cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race, ethnicity, and emergency department post-overdose care.

Abstract Background Emergency department (ED) visits for opioid-related overdoses continue to rise across the United States, particularly among Black, Latinx, and American Indian/Alaskan Native communities. A minority of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) engages in formal addiction treatment and there are racial disparities in treatment access. ED visits for opioid overdose are crucial opportunities to link individuals with OUD to harm reduction and treatment services. However, we know little about whether racial inequities exist in ED treatment after opioid overdose. Methods This observational, cross-sectional study examined differences in services provided to overdose patients who were discharged after an ED visit for opioid overdose by patient race-ethnicity. Primary outcomes included provision of take-home naloxone, ED-based behavioral counseling, and linkage to treatment. Race-ethnicity differences in post-overdose ED services were evaluated using chi-square analyses, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of race-ethnicity with receiving post-overdose services, controlling for other institutional-, provider-, and patient-level factors. Results From September 2017 to February 2020, 734 patients were discharged from the ED for an opioid-related overdose. Most patients were White non-Latinx (70.0%), 8.9% were Black non-Latinx, 3.3% were Other race non-Latinx, and 18.0% were Latinx. Take-home naloxone was the most frequent intervention provided to patients while behavioral counseling was the lowest across all race-ethnicity categories. There were no statistically significant differences in provision of take-home naloxone and treatment referral based on patient race-ethnicity. However, a lower proportion of discharged Black non-Latinx patients received behavioral counseling compared to patients of other race-ethnicities, and the odds of receiving behavioral counseling was significantly higher for White non-Latinx (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.06); Latinx (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.06); and Other race non-Latinx (OR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.18, 9.15) patients compared to Black non-Latinx patients. Conclusion Black non-Latinx patients discharged from the ED for an opioid-related overdose were less likely to receive behavioral counseling compared to non-Black patients. Possible reasons for this decreased provision of behavioral counseling include provider bias, patient mistrust of the medical and behavioral health care systems, and limited provider training in addiction medicine and motivational interviewing. These inequities add to the known racial disparities in ED patient care. Further research should elucidate barriers to behavioral counseling within ED settings and factors contributing to racial inequities in post-overdose emergency care.
Endophytism and Endolichenism in Pezizomycetes: the exception or the rule?

Fungal endophytes live asymptomatically within plants and are widespread inhabitants of leaves and other organs (Wilson, 1995). Similarly, endolichenic fungi live asymptomatically within lichens, occurring in healthy lichen thalli worldwide (Arnold et al., 2009). Endophytes and endolichenic fungi are ecologically similar, living in symbiosis with either a plant or the photobionts of lichens (Arnold et al., 2009), and both functional groups represent the same major lineages of fungi (U'Ren et al., 2012).
Perioperative Risks Associated with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on Surgical Treatment Strategies.

Background Few studies have provided nationwide estimates of patient characteristics and procedure-related complications, or examined postsurgical outcomes for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) comparatively with respect to surgical approach. The objective of this study is to identify patients at risk for morbidity and mortality directly related with the selected approach, report an overall nation-wide complication rate for each approach against which surgeons can compare themselves, and direct future research to improve patient outcomes. Methods Patients surgically treated for CSM were retrospectively identified using ICD-9-CM codes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Four cohorts were compared for demographics and hospital system-related data: anterior (ACDF, ACCF), posterior decompression without fusion, decompression with posterior fusion, and combined anterior-posterior. Multivariate analysis was also used to determine the odds ratio of morbidity and mortality among the cohorts. Results 54,416 discharges were identified between 2001 and 2010: 34,400 anterior, 9,014 decompression procedures without fusion, 8,741 decompression procedures with posterior fusion, and 2,261 combined anterior-posterior. Groups were statistically different with respect to age, length of hospital stay, mortality, and complications. Groups were statistically different for Deyo score except between posterior decompression only and combined approaches. Using multivariate analysis and adjusting for covariates, the combined (2.74[2.18-3.44]) and laminectomy (1.22[1.04-1.44]) cohorts had an increased risk of mortality when compared to anterior alone. Conclusion These findings are the first to determine the rates and odds of perioperative risks directly related to combined anterior-posterior procedures. This study provides clinically useful data for surgeons to educate patients and direct future research to improve patient outcomes.
IR Thermal Wave Tomographic Studies of Structural Composites

Vavilov et al [1] have recently described a technique for making tomographic thermal wave images. Their method involves recording a succession of thermal wave images after a flash-heating pulse, followed by a numerical pixel-by-pixel search of the images for the time at which the reflected thermal waves from subsurface features have their peak amplitudes. Since the peak time is related to the depth of the scatterer, this information enables one to separate the image into time (or depth) slices. The result is a thermal wave tomogram. Since their process involves post-processing and a search through a large number of stored images, it is memory-intensive, and is difficult to accomplish in real time. In the present paper, we report a thermal wave tomographic method which accomplishes the same result, but does so with real-time techniques which avoid the storage of a large number of images, and produces the tomogram without post-processing.
Capacity to Stand Trial

The legal construct of competency to stand trial requires that a defendant has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and a rational and factual understanding of the legal proceedings against him. The trier of fact (usually a judge) is responsible for interpreting what capacities are sufficient to meet the legal standard of trial competency. Forensic examiners who assist the court in establishing whether or not a defendant is competent to proceed are in a position to explain how mental health issues factor into a defendant's capacities in relation to the relevant legal concepts. There are three primary capacities that are relevant to a defendant's trial competency: general capacity, decisional capacity, and particular capacities in reference to a defendant's specific case. General capacities speak to a defendant's intrinsic abilities, including his level of psychiatric, intellectual, cognitive, and interpersonal functioning. Decisional capacities consider the manner in which a defendant makes everyday decisions and how this may impact his conceptualization of his case, the rationality of his legal decisions, and his ability to work with his attorney. Particular capacities speak to the unique elements of a defendant's legal case, requiring a direct analysis of relevant case facts and how these may interact with the defendant's mental status. Defendants who are found by the court to be incompetent to stand trial may be referred for competency restoration treatment, depending on the guidelines of the particular jurisdiction. If treatment with psychiatric medications is required, a judicial hearing may be held to determine whether this treatment will meet established criterion to authorize involuntary treatment. Legal standards for competency to stand trial are the same as competency to plead guilty, to waive an insanity defense, to waive privilege, and to waive the right to counsel. Competency to be executed parallels general competency standards but it is unconstitutional and unethical to execute an insane or mentally retarded person. The decision to proceed pro se (represent self) also must be made voluntarily and intelligently, although a court may insist upon representation for a competent defendant who lacks sufficient capacity for self-representation. Keywords: competency to stand trial; incompetency; forensic examiner; Dusky; capacity
Pigskin and Black Belts: Can Martial Arts Provide Insight for Competitive and Aggressive Sports like American Football?

Competitive and aggressive sports provide recreational sport contexts for youth and adolescents across the globe. One of the most popular recreational sports worldwide is martial arts, a sport characterized as aggressive yet backed in the traditional form of the sport by a principled philosophy. The researchers engaged in naturalistic inquiry through full participant observation in a traditional martial arts club. The purpose of the research was to closely examine the teaching of traditional martial arts to determine whether lessons could be derived for competitive and aggressive sports like American football. Philosophical and psychological themes emerged from the research, including a counterbalanced ethic of nonviolence and restraint and achievement orientations reflective of the researchers’ sport backgrounds, respectively.
Forest Certification on Private Forests in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities

Forest certification is an evolving approach for linking market desires for forest-derived products with harvesting and extraction approaches that help sustain functioning forest ecosystems. Currently the certification systems available are best suited for use on industrial, large private and public forests. In the United States private forest land ownerships (PFLOs), often called non-industrial private forests,dominate the landscape and contribute significantly to the country’s need for wood and wood fiber. Designing approaches for capturing PFLO interests in ensuring longterm sustainability of these forests is essential if the United States is going to help conserve global forest resources by more responsibly using its own forests. The need to depend on PFLOs is becoming more evident as environmental non-governmental organizations work to restrict harvesting on the nation’s public forests. This chaptersets the stage for understanding PFLO certification, offers several alternative approaches,and explores issues that may encourage PFLO acceptance of certification.
Neutron Capture Cross Section Measurements for the Analysis of the s-process

The pioneering work of Burbidge et al. (1957) outlined the basic mechanism for heavy element nucleosynthesis in the stellar environment. However, some specifics of the s-process remain poorly determined. Central to these are an understanding of the “branching point” nuclei. These are isotopes that have half-lives such that there is a competition between beta-decay and neutron-capture. Such isotopes have a critical role in understanding the stellar temperature and neutron density and thus the dynamics of nucleosynthesis. At Los Alamos we have begun a program to irradiate radioactive targets and measure the differential capture reactions that are required to unfold the details of stellar evolution. This program utilizes the high fluence available at the LANSCE neutron spallation source to investigate targets having mass on the order of 1 mg. The radioactive target material is obtained via spallation reactions at high intensity accelerators or from irradiations at nuclear reactors. For purification and preparation of the target material, we have dedicated chemical and isotope separator capabilities housed in hot cell environments. A 162 element 4π BaF2 detector array that will permit highly segmented, calorimetric measurements on capture gamma-rays is being procured for this program. The project status and preliminary results from radioactive target measurements on 171Tm are presented.
The efficiency-wage hypothesis: Applying a general model of the interaction between labor quantity and quality

Abstract The efficiency wage is analyzed in the context of a market for labor ‘quality’ units. The model is equivalent to that of a perishable (one-period) form of firm-specific human capital which is most efficiently financed by the employer indirectly through higher wages. The hypothesis also assumes a labor market in which the ‘quantity’ units have zero price (i.e., labor earns no rent), which can occur in the absence of unemployment only if the supply of some quality attribute is subject to constant costs on the intensive margin. This constant-cost condition is implicit in W.A. Lewis' original description of the traditional sector in a dual economy. Otherwise the zero-rent assumption requires unemployment, in which case it can not be used to explain the existence of unemployment. The general applicability of the constant-cost condition and of the efficiency-wage hypothesis is questioned.
11 Reaction mechanisms

This review is a collection of the highlights in the field of pericyclic reactions published in the year 2004. Research in this fascinating topic continues to be centred on the understanding of the mechanisms of the three major classes of pericyclic reactions: cycloaddition reactions, electrocyclic reactions, and sigmatropic rearrangements, as well as into those of more unusual pseudopericyclic processes.
Outcomes and Economic Analysis of Routine Preoperative 4-Dimensional CT for Surgical Intervention in de novo Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Does Clinical Benefit Justify the Cost?

Background Preoperative imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism provides important localization information. Although 4-dimensional neck CT (4DCT) can precisely localize hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue, the contribution of 4DCT to overall cost, operating room time, and hospital stay is unknown. Study Design Records of 535 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy at our institution from 1996 to 2010 were reviewed. All patients had preoperative cervical ultrasonography and sestamibi scanning, and most (78.9%) underwent preoperative 4DCT. A decision tree was constructed to compare extent of procedure, operating room time, length of stay, failure rate, and total cost of each strategy (with and without 4DCT). Costs were determined by 2010 Medicare reimbursement. Results For patients with and without preoperative 4DCT, respectively, mean operating room time (64.4 vs 61.4 minutes; p=0.58) and failure rate (1.9% vs 4.4%; p=0.12) were not significantly different. Length of stay was higher in the no-CT cohort (0.61 vs 0.23 days; p Conclusions The introduction of routine 4DCT into the preoperative workup for surgical intervention in primary hyperparathyroidism does not appear to shorten operating room time or decrease failure rate significantly. However, preoperative 4DCT is associated with shorter hospital stays and improved rates of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. This clinical benefit must be weighed against the increased cost associated with routine preoperative 4DCT.
Design and selection of DMP 850 and DMP 851: the next generation of cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitors

Abstract Background: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that HIV protease inhibitors are useful in the treatment of AIDS. It is necessary, however, to use HIV protease inhibitors in combination with other antiviral agents to inhibit the development of resistance. The daunting ability of the virus to rapidly generate resistant mutants suggests that there is an ongoing need for new HIV protease inhibitors with superior pharmacokinetic and efficacy profiles. In our attempts to design and select improved cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitors, we have simultaneously optimized potency, resistance profile, protein binding and oral bioavailability. Results: We have discovered that nonsymmetrical cyclic ureas containing a 3-aminoindazole P2 group are potent inhibitors of HIV protease with excellent oral bioavailability. Furthermore, the 3-aminoindazole group forms four hydrogen bonds with the enzyme and imparts a good resistance profile. The nonsymmetrical 3-aminoindazoles DMP 850 and DMP 851 were selected as our next generation of cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitors because they achieve 8 h trough blood levels in dog, with a 10 mg/kg dose, at or above the protein-binding-adjusted IC 90 value for the worst single mutant — that containing the Ile84→4Val mutation. Conclusions: In selecting our next generation of cyclic urea HIV protease inhibitors, we established a rigorous set of criteria designed to maximize chances for a sustained antiviral effect in HIV-infected individuals. As DMP 850 and DMP 851 provide plasma levels of free drug that are sufficient to inhibit wild-type HIV and several mutant forms of HIV, they could show improved ability to decrease viral load for clinically significant time periods. The ultimate success of DMP 850 and DMP 851 in clinical trials might depend on achieving or exceeding the oral bioavailability seen in dog.
Effects on contiguous anatomical structures by disarticulation of the pterygo-palato-maxillary suture without the Le Fort I component

The conflicting reports of fractures following Le Fort I osteotomies may reflect the different types of specimens and techniques used. One report suggested that fractures could be avoided with proper placement of a newly designed osteotome. The results of a linear growth study tend to dispute that contention as it showed that interdigitating osseous bridges connect the components of the pterygo-palato-maxillary complex and fractures would occur with any attempted separation. The purpose of this radiographic and anatomic investigation was to review the suture patterns of this complex on dry adult skulls and to use cadaver specimens to determine the effects of separation of the pterygo-palato-maxillary articulations on the concomitant bones. The major palatine canals of 11 hemisected cadaver specimens were cannulated with a #18 angiocatheter, and renografin 76 media was injected. Lateral radiographs of the specimens were obtained using digital radiographic equipment. Soft tissue was removed and a gross examination of the bony structures was performed using a × 10 magnification dissecting microscope. The variations in the sutures of this bony complex were studied on 143 dry adult skulls. In all the cadaver specimens, the pterygoid plates were fractured but the major palatine canals remained intact. Four specimens had maxillary fractures. An examination of the dry skulls showed a wide variation of suture lines and varying degrees of ossification that may explain the incidence of certain types of fractures. Improved visualization of the sutural anatomy during surgery is needed to facilitate better separation and minimize postoperative trauma.
Vodou and nationalism: The staging of folklore in mid‐twentieth century Haiti

(1995). Vodou and nationalism: The staging of folklore in mid‐twentieth century Haiti. Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 187-218.
Convergence of Monte Carlo simulations of liquid water in the NPT ensemble

Long Monte Carlo simulations of liquid water at 25° and 1 atm have been carried out to study the convergence characteristics of the calculations. The recently reported TIPS2 potential was employed with system sizes of 125 and 216 monomers. The enthalpy, volume and radial distribution functions converge rapidly and show little size dependence. However, the rates of convergence are much slower for the fluctuation properties and are in the order: heat capacity (Cp) ⪢ isothermal compressibility (ϰ) ⪢ coefficient of thermal expansion (α). In fact,the weak coupling of the enthalpy and volume allows only crude estimates for α. In addition, the estimation of statistical error bounds for the thermodynamic properties is analyzed. It is found that very long (2500-3500 k) simulations are needed to yield valid estimates of the errors for the enthalpy, volume and Cp, while the erros for ϰ and α would still be elusive.
On the L2 and the H1 couplings for an overlapping domain decomposition method using Lagrange multipliers

In this paper, a comparison of the L 2 and the H ' couplings is made for an overlapping domain decomposition method using Lagrange multipliers. The analysis of the local equations arising from the formulation of the coupling of two mechanical models shows that continuous weight functions are required for the L 2 coupling term whereas both discontinuous and continuous weight functions can be used for the H 1 coupling. The choice of the Lagrange multiplier space is discussed and numerically studied. The paper ends with some numerical examples of an end-loaded cantilever beam and a cracked plate under tension and shear. It is shown that the continuity enforced with the H 1 coupling leads to a link with a flexibility that can be beneficial for coupling a very coarse mesh with a very fine one. To limit the effect of the volume coupling on the global response, a narrow coupling zone is recommended. In this case, volume coupling tends to a surface coupling, especially with a L 2 coupling.
An 85-year study of saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) demography

The saguaro population in a 700-ha area at the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, Arizona, was censused in 1908, one year after livestock were excluded. In 1964, four 10-ha plots were established within the original area to determine the effect of slope aspect on plant growth and demography. The plots were recensused in 1970 and 1993. We developed a model for determining saguaro age, using the growth rates of over 3000 plants from 1964 to 1970. The model was verified with 1993 data. Changes in population size and the estimated age structures were then used to infer regeneration trends. Saguaro populations on all slope aspects nearly doubled since 1908. Yet, during the same period, relative abundances of saguaros remained higher on the south and east aspects than on the north and west aspects. Higher recruitment and survival of young plants rather than mortality of older ones are largely responsible for the differences between aspects. The estimated age structures show large, multi-decadal fluctuat...
Plated-wire memories: How far can we go?

High-speed plated-wire memory designs are now capable of 75-ns read cycles and 150-ns write cycles. Future improvement is expected. New fabrication techniques are expected to employ magnetic keepers and eliminate tunnels. Small-diameