cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular 22Na+ uptake: effect of oleate.

Whether cellular oleate uptake is Na+ coupled remains controversial. Our present studies document that hepatocellular [3H]oleate uptake is unaltered by isomotic substitution of Na+ with K+, Li+, or sucrose in Hanks' HEPES buffer. In parallel studies 22Na+ uptake was significantly (P less than 0.02) increased by concentrations of alanine that yielded [3H]-alanine uptakes greater than 24% of basal 22Na+ uptake when both were expressed as nanomoles per minute per 10(6) hepatocytes. Although [3H]glutamine uptake exceeded this threshold, maximal specific [3H]taurocholate uptake did not. Consistent with the observations with alanine, addition of glutamine, but not taurocholate, to the incubations resulted in a significant increase in 22Na+ uptake. The ionophore monensin increased uptake of 22Na+ under all conditions. Both in the absence and in the presence of HCO3- (4 and 25 mM), specific [3H]oleate uptake was sufficient to elicit a readily detectable effect on 22Na+ uptake, if Na+ and oleate were cotransported. However, addition of 1 mM oleate did not affect 22Na+ uptake in the absence of HCO3- (5.4 +/- 0.6 vs. control 5.4 +/- 0.4 nmol.min-1.10(6) cells-1) as well as in the presence of 4mM HCO3- (10.4 +/- 1.8 vs. control 9.9 +/- 1.1) and 25 mM HCO3- (10 +/- 1.3 vs. control 10.8 +/- 0.5). These data indicate that the predominant component of hepatocellular oleate uptake is not directly associated with Na+ influx. They do not exclude, however, a more complex or indirect link.
Downscaling GCMs output to assess the potential changes of field erosion in the Loess Tableland

The confirmed climate change trends,such as the increase of extreme rainfall events,may have great impacts on soil erosion through altering driving forces of soil erosion and influencing the growth condition of plants.The Loess Plateau of China is one of the most erodible areas in the world,the potential response of soil erosion to future climate change need to be assessed specifically for this information is very useful for decision-making.The objective of this study was to assess the site-specific impacts of climate change during 2010-2039 on soil erosion in Changwu County in the tableland-gully region of the Loess Plateau.A new simple transfer function method and weather generator CLIGEN(CLImate GENerator)were used to downscale the spatial-temporal scales of four General Circulation Models(CCSR/NIES,CGCM2,CSIRO-Mk2 and HadCM3)under three emission scenarios(A2,B2 and GGa).The WEPP(Water and Erosion Prediction Project)model was employed to simulate the responses of agro-ecosystems.Two tillage systems,i.e.conventional tillage and conservation tillage,were used to discuss the adaptive measures to climate change.Results showed that climate would change significantly during 2010-2039 compared with 1957-2005.The annual mean precipitation would change-2.6% to 17.4%,the variance of annual precipitation would be 0.984 to 1.389 times of the present,and it is very likely that the precipitation amount and storm frequency would increase.Annual mean maximum and minimum temperature would increase 0.6 to 2.6 ℃ and 0.6 to 1.7 ℃,and the variance ratios of 2001-2039 to 1957-2005 for maximum and minimum temperature were 0.748-1.155 and 0.736-1.387,respectively.The probability of variance increase was great.The predicted climate changes would cause great changes in runoff and soil loss in slope field of the Loess Plateau.Under conventional tillage,WEPP predicted a change of 10% to 130% for runoff,-5% to 195% for soil loss during 2010-2039.However,WEPP predicted a change of-34.2% to 71% for runoff,-76.5% to-25.8% for soil loss during 2010-2039 under conservation tillage.The changed magnitudes of runoff and soil loss under conservation tillage were far less than those under conventional tillage.The results indicated that adoption of conservation tillage had great potential to reduce the adverse effects of climate changes on runoff and soil loss and thus protect agro-ecosystems.The new spatial downscaling method,emphasizing on matching the probability distributions,can be widely used in climate scenarios development based on GCMs as it relaxed the demands upon the existence of strong correlationships between station-measured and GCM-projected monthly precipitation and temperature.
Effects of cypermethrin and propoxur at sublethal doses on the carboxylesterase activity in Culex pipiens quinqusfasciatus

Objective To determine the changes of carboxylesterase (CarE) activity in Culex pipiens quinqusfasciatus treated with cypermethrin and propoxur at sublethal doses. Methods The enzyme activities were measured in vitro with an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Results After 24 h treatment, the enzymatic activity of resistant strains was 1.19 times that of sensitive strains. Significant inhibition was noted in all treatment groups after 48 h. Compared with the 24 h treatment group, the enzymatic activity of the control group, propoxur at LC20, propoxur at LC40, cypermethrin at LC20, and cypermethrin at LC40 decreased by 24.71%, 38.42%, 97.42%, 90.77% and 95.76%, respectively. The decreases in all treated groups were more significant than in the control group. Activities in resistant strains treated with cypermethrin and propoxur at sublethal doses for 48 h were significantly different from the control group, except for the group treated with LC20 propoxur. Compared with the control group, the specific activity was 11.6254 nmol/(mgpro·min) in the group treated with LC40 of propoxur, indicating significant inhibitory effect. In the groups treated with LC20 and LC40 of cypermethrin, the activity was 55.8868 and 54.5530 nmol/(mgpro·min), respectively, suggesting significant inductive effects. No difference was noted between the two 24 h and 48 h treatment groups. Compared with the 24 h treatment group, the specific activity of the control group, propoxur (at LC20 and LC40) and cypermethrin (at LC40) treated groups decreased by 60.71%, 59.14%, 23.68% and 47.87%, respectively, whereas the cypermethrin LC20 group increased by 23.89%. The decrease in the control group was lower than those in the treatment groups. Conclusion Different levels of carboxylesterase activity were observed in sensitive and resistant Cx. pipiens quinqusfasciatus when treated with sublethal doses of cypermethrin and propoxur. Thus, indicating their different inhibitory effects and that a single insecticidal agent could have different levels of activity in different populations.
Damage Detection of Solid Motor Units

During combustion,solid rocket motor defect,including chamber defect and nozzle defect will produce"super"burning surface and constitute a great threat.Industrial computed tomography(CT)technology,ultrasonic pulse transmitting method,ultrasonic testing method,acoustic-ultrasonic detecting technology and laser holographic nondestructive detection method were used to detect defects.According to the different models,a variety of methods are integrated for nondestructive detecting.In addition,computerized detecting equipment and quantitative test results will greatly enhance the efficiency of detection.
Prophylactic Vaccines for the Hepatitis C Virus

With the advent of oral, interferon-sparing HCV regimens, it has become much easier to safely and effectively treat HCV infection. However, HCV eradication is not likely to be achieved with treatment alone. Identification of those with HCV infection is challenging, therapies are too costly for countries with the highest incidence, reinfection can occur following treatment, transmission of drug-resistant HCV is possible, and treatment does not fully reverse severe liver damage even when cure is achieved. There is a rising epidemic of acute HCV infection in adolescents and young adults that gives new urgency to prophylactic vaccine development efforts. However, numerous challenges for vaccine development remain, including limited populations in which candidate vaccines can be tested, the enormous sequence diversity of HCV, and incomplete understanding of what mediates protective immunity. The study of immune responses to HCV has provided important insight into protective immunity. However, more research is needed to identify clear correlates of immunity to assess before candidate vaccines are tested in the limited at-risk populations available. Multiple candidate HCV vaccines that induce robust immune responses have been tested in rodents. Fewer have been tested in chimpanzees, with minimal ability to generate sterilizing immunity and variable capacity to prevent persistent infection. A vaccine that was highly immunogenic in healthy volunteers is now being tested in at-risk subjects. The combination of effective antiviral agents to treat HCV infection and a vaccine to prevent persistent infection provide our best chance of substantially reducing morbidity and mortality from HCV on a global scale.
Competence and Performance: Is a Child's Native Language Affected by the Acquisition of a Second Language?

This study examines interference as it occurs in the speech of a 12-year-old bilingual child whose languages are Arabic and English. The subject spoke only Arabic before his arrival in the United States at the age of 8. The analysis of his speech shows interference on the syntactic and the lexical levels of the child's native language.The analysis of the child's speech also shows that performance, with its apparent interference, is not a reflection of the bilingual's competence in Arabic. Performance, which is rarely a total manifestation of competence, presents different aspects of interference according to which the speaker can be classified as a native or nonnative speaker of a language. These aspects and their amount are examined, and performance is used as data to be investigated in order to determine the subject's level of competence.Data were recorded for the subject under study over a period of six months. The material consists of systematized as well as spontaneous recorded speeches, both of whic...
Discover Toxicology: An Early Safety Assessment Approach

Early safety assessment efforts from target identification to lead development have undergone rapid growth and evolution over the last 10 years. In this chapter, we will discuss the current development trends driving the need for early safety assessment practices. We will discuss the key areas of focus which include target-related, off-target-related, and chemical property-related toxicities. We will offer an overview of the various scientific approaches being utilized in each of these focus areas along with an organizational framework that has proven effective in de-risking the early portfolio. We will conclude with some perspectives on application within the project team setting and traps associated with data over interpretation.
An experimental investigation on morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of date palm particles reinforced polyurethane composites as new ecological insulating materials in building

Abstract The rigid polyurethane (PU) with apparent density about 40 kg/m 3 was prepared using commercial polyols and polyisocyanate. This reference petrochemical formulation was modified with natural and renewable components such as date palm particles (DPP). The goal of this investigation was to reduce the environmental impacts, and reduce the cost of the petroleum based polyurethane (PU) by obtaining polyurethane/date palm particles (PU-DPP) composites with the heat insulating and mechanical properties similar or better as in the case of the reference material (PU). The composites were prepared with different (DPP) loading; 5%, 10%, and 20% (by weight). The results showed that heat insulating and mechanical properties of the (PU-DPP) composites were comparable with those from reference petrochemical formulation (PU). On the other hand these mechanical and thermal performances are competitive with those of other insulating material available on the market. Hence the (PU-DPP) is a good candidate for development of efficient, low cost, and safe insulating materials.
A Robust Method for Estimating B0 Inhomogeneity Field in the Liver by Mitigating Fat Signals and Phase-Wrapping

We developed an optimized and robust method to estimate liver B0 field inhomogeneity for monitoring and correcting susceptibility-induced geometric distortion in magnetic resonance images for precision therapy. A triple-gradient-echo acquisition was optimized for the whole liver B0 field estimation within a single-exhale breath-hold scan on a 3 T scanner. To eliminate chemical-shift artifacts, fat signals were chosen in-phase between 2 echoes with an echo time difference (ΔTE) of 2.3 milliseconds. To avoid phase-wrapping, other 2 echoes provided a large field dynamic range (1/ΔTE) to cover the B0 field inhomogeneity. In addition, using high parallel imaging factor of 4 and a readout-bandwidth of 1955 Hz/pixel, an ~18-second acquisition time for breath-held scans was achieved. A 2-step, 1-dimensional regularized method for the ΔB0 field map estimation was developed, tested and validated in phantom and patient studies. Our method was validated on a water phantom with fat components and air pockets; it yielded ΔB0-field maps that had no chemical-shift and phase-wrapping artifacts, and it had a <0.5 mm of geometric distortion near the air pockets. The ΔB0-field maps of the patients' abdominal regions were also free from phase-wrapping and chemical-shift artifacts. The maximum field inhomogeneity was found near the lung-liver interface, up to ~300 Hz, resulting in ~2 mm of distortions in anatomical images with a readout-bandwidth of 440 Hz/pixel. The field mapping method in the abdominal region is robust; it can be easily integrated in clinical workflow for patient-based quality control of magnetic resonance imaging geometric integrity.
Using Concept Mapping to Develop a Statewide Kinship Care Coalition: A Case Study

Increasingly, community coalitions are being developed to address a myriad of social challenges. However, documented research efforts related to planning processes associated with coalition formati...
Medical Student Teaching by Psychiatric Residents

During their clinical clerkships medical students receive a significant portion of their instruction from residents. Students complain of the quality of resident teaching and how they are treated. This paper describes recurrent problems students have encountered and offers suggestions for minimizing these difficulties.
Development of a CO 2 Heat Pipe for Hydronic Heated Bridge Decks

Heated bridges using hydronic systems with PEX pipes embedded in the concrete deck are often used to remove snow and ice. In practice, State Department of Transportations (DOTs) are often resistant to use the hydronic heating due to its risk of pipe leaks. This paper concerns the design and tests of copper CO2 heat pipes that can be used in the heated bridge to avoid the leak hazard and improve heating efficiency. A single heat pipe is developed using a sealed copper tube filled with pressurized CO2 at constant room temperature. The single CO2 heat pipe is designed and verified in the lab to work for the temperature range provided by working temperature of extracted fluids from an underground geothermal well and freezing temperature during snow events. The system is tested inside an environmental chamber and demonstrates its superior heating performance as compared with its counterpart. CO2 heat pipes have a great potential to improve significantly heating efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of geothermal heated bridges.
Novel In Vitro Test Systems and Insights for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Design, Part I: Paravalvular Leakage

While transcatheter mitral valve (TMV) replacement technology has great clinical potential for surgically inoperable patients suffering from mitral regurgitation, no TMV has yet achieved regulatory approval. The diversity of devices currently under development reflects a lack of consensus regarding optimal design approaches. In Part I of this two-part study, a test system was developed for the quantification of paravalvular leakage (PVL) following deployment of a TMV or TMV-like device in pressurized, explanted porcine hearts (N = 7). Using this system, PVL rate was investigated as a function of steady trans-mitral pressure (ΔP), TMV shape, and TMV-annular oversizing, using a series of “mock TMV plug” devices. Across all devices, PVL was found to approximately trend with the square of ΔP. PVL rates were approximately 0–15 mL/s under hypotensive pressure, 10–40 mL/s under normotension, and 30–85 mL/s under severe hypertension. D-shaped devices significantly reduced PVL vs. circular devices; however, this effect was diminished upon oversizing to the annulus by 6 mm inter-trigonal distance. In conclusion, this steady pressure, in vitro test system was effective to compare PVL performance across TMV-like designs. PVL exhibited complex dynamics in terms of its response to transvalvular pressure and TMV profile.
Nanoamorphous drug products - Design and development.

Abstract Most of the recent drug compounds coming out of the drug discovery pipeline are labile (multiple polymorphs), and need to be developed into robust marketed oral drug formulations. There are only 22 oral macroamorphous drug products approved by FDA and till date none approved oral nanoamorphous drug products. However, there are several oral nanoamorphous drug formulations (including both labile and non-labile drugs) being researched and a few of these are in the clinical trials. Due to the labile nature of these drug compounds, there is a need to utilize a controlled strategy for design and development of robust nanoamorphous drug formulations in order to prevent any physicochemical instability. The present research focuses on the use of a novel integrated critical process parameters and critical formulation parameters (iCPP-CFPs) DoE approach for the design and development of stable nanoamorphous spironolactone (BCS class II compound with eight polymorphic forms). There are possibilities of the interconversion of these polymorphic forms during processing (manufacturing nanoamorphous particles) and during storage. In the present study, polymorphic transitions (amorphous to crystalline and anhydrous to hydrate) were carefully monitored via orthogonal solid-state characterization tools. Significant polymorphic transitions were observed in the formulations stored at 40 °C/75% RH over six months, however the formulations stored at 4 °C were stable. The significant iCPP-CFPs (solvent-to-antisolvent ratio, drug concentration and inlet temperature of the spray dryer) were critically investigated for their influence on different CQAs (critical quality attributes). Solvent-to-antisolvent ratio and inlet temperature were identified to be the significant iCPP-CFPs. Particle size and total product yield were identified to be the significant CQAs. Lab-scale manufacturing of the spray dried nanoamorphous spironolactone resulted in a remarkably high total product yield (82.4 ± 3.91% w/w) with a uniform and homogenous particle size (244.2 ± 23.32 nm). Furthermore, the physicochemical attributes and the drug release criteria of the nanoamorphous spironolactone were compared with two marketed products (spironolactone tablets, USP 100 mg (Pfizer and Mylan)) and other in-house formulations. In addition, nanoamorphous spironolactone showed a significantly superior kinetic solubility/dissolution rate (10-fold) with a longer supersaturation time (∼6h) compared to the in-house formulations.
Oleoylethanolamide differentially regulates glycerolipid synthesis and lipoprotein secretion in intestine and liver.

Dietary fat absorption takes place in the intestine, and the liver mobilizes endogenous fat to other tissues by synthesizing lipoproteins that require apoB and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). Dietary fat triggers the synthesis of oleoylethanolamide (OEA), a regulatory fatty acid that signals satiety to reduce food intake mainly by enhancing neural PPARα activity, in enterocytes. We explored OEA's roles in the assembly of lipoproteins in WT and Ppara−/− mouse enterocytes and hepatocytes, Caco-2 cells, and human liver-derived cells. In differentiated Caco-2 cells, OEA increased synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerols, apoB secretion in chylomicrons, and MTP expression in a dose-dependent manner. OEA also increased MTP activity and triacylglycerol secretion in WT and knockout primary enterocytes. In contrast to its intestinal cell effects, OEA reduced synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerols, apoB secretion, and MTP expression and activity in human hepatoma Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. Also, OEA reduced MTP expression and triacylglycerol secretion in WT, but not knockout, primary hepatocytes. These studies indicate differential effects of OEA on lipid synthesis and lipoprotein assembly: in enterocytes, OEA augments glycerolipid synthesis and lipoprotein assembly independent of PPARα. Conversely, in hepatocytes, OEA reduces MTP expression, glycerolipid synthesis, and lipoprotein secretion through PPARα-dependent mechanisms.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with central nervous system involvement in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which rarely metastasizes to the central nervous system (CNS). Ten of 60 patients (16.7%) with ENKTC...
Is empathy an important attribute of midwives and other health professionals?: A review.

Introduction This paper is a report of a systematic review to identify and analyze studies of the measurement of empathy in midwives and other health professionals. Empathy has been recognized as an important factor in patient care, with positive outcomes for both patients and health professionals. There is a debate on the definition of empathy, on its measurement and on the possibility of improvement. Methods Searches were made of the CINAHL, SCOPUS, PubMed and PsychINFO databases using the terms empathy, clinical, midwifery, nursing, medical students, measurement, and health professionals, singly or in combination, to identify literature published in English between 2002-2015. The included papers were critically reviewed and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results In all, 22 papers met the inclusion criteria by studies that were conducted to measure the levels of empathy in a variety of health professionals and students. Their scores were analyzed in correlation with their sociodemographic factors. Conclusions Despite numerous studies, many correlations but also differences exist, indicating the complexity of empathy and the need to further study it.
Precision interferometry for gravitational wave detection: Current status and future trends

Abstract Gravitational wave detectors rely on ultra-high precision interferometry to detect dynamic strains arising from fluctuations in space-time from cataclysmic astrophysical events. The resulting displacements occur on the sub-attometer and smaller levels. To achieve this unprecedented level of measurement precision, kilometer length-scale interferometers have been developed and refined in the past 20 years. Gravitational wave interferometers make use of a broad array of technologies: the world's most stable high power lasers, the most precisely figured mirrors, ultraquiet vibration isolation systems, and sophisticated hierarchical feedback systems. This article explores the physics, engineering, and optical techniques underlying gravitational wave interferometers, and attempts to give the reader a sense of the breadth of science and technology needed to make interferometers perform at these unparalleled levels.
An Examination of Ethnic Identity, Self-Compassion, and Acculturative Stress in Asian International Students

