cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study What Have We Learned and What Questions Remain?

The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) was the first randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the outcome of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on subsequent cardiac events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease (CHD). Of the 2763 women enrolled, 1380 were randomised to receive 0.625mg of conjugated equine estrogens plus 2.5mg of medroxyprogesterone daily (Prempro) and 1383 were randomised to receive a placebo. The results were surprising: 179 women in the hormone group and 182 women in the placebo group experienced either a nonfatal myocardial infarction or CHD death (relative hazard 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 1.22). This occurred despite a net 11% reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and a net 10% increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) after 1 year of follow-up (p < 0.001 for LDL and HDL). Also, there were no differences between the 2 treatment groups in any secondary cardiovascular outcomes. The overall null effect may have been the result of an unexpected early adverse effect of the HRT regimen that offset a later reduction in risk. Clearly, the use of HRT for secondary prevention of heart disease is more complex than was initially believed. More data are needed from other clinical trials concerning the risks and benefits of HRT to confirm or refute the puzzling HERS results. HERS also underscores the need for trials with clinical end-points to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of drug therapy. Although observational studies are useful, they cannot provide definitive answers regarding treatment recommendations. Until further data are available, clinicians should not use estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone for the sole purpose of secondary prevention of CHD.
Multipolarities of γ-rays from 92, 94Nb and 94,95,96,97,98Tc

Abstract 92, 94Nb and 94, 96, 98Tc have been produced by the (p, n) reaction at proton energies on and near the d 5 2 isobaric analog resonance. 95,97Tc have been produced by the (p, γ) reaction below the (p, n) threshold. Internal conversion electrons due to the decay of their excited states were detected on-line with a mini-orange spectrometer which is optimized for the energy range 50 to 500 keV. Gamma rays from these nuclei were detected with a thin Ge(Li) detector. Isomeric-delayed internal conversion electrons and γ-rays were observed, using a nanosecond-pulsed beam. The internal conversion coefficients for 55 transitions in these nuclei have been determined and their multipolarities deduced. The multipolarity of the transitions in these nuclei is predominantly M1. Negative parities have been assigned through use of the d 5 2 isobaric analog resonance enhancements of the population of negative-parity final states. The systematic behavior of the 2−, 3− doublet and of the g 9 2 ⊗ d 5 2 multiplet in these nuclei is discussed.
Architecture and Dynamics of C22 Bonded Interphases

The relationship between alkyl phase structure and chromatographic performance is investigated for a series of docosyl (C22)-modified silica surfaces. The results of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy are evaluated and correlated with liquid chromatographic retention for relevant shape-selective separations. A set of four different stationary phases was prepared by solution and surface polymerization approaches, yielding materials with surface coverages ranging from 3.6 to 7.0 μmol/m2. 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR spectra indicate that a predominance of trans conformations exists for high-coverage C22 phases (>4.0 μmol/m2). Two-dimensional solid-state NMR spectroscopy (wide line separation, WISE) was utilized to evaluate the mobility of the trans and gauche alkyl chain conformations. Temperature-dependent 13C CP/MAS NMR measurements of the bonded phases exhibit large differences in the dynamic behavior of the immobilized C22 ...
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF THE REPULSION MOTOR CONTROLLED VIA ROTOR TRIAC

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the solid state speed control of a repulsion motor using a triac in the rotor circuit. The speed control is accomplished by varying the triac firing angle. In addition, this paper investigates the harmonic contents of the rotor current, stator current and rotor voltage The waveforms of these variables were generated and then analyzed numerically for their harmonic content using a Fouries Series Subroutine. The results were validated by comparison with obtained experimental results. More over, the harmonics generated using this type of speed control are compared with those generated when the motor is controlled via a triac in the stator cicuit.
Effects of Design Parameters in Cost Estimation and Cost Uncertainty Modeling

Case-based reasoning (CBR) is an approach which uses old cases/experiences to understand and solve new problems. In CBR, a previous case similar to the current case is used to generate a solution for the current case and usually involves adaptation of the generated solution to suit the current case. The CBR approach consists of creating a knowledge-base (or database) containing past cases (products), defining a new case, retrieving cases similar to the new case, and adjusting the solution (cost) of the retrieved cases to the new case. This paper compares CBR approach with regression analysis approach in studying the effects of varying design attribute specifications on cost estimation accuracy and cost distribution reliability. These approaches are compared and effects of defining a concept with varying design attribute specifications are studied by applying leave-one-out cross-validation to a knowledge-base of automobiles.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
P05.22. Health beliefs and experiences of patients with chronic Lyme disease: a qualitative study

Purpose Chronic Lyme disease is a term that describes a constellation of persistent symptoms in patients who may or may not have serologic evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Little has been published in the medical literature about patients with chronic Lyme disease or their relationships with healthcare providers. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the health beliefs and experiences of patients with chronic Lyme disease.
A complex networks approach for sizing and siting of distributed generators in the distribution system

The use of distributed energy is gaining more importance with the advent of the smart grid, challenges of power transfer over long distances and the need to be secure and independent in energy production. In this paper, we present an analytical method, using electrical centrality, to determine the locations and sizes of distributed generators to be placed in the distribution system. Electrical centrality is a metric used in the topological analysis of power systems, that differentiates the electrical structure of the system from its topological structure. It uses the Zbus matrix of the distribution system to determine which nodes are electrically more central to the system and indicates them as the best locations for the placement of distributed generators, with the size of the generator related to the centrality of the node but decided by exhaustive search. It is assumed that all the generation is supplied through distributed generators. We obtain the results for the 12-, 33-, and 69-node distribution systems using this method. The results indicate that the locations indicated by electrical centrality are either the end nodes or nodes closer to the end nodes in the different branches of the networks. Generally, the end nodes are the ones where the voltage drops. As a result, this placement of distributed generators definitely corrects the voltage profile. This placement successfully makes the overall system losses very small as is seen from the optimal power flow solution obtained before and after the distributed generator placement.
Meteoric trajectory: The Res Publica Party in Estonia

Formed in 2001, Res Publica won the Estonian parliamentary elections in 2003, and its leader became prime minister. It failed to win a single seat in the European Parliament in 2004 and was down to 5 per cent in opinion polls in 2005 when it dropped out of the cabinet. The founding chairperson of the party analyses here the causes for Res Publica's rapid rise and fall, reviewing the socio-political background and drawing comparisons with other new parties in Europe. Res Publica was a genuinely new party that involved no previous major players. It might be characterized as a ‘purifying bridge party’ that filled an empty niche at centre right. Its rise was among the fastest in Europe. For success of a new party, each of three factors must be present to an appreciable degree: Prospect of success = Members × Money × Visibility. Res Publica had all three, but rapid success spoiled the party leadership. Their governing style became arrogant and they veered to the right, alienating their centrist core constituen...
Towards a theoretical model of technology adoption in hospitality organizations

Abstract Technology is an important strategic asset for hospitality organizations to improve organizational performance and strategic competitiveness. However, adoption and diffusion of technology are complex processes, which are affected by a number of internal and external factors. As a result, understanding the factors affecting a hospitality organization's technology adoption behavior is of paramount importance to both practitioners and academia. This study proposes a model that describes the process of technology adoption in hospitality organizations. Specifically, two modifications of the existing Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) have been proposed in order to capture the adoption behavior at the organizational level.
Increase in the use of lung stereotactic body radiotherapy without a preceding biopsy in the United States.

Abstract Background Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an efficacious treatment for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with clinically suspected NSCLC may have medical comorbidities that increase biopsy risks, making them more likely to receive SBRT without biopsy. This study characterizes the pervasiveness of this management approach nationally. Methods Patients with stage I NSCLC who received SBRT from 2003 to 2011 were identified within National Cancer Database. Changes in the proportion treated without biopsy were compared by year of diagnosis using binomial logistic regression. Demographics were compared between patients with and without biopsy with Chi-square and t-tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with SBRT delivery without biopsy. Results We identified 6960 patients. Most had biopsy before SBRT (95.5%). Over time the proportion treated without biopsy increased (OR 1.11, p = 0.038). Univariate comparisons demonstrated that older, medically inoperable patients treated at academic centers located in the New England or Pacific regions were less likely to have biopsy before SBRT. Facility type and location (p Conclusions The percentage of patients nationally undergoing SBRT without biopsy has increased over time. The reasons for this trend and ramifications of this approach on cost-effectiveness of care must be studied.
Improving the use of contraceptives: the challenge continues.

In the US in 1987 57% of all pregnancies were unplanned and about half of such pregnancies resulted from non-use of any contraceptive method. To address this problem the Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development co-sponsored an October 1995 forum on Improving Contraceptive Use in the US: Assessing Past Efforts and Setting New Directions. Researchers clinicians and policymakers discussed topics such as patient-provider relationships methods of contraception the needs of special populations and promising intervention and communication strategies. To stimulate further efforts to improve contraceptive use the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology" has printed the papers commissioned by the Foundation for presentation to the forum.
Quantification of hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde using chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract. Chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) enables online, rapid, in situ detection and quantification of hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde. Two different CIMS approaches are demonstrated employing the strengths of single quadrupole mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole (tandem) mass spectrometry. Both methods are generally capable of the measurement of hydroxyacetone, an analyte with known but minimal isobaric interferences. Tandem mass spectrometry provides direct separation of the isobaric compounds glycolaldehyde and acetic acid using distinct, collision-induced dissociation daughter ions. The single quadrupole CIMS measurement of glycolaldehyde was demonstrated during the ARCTAS-CARB (Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites - California Air Resources Board) 2008 campaign, while triple quadrupole CIMS measurements of glycolaldehyde and hydroxyacetone were demonstrated during the BEARPEX (Biosphere Effects on Aerosols and Photochemistry Experiment) 2009 campaign. Enhancement ratios of glycolaldehyde in ambient biomass-burning plumes are reported for the ARCTAS-CARB campaign. BEARPEX observations are compared to simple photochemical box model predictions of biogenic volatile organic compound oxidation at the site.
Variety is the spice of life: frequent switching between foods in the polyphagous grasshopper Taeniopoda eques burmeister (orthoptera: acrididae)

