cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some social and biological correlates of coronary heart disease

Abstract The physiological links between social variables and the occurrence and course of coronary heart disease seem understandable, although they are not yet clearly delineated. Diet and activity patterns of Western industrial societies, as well as their increased latitude for social mobility and the striving behavior this fosters, might lead by various mechanisms to a biochemical environment in the blood stream which accelerates atherosclerosis, facilities occlusion of coronary arteries, impairs blood supply to heart muscle, and makes arrhythmias and death more likely.
THE HYDROGEN FLUORIDE SOLVENT SYSTEM. III. THE PREPARATION OF ANHYDROUS SILVER FLUOROBORATE

Abstract Pure AgBF4 has been prepared by precipitation from anhydrous HF solutions of AgNO3 with BF3.
Autonomous garbage collection: resolving memory leaks in long-running server applications

We demonstrate the benefits of a garbage collection technique that requires neither programmer assistance nor rebuilding (compiling or linking) of target applications. That is, our approach effectively mitigates performance degeneration due to memory leaks in applications when the source and object code are unavailable. Our technique is an extension of the garbage collection method known as conservative garbage collection. We refer to our approach as autonomous garbage collection. Autonomous garbage collection is especially useful for long running server applications in large-scale information processing server environments. Our prototype demonstrates that this garbage collection technique is feasible. Our experimental results show that this technique is more general and easier to use than many of the previous garbage collection proposals targeted at resolving memory leaks in non-cooperative server applications.
Critical behavior of random surfaces in one dimension

Abstract It is shown that the logarithmic scaling violation of random surfaces in one dimension can be understood in terms of an effective field theory.
Severe Hyperkalemia in a Geriatric Patient Receiving Standard Doses of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole

ABSTRACT A case is reported of a 96-year-old woman with congestive heart failure, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who presented with altered mental status and severe hyperkalemia, a serum potassium 9.3 meq/L, and electrocardiograph changes. The patient was discharged 1 week prior, with a normal serum potassium, receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for urinary tract infection and pneumonia. Serum potassium measurements returned to normal after discontinuation of the drug. Other causes of hyperkalemia were ruled out. Mild hyperkalemia due to trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole was first reported in 1983 in a 69-year-old woman in whom leukemia with leukopenia developed. In literature to date, mild hyperkalemia in younger geriatric patients has been described. Trimethoprim is thought to act by inhibiting amiloride sensitive sodium channels in the distal nephron and impairing renal potassium secretion in a dose dependent manner. The authors report the case, review the literature, and discuss age-related reduction in renal function as a possible etiology.
A GENERALIZED CELL METHOD FOR HARD DISK MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION OF POLYDISPERSE SYSTEMS

Hard Disk Molecular Dynamics (HDMD) techniques often exhibit significant loss in calculation speed when applied to the simulation of highly polydisperse particle systems. The collision rate of the reported algorithms may be lower by as much as two orders of magnitude if compared to the collision rate of a monodisperse system of the same number of particles. This is mainly due to the fact that the rectangular cells in the simulation domain used in HDMD methods must meet a certain size criterion. In this paper, we introduce a cell technique that removes the requirement on the cell size enabling simulation of particles with sizes much larger than the cell size. This approach improves the collision rates in the simulation of tested polydisperse systems by factors ranging from 5.5 to 57 depending on the size distribution of the particle population simulated. This may enable the simulation of grand canonical systems in which the size and the number of particles can change throughout the simulation. The technique is compatible with the simulation of disk-like as well as irregularly shaped particles and can be extended to three dimensions.
Integrating Material Culture

This article describes 1:1 material explorations within the architecture program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design via a newly established material research library and database, ...
Caveolin-1 stops profibrogenic signaling?

caveolae are small, invaginated surface structures in the plasma membrane of fully differentiated cells such as endothelial cells, epithelial cells, adipocytes, and fibroblasts. The principal components of caveolae are proteins called caveolins, of which caveolin-1 (cav-1) is best characterized. The
Current Issues in Nonadiabatic Chemistry

Current issues in electronically nonadiabatic chemistry are reviewed. Issues discussed include the following: mixed quantum/classical dynamics and the retention of coherence in the modeling of nonadiabatic processes in extended systems; nonadiabatic interactions at metal surfaces where transitions to large numbers of electronic states are possible; the representation of a nonadiabatic process in terms of adiabatic or diabatic electronic states; nonadiabatic recrossing and its effects on product branching; and spin-forbidden processes including radiationless decay of potential energetic materials and complex-assisted reactions. Discussed in more detail is the impact new computational tools for locating and characterizing surfaces of intersection have had on nonadiabatic chemistry in general and, in particular, on an emerging issue with potentially broad implications, the role of the geometric phase in molecular dynamics.
A Dynamic, Stochastic Model of a Land‐Based Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus Aquaculture Firm

Exploring the possibilities for commercial aquaculture has historically concentrated on reducing production uncertainty by focusing on an animal's biology and the engineering of the production facility. However, the aquaculturist faces both production and market uncertainty, both of which may significantly affect the economic feasibility of a production facility. We developed a dynamic stochastic model to compare alternative production and marketing scenarios and used the net present value of returns to evaluate the scenarios. Based on the model and the scenarios we examined, firms producing summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus are unlikely to be profitable unless they locate near and use a source of salt-water, sell their product predominately to sushi chefs (or other premium market outlets) who desire medium-sized live fish, and engage in strategies that account for market dynamics.
Symptom severity and challenging behavior in children with ASD

The prevalence of challenging behaviors in the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) population is often assumed to be high but relatively little research has actually been published on it. Furthermore, challenging behaviors are likely to impede progress in evidence-based treatment programs, such as early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI). Little or no previous research has evaluated the prevalence of various topographies of challenging behavior in a population of children with ASD receiving EIBI services, nor evaluated the relationship between such behaviors and the severity of ASD symptoms. Using data from the ASD–DC and the ASD–BPC in 84 children with autism receiving EIBI services, the current study conducted a regression analysis of relations between endorsement of challenging behaviors and ASD symptom severity. Results indicated that 94% of the sample reported the presence of challenging behavior, stereotypical behaviors were the most commonly reported, and that the presence of challenging behavior was predicted by ASD severity.
The lipid binding activity of the exchangeable apolipoprotein apolipophorin-III correlates with the formation of a partially folded conformation.

Manduca sexta apolipophorin-III, apoLp-III, is an exchangeable apolipoprotein of 17 kDa that contains no Trp, one Tyr, and eight Phe. The effect of pH on the kinetics of association of apoLp-III with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine was studied. The pH dependence of the kinetics showed three distinct regions. Above pH 7, the reaction rate is slow and slightly affected by pH. A approximately 40-fold increase in the rate constant is observed when the pH is decreased from 8 to 4, and a decrease in rate is observed below pH 4. Far-UV CD spectroscopy indicated that the secondary structure of the protein is not affected when decreasing the pH from 8 to 4.5. The pH dependence of the Tyr fluorescence showed three pH regions that resemble the regions observed in the kinetics. Comparison of the far-UV CD and fluorescence studies indicated the formation of a folding intermediate between pHs 4 and 7. This intermediate was also characterized by near-UV CD and fluorescence quenching. Fluorescence quenching studies with I- and Cs+ indicated a very low exposure of the Tyr residue in both native and intermediate conformations. The pH dependence of the near-UV CD spectra indicated that the native --> intermediate transition is accompanied by a loss in the packing constrains of the Tyr residue. UV absorption spectroscopy of the Phe and Tyr residues indicated that the native --> intermediate transition is also accompanied by the hydration of the Tyr residue and approximately 4 Phe residues. This report shows, for the first time, the correlation between the increase in lipid binding activity of an exchangeable apolipoprotein and the formation of a compact but hydrated conformation near physiological conditions. These results suggest a direct correlation between the lipid binding activity and the internal hydration of the apolipoprotein. The similarity between the insect exchangeable apolipoprotein and the human counterparts, apoA-I, apoA-II, etc., and the recent demonstration of the presence of a molten globular like-state of human apoA-I near physiological conditions [Gursky, O., and Atkinson, D. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 2991-2995] suggest that this highly hydrated and compact state may play an important physiological role as the most active lipid binding state of the apolipoproteins in general.
Modularity of the Oncoprotein-like Properties of Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα

Glycoprotein Ib α (GpIbα), a trans-membrane glycoprotein, is expressed on the surface of megakaryocytes and platelets, where, in association with glycoprotein Ib β, glycoprotein V, and glycoprotein IX, it normally forms the von Willebrand factor receptor (vWFR). A fully functional vWFR is necessary for platelet attachment, aggregation, and activation and has also been shown to regulate megakaryocyte ploidy. We have recently shown that the gene encoding GpIbα is a transcriptional target for the c-Myc oncoprotein and is more widely expressed than previously thought, with particularly high levels occurring in transformed cells. Indeed, GpIbα can substitute for c-Myc in promoting growth, transformation, and genomic instability. In the current work, we have demonstrated that, despite the promiscuous expression of GpIbα, other vWFR subunits remain largely restricted to megakaryocytes. We have characterized a panel of GpIbα mutants and shown that some regions of the protein essential for vWFR activity are not necessary for c-Myc-like functions. Specifically, the six C-terminal amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain, which mediate vWFR signaling, are entirely dispensible for the c-Myc-like functions of GpIbα. Instead, these require a more membrane-proximal filamin-binding domain. Also important is the GpIbα signal peptide, which, in the absence of other vWFR subunits, directs GpIbα to the endoplasmic reticulum rather than the membrane. Together, these results provide strong evidence that the domains of GpIbα mediating c-Myc-like functions are modular, genetically distinct, and independent of those involved in vWFR signaling.
Coarctation of the Aorta in Infants and Children: 25 Years of Experience

Repair of coarctation of the aorta was performed in 334 patients ranging from less than a year to 16 years of age at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1953 to 1977. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 310, interposition grafts in 7, and other procedures in 17. There were 41 operative deaths among the 95 infants less than 1 year old (43% mortality); all of these infants had associated cardiac anomalies. Only 1 operative death occurred in patients older than a year (0.4% mortality). No hospital deaths occurred in patients with isolated coarctation of the aorta. Eleven late deaths were due to associated anomalies (7) and unrelated or unknown causes (4). Postoperatively, hemorrhage occurred in 7, paradoxical or persistent hypertension in 128, postcoarctectomy syndrome in 32, neurological problems in 14, pulmonary complications in 53, and infections in 12 patients. Restenosis occurred in 26 patients (8%); only 10 have required reoperation. Residual hypertension was present in 28 of 264 patients (11%). Mortality from coarctation resection remains high in infants, but is minimal in children older than 1 year. Based on minimizing the risk of restenosis and residual hypertension, elective repair of coarctation is recommended when the patient is about 6 years of age.
The results of posterior chamber lens implantation

We studied 1,216 consecutive cases where the surgeon's intent was to implant a posterior chamber lens. In 37 cases, the surgeon elected to put in an anterior chamber lens because of events occurring at the time of surgery. In no instance was the intraocular lens procedure aborted and a lens not implanted. In the 37 cases implanted with anterior chamber lenses, 76% had a final visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In the 1,179 cases that had posterior chamber lenses implanted, 90% had visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and only 1% had worse than 20/400 vision. Senile macular degeneration accounted for over one-half of the 104 patients with a visual acuity of 20/40 or worse. Visual results appeared to be age related; 96% of patients who were less than 75-years-old achieved an acuity of 20/40 or better, whereas only 80% of those over 75 years achieved this level. Our results suggest that extracapsular extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation is safe and provides good visual results.
Paraeducators Transition From Silent Partners to Collaborators with Science Teachers in Urban Middle Schools

Within middle school classrooms a diverse body of students require specialized instruction and science teachers with unique abilities to implement a reform-based science curriculum. To achieve the goal of success for all, students who are English language leaners and with exceptionalities, such as learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders, are often assigned paraeducators to support science learning. However, professional development often focuses on immersing paraeducators through a broad model of curricular modifications and general support strategies. This study reports findings of a three-year professional development project for middle level science teachers and paraeducators designed to increase science conceptual understanding and inquiry skills development. The overarching goals were to: 1) increase middle level science teachers ability to explain science concepts, and 2) develop paraeducator's ability to directly assist in delivering inquiry-based science for students with Individualized Educational Plans identified with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. A total of 13 science teachers collaborated with 11 paraeducators to identify practices impeding reform-based science instruction, address misconceptions, and modify delivery of instruction and assessment. The model for collaborating with science teachers enabled paraprofessionals to experience science as inquiry and expand their understanding of the vital role paraeducators have in supporting science learning. This mixed methods research design utilized data collected from the STEBI-A (and modified version for paraeducators), RTOP, and reflective journals to determine project impact. Analyses of the data reveal change in conceptual understanding, perceptions, and methodologies by which teachers and paraeducators collaborate to implement science instruction. The model demonstrates strategies for shifting the paradigm of paraeducators as silent partners to active participants in teaching inquiry-based science in middle schools.
Ischemic preconditioning: The role of mitochondria and aging

Aging represents a triple threat for myocardial infarction (MI). Not only does the incidence of MI increase with age, but the heart becomes more susceptible to MI induced damage and protective interventions such as ischemic preconditioning (IPC) become less effective. Therefore, any rational therapeutic strategy must be built around the ability to combat the detrimental effects of ischemia in aged individuals. To accomplish this, we need to develop a better understanding of how ischemic damage, protection, and aging are linked. In this regard, mitochondria have emerged as a common theme. First, mitochondria contribute to cell damage during ischemia-reperfusion (IR), and are central to cell death. Second, the protective signaling pathways activated by IPC converge on mitochondria, and the opening of mitochondrial ion channels alone is sufficient to elicit protection. Finally, mitochondria clearly influence the aging process and specific defects in mitochondrial activity are associated with age-related functional decline. This review will summarize the effects of aging on myocardial IR injury and discuss relevant and emerging strategies to protect against MI with an emphasis on mitochondrial function.
Volumetric shrinkage (collapse) in freeze-dried carbohydrates above their glass transition temperature

Abstract Collapse or loss of structure, and in particular a drastic decrease in porosity in dehydrated materials, is a process of importance to the food industry. It affects aroma retention, caking and stickiness, rehydration capacity and final moisture distribution. Collapse in amorphous materials is usually related to glass transition, which in turn depends on temperature and moisture content. In the present study, the effects of glass transition on the rates of collapse of non-crystallizing carbohydrates were investigated. Decrease in bulk specific volume (V) was measured as a function of temperature and moisture content. Decrease in specific volume with time followed first-order behavior, allowing the calculation of specific relaxation times for collapse. Results indicate a strong dependence of rates of collapse on temperature (T) and on the quantity (T−Tg), where Tg is the glass transition temperature. The rates of collapse could be predicted using either the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) or the Arrhenius equations. Most of the effect of moisture is due to depression of Tg, and the resultant increase in T−Tg) at constant temperature.
Optimal multi-product inventory grouping for coordinated periodic replenishment under stochastic demand

Abstract Strategies for joint replenishment of inventory items such as the integer multiples of a base order interval strategy and the item grouping strategy have been discussed in the literature. Most of these studies are limited to the deterministic demand environment. The so-called “can order” strategy has been suggested for the variable demand environment but for a demand distribution which is very restrictive. In this paper we extend the item grouping strategy to the probabilistic demand environment and prove the existence of some simplifying properties of the optimal groups which enable us to model the grouping problem as a shortest path recursion.
Resource binding—a universal approach to parallel programming

The suitability of a parallel programming paradigm on a particular parallel architecture often greatly influences the overall system performance. This report presents the parallel programming paradigm, resource binding, which offers an architecture independent environment for various parallel computation models. The resource binding technique, with a simple set of primitives, enables a flexible and consistent way of handling process synchronization, shared resource management, and other problems in parallel programming. High portability can be maintained without losing performance. For a clear introduction to the technique, comparisons are made among resource binding and other well-defined schemes such as semaphore, monitor, message passing and Linda.
POOLS, CONFLUXES AND TRANSPORT OF AMINO ACIDS IN STREPTOCOCCUS FAECIUM.

Abstract 1. 1. In OH−-dependent, reversed amino acid transport in Streptococcus faecium it is possible to distinguish the involvement of four confluxes, i.e., groups of amino acids which are released in synchrony from the cell by either a tert.-butanol-isopropanol mixture, trichloroacetic acid, spermine, NH2OH, or OH−. 2. 2. Conflux 1 (released by the solvent mixture) represents the cell's capacity for concentrative amino acid accumulation; Conflux 2 (released by OH− or spermine without acyl-oxygen bond cleavage) originates from ion-exchanging sites which are key intermediates in reversed transport connected to the loci of Conflux 1 and probably also to sites of both cell wall and protein synthesis; Conflux 3 (released by trichloroacetic acid after a prior extraction with the solvent mixture) containing alanine, lysine, and some peptides, is of unknown relationship to the other confluxes; Conflux 4 (released by NH2OH or OH− with acyl-oxygen bond fission) consisting primarily of aspartic acid, but also containing some leucine, indicates the existence of an unusual, labile, aspartic acyl complex in the cell periphery. However, with regard to Conflux 4, dilute NH4OH, which releases alanine as the amide from a labile linkage in the teichoic acids, did not release leucine amide or isoasparagine in these experiments, although it strongly promoted reserved transport. 3. 3. The confluxes are compared with the internal and expandable amino acid pools reported in other organisms, and the implications of the heterogeneous metabolic origins and destinations of the confluxes for interpreting the physiological functions of the pools are discussed.
Supermacrochelate Complexes Containing an Artificial Nucleic Acid Backbone and Derived from Excellent Ligands Formed by Treating Platinum Anticancer Agents with Nucleotide Triphosphates.

Potent metal-ion chelators, cis-A2Pt(5‘-GTP)2 (A2 = two amines or a diamine), form novel “supermacrochelate” cis-A2Pt(5‘-GTP)2M complexes with unusual properties. The artificial metal-linked sugar−phosphate backbone in enPt(5‘-GTP)2La exhibits slow La3+ exchange, is not completely disrupted by EDTA, persists intact even at pH 1.5, and is an informative model of the cross-link formed by cis-A2PtX2 anticancer drugs and the N7 of adjacent G residues in DNA.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography Assessment of Focused Ultrasound Surgery in Cancer Models: A Pilot Study

MRI guided focused ultrasound (FUS) has been shown to create thermal lesions where tissue stiffness changes significantly. To assess the correlation between tissue stiffness change and tissue ablation, a pilot animal based study was conducted to treat LNCaP tumors in vivo and Hep3B tumors immediately post mortem. MR elastography was used to analyze tissue stiffness before and after ablation. Treated tissue was excised immediately after each experiment and processed by routine histological analysis. Four prostate cancer tumors and four liver cancer tumors showed, on average, a threefold increase in stiffness due to FUS thermal treatment. Histology showed complete (100%) coagulation necrosis in these cases. These data suggest that MRE may be an effective means to assess tissue ablation.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Ammonium nitrogen uptake by rice grown in acid sulfate soil under controlled redox conditions

