cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pten Haplo-Insufficient Mice with Social Deficits and Repetitive Behavior: Interplay between Pten and p53

Etiology of aberrant social behavior consistently points to a strong polygenetic component involved in fundamental developmental pathways, with the potential of being enhanced by defects in bioenergetics. To this end, the occurrence of social deficits and mitochondrial outcomes were evaluated in conditional Pten (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) haplo-insufficient mice, in which only one allele was selectively knocked-out in neural tissues. Pten mutations have been linked to Alzheimer's disease and syndromic autism spectrum disorders, among others. By 4–6 weeks of age, Pten insufficiency resulted in the increase of several mitochondrial Complex activities (II–III, IV and V) not accompanied by increases in mitochondrial mass, consistent with an activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, of which Pten is a negative modulator. At 8–13 weeks of age, Pten haplo-insufficient mice did not show significant behavioral abnormalities or changes in mitochondrial outcomes, but by 20–29 weeks, they displayed aberrant social behavior (social avoidance, failure to recognize familiar mouse, and repetitive self-grooming), macrocephaly, increased oxidative stress, decreased cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity (50%) and increased mtDNA deletions in cerebellum and hippocampus. Mitochondrial dysfunction was the result of a downregulation of p53-signaling pathway evaluated by lower protein expression of p21 (65% of controls) and the CCO chaperone SCO2 (47% of controls), two p53-downstream targets. This mechanism was confirmed in Pten-deficient striatal neurons and, HCT 116 cells with different p53 gene dosage. These results suggest a unique pathogenic mechanism of the Pten-p53 axis in mice with aberrant social behavior: loss of Pten (via p53) impairs mitochondrial function elicited by an early defective assembly of CCO and later enhanced by the accumulation of mtDNA deletions. Consistent with our results, (i) SCO2 deficiency and/or CCO activity defects have been reported in patients with learning disabilities including autism and (ii) mutated proteins in ASD have been found associated with p53-signaling pathways.
Decomposition of p-aminosalicylic acid in the solid state.

Abstract Aminosalicylic acid was used as a test substance to show that a solid‐state decomposition governed by nucleation kinetics can give rise to first‐order kinetics. The effect of sorbed moisture at a low degree of coverage was tested. Sorbed moisture theories proposed previously apply when it is realized that the rate constants in the presence of the sorbed layer may differ from the values of these parameters under anhydrous conditions.
Continuous wave doppler determination of right ventricular pressure: A simultaneous Doppler-catheterization study in 127 patients

Simultaneous continuous wave Doppler echocardiography and right-sided cardiac pressure measurements were performed during cardiac catheterization in 127 patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was detected by the Doppler method in 117 patients and was of adequate quality to analyze in 111 patients. Maximal systolic pressure gradient between the right ventricle and right atrium was 11 to 136 mm Hg (mean 53 ± 29) and simultaneously measured Doppler gradient was 9 to 127 mm Hg (mean 49 ± 26); for these two measurements, r = 0.96 and SEE = 7 mm Hg. Right ventricular systolic pressure was estimated by three methods from the Doppler gradient. These were 1) Doppler gradient + mean jugular venous pressure; 2) using a regression equation derived from the first 63 patients (Group 1); and 3) Doppler gradient + 10. These methods were tested on the remaining 48 patients with Doppler-analyzable tricuspid regurgitation (Group 2). The correlation between Doppler-estimated and catheter-measured right ventricular systolic pressure was similar using all three methods; however, the regression equation produced a significantly better estimate (p Use of continuous wave Doppler blood flow velocity of tricuspid regurgitation permitted determination of the systolic pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve and the right ventricular systolic pressure. This noninvasive technique yielded information comparable with that obtained at catheterization. Approximately 80% of patients with increased and 57% with normal right ventricular pressure had analyzable Doppler tricuspid regurgitant velocities that could be used to accurately predict right ventricular systolic pressure.
An analysis of methods for the selection of atlases for use in medical image segmentation

ABSTRACT The use of atlases has been shown to be a robust method for segmentation of medical images. In this paper we explore different methods of selection of atlases for the segmentation of the quadriceps muscles in magnetic resonance (MR) images, although the results are pertinent for a wide range of applications. The experiments were performed using 103 images from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The images were randomly split into a training set consisting of 50 images and a testing set of 53 images. Three different atlas selection methods were systema tically compared. First, a set of readers was assigned the task of selecting atlases from a training population of images, which were selected to be representative subgroups of the total population. Second, the same readers were instructed to select atlases from a subset of the training data which was stratified based on population modes. Finally, every image in the training set was employed as an atlas, with no input fr om the readers, and the atlas which had the best initial registration, judged by an appropriate registration metric, was used in the final segmen tation procedure. The segmentation results were quantified using the Zijdenbos similarity index (ZSI). The results show that over all readers the agreement of the segmentation algorithm decreased from 0.76 to 0.74 when using population modes to assist in atlas selection. The use of every image in the training set as an atlas outperformed both manual atlas selection methods, achieving a ZSI of 0.82. Keywords: atlases, segmentation, osteoarthritis
Curvature loss in multimode optical fibers

An extension is derived of a bending-loss-coefficient equation derived by Marcuse [ J. Opt. Soc. Am.66, 216 ( 1976)]. The original derivation employed approximations that limited the loss formula to low-order modes. We develop a closed-form integral and an algorithm for an approximate integral that allow loss coefficients to be computed for high-order modes. The overall loss of a multimode fiber is then analyzed by making simple assumptions about the power distribution among the modes of a fiber.
Long-Term Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation for Hepatic Hemangioendothelioma: The UNOS Experience from 1987 to 2005

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a vascular neoplasm with intermediate malignant potential. Outcomes after liver transplantation have only been reported as small, single-institution experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient and allograft survivals after liver transplantation in a large, multi-institutional cohort of patients with HEH. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, we identified 110 patients with a diagnosis of HEH who underwent 126 transplants between 1987 and 2005. Patient and allograft survivals were calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Log rank tests were used to determine the influence of study variables on outcomes. Of the 110 transplanted patients, 75 patients (68%) were female, 80 patients (73%) were Caucasian, and the median age was 36 years old (23% 18 y.o.). The 30-day posttransplant mortality rate was 2.4%. At a median patient follow-up interval of 24 months, 1- and 5-year patient and allograft survivals were 80% and 64%, and 70% and 55%, respectively. Pretransplant medical status, but not age, was found to statistically correlate with patient survival. These data indicate that survivals after transplantation for HEH are favorable. Given the propensity for recurrence after resection, these data support consideration of liver transplantation for all patients with significant intrahepatic tumor burden.
OR/MS research in disaster operations management

Disasters are large intractable problems that test the ability of communities and nations to effectively protect their populations and infrastructure, to reduce both human and property loss, and to rapidly recover. The seeming randomness of impacts and problems and uniqueness of incidents demand dynamic, real-time, effective and cost efficient solutions, thus making the topic very suitable for OR/MS research. While social sciences and humanities literatures enjoy an abundance of articles on disaster management, the OR/MS community is yet to produce a critical mass. In this paper, we survey the literature to identify potential research directions in disaster operations, discuss relevant issues, and provide a starting point for interested researchers.
Using Latent Growth Curve Modeling to Examine Changes in Mental Health Outcomes for Children Enrolled in a System of Care

MeckCARES, a system of care (SOC) in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is designed to serve youth with severe emotional disturbances and their families. This study employed latent growth curve (LGC) modeling to examine (a) the degree to which youth improved on indicators of adjustment over the course of the first year of enrollment in MeckCARES, and (b) the services or demographic variables associated with individual differences in the rate of change over time. Participant caregivers (N = 121) reported on 3 major indicators of youth adjustment at baseline, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Primary analyses indicated that there was a modest yet significant improvement in all 3 outcome measures over the first year of enrollment in MeckCARES. Additional analyses revealed that caregiver reports of receiving case management at any point in the first year were associated with improvement in behavioral and emotional strengths as well as a reduction in psychological and behavioral symptoms. No significant differences in rate of change were observed based on caregiver-reported receipt of individual or family therapy nor any demographic variables. These findings suggest that MeckCARES may be particularly effective when youth are receiving case management services. Additional implications for practice are discussed.
Superior colliculus neurons which project to the cat lateral posterior nucleus have varying morphologies.

We have studied the laminar position, morphology, and synaptic relationships of neurons in the cat superior colliculus which project to the interadjacent division of the lateral posterior nucleus (LPi), using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. The neurons which project to LPi are remarkably varied in depth, size, morphology, and synaptic density and appear to consist of at least four cell types. Labeled cells were found in four laminae. Forty-seven percent were found in the superficial gray layer (50–550μm), all but a few within its deep subdivision. Forty-seven percent were located in the optic layer (550–1,200μm), the majority of these being within the upper one-half of the layer. Seven percent were found in the intermediate and deep gray layers (below 1,200μm). Cell body area varied widely, ranging from 37 to 768 μm2 (mean of 243μm2). Based on cell size, shape, and dendritic field orientation, we identified four distinct cell morphologies which were labeled. Thirty-five percent were stellate, 32% were vertical fusiform, 19% were granule, and 12% were horizontal cells. Electron microscope analysis confirmed that neurons projecting to the lateral posterior nucleus are a morphologically diverse group. A sample of 71 labeled cells varied significantly in density of synaptic input as well as in size, shape, depth, dendritic distribution, and cytology.
HSP-10 in ovarian cancer: expression and suppression of T-cell signaling.

Abstract Objective. Suppressed T-cell activation is a hallmark of advanced ovarian cancer. Studies in pregnancy have demonstrated similar T-cell dysfunction mediated, at least in part, by HSP10, identified as "early pregnancy factor." This pilot study addresses the presence of HSP10 in the circulation of ovarian cancer patients and assesses its role in suppressing CD3-zeta. Methods. Sera were obtained from ovarian cancer patients ( n = 10) and age-matched noncancer-bearing female controls ( n = 9). HSP10 presence was determined semiquantitatively by Western immunoblotting in sera, ascites, and ovarian tumor cell conditioned media. The consequences of HSP10 on CD3-zeta suppression were defined using a Jurkat cell bioassay, using unfractionated patient sera, sera with HSP10 removed by immunoprecipitation and the immunoprecipitate. Results. HSP10 was detected in both sera and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer; however, it was not detectable in controls. HSP10 was also detected in the culture media of ovarian tumor cells. Sera containing HSP10 suppressed T-cell CD3-zeta expression, which correlated with HSP10 levels ( r 2 = 0.839). When HSP10 was removed from the sera, the ability to suppress CD3-zeta was diminished and the immunoprecipitated material was capable of suppressing CD3-zeta. Conclusions. HSP10 appears to be produced and released from ovarian tumor cells and is detectable in the peripheral blood and ascites of patients. This circulating HSP10 appears to suppress T-cell expression of CD3-zeta, a key component of T-cell activation. Our findings indicate that, as in pregnancy, production and release of HSP10 may be a critical factor in the suppression of T-cell activation, allowing the tumor to escape immune surveillance.
Radiocarbon Dating of Ancient Rock Paintings

A technique based on cold argon and oxygen plasmas permits radiocarbon dates to be obtained on paintings that contain inorganic pigments. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry website at http://pubs.acs.org/journal/ancham.).
An Elevational Control of Peak Snowpack Variability

: The records of the seasonal peaks in snow accumulation on 24 snow courses show that the relative variability (measured by the coefficient of variation) is inversely related to elevation in the San Juan Mountains, southwestern Colorado. Analysis on an annual basis shows that this is due to a tendency for the peak snowpack at high elevations to be closer to the long-term mean while that at low levels is further from the normal. This is true in both above-normal and below-normal accumulation seasons. Extrapolation of 20 annual elevation-accumulation trends suggests that mean accumulation is reached at 4107 ± 186 m elevation. This is approximately the height of the topographic harrier of the San Juan Mountains suggesting that the pattern of variability is a partial function of an atmospheric-topographic interaction.
Agnosic behavior in anomia: a case of pathological verbal dominance.

Summary The interrelation of perceptual and verbal processs was explored in a fluent aphasic with a naming disorder. This patient performed extremely well on complex perceptual tasks as long as he was instructed to remain silent or to count aloud. When he began to talk about what he was doing, he misnamed many test items and behaved as if they were -what he had called them. The verbal interference effect is explained in terms of cerebral dominance and interhemispheric interaction and it is suggested that a similar mechanism may apply in classical cases of agnosia.
The herring ear has a unique receptor pattern

HERRINGS and their relatives in the teleost order Clupeiformes, including sardines and anchovies, have an unusual connection between the gas bladder and the inner ears1,3 that may indicate an auditory mechanism involving the utricle, a part of the ear generally considered to be a gravistatic organ in all other vertebrates4,5. In herring, two slim ducts extend forward from the gas bladder, one to each ear, and connect with gas-filled portions of the otic bullae within the skull. The membranous wall of the utricle is in contact with these pro-otic and pterotic bullae, and thus might be stimulated directly by vibrations of this compressible system. Structural features of the ducts and bullae in clupeids suggest that certain acoustic frequencies may be selectively filtered6,7, but this requires electrophysiological confirmation8. However, although such studies1,6,7 support the argument of an auditory function for the clupeid utricle, no data have been available regarding ultrastructural features of the herring utricle. We now report that scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigations of the otolith sensory epithelial surfaces have revealed several additional structural aspects of the herring utricle which may further support a hypothesis for an auditory role for this organ in clupeids. These features seem to be unique to the clupeid utricle and include the presence of large numbers of sensory cells with long ciliary bundles, and a special sensory receptor pattern.
Signal transduction pathway activating interferon-alpha-stimulated gene expression

Interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) causes profound physiological changes following binding to susceptible target cells. These changes, which include induction of an antiviral state, inhibition of cellular proliferation, and modulation of differentiation, require the transcriptional activation of a set of genes. We have characterized the macromolecular components required for this stimulation of gene expression in order to define the biochemical mechanism of IFN alpha signal transduction. IFN alpha stimulated genes (ISGs) are immediate response genes which utilize a pre-existing set of proteins to mediate their induction. A 15 bp IFN alpha-inducible enhancer element present in the promoters of IFN alpha-stimulated genes, termed the IFN alpha stimulated response element (ISRE), is the genetic target for activation of ISGs. This DNA sequence is both necessary and sufficient for transcriptional activation and is the target for action of a positive transcription factor termed ISGF3. The active, DNA-binding form of ISGF3 is only found in cells which have been exposed to IFN alpha; however, it is activated from a silent form present in all responsive cells. ISGF3 is a multimeric complex assembled from cytoplasmic precursors which are translocated to the nucleus in response to IFN alpha. Assembly and translocation of ISGF3 is the earliest defined event in the IFN alpha response pathway.
Diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from compression of the neurovascular structures that pass through the thoracic outlet. TOS may be classified as neurogenic TOS (NTOS), venous TOS (VTOS), or arterial TOS (ATOS). NTOS presents with upper-extremity symptoms attributable to compression of the brachial plexus. VTOS, also known as Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, involves subclavian-axillary venous occlusion, thrombus formation, and rare embolization. ATOS results from obstruction of the subclavian artery with claudication, thrombus formation, and possible embolization. Adjunct diagnostic studies frequently confirm the diagnoses of VTOS and ATOS, but not of NTOS. Successful TOS treatment depends on the establishment of an accurate diagnosis and identification of causative factors. NTOS should be treated initially with physical therapy, but may require surgical decompression, including first rib excision and scalenectomy. VTOS usually requires urgent thrombolysis, anticoagulation, and surgical decompression. The treatment of ATOS is directed at restoring arterial blood flow in addition to surgical decompression.
The “coprolites” that aren't: The straight poop on specimens from the Miocene of southwestern Washington State

Coprolite‐like siderite masses from paludal deposits of the Miocene‐Pliocene(?) Wilkes Formation near Toledo, southwestern Washington, have been studied since 1939. Over the years, numerous fossil supply houses have also sold them as vertebrate coprolites. The origin of these curious objects has been attributed to formation as speleo‐thems, pseudomorphs of bryozoa, and as feces of vertebrates, including reptiles, fish, and mammals. No vertebrate fossils have been recovered from the Wilkes Formation, although plant fossils and other organic debris are common locally. Evidence cited in support of a fecal origin include the extruded shape, the variation in shape corresponding to viscosity variations, the limited length or quantity of material, and anal extrusion striations (Amstutz, 1958). A new hypothesis for the origin of these so‐called coprolites is proposed, relying on organic‐rich sediment, but inorganic processes. In this scenario, organic‐rich silt and clay was forcefully injected into hollow wood fr...
Effects of ethanol and sodium phenobarbital on conflict behavior of goldfish (Carassiusauratus)

Abstract Hungry goldfish learned to press a lever for worms obtainable on a 2 min variable-interval schedule of reinforcement. Conflict was induced by rewarding with a worm and punishing with an electric shock any lever responses made in the presence of a flashing light. The resulting suppression of responding was attenuated in fish exposed to sodium phenobarbital. Ethanol solutions were generally without effect.
Expanding the Range of Choice in Water Management: An Evaluation of Policy Approaches

This paper examines the ‘range of choice’ concept in water management. Although many efforts have been made to design policies that broaden the consideration of water resources alternatives, the experiences gained from these policy experiments have not been adequately assessed. What insights might American policy approaches offer for developing countries? To address this question, four general policy types were identified and compared: (1) comprehensive single-objective policies; (2) comprehensive multiple-objective policies; (3) specific non-structural policies; and (4) specific technological policies. Case studies of each approach revealed that effective institutional development occurs when policies are: (1) stated in clear and specific language; (2) modified as experience is gained; (3) adequate in terms of statutory and administrative authority; and (4) subject to an orderly process of public and judicial review. The most successful policy efforts to date have involved specific alternatives, while multiple-objective policies have encountered the most difficulties. Common institutional problems are identified, and their potential relevance for developing countries is discussed.
Bimolecular Fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and beyond

Protein interactions are key determinants of signal transduction in cells, and identification of interacting proteins is critical for deciphering molecular mechanisms by which proteins function in cells. Since the first demonstration of the reassembly of split green fluorescent protein (GFP) in vitro (1) and the development of a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-based bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay for visualization of protein interactions in living cells (2), many fluorescent protein fragments have been identified to support fluorescence complementation (for principle, see Figure 1) (3-5). The availability of these fluorescent protein fragments increases the spectra of BiFC analysis. Consequently, many BiFC-based novel applications have been explored, further extending the applications of the BiFC assay to various aspects of proteins, RNA-protein interactions (6), and DNA hybridization (7). These developments have increased our capability to study various aspects of large molecules, and met the needs of researchers working on different model systems. One example is the demonstration that the fluorescent protein Venus, an improved YFP variant (8), can support BiFC under physiological conditions (4). The use of Venus for BiFC assay eliminates the need of a preincubation of cells at 30C or lower temperatures, which had hindered the use of YFP-based BiFC for many signaling molecules. Further, it can also be paired with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and Cerulean, an improved CFP variant for FRET analysis (9), for multicolor BiFC analysis. Recently, we have combined Venus-based BiFC assay with Cerulean, and developed a BiFC-based FRET (BiFC-FRET) assay for identification and visualization of ternary complexes in living cells (for principle, see Figure 2). Using the BiFC-FRET, we have demonstrated that activator protein (AP-1), consisting of Fos-Jun heterodimers, interacts with NFκB subunit p65 and forms a ternary complex. This finding reveals a novel crosstalk between AP-1 and NF-κB. Given that many signaling molecules form multiple protein complexes including ternary complexes, we anticipate that the BiFC-FRET will facilitate future identification and visualization of ternary complexes in living cells. The BiFC-FRET along with other new BiFC-based applications will be discussed.
Effect of friction and load on pinch force in a hand transfer task

The effect of friction and load on pinch force was studied in a simple hand transfer task using a repeated measures design and ten men. Subjects moved a container between two targets, 450 mm apart, at a slow, self-paced speed. The levels of mass in the container were set at 0.8, 2.5 and 4.2 kg (7.5, 24.5 and 41.5 N respectively). The handle materials were sandpaper and smooth aluminum. Applied pinch force was measured via a strain gauge mounted in a specially-designed handle attached to the container. Dependent variables were peak and 'steady-state' pinch force. The main and interaction effects of load and friction were significant. The friction effect was significant only for the highest load which, on average, elicited peak pinch forces of 16-70% of maximum voluntary force. This suggests that these men were not sensitive to friction effects at the lower loads. Results suggest that the use of tool handle friction enhancements may reduce required pinch forces for objects requiring upwards of 50% or more of maximum pinch strength.
Searching for hibernating myocardium. Time to reevaluate investigative strategies

He wakes, he lives, 'tis death is dead not he. —Percy Bysshe Shelly In the early 1980s, development of clinical methods for coronary revascularization (CABG/PTCA) was rapidly followed by presentation of data that indicated that dysfunctional myocardial segments supplied by vessels with reduced or seemingly absent flow could often recover function after flow was restored. The term “hibernating” has been used to describe myocytes that reside in regions that receive blood flow sufficient to support the low energy–requiring functions needed to maintain structural integrity but inadequate to sustain the high-energy requirements of contraction.1 The recognition that such regions exist and that clinical recovery is possible is particularly important in patients with poor ventricular function and has driven research for reliable, noninvasive methods to detect hibernation. A variety of such techniques is available and can be broadly divided into two groups2 3 : (1) radioactive tracers of perfusion that depend on the integrity of the sarcolemmal membrane for myocardial uptake and retention (eg, 201Tl or 82Rb) or on preservation of myocardial metabolism (eg, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG]) to indicate viability and (2) stimulants of inotropic reserve, of which the most widely used is low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDSE). Thus the nuclear techniques, with which there is greater experience, evaluate structural viability, whereas LDDSE defines viability on the basis of functional recovery. When assessing these techniques, it is important to remember that inherent in the definition of hibernation is ultimate recovery in function. Therefore, it is only after function has been restored that the effects of ischemia can be shown to have been transient and that the dysfunctional myocardium can be confirmed to have been hibernating. LDDSE, which predicts that function can recover, would appear to be a more direct predictor of functional recovery, but there has …
Visualization tools for magnetoencephalography

We describe the development of computer visualization tools that display topographic maps of neuromagnetic data on a realistic head shape. Two topographic display modes are implemented — a "raw" mode that shows the actual position and orientation of the detection coils with respect to the head shape, as well as the magnetic field sensed by each coil, and a "cooked" mode, where the magnetic data is interpolated onto the scalp. False coloration is used to represent magnetic field strength. The topographic displays are combined with waveform displays in order to integrate spatial and temporal visualization of the data. Dipole fitting routines have also been incorporated into the software.
Chronic Stable Angina: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Therapy and/or Calcium-Channel Blocker Therapy—When is it Indicated?

Objective: To discuss outcomes data assessing the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) in the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic stable angina that have been published since the 2002 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) updated guidelines for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (2002-April 2006) identified 60 primary, review, and meta-analysis articles. The inclusion criteria were: patients with stable coronary artery disease, chronic stable angina, or coronary heart disease; evaluation of long-term therapy with either ACE inhibitor or CCB therapy; prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials; cardiovascular events as the primary endpoint of the study; and date of publication after the 2002 ACC/AHA guidelines. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles identified from the literature search were evaluated, and all clinical trials deemed relevant were included in this review. Six randomized trials met inclusion criteria and evaluated the utility of ACE inhibitor and CCB therapy in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease and/or chronic stable angina. Data Synthesis: Patient populations, background therapy, and the study endpoints of all 6 trials varied. However, all primary endpoints assessed cardiovascular events. Two of the 3 ACE inhibitor trials demonstrated a significant reduction in the primary endpoint and 1 of the 3 CCB trials demonstrated a significant reduction in the primary endpoint. Conclusions: Newer evidence cumulatively supports the addition of an ACE inhibitor to standard antianginal pharmacotherapy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, benefit is influenced by severity of illness and use of additional cardiovascular risk reduction pharmacotherapy. The level of supporting evidence for ACE inhibitor therapy in chronic stable angina is higher than that cited in the 2002 ACC/AHA guidelines. Newer evidence evaluating the use of CCBs to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease is controversial and remains consistent with the 2002 guidelines.
Heterodyne nondegenerate pump-probe measurement technique for guided-wave devices.

