cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positron emission tomography in pediatric neurology.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an accurate and relatively noninvasive way of studying brain activity using systemically administered tracers labeled with positron emitting isotopes. In pediatric neurology, it has great scope not only to elucidate the complexities of the developing brain but also to understand disease processes and characterize biological risk factors. Its greatest clinical utility lies in the field of epilepsy where it is used (in patients with intractable partial epilepsy) to localize epileptogenic foci for surgical resection. In addition, functional brain mapping using PET is increasingly being used to reliably and accurately identify speech and sensory-motor areas to minimize postoperative morbidity. PET is also useful in evaluating neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive abnormalities when magnetic resonance imaging scans are unrevealing. The technology continues to progress rapidly through improvements in imaging and radiopharmacology with potential applications in neurooncology, cerebral vascular disease, and metabolic disease.
Maintenance of Quaternary Structure in the Frozen State Stabilizes Lactate Dehydrogenase during Freeze–Drying

Sugars inhibit protein unfolding during the drying step of lyophilization by replacing hydrogen bonds to the protein lost upon removal of water. In many cases, polymers fail to inhibit dehydration-induced damage to proteins because steric hindrance prevents effective hydrogen bonding of the polymer to the protein's surface. However, in certain cases, polymers have been shown to stabilize multimeric enzymes during lyophilization. Here we test the hypothesis that this protection is due to inhibition of dissociation into subunits during freezing. To test this hypothesis, as a model system we used mixtures of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes that form electrophoretically distinguishable hybrid tetramers during reversible dissociation. We examined hybridization and recovery of catalytic activity during freeze-thawing and freeze-drying in the presence of polymers (dextran, Ficoll, and polyethylene glycol), sugars (sucrose, trehalose, glucose), and surfactants (Tween 80, Brij 35, hydroxy-propyl beta-cyclodextrin). The surfactants did not protect LDH during freeze-thawing or freeze-drying. Rather, in the presence of Brij 35, enhanced damage was seen during both freeze-thawing and freeze-drying, and the presence of Tween 80 exacerbated loss of active protein during freeze-drying. Polymers and sugars prevented dissociation of LDH during the freezing step of lyophilization, resulting in greater recovery of enzyme activity after lyophilization and rehydration. This beneficial effect was observed even in systems that do not form glassy solids during freezing and drying. We suggest that stabilization during drying results in part from greater inherent stability of the assembled holoenzyme relative to that of the dissociated monomers. Polymers inhibit freezing-induced dissociation thermodynamically because they are preferentially excluded from the surface of proteins, which increases the free energy of dissociation and denaturation.
Requirements for an optical 8-m space telescope with a MEMs deformable mirror to detect Earth-like planets around nearby stars

Detecting life-bearing Earth-like planets (ELPs) is one of NASA's highest priority goals. In this paper we derive the wave-front requirements for optical detection of ELPs with an 8-m space telescope and coronagraph. We will present detailed simulations that show that an 8-m coronagraphic space telescope can detect Earth-sized planets around nearby stars, provided that the wavefront at the detector is corrected to an RMS error of ~λ/3000. We use the derived wavefront error to set requirements for a deformable mirror based on micro-electro-mechanical systems technology.
Response of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (Acari: Sarcoptidae) to Lipids of Mammalian Skin

Bioassays were conducted to determine if Sarcoptes scabiei (L.) were attracted to lipid compounds that occur in or on the epidermis of human or other mammalian skin. Seventeen lipid compounds attracted S. scabiei including odd and even carbon chain lengths and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, a steroid, a steroid precursor, and a triglyceride. The attractive saturated fatty acids were pentanoic (5:0), hexanoic (6:0), octanoic (8:0), lauric (12:0), pentadecanoic (15:0), and stearic (18:0) acids. The unsaturated fatty acids oleic (18:1δ9), linoleic (18:2δ9,12), and arachidonic (20:4δ5,8,11,l4) acids also attracted scabies mites. No concentration of sebacic (10:0), myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), or arachidic (20:0) acids attracted any life stage of S. scabiei . Five fatty acid methyl esters attracted at least one life stage of mites. Cholesterol and squalene, its transient precursor, were both attractive as was the triglyceride, tripalmitin. The molar concentration of lipids that elicited the greatest response by a particular life stage varied between compounds (ranging from 1 to 0.0001 M). Some lipids were attractive at several concentrations, whereas for others a response was elicited by only one concentration. A comparison of different life stages showed that adults, especially females, were attracted more than immatures to most of the compounds. The data show that lipids that occur in the epidermis of human or other mammalian skin attract scabies mites. Therefore, host skin lipids may contribute to host specificity, attract mites to specific anatomical areas of the body, or play key roles in other host–parasite relationships.
Ultra-fast and high resolution NEMS thermal detector based on a nano-air-gap piezoelectric resonant structure

This paper presents the theoretical modeling and experimental verification of an innovative Nano Electro Mechanical System (NEMS) technology suitable for the implementation of ultra-fast and high resolution un-cooled thermal detectors. Fundamental challenges associated to the implementation of mechanically resonant thermal detectors are overcome with the introduction of an innovative technology platform in which a temperature sensitive Aluminum Nitride (AlN) nano-plate resonator and a monolithically integrated micromachined suspended heat absorbing element are perfectly overlapped but separated by a sub-micron air gap. By placing the absorbing element outside the body of the resonator (but suspended over it) the electromechanical performance of the resonant device is not affected by the absorbing element and the material employed to implement it (quality factor, Q≈1800 and electromechanical coupling coefficient, k t 2≈1%) enabling the use of a compact and low-power self-sustained oscillator circuit as direct frequency readout. At the same time, efficient and quick heat transfer from the absorbing element to the nanomechanical resonant device is achieved by minimizing the air gap between them. The detection capabilities of this first prototype were tested using an integrated resistive heat source in lieu of an absorber. Power level as low as 655 nW was readily detected and a limit of detection of 48 nW was experimentally extracted. In addition a thermal time constant of ∼ 60 μs was predicted for this prototype through finite element simulation.
Facilitating psychiatric patient follow-up: A study of transfer attrition

Tested the hypothesis that two brief pre-discharge interventions would improve transfer success for psychiatric inpatients discharged to an outpatient community aftercare program. Seventy-four inpatients viewed one of three videotapes designed to: (1) provide programmatic information about follow-up clinics; (2) shape accurate expectations for outpatient therapy; or (3) provide non-specific emphasis to the importance of aftercare. A baseline group also was employed. As hypothesized, posttest questionnaires showed that experimental Ss had significantly more knowledge of the follow-up program and greater congruence of therapy expectations. A generalized behavioral effect also occurred; the two experimental groups had a higher rate of transfer success (82%) than the controls (59%). No differences in therapy persistence were observed. These findings suggest that mental health centers might improve transfer success by providing inpatients with detailed information about community aftercare programs.
The procedure of mesh wrapping the gastric pouch in cadaver study

Dietary and behavioral modifications have resulted in limited long-term success in curing morbidly obese patients, and surgery remains the only effective treatment. Of the surgical procedures that are the most commonly offered, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) appears to offer the best long-term results. However 5–15% of patients will not achieve successful weight loss after RYGB. There are many reports showing that the patients who underwent gastric bypass surgeries regain weight over time. The cause for this remains unclear. Several factors may contribute, including dilation of the gastric pouch and the gastrojejunal anastomosis. However, the data to support the link is sparse. The objective of this paper is to describe the surgical technique of wrapping the gastric pouch with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh to prevent gastric pouch dilatation. In specific, we created a 20–30 ml gastric pouch and subsequently, the gastrojejunostomy was performed with a circular stapler. Afterwards, the mesentery was dissected and the gastric pouch was wrapped with the PTFE mesh. We have performed this procedure on three cadavers with an average operative time of 75 minutes.
Reproductive studies of Brahman cattle I. Behavioral effect of various dose levels of Estradiol-17β upon ovariectomized Brahman, Brahman × Hereford and Hereford cows☆☆☆★

Abstract Six ovariectomized mature cows each of Brahman (B), Brahman × Hereford (BH) or Hereford (H) breeding were injected intramuscularly with Estradiol-17β (E). Dose levels of 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg E were given in 2 ml corn oil. Cows were allowed a 2 week recovery period between treatments. After injection the cows were placed with 18 epididymectomized bulls and observed constantly for 36 hours. B failed to accept the bulls at any E dose level. Proportions of BH accepting the bull were 2 6 , 6 6 , 6 6 and 6 6 and proportions of H accepting the bull were 5 6 , 6 6 , 5 6 and 6 6 at 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg E, respectively. BH were less responsive at 1 mg E than H (P
Target isotope effect in high energy photon production at E/A=10 MeV

A comparison has been made between the production of high energy (E γ≧30 MeV)γ rays from the bombardment of124Sn and112Sn targets withE/A= 10 MeV12C ions. The results are well explained by then-p bremsstrahlung model and do not indicate the need for any new processes.
Modeling of metallic materials at high strain rates with continuum damage mechanics

Damage modeling of metallic materials under high strain rate loading conditions is reviewed. The emphasis is on the modeling efforts based on continuum damage mechanics, although many important references dealing with general aspects of dynamic behavior of materials are also discussed. Relevant issues on the use of continuum damage mechanics and on the damage modeling of composites are addressed as well. This review article deals with 134 references @DOI: 10.1115/1.1495522#
The contribution of a pinhole to the retention and resistance form of veneer crowns

This research quantitatively compared the retention and resistance of various designs of maxillary premolar partial veneer crown preparations. Crowns were evaluated with and without proximal boxes and occlusal pins. In the absence of boxes or grooves, pins markedly enhanced both retention and resistance. In the presence of proximal boxes, pins contributed only to retention and had no significant effect on resistance. If pins are used, the cement should be spiralled into the pin hole. As resistance is usually the more crucial parameter in preparation designs, it seems that wherever efficient axial modifications can be incorporated, the pinhole modification may be of little advantage.
Calculation of the magneto–optical activity of the hydrogen molecule

We calculated the Verdet constant of the hydrogen molecule. We found that the angle of rotation may be represented by ϕ0 = A0Hv2/(v − v2)2 where A0 is 3.23 × 10−33 microminutes sec2 per oersted-cm-atmosphere. This is in agreement with the experimental observations where ϕ0 is given by the same frequency dependence with the constant A0 × 2.72 = 10−33 in terms of the same units.
Simulation analysis of hospital intensive care unit reimbursement policies from the triple bottom line perspective

We consider how alternative intensive care unit (ICU) cost reimbursement policies impact an ICU’s ability to satisfy the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Towards this end, we develop a discrete event simulation model of an ICU and use simulation optimization to identify ‘near-optimal’ ICU cost reimbursement policies, staffing levels, and sizes (number of beds) that allow investors to reap profits while still respecting the TBL of sustainability. The studied ICU is reimbursed based on either (1) the total time patients spend in the ICU or (2) the total time medical doctors spend treating patients. Results show that reimbursement Policy 1 generates higher profits but is associated with socially and environmentally unsustainable outcomes including high numbers of early patient discharges and readmissions and a large ICU size. Reimbursement Policy 2, on the other hand, respects the TBL of sustainability to a much greater degree while still yielding a healthy profit.
An improved high throughput protein-protein interaction assay for nuclear hormone receptors

The Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) "pulldown" assay has been used extensively to assay protein interactions in vitro. This methodology has been especially useful for investigating the interactions of nuclear hormone receptors with a wide variety of their interacting partners and coregulatory proteins. Unfortunately, the original GST-pulldown technique relies on multiple binding, washing and elution steps performed in individual microfuge tubes, and requires repeated centrifugation, aspiration, and suspension steps. This type of batch processing creates a significant liquid handling bottleneck, limiting the number of sample points that can be incorporated into one experiment and producing inherently less efficient washing and elution than would a flow-through methodology. In this manuscript, we describe the adaptation of this GST-pulldown assay to a 96-well filter plate format. The use of a multi-well filter plate makes it possible to assay more samples in significantly less time using less reagents and more efficient sample processing than does the traditional single tube assay.
Intensity effects in two-photon collisional redistribution of radiation

We study laser-intensity effects in two-photon collisional redistribution of radiation. Thereby we concentrate on a special case of recent experimental interest, where the transition from the excited to the final state is saturated by a strong laser field. Both exciting lasers are, however, assumed weak in the sense that the dynamics of a collision between the radiator and a perturber is not significantly influenced by the laser fields. In particular, our treatment explains the intensity independence of the polarization dependence of total fluorescence from the final state which has been measured previously even if the transition from the excited to the final state is saturated.
Effect of Salt and Phosphates During Tumbling of Turkey Breast Muscle on Meat Characteristics

Abstract Turkey breast muscle was injected with salt and various types of phosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate; 90% sodium tripolyphosphate and 10% sodium hexametaphosphate; 75% sodium tripolyphosphate and 25% sodium hexametaphosphate; 90% sodium tripolyphosphate and 10% tetrasodium pyrophosphate) solutions to 3% of green weight. After injection, breasts were tumbled in a cold room in a laboratory-sized tumbler for 2 hr at 20 rpm with alternate intervals of tumbling for 10 min and 10 min of rest for a total of 1 hr of tumbling. The presence of salt, during tumbling, significantly reduced expressible moisture and cooking losses but did not significantly affect shear values. All of the phosphates used significantly reduced expressible moisture and cooking losses without influencing shear values. Sensory properties (binding ability, juiciness, and flavor) of rolls made from tumbled meat were significantly improved when the breast muscle was tumbled in the presence of salt and phosphates. A combination of sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate significantly improved extractability of myofibrillar proteins during the tumbling process as compared to other phosphate sources. These results generally indicated that the presence of both salt and polyphosphates during tumbling improve sensory properties of turkey rolls.
On farm prevention of Campylobacter and Salmonella: lessons learned from basic biosecurity interventions

Abstract An observational study examining prevalence ofCampylobacter andSalmonella in environmental samples and biosecurity interventions to mitigate these 2 pathogens was performed for 3 consecutive flocks on a commercial broiler farm in northeast Georgia. Monitoring was performed first on a baseline flock for which no interventions or treatments were undertaken. The same monitoring was performed for 2 subsequent flocks which underwent biosecurity interventions and pest management treatments designed to prevent introduction and transmission ofCampylobacter andSalmonella. In addition to environmental sampling for the 2 treatment flocks, fly, darkling beetle, water line, and cecal samples were collected. No management interventions were instituted within or between flocks other than those prescribed by study design. Complete prevention ofCampylobacter andSalmonella was unsuccessful in the treated flocks but differences in prevalence were apparent although only 2 statistically significant differences were found between study flocks. Study data also revealed interesting patterns with respect to location and timing of positive isolations ofCampylobacter andSalmonella.
The Reharvested Central Third of the Patellar Tendon A Histologic and Biomechanical Analysis

We assessed the histologic, mechanical, and structural properties of the reharvested central-third patellar tendon in greyhounds. Twelve dogs had the central third of the patellar tendon (5 mm) removed with corresponding bone blocks from the patella and tibia; the remaining tendon defect was loosely closed. Six dogs were sacrificed at 6 months and six at 12 months, and the central third of the patellar tendon was harvested from both the operative and the contralateral control knees. Analysis of the structural changes in the tendons revealed a significant increase in thickness for reharvested tendons at both 6 and 12 months when compared with controls. The entire residual tendons were narrower at 6 months and were shorter at 12 months compared with controls. Mechanical testing showed that the average failure load, ultimate tensile strength, strain at failure, and average modulus for the reharvested central third of the patellar tendon were significantly less than that of controls at both 6 and 12 months. Analysis of collagen fiber size by electron microscopy revealed a significant increase in collagen fiber diameter at 6 months (135 +/- 41 nm versus 49 +/- 4 nm) but no difference between the operative limbs and controls at 12 months. The reharvested bone-patellar tendon-bone complex does not have the same properties as the primary patellar tendon graft up to 1 year after harvest in a canine model, and its use for revision cruciate ligament reconstruction must be carefully reexamined.
The Work of the Guidance Administrator

This study was conducted to obtain a current description of the work of the guidance administrator in the schools. Results of responses to a questionnaire by 104 directors of guidance are reported. Demographic information regarding title, education, and counseling and teaching experience of 67 full-time and 37 part-time directors is given. A brief description of the lines of authority, staff support, and administrative position of the office of the guidance administrator is reported. In response to 40 items descriptive of the work of the director, it was found that 28 were highly valued and performed by over half of the sample. Little difference in the work performed by full- or part-time directors was found. The directors reported their current problems in administering the program and made recommendations concerning the preparation of future guidance administrators.
Fertility, Family Planning and the Social Organization of Family Life: Some Methodological Issues

This paper basically argues for a shift in methodological perspective in the field of family planning. The general social context of family life and the presence or absence of family planning has not been examined seriously by social scientists. Rather crash programs for stopping population growth were launched. The source of most of the information of fertility and family planning are found in surveys in which standard questions are asked. The author questions the link between standard demographic or population analyses of variables such as age education residence etc. and attitudes toward family size and family planning. The problems associated with survey methodology interviews interviewers types of respondents etc. are discussed through the example of a study conducted in Argentina. 3 cases are also discussed.
Use of embedded FPGA resources in implementations of 14 round 2 SHA-3 candidates

In this paper, we present results of a comprehensive study devoted to the optimization of FPGA implementations of modern cryptographic hash functions using embedded FPGA resources, such as Digital Signal Processing (DSP) units and Block Memories. Fifteen hash functions, including the current American hash standard SHA-2 and 14 candidates for the new hash standard SHA-3, have been included in our investigation. Our methodology involves implementing, characterizing, and comparing all algorithms with a focus on minimizing the amount of reconfigurable logic resources, and achieving a better balance between the use of reconfigurable logic resources and embedded resources in four FPGA families, representing major low-cost and high-performance families of Xilinx and Altera.
The adequacy of artificial feeding in infancy.

Summary 1. Breast feeding in infancy is natural and preferred when practical and feasible. 2. The great majority of all infection in infancy is respiratory. 3. The only valid objection to the proper artificial feeding of infants would seem to be the resulting higher incidence of respiratory infections during the second half year of life, amounting to 1.43 respiratory infections per artificiallyfed infant and 0.95 respiratory infections per breast-fed infant. 4. It would seem that the breast-fed infant's greater resistance to respiratory infections arises from some substance or substances contained in human milk. 5. There is no significant difference in the amount of diarrhea and miscellaneous infections between babies breast- and properly artificially-fed. 6. The high incidence of diarrhea in partially breast-fed infants may result from attempts to have an unwilling mother breast feed her baby. 7. The vitamin A daily intake of the 6-month-old, breast-fed infant approximates 3,250 I. U. as compared with the daily 1,500 I. U. recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. There is evidence to suggest that the infant's need for this vitamin is great and some evidence which suggests that he absorbs it more completely when he is breast-fed. 8. The ascorbic acid daily intake of the 6-month-old breast-fed infant approximates 55 mg. as compared with the daily 30 mg. recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. There is considerable evidence that the infant's need for this vitamin is great and that he absorbs it more adequately or needs it less when he is breast-fed. 9. Vitamin A and ascorbic acid may be the substances that are stored by the breast-fed infant in quantities such as to give him greater resistance to respiratory infections in his second half year of life. 10. It seems reasonable to offer the artificially-fed infant vitamin A and ascorbic acid in quantities at least as great as he would receive if he were breast-fed and to include these in the diet of the first days of life. Two hundred and twenty I. U. of vitamin A per pound of body weight, and 100 mg. of ascorbic acid in divided doses, are suggested as daily allowances. 11. It is hoped that the artificially-fed infant who receives adequate amounts of vitamin A and ascorbic acid will possess resistance to respiratory infections equal to that of the breast-fed baby.
On the connecting of socio-economics with communitarianism☆

Abstract If socio-economics were to be enriched with a liberal kind of communitarian perspective, such combination would necessitate compatible partners. This article suggests a way of fitting socio-economics for such a union.
Instability of a dinucleotide repeat in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) gene in microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) colorectal carcinoma

DNA mismatch-repair gene mutations, with consequent loss of functional protein expression, result in microsatellite instability (MSI). Microsatellite sequences are found in coding regions and in regulatory regions of genes (i.e., 5′-UTRs and 3′-UTRs). In addition to being a surrogate marker of defective mismatch repair, deletion or insertion microsatellite sequences can dysregulate gene expression in MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high) tumors. The microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) gene product, mPGES-1, participates in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Moreover, mPGES-1 is often overexpressed in human colorectal tumors, and is thought to contribute to progression of these tumors. Here we identified a dinucleotide repeat, (GT)24, in the mPGES-1 gene 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR), and analyzed its mutation frequencies in MSI-H and microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. The (GT)24 repeat exhibited instability in all MSI-H tumors examined (14), but not in any of the MSS tumors (13). In most cases, (GT)24 repeat instability resulted in insertion of additional GT units. We also determined mPGES-1 mRNA levels in MSI-H and MSS colorectal cancer cell lines. Three of four previously designated “MSI-H” cell lines showed higher mPGES-1 mRNA levels compared to MSS cell lines; correlations between elevated mPGES-1 mRNA levels and microsatellite (GT)24 repeat characteristics are present for all six cell lines. Our results demonstrate that mPGES-1 is a target gene of defective mismatch repair in human colorectal cancer, with functional consequence.
Is the climate warming or cooling

Numerous websites, blogs and articles in the media have claimed that the climate is no longer warming, and is now cooling. Here we show that periods of no trend or even cooling of the globally averaged surface air temperature are found in the last 34 years of the observed record, and in climate model simulations of the 20th and 21st century forced with increasing greenhouse gases. We show that the climate over the 21st century can and likely will produce periods of a decade or two where the globally averaged surface air temperature shows no trend or even slight cooling in the presence of longer-term warming. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.
The monod equation: A revisit and a generalization to product inhibition situations

This paper shows how to treat the substrate-limiting Monod equation in a straight forward manner for different types of fermentors (plug-flow, batch, and mixed-flow) using the general language of chemical reaction engineering. Straight-line plots are developed for directly finding the kinetic constants of the equation, and an example using Monod's original data illustrates the procedure. The Monod equation is then generalized to account for the effects of both substrate and inhibitory toxic wastes. Finally, for pure product inhibition performance, expressions are derived for various reactor types, and correlation graphs are developed for finding the kinetic constants of the reaction. An example from the recent literature shows that this equation form fits the data extremely well.
Statistical methods for panel data from a semi-Markov process, with application to HPV.

SUMMARY Continuous-time, multistate processes can be used to represent a variety of biological processes in the public health sciences; yet the analysis of such processes is complex when they are observed only at a limited number of time points. Inference methods for such panel data have been developed for time homogeneous Markov models, but there has been little research done for other classes of processes. We develop likelihood-based methods for panel data from a semi-Markov process, where transition intensities depend on the duration of time in the current state. The proposed methods account for possible misclassification of states. To illustrate the methods, we investigate a three- and a four-state models in detail and apply the results to model the natural history of oncogenic genital human papillomavirus infections in women.
Low Yield of Early Postoperative Imaging After Anastomotic Urethroplasty

Objectives To evaluate the necessity and clinical effect of posturethroplasty imaging. Methods We reviewed our database of all urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon at our referral center during a 2-year period. The patients underwent voiding cystourethrography at a mean of 24 days postoperatively. The data analyzed included patient history and demographics, operative details, imaging results, and clinical outcomes. Results From 2007 to 2009, 210 patients underwent urethral reconstruction at our center. The patients undergoing meatoplasty or staged repairs were excluded, leaving 156 patients with postoperative imaging studies for analysis. Of 110 anterior urethroplasties, 59 (54%) consisted of excision and primary anastomosis, 28 (25%) an augmented anastomotic procedure, and 23 (21%) a pure ventral onlay with a flap or graft. All 46 posterior urethroplasties were performed with scar excision and primary anastomosis. Of the 156 patients, only 4 (3%) had extravasation on postoperative voiding cystourethrography (2 after posterior urethroplasty, 1 after augmented anastomosis, and 1 after ventral onlay)—all were successfully managed with catheter replacement and removal at a mean of 8 days afterward. None of the 59 men undergoing excision and primary anastomosis demonstrated extravasation. Conclusions Extravasation on posturethroplasty voiding cystourethrography is rare after approximately 3 weeks of catheter drainage. Imaging can be omitted after uncomplicated excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty.
Dietary Androgen-Estrogen Combinations in Growth Promotion in Fingerling Rainbow Trout

Abstract Eight semipurified diets containing various combinations (totaling 2.0 mg/kg diet) of the androgens 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the estrogen estradiol-17β (ES) were fed to four replicate groups of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) fingerlings (initial weight = 0.7 g) for 10 weeks to determine relative growth-promoting effectiveness. Fish fed MT alone or in combination with DHT gained 27.3% more body weight than controls (P 0.20) on body weight. Feed conversion (weight of feed fed/fish weight gained) and average weight gain were recorded over bimonthly periods to examine the effects of treatments on these characteristics. Methyltestosterone enhanced growth (P < 0.05) without changing feed utilization. Decreases (P < 0....
The effect of anti-inflammatory properties of mycophenolate mofetil on the development of lung reperfusion injury

Background Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) is associated with an increased incidence of both primary graft failure and obliterative bronchiolitis. The immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has recently been shown to attenuate inflammatory injury in acute ischemia–reperfusion models via a mechanism that is presently unclear. These experiments studied the effects of MMF in a warm, in situ LIRI model, focusing on transcriptional regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Methods Left lungs of rats were rendered ischemic for 90 minutes and reperfused for up to 4 hours. Treated animals received 10 mg/kg of intravenous MMF at 2 hours before ischemia. Left lung injury was quantitated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) content, permeability indices and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammatory cell counts. Lungs were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) for transcription factor transactivation and by enzyme-linked immunoassay for BAL chemokine protein content. Results MMF significantly reduced lung vascular permeability indices, MPO content and alveolar leukocyte counts at 4 hours of reperfusion. There was significant attenuation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and early growth response 1 (EGR-1) transactivation, whereas nuclear factor–κB (NF-κB) was unaffected. Reductions in bronchoalveolar lavage monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) protein content were found at 4 hours of reperfusion. Conclusions MMF limits lung ischemia–reperfusion-induced increases in vascular permeability and inflammatory cell sequestration in lung parenchyma and alveolar spaces. The protection is mediated at the transcriptional level via an attenuation of early EGR-1 and AP-1 transactivation, which was found to be associated with reduced late MCP-1 and CINC protein secretion. The use of MMF in concert with an agent that affects NF-κB activation may provide even further protection against lung reperfusion injury as multiple inflammatory pathways are inhibited.
Lethal and nonlethal anthropogenic effects on spotted hyenas in the Masai Mara National Reserve

We evaluated long-term patterns of human-caused mortality among free-living spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in a Kenyan game reserve and also assessed nonlethal anthropogenic effects on hyena behavior. We monitored naturally occurring vigilance in 2 clans of hyenas, 1 disturbed and the other undisturbed. The disturbed clan, living on the edge of the reserve, experienced much human disturbance from both tour vehicles and livestock grazing, whereas the undisturbed clan, living in the center of the reserve, also experienced tour vehicles but no livestock grazing. The proportion of all deaths with known causes that could be attributed to humans increased between 1988 and 2006 in the disturbed population; humans caused no mortality in the undisturbed population. Disturbed hyenas were more than twice as vigilant when resting, and they nursed their young closer to bushes, than undisturbed hyenas. Disturbed hyenas also were most vigilant on days when livestock were present in their territory, but we observed no effects of tourism on hyena vigilance. We next conducted playback experiments in which we used cowbells as treatment sounds and church bells as control sounds to determine whether hyenas from the 2 clans responded differently. After hearing cowbells, disturbed hyenas increased their vigilance more than did undisturbed hyenas. However, disturbed hyenas also increased their vigilance after hearing church bells, suggesting that disturbed hyenas may exhibit heightened responsiveness to a wide array of anthropogenic sound stimuli. Our findings suggest that human activities related to pastoralism are having measurable effects on hyena mortality, and that hyenas appear to be responding to this threat by modifying their behavior. DOI: 10.1644/08-MAMM-A-359R.1.
Mining-guided state justification with partitioned navigation tracks

This work introduces a new guidance strategy to justify hard-to-reach target states in sequential circuits, which also applies to reaching corner-case states in design validation. We propose data-mining methods to extract several partition sets of state variables directly from the gate-level netlist of the design, such that they enable the search to reach the target state. The partition sets are used to compute partitioned navigation tracks (PNTs). PNTs capture the behavior of expanded portions of the state space as they relate to a target state of interest, thus providing a more accurate distance metric than traditional abstract guideposts. Moreover, the computation and storage costs of the PNTs are small, making our approach scalable to large circuits. With the proposed PNTs, we also need not refine the abstract models. Experiments showed that we are able to reach many more hard-to-reach states compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Transmembrane helix orientation and dynamics: insights from ensemble dynamics with solid-state NMR observables.

As the major component of membrane proteins, transmembrane helices embedded in anisotropic bilayer environments adopt preferential orientations that are characteristic or related to their functional states. Recent developments in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy have made it possible to measure NMR observables that can be used to determine such orientations in a native bilayer environment. A quasistatic single conformer model is frequently used to interpret the SSNMR observables, but important motional information can be missing or misinterpreted in the model. In this work, we have investigated the orientation of the single-pass transmembrane domain of viral protein ”u“ (VpuTM) from HIV-1 by determining an ensemble of structures using multiple conformer models based on the SSNMR ensemble dynamics technique. The resulting structure ensemble shows significantly larger orientational fluctuations while the ensemble-averaged orientation is compatible with the orientation based on the quasistatic model. This observation is further corroborated by comparison with the VpuTM orientation from comparative molecular dynamics simulations in explicit bilayer membranes. SSNMR ensemble dynamics not only reveals the importance of transmembrane helix dynamics in interpretation of SSNMR observables, but also provides a means to simultaneously extract both transmembrane helix orientation and dynamics information from the SSNMR measurements.
Myometrial Adenylyl Cyclase Protein Decreases on the Last Day of Pregnancy in the Rat

To determine whether gestation-related changes in responsiveness of the rat uterus to beta-adrenergic agonists are mediated at the level of adenylyl cyclase, we measured myometrial adenylyl cyclase activity and protein quantities during pregnancy and labor. In rat myometrial membranes, basal adenylyl cyclase activity increased from the nonpregnant state to mid (Days 12-14) and then late (Days 18-20) gestation and then decreased intrapartum (Day 22). Stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor (isoproterenol, 10(-4) M), the G protein (GTP, 10(-5) M), or the adenylyl cyclase enzyme (MnCl(2), 20 mM), was similarly altered during gestation. Total adenylyl cyclase protein was quantified by [(3)H]forskolin binding assay in myometrial membranes from nonpregnant and pregnant (Day 14, Day 20, Day 21, and intrapartum Day 22) rats. Adenylyl cyclase protein increased progressively from nonpregnant rats to pregnant rats at mid (Day 14) and late (Day 20) gestation, but it decreased abruptly to nonpregnant levels on Day 21, the day before parturition, and remained at similar levels on Day 22 (intrapartum). The gestation-related increase in expression of myometrial adenylyl cyclase protein may facilitate uterine quiescence during pregnancy, and the abrupt decrease of adenylyl cyclase protein on the last day of pregnancy may be a contributing mechanism for the initiation of labor.
Fluid-influenced deformation and recrystallization of dolomite at low temperatures along a natural fault zone, Mountain City window, Tennessee

Deformation of dolomite along a minor thrust fault within the Mountain City window, Tennessee, took place by twinning, fracturing, pressure solution, and recrystallization processes. Deformation otherwise unobservable can be seen using cathodoluminescence and doubly polished ultrathin (∼5 μm) sections. A transect across the hanging wall, starting at 14 m above and approaching the hanging-wall/footwall (hw/fw) contact, and crosscutting relationships suggest a temporal sequence of deformation: (1) Twinning occurred in the coarser fraction of grains, and material was removed along bedding parallel stylolites. (2) Dolomite recrystallized at the edges of veins. Fine-grained deformation zones composed of dynamically recrystallized dolomite formed. Transgranular hairline fractures formed, visible only under cathodoluminescence. (3) Grain size decreased. Recrystallization occurred at grain boundaries, along veins, and within fine-grained deformation zones. The proportion of twinned grains decreased with twinning only within the coarser fraction of grains. The proportion of veins and fractures increased. (4) Bedding-parallel stylolites offset deformation zones and veins, indicating reactivation. Intersection relationships indicate that stylolites, fractures, and deformation zones all acted concurrently. (5) At the hw/fw contact, the rock is finer grained and homogeneous. Very few veins or stylolites remain. The regional geology (Boyer and Elliott, 1982) suggests that deformation took place at a depth of 9 km (270 °C at a 30 °C/km geothermal gradient). Experimental data (for example, Turner and others, 1954) suggest that dolomite would not deform by dynamic recrystallization under these conditions. However, fluids may reduce the strength and increase the ductility of calcite rocks (Rutter, 1972). Similarly, fluids may have reduced the temperature at which dynamic recrystallization could take place in these dolomitic rocks. The volume of mesoscopic fractures, microscopic luminescing fractures, and the mean grain size decrease as the hw/fw contact is approached. Grain-size reduction in conjunction with the influx of fluids may have resulted in a change in the dominant deformation mechanism from fracturing to dynamic recrystallization.
Variations in the Nature of Behavioral Experience Can Differentially Alter the Consequences of Developmental Exposures to Lead, Prenatal Stress, and the Combination

Behavioral experience (BE) can critically influence later behavior and brain function, but the central nervous system (CNS) consequences of most developmental neurotoxicants are examined in the absence of any such context. We previously demonstrated marked differences in neurotransmitter changes produced by developmental lead (Pb) exposure ± prenatal stress (PS) depending upon whether or not rats had been given BE (Cory-Slechta, D. A., Virgolini, M. B., Rossi-George, A., Weston, D., and Thiruchelvam, M. (2009). The current study examined the hypothesis that the nature of the BE itself would be a critical determinant of outcome in mice that had been continually exposed to 0 or 100 ppm Pb acetate in drinking water alone or in combination with prenatal restraint stress. Half of the offspring in each of the four resulting groups/gender were exposed to positively reinforced (food-rewarded Fixed Interval schedule-controlled behavior) or negatively reinforced (inescapable forced swim) BE. Brain monoamines and amino acids differed significantly in relation to BE, even in control animals, as did the trajectory of effects of Pb ± PS, particularly in frontal cortex, hippocampus (both genders), and midbrain (males). In males, Pb ± PS-related changes in neurotransmitters correlated with behavioral performance. These findings suggest that CNS consequences of developmental toxicants studied in the absence of a broader spectrum of BEs may not necessarily be predictive of human outcomes. Evaluating the role of specific BEs as a modulator of neurodevelopmental insults offers the opportunity to determine what specific BEs may ameliorate the associated impacts and can assist in establishing underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
Gravity and magnetic investigations of the Sierra Nevada batholith, California

Gravity data are now available for about 90 percent of the Sierra Nevada batholith, magnetic data for about 30 percent. About 1,000 density and 250 magnetic property measurements have been made on selected samples. Bouguer gravity anomalies decrease about 200 mgal, from −40 to −240 mgal, eastward across the batholith and gradually rise about 50 mgal on its east side. Gravity calculations show that these Bouguer anomalies are consistent with the general form of Bateman and Eaton's seismic model of the central Sierra Nevada and are inconsistent with the model of Carder and others. The calculations confirm Eaton's velocity-density relation for crystalline rocks. The major gravity step across the western Sierra Nevada is caused primarily by a mafic mountain root, not the batholith. Local anomalies of −5 to −40 mgal are associated with the most leucocratic felsic plutons. Correlation with available isotope ages shows the gravity anomalies to be largest and broadest over the youngest Cretaceous plutons, which suggests that they extend to greater depths than the older, exposed plutons. Magnetic contrasts between plutons are generally much greater than density contrasts, and they provide a method for mapping some of the more magnetic plutons under some types of cover. The depth extent of magnetic plutons in Yosemite National Park is at least 7 km and probably greater. A regional magnetic low centered near the western edge of the Sierra Nevada correlates with a regional depression in the Curie isothermal surface, as evidenced by low surface heat flux. Because the depression in the isotherm allows for a greater thickness of material to be magnetic, the magnetic low is unexpected, and the relation is a noteworthy paradox. Bouguer gravity anomalies correlate fairly well with initial Sr87/Sr86 ratios, and the magnetic field correlates with oxidation ratios of sampled granitic rocks. These data, together with physical property measurements of gneissic and peridotitic xenoliths discovered in volcanic pipes by J. P. Lockwood, form a foundation on which new models of the petrogenesis and structure of the batholith must be based.
Spurious Secondary Association and Asymmetric Spindles in a Luzula

1. In aceto-carmine smears of Luzula campestris, the six bivalents at metaphase I appear to be associated in groups rather than spread out at random. The two most common arrangements are three groups of two bivalents and a one-two-three arrangement.2. In sectioned material, no such grouping is present. The secondary associations of the smears are therefore artifacts.3. In the sectioned material, the pollen-mother cells and the spindles at the equatorial plate are frequently asymmetric. The chromosomes vary in arrangement on the plate, to a large degree in accord with the asymmetry of the spindle. The three types of chromosome arrangement are the circular, the triangular, and the type with two rows.4. Comparisons, some of them quantitative, can be made between the arrangements of chromosomes in the sections and those of the smears. Factors which may aid in the production of the spurious secondary association are discussed.The writer is indebted to Dr. G. LEDYARD STEBBINS, Jr. for suggesting a cytological study of L. campestris, and to him and to Dr. ALOHA HANNAH for pertinent suggestions during the course of this work.
Management fads, pedagogies, and other soft technologies

We present a model for the diffusion of management fads and other technologies which lack clear objective evidence about their merits. The choices made by non-Bayesian adopters reflect both their own evaluations and the social influence of their peers. We show, both analytically and computationally, that the dynamics lead to outcomes that appear to be deterministic in spite of being governed by a stochastic process. In other words, when the objective evidence about a technology is weak, the evolution of this process quickly settles down to a fraction of adopters that is not predetermined. When the objective evidence is strong, the proportion of adopters is determined by the quality of the evidence and the adopters’ competence.