A study was conducted to determine plant growth and ammonium fertilizer nitrogen uptake by rice (Oryza sativa, L.) in acid sulfate soils (Sulfic Tropaquept) as affected by soil redox conditions. Rice seedlings of acid sulfate soil-tolerant and sensitive varieties (IR 46 and IR 26, respectively) were grown in laboratory microcosms for 3 weeks in soil suspensions incubated at four separate Eh levels (+500, +250, +50, and-150 mV). Growth of both varieties decreased as soil Eh decreased. Uptake of both added15N labelled (NH4)2SO4 and native soil nitrogen also decreased with decreasing soil Eh. Percent N from fertilizer in the plant tissues increased with decreasing soil Eh. Nitrogen uptake was greater in IR 46 as compared to IR 26. A greater amount of fertilizer N and native soil N remained in the soil suspension under a highly reduced condition compared to an oxidized condition indicating that more ammonium N was utilized by the rice plants under the oxidized than the highly reduced conditions. The growth of the soil tolerant rice variety (IR 46) was more superior to that of the sensitive rice variety (IR 26) under oxidized (+500 mV) and moderately reduced (+250 to +50 mV) than highly reduced (-150 mV) conditions. Greater uptake of soil and fertilizer nitrogen was measured under the soil redox conditions in which adequate plant growth was recorded. Strongly reducing soil redox conditions adversely affected plant growth which in turn limited nitrogen uptake.
Following celebrities' tweets about brands: : the impact of twitter-based electronic word-of-mouth on consumers' source credibility perception, buying intention, and social identification with celebrities

Two experiments examined the impact of Twitter followers, electronic word-of-mouth (eWoM) valence, and celebrity type (prosocial versus antisocial) on consumer behavior in Twitter-based marketing communication, applying social capital theory, social identity theory, source credibility, and extant literature on eWoM. Experiment 1 demonstrated the main effect of number of followers on source credibility, and the interaction effect between eWoM valence and number of followers on product involvement, buying intention, and intention to pass along eWoM. Experiment 2 revealed the interaction effect of celebrity type and number of followers on social identification with the celebrity as well as the mediating effect of social identification.
Vibrational Spectra of Liquid Crystals. VII. Infrared Spectra of Lecithin—Phosphatidyl Serine—Water Systems

Abstract Infrared spectroscopic studies of a mixed phospholipid-water system can be used to construct the phase diagram for this system. The results show that a small amount of phosphatidyl serine (PS) causes an inordinately large depression in the liquid crystal phase transition temperature. Results at higher concentrations of PS are also presented.
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis of the Testosterone Binding Site of Rat 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Demonstrates Contact Residues Influence the Rate-Determining Step†

Aldo-keto reductase (AKR1C) isoforms can regulate ligand access to nuclear receptors by acting as hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. The principles that govern steroid hormone binding and steroid turnover by these enzymes were analyzed using rat 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD, AKR1C9) as the protein model. Systematic alanine scanning mutagenesis was performed on the substrate-binding pocket as defined by the crystal structure of the 3α-HSD·NADP+·testosterone ternary complex. T24, L54, F118, F129, T226, W227, N306, and Y310 were individually mutated to alanine, while catalytic residues Y55 and H117 were unaltered. The effects of these mutations on the ordered bi-bi mechanism were examined. No mutations changed the affinity for NADPH by more than 2−3-fold. Fluorescence titrations of the energy transfer band of the E·NADPH complex with competitive inhibitors testosterone and progesterone showed that the largest effect was a 23-fold decrease in the affinity for progesterone in the W227A mutant. By contra...
Some dangers in state reduction of sequential machines

In this paper we investigate the negative effects of state reduction on the realization of a sequential machine. It is shown that state reduction can destroy realizations of a given sequential machine from sets of smaller machines and thus lead to a sequential machine that is harder to realize. To understand some of the reasons why and when state reduction should be carried out, several results are obtained which describe the changes of the structure of a sequential machine under state reduction. It is seen that the undesirable effects of state reduction are closely associated with the failure of certain distributive laws to hold between the partitions used for state reduction and the partitions used in the realization of the unreduced machine.
Inhibition of human serine proteases by SPAAT, the C-terminal 44-residue peptide from α1-antitrypsin