Successive feeds taken by the polyphagous grasshopper Taeniopoda eques generally declined when food remained the same but increased as different food became available. This led to repeated switching between food items. In the field, the switching rate was highest when feeding bouts were very short, but when feeding bouts lasted a minute or more, the switching rate stabilized at about one switch every three feeding bouts. In the laboratory, the pattern of declining feeding-bout length on one item, foolowed by an increase on a novel food was demonstrated with very acceptable food plants, and even with nutritionally balanced and identical artificial diets, differing only with respect to flavour. When the chemicals imparting the flavours were either injected into the haemolymph, or given as an oral dose in semi-micro-gelatin capsules, no effects on acceptability of the flavoured diets were observed. This highly polyphagous insect species demonstrated a predilection for novel flavours or variety, suggesting that several descriptors of processes associated with changing acceptability of food in other animals may have a common mechanism.
Anomalous distribution of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers in periodical cicadas

Ecological genetics theory identifies the age at first reproduction and life-cycle length as important components of life-history strategies, and predicts that variation in these traits can have significant evolutionary consequences1. Changes in the timing of reproduction can affect the fitness of an organism2, disrupt gene flow3 and lead to speciation4. The existence of two life-cycle lengths differing by four years in periodical cicadas of the genus Magicicada provides an excellent opportunity to investigate both the control and evolutionary consequences of changes in the timing of reproduction. In Magicicada, life-cycle length has been assumed to be a genetically fixed species-specific trait5. Alternatively, however, periodical cicadas could switch between the two life-cycle lengths in response to either genetic6 or environmental7 factors possibly providing a mechanism for the generation of the extant year classes of cicadas8, called broods9. Here we describe a survey of populations of 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas which suggests that 13-year cicadas in a large region of central North America are descendents of 17-year cicadas that switched their life-cycle length to 13 years, providing the first strong genetic evidence that life-cycle length is a plastic trait. The change in maturation time and the resultant anomalous distribution of cytoplasmic and nuclear gene markers implies that these cicadas became temporally isolated from the parent brood, joined an already existing brood, and thus brought together two independently evolving gene pools.
Ready or Not? Homosexuality, Unit Cohesion, and Military Readiness

The U.S. military argues that homosexuals are unfit for service because their presence compromises military readiness and unit cohesion. Based on this assumption, it continues to discharge homosexuals at an average rate of approximately 925 per year. On the other hand, the extant research suggests that homosexuals are no more disruptive to military life than their heterosexual counterparts. By integrating the legal and scientific literature, this paper examines the soundness of the military’s assumptions and aims to improve our understanding of the issues involved. Within this context, the efficacy of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” policy and whether it is in the best interest of the military and its soldiers and sailors is discussed.
A new, multi-scaled graph visualization approach: an example within the playa wetland network of the Great Plains

We employed a sliding-window approach at multiple scales (window sizes and dispersal distances) to calculate seven standard graph-theoretical metrics within a subset of a large, freshwater wetland network. In contrast to most graph analyses, which quantify connectivity at a single (global) scale or at a patch-level scale, a multi-scaled, sliding-window approach provides an assessment that bridges these two approaches to examine patch clusters. As a case study we focused on a subset of a habitat patch network in a ~20,000 km2 area encompassing 2,782 playa wetlands in the panhandle of Texas. Playas are seasonal wetlands of the southern Great Plains of North America that form a network of regional habitat resources for wildlife. The large size of this network meant that global metrics failed to capture localized properties, so we used contour mapping to visualize continuous surfaces as functions of playa density, linkage density, and other topological traits at different window sizes and dispersal distances. This technique revealed spatial patterns in the components (i.e., the network properties of regions of the landscape at a given dispersal scale), with the spatial scale of habitat clustering varying with the size of the sliding window and dispersal distance. Using a tool familiar to landscape ecology (sliding-window methodology) in a novel way (to examine ecological networks at multiple scales), our approach provides a way to represent ecologically determined local-scale graph properties and illustrates how a multi-scaled approach is useful in examining habitat connectivity to investigate graph properties.
Novel Insights Into the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Circulatory Shock

