cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in Psoas Muscle Location Relative to the Safe Working Zone for L4/5 Lateral Transpsoas Interbody Fusion: A Morphometric Analysis

Background The safe working zone for lateral access to the L4/5 disc space has been said to lie in the anteroposterior (AP) midpoint of the disc space due to the location of the femoral nerve at that level. However, the AP location of the psoas muscle (and thus the lumbosacral plexus within) at L4/5 is variable. A psoas muscle lying excessively anteriorly at the L4/5 disc space may preclude safe access to the L4/5 disc space from a lateral transpsoas approach. Methods Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 300 consecutive patients at the authors' institution were reviewed retrospectively. The AP distance between the ventral aspect of the thecal sac and the dorsal aspect of the psoas muscle at L4/5 was measured, as was the AP diameter of the L4/5 disc space. Results The dorsal aspect of the psoas muscle at L4/5 was most commonly found dorsal to the ventral aspect of the thecal sac (zone P, N = 145; 48.3%), whereas it was found at the junction of zones IV/P in 37 patients (12.3%), in zone IV in 85 patients (28.3%), in zone III in 29 patients (9.7%), and in zone II in 4 patients (1.3%). Conclusions The location of the psoas muscle in relation to the L4/5 disc space is somewhat variable. In 11% of patients, the dorsal-most aspect of the psoas muscle was located within zones II or III, likely precluding safe access to the L4/5 disc space from a lateral transpsoas approach.
Developing the Democratic Spirit: Public Through Public Narratives—Community Engagement at UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, as a 10-year-old, public research university, had the opportunity to introduce a theoretical foundation for leadership development and civic engagement. Use of the social change model and skill training in sharing stories and public narratives helps elevate students’ leadership experience to a powerful opportunity to engage others in social change. Additionally, with a student population that is predominantly first-generation, and PELL-eligible, the integration of theory and practice creates an opportunity for students to develop a sense of civic responsibility and agency around social change at the University of California, Merced.
Chinese Learners of English See Chinese Words When Reading English Words

The present study examines when second language (L2) learners read words in the L2, whether the orthography and/or phonology of the translation words in the first language (L1) is activated and whether the patterns would be modulated by the proficiency in the L2. In two experiments, two groups of Chinese learners of English immersed in the L1 environment, one less proficient and the other more proficient in English, performed a translation recognition task. In this task, participants judged whether pairs of words, with an L2 word preceding an L1 word, were translation words or not. The critical conditions compared the performance of learners to reject distractors that were related to the translation word (e.g., , pronounced as /bei 1/) of an L2 word (e.g., cup) in orthography (e.g., , bad in Chinese, pronounced as /huai 4/) or phonology (e.g., , sad in Chinese, pronounced as /bei 1/). Results of Experiment 1 showed less proficient learners were slower and less accurate to reject translation orthography distractors, as compared to unrelated controls, demonstrating a robust translation orthography interference effect. In contrast, their performance was not significantly different when rejecting translation phonology distractors, relative to unrelated controls, showing no translation phonology interference. The same patterns were observed in more proficient learners in Experiment 2. Together, these results suggest that when Chinese learners of English read English words, the orthographic information, but not the phonological information of the Chinese translation words is activated. In addition, this activation is not modulated by L2 proficiency.
A Radiographic Healing Classification for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee Provides Good Interobserver Reliability.

Background:Recent studies have examined radiographic factors associated with healing of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee. However, there is still no gold standard in determining the healing status of an OCD lesion.Purpose:We examined temporally associated patterns of healing to (1) evaluate the practicality of a classification system and (2) elucidate any associations between healing pattern and patient age, sex, lesion location, treatment type, and physeal patency.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We retrospectively screened 489 patients from 2006 to 2010 for a total of 41 consecutive knee OCD lesions that met inclusion criteria, including at least 3 consecutive radiographic series (mean patient age, 12.8 years; range, 7.8-17.1 years; mean follow-up, 75.1 weeks). Radiographs were arranged in sequential order for ratings by 2 orthopaedic sports medicine specialists. Healing patterns were rated as boundary resolution, increasing radiodensity of progeny f...
China’s Peaceful Development Grand Strategy

This chapter provides an overview of the concept of grand strategy and how it evolved over time, as well as the definitions necessary for the case study. Additionally, the reader is introduced to the particular grand strategy of China which this study analyzes, that is, ‘Peaceful Development.’ A theoretical framework is established for the within-case studies, and the core argument of the book—along with hypotheses—is explained.
Conclusions: What We Learn from Nepal?

This final chapter in the volume critically reflects on insights and lessons learned from rehabilitation and reintegration of Maoist ex-combatants in Nepal. Referring back to the discussion provided in the volume, this chapters shows that the cash based-scheme adopted to reintegrate ex-combatants was a flawed policy option. Although this policy was helpful to dismantle and diffuse the military structure of the Maoist, its contribution in facilitating ex-combatants’ reintegration back into the community and changing their identity from ex-combatants to civilians was limited. Despite huge amount of resources invested, the DDR programme in Nepal lacked local ownership, ex-combatants’ family and community participation and transformative elements that would be needed to address causes and drivers of Maoist armed conflict.
1489 Occupational health history taking attitudes and behaviours of chiropractic interns

Introduction Occupational illness and injuries are a major health burden, with the large majority being musculoskeletal related. Because of this, health care providers, such as chiropractors, should understand the role of work in health conditions. This pilot study assessed the occupational history taking attitudes and behaviours of chiropractic interns for one year, including the effect of a brief occupational health history training program. Methods All chiropractic interns at one clinic location completed questionnaires assessing their attitudes and perceptions regarding documenting occupational history of their patients. Each intern enrolled in the study for two or more trimesters also participated in an hour-long training session on taking an occupational history. The supervising clinician independently evaluated charting behaviours of interns for the duration of the study. Result Twenty interns participated for 4 to 12 months. The supervising clinician assessed the interns’ level of documenting occupational history for 202 new patient or re-examination visits. Patient’s current occupation was documented in 93% of these visits, but a detailed occupational history was documented in only 11% of these visits despite the chief complaint being related to their occupation 39% of the time. After the first group of interns completed training, documentation of the relationship between occupation and chief complaint increased from 20% of visits to 57%. When interns assessed their own recordkeeping practices, all interns reported asking about current occupation for most patients, but indicated their other occupational history taking and documentation behaviours can vary. Discussion While documenting current occupation was relatively high among the chiropractic interns, additional detailed occupational information was not usually included in their documentation. Additional training on occupational history taking did not substantially change those behaviours, but did increase the interns relating the chief complaint to the patient’s work.
Determination of Activity Coefficients at Infinite Dilution of Organic Solutes in the Ionic Liquid 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium Nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate Using Gas–Liquid Chromatography

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution (γi∞) for a variety of organic solutes (alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkyl benzenes, alcohols, 1,4-dioxane, acetone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, and dichloromethane) in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate ([C2OHmim][C4F9SO3]) have been determined by gas–liquid chromatography using the IL as the stationary phase. The measurements were conducted in the temperature range from 303 to 353 K. The partial molar excess Gibbs energies (ΔGiE,∞), enthalpies (ΔHiE,∞), and entropies (ΔSiE,∞) at infinite dilution of the solutes in the ionic liquid were calculated from the temperature dependence of the values of γi∞. Values of selectivity sij∞ and capacity kj∞ at T = 323.15 K for the IL [C2OHmim][C4F9SO3] were calculated for both cyclohexane/benzene and benzene/methanol binary systems. The results obtained from this work were compared with reported literature data for other [C2OHmim] based ILs.
Perspectives: Proposed GASB Rules Show Why Only Market Valuation Fully Captures Public Pension Liabilities

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board has released preliminary views on how public sector pension plans should value benefit liabilities. Because the GASB’s proposals ignore government’s contingent liability to pay plan benefits should assets fall short, they omit the full value of plan liabilities and contradict the GASB’s own standard of "interperiod equity."
GAPDH: β-Amyloid Mediated Iron Accumulation in Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Paradigm for Oxidative Stress Induction in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized clinically by dementia, loss of memory, and cognitive dysfunction. Although a number of molecular, biochemical, and cellular defects have been identified, the exact molecular mechanism(s) which underlie this disease are unknown. Of particular interest may be aberrant protein–protein interactions, especially with the amyloid protein which may lead not only to plaque development but also to alterations in cell function due to protein depletion. In that regard, recent evidence suggests a specific interaction of the β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) and the β-amyloid protein (β-AP) with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The latter was thought to be a classical glycolytic protein of seemingly little interest. However, recent studies suggest that it is a multifunctional protein with diverse activities independent of its role in energy production. Further, it exhibits a diverse subcellular localization in the nucleus, membrane, and cytosol which may be not only directly related to its functional diversity but also may represent an intracellular equilibrium in the regulation of GAPDH expression. Accordingly, we shall consider the hypothesis that the formation of β-APP or β-AP–GAPDH protein–protein complexes alters both GAPDH function and its subcellular distribution. In particular, as recent studies indicate a fundamental role for membrane GAPDH in cellular iron uptake, transport, and metabolism, the formation of either β-APP–GAPDH or β-AP–GAPDH complexes may facilitate iron accumulation (a known characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease), thereby increasing oxidative stress as a consequence of an intracellular Fenton reaction. This pleiotropic effect of GAPDH binding could serve as a unifying hypothesis providing an initiating event in AD.
The influence of obesity and sociodemographic factors on the health hardships among women veterans.