We describe a new heterodyne nondegenerate pump–probe waveguide measurement technique that permits independent control of wavelengths, pulse widths, and polarizations of the pump and probe pulses in a collinear geometry. This technique provides both time-and spectral-domain information and can be applied to transmission and index measurements alike. We demonstrate this technique for the measurement of gain dynamics in a strained-layer single-quantum-well diode laser.
Mapping herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript sequences that protect from apoptosis mediated by a plasmid expressing caspase-8.

LAT (latency-associated transcript) is the only herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) transcript abundantly expressed during neuronal latency. LAT expression is required for the high reactivation phenotype of HSV-1 and this phenotype correlates with LAT’s anti-apoptosis properties. LAT nucleotides 1 to 1499 inhibit caspase-8 (death receptor apoptotic pathway), but not caspase-9 (mitochondrial apoptotic pathway), -induced apoptosis as efficiently as larger LAT fragments. LAT sequences important for inhibiting caspase-8-induced apoptosis were also localized. The ability of LAT nucleotides 1 to 1499 to efficiently inhibit caspase-8-induced apoptosis correlates with the high reactivation phenotype of a mutant virus expressing just the first 1.5 kb of LAT (nucleotides 1 to 1499).
Folk uses of new world aroids

In this paper, I have tried to consider a single plant family, thbe Araceae, from the point of view of its significance to man: to both primitive and civilized peoples in the past and in the present. Such a study permits an appreciation of the relationship of plants to man in terms of the chemical, morphological, and geographic aspects of a natural plant family. The Araceae are poorly known from an economic point of view. Peoples of temperate climates know them primarily as a group of unusual woodland species or as ornamental indoor pot plants. In the wet tropics, however, the aroids are found everywhere as conspicuous terrestrial or epiphytic plants, growing wild or cultivated as omamentals. The many tropical species provide most of the information for this study, although these are botanically less well known than the temperate species which have, in most cases, been extensively studied. Because of my interest in the neotropical floras, I have limited my considerations to aroids of the New World. For their kind interest and assistance in the following study, I would like to thank Dr. Richard Evans Schultes, Dr. George Bunting, Dr. Abraham Krikorian, Dr. Allen Witztum, Dr. Siri von Reis Altschul, Miss Merri Swid and Mrs. Lillian Hanscom.
The Relationship Between ADHD Symptomology and Decision Making

Objective: To explore the relationship between the symptoms of ADHD, the extent to which college students seek to maximize their decisions, and the degree to which students feel regret for their decisions. Method: Undergraduate students (N = 275) completed four questionnaires measuring ADHD symptomology, internal restlessness, maximization tendencies, and regret. It was hypothesized that (a) participants who reported more behaviors associated with ADHD and internal restlessness would report more maximizing tendencies, (b) participants reporting greater ADHD symptoms and internal restlessness symptoms would be more likely to report feelings of regret, (c) men would report more symptoms of ADHD and internal restlessness than women, and (d) men would be more likely to report maximization tendencies than women. Results: Findings supported the hypotheses and interaction were found. Conclusions: Findings provided new information concerning relationships between ADHD symptomology, internal restlessness, maximization tendencies, and regret. (J. of Att. Dis. XXXX; XX(X) XX-XX)
Zyxin phosphorylation at serine 142 modulates the zyxin head–tail interaction to alter cell–cell adhesion

Zyxin is an actin regulatory protein that is concentrated at sites of actin–membrane association, particularly cell junctions. Zyxin participates in actin dynamics by binding VASP, an interaction that occurs via proline-rich N-terminal ActA repeats. An intramolecular association of the N-terminal LIM domains at or near the ActA repeats can prevent VASP and other binding partners from binding full-length zyxin. Such a head–tail interaction likely accounts for how zyxin function in actin dynamics, cell adhesion, and cell migration can be regulated by the cell. Since zyxin binding to several partners, via the LIM domains, requires phosphorylation, it seems likely that zyxin phosphorylation might alter the head–tail interaction and, thus, zyxin activity. Here we show that zyxin point mutants at a known phosphorylation site, serine 142, alter the ability of a zyxin fragment to directly bind a separate zyxin LIM domains fragment protein. Further, expression of the zyxin phosphomimetic mutant results in increased localization to cell–cell contacts of MDCK cells and generates a cellular phenotype, namely inability to disassemble cell–cell contacts, precisely like that produced by expression of zyxin mutants that lack the entire regulatory LIM domain region. These data suggest that zyxin phosphorylation at serine 142 results in release of the head–tail interaction, changing zyxin activity at cell–cell contacts.
Influence of shoot pruning time on the removal of accumulated N, P, and K and subsequent growth of Ligustrum sinense lour. ‘Variegatum‘

Abstract Greenhouse‐grown Ligustrum sinense ‘Variegatum’ plants pruned after 4, 5, 6, or 7 weeks of growth had similar dry weights 4 weeks after each pruning time. The mg of N, P, and K removed in pruned shoot tips was minimized by pruning at the 4‐week pruning treatment. Delaying pruning each week resulted in an increase in the amount of N, P, and K removed and the ratio of mg of N, P, and K removed in shoot tips to N, P, and K accumulated by shoots for each pruning time.
Ligand binding and physicochemical characteristics of an IgM mouse plasmacytoma ABPC-22.