Several lines of evidence suggest central roles for nitric oxide, oxygen free radicals, cytokines, and adhesion molecules in circulatory shock. Lipid peroxidation fre quently accompanies ischemia-reperfusion injury; re cruitment of leukocytes exposed to ischemia-reperfu sion injury is largely dependent on leukocytes and endothelial cell adhesion interaction, enhanced nitric oxide stimulation by proinflammatory cytokines contrib utes to increased gut mucosal permeability in sepsis, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) administration mimics the hemodynamic changes characteristic of circulatory shock. Recent advances in molecular and cellular biol ogy have paved the way for innovative approaches to the treatment of circulatory shock. Novel pharmaco logic approaches are being directed at three distinct levels of the inflammatory cascade: the inciting insult (ie, endotoxin), the mediators (ie, TNF, interleukin-1, oxygen free radicals), and the effector cells (ie, neutro phils). The intent of this review is to discu...
PG-1 Orientation in Lipid Bilayers: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Calculations of Potentials of Mean Force as a Function of Its Tilt Angle

Antimicrobial peptides, the so-called host defense peptides (usually 12 to 50 amino acids long), exist in all living organisms and play a key role in host defense and innate immune response. Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is one of such peptides and has the β-hairpin conformations in aqueous solution and membrane environments because of inter-strand disulfide bonds. The oligomer states of PG-1 largely depend on membrane types. PG-1 inserts spontaneously and exists as a monomer in a DLPC membrane. In POPC, the minimum structural unit of PG-1 appears to be a dimer that exists in the membrane. To investigate the PG-1 orientation in lipid bilayers, we have performed comparative molecular dynamics simulations of PG-1 monomer in DLPC and POPC membranes. We have also calculated the potentials of mean force (PMF) of PG-1 monomer (with two different rotation angles) in DLPC and POPC membranes as a function of its tilt angle using the β-hairpin restraint potential that we have recently developed. In this work, we will present the simulation results and the calculated PMFs, along with the comparison of calculated solid-state NMR properties with available experimental data.
Surprising Results from a Search for Effective Disinfectants for Tobacco mosaic virus–Contaminated Tools

Over 100 years after its discovery, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) remains an economically important pathogen for producers of many vegetatively propagated crops including petunias (Petunia × hybrida). To directly address this concern, we have developed a robust system to determine efficacy of disinfectants for treating TMV-contaminated cutting tools using a combination of preliminary screens and replicated trials. Contrary to widely held beliefs, wild-type (wt) TMV and four additional tobamovirus species infected four petunia cultivars without producing obvious viral symptoms. In contrast, a petunia isolate of TMV with 99.0% (nucleotide) and 99.4% (amino acid) coat protein sequence identity to wt TMV produced symptoms on all but one tested cultivar. We also show that TMV transmission can occur up to the twentieth petunia plant cut following a single cutting event on a TMV-infected plant. Although many new products are now available, treatment of TMV-contaminated tools with a 20% (wt/vol) solution of nonfat dry milk (NFDM) plus 0.1% Tween 20 or a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (0.6% sodium hypochlorite), two "old standbys", completely eliminated TMV transmission to petunias. Treatment of contaminated tools with 1% (wt/vol) Virkon S or 20% NFDM also significantly reduced the incidence of infected petunias. Other treatments identified in the preliminary screens are candidates for the second phase of screening that simulates contamination during the process of taking cuttings.
Molecular patterning of the mammalian dentition

Four conserved signaling pathways, including the bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmp), fibroblast growth factors (Fgf), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and wingless-related (Wnt) pathways, are each repeatedly used throughout tooth development. Inactivation of any of these resulted in early tooth developmental arrest in mice. The mutations identified thus far in human patients with tooth agenesis also affect these pathways. Recent studies show that these signaling pathways interact through positive and negative feedback loops to regulate not only morphogenesis of individual teeth but also tooth number, shape, and spatial pattern. Increased activity of each of the Fgf, Shh, and canonical Wnt signaling pathways revitalizes development of the physiologically arrested mouse diastemal tooth germs whereas constitutive activation of canonical Wnt signaling in the dental epithelium is able to induce supernumerary tooth formation even in the absence of Msx1 and Pax9, two transcription factors required for normal tooth development beyond the early bud stage. Bmp4 and Msx1 act in a positive feedback loop to drive sequential tooth formation whereas the Osr2 transcription factor restricts Msx1-mediated expansion of the mesenchymal odontogenic field along both the buccolingual and anteroposterior axes to pattern mouse molar teeth in a single row. Moreover, the ectodermal-specific ectodysplasin (EDA) signaling pathway controls tooth number and tooth shape through regulation of Fgf20 expression in the dental epithelium, whereas Shh suppresses Wnt signaling through a negative feedback loop to regulate spatial patterning of teeth. In this article, we attempt to integrate these exciting findings in the understanding of the molecular networks regulating tooth development and patterning.
217. Thymic dependence of tolerance in vascularized composite tissue allografts under Cyclosporine A and ab-T Cell Receptor monoclonal antibody protocol

