitment to malaria elimination lends urgency to understanding the biology of Plasmodium transmission stages. Recent progress toward uncovering the mechanisms underlying Plasmodium falciparum sexual differentiation and maturation reveals potential targets for transmission-blocking drugs and vaccines. The identification of parasite factors that alter sexual differentiation, including extracellular vesicles and a master transcriptional regulator, suggest that parasites make epigenetically controlled developmental decisions based on environmental cues. New insights into sexual development, especially host cell remodeling and sequestration in the bone marrow, highlight open questions regarding parasite homing to the tissue, transmigration across the vascular endothelium, and maturation in the parenchyma. Novel molecular and translational tools will provide further opportunities to define host–parasite interactions and design effective transmission-blocking therapeutics.
Genetic variation at immunoglobulin kappa locus is associated with hepatitis C–treatment–induced viral clearance in African Americans

Host genetic factors, especially genes of the immune system, are thought to contribute to the racial differences in response rates to therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether immunoglobulin gamma heavy chain marker (GM) and kappa light chain marker (KM) -were associated with sustained viral response (SVR) in patients treated with peginterferon-α-2a and ribavirin. DNA samples from 319 subjects with genotype-1 HCV infections were allotyped for alleles at four GM loci: GM3/GM17, GM23+/GM23-, GM5/GM21, GM6+/GM6- and the KM locus: KM1/KM3, using molecular methods. Noncarriage of KM1 allele, i.e., KM3 homozygosity, was associated with higher SVR in African Americans (odds ratio = 2.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-5.60). Consistent with this finding, the HCV RNA level in KM1 noncarriers was significantly (p = 0.013) lower than in carriers of this allele. Thus, the KM3 allele may be a marker for higher SVR in African Americans.
NOS2 Regulation of NF-κB by S-Nitrosylation of p65

Signal transduction in the NF-kappaB transcription factor pathway is inhibited by inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) activity, although the molecular mechanism(s) are incompletely understood. We have previously shown that nitric oxide (NO), derived from NOS2 consequent upon cytokine stimulation, attenuates NF-kappaB p50-p65 heterodimer DNA binding and have identified the p50 monomer as a locus for inhibitory S-nitrosylation. We now show that the binding partner of p50, NF-kappaB p65, is also targeted by NO following cytokine stimulation of respiratory epithelial cells and macrophages and identify a conserved cysteine within the Rel homology domain that is the site for S-nitrosylation. S-Nitrosylation of p65 inhibits NF-kappaB-dependent gene transcription, and nuclear levels of S-nitrosylated p65 correlate with decreased DNA binding of the p50-p65 heterodimer. NOS2 regulates cytokine-induced S-nitrosylation of p65, resulting in decreased NF-kappaB binding to the NOS2 promoter, thereby inhibiting further NOS2 expression. Collectively, these findings delineate a mechanism by which NOS2 modulates NF-kappaB activity and regulates gene expression in inflammation.
Polypyrrole as a chemo-chromic transducer for optical fiber chemical sensors

Chemical sensors play a very important role when it comes to information gathering about the environment we live in. Conducting polymers have been used as transducer elements in many sensor devices as they offer great design flexibility, ease of processing and excellent environmental stability. Conducting polymer polypyrrole has found applications in the area of chemical sensing, primarily because of the conductivity modulation that comes about in it due to interaction with gases. In this paper, conducting polymer thin films are applied to optical fibers as a chemo-chromic transducer to sense toxic gases like ammonia, dimethylmethylphosphonate (a chemical precursor to nerve gas sarin) and organic vapors like acetone. The developed sensor device is based on the modified cladding or coating approach. In the sensor design, a small section of the optical fiber cladding is replaced by the conducting polymer polypyrrole. The optical property changes that come about in polypyrrole due to the presence of the gas leads to a change in the transmission properties of the fiber and hence gas sensing via intensity modulation.
Aggregation model for the gelation of a sol starting from the processing conditions

A stochastic computational model for the gelation of a sol is explained and tested for the case of neutral silica aerogels. The computational model produces the final structure of the sol after gelation, using two of the several physical phenomena occurring during gelation of sols. Diffusion, represented by Brownian motion, is modeled by a random walk, and chemical reactions are incorporated through a stochastic aggregation model using a probability function; the latter determined in terms of the processing conditions based on the knowledge of the cluster formation energies. The two phenomena are coupled by a Monte Carlo simulation. The analysis of the connected structure and its functionality is demonstrated for neutral silica aerogels. It is shown how the gelation process can be controlled to obtain different structures for different application requirements. The only parameters required by the model are the density and the processing conditions. The results of the model show that those parameters strongly affect the structure of the generated samples. Therefore, processing conditions could be selected to produce aerogels with structures tailored to specific applications, which would constitute a major achievement in aerogel fabrication.
Occurrence and significance of electrocardiograms displaying large Q-waves in Lead III