There is a dearth of research examining psychosocial factors that contribute to Asian international students’ acculturative stress. This study examines: (a) whether ethnic identity associates with acculturative stress, (b) whether other-group orientation mediates the relation between ethnic identity and acculturative stress, and (c) whether self-compassion moderates the relation between ethnic identity and acculturative stress. Results indicated that a stronger ethnic identity was associated with heightened acculturative stress. Self-compassion was significantly negatively associated with acculturative stress. Asian international students who strongly affiliated with their own ethnic group reported an increased openness to other ethnic groups and, in turn, reported reduced acculturative stress. Additional studies should examine other mediators that may explain the positive correlation between ethnic identity and acculturative stress.
COVID-19 and Older Adults: The Time for Gerontology-Curriculum across Social Work Programs is Now!

Dear Editor-in-Chief, Older adulthood involves increased risk for falls, chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, diabetes), and changes in physical mobility. Compoundin...
Ideal high sensitivity troponin baseline cutoff for patients with renal dysfunction.

Abstract Objective High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays (hs-cTn) aid in diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). These assays have lower specificity for non-ST Elevation MI (NSTEMI) in patients with renal disease. Our objective was to determine an optimized cutoff for patients with renal disease. Methods We conducted an a priori secondary analysis of a prospective FDA study in adults with suspected MI presenting to 29 academic urban EDs between 4/2015 and 4/2016. Blood was drawn 0, 1, 2–3, and 6–9 h after ED arrival. We recorded cTn and estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR) by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The primary endpoint was NSTEMI (Third Universal Definition of MI), adjudicated by physicians blinded to hs-cTn results. We generated an adjusted hscTn rule-in cutoff to increase specificity. Results 2505 subjects were enrolled; 234 were excluded. Patients were mostly male (55.7%) and white (57.2%), median age was 56 years 472 patients [20.8%] had an eGFR 2 ), while increasing the number (79) of patients requiring observation. Conclusions An eGFR-adjusted baseline rule-in threshold for the Siemens Atellica hs-cTnI improves specificity with identical sensitivity. Further study in a prospective cohort with higher rates of renal disease is warranted.
Rreducible H-functions of two variables

A reduction formula for certain H-funtions of two variables to H-functions of one variable is obtained. A special case is the known reduction formula for Appell's funcrions F2 the Gauss function 2F1.
Mt DNA, a Maternal Perspective, and the Origin of Modern Humans

For the last ten years, molecular approaches to studying human diversity have altered the way biologists interpret the evolutionary history of anatomically modern humans. Using a maternally inherited system of genes found in the cell’s mitochondria, researchers have suggested that all humans alive today can trace their maternal genealogies to an African woman who lived roughly 200,000 years ago. Haldane might have appreciated this emphasis on mutation and the importance of simple models for inference, but I also wonder what he might have thought about a “molecular clock” for evolutionary studies derived from counting mutations. Our discovery with mtDNA was unexpected and raises a number of questions about biological speciation and anthropological models for the origin of modern people. The ecological perspective that comes from working with endangered mammalian species, especially those having certain life-history characteristics similar to humans, also suggests some questions to be asked about social behaviors and environmental conditions that ensured the survival of our African ancestors.
On Multi-Utility Representation of Equitable Intergenerational Preferences

We investigate the possibility of representing ethical intergenerational preferences using more than one utility function. It is shown that the impossibility of representing intergenerational preferences equitably persists in the multi-utility frame work with some resonable restrictions on the cardinality of the set of utilities.
A quality of life approach to assessing videotex

This article attempts to assess the social impact of electronic home information systems, particularly videotex and teletext. Impact areas are analyzed within the framework of a categorization scheme that takes into account individual (personal) and group (social) goals and material (physical) and spiritual (psychological) goals. This study approaches the problem qualitatively, rather than quantitatively. The article includes an overview of the technology, some state-of-society assumptions and identification of several impact areas.
Engaged Scholarship in the Classroom: The Social Psychology of HIV/AIDS.

Although frequently located in populous areas, the nation’s research universities increasingly are viewed as isolated from the communities around them. The disaffection with academia is fueled by a perception that faculty research has little relevance beyond the laboratory. The present article describes one effort at a metropolitan public university to integrate academic scholarship into the community via service-learning. Students in The Social Psychology of HIV/AIDS studied psychology theory and research in the classroom while working throughout the semester at an AIDS service organization. Their challenge was to use social psychology as a framework for understanding and developing solutions to some of the problems confronting the organization’s staff and clients. The students’ contributions, both as scholars and as volunteers, provided much-needed help to the agency. Basic research was shown to have immediate meaning for the community, which strengthened the relationship between the university and its neighbor.
Antibiotic Patterns with Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Insertion

