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This paper examines different binary mixtures of anionic/nonionic surfactants using a new technique known as solvent-free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) to control the surface charge in resulting ...

Aim To improve communication between healthcare professionals and families/carers of children with complex medical needs, we co-designeda patient information booklet, to be given on admission to our ward. Methods A focus group involving six families of children with medically complex needs was held with the aid of our Patient Engagement lead. Four questions were asked: In hindsight, what information do you wish you had known or been given on admission to hospital or following diagnosis? What information could we give you that would make your lives easier? What advice would you give other parents in a similar situation? What other resources or contacts have helped you? The resulting information informed the creation of a patient information booklet. Results The work highlighted the importance of seeking patient input, whilst our anticipation had been a focus on medical information, their desire was for much more practical information related to their wider context. Reflecting their longer stay; knowledge of accommodation, food choices and parking were key with one family highlighting they had spent £1000 on parking. In keeping with literature reporting on the high psychosocial and financial burden on these families, information on how to get financial support and signposting to charities that aided with this were valued. Interestingly families had mixed feelings about parent run support groups. Results also made us question common ward practices with parents talking of the emotional distress caused by repeatedly recounting their child’s, often difficult, medical journey. Many found being part of multidisciplinary meetings overwhelming and wanted greater choice over how they were involved. They wanted the important role of allied health professionals to be clearer from the start. Stories also illustrated how misleading commonly used medical phrases such as ‘Delayed development’ can be. Amongst the advice they would give to families they commented on the importance of not losing hope and trusting your own parental instinct; as a result families’ own stories and words of advice have been included in the information leaflet. Conclusion The involvement of families is vital in co-designing any information given to families of children with complex medical needs.

A new continuous emulsification technique known as solvent-free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) was recently introduced to prepare submicron particles (100–500 nm) from high viscosity polymers (100–1000 Pa·s) with a twin screw extruder. The present study examined the influence of matrix viscosity on its dispersion mechanism using cross-linked polyester as a viscosity modifier. The investigation used an inline rheometer for transient and steady state viscosity measurements, and offline characterizations including Soxhlet extraction, colorimetric titration, and particle size analysis. Though it remained possible to produce particles close to their target size of 100–200 nm, particle size was notably increased by varying the matrix viscosity from 250 Pa·s for the neat polyester up to 630 Pa·s with the added modifier. The results point to thicker striated lamellae from less effective mixing prior to phase inversion when the matrix viscosity was increased without a corresponding increase in surface active spec...

Solvent-free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) is a complex process using twin-screw extrusion to prepare solid-liquid dispersions of high viscosity polymers and has received little study to date on its inherent mechanisms. To gain rheological insights into the earliest stage of SFEE as the interfacial boundary between water and polymer grows, prior to phase inversion, an inline orifice-plate type viscometer is introduced to monitor transient behavior over a wide range of viscosities. The presented work examines rheological changes of a polyester-water system produced by varying two factors thought to significantly control the final state of the dispersion, specifically polar group contributions to surface energy and viscosity. A processing modifier was combined with the polyester to study the influence of these two factors. The inline viscometer revealed an abrupt transition in viscosity occurred with the developed state of water dispersion, confirming observations of a prior batch study. Analysis of the rheological response indicated that a higher polar surface energy contribution had the greatest influence on the state of this transition, and that a steeper transition was related to greater incorporation of water within the polyester matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

This study examines the impact of surfactants on the mechanism of a new solvent-free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) technique. Two sets of surfactants were used in this work, three anionic (SDBS, Unicid 350, Calfax DB-45) and three non-ionic (Igepal CO-890, Brij 58, Synperonic F-108). Of the anionic surfactants, only SDBS and Calfax were found to create stable O/W emulsions with a polyester in the desired 100–200 nm size range; the latter requiring a lower molar concentration. Igepal CO-890 and Brij 58 resulted in only partial emulsification despite requiring higher molar loadings than their anionic counterparts to accomplish this outcome, with majority of the polymer leaving the extruder without phase inverting. The study reinforced previous findings that the dispersion stage (zone) controls the SFEE technique, and highlighted the importance of water affinity displayed by a surfactant species to compensate for high retarding viscous force for mixing water into the polymer melt.