Background In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that vascularized composite tissue allograft transplants treated with ab-TCR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) and Cyclosporine A (CsA) for 7 days developed robust tolerance across MHC barrier. In this paper we have investigated the role of host thymus in the induction ot tolerance in rat hind-limb allograft model. Material and Methods Five weeks old, euthymic (group A) and thymectomized (group B) Lewis recipients (LEW,RT1l) received vascularized hind-limb allografts from Lewis-Brown-Norway (LBNŕF1, RT1l+n) donors. Group lA (n=6) and 1B (n=6) and Group IIA (n=6) and IIB (n=6) served as the isograft and the allograft control groups, respectively. Groups IIIA (n=5) IIIB (n=5) and IVA (n=5) and IVB (n=5) received monotherapies of either ab-TCR mAb or CsA tor 7 days, respectively. In Groups VA(n=6) and VB (n=6) a treatment protocol of combined ab-TCR/CsA was applied for 7 days. Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and skin grafting were performed for the evaluation of the donor specific tolerance in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was applied for the determination of the efficacy ot immunosuppressive treatment and the presence of mixed donor specific, hematopoietic chimerism. Results Combined treatment with ab-TCR/CsA protocol resulted in indefinite survival of the euthymic rats from group VB (>100 days) and extended the survival of the animals from group VA up to 51 days, post-transplant. MLR showed donor specific tolerance in the group VA at day 100. Flow cytometry revealed stable, multillinege chimerism in the peripheral blood of euthymic rats (CD4+/RT1n–17.3% and CD8+/RT11n–13.9%) and transient chimerism in thymectiomized limb allograft recipients. Conclusions Thymus is necessary for the induction ot donor specific tolerance under ab-TCR/CsA protocol in vascularized composite tissue allograft model. Tolerogenic activity of the thymus resulted in the creation ot stable mixed hematopoietic macrochimeric state within recipient.
Design and demonstration of a multitechnology FPGA for photonic information processing

We present here a novel architecture for a multi-technology field programmabler gate array (MT-FPGA). Implemented with a conventional CMOS VLSI technology the architecture is suitable for prototyping photonic information processing systems. We report here that this new FPGA architecture will enable the design of reconfigurable systems that incorporate technologies outside the traditional electronic domain.
Effects of poisoning on the dynamics of fixed bed reactors: Cyclic and temperature-increased operational policies

Abstract The dynamic behavior of a fixed bed reactor has been examined using benzene hydrogenation on Ni/kieselguhr, poisoned by thiophene, as a model reaction. Reactor operation, cyclic at constant temperature (CO) and fixed conversion with increasing temperature (TIR), has been studied. It is shown that CO provides a rather sensitive means for identification of the mechanism of poisoning, and TIR gives a severe test of such interpretation.
Analytical solutions for EMI scattering from general spheroids with application in signal inversion for UXO identification

EMI (electromagnetic Induction) sensing has been shown to be a very valuable technique for target identification in UXO detection and discrimination. Numerical simulation for EMI sensing of metallic objects is difficult in part because the electromagnetic fields inside the object decay over very small distances, especially at high frequency. This challenges both numerical and analytical techniques. EMI signal inversion has been hampered heretofore by this lack of tractable solutions for basic alternative target shapes. Recently investigators developed an analytical solution formulation for general spheroids. To deal with evaluation problems in those solutions, a high frequency approximation (SPA) was developed, which turns out to have remarkably broadband applicability for steel objects. In this paper we will study its application for UXO identification. One of the most simple and effective procedures for UXO detection and recognition is "fingerprint" matching, for which we know the potential target(s) we are looking for, and we proceed by matching patterns in measured data against those archived for the specific target(s). Since the location and orientation of the target are unknown, we need to estimate them by solving the inverse problem, as a prerequisite for the matching calculations. Both numerical simulation and measurement data indicate that many realistic targets can be approximated by a representative spheroid. The SPA algorithm was then adopted to provide fast forward solution (EMI response from the representative spheroid).. Results show that in a certain range, the spheroid-based forward model can provide sufficiently accurate representation of the responses for a variety of representative target types. Its application in inversion is shown to be very beneficial for target detection and identification.
Physiological Role of the N-terminal Processed P4501A1 Targeted to Mitochondria in Erythromycin Metabolism and Reversal of Erythromycin-mediated Inhibition of Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis

Recently, we showed that the major species of β-naphthoflavone-inducible rat liver mitochondrial P450MT2 consists of N-terminal truncated microsomal P4501A1 (+33/1A1) and that the truncated enzyme exhibits different substrate specificity as compared with intact P4501A1. The results of the present study show that P450MT2 targeted to COS cell mitochondria by transient transfection of P4501A1 cDNA is localized inside the mitochondrial inner membrane in a membrane-extrinsic orientation. Co-expression with wild type P4501A1 and adrenodoxin (Adx) cDNAs resulted in 5–7-fold higher erythromycin N-demethylation (ERND) in the mitochondrial fraction but minimal changes in the microsomal fraction of transfected cells. Erythromycin, a potent inhibitor of bacterial and mitochondrial protein synthesis, caused 8–12-fold higher accumulation of CYP1A1 mRNA, preferential accumulation of P450MT2, and 5–6-fold higher ERND activity in the mitochondrial compartment of rat C6 glioma cells. Consistent with the increased mitochondrial ERND activity, co-expression with P4501A1 and Adx in COS cells rendered complete protection against erythromycin-mediated mitochondrial translation inhibition. Mutations that specifically affect the mitochondrial targeting of P4501A1 also abolished protection against mitochondrial translation inhibition. These results for the first time suggest a physiological function for the xenobiotic inducible cytochrome P4501A1 against drug-mediated mitochondrial toxicity.
Nonlipoprotein risk factors for coronary heart disease : Evaluation and management

Appropriate prevention and management of coronary heart disease (CHD) requires an integrated approach to the reduction of risk factors. These principally include reduction of elevated lipids, control of blood pressure, and cessation of smoking. In addition, appropriate exercise, diet, and weight reduction (where necessary) are also important. Control of diabetes and stress management may also be helpful. Aspirin therapy is appropriate for all patients with known CHD and selected patients without CHD who have several risk factors, including nonmodifiable risk factors such as age, a positive family history, and male gender.
Space-Based Visible Space Object Photometry: Initial Results

One of the objectives of the Midcourse Space Experiment surveillance experiments is to collect photometric and radiometric data on a selected set of resident space objects from the long-wavelength infrared through the short wavelength ultraviolet region of the spectrum. This was done using the Spatial Infrared Imaging Telescope III, Space-BasedVisible (SBV),ultravioletandvisibleimager,andspectrographicimagerinstrumentpackagesonboard thespacecraft. Analysis of these data will primarily emphasize 1 )construction and validation of phenomenological models for a broad range of resident space object classes, for example, spin- and three-axis stabilized satellites, rocket bodies, and orbital debris, over a wide range of solar phase angles and 2 ) discrimination between classes of resident space objects and identie cation of discriminating characteristics within a resident space object class. We concentrate on the initial results from the SBV instrument. We provide an overview of the surveillance data collected to date, discuss its limitations, and present examples of the data collected on two classes of resident space objects. Nomenclature Ap = projected area of resident space object, m 2 B i V = stellar color index Mv = Johnson V-band visual magnitude MSBV = Space-Based Visual (SBV) magnitude R = range, m d sun = solar declination angle W = off-specular angle w = Midcourse Space Experiment parallax angle
Rate constants and arrhenius function for scavenging of octyl radical by an N-hydroxypyridine-2-thione ester

Abstract Rate constants for reactions of octyl radical with its N-hydroxypyridine-2-thione ester precursor were determined using the reduction of octyl radical by n-Bu3SnH as a competition reaction.
APPLICATION OF RADIOBIOLOGIC PRINCIPLES TO RADIATION THERAPY.

Oxygen remains one of the most potent sensitizers of mammalian cells yet studied and, most important, it is maximumly sensitizing at physiologic concentrations. There is very good evidence that solid tumors of both experimental animals and man contain hypoxic and viable cells. In experimental animals hyperbaric oxygen does result in improvement of radiation therapy even when the treatment is highly fractionated and protracted over periods of up to 3 to 41/2 weeks. This represents strong evidence that—at least in some human tumors—results of fractionated irradiation will be significantly improved by the addition of hyperbaric oxygen. At the same time it is admitted that results of clinical trials of hyperbaric oxygen and radiation therapy do not indicate any marked improvement by the addition of hyperbaric oxygen. However, the trials are early and based on small numbers; they may well show a modest but clinically important improvement as they mature. It is essential that the trials cover several tumor types. Hyperbaric oxygen may not be useful in radiotherapy for all tumors. Evidence from the tests of tourniquet hypoxia and radiotherapy indicate that, at least for osteosarcoma, the hypoxic cell per se may not be the dominant factor in deciding results of standard fractionated therapy. Note: Wherever R appears it designates rads not roentgens.
Current sheets in MHD turbulence

Abstract Current sheets may be the origin of fast dissipation rates in many MHD systems. The structure, formation and destruction of current sheets in force free MHD turbulence is reviewed. Special attention is given to the topological constraints that limit the possible sites of current sheets. The importance of field lines that form closed loops, including null-null loops, and the current sheets that form on them is discussed. In many situations the MHD approximation describes the plasma away from the current sheets but not in the immediate vicinity of the sheets. The plasma processes operating in the sheets are considered briefly.
Inorganic phosphate interference with the colorimetric determination of uracil and cytosine