ABSTRACT Introduction A clear set of guidelines has not been defined in the use of antibiotics in penile prosthesis implantation. Aim We surveyed urologists throughout the United States to determine current practice patterns regarding antibiotic use in primary and revision penile prosthesis surgery. Methods Fifty-two Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMS) member urologist and 164 non-SMS member urologist responses were obtained. Main Outcome Measures The survey contained 10 questions regarding antibiotic selection for primary and revision inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation. Results One hundred percent of responders in both groups utilize intraoperative antibiotics, most commonly vancomycin and gentamicin in both groups. Of SMS members, 94% prescribed postoperative home oral antibiotics in contrast to 88% of non-SMS members ( P = 0.3). Among SMS members, the most common antibiotic prescribed postoperatively was levofloxacin 500 mg daily while among non-SMS members, the most common antibiotic postoperatively was cephalexin 500 mg 2–4 times daily. Of SMS members, antibiotic irrigation intraoperatively occurred with 100% and with 92% of non-SMS members ( P = 0.04). Thirty-seven percent SMS physicians and 15% non-SMS physicians made modifications of intraoperative and postoperative antibiotics for high-risk patients ( P = 0.001). In the circumstance of revision of a clinically noninfected IPP, 23% SMS and 16% non-SMS member physicians utilized additional antibiotics/treatment ( P = 0.3). Sixteen of those surveyed admitted that they had been approached by their institution about their antibiotic use and asked to change. In the past 5 years, 29% surveyed have changed their practice patterns in antibiotic use. Conclusions There is significant difference between practice patterns of SMS and non-SMS urologists in terms of antibiotic irrigation usage, modifications for high-risk patients, and consensus about the importance of antibiotic use with Coloplast Titan implant (Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN, USA). A significant lack of uniformity exists among urologists performing prosthetic surgery with regard to antibiotic protocols. A standard set of guidelines may prove useful to implanters. Wosnitzer MS and Greenfield JM. Antibiotic patterns with inflatable penile prosthesis insertion.
Presence of Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis in Children Correlated with Periodontal Disease of Their Parents

Considerable evidence exists suggesting that periodontal disease is due to the overgrowth of a finite number of specific bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Bacteroides forsythus, and Prevotella intermedia, among others. Three of these organisms-P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and B. forsythus—can be easily detected in plaque samples by the hydrolysis of the synthetic trypsin substrate benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA). The aim of the present study was to determine if a relationship could be found between the presence of either these organisms or periodontitis in the parent and the presence of BANA-positive species in the child. Thirty-four mothers or fathers and 34 children were examined for plaque scores, papillary bleeding scores, and the presence of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in four subgingival or marginal gingival plaque samples as assayed by the BANA test or specific polyclonal antibodies using an ELISA. Children whose parent...
THE DARK SIDE OF PURPOSE

A review of riot and riot participation research requires rejection of structural strain and deprivation-frustration-aggression explanations. The complex and varied riot phenomena to be explained require a model of purposive actors. Competing models are reviewed. A perception control theory explanation of riot participation is supported by experimental and ethnographic evidence.
Genetic and Biochemical Basis of Enzyme Activity Variation in Natural Populations. I. Alcohol Dehydrogenase in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Recent studies by various authors suggest that variation in gene regulation may be common in nature, and might be of great evolutionary consequence; but the ascertainment of variation in gene regulation has proven to be a difficult problem. In this study, we explore this problem by measuring alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in Drosophila melanogaster strains homozygous for various combinations of given second and third chromosomes sampled from a natural population. The structural locus (Adh) coding for ADH is on the second chromosome. The results show that: (1) there are genes, other than Adh, that affect the levels of ADH activity; (2) at least some of these "regulatory" genes are located on the third chromosome, and thus are not adjacent to the Adh locus; (3) variation exists in natural populations for such regulatory genes; (4) the effect of these regulatory genes varies as they interact with different second chromosomes; (5) third chromosomes with high-activity genes are either partially or completely dominant over chromosomes with low-activity genes; (6) the effects of the regulatory genes are pervasive throughout development; and (7) the third chromosome genes regulate the levels of ADH activity by affecting the number of ADH molecules in the flies. The results are consistent with the view that the evolution of regulatory genes may play an important role in adaptation.
Signal processing of power system load data based on stochastic hybrid-state jump-dynamic system theory

The author considers the problems of filtering and smoothing for LG (linear Gaussian) hybrid-state regime-shift signal processing systems where a totally observed state process is generated by a linear stochastic differential equation whose parameters are functions of a random jump process called the regime. The objective is to compute the conditional probability distribution of the regime variable at each instant of time, given the data set relevant to filtering or smoothing. The pertinent continuous-time equations are given as well as results of a computer simulation for a power system application. >
Accountability & Administrative Structure

This Article was written for a symposium held by the Willamette College of Law entitled Presidential Power in the 21st Century. The Article is intended as a companion piece to The Accountable Executive, which will be published roughly contemporaneously in a symposium issue of the Minnesota Law Review. This Article begins by summarizing the major argument of The Accountable Executive: that a unitary executive is as likely (if not more likely) to diminish government accountability as to increase it. This is due in large part to the enhanced ability, under conditions of unity, of the President or his proxies to secretly influence decision-making and to manipulate data. Accountability and Administrative Structure expands on this argument in three respects. First, it situates the concern over unity's impact on information control and accountability within a broader discussion of accountability and administrative structure. Second, it supplements the functional constitutional analysis of The Accountable Executive with formal constitutional analysis and explains the link between the formalist and functionalist points. Specifically, the Article explains that unity proponents' core formalist point - that the Constitution's founders clearly understood the vesting of executive power in the President to entail exclusive power to implement legislative directives and to control others who engage in such tasks - not only is wrong, but is wrong partly because the founders were wary of the accountability risks posed by centralized presidential control. Third, this Article focuses on two recent examples to demonstrate how unity can undermine accountability.
Numerical chronology of Pleistocene coastal plain and valley development; extensive aggradation during glacial low sea-levels

Abstract Based on more than 60 newly acquired luminescence ages, field information, and sediment granulometry data, a comprehensive chronostratigraphic framework is presented for Pleistocene alluvial coastal plain and valley terraces and coastal barrier trends on the northern Gulf of Mexico between Texas and NW Florida. Luminescence ages 216–188 ka from the second youngest coastal terrace coincide with the highstand during the second youngest Pleistocene Marine Isotope Stage (MIS 7a). TL ages from the oldest Prairie alluvium and OSL-ages from the Gulfport barriers; 124–116 ka, are consistent with the Sangamon interglacial substage, MIS 5e. Forest assemblages of the last two Pleistocene highstands are very similar to the present hard pine-dominated arboreal flora, established under warm-temperate, humid conditions. Ages of the youngest, Prairie–Beaumont coastal terrace overlap with the Eowisconsin (MIS 5d–5a) and Wisconsin (MIS 4 and 3) stages, associated with a sea-level range of −80 to −30 m. Coastal plain aggradation, not limited to interglacial highstands occurred during the much longer preglacial and glacial low sea-level stages. The Prairie–Beaumont coastal plain is a collage of seamlessly merged surfaces, aggraded between ca.135 and 30 ka in several alluviation stages. Periodically dry conditions, associated with enhanced slope erosion and consequent increase in sheetwash, colluvial, and fluvial sediment flux may have induced substantial aggradation at significant distances inland from the coeval shorelines during depressed preglacial and glacial sea-levels. This balance between erosion and sediment delivery may explain the diminished control of lower Eowisconsin and Wisconsin sea-levels (base-levels) on coastal entrenchment and aggradation. The combined effects of alluvial aggradation and subsequent uplift, modified by surface erosion produced the present coastal plain topography. An early post-Sangamon phase of deep entrenchment involved the Amite, Sabine, Neches, and the Pearl Valleys in Eowisconsin and early Wisconsin times. Except for the universal impact of the deep Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) entrenchment, the alluviation–incision cycles that produced two to four sets of terraces of aggradational and strath origin did not occur in all valleys synchronously and with identical effects. In certain valleys terrace aggradation coincided with the LGM record lowstand and the following late Wisconsin transgressive deglacial hemicycle. In contrast with intensive valley filling, inferred for the MIS 6 glacial interval, Holocene backfilling is far from complete in most late glacial entrenched valleys.
The effect of human resource reputation signals on share prices: An event study

Using an event study methodology, the authors examine whether human resource reputation announcements in the business press (such as companies being cited as the “best for women”) affect the share prices of these companies. They find partial support for the assertion that favorable HR reputation signals have a positive effect on share prices. One signal, being named as a “best company for working mothers,” was associated with a positive return around the announcement date indicating that this signal affects estimates of the future earnings of the company. Explanations for these findings and implications for research and practice are discussed. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Courtship Disruption Modifies Mate Choice in a Lek-Breeding Bird

The aggregation of displaying males in lek-breeding birds is often associated with disruption of courtship and mating but effects of this disruption on mate choice have not been shown. In a 4-year study of Rupicola rupicola in Suriname, interference among territorial adult males disrupted 31 percent of all female courtship visits and terminated 32 percent of all matings at a lek where there were an average of 55 territorial males. Disruption in this rain forest species caused females to modify their courtship and mating patterns, and males that used intense and persistent disruption received a disproportionate share of this redirected mate choice.
Dynamic stability of a completely free plate subjected to a controlled non-conservative follower force

Abstract The dynamic instability of a rectangular plate with four free edges is investigated. One edge of the completely free plate is subjected to a uniformly distributed non-conservative follower force, the direction of which is controlled in proportion to the rotation angle of the loading edge. The plate may have both flutter and divergence type instabilities when the force is non-conservative, although it may have only divergence type instabilities when the force is conservative.
Effects of isolation, daily handling, and enriched rearing on maze learning