We present the synthesis, properties, and characterization of [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(NO)(H(2)O)(2)](OTf)(2) (1) (T1Et4iPrIP = Tris(1-ethyl-4-isopropyl-imidazolyl)phosphine) as a model for the nitrosyl adduct of gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (GDO). The further characterization of [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(THF)(NO)(OTf)](OTf) (2) which was previously communicated (Inorg. Chem. 2014, 53, 5414) is also presented. The weighted average Fe-N-O angle of 162° for 1 is very close to linear (≥ 165°) for these types of complexes. The coordinated water ligands participate in hydrogen bonding interactions. The spectral properties (EPR, UV-vis, FTIR) for 1 are compared with 2 and found to be quite comparable. Complex 1 closely follows the relationship between the Fe−N−O angle and NO vibrational frequency which was previously identified for 6-coordinate {FeNO}(7) complexes. Liquid FTIR studies on 2 indicate that the ν(NO) vibration position is sensitive to solvent shifting to lower energy (relative to the solid) in donor solvent THF and shifting to higher energy in dichloromethane. The basis for this behavior is discussed. The K(eq) for NO binding in 2 was calculated in THF and found to be 470 M(−1). Density functional theory (DFT) studies on 1 indicate donation of electron density to the iron center from the π* orbitals of formally NO(−). Such a donation accounts for the near linearity of the Fe−N−O bond and the large ν(NO) value of 1791 cm(−1).

Solvent-free extrusion emulsification (SFEE) is a new continuous approach for producing nanoparticles from high viscosity molten polymers using a twin-screw extruder. In a previous study, the influence of melt viscosity on lamellae development in the phase inversion mechanism was investigated for an otherwise fixed system of variables including temperature, mixing intensity and surfactant content. Varying system temperature in the current study to produce the same melt viscosities as those previously examined, did not produce the same linear effect on particle size. The investigation to understand the influence of system temperature on the SFEE mechanism was done by using an inline rheometer and different screw/barrel configurations to simulate different zones of SFEE. Characterizations of the emulsified polyester included colorimetric titrations, particle size analysis, parallel plate rheometry, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Raising system temperature has a negative effect on the mechanism for producing smaller particles, countering the positively affected parameters, namely lower melt viscosity and a higher content of surface active species based on a contributing neutralization reaction. The findings show good fit to published studies of an osmotic pressure driven emulsification mechanism, which is beneficial in clarifying the role of surfactants in the process. Overall, the results show system temperature to be a complex variable in SFEE, deeming it undesirable in optimizing the process. NSERC

Rheological analysis of a complex fluid system like an aqueous polymer dispersion can be challenging but can reveal mechanistic information as the viscous melt is emulsified. A pressurized vessel was used as a rheometer, based on the Metzner–Otto approach, to evaluate formulation variables where the developed morphology of a polyester/water mixture was shear-dependent. The parameters of the study were resin-to-water ratio (R/W), surfactant (type and concentration), and process variables of impeller speed and temperature. Transient in situ information on the system during the mixing of water into the molten polymer showed that a rapid, near-instantaneous decrease in the torque on the impeller occurred consistently around 2% water addition, related to the onset of the developed morphological state. It was observed to only demonstrate a drop in the torque for high shear rates and only with the appropriate content of surface-active species, revealing the chemical and physical parameters necessary to emulsify ...

The synthesis and structure of [MnLCl]0.5H2O (1·0.5H2O, HL = 1-benzyl-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is reported. Complex 1 exists as a coordination polymer in the solid state, and the MnII center is bonded to three amine nitrogen atoms, one carboxylate oxygen atom, a chlorido ligand, and an adjacent carboxylate group in a chelating fashion to afford a seven-coordinate center. The dissolution of 1 in acetonitrile containing excess oxalate (ox) ions results in a monomeric species. When mixtures of 1 and oxalate ions are exposed to oxygen under ambient conditions, a dark pink EPR-silent species is generated. The pink species is believed to be [MnIII(ox)2]–, which results from the displacement of the ligand L– by an oxalate ion. The decomposition of this species ultimately results in the formation of 1 equiv. of CO2 per oxalate ion consumed, a HCO3– ion, and a MnII species. Further reaction of the resulting MnII species with excess oxalate in the presence of oxygen leads to additional oxalate degradation.

A new synthetic binuclear nickel(II) compound ([Ni2(tacud)2(μ-H2O)(μ-Cl)2]Cl2 (1); tacud = 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane) is reported. Compound 1 contains two Ni(II) ions bridged by two chloro and one aqua ligand resulting in a short Ni···Ni distance of 3.0187(10) A. Each nickel is capped by terminal tacud ligands and possesses distorted octahedral geometry. This compound exhibits a new structural motif for metal complexes supported by tacud. Compound 1 exhibits two solvent dependent transitions in the UV–vis spectrum. Variable temperature SQUID magnetic susceptometry studies on 1 indicate mild ferromagnetism exists at room temperature (μeff = 4.78 μB) which increases upon temperature lowering. Magnetic analysis of 1 in the temperature range 2–300 K confirm weakly ferromagnetic behavior with J = +2.28 cm−1.

The synthesis, structure and aqueous solution behavior of [FeL1Cl2] (1, L1 = 1-benzyl-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) is reported. The X-ray structure of 1 reveals iron(III) in distorted octahedral geometry bonded to three amine nitrogen atoms and one carboxylate oxygen atom along with two cis chloride atoms. Electrochemical measurements of 1 in acetonitrile indicate that E1/2 = −200 mV vs Ag/AgCl. The stability of the +3 oxidation state is attributed to the hard Namine and carboxylate ligand donors. In acetonitrile, 1 is mononuclear and has an S = 5/2 spin state. The presence of a μ-oxo bridge upon dissolution of 1 in water is supported by EPR and solution magnetic susceptibility NMR studies. pH-metric titrations and UV-vis studies indicate the presence of a total of four acidic protons. At low pH, L1(OH2)Fe-O-Fe(OH2)L1 is proposed to be stabilized while at high pH, L1(OH)Fe-O-Fe(OH)L1 is suggested to persist.

We report the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(OTf)2] [1; T1Et4iPrIP = tris(1-ethyl-4-isopropylimidazolyl)phosphine]. Compound 1 reacts reversibly with nitric oxide to afford [Fe(T1Et4iPrIP)(NO)(THF)(OTf)](OTf) (2), which is the first example of a 6-coordinate {FeNO}(7) S = 3/2 complex containing a linear Fe-N-O group. 2 exhibits the highest ν(NO) for compounds in this class. Density functional theory studies reveal an enhanced degree of β-electron transfer from π*(NO) to the Fe d orbitals accounting for the large stretching frequency.

Ternary thallinm lanthanide dichalcogenides TILnX2 (X = S, Se, or Te; Ln = lanthanide, except Ce and Pr) crystallize in the rhombohedral structure of α-NaFeO 2 type (R3m). Their crystal lattice consists of the layers of Ln 3 + ions separated by three layers of the non-magnetic ions (-Ln-X-Tl-X-Ln-). The magnetization was measured in the field range 0-14 T. The molecular field constants λm were estimated by fitting the Brillouin function to the experimental magnetization plots. The difference between the λ m values for the thallium gadolinium sulphide and the selenide corresponds to the different character of Gd-S and Gd—Se bonds and gives rise to the different J 1 and J2 exchange integrals.

Ternary thallium lanthanide chalcogenides TlLnX2 (X = S, Se or Te) crystallize in the α-NaFeO2 type of structure (R 3 m). Each kind of the metal ions, surrounded by the distorted chalcogenide octahedra, forms separate layers. The TlX6 octahedra are strongly elongated and the LnX6 octahedra slightly shrunk along the threefold axis. The deformations of the coordination polyhedra and the cell volumes change regularly with the lanthanide ionic radii. The difference between the experimental and the calculated M-X distances increases on going from sulphides to tellurides, as a result of the growing covalent character of the bonds. The crystal field parameters were estimated from the high field magnetization (0–1z T) assuming trigonal distortion of the octahedral symmetry of LnX6 polyhedra. The second-order crystal field parameters were found to correlate with the deformation of the lanthanide ions' environments. No magnetic transition was observed down to z.2 K.

Previous research has supported the hypothesis that high levels of marital conflict are related to lower self-esteem in children. In this study, 122 young adults completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire and the Student Interparental Conflict Scale, as well as the Parental Nurturance Scale and the Parental Authority Questionnaire. One parent of each young adult completed the Parent Interparental Conflict Scale, the O'Leary-Porter Overt Hostility Scale, and a modified Parental Authority Questionnaire. Perceived interparental conflict and parental style discrepancies in nurturance and in authoritarianism were significantly and negatively related to self-esteem, but the best predictors of self-esteem were the parental styles themselves. Warm, nurturant parents were more likely to have high self-esteem children and demonstrated less conflict in marital partnerships. Correlations between marital conflict and self-esteem may reflect parental characteristics.

The magnetic properties of the lanthanide chalcogenides are much less explored than the monopnictides. The main reasons are probably difficulties in syntheses and the crystals growth. In particular, the properties of monotellurides are almost completely unknown. The dysprosium tellurides: DyTe and Dy2Τe3, crystallize in the structures related to the rock salt type. The first compound is metallic, while the second — semiconducting. Dysprosium sesquitelluride behaves like a simple antiferromagnet with the Neel temperature equal to 4.1 K [1]. We synthesized and investigated the dysprosium monnotelluride in order to examine a change of exchange interactions after transition to the metallic state.

Thallium lanthanide diselenides TlLnSe2 (Ln  Nd, Gd to Er and Yb) crystallize in the α-NaFeO2 structure type (R 3 m). It is an NaCl-related ordered structure with the thallium and lanthanide layers separated by the anion layers. The TlSe6 octahedra are strongly elongated and the LnSe6 octahedra are slightly shrunk along the threefold axis. The deformation of the LnSe6 polyhedra decreases on going from light to heavy lanthanides. The parameters of the crystal field Hamiltonian were estimated from the high field magnetization. The second-order crystal field parameters were found to correlate with the deformation of the environments of the lanthanide ions.

TlLnS2 compounds (Ln ≡ Tb, Ho and Tm) crystallize in the rhombohedral structure of α-NaFeO2 type. The point symmetry of the lanthanide ions is 3 m . The parameters of the crystal field Hamiltonian were estimated from the high field magnetization (up to 14 T), assuming a trigonally distorted octahedral symmetry of the magnetic ions surrounding. The results were compared with data for other TlLnS2 compounds. The second-order crystal field parameter B2 changes similarly to the lanthanide environment deformation.

Preventing youth smoking initiation is a priority for tobacco control programs, because most adult tobacco smokers become addicted during adolescence. Interventions that restrict the affordability, accessibility, and marketing of cigarettes have been effective in reducing youth cigarette smoking. However, increasing numbers of youth are smoking tobacco using hookahs. Predictors of smoking tobacco with hookahs are the same as those for smoking cigarettes. Established interventions that curb youth cigarette smoking should therefore be effective in reducing hookah use. Potential policy interventions include equalizing tobacco tax rates for all tobacco types, requiring warning labels on hookah tobacco and accurate labeling of product contents, extending the cigarette flavoring ban to hookah tobacco, enacting smoke-free air laws and removing exemptions for hookah lounges, and expanding shipping restrictions on tobacco products.

Many states have implemented smoke-free workplace laws to protect employees and customers from exposure to secondhand smoke. However, exemptions in these laws have allowed indoor tobacco smoking in hookah lounges to proliferate in recent years. To describe the amount of secondhand smoke in hookah lounges, we measured the indoor air quality of 10 hookah lounges in Oregon. Air quality measurements ranged from “unhealthy” to “hazardous” according to Environmental Protection Agency standards, indicating a potential health risk for patrons and employees.

Two new binuclear metal complexes supported by 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane (tacud) are reported. [Fe(2)(tacud)(2)(μ-Cl)(2)Cl(2)] (1) and [Mn(2)(tacud)(2)(μ-Cl)(2)Cl(2)] (2) are isomorphs consisting of bis(μ-chloro) bridged metal centers along with terminal chloro groups and tacud ligands. Both compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the P1 space group. For 1, a = 7.7321(12) Å, b = 7.8896(12) Å, c = 11.4945(17) Å, α = 107.832(2)°, β = 107.827(2)°, γ = 92.642(2)°, V = 627.85(17) Å(3) and Z = 1. For 2, a = 7.7607(12) Å, b = 7.9068(12) Å, c = 11.6111(18) Å, α = 108.201(2)°, β = 108.041(2)°, γ = 92.118(3)°, V = 636.47(17) Å(3) and Z = 1. Variable-temperature and variable-field magnetic susceptibility studies on 1 indicate the presence of weak ferromagnetic interactions between the high-spin iron(ii) centers in the dimer (J = + 1.6 cm(-1)) and the crystalline field anisotropy of the ferrous ion (D = - 2.8, E = - 0.1 cm(-1)). Variable temperature magnetic susceptometry studies on 2 indicate that weak antiferromagnetic coupling exists between the manganese(ii) centers (J = - 1.8 cm(-1)). Compounds 1 and 2 retain their dinuclearity in weakly coordinating or low polarity solvents, while both become mononuclear in solvents such as methanol.

Lower cell density was found in cultures of ataxia telangiectasia lymphocytes as compared to control lymphocyte cultures. This fits with the earlier observations of decreased incorporation of 3H-Thymidine into lymphocytes of ataxia telangiectasia (AT) patients. However, the finding that there was no significant difference in proliferation rate index between AT and control cultures was unexpected. This may indicate that both cell count and measurements of thymidine incorporation in lymphocyte cultures characterize cell populations distinct from that of proliferating cells.