Abstract SPAAT has previously been shown to be a competitive inhibitor of the model serine protease, chymotrypsin. We now present evidence that SPAAT is likewise a competitive inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G with Ki's of 15–20 and 40 μM, respectively. The mechanism of this inhibition was investigated by comparing the relative effectiveness of the 23-residue N-terminal fragment of SPAAT (N-SPAAT) to inhibit chymotrypsin and human neutrophil elastase. N-SPAAT, which does not contain the primary chymotrypsin cleavage site, was approximately 10-fold less effective as an inhibitor of chymotrypsin than SPAAT (Ki of 65 μM versus 7.5 μM). In contrast, this fragment, which contains the primary human neutrophil elastase cleavage site, was found to competitively inhibit human neutrophil elastase with a Ki of 24 μM which was comparable to that of SPAAT (Ki=15-20 μM). Thus it appears that SPAAT is a reversible inhibitor of these enzymes rather than an irreversible, stoichiometric one like its parent protein, AAT. Such fragmentation of AAT, however, might provide a mechanism whereby a cascade of decreasingly potent, but increasingly specific SPAAT-related inhibitory peptides could be generated. These results further substantiate the view that SPAAT may play a role in vivo in the protection of extracellular proteins from inappropriate attack by proteases which are elevated during various pathophysiological conditions.
Feasibility of radiofrequency ablation for primary breast cancer.

As the management of breast cancer evolves towards less invasive treatment, the next step is the possibility of removing the primary tumor without surgery. The most promising of the noninvasive ablation techniques is radiofrequency ablation, which uses frictional heating caused when ions in the tissue attempt to follow changing directions of a high frequency alternating current. The radiofrequency probe is typically placed into the tumor under ultrasound guidance, and the ablation is performed with real time ultrasound monitoring. Preliminary studies in which RFA was followed by standard surgical resection have indicated that this technique is effective for the surgical ablation of small (≦ 2 cm) primary breast tumors. A new study at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center will use RFA as the sole local treatment of breast tumors ≦ 1.5 cm in size to determine if this technique is oncologically and cosmetically appropriate for the local treatment of primary breast cancer. Twenty patients with small tumors that are clearly identifiable and measurable by ultrasound will be enrolled in the study. Successful ablation will be determined by core and fine needle biopsies, and long-term outcomes will be assessed using imaging studies and quality of life measurement scales for 5 years following treatment.
Psychic and social reality in aging.

Over the past millennia a significant aspect of human strivings has been characterized by the quest for everlasting life and, perhaps even more so, for the essence of eternal youth. Since the nature of the supernatural, and of the gods, reflects human projections and idealizations, it is not surprising that even the gods of Olympus, to maintain their immortality, had to be fed nectar and ambrosia by Hebe, goddess of eternal youth. Similarly, in other cultures (Aztec, Mayan, Canaan, etc.) human and/or animal sacrifices were used to maintain the gods. The wish for eternal youth may have implied immortality, which led to searches for the fountain of youth (Yearout, 1976). It is thus not surprising that during the past millennia when the human life span was short, longevity has been wished and prayed for. Elders, so rare in every society, have been revered, esteemed, sought out for their wisdom, and acknowledged for their leadership. In the Western world, at the beginning of the twentieth century (and this still is true in the Third World today), men on the average lived up to 45 years and women up to 46 years, provided the latter did not die much earlier in childbirth or of its complications. At present, the life span for men and women is in the seventies, and going up. Paradoxically, in the announcements about the growing proportion of the graying population, there is a note of concern that there might be too many seniors. These facts and the current prevalent fear of aging seem like a contradiction. Why are people so fearful to admit to their age? Why do women, even more so than men, hide their years with the help of cosmetic art and with “lifts” to every part of their bodies just to maintain a “youthful appearance” even when one can no longer hold on to youth? Why does one so often
Workaholism, sex, and sex role stereotyping among female professionals

This paper examines the relationship between workaholism, sex, and sex role orientation among professionals. The sample consisted of 86 male and 106 female attorneys, physicians, and psychologists/therapists. Results indicated a significant relationship between sex and sex role stereotyping. Among females, workaholics were grouped exclusively in the sex role categories masculine and androgynous. Implications for counseling include increasing awareness of changing sex role attitudes among professional women and possible role conflict that can occur from integration of work and family.
The Capacity of Instructional Technologists to Provide Systemic Support for Science Education Reform

This study investigated the extent to which pre‐service instructional technologists were prepared to assume roles in providing the systemic support needed by science teachers. The participants in the study engaged in a one‐semester graduate course focused on integrating technology into science instruction. Through qualitative methods, this study investigated the philosophical views of the pre‐service instructional technologists and compared those views over time as the semester progressed. Results of the study reveal that the participants’ philosophical views did move in directions consistent with reform efforts in science education, namely more supportive of learner centered instruction. This was evident in philosophical statements emerging at the end of the course, not present at the beginning, which focused on Science Technology and Society (STS) Instructional Principles, Learner‐Centered Principles, Observations which could promote learner‐centered instruction, and Technology promoting the learner‐cen...
Alteration of chlamydia trachomatis biologic behavior in synovial membranes suppression of surface antigen production in reactive arthritis and reiter's syndrome

Objective. To investigate the biologic state of Chlamydia and its surface antigen expression in the synovial membranes of patients with Chlamydia-associated reactive arthritis/Reiter's syndrome (ReA/RS). Methods. Expression of chlamydial lipopoly-saccharide (LPS), major outer membrane protein (MOMP), and elementary body (EB) antigens was studied by gold labeling immunoelectron microscopy on 6 synovial membrane and 2 synovial fluid (SF) pellet samples from 6 patients with Chlamydia-associated arthritis. The study findings were compared with 24-hour cultures of HeLa cells infected with Chlamydia trachomatis EB. Results. Persistent C trachomatis infection was found in all 6 synovial membrane samples from patients who had either early or chronic arthritis. The infection persisted despite antibiotic treatment, including a 1-month course of doxycycline therapy. Most persistent organisms were atypical reticulate bodies (RBs) found in both fibroblasts and macrophages. Specific, but weak, immunogold staining for all 3 antibodies was found on both intracellular RBs and extracellular EBs. In the SF samples, Chlamydia surface antigens were detected only in phagosomes containing degraded electron-dense materials. Conclusion. The synovial membrane biopsies conducted in this study of Chlamydia-associated ReA/RS revealed atypical RBs with diminished MOMP and LPS expression. Such altered organisms may escape immune surveillance and contribute to disease chronicity; moreover, these organisms may be difficult to detect and treat in some ReA/RS patients.
Pulsed-high intensity focused ultrasound enhanced tPA mediated thrombolysis in a novel in vivo clot model, a pilot study

Abstract Introduction Thrombotic disease continues to account for significant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound energy has been investigated as a potential primary and adjunctive treatment for thrombotic disease. We have previously shown that pulsed-high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) enhances thrombolysis induced by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in vitro , including describing the non-destructive mechanism by which tPA availability and consequent activity are increased. In this study we aimed to determine if the same effects could be achieved in vivo . Materials and methods In this study, pulsed-HIFU exposures combined with tPA boluses were compared to treatment with tPA alone, HIFU alone and control in a novel in vivo clot model. Clots were formed in the rabbit marginal ear vein and verified using venography and infrared imaging. The efficacy of thrombolytic treatment was monitored via high resolution ultrasonography for 5 h post-treatment. The cross-sectional area of clots at 4 points along the vein was measured and normalized to the pre-treatment size. Results At 5 h the complete recanalization of clots treated with pulsed-HIFU and tPA was significantly different from the partial recanalization seen with tPA treatment alone. tPA treatment alone showed a significant decrease in clot versus control, where HIFU was not significantly different than control. Histological analysis of the vessel walls in the treated veins showed no apparent irreversible damage to endothelial cells or extravascular tissue. Conclusions This study demonstrates that tPA mediated thrombolysis can be significantly enhanced when combined with non-invasive pulsed-HIFU exposures.
Histological evaluation of periodontal probe penetration in untreated facial molar furcations

The purpose of this investigation was to histologically determine the position of the periodontal probe tip when probing the deepest interradicular pocket depth in grade II and III facial molar furcation sites. Facial furcation pockets (5.8 mm +/- 1.3) were probed with a pressure-sensitive probe set at 50 g pressure. The probe tip was attached to the tooth with an acid etched composite resin. Surgical block biopsies were removed, fixed, decalcified and processed for histological sectioning. Buccolingual serial sections (6 mu) were cut from 9 biopsies and apicocoronal serial sections were cut from 3 biopsies. The sections were histometrically analyzed. The probe tip penetrated the inflamed furcation connective tissue an average depth of 2.1 mm (+/- 0.6). The probe tip was located 0.4 mm (+/- 1.4) apical to the crest of the interradicular bone. The % of inflammatory cell infiltrate in the connective tissue (ICT) around the probe tip was 56% (+/- 15%). There was no correlation between the % of ICT and the depth of probe penetration. This investigation demonstrated that probing of untreated facial molar furcation sites does not measure the attachment level of the interradicular root surfaces, but rather records the depth of probe penetration into the inflamed furcation connective tissue.
X α scattered-wave calculations for dimers and trimers of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ)

$X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattered-wave molecular-orbital (MO) calculations have been carried out for dimers and trimers of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) in the slipped ${C}_{2h}$ geometry found in crystalline TTF-TCNQ. The MO's of the dimers which are the precursors of the partially filled valence and conduction bands in TTF-TCNQ are found to a good approximation to be simply bonding and antibonding combinations of the highest occupied MO (donor level) in the case of TTF and the lowest unoccupied MO (acceptor level) in the case of TCNQ. When extended basis sets are used, the energy difference between corresponding bonding and antibonding levels (dimer splitting) is 0.24 eV for a TTF dimer and 0.29 eV for a TCNQ dimer. These basis sets include $s$, $p$, and $d$ partial waves on C, S, and N atoms, and $s$ and $p$ partial waves on H atoms. When the dimer and trimer levels are fitted to a tight-binding model containing the transfer integral $t$ and the overlap integral $S$, it is found that $S$ is negligible. The infinite-stack bandwidths $W$ are then equal to twice the dimer splittings and the transfer integrals to half the dimer splittings. The derived TTF and TCNQ bandwidths (0.48 and 0.58 eV, respectively) are consistent with available experimental estimates.
Results of two-flap palatoplasty with regard to speech production

Forty-five children with unilateral cleft lip and palate, who underwent two-flap palatoplasty as described by Bardach [6], were examined primarily for speech patterns using a previously designed protocol. Results indicated that in 80% of patients, velopharyngeal function was within normal limits. However, more than half (62%) needed further dental treatment or speech therapy (51%) before normal speech production could be expected. These findings indicate that the two-flap method is highly satisfactory as a technique for primary palatoplasty.
Parental Strains and Rewards Among Mothers: The Role of Education

Using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1,198), this study examines the associations between education and parental strains and rewards among mothers of young children. Findings indicate that a college degree or more is related to less parenting anxiety, but more role captivity, and less new life meaning from parenting than lower levels of education. Differences by education are partly explained by variation in levels of progressive parenting values and work commitment, but remain significant. These patterns indicate that education provides greater resources that ease parental anxiety, but also leads to greater perceived demands of having a successful career, which contribute to more role captivity and less new life meaning from parenting.
The chemical composition of the interstellar medium

Our knowledge of the abundances of heavy elements with nuclear charge Z > 2 in the interstellar medium is surprisingly incomplete. Several factors contribute to this state of affairs. A substantial...
The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act and Organ Donation in the United States

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) and its periodic revisions provide a template for the creation and amendment of legislation to adjust public policy and align it with developments in medical practice. It is also a model for statutory response to societal change as well as changes in regulatory and judicial precedents. Conversely, the history of the UAGA shows the limits of legislation to achieve certain social goals.
Constituents of unionid extrapallial fluid. ii ph and metal ion composition

The extrapallial fluid of Unionids is being studied to obtain a more complete understanding of its composition and the relationship of its components to shell formation. Previous reports have indicated that calcium, magnesium, and manganese are expected components in one Unionid species. We confirm this and add zinc to this list. Our studies do not confirm earlier reports of free diffusion of calcium between the extrapallial fluid and the ambient medium, but suggest the organisms can concentrate, retain and exclude calcium. Magnesium levels are inversely related to calcium levels. Manganese and zinc are maintained in the extrapallial fluid regardless of external concentration, the manganese within a relatively narrow concentration range. The extrapallial fluid is consistantly slightly alkaline, all samplings averaging between 8.1 and 8.2 in pH.
Grain growth kinetics in nanostructured nickel

Abstract Grain growth kinetics for nanostructured nickel was studied by means of isothermal and isochronal annealing and TEM. The range of temperature for the isothermal and isochronal annealing has been selected between 603K and 683K. The isothermal curves for grain size show that an explosive grain growth occurs in the early stage of annealing, but the growth returns normal beyond grain size of 600 nm. The change in microstructure in the annealed specimens has been investigated by TEM. The activation energy for the grain growth was found to be 102 kJ/mol from the plot of grain growth rate vs. 1/T, which is comparable to the activation energy for diffusion at the grain boundaries. The time exponent was obtained from the plot of grain size difference vs. annealing time, and found to be in the range of 1/6–1/7.
Chronic imipramine does not block cocaine-induced increases in brain stimulation reward

Abstract Self-stimulating rats implanted with ventral tegmental area electrodes were tested with 15 mg/kg cocaine HCl before and after chronic impramine treatment. Chronic imipramine had no influence on cocaine's ability to lower brain stimulation reward thresholds, suggesting that tricyclic antidepressant treatment does not block cocaine-induced euphoria.
A Characterization of the Orientations of Ternary Matroids

A matroid or oriented matroid is dyadic if it has a rational representation with all nonzero subdeterminants in {±2k:k?Z}. Our main theorem is that an oriented matroid is dyadic if and only if the underlying matroid is ternary. A consequence of our theorem is the recent result of G. Whittle that a rational matroid is dyadic if and only if it is ternary. Along the way, we establish that each whirl has three inequivalent orientations. Furthermore, except for the rank-3 whirl, no pair of these are isomorphic.
Kalman Filtering in Triplet Markov Chains

Let x = {xn} nisinIN be a hidden process, y = {yn}nisinIN an observed process, and r = {rn}nisinIN some additional process. We assume that t = (x, r, y) is a (so-called "Triplet") vector Markov chain (TMC We first show that the linear TMC model encompasses and generalizes, among other models, the classical state-space systems with colored process and/or measurement noise(s). We next propose restoration Kalman-like filters for arbitrary linear Gaussian (LG) TMC