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of obesity and sociodemographic factors on the health hardships among women veterans, using a sample from California. This study evaluates the ...
Technological Hype and the Military Balance

The role of technological hype in thinking about questions of international security is an important yet under-examined subject. This paper examines technological hype in general, its particular significance for the consideration of military capabilities and the balance of power during the past century, and the possibility that such hype is resurgent today. This paper also examines the principal pitfalls against which such analysis should attempt to guard to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Involvement of α1−, and α2-adrenergic receptors in the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis of the domestic fowl, Gallus domesticus

The alpha 1-adrenergic receptor ligand, 3H-WB4101, and the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor ligand, 3H-para-aminoclonidine, were utilized at a 1.0 nM incubation concentration to determine relative alpha 1-and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding by cell membranes from selected tissues within the brain, ovary and oviduct of the domestic fowl. Significant specific alpha 1-adrenergic binding was observed in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, pineal, cerebrum and cerebellum but only the cerebrum had significant alpha 2-receptor binding. Significant levels of alpha 1-adrenergic binding were observed in the granulosa cells of the three largest ovarian follicles and in the postovulatory follicle. Significant specific alpha 2-adrenergic binding was measured in the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus and shell gland of the oviduct. The physiological implications of alpha-adrenergic receptors in these tissues are discussed.
Immigration and Nativism in the United States and Europe: Demography and Globalization Versus the Nation-State

Prior to the nineteenth century, international borders were only approximately known and rarely policed. The creation of “nation-states,” in the late 19 and early 20 century was accompanied with a more formal regulation of international migration, especially of those who were not members of the dominant nation. With relatively youthful populations and a large rural labor reserve, many nation-states could afford to have restrictionist immigration policies. The relative lull of international migration during the 20 century, however, may have been an historical anomaly. The forces of a globalized world economy and an increasing spatial imbalance between the demographic supply and demand for labor are putting pressures on traditional systems of immigration restriction. Although there is not likely to be a return to completely open borders, the radical limitations on international movements that characterized much of the world in the mid-twentieth century are likely to fade in the coming decades. Introduction In this essay, we review the immigration history of the United States as an illustrative example of the tensions between national identity and international migration. At various points throughout American history, there have been several efforts to limit immigration in order to retain the historical national identity of the country. But the volume and diversity of immigration eventually led to an assimilationist and subsequently to a pluralist definition of American identity. The ideal of the nation-state, with every people (nation) having a homeland, is a modern concept that only began to take root in Europe in the late 19 and early 20 centuries. Moreover, the highly regulated borders between counties and the routine inspection of passports for international migration are modern phenomena (Torpey, 2000: 7). Although nation-states create strong popular bonds of attachment and have almost unquestioned legitimacy in the modern world, the distribution of peoples is only imperfectly aligned with state boundaries. This creates an inevitable division between insiders—those to whom the state belongs—and outsiders— minorities who do not belong to the nation. Some minorities are indigenous with ancestral ties to the national territory, but their political and social status is typically marginalized by the official nationalist ideology. Other minorities are recent immigrants and their descendants. In some societies, immigrants and their descendents are a pariah group who are considered sojourners regardless of generations of residence. In other societies, the descendents of immigrants can become insiders, but only through acculturation and assimilation to the dominant nation. A third alternative is pluralism, which allows for cultural diversity within a framework of common citizenship and equal rights.
A Misuse Pattern for Compromising VMs via Virtual Machine Escape in NFV

Cloud computing has provided many services to potential consumers; one of these services being the provision of network functions using virtualization. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is an emerging network technology that decouples the software implementation of network functions from the underlying hardware providing flexible and energy-efficient network services. However, it also comes with vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to disrupt the network service. In this paper, we use misuse patterns to study the Virtual Machine (VM) Escape attack. The possible misuses resulting from the VM Escape are compromising victims' VMs, stealing resources from co-resident VMs, and accessing host OS files. Misuse patterns describe how an attack is performed from the point view of the attacker. In the future, we aim to build a partial catalog of misuse patterns for the NFV virtual machine environment (VME). This catalog would be useful to build a Security Reference Architecture for NFV.
Ileal amino acid digestibilities by pigs fed soybean meals from five major soybean-producing countries

Growing conditions and processing technologies to which soybeans (SB) are exposed have an effect on digestibilities of AA found in the resultant soybean meals (SBM). This study evaluated SBM from five major SB-producing countries (Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and the United States). An industry representative in each country collected samples of unprocessed SB and SBM subjectively determined to be of high, intermediate, or low quality. The SB from each country were processed into SBM under uniform conditions in the United States. Five experiments (each examining the three SBM and the SB processed in the United States from a single country) were conducted to determine true ileal AAd digestibilities. In addition, a standard SBM purchased on the open market in the United States was used in all experiments as a control. Data from pigs fed a low-protein casein diet in each study were used to calculate true AA digestibilities. Pigs were fitted with simple T-cannulas at the terminal ileum and allotted to treatments in Latin square design experiments. Duplicate experiments were conducted at the University of Illinois and at The Ohio State University. Within each country comparison, pigs fed the SBM processed in the U.S. from SB grown in the five countries had lower (P < 0.05) true total amino acid (TAA) digestibilities than did pigs fed any of the SBM prepared within the country of origin, except the United States. This indicates that processing conditions used at the U.S. pilot plant were not ideal when using SB from other countries. True TAA digestibilities of the diets containing the high-, intermediate-, and low-quality SBM did not differ, except for China, where the low-quality SBM (83.5%) had a lower (P < 0.05) digestibility than the intermediate- (89.6%) or high- (89.0%) quality meals. Soybean meal produced in Argentina (average, 87%) and Brazil (average, 82%) had lower (P < 0.05) true TAA digestibilities than did the standard SBM (91%), indicating that the processing plants in those countries may produce a less digestible SBM than that available on the open market in the United States.
Swipe left or right for everything

Turning our cities into the corporate machines envisioned by two new works of speculative fiction offers unexpected horror and humour. Sally Adee explores some fraught urban futures.
Educación Superior y estructura social en Chile: aproximaciones desde tres grupos generacionales

A mediados de la decada del 2000, la evidencia indicaba que uno de cada siete estudiantes de educacion superior en Chile era la primera generacion de sus familias en alcanzar este nivel de estudios. El presente articulo intenta explorar las consecuencias de este proceso sobre la condicion socioeconomica de este grupo. Para eso se enfoca en la cohorte que actualmente tiene entre 25 y 35 anos y compara la trayectorias educativa y laboral de quienes son primera generacion con estudios superiores con la de otros dos grupos: quienes tienen estudios superiores y son hijos de padres profesionales (herederos) y quienes son hijos de padres sin educacion superior y tampoco alcanzaron ese nivel de estudios (reproductores). El analisis se basa en la Encuesta de Caracterizacion Socioeconomica Nacional (Casen) del ano 2017 e incluye un conjunto de indicadores sobre el perfil educativo, la actividad laboral, los ingresos y la vivienda. Los resultados muestran que, si bien los estudiantes de primera generacion se distancian de los reproductores tanto en terminos laborales como socioeconomicos, presentan un conjunto de diferencias con respecto a los herederos, que hacen que este grupo mantenga una distancia tanto en terminos educativos como sociales y laborales.
Sociodemographic Prevalence of Sarcopenic Obesity Among Gender in African American Population

Epidemiological studies on obesity have focused on poverty levels, median income, and race as major contributors to increasing obesity trends but few have studied the impact of obesity on muscle mass and strength. Medical costs, insurance coverage rates, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were also considered. Investigating increasing prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and connecting it to factors like BMI, waist circumference, loss of muscle mass and strength, median income, and insurance coverage rates in regional sociodemographic USA was the goal. The purpose was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity among US African-Americans of specific age groups and gender. Appendicular skeletal mass (ASM) was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. ASM can further be defined as lean muscle mass. Sarcopenic obesity index (SOI) was calculated as ASM/TBW, with TBW representing total body weight. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as SOI of ≤ 0.128 for males and ≤ 0.519 for females. In general, BMI ≥ 30, muscle strength ≤ 2/5, DEXA value of appendicular lean muscle index (ALMI) < 2 Z score all impact the measurements of sarcopenic obesity. Prevalence; ASM/TBW ×100%. Comparisons across different regions of the USA from 2006 to 2008 US census CDC data from a total of 84,838 showed African Americans males 32.6%; (31.4–33.9) and females 40.6%; (39.7–41.5) in the South region showed females had the highest prevalence. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity between the ages of 55–74 years among African American gender is significant for females when compared to males.
Does Stoma Size Matter After Gastric Bypass

Several well-described methods exist for creating the gastrojejunostomy during a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The most common methods include a circular stapled anastomosis using the EEA stapler and a linear-stapled anastomosis using a gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler followed by a hand-sewn or stapled closure of the common gastroenterotomy. A third approach utilizes a fully hand-sewn technique. These varied technical approaches provide different aperture sizes which may influence post-operative weight loss and weight recidivism as well as post-operative complications, especially gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture rates.
Wildlife Trade and COVID-19: Towards a Criminology of Anthropogenic Pathogen Spillover

The general remit of this paper is the role of wildlife trade in pathogen spillover Its underlying assumption is that, so far from being the exclusive domain of the life sciences, the study of pathogen spillover will be greatly enhanced by multi-perspectival approaches, including One Health and those employed here, namely, non-speciesist green criminology and critical animal studies The paper moves from discussions of zoonosis, anthroponosis and wildlife trade to the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China The paper recommends the abolition of all wildlife trade and the reclamation of wildlife habitat and broaches discussion of the extension of legal personhood to wild animals
A Systematic Review of Radiolunate and Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis

Purpose The aims of this systematic review were to examine the use of radiolunate (RL) or radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis as surgical management for patients with advanced radiocarpal arthritis that failed conservative management and to assess postoperative outcomes. Methods We reviewed articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception through December 2019. We identified complete manuscripts written in English reporting on RL or RSL arthrodesis for treatment of wrist pathology that included the primary outcomes (pain or grip strength) and at least 2 secondary outcomes (range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, or nonunion). Data pooling was used to calculate weighted averages. Results We identified 2,252 articles and selected 13 for inclusion. Across all studies, RSL arthrodesis was performed for 180 patients (49% female; 45 years old) and RL for 94 (87% female; 50 years old). Both procedures exhibited improvements in pain score and grip strength. Both cohorts demonstrated postoperative changes in flexion-extension arc, flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, supination, and pronation after data pooling. The nonunion rate for RSL was 15% versus 2% for RL, whereas the rate of progression to total wrist arthrodesis for RSL and RL was 4% and 0%, respectively. Conclusions Both RL and RSL arthrodesis can be successfully used to manage debilitating radiocarpal arthritis by affording patients with pain reduction. Each has its own benefits, in which RSL arthrodesis provides a total arc of motion within the functional demands of most activities of daily living, and RL arthrodesis has low rates of nonunion and progression to total wrist arthrodesis. Further research is needed to compare the 2 surgeries directly and prospectively in comparable patient groups. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Association of Treatment Facility Characteristics With Overall Survival After Mohs Micrographic Surgery for T1a-T2a Invasive Melanoma

Importance Early-stage melanoma, among the most common cancers in the US, is typically treated with wide local excision. However, recent advances in immunohistochemistry have led to an increasing number of these cases being excised via Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Although studies of resections for other cancers have reported that facility-level factors are associated with patient outcomes, it is not yet established how these factors may affect outcomes for patients treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. Objective To evaluate the association of treatment center academic affiliation and case volume with long-term patient survival after MMS for T1a-T2a invasive melanoma. Design, Setting, and Participants In a retrospective cohort study, 4062 adults with nonmetastatic, T1a-T2a melanoma diagnosed from 2004 to 2014 and treated with MMS in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) were identified. The NCDB includes all reportable cases from Commission on Cancer–accredited facilities and is estimated to capture approximately 50% of all incident melanomas in the US. Multivariable survival analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazards models. Data analysis was conducted from February 27 to August 18, 2020. Exposures Treatment facility characteristics. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival. Results The study population included 4062 patients (2213 [54.5%] men; median [SD] age, 60 [16.3] years) treated at 462 centers. Sixty-two centers were top decile–volume facilities (TDVFs), which treated 1757 patients (61.9%). Most TDVFs were academic institutions (37 of 62 [59.7%]). On multivariable analysis, treatment at an academic center was associated with a nearly 30% reduction in hazard of death (hazard ratio, 0.730; 95% CI, 0.596-0.895). In a separate analysis, treatment at TDVFs was also associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.795; 95% CI, 0.648-0.977). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, treatment of patients with T1a-T2a invasive melanoma excised with MMS at academic and top decile–volume (≥8 cases per year) facilities was associated with improved long-term survival compared with those excised by MMS at nonacademic and low-volume facilities. Identification and protocolization of the practices of these facilities may help to reduce survival differences between centers.
Gender Disparities in Post-Conflict Societies: A Cross-National Analysis

This article investigates the impacts of conflict, resolution, and post-conflict democracy on gender bias. Exploring this question poses two methodological concerns. The first regards selection bia...
Are outpatient transperineal prostate biopsies without antibiotic prophylaxis equivalent to standard transrectal biopsies for patient safety and cancer detection rates?A retrospective cohort study in 222 patients

Background To describe our experience with outpatient transperineal biopsy (TPB) without antibiotics compared to transrectal biopsy (TRB) with antibiotics and bowel preparation. The literature elicits comparable cancer detection, time, and cost between the two. As antibiotic resistance increases, antimicrobial stewardship is imperative. Methods In our retrospective review, we compared the TPB to TRB in our institution for outpatient prostate biopsies with local anesthesia from June 1st, 2017 to June 1st, 2019. Patients had negative urinalysis on day of procedure. Patients presenting with symptoms concerning for UTI followed by positive urine culture were determined to have a UTI. Results Two hundred twenty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Age, race, BMI, pre-procedure PSA, history of UTI, BPH or other GU history were similar between both groups. Two TPB patients (1.8%) had post-procedure UTI; one received oral antibiotics and one received a dose of intravenous and subsequent oral antibiotics. There were no sepsis events or admissions. Six TRB patients (5.4%) had post-procedure UTI; five received oral antibiotics, and one received intravenous antibiotics and required admission for sepsis. One TPB patient (0.9%) had post-procedure retention and required catheterization, while four TRB patients (3.6%) had retention requiring catheterization. No significant difference noted in cancer detection between the two groups. Conclusion Outpatient TPB without antibiotic prophylaxis/bowel prep is comparable to TRB in regard to safety and cancer detection. TPB without antibiotics had a lower infection and retention rate than TRB with antibiotics. Efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance should be implemented into daily practice. Future multi-institutional studies can provide further evidence for guideline changes.
Third-Generation Synchrotron Light Sources

X rays are a powerful probe of matter because they interact with electrons in atoms, molecules, and solids. They are commonly produced by relativistic electrons or positrons stored in a synchrotron. Recent advances in technology are leading to the development of a new third generation of synchrotron radiation sources that produce vacuum-ultraviolet and x-ray beams of unprecedented brightness. These new sources are characterized by a very low electron-beam emittance and by long straight sections to accommodate permanent-magnet undulators and wigglers. Several new low-energy light sources, including the Advanced Light Source, presently under construction at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and ELETTRA, presently being constructed in Trieste, will deliver the world’s brightest synchrotron radiation in the VUV and soft x-ray regions of the spectrum. Applications include atomic and molecular physics and chemistry, surface and materials science, microscopy, and life sciences.
In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties of Rifampin‐Coated Titan® Coloplast Penile Implants and Comparison with Inhibizone®

ABSTRACT Introduction It is a common practice to soak Titan® Coloplast penile implants in antibiotic solution prior to implantation. Aim The aim of this study is to identify an ideal solution for soaking the Titan® Coloplast penile implants prior to implantation. Methods Titan® strips were soaked in a different combination of antibiotics and the zone of inhibition was studied against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli . This zone of inhibition was compared against zone of inhibition produced by Inhibizone®-coated silicone strips. Zones of inhibitions were also compared for different components of Inhibizone® implant such as cylinder, tubing, connector, rear tip extender, and reservoir, and compared with similar components of Titan® Coloplast penile implants. Main Outcome Measures The zone of inhibition against S. epidermidis and E. coli for Titan strips dipped in Rifampin and Gentamicin was compared against other antibiotics. The clinical significance of dipping Titan®-coated Coloplast implant in Rifampin and Gentamicin solution was determined. Results Rifampin 10 mg/mL + gentamicin 1 mg/mL (R10/G1) and rifampin 1 mg/mL + gentamicin 1 mg/mL (R1/G1) had excellent coverage against S. epidermidis and E. coli . The zone of inhibition (utilizing the Titan® coating) produced by both these solutions exceeds that produced by Inhibizone® by 40% to 56% for S. epidermidis and 33% for E. coli . Components of the American Medical System implant (tubing connectors and rear tip extenders) are not coated with antibiotics and had no zone of inhibition. Conclusion Soaking Titan®-coated Coloplast implants in R10/G1 solution produces a zone of inhibition greater than that produced by Inhibizone®-coated penile implants. The clinical significance of this increased zone of inhibition can only be determined by a separate clinical study. Dhabuwala C. In vitro assessment of antimicrobial properties of rifampin coated Titan ® coloplast penile implants and comparison with Inhibizone ®. J Sex Med 2010;7:3516–3519.
Optical activity of non-planar conjugated dienes. IV. Interacting chromophores in gliotoxin

Abstract The CD of dethiogliotoxin exhibits a negative band at ∼ 265 mμ, as predicted from its known chirality. This observation is used to help explain the seeming discrepancy between the optical activity of gliotoxin and its chirality derived from X-ray crystallography. The apparent anomaly is interpreted as the result of interaction of the diene and disulfide chromophores. The importance of such interactions of chromophores in interpreting optical activity data is stressed. The UV spectrum of gliotoxin is discussed, and the measurement of the rotatory dispersion of gliotoxin in KBr discs is reported.
Constraints on models from POTENT and CMB anisotropies

A comparison of density fluctuation amplitudes from POTENT and COBE can set stringent limits on various cosmological models. We find that for the standard CDM model the two amplitudes agree well with each other, while some alternative models predict an excessive amplitude for POTENT compared with COBE. We show how small scale CMB anisotropy measurements can further constrain the models.
Reactions to abusive supervision: : examining the roles of emotions and gender in the USA

Abusive supervision leads to many detrimental outcomes, yet the role of gender and emotions has received little attention. We applied affective events theory to study emotions in a new context. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we tested a conditional process model of the effects of abusive supervision on subordinate work and job withdrawal as mediated by negative emotions and moderated by gender. We found support for our proposed model. Specifically, abusive supervision increased work and job withdrawal via victims’ negative emotional reactions. When negative emotions are low, women are more likely to engage in work withdrawal; when negative emotions are high, men are more likely to do so. Additionally, men experiencing high negative emotions are likely to quit their job.
The Bicycle Assembly Line Game.

“The Bicycle Assembly Line Game” is a team-based, in-class activity that helps students develop a basic understanding of continuously operating processes. Each team of 7–10 students selects one of seven prefigured bicycle assembly lines to operate. The lines are run in real-time, and the team that operates the line that yields the highest revenue wins. Students learn through discovery “What drives output rate?”; “How is capacity managed relative to market demand?”; and “Why does inventory accumulate?” Because task times are constant, the game provides a nice lead-in to the topic of line balancing. This game has been successfully used in both undergraduate- and MBA-level operations management courses.
Genetic counseling and reproductive uncertainty.

Of 836 fertile women seeking genetic counseling, 544 (65%) reported that their major reason for doing so was to obtain information to help in deciding if they should have a child. Thirty-four percent of these 836 women entered counseling uncertain about undertaking a pregnancy in the next 2 years. After counseling, 28% of the 836 had uncertain pregnancy intentions. These included 66% of those who were uncertain and 11 % of those who were reproductively certain before counseling. Stepwise logistic regression identified the following as independently and significantly associated with reproductive uncertainty after counseling: 1) uncertainty before counseling; 2) uncertainty about ideal family size; 3) concern about the effects of an affected child on the client's social life; 4) perceived serious problems caring for a child with a birth defect now living at home; and 5) new concerns raised in counseling. Reproductive uncertainty after counseling was not related to characteristics of the risked birth defect, level of risk, treatment potential, or client learning of medical and genetic facts. These data suggest that genetic counseling will not eliminate reproductive uncertainty for many clients, because this uncertainty is related to factors mainly outside the usual scope of counseling.
Kinetics of reactions of C2H radical with acetylene, O2, methylacetylene, and allene in a pulsed Laval nozzle apparatus at T=103 K

Abstract The rate constants of the reactions of C2H radical with HC  CH (k 1 ) , O 2 (k 2 ) , CH 3 C  CH (k 3 ) , and H 2 C  C  CH 2 (k 4 ) are measured at 103 K using a pulsed Laval nozzle supersonic expansion and the CH(A2Δ) chemiluminescence monitor method: k1=(1.3±0.3)×10−10, k2=(3.8±0.9)×10−11, k3=(2.7±0.6)×10−10, and k 4 =(2.5±0.6)×10 −10 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . These values are compared to previous results and measurements in a continuous Laval nozzle apparatus (accompanying paper by Carty et al.). The non-Arrhenius behavior and possible implications of the results for atmospheric chemistry of Titan are discussed.
Is the use of low-pressure pulsatile lavage for pressure ulcer management associated with environmental contamination with Acinetobacter baumannii?

Abstract Ho CH, Johnson T, Miklacic J, Donskey CJ. Is the use of low-pressure pulsatile lavage for pressure ulcer management associated with environmental contamination with Acinetobacter baumannii ? Objective To determine the extent of environmental contamination associated with low-pressure pulsatile lavage of stage III or IV pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) when routine infection control precautions are used for wounds colonized or infected with Acinetobacter baumannii . Design Prospective investigation in which pressure ulcer cultures and environmental cultures were obtained before and after low-pressure pulsatile lavage treatment, and before and after regular dressing changes. Environmental cultures included the patient's bedrail and settle plates placed 0.6, 1.5, and 2.4m from the wound to assess airborne spread of A. baumannii . Setting SCI inpatient unit in a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Participants Inpatients (N=15) with SCI receiving daily low-pressure pulsatile lavage treatment for stage III or IV pressure ulcers with standard dressing change, as well as regular dressing changes without low-pressure pulsatile lavage at other times of the day. Interventions Standard, regular dressing changes and dressing changes with low-pressure pulsatile lavage. Main Outcome Measures Comparison of frequency of environmental contamination with A. baumannii associated with low-pressure pulsatile lavage versus regular dressing changes. Results Of the 15 SCI inpatients meeting inclusion criteria, 9 (60%) grew A. baumannii from their wounds. Of the 9 patients with wound cultures positive for A. baumannii , only 1 (11%) had environmental contamination with this organism after performance of low-pressure pulsatile lavage, and the same patient had environmental contamination after a standard dressing change. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the wound and environmental A. baumannii isolates were identical. Conclusions Low-pressure pulsatile lavage using the infection control methods described is not associated with an increased rate of environmental contamination of A. baumannii in comparison with standard dressing changes.
Jules Bordet: Pioneer researcher in immunology and pertussis (1870–1961)