Two enantiomeric analogues of farnesyl pyrophosphate (1) were tested as inhibitors and anomalous substrates of trichodiene synthase, which catalyzes the cyclization of trans,trans-farnesyl pyrophosphate (1) to the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon trichodiene (2). The reaction has been shown to involve preliminary isomerization of 1 to the tertiary allylic isomer nerolidyl pyrophosphate (3) which is cyclized without detectable release of the intermediate from the active site of the cyclase. Both (7S)-trans-6,7-dihydrofarnesyl pyrophosphate (7a) and (7R)-trans-6,7-dihydrofarnesyl pyrophosphate (7b), prepared from (3R)- and (3S)- citronellol (9a and 9b), respectively, proved to be modest competitive inhibitors of trichodiene synthase. The values of Ki(7a), 395 nM, and Ki(7b), 220 nM, were 10-15 times the observed Km for 1 and half the Ki of inorganic pyrophosphate alone. Incubation of either 7a or 7b with trichodiene synthase resulted in formation of a mixture of products which by radio/gas-liquid chromatographic and GC/selected ion mass spectrometric analysis was shown to be composed of 80-85% isomeric trienes 19-21 and 15-20% allylic alcohols 12 and 18. Examination of the water-soluble products resulting from incubation of 7a also revealed the generation of 24% of the isomeric cis-6,7-dihydrofarnesyl pyrophosphate (26). The combined rate of formation of anomalous alcoholic and olefinic products was 10% the Vmax determined for the conversion of 1 to 2. The results can be explained by initial enzyme-catalyzed isomerization of dihydrofarnesyl pyrophosphate (7) to the corresponding tertiary allylic isomer dihydronerolidyl pyrophosphate (8). Since the latter intermediate is unable to cyclize due to the absence of the 6,7-double bond, ionization of 8 and quenching of the resulting ion pair by deprotonation, capture of water, or collapse to the isomeric primary pyrophosphate esters will generate the observed spectrum of anomalous products.

Development of the systolic left ventricular insufficiency in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) markedly decreases the survival rates, so the factors affecting the clinical status of these patients should be reevaluated. The left ventricular contractile function has been assessed by measurements of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values. The studied group of 160 males comprised 102 CAD patients diagnosed by coronarography, and 58 persons without CAD and left ventricular systolic insufficiency. The CAD patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the LVEF values: 53 patients qualified to have normal left ventricular contractile function (with LVEF40%), and 49-patients, with LVEFor = 40%, were considered as subgroup with the left ventricular contractile insufficiency. In the case-control set up the effects of smoking, concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and folic acid (FA) and of the known risk factors of the vascular diseases in the development of the left ventricular contractile insufficiency were assessed. Moreover, analysis was performed of the association between LV insufficiency and the statin therapy and the number of infarcts. LV insufficiency in CAD patients associated with increased diastolic pressure (p = 0.006) and with increased uric acid concentrations in plasma (p = 0.02). The smoking, decrease in HDL-C and increased index TC/HDLC were the risk factors of CAD, independent of the LV insufficiency. In comparison to the CAD patients with the preserved systolic function, in the group of CAD patients with LV systolic insufficiency, more persons had recurrent infarcts (34.7% vs. 5.7%), and less persons had no infarct (8.2% vs. 20.8%, p0.05). In CAD patients with LV systolic insufficiency smoking associated with the higher values of HC/FA index (p = 0.01), younger age of the patients (p = 0.01), the number of persons not treated with statins (0.01) and the number of persons not having had heart infarct before (p0.05). These findings confirm both the effects of infarcts on the development of LV insufficiency, and the presumed association between the pathogenicity of smoking in LV insufficiency and the unbalanced metabolism of Hcy. The straight of the effect of smoking on the development of LV insufficiency in susceptible persons is shown also by the findings of the younger age of the smoking CAD patients as compared to the nonsmoking patients with LV insufficiency.

In abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) both the etiology and the pathogenesis are of the multifactorial character. The genetic component in the determination of this disease is proven by its familial occurrence. Smoking represents the best recognized risk factor of the AAA development. Increased concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma are the common finding in these patients. It is assumed that the Hcy thiolactone, the most reactive metabolite of Hcy, may participate in the aortic wall destruction in AAA. The polymorphic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677CT and 1298AC) influence tissue concentrations of the Hcy. Paraoxonase (PON1), the enzyme associated in plasma with the HDL fraction, as lactonase detoxicates the Hcy thiolactone. The promotor polymorphism of PON1 - 108CT gene may determine the lower activity of this enzyme. In the case-control study of 106 patients with AAA and 97 healthy persons, the effects of selected genetic and nongenetic risk factors on development of AAA were assessed, considering the possibilities of interaction between them. It was found, that the arterial hypertension, cigarette smoking and the lower HDL fraction are independent risk factors of AAA. The arterial hypertension was a risk factor both in the smoking and the nonsmoking males, whereas the lower HDL fraction has been the risk factor only for the smoking men. By the multivariate analysis in the nonsmoking males the MTHFR 1298 AC and CC genotypes increased the risk of AAA development 4,8-fold in relation to the MTHFR 1298 AA nonsmoking males. In reference to the genotypes of the expected high impact on the metabolism of Hcy and of Hcy thiolactone, the genotypes of MTHFR 677TT and PON1 -108CT and TT were more frequent in smoking ones, but the difference was not significant. This observation fits with the assumption that the influence of smoking on the occurrence of AAA prevails over that of genetic variability. When the patients age was considered in the analysis, the PON1 -108CT and TT genotypes were identified as the significant risk factors for the development of AAA in the older smokers.

The phenotypes of CAD related to arterial hypertension co-occurrence were analysed in 174 male patients and 117 control men for the associations with the polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene (677CT and 1298AC) and the PON1 gene (-108CT) in relation to age at diagnosis (less or equal and more than 50 years). We noted the increased frequency of the three MTHFR genotypes: CC/AC, CT/AA and CC/CC in the CAD group (65.5%) in comparison to the control group (45.3%), corresponding to the 2.3-fold increased risk of CAD for men with these genotypes (95%CI (1.4-3.7); p=0.0005). The higher increase in risk of CAD was noted for the younger men (OR=3.6; 95%CI(1.6-8.3); p=0.002) and lower for the older (OR=1.8; 95%CI(1.0-3.4); p=0.03). In the normotensive men the greater impact on CAD risk had the homozygous genotypes; the 2.3-fold higher risk was associated with MTHFR CC/AC, CC/CC and TT/AA genotypes (95%CI(1.2-4.4); p=0.01). After adjustment for age, the association between CAD and MTHFR was significant only for the younger normotensive men (OR=2.8; 95%CI (1.0-8.0); p=0.04). Additionally, we found that the younger part of the control group was characterized by higher frequency of the low expression PON1 -108T allele and PON1 -108TT genotype (0.54 and 31.9% respectively) in comparison to the older men (0.41 and 17.1% respectively; p=0.03).

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presents itself as a progressive dilation of the abdominal aorta, leading--if untreated--to rupture. It is a common disease of the elderly, with a complex etiology. Smoking, hypertension and several genetic factors are recognized as relevant for the pathogenesis of AAA. We studied association between the polymorphism of the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene within the fourth exon (677CT) and the occurrence of hypertension and smoking status in the group of 74 male patients with AAA. In the patients group, the smoking hypertensive persons represented the largest subgroup (43%). We determined the the MTHFR 677CT polymorphism in AAA patients and compared it to that in 71 healthy normotensive males. The frequencies of the 677T allele and MTHFR 677CT genotypes were similar in both groups, but the subgroup of normotensive AAA patients (n=29) displayed significantly increased frequencies of 677T allele (0.4) and of 677CT and TT genotypes (69%), as compared to those in the control group (0.28 and 46%, respectively). This corresponds to the 3.3-fold greater risk of AAA in normotensive subjects with the 677T allele of MTHFR, as compared to the homo-zygotes 677CC (p0.03; 95% CI=1.2-9.2). The highest frequencies of MTHFR 677T allele (0.43) and 677CT and TT genotypes (73%) were found in the subgroup of normotensive smoking patients (n=22).

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presents itself as a progressive dilation of the abdominal aorta, leading--if untreated--to rupture. It is a common disease of the elderly, with a complex etiology. Several genetic, biochemical and environmental factors are recognized as relevant for the pathogenesis of AAA. We determined the polymorphism of the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene within the fourth exon (C677T) in 63 patients with AAA and compared it to that in 75 subjects of the population sample. The frequencies of the C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes were 65%, 27%, and 8% in the population sample and 33%, 60%, and 6% in the patients. This corresponds to a 4.4-fold greater risk of AAA in subjects who have the 677C/T variant of MTHFR, as compared with those who are 677C/C (p0.0001; 95% CI=2.11-9.34). The frequency of allele MTHFR 677T in patients (0.37) was higher than in the population sample (0.21; p0.007). This association between the common allele of the MTHFR gene--MTHFR 677T--and the development of AAA suggests that elevated homocysteine (Hcy) may disturb the function of the aortic wall. The disturbance may involve enhancement of elastin degradation, the process enhanced by mild hyperhomocysteinemia in minipigs. The magnitude of this effect, which refers to the AAA patients unselected for familial occurrence, indicates that the disturbance of aortic wall physiology caused by the presence of the MTHFR 677T allele is greater than the effect of the earlier described allele disequilibrium at the polymorphic alleles of the PAI1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1) gene seen only in familial cases of AAA.

The ahr gene product is a ligand-activated transcription factor which regulates the expression of a number of enzymes involved in the metabolism of aryl hydrocarbons and mediates the effects of dioxins on tumour promotion. We have assessed the cigarette smoke induced depression of the reproductive capacities in the ahr dd C57BL congenic mice and its crosses with C57BL ahr bb mice. The in vivo exposure of animals to toxic concentrations of cigarette smoke during the period of pairing and the early pregnancy was shown by us to affect the reproduction. The transmission of the ahr b and ahr d alleles was assessed by genotyping the STR polymorphism at D12Mit2 locus linked with the ahr gene. Following the exposure to cigarette smoke the changes in the reproductive capacity of the studied mice have been assessed in relation to the presence of the ahr d allele by measurements of the changes in the rates of conceptions, abortions, births and the number of newborns per female after pairings differing in ahr gene alleles and in the expected ahr d allele frequencies in the progeny. The results indicates that the low activity ahr d allele may decrease the abortive effects of cigarette smoke exposure, but does not confer resistance to the depression of births rates following this exposure.

FeSc2S4, MnSc2S4 and MnSc2Se4 crystallize in the normal spinel structure. None of them orders magnetically above 4.2 K contrary to FeLu2S4, which orders at 8 K. This difference is discussed as being strongly dependent on the transfer of divalent iron to the octahedral sites and not on the interionic distances.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), is a cytosolic enzyme, the product of which is N5-metyltetrahydrofolate, the main form of folates in tissues and the carbon donor for methylation of homocysteine to methionine. In MTHFR gene a series of the pathogenic mutations is known which lead to loss of enzymatic activity as well as the two polymorphic alleles (MTHFR 677T and 1298C) with products displaying the lowered enzyme activity resulting in hyperhomocysteinaemia. These polymorphic alleles of MTHFR represent the main genetic factor contributing to hyperhomocysteinaemia. The better known allele MTHFR 677T is found in different populations with frequency between ca. 0.1 and 0.36. In persons inheriting the variant alleles of MTHFR the increase in the level of homocysteine is noted resulting in the increased susceptibility to vascular diseases and the neural tube defects in the progeny. The procedure recommended for the prevention of effects of deficiency of MTHFR activity consists of the supplementation of the diet with 0.4 mg of folic acid daily.

The impacts of slope creep on two residences in the Vail ski area were evaluated by floor elevation and wall plumb monitoring, and hillside stability was evaluated by subsurface exploration, multi-depth piezometers and inclinometer casing surveys. Exploratory borings identified a relatively deep, confined water bearing layer with piezometeric levels between about 2 to 4 m (6 to 12 feet) above the ground surface, and a possible basal shear surface between 7 1/2 and 13 m (23 and 42 feet) below the ground surface uphill of the residences. Subsurface drainage by use of low angle (horizontal and declined) drains was installed to depths of 76 to 105 m (250 to 340 feet) in a fan shape below the properties. The piezometer water levels responded quickly after drain construction with a drop of about 14 m (45 feet) uphill of the residences and between about 5 to 10 m (18 to 33 feet) adjacent to the residences. Monitoring of the piezometers, inclinometers and buildings has continued to evaluate the effectiveness of slope creep mitigation. Based on the relatively large drops in the piezometric levels, and the subsequent monitoring results, subsurface drainage appears to have significantly improved the hillside stability and stopped or reduced the slope creep movements.

The authors have made attempts to show analysis of cesarean section' indications in the Obstetric-Gynecological Ward of the provincial hospital in Ciechanów within the years 1986-1994. There have been 18,362 deliveries during this period of time, 2769 (15.1%) of which have been finished by c.s. We have made our tables and estimations basing mainly on the operation records and the records of labor. The analyses have revealed the increase of the c.s. number because of gestosis in multiple gestations and non-obstetric indications in our ward. The greatest group in this period of time were parturients with one or more c.s. in history. To diminish the number of this parturients could be possible when one would better analyse the indications to the first c.s., and making the attempt of a vaginal delivery in multigravidas after c.s. while the operation theater is standby.