Daily handling for 30 days after weaning reduced straight alley running time in isolated rats, but had no significant effect on Lashley III maze learning. Both handled and unhandled isolates were inferior in maze learning to littermates reared in an enriched environment.
Oxidative Addition of Group 14 Hydrides to an Unsaturated Metal Cluster. Kinetics of Addition of HER3 (ER3 = SiEt3, SiPh3, GeBu3, SnBu3, SnPh3) to H2Os3(CO)10

The kinetics and mechanism of oxidative addition of HER3 = HSiEt3, HGeBu3, HSnBu3, HSnPh3 to the unsaturated cluster H2Os3(CO)10, initially forming H3Os3(CO)10(ER3), are reported. For HSiEt3 the addition is readily reversible, with an equilibrium constant of 100 M-1 at 303 K. In each case the rate law for the forward reaction is first-order in both reagents. Rate constants (M-1 s-1) at 303 K are as follows: HSnBu3 (23) > HSnPh3 (1.5) > HGeBu3 (0.15) > HSiEt3 (3.8 × 10-3). Comparisons are made to additions of group 14 element hydrides to 16-electron Ir(I) complexes. The reaction with HSiPh3, which forms H3Os3(CO)9(SiPh3) and further addition products, was also examined.
Mycorrhizal inoculation effect in Acacia mangium grown in an acid oxisol amended with gypsum

Abstract Glomus aggregatum and Acacia mangium were interacted in an acid manganese (Mn)‐rich oxisol unamended or amended with hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] or gypsum (CaSO4) at soil phosphorus (P) concentrations considered optimal for mycorrhizal host growth. Vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (VAMF) colonization as well as VAMF function was significantly curtailed if soil was unamended with gypsum or lime. The highest mycorrhizal inoculation effect (MIE) was observed in the soil treated with gypsum at the rate of 0.32 g of calcium (Ca)/kg followed by the limed soil. Higher concentrations of gypsum deleteriously affected VAMF infectivity and effectivity. The first increment of gypsum compensated for part of the VAMF colonization and for all of the mycorrhizal inoculation effect that was lost due to low pH. The better MIE observed in the gypsum treated soil compared to that which was amended with lime suggests that the sensitivity of the acacia‐VAMF association to soil acidity was more a function of Ca inad...
Chronic hypoxic incubation blunts a cardiovascular reflex loop in embryonic American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

Hypoxia is a naturally occurring environmental challenge for embryonic non-avian reptiles, and this study is the first to investigate the impact of chronic hypoxia on a possible chemoreflex loop in a developing non-avian reptile. We measured heart rate and blood pressure in normoxic and hypoxic-incubated (10% O2) American alligator embryos (Alligator mississippiensis) at 70 and 90/95% of development. We hypothesized that hypoxic incubation would blunt embryonic alligators’ response to a reflex loop stimulated by phenylbiguanide (PBG), a 5-HT3 receptor agonist that stimulates vagal pulmonary C-fiber afferents. PBG injection caused a hypotensive bradycardia in 70 and 95% of development embryos (paired t tests, P < 0.05), a response similar to mammals breathing inspired air (all injections made through occlusive catheter in tertiary chorioallantoic membrane artery). Hypoxic incubation blunted the bradycardic response to PBG in embryos at 95% of development (two-way ANOVA, P < 0.01). We also demonstrated that the vagally mediated afferent limb of this reflex can be partially or completely blocked in ovo with a 5-HT3 receptor blockade using ondansetron hydrochloride dihydrate (OHD), with a ganglionic blockade using hexamethonium, or with a cholinergic blockade using atropine. Atropine eliminated the hypotensive and bradycardic responses to PBG, and OHD and hexamethonium significantly blunted these responses. This cardiovascular reflex mediated by the vagus was affected by hypoxic incubation, suggesting that reptilian sympathetic and parasympathetic reflex loops have the potential for developmental plasticity in response to hypoxia. We suggest that the American alligator, with an extended length of time between each developmental stage relative to avian species, may provide an excellent model to test the cardiorespiratory effects of prolonged exposure to changes in atmospheric gases. This extended period allows for lengthy studies at each stage without the transition to a new stage, and the natural occurrence of hypoxia and hypercapnia in crocodilian nests makes this stress ecologically and evolutionarily relevant.
Regulation of androgen receptors in Atlantic croaker brains by testosterone and estradiol.

A nuclear androgen receptor (AR1), distinctly different from the mammalian AR, has previously been identified in the brain of the Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus. Interestingly, brain AR1 levels were higher in gonadally recrudesced than in regressed fish. Therefore, the possible involvement of gonadal steroids in the regulation of brain AR1 levels was investigated in the present study. Saturation analysis of [3H]testosterone binding showed that brain AR1 levels were significantly reduced (2-3-fold) in either the nuclear or cytosolic fractions of both males and females three weeks after gonadectomy. Implantation of gonadectomized females with testosterone or estradiol-17beta one week prior to sampling resulted in physiological plasma steroid concentrations and restored brain AR1 levels to 60-105% of those in intact or sham-operated fish. These results suggest that gonadal factors, including both androgens and estrogens, are involved in the physiological regulation of brain androgen receptors in a teleost species during the reproductive cycle.