Abstract Three hundred cases in which there were electrocardiograms with large Q-waves in Lead III, according to the criteria of Pardee, are presented. The majority of these records (268 or 89.3 per cent) were obtained in examination of patients who had one of the following conditions: hypertensive heart disease, the anginal syndrome, hypertensive heart disease accompanied by the anginal syndrome, or arteriosclerotic heart disease not accompanied by the anginal syndrome or hypertension. The remaining thirty-two patients (10.7 per cent) had miscellaneous conditions, but the majority of them had diseases that exert their influence chiefly on the left ventricle. Only three cases (1 per cent) in which the patients apparently had normal hearts were found. In 198 cases (66 per cent of 300) the large Q-wave in Lead III was the only significant electrocardiographic feature present, permitting the conclusion that this abnormality may be considered as an additional diagnostic sign. In the composite group of 977 normal persons studied by various observers there were only two cases (0.2 per cent) in which large Q-waves occurred in Lead III.
Synthesis of the C(18)-C(26) segment of superstolide A

Abstract A stereoselective synthesis of the C(20)–C(26) fragment of superstolide A is described.
Serotonin modulates worker responsiveness to trail pheromone in the ant Pheidole dentata

As social insect workers mature, outside-nest tasks associated with foraging and defense are typically performed at higher frequencies. Foraging in ants is often a pheromonally mediated collective action performed by mature workers; age-dependent differences in olfactory response thresholds may therefore proximately regulate task repertoire development. In the ant Pheidole dentata, foraging activity increases with chronological age in minor workers, and is chemically controlled. The onset of foraging in minor workers is accompanied by marked neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes, including synaptic remodeling in olfactory regions of the brain, proliferation of serotonergic neurons, and increased brain titers of monoamines, notably serotonin. We examined the linkage of serotonin and olfactory responsiveness by assaying trail-following performance in mature P. dentata minor workers with normal serotonin levels, or serotonin levels experimentally lowered by oral administration of the serotonin synthesis inhibitor α-methyltryptophan (AMTP). By assessing responsiveness to standardized pheromone trails, we demonstrate that trail-following behaviors are significantly reduced in serotonin-depleted workers. AMTP-treated individuals were less likely to initiate trail following, and oriented along pheromone trails for significantly shorter distances than untreated, similar-age workers. These results demonstrate for the first time that serotonin modulates olfactory processes and/or motor functions associated with cooperative foraging in ants.
A validation of two-dimensional in vivo regional strain computed from displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE), in reference to tagged magnetic resonance imaging and studies in repeatability.

Fast cine displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) has comparative advantages over tagged MRI (TMRI) including higher spatial resolution and faster post-processing. This study computed regional radial and circumferential myocardial strains with DENSE displacements and validated it in reference to TMRI, according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for standardized segmentation of regions in the left ventricle (LV). This study was therefore novel in examining agreement between the modalities in 16 AHA recommended LV segments. DENSE displacements were obtained with spatiotemporal phase unwrapping and TMRI displacements obtained with a conventional tag-finding algorithm. A validation study with a rotating phantom established similar shear strain between modalities prior to in vivo studies. A novel meshfree nearest node finite element method (NNFEM) was used for rapid computation of Lagrange strain in both phantom and in vivo studies in both modalities. Also novel was conducting in vivo repeatability studies for observing recurring strain patterns in DENSE and increase confidence in it. Comprehensive regional strain agreements via Bland–Altman analysis between the modalities were obtained. Results from the phantom study showed similar radial-circumferential shear strains from the two modalities. Mean differences in regional in vivo circumferential strains were −0.01 ± 0.09 (95% limits of agreement) from comparing the modalities and −0.01 ± 0.07 from repeatability studies. Differences and means from comparison and repeatability studies were uncorrelated (p > 0.05) indicating no increases in differences with increased strain magnitudes. Bland–Altman analysis and similarities in regional strain distribution within the myocardium showed good agreements between DENSE and TMRI and show their interchangeability. NNFEM was also established as a common framework for computing strain in both modalities.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibiting Activity of a Series of (±)-4-Methoxy-β-hydroxyphenethylamines

The synthesis and selected pharmacological testing of (±)-4-methoxy-β-hydroxyphenethylamine [1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol] and its N-methylated derivatives are presented. Members of this series were found to exert partial prevention of reserpine-induced hypothermia in mice and to inhibit monoamine oxidase in Warburg studies. Activity was essentially dose dependent. The secondary amine was the most active member of the series. The tertiary amine was least active, and the primary amine exhibited intermediate activity.
Effect of high-dose endotoxin on glucose production and utilization.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine how a high dose of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), which produces hypoglycemia, alters in vivo glucose uptake by individual tissues. Catheterized conscious fasted rats were injected intravenously (IV) with either saline, LPS ( 1 mg 100 g body weight [BW] , lethal dose [LD] 100), or 3-mercaptopicolinic acid (3-MP), an inhibitor of gluconeogenesis. In the latter two groups, blood glucose levels were clamped at either 6 mmol/L (euglycemia) or 3 mmol/L (hypoglycemia). In the first series of experiments, whole-body glucose flux was determined using [3-3H]glucose, and in the second study in vivo glucose uptake (Rg) by individual tissues was estimated by the tracer [U-14C]-2-deoxyglucose technique. The relative contribution of hypoglycemia per se to the LPS effect was determined by comparing the values from LPS- versus 3-MP-treated animals. There was no difference in the rate of whole-body glucose utilization (Rd) between saline-infused control rats and LPS-treated animals that were hypoglycemic. However, Rg by diaphragm, spleen, liver, and lung was increased in hypoglycemic LPS-treated rats. The increased Rg in these tissues was not observed in 3-MP-treated rats with a comparable hypoglycemia. Only the gastrocnemius muscle showed a reduction in Rg under hypoglycemic conditions, and the decrease was similar in both LPS- and 3-MP-treated animals. When sufficient glucose was infused into LPS-injected rats to maintain euglycemia, whole-body glucose Rd was increased compared with that in hypoglycemic LPS-treated rats. This increase resulted from a normalization of Rg by skeletal muscle as well as an enhanced Rg by diaphragm, spleen, ileum, skin, kidney, and fat. These data indicate that the hypoglycemia produced by high-dose LPS resulted from both an impairment in glucose production and a relative stimulation of glucose disposal by selective tissues. The enhanced Rg by diaphragm, spleen, liver, and lung in LPS-treated rats is masked by the reduction in Rg by skeletal muscle. Although the decreased Rg by gastrocnemius muscle appeared to result from a decrease in blood glucose and/or insulin levels, the enhanced uptake of glucose by other tissues after LPS must have occurred predominantly via a non-insulin-mediated mechanism.
Mixed convective flow penetration in vertical channels

Abstract The primary purpose of the study is to investigate the factors relevant to the decay heat removal system in pool-type liquid metal reactors which are designed to remove decay heat in a passive way utilizing natural circulation. The reactor geometry is simulated by a vertical rod bundle channel connected to an upper plenum. Penetration of cold fluid from the upper plenum into the rod bundle channel is investigated experimentally and analytically with water as a working fluid. Three correlations to predict the onset of penetration, the penetration depth, and the ratio of penetrating to forced flowrate were developed. The correlations were found to agree well with experimental results for the range of Reynolds number in which experimental data were obtained.
Hamiltonian BRST quantization of the interacting antisymmetric tensor field

Abstract We study the hamiltonian BRST quantization of the non-abelian antisymmetric tensor field. We find the constrained system which arises from the standard action by Dirac's procedure, and eliminate the second-class constraints by introducing Dirac brackets. Having isolated the underlying first-class constrained system, we quantize it using the hamiltonian BRST techniques of Batalin and Fradkin. We study the Lorentz covariant gauge fixing of this system, and discuss the relationship between our results and other recent studies of the interacting antisymmetric tensor field.
Absence of keratins 8 and 18 in rodent epithelial cell lines associates with keratin gene mutation and DNA methylation: Cell line selective effects on cell invasion

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinoma is associated with dramatic up-regulation of vimentin and down-regulation of the simple-type keratins 8 and 18 (K8/K18), but the mechanisms of these changes are poorly understood. We demonstrate that two commonly-studied murine (CT26) and rat (IEC-6) intestinal cell lines have negligible K8/K18 but high vimentin protein expression. Proteasome inhibition led to a limited increase in K18 but not K8 stabilization, thereby indicating that K8/K18 absence is not due, in large part, to increased protein turnover. CT26 and IEC-6 cells had <10% of normal K8/K18 mRNA and exhibited decreased mRNA stability, with K8 mRNA levels being higher in IEC-6 versus CT26 and K18 being higher in CT26 versus IEC-6 cells. Keratin gene sequencing showed that KRT8 in CT26 cells had a 21-nucleotide deletion while K18 in IEC-6 cells had a 9-amino acid in-frame insertion. Furthermore, the KRT8 promoter in CT26 and the KRT18 promoter in IEC-6 are hypermethylated. Inhibition of DNA methylation using 5-azacytidine increased K8 or K18 in some but all the tested rodent epithelial cell lines. Restoring K8 and K18 by lentiviral transduction reduced CT26 but not IEC-6 cell matrigel invasion. K8/K18 re-introduction also decreased E-cadherin expression in IEC-6 but not CT26 cells, suggesting that the effect of keratin expression on epithelial to mesenchymal transition is cell-line dependent. Therefore, some commonly utilized rodent epithelial cell lines, unexpectedly, manifest barely detectable keratin expression but have high levels of vimentin. In the CT26 and IEC-6 intestinal cell lines, keratin expression correlates with keratin gene insertion or deletion and with promoter methylation, which likely suppress keratin transcription and mRNA or protein stability.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a): a call for psycho-social research

This paper summarizes what is known about the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-care of people with the inherited disorder multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a). Several databases were searched throughout the year 2000, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, CancerLit, PsychINFO, and Dissertation Abstracts International. MEN2a is a complex disease involving cancer care and control by surgery, health maintenance, and life-long observation of gene mutation carriers. Genetic testing is the standard of care, prophylactic surgery is recommended during directive counseling, and life-long surveillance is encouraged for people with MEN2a. A substantial body of scientific literature describes morbidity and mortality outcomes of disease treatment, and the monitoring of multiple organ systems. Research is scant concerning the psychological consequences and social impact of the MEN2a diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Nearly all that is known from a psycho-social perspective comes from data in The Netherlands. Little is known of the psychological responses to and social consequences of genetic predisposition testing, prophylactic and curative surgery, and life-long surveillance. Psycho-social research is essential to provide comprehensive care for patients and family members with this disorder and it is necessary to guide the development of risk management strategies for patients with this inherited cancer syndrome. Since MEN2a has been labeled a prototype for medical genetics, information on MEN2a patient experiences may be relevant to the care of individuals with other inherited cancer syndromes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ferroelectric/relaxor crossover in compositionally disordered perovskites

A significant result from research on the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the dielectric properties of compositionally disordered ABO3 perovskites has been the discovery of a pressure-induced ferroelectric(FE)-to-relaxor (R) crossover making the R state, the ground state, of these materials at reduced volume. This crossover appears to be a general phenomenon that we have studied in a variety of different systems. Here we discuss results on PMN, PSN, PZN-9.5PT and PLZT 6/65/35 to illustrate various aspects of the phenomenon on different materials. We also discuss the interplay between the effects of pressure and dc biasing field on the dielectric response and phase behavior. While pressure favors the R state, biasing fields favor the FE state. The combined results provide new insights into the physics and can be explained in terms of changes in the correlation length for dipolar interaction among the polar nano-regions (PNRs) that exist in these disordered materials.
An Updated Review of Sepsis for the Anesthesiologist

Severe sepsis and septic shock continue to be among of the leading causes of death in intensive care unit patients, carrying an estimated mortality rate between 30% and 50%. This article provides an evidence-based focused review of sepsis, including an update on management strategies based on the most recent guidelines published by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign.
Biased Reduced Sampling: Detectability of an Attribute and Estimation of Prevalence

In surveilling a population, detection of systems with an attribute of interest and estimation of the prevalence of the attribute in the population are two main goals. Due to cost constraints, only a subset of all components of sampled systems may be fully tested. Biasing the sampling to increase the probability of choosing a component with an attribute of interest ameliorates the impact of reduced sampling. In this paper, we consider the impact of biased reduced sampling on detection and propose an approach for estimating the prevalence of the attribute in the population which properly accounts for the biasing. The proposed method is illustrated with a simulated example. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulation potential of a trypanocidal drug homidium bromide in bovine carrier erythrocytes.

Bovine red blood cells (RBC) were made to entrap homidium bromide, a trypanocidal drug. Hypotonic dialysis resulted in 0.3 mg drug encapsulated per milliliter of RBC. Homidium bromide had no untoward effects on the encapsulation of a marker14C-sucrose. However, RBC containing homidium bromide had a mean cell volume (MCV) larger than that of sham-loaded cells. EDTA did not reverse the effects of the drug on the MCV. The in vitro drug efflux rate was 0.097 mg/h. The effects of drug on the 24-h circulating survival was determined, and 24-h cell survival was reduced from 80% to 50%.
Supernumerary Nipples and Renal Malformations: A Family Study

We describe a family with supernumerary nipples and kidney and urinary tract malformations. The proband is a 59-year-old man with a supernumerary nipple and recently identified hypoplastic kidney, bladder diverticulum, and hypotonic bladder. His mother also has a supernumerary nipple and a recently identified hypoplastic kidney. Of his three children, all male, one has a supernumerary nipple but has not been evaluated for a kidney or urinary tract malformation. This familial disorder is discussed.
From a pragmatic marker to a direct object marker: The Japanese particle o in written discourse

Several researchers have reported the increased use of o and semantic/pragmatic or syntactic motivations for direct object marking based on texts from between the 8th and 11th centuries. However, very few studies documented direct object marking after that period on until Modern Japanese, and the claims regarding semantic/pragmatic or syntactic motivations were not substantiated. By quantitatively examining an 11th century text and two later translations of it, this study documents evidence that o-marking was pragmatically motivated in the 11th century. However, as o-marking gradually increased over the years to be fully grammaticized as a direct object marker by the 20th century, its correlation with the pragmatic factors weakened.
Limnological assessment of Verkhne Viiskii Reservoir, Russian Federation.

Verkhne Viiskii Reservoir (surface area = 6.0 km 2 ; volume = 36.0 hm 3 ), one of two water supply reservoirs for the City of Nizhnii Tagil, is located in a forested watershed (drainage area = 272 km 2 ) in the Ural Mountainregion of the Russian Federation. This study, conducted in August 1999, provides a benchmark limnological assessment against which to gauge future change. While currently meeting local water quality requirements for drinking water sources, the reservoir exhibits moderately eutrophic characteristics, including elevated epilimnetic nutrient (total P = 0.048-0.115 mg L 1 ; total N = 0.421-0.508 mg L - 1 ) and chlorophyll (4-8.4 μg L - 1 ) concentrations, and a high rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion (4.07 g m - 3 mo - 1 ).
A Threat-Emotion Profile Approach to Explaining Active Versus Passive Harm in Intergroup Relations

Research on the sociofunctional threat approach illustrates that people have distinct emotional reactions to different forms of threat from outgroups, such that there are distinct threat-emotion profiles. Drawing on emotion-appraisal theory, the present research investigated whether three threat-emotion profiles (obstacle-anger, contamination-disgust, and safety-fear) would be differentially related to active versus passive harm. In two studies, participants were randomly assigned to evaluate different outgroups and completed threat, emotion, and harm measures. Whereas the obstacle-anger profile was more likely to be associated with active, but not passive, harm, contamination-disgust, and safety-fear were more likely to be associated with passive harm. Implications for prejudice and prejudice-reduction are discussed.
Ab Initio Model Study of the Mechanism of Chlorine Nitrate Hydrolysis on Ice

The hydrolysis of chlorine nitrate ClONO2 + H2O → HOCl + HNO3 on a type-II polar stratospheric cloud ice aerosol is modeled via the ClONO2·(H2O)3 reaction system at the HF/6-31+G** level of theory with microsolvation by three additional STO-3G waters, and with electron correlation accounted for at the MP2 level. The calculations suggest a fast reaction, consistent with experimental observations, and portray a transition state that involves a nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on chlorine concerted with proton transfer from the attacking water to the ice lattice. The results also give insight on the observed slow desorption of the produced HOCl and indicate a source of rate suppression on sulfate and nitrate containing type-I polar stratospheric cloud ice aerosols.
Mechanism study of the ENSO and southern high latitude climate teleconnections

[1] Evidence of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections in the southern high latitude climate has been identified, although the mechanisms that might lead to such far-reaching teleconnections remain unresolved. Here we propose one such mechanism-the regional mean meridional atmospheric circulation (the regional Ferrel Cell)-responsible for the covariability of the ENSO and Antarctic Dipole (ADP; a predominant interannually-varying signal in the southern high latitudes). It is found that the altered storm tracks associated with the ENSO variability influence the regional Ferrel Cell indirectly by changing the meridional eddy heat flux divergence and convergence, and shifting the latent heat release zone. The changes of the regional Ferrel Cell then influence the southern high latitude climate by modulating the mean meridional heat flux.
Inflation and money growth under the international gold standard, 1850–1913

Abstract This paper studies the interaction of the money supplies and price levels of twelve European countries over the period 1850 to 1913. Employing both correlation and cointegration tests, we show that the gold standard appears to have been associated with diminishing inflation rates and increasing integration of price levels across countries during this period. Curiously, the rates of growth of money supplies of those countries for which data exist do not show the same pattern: correlations are low and there is little cointegration. We attribute this result to attempts by the various countries to circumvent the system and to differences in the demand for money across these countries; in so doing, we use the framework of the monetary approach to the balance of payments.
Meta-analysis of data from the six primary prevention trials of cardiovascular events using aspirin.

Until recently, 5 major studies have formed the basis for the use of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events. Despite these data, the role of aspirin in primary prevention has not been established firmly. Six randomized trials have evaluated the benefits of aspirin for the primary prevention of CV events: the British Doctors' Trial, the Physicians' Health Study, the Thrombosis Prevention Trial, the Hypertension Optimal Treatment study, the Primary Prevention Project, and the Women's Health Study. The combined sample consists of 47,293 subjects on aspirin and 45,580 not on aspirin or placebo. A meta-analysis of these 6 trials assessed 6 CV end points: total coronary heart disease (CHD), nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), total CV events, stroke, CV mortality, and all-cause mortality. No covariate adjustment was performed and appropriate tests for treatment effect, heterogeneity, and study size bias were applied. Using odds ratios and confidence intervals, the meta-analysis suggested superiority of aspirin for total CHD, nonfatal MI, and total CV events (p ≤0.001 in each case), with a nonsignificant trend (0.07 0.05). Given the study size and cohort, aspirin decreased the risk of CV events in this large patient sample. In conclusion, primary prevention with aspirin decreased the risk of total CHD, nonfatal MI, and total CV events, but there were no significant differences in the incidences of stroke or CV mortality.
Metaphor graphics to support integrated decision making with respiratory data

Support for data integration in the intensive care unit (ICU) often includes efforts to improve the display of data. An electronic version of a flowsheet (table of numbers) with optimal line graphs is by far the most common format in current ICU computer workstation technology, yet there is little evidence that this format provides particularly good support for human integration of data. The present work introduces a new form of graphic representation, one that is far more metaphoric, far more tailored to the intensive care unit than a line graph. This graphic system, called volume rectangles represents mechanical ventilator data in such a way that is easy to keep different types of variables conceptually separated, yet easy to see how they relate in a truly integrated way. Volume rectangles are one example of a general approach to display of data called the metaphor graphic approach, which is being evaluated in this and other contexts. Metaphor graphics are custom tailored visual displays designed to look like the real world situation from which the data is collected but not in a literal sense of 'look like'. Anecdotal observation suggests that such graphics are easy to learn, are remembered over long period, and are good decision support tools when the task is finding patterns in a mass of data.
Loading Rho to terminate transcription.

In bacteria, one of the major transcriptional termination mechanisms requires a hexameric RNA/DNA helicase known as Rho. One question that has remained unanswered is how the helicase loads onto a nascent transcript so that it can initiate actions on the transcript to cause termination. Recent structures of Rho bound to nucleic acid by Skordalakes and Berger (2003) show how the individual RNA-binding domains of the 6 subunits are organized and that the ring is split open. The opening is wide enough to accommodate single-stranded RNA and suggests that this conformation is poised to load onto mRNA.
Making the Invisible Visible in Science Museums Through Augmented Reality Devices

Despite the potential of augmented reality (AR) in enabling students to construct new understanding, little is known about how the processes and interactions with the multimedia lead to increased learning. This study seeks to explore the affordances of an AR tool on learning that is focused on the science concept of magnets and magnetic fields. Seventy students in grades 5 through 7 participated in the study in a non- AR or AR condition. Findings showed that students in the AR condition interacted with the magnets significantly longer and demonstrated higher amounts of teamwork. In interviews, students identified five affordances of the AR on learning that are closely related to the literature on dynamic visualizations, such as the ability to visualize invisible phenomenon and scaffolds that focus attention on relevant information.
Transition States of Epoxidations: Diradical Character, Spiro Geometries, Transition State Flexibility, and the Origins of Stereoselectivity

The transition structures for the epoxidations of ethylene by performic acid, dioxirane, oxaziridine, and peroxynitrous acid have been located with density functional theory methods using the Becke3LYP functional and 6-31G* basis set. All of the epoxidations have spiro transition states; those with performic acid and dioxirane are early and involve synchronous oxygen transfer, while those with oxaziridine and peroxynitrous acid are later with asynchronous oxygen transfer. The results from Becke3LYP/6-31G* theory are compared with MP2/6-31G* literature values. Substitution on ethylene by methoxy, methyl, vinyl, and cyano groups changes the transition state geometries toward asynchronous spiro structures. The activation energies are lowered by all substituents except the cyano group in reactions of performic acid and dioxirane. Experimental stereoselectivities are rationalized by using transition structure models based upon these transition structures.
On the Hellmann-Feynman theorem and the variation of zeros of certain special functions

We present a precise formulation and a rigorous proof of the Hellmann-Feyrunan theorem of quantum chemistry. We mention some applications of this theorem to studying monotonicity properties of zeros of special functions and orthogonal polynomials.
Community absestos exposure in Globe, Arizona

emission, two of the mills were ordered to close by the Pinal-Gila Air Pollution Control District in 1973. Before closing, however, the owner of one of the mill sites was successful in obtaining a rezoning of the property into a residential subdivision. Asbestos mill tailings were used as the primary landfill material before partial covering with topsoil. Before being shut down, this mill continued operations for several weeks as residents moved into the subdivision. The mill buildings, housing asbestos-laden equipment, remained standing in the midst of the mobile homes. The third mill, with its large pile of asbestos mill tailings, continues to operate a few hundred yards upwind from the mobile homes.
Exploring consumers' perceptions of eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to advance understanding of the socially responsible apparel consumer by exploring apparel consumption behaviors perceived by consumers to be eco‐conscious.Design/methodology/approach – This study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data from 26 American apparel consumers. Data collection for the study occurred through semi‐structured interviews.Findings – Results indicate that the participants engaged in a number of perceived eco‐conscious apparel acquisition behaviors. First, they adhered to acquisition limits by acquiring apparel based on need and extending the lifetime of their apparel. Second, they acquired apparel made from fibers or having other attributes perceived as environmentally preferable. Finally, they acquired apparel through sources believed to be environmentally preferable, including second‐hand sources, eco‐conscious companies, independently owned companies, and home sewing.Research limitations/implications – The sample of 26 Amer...
Structural and Functional Aspects of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Abstract The molecular structure of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AcChR) from different peripheral tissues and from different brain areas has been studied. AcChRs from Torpedo and Electrophorus electric organ and from piscine, avian, and mammalian muscle have been shown to be highly conserved proteins composed of four types of homologous subunits (α, β, γ, and δ) which associate in a stoichiometry α 2 β 1 γ 1 δ 1 to form a pseudosymmetric pentameric complex molecule. Genealogical analysis suggests that all the subunits of these AcChR derive from a common ancestral gene and that the divergence occurred very early in the evolution of the receptor. This shared ancestry and the very early divergence of the four subunits, as well as their highly conserved structures along the animal evolution, suggests that each of the subunits evolved to perform specific crucial roles in the function of the AcChR complex. In Torpedo the two α-subunits present in the AcChR molecule are glycosylated to a different extent. This may be the reason why the binding sites for cholinergic ligands that are located on the α-subunits are non-equivalent. The pseudosymmetric pentameric complex has all the properties of a physiological receptor with respect to known parameters leading to postsynaptic depolarization, and therefore contains the molecular structure/structures that constitute a cation selective channel for transport across the membrane. The complex also contains recognition sites for acetylcholine, cholinergic antagonists, polypeptide neurotoxins, small molecule neurotoxins, and local anesthetics. Therefore a multiplicity of receptor-ligand associations are possible. This leads to more complex models of such interactions than previously considered. Approaches utilizing direct binding studies of α-neurotoxins and agonists, as well as spectroscopic methods, are used to discriminate between and to identify distinct binding sites that control receptor activation and modulation of receptor function.
Oxidation of the Ediacaran Ocean

Oxygenation of the Earth's surface is thought to have occurred in two main steps. The first, about 2,300 million years ago, saw a significant increase in atmospheric and surface ocean oxygen levels and has been widely studied. Much less is known about the second step, which took place around 800–540 million years ago and appears to have been associated with the evolution of complex animals. Now carbon and sulphur isotope records from sediments in the Sultanate of Oman have been used to construct a record of the amount of oxygen in the ocean during the Ediacaran period (635–542 million years ago). The data suggest that there were three distinct stages of oxidation within this period: the second stage involved an increase in oxygen in the deep ocean and appears to have been associated with the evolution of complex animals. Reconstruction of the amount of oxygen in the ocean during the Ediacaran period using carbon- and sulphur-isotope records identifies three distinct stages of oxidation over this interval. Complex animals may have evolved during the second stage, indicating that this event may have played a key role in the evolution of eukaryotic organisms. Oxygenation of the Earth’s surface is increasingly thought to have occurred in two steps. The first step, which occurred ∼2,300 million years (Myr) ago, involved a significant increase in atmospheric oxygen concentrations and oxygenation of the surface ocean1,2. A further increase in atmospheric oxygen appears to have taken place during the late Neoproterozoic period3,4 (∼800–542 Myr ago). This increase may have stimulated the evolution of macroscopic multicellular animals and the subsequent radiation of calcified invertebrates4,5, and may have led to oxygenation of the deep ocean6. However, the nature and timing of Neoproterozoic oxidation remain uncertain. Here we present high-resolution carbon isotope and sulphur isotope records from the Huqf Supergroup, Sultanate of Oman, that cover most of the Ediacaran period (∼635 to ∼548 Myr ago). These records indicate that the ocean became increasingly oxygenated after the end of the Marinoan glaciation, and they allow us to identify three distinct stages of oxidation. When considered in the context of other records from this period7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15, our data indicate that certain groups of eukaryotic organisms appeared and diversified during the second and third stages of oxygenation. The second stage corresponds with the Shuram excursion in the carbon isotope record16 and seems to have involved the oxidation of a large reservoir of organic carbon suspended in the deep ocean6, indicating that this event may have had a key role in the evolution of eukaryotic organisms. Our data thus provide new insights into the oxygenation of the Ediacaran ocean and the stepwise restructuring of the carbon6,16,17 and sulphur cycles3,18,19 that occurred during this significant period of Earth’s history.
Spray Aiming in Bombardier Beetles: Jet Deflection by the Coanda Effect

Bombardier beetles of the carabid subfamily Paussinae have a pair of flanges, diagnostic for the group, that project outward from the sides of the body. Behind each flange is a gland opening, from which the beetles discharge a hot, quinone-containing secretion when disturbed. The flanges are curved and grooved and serve as launching guides for anteriorly aimed ejections of secretion. Jets of fluid, on emergence from the gland openings, follow the curvature of the flanges and are thereby bent sharply in their trajectory and directed forward. The phenomenon is illustrative of the Coanda effect, widely applicable in engineering and responsible for the familiar tendency of liquids to curve around spouts and down the front of containers when being poured.
A comparison of intracrystalline deformation in naturally and experimentally deformed quartzites

Abstract A relatively undeformed quartzite sample from the Weverton formation was experimentally deformed in plane strain at a temperature of 700° C, a confining pressure of 15 kb and a constant strain rate of 10−6/sec, in a modified Griggs apparatus. A comparison of the known experimental strain for the sample with that measured from deformed rutile needles within the quartz grains shows fairly close agreement between the two values. This confirms the validity of using the needles as intracrystalline strain markers. A comparison has been made of the microstructures and preferred orientations in the experimentally deformed sample and a naturally deformed sample of the same quartzite which has undergone the same strain. The experimentally deformed sample exhibits more inhomogeneous intragranular deformation and a “double funnel” pattern of c axes, while the naturally deformed sample exhibits more homogeneous intragranular deformation and a broad great circle girdle of c axes normal to the foliation and lineation.
Association between serum ferritin and measures of inflammation, nutrition and iron in haemodialysis patients

Background. Serum ferritin is a frequently used marker of iron status in dialysis patients. Iron administration is to be withheld for ferritin values >800 ng/ml according to K/DOQI guidelines. We hypothesized that such non-iron-related factors as elements of the malnutrition–inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) may increase serum ferritin concentration independently of iron status. Methods. We studied 82 prevalent maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients (including 43 men), aged 55.7 ± 15.3 years. The inflammatory and nutritional status was evaluated by serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and its newer, fully quantitative versions, i.e. Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS) and Malnutrition– Inflammation Score (MIS). Results. All but six patients had been on maintenance doses of intravenous iron dextran (between 100 and 200 mg/month) during the 10 weeks prior to the measurements. Serum ferritin levels were increased across SGA categories: (ANOVA P-value 0.03). Both unadjusted and multivariate adjusted correlation coefficients (r) for serum ferritin and CRP vs pertinent values were statistically significant for DMS and MIS and some other measures of nutritional status and iron indices. After deleting 10 MHD patients with either iron deficiency (ferritin 2000 ng/ml), in the remaining 72 MHD patients both bivariate and multivariate correlations were much stronger and statistically significant (r ¼� 0.33 and � 0.29, respectively, P < 0.01). A multivariate model showed simultaneous, significant correlations between serum ferritin and both markers of inflammation and iron status independent of each other. After dividing the 72 MHD patients into two groups of serum ferritin based on a K/DOQI recommended serum ferritin cut-off of 800 ng/ml, the MIS and logarithm of serum CRP were significantly higher in the higher ferritin group. Conclusions. Serum ferritin values in the range of 200–2000 ng/ml may be increased due to non-ironrelated factors including elements of MICS.
U.S. Military Service Members' Perceptions of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program

ABSTRACT This research identifies the perceptions of U.S. military service members regarding the Department of Defense Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP). The service members' perceptions were addressed in the dimensions of ethics, effectiveness, and safety, as well as the overall perceptions of the AVIP. The study, conducted in October 2004, randomly selected active duty service members from the uniformed services assigned to a Caribbean military base who participated in the AVIP during the period of 1998 to 2000. Their perceptions were measured with a survey instrument with 14 closed-ended, Likert-scale questions. The research demonstrated that a substantial number of service members disagreed with issues regarding the ethics, safety, and efficacy of the AVIP. We recommend enhanced training and education to increase understanding of the benefits of the AVIP.
Iliac Artery Stress Test

A patient was evaluated for complaints of right lower extremity claudication that had persisted for 2 years. Ankle-brachial index was normal in both legs but Doppler evaluation detected a stenosis at the origin of the right common iliac artery. Angiography revealed a complex stenosis of intermediate severity (Figure, A). The pressure gradient across the lesion under basal conditions was 6 mm Hg (mean arterial pressure [MAP] was 99 mm Hg in the aorta and was …
Non-peptide αvβ3 antagonists. Part 5: identification of potent RGD mimetics incorporating 2-aryl β-amino acids as aspartic acid replacements

Abstract Potent non-peptidic α v β 3 antagonists have been prepared incorporating various β-amino acids as aspartic acid mimetics. Modification of the β-alanine 3-substituents alters the potency and physicochemical properties of these receptor antagonists and in some cases provides orally bioavailable α v β 3 inhibitors.