Lincoln Laboratory is developing a prototype of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) to provide improved aviation weather information in the terminal area by integrating data and products from various FAA and National Weather Service (NWS) sensors and weather information systems. The ITWS Microburst Prediction product is intended to provide an additional margin of safety for pilots in avoiding microburst wind shear hazards. The product is envisioned for use by traffic managers, supervisors, controllers, and pilots (directly via datalink). Our objective is to accurately predict the onset of microburst wind shear several minutes in advance.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Twenty nine patients (7 women, 22 men) with III and IV stage of Hodgkin's disease were treated according to alternating programme ChLVPP/ABV. The results were evaluated in 27 patients. Complete remission was obtained in 41% (11 patients), partial remission in 22% (6 patients). Applied treatment revealed a relatively small toxicity.

The current research on utilization of monoclonal antibodies for isolation of cytochrome P-450 forms, substrate specificity determination, localization in tissues and contribution in DNA adduct formation is reviewed in this paper. Usefulness of monoclonal antibodies directed against rodent cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes to human investigations is emphasized.

In a group of trained, nonsmoking men, apparent haemoglobin oxygen affinity was assessed in vitro in the whole blood collected immediately before and after maximal physical effort. Measurements were performed using standard laboratory equipment. Maximal oxygen uptake (V O2 max) has been monitored during maximal physical effort. Increase in app Hb-oxygen affinity after exercise was found by measurements of p25 and by differences between plots of correlations between V O2 max and resting and post-exercise parameters of Hb-oxygen binding. Significant correlations were found between preexercise n50 and VO2 max (r = -0.59) and between post-exercise log P50 and V O2 max (r = 0.6). Exercise-induced increase in Hb-oxygen affinity and in cooperativity of Hb-O2 binding were found to be higher in persons with higher values of VO2 max.

The specific heat and electrical resistivity results are presented for UCu 4.5 Al 7.5 , a magnetically ordered nearly heavy fermion compound. The specific heat data do not indicate the expected anomaly characteristic for the magnetic order transition; only a very weak one was detected, which has been separated using a simple theoretical procedure. The electronic specific heat coefficient has been estimated to be 118 mJ mol −1 K −2 . The other heavy fermion coefficients have also been calculated. The electrical resistivity data for UCu 4.5 Al 7.5 include indications of strong crystal field effects.

Elastic and inelastic neutron scattering studies of the Kondo lattice CeCu2Ge2 were performed. AtTN=4.1 K an incommensurate magnetic order develops with an ordering wave vectorq0=(0.28, 0.28, 0.54) and an ordered moment µs=0.74 µB. The crystalline electric field splits the 4f1-J-multiplet of the Ce ion into a ground state doublet and a quartet at 191 K. The wave function of the ground state yields an ordered moment of 1.54µB. Thus, due to the onset of the formation of a Kondo singlet the magnetic moment is considerably reduced. The magnetic relaxation rate Λ was investigated via quasielastic neutron scattering. The temperature dependence of Λ(T) is characteristic of heavy-fermion systems with a high temperature square root dependence and a limiting low temperature value, yielding a Kondo temperatureTK≈10K. The quasielastic component of the scattered neutron intensities persists down to the lowest temperatures, well belowTN. This quasielastic line is regarded as a characteristic feature of heavy-fermion systems and corresponds to the enhanced value of the linear term of the specific heat.

Le compose du titre est synthetise a partir de la cycloheptanone. La pyrolyse de son ester de dimethyle est effectuee

In hemolysates of human red blood cells the reversible inhibition of glutathione peroxidation by hydrogen peroxide has been observed in the presence of HbCO. At 50% HbCO concentration the rate of oxidation was 70% of the normal. At 100% HbCO or CNMetHb the rate of oxidation corresponded to respectively 34% and 37.2% of the normal rate in HbO2 containing hemolysates. It is assumed that at 0.3 mM H2O2 and 0.35 mM Hb (Fe) concentrations the peroxidation of GSH by either HbCO or CNMetHb is negligible as compared to glutatione peroxidase (E.C.1.11.1.9) activity. The peroxidation of GSH in these conditions may be considered as a measure of this enzyme activity. This is supported by studies of glutathione peroxidation in heterzcygotes of glutathione peroxidase deficiency (50% of the normal GSH-px activity in rbc). The previous data on this enzyme defect are reevaluated.

Les deux precurseurs hydroxy-5 oxa-7 bicyclo [4.1.0] heptene-3 carboxylates-3 sont obtenus par hydrolyse enzymatique enantioselective