Pertussis (whooping cough), a severe epidemic disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in unimmunized children, is caused by small, nonmotile gram-negative pleomorphic bacilli of the genus Bordetella, Bordetella pertussis and, to a lesser extent, Bordetella parapertussis . In 1919, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Jules Jean Baptiste Vincent Bordet, Director of the Pasteur Institute, Brussels, and Professor of Bacteriology at the University of Brussels, for his discovery of immunity factors in blood serum and for other significant discoveries, among them the microorganism responsible for pertussis. This article provides a brief synopsis of the life of Jules Bordet including his early years and education, his research years at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, his Directorship and research at the Pasteur Institute in Brussels, and his accomplishments and recognition.
Self-assembled bilayer lipid membranes: from mimicking biomembranes to practical applications☆

Abstract Since their introduction in the early 1960s, bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) along with liposomes a few years later, are the most widely used experimental models of biomembranes. The biomembranes enclosing cells and organelles are highly organized, structurally complex, dynamic systems that are the sites of energy conversion, material transport, biosensing, and signal transduction. The major cell membrane constituents are phospholipids, along with proteins, carbohydrates and their complexes, that spontaneously self-assemble into lipid bilayers. Hence, BLMs have been used from basic membrane biophysics studies to the conversion of solar energy. More recently, planar BLMs on various supports have gained considerable importance in the development of biosensors and molecular devices. These supported or s-BLMs have been deposited on a number of substrates such as SnO2, platinum, stainless steel, cooper, gels, and in microporous filters for practical applications. This paper summarizes the past research of our laboratory and others since 1973 on the use of BLMs as models of biological membranes. Further, the paper describes in some detail our current work on s-BLMs as potential biosensors and molecular devices.
A Gas Ionization Sampling Electromagnetic Shower Detector

The results of the tests of a prototype ionization sampling calorimeter are presented. Using proportional chmbers interleaved with lead and sampling every 0.68 radiation length, we found an energy resolution of 24%/?E. Measurements of position resolution, lateral shower developent, and hadron rejection are discussed.
CEO decision-making under perceptions of threat: The influence of CEO narcissism and humility

One of the critical decisions made by CEOs is resource allocation. Literature indicates that proper resource allocation is vital for the survival and growth of the firm, especially during periods o...
Protein structure-structure alignment with discrete Fréchet distance.

Matching two geometric objects in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spaces is a central problem in computer vision, pattern recognition, and protein structure prediction. In particular, the problem of aligning two polygonal chains under translation and rotation to minimize their distance has been studied using various distance measures. It is well known that the Hausdorff distance is useful for matching two point sets, and that the Frechet distance is a superior measure for matching two polygonal chains. The discrete Frechet distance closely approximates the (continuous) Frechet distance, and is a natural measure for the geometric similarity of the folded 3D structures of biomolecules such as proteins. In this paper, we present new algorithms for matching two polygonal chains in two dimensions to minimize their discrete Frechet distance under translation and rotation, and an effective heuristic for matching two polygonal chains in three dimensions. We also describe our empirical results on the application of the discrete Frechet distance to protein structure-structure alignment.
Stability and Change in Ethnic Labeling Among Adolescents From Asian and Latin American Immigrant Families

An important question for the acculturation of adolescents from immigrant families is whether they retain ethnic labels that refer to their national origin (e.g., Mexican, Chinese) or adopt labels that are dominant in American society (e.g., Latino, Asian American, American). Approximately 380 adolescents from Asian and Latin American immigrant families selected ethnic labels during each of the 4 years of high school (age span = 14.87–17.82 years). Results indicated no normative trend either toward or away from identifying most closely with pan-ethnic or American ethnic labels. Significant numbers of adolescents changed their ethnic labels from year to year, however and these changes were associated with fluctuations in adolescents’ ethnic affirmation and exploration and proficiency in their heritage languages.