A classical nonpolarizable force field is presented for the simulation of aqueous alkali halide solutions (MX), where M = Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and X = F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, and their interactions with biomolecules. The models are specifically designed to reproduce the experimental Kirkwood-Buff integrals, and thereby the solution salt activities, as a function of salt concentration. Additionally, we demonstrate that these models reasonably reproduce other experimental properties including ion diffusion constants, dielectric decrements, and the excess heats of mixing. The parameters are developed by considering the properties of aqueous NaX and MCl solutions using a previously established model for NaCl. Transferability of the parameters to other salts is then established by the successful simulation of additional aqueous salt solutions, KI and CsBr, not originally included in the parameterization procedure.

Myocardial infarction (MI) in the "young" is a significant problem, however there is scarcity of data on premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and MI in the "young". This may lead to under-appreciation of important differences that exist between "young" MI patients versus an older cohort. Traditional differences described in the risk factor profile of younger MI compared to older patients include a higher prevalence of smoking, family history of premature CHD and male gender. Recently, other potentially important differences have been described. Most "young" MI patients will present with non-ST elevation MI but the proportion presenting with ST-elevation MI is increasing. Coronary angiography usually reveals less extensive disease in "young" MI patients, which has implications for management. Short-term prognosis of "young" MI patients is better than for older patients, however contemporary data raises concerns regarding longer-term outcomes, particularly in those with reduced left ventricular systolic function. Here we review the differences in rate, risk factor profile, presentation, management and prognosis between "young" and older MI patients.

Background-Sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) reduce angiographic restenosis in patients with focal, native coronary artery stenoses. This study evaluated the usefulness of SESs in complex native-vessel lesions at high risk for restenosis. Methods and Results-Angiographic follow-up at 240 days was obtained in 701 patients with long (15-to 25-mm) lesions in small-diameter (2.5-to 3.5-mm) native vessels who were randomly assigned to treatment with SESs or bare-metal stents (BMSs) in the SIRIUS trial. Quantitative angiographic measurements of minimal lumen diameter and percent diameter stenosis were obtained within the treated segment, within the stent, and within its 5-mm proximal and distal edges. Patients treated with SESs had lower rates of binary (Ͼ50% diameter stenosis) angiographic restenosis within the segment (8.9% versus 36.3% with the BMS; PϽ0.001) and within the stent (3.2% versus 35.4% with the BMS; PϽ0.001). SESs were associated with significantly less late lumen loss within the treated segment, within the stent, and within its 5-mm proximal and distal edges (all PϽ0.001). The reduction of restenosis with the SES was consistent in patients at risk for restenosis, including those with small vessels, long lesions, and diabetes mellitus. The frequency of late aneurysms was similar in the 2 groups. Conclusions-Compared with BMSs, SESs reduced angiographic late lumen loss within the stent and its adjacent 5-mm margins in patients with complex native-vessel lesions.