Immunoglobulin IgM22, secreted by mouse plasmacytoma ABPC-22, was characterized on the basis of ligand binding and physicochemical properties. Upon purification, only two polypeptides (μ aqnd κ chains) were detected by 6 M urea isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The μ and κ chains possessed pI values of 6.27 and 6.13 respectively, in 6 M urea. The molecular masses of μ and κ chains were established by SDS-PAGE and molecular sieve chromatography to be 70 and 30 kd, respectively. Thus, a molecular weight of 1 × 106 was estimated for non-reduced IgM22, and was confirmed by molecular sieve chromatography and sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation. J chain was detected in freshly purified samples. As shown by competitive hapten inhibition (CHI) of the precipitation assay, using 125I-rhodamine B5BSA as the reference ligand, IgM22 bound a wide range of structurally related and unrelated probes. Competing for the same site were polyaromatic anions (such as pyrene-1-sulfonate, rhodamine B and fluorescein) and weakly inhibitory organic acids (such as acetate and propionate). In addition. Fab fragments inhibited precipitation of 125I-rhodamine B5BSA by IgM22. Equilibrium dialysis studies revealed a Kaf 1.5 × 103M−1 for the interaction of 14C-fluorescein with IgM22. A Ka of 3.2 × M−1 for rhodamine B was determined using a molecular sieve column equilibrated in varying concentrations of rhodamine B. Based on relative Ka values, CHI results and fluorescence binding data with anilinonaphthalene sulfonate (ANS), the nature of the antibody active site was described in detail.
Exchange current effects in magnetic electron scattering from 49Ti, 51V, 59Co, 87Sr, and 93Wb

Abstract Recent high-multipolarity elastic magnetic electron-scattering experiments on 49 Ti, 51 V, 59 Co, 87 Sr, and 93 Nb yield information about the radial distribution of single proton and neutron orbits in the f 7 2 and g 9 2 shells. We examine the effects of exchange currents on the analysis of these measurements by presenting a series of fits to the data both excluding and including exchange currents. The exchange currents are shown to be a significant effect that may alter previous conclusions from these experiments.
Sprayed Sensor Using IPMC PAINT

In this study, we are testing a sensing response of recently developed IPMC fabrication method, “IPMC Paint”, which can be directly sprayed onto any complex surface. In order to perform a spraying, the IPMC paint solution was consisted of liquid NafionTM, viscosity controller (Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP), and plasticizer (Polyethylene glycol, PEG). Modified NafionTM solution was sprayed onto the various substrates like aluminum foil, paper, and tape. Sensing tests show that IPMC paint sensor is capable of producing comparable voltage (- 0.6 ~ 0.4 mV) to the typical IPMC when dynamic bent with 10 Hz sine wave and 1.3 cm displacement using shaker. The reported research is modified from the work presented by Park et. al [1].
Recall event timing: Measures of managerial performance in U.S. meat and poultry plants

This study investigates the performance of meat and poultry plant managers in discovering and responding effectively to food safety problems that lead to product recalls. Timing is used as a performance measure of managers' response to recalls of food, using survival distributions of times between production and recall, and recall case duration. The objectives are to understand how these time periods vary across plants and to determine factors explaining such variability. Survival distributions are estimated using the Kaplan-Meier and life table methods. Subgroups of the population are compared using plots of the estimated survival functions and statistically compared using log-rank and Wilcoxon tests. Managers at large plants, in multi-plant firms, and at plants with prior recall experience do not perform better. Cox regressions indicate that government agency sampling programs enhanced the speed of discovery, and that national distribution networks contributed to the risk that cases remained open for a longer period. [EconLit citations: D210, Q180.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 351–373, 2005.
Analysis and reduction of low-Z contaminants on thin carbon films

Abstract Thin, self-supporting foils prepared from arc-evaporated carbon films have been examined for low- Z contaminants ranging from oxygen to calcium. The foils were analyzed with a windowless Si(Li) X-ray detector using the PIXE technique. Foils from different commercial vendors and foils made in-house using different parting agents have been compared, as well as several different solutions for floating the foils from their glass substrates. A technique of treating foils in ultrasonic baths of weak acetic acid has been developed, and is shown to be at least modestly successful at reducing contaminant levels. Evidence of particulate contamination was observed for some of the foils. For additional strength, most of the foils analyzed were coated with collodion, the most dramatic influence of which was to increase the amount of oxygen seen on the foils.
Comparative Economic Assessment of Conventional and Organic Hazelnut Farming in Turkey: Results of Questionnaires from Three Years

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare organic hazelnut farming with conventional production based on data drawn from questionnaires. The Black Sea region of Turkey is the highest producer of hazelnuts in the world, where production is carried out by small family farms. Hazelnut production is the single most important economic activity (monoculture) and income resource of the households in the region. In 2006, 620 farmers produced 7150 t of organic hazelnuts on 4699 ha of land. Sample farms were selected using the stratified sampling method. Financial and physical data were collected from the farmers using a questionnaire and through personal interviews. The results of a three-year study indicate that yield of organic farms was 12.4% higher in the Ordu-Samsun region (Eastern Black Sea Region) and 1.2% lower in the Duzce region (Western Black Sea Region) than on conventional farms; and the price received by organic farmers was 8.1% and 1.5% higher, respectively, than that received by conventional pr...
A new approach to swainsonine and castanospermine analogues

Abstract (1S, 2R, 7R, 7aR)- 1,2,7-Trihydroxypyrrolizidine ( 1 ) is prepared by elaboration of an erythrose derivative ( 4 ) via an asymmetric allylation reaction; this approach promises to be widely applicable to syntheses of polyhydroxylated indolizidine and pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Sensitization of Escherichia coli C to gamma-radiation by 5-bromouracil incorporation.

SummaryEscherichia coli C cells, unifilarly substituted with 5-bromouracil (BrUra) were 2·25 times as sensitive as unsubstituted cells to killing by γ-irradiation under aerobic conditions. The yield of DNA double-strand breaks in BrUra-substituted cells was increased by a factor only 1·55, suggesting that other lesions also contribute to cell-killing. Alkaline sucrose density gradient analysis of the 3H-thymine labelled DNA strand showed there was less repair of γ-ray-induced single-strand breaks when BrUra was in the complementary strand. Since there are more of these unrepaired breaks than can be accounted for by BrUra-induced DNA double-strand breakage, some fraction of the lethal events in BrUra-substituted E. coli cells may be unrepaired DNA single-strand breaks.
Ti diffusion in natural pyroxene

Abstract Diffusion of Ti has been characterized in natural orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene under buffered conditions (IW, NNO, and QFM) and in air. In all pyroxene compositions studied, titanium diffusion appears relatively insensitive to crystallographic orientation and oxygen fugacity under the range of investigated conditions. For Ti diffusion in a natural enstatite and a Kilbourne Hole orthopyroxene (KBH opx), we obtain the following Arrhenius relations for diffusion over the temperature range 950–1150 °C, D En = 1.45 × 10 - 11 exp ( - 270 ± 34 kJ mol - 1 / RT ) m 2 s - 1 , D KBH = 3.70 × 10 - 11 exp ( - 285 ± 34 kJ mol - 1 / RT ) m 2 s - 1 . For Ti diffusion in a natural diopside and a chromian diopside at temperatures 900–1250 °C we obtain the following Arrhenius relations, respectively, D Di = 8.01 × 10 - 11 exp ( - 282 ± 20 kJ mol - 1 / RT ) m 2 s - 1 , D CrDi = 2.97 × 10 - 11 exp ( - 282 ± 40 kJ mol - 1 / RT ) m 2 s - 1 . Diffusion rates of Ti in the Cr-diopside and KBH opx are essentially the same, whereas diffusion rates of Ti in the enstatite and diopside are only 1.3–1.8 times and 2.7–2.9 times that in the KBH opx, respectively. Titanium diffusion appears relatively insensitive to pyroxene composition, in contrast to findings for diffusion of some other cations. At magmatic temperatures, the rates of Ti diffusion in pyroxene are comparable to the rates of REE diffusion in opx and the rates of Al and MREE diffusion in diopside, although activation energies of Ti diffusion are considerably lower than those for REE diffusion in the pyroxenes. Finally, diffusion rates of Ti in pyroxenes are 1–3 orders of magnitude smaller than those of Mg and Fe in pyroxenes. Diffusivities of Ti in pyroxenes obtained from this study can be used to understand a range of geochemical mass transfer problems involving diopside and orthopyroxene. The closure temperatures for Ti in orthopyroxene and diopside are very similar to each other for comparable pyroxene grain size. Subsolidus redistribution of Ti between orthopyroxene and diopside results in characteristic reverse Ti zoning in orthopyroxene and normal Ti zoning in diopside. Such zoning patterns in coexisting orthopyroxene and diopside may be used to infer cooling rate of two-pyroxene bearing ultramafic and mafic rocks.
A collection of kinetic data for the diffusion of organic compounds in polyolefins

Abstract A comprehensive collection of kinetic data on the diffusion of organic compounds in polyolefins is contained in tables for low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polypropylene, hydrogenated polybutadiene, poly(4-methylpentene-1), ethylene-propylene copolymers, and self-diffusion of polyolefins. Diffusion constants for over 250 polymer-migrant entries at temperatures from −30° to 190°C, activation energies and pre-exponential factors for the diffusion process and parameters for the concentration dependence of the diffusion constant are included. A special feature of this compilation is an extensive section of annotated references. This includes: (1) as complete a characterization of each polymer and migrant as is possible. (2) a description of the experimental methods used to determine the diffusion constants, and (3) the assumptions made, equations utilized and calculations performed to obtain the data in the tables. The tables exhibit remarkable consistencies, considering the great variations in diffusion constants which can be brought about by thermal, mechanical, and solvent action. These consistencies lend hope that useful correlations may be developed from these data.