Summary Inorganic phosphate interferes with the colorimetric determination of uracil with arsenotungstate, presumably due to its reaction with the latter to form phosphotungstate.
Involvement of lipopolysaccharide related receptors and nuclear factor κB in differential expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in chicken macrophages from different genetic backgrounds

Macrophages from Cornell K-strain chickens (B(15)B(15)) are hyper and from GB2 chickens (B(6)B(6)) are hypo-responders to LPS-mediated inducible NOS (iNOS) expression and activity. The molecular mechanism(s) responsible for this differential expression is not yet fully understood. We have previously reported that macrophages from K (iNOS hyper-responder) and GB2 (iNOS hypo-responder) chickens differ in constitutive expression of TLR4 but not in CD14 molecules. The objectives of the current study was to determine if the iNOS differences between K and GB2 macrophages are possibly due to differential expression of LPS-induced TLR4, CD14 and/or nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B). The results showed that Sephadex-elicited, adherence purified K macrophages expressed more inducible TLR4 and CD14 receptors (P<0.05) at 6 and 12h post-LPS stimulation than GB2 macrophages as measured by flow cytometry. In addition, pre-incubation of macrophages from a transformed chicken macrophage cell line, MQ-NCSU, with 50 microg/ml anti-CD14 and anti-TLR4 antibodies significantly reduced where as pre-incubation with 100 microg/ml completely blocked LPS-mediated iNOS activity as measured by nitrite levels. Furthermore, the amount of nuclear bound NF kappa B was found to be significantly greater in K than in GB2 macrophages at 3 min post-LPS stimulation. This nuclear localization of NF kappa B as well as iNOS activity was completely inhibited by pretreatment of macrophages with 50 micro M MG132, a proteosome inhibitor, both in K and GB2 macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that a differential and perhaps more stronger LPS-mediated signaling via CD14, TLR4 and NF kappa B is responsible for the heightened iNOS gene induction in K-strain (hyper-responder) macrophages than in GB2 (hypo-responder) chickens.
An atypical presentation of Kawasaki syndrome in an infant.

: Kawasaki syndrome (KS) is a vasculities of childhood, ihe enology of which is unknown. Diagnosis is based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) criteria in which skin and mucous membrane findings play a key role. Coronary artery involvement can be fatal. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of theraps can reduce the risk of cardiac complication. Autopsy findings of patients with KS who did not fit CDC criteria for symptoms have heen reported. Infants, in particular, may have an atypical clinical course resulting in delayed diagnosis and initiation of treatment. This case presents an infant with fever and an atyp ical rash who did not fit diagnostic criteria. Differential diagnosis of infants with prolonged fevers and rash, who do not fit into other diagnostic categories, should include KS and an appropriate cardiac examination including consider ation of an echocardiogram.
The Language of Teaching Mathematics: Implications for Training ITAs

M National attention has been given to the concern of university mathematicians and other educational leaders about the effects of having basic courses in mathematics taught by so many nonnative speakers of English from non-U.S. cultural/educational backgrounds (National Research Council, 1989). While Rounds (1985, 1987) and Gass, Haynes, Rittenberg, and Wieferich (1989) have concentrated on the teaching of mathematics by successful and/or less-than-successful graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and international graduate teaching assistants (ITAs), the work reported here focuses on the use of language in the teaching of regular university faculty, rather than TAs. Arrangements were made with the Department of Mathematics at Georgia State University to audiotape classes taught by three nativeEnglish-speaking faculty members: an associate professor, an assistant professor, and a part-time instructor teaching college algebra and precalculus mathematics. In the fall quarter, 1987, two class sessions from each course were taped and transcribed (a total of 6 hrs, 20 min). In the winter quarter, 1988, one of the authors attended four classes taught by an associate professor and one class taught by a part-time instructor for a total
Neural limitations of visual excitability. I. The time course of monocular light adaptation.

Monocular visual excitability was studied psychophysically by determining the threshold intensity for a small (40-min) brief (5-msec) “test” flash centered within a larger (3°) “conditioning” flash, both presented at 7° of arc in the temporal half-field. Interval between flashes was varied from −200 (test flash preceding onset of conditioning) to +1500 msec (test flash following), nine combinations of conditioning flash intensity and duration being used as parameters. For all combinations, threshold rose between −200 and −100 msec (before the start of the conditioning flash), reaching a maximum increment when the onsets of the two flashes were synchronized. When test was superimposed upon conditioning flash in time (positive intervals), threshold declined to approach an asymptote near the end of the latter flash. Following termination of the conditioning flash, threshold returned to resting level. The maximum rise in threshold, as well as the time taken to achieve an asymptote, varied with both intensity and duration of the conditioning flash. When a rough estimate of the photochemical contribution to these threshold changes was subtracted from the raw data, residual threshold increments were obtained and attributed to neural processes. On the basis of time course, it is suggested that these neural processes involve central (geniculocalcarine) as well as peripheral (neuro-retinal) factors.
Effect of continuum resonances on electronic transport in quantum wells

Abstract We investigate the influence of continuum resonances on the release of electrons by a quantum well. We find that the inclusion of resonance effects leads to a decrease in the rate of scattering by non-polar phonons from bound confined states to unbound continuum states.
On the use of DSC and DMA to characterize the degree of mixing of IPNs processed by RIM

Abstract In Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), the degree of mixing is governed by the Reynolds number (Re) of the streams. Dimensional analysis predicts the mix quality to vary as (Re)− 9 4 . Past experiments at MIT showed that mixing did follow this relationship. The mixing theory is based on the hypothesis that the large scale mixing of the fluid components always occurs at high Reynolds numbers. On the other hand, the small scale of segregation of the mixture depends on the relative size of the turbulent eddies once the Reynolds number exceeds the critical value for the laminar/turbulent transition (Re ≈ 50). There were, however, no experimental values to predict these small scale features. Recent experiments have indicated that in the processing of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN) by RIM, the physical properties of the resulting alloys are highly dependent on the reaction kinetics and the degree of mixing. At high Reynolds numbers, thermal and dynamic mechanical measurements provide evidence of interphase mixing by shifts in the transition temperatures of the individual components.
Biliary parasites: Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Parasitic infections of the biliary tract are a common cause of biliary obstruction in endemic areas. This article focuses on primary biliary parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, Opisthorchis felineus, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, and Fasciola gigantica. Tropical and subtropical countries have the highest incidence and prevalence of these infections. Diagnosis is made primarily through direct microscopic examination of eggs in the stool, duodenal, or bile contents. Radiologic imaging may show intrahepatic ductal dilatation, whereas endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be used diagnostically and therapeutically. However, oral treatment is inexpensive and effective for most of these parasites and can prevent untoward consequences. Primary and alternative treatments are available and are reviewed in this article.
Purposes, Diversities, and Futures in MFT Doctoral Education

Doctoral education in marital and family therapy (MFT) plays a crucial role in the future of the field. In this article, I write about the purposes, diversities, and futures of MFT doctoral education from the perspective of having hired 18 full-time MFT faculty over the last 13 years. I argue that the field needs well-rounded doctoral-level academics and clinicians who have a solid understanding of the foundations of the field and have mastery around theory, clinical practice, and scholarship in order to advance the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Myoglobin adsorption onto crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane

Abstract The adsorption of sperm whale myoglobin (Mb) on crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber) from flowing solutions is examined using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). By comparing the experimentally observed relationship between the adsorption rate and the wall shear rate with the predictions of a convection/diffusion model, it is shown that the initial adsorption is diffusion-controlled over the observed range of wall shear rates (49 to 410 s −1 ). As time proceeds, the fluorescence intensity rises rapidly and begins to plateau. This is followed by another rapid rise. This “shoulder” in the fluorescence intensity-time relationship is not an artifact emanating from extraneous bulk solution fluorescence. The fluorescence intensity at which the shoulder occurs is independent of the Mb solution concentration. Over long periods of time (several hours), a slow increase in the fluorescence intensity is observed which is not due to the adsorption of additional protein and is also not caused by long-term exposure of the surface to the laser radiation. Experiments investigating the adsorption of FITC-labeled immuno-γ-globulin in solution to adsorbed layers of unlabeled Mb indicate that the time course of the long-term fluorescence quantum yield change corresponds to the spreading of surface adsorbed Mb to fill in vacant regions on the PDMS surface. The filling of vacant regions and the long-term quantum yield increase are considered to be manifestations of conformation changes of surface adsorbed Mb.
Hepcidin levels predict nonresponsiveness to oral iron therapy in patients with iron deficiency anemia

Levels of hepcidin, a major regulator of iron homeostasis, may identify patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) who will not respond to oral iron therapy. In this study, IDA patients underwent a 14-day trial (run-in) course of ferrous sulfate therapy. Nonresponders (Hgb increase 20 ng/mL, showed sensitivity of 41.3%, specificity of 84.4%, and positive predictive value of 81.6% for predicting nonresponsiveness to oral iron. PPVs for ferritin> 30 ng/mL or transferrin saturation (TSAT)>15% were 59.2 and 55%, respectively. Negative predictive values for hepcidin, ferritin, and TSAT were 46.3, 22.7, and 19.7, respectively. FCM versus oral iron showed Hgb increases of ≥ 1 gm/dL in 65.3% versus 20.8% (P < 0.0001) and Hgb increases of 1.7 ± 1.3 versus 0.6 ± 0.9 g/dL (P = 0.0025), respectively. We conclude that hepcidin predicts nonresponsiveness to oral iron in patients with IDA and is superior to TSAT or ferritin for this purpose. Nonresponse to oral iron therapy does not rule out IDA, since two-thirds of patients subsequently responded to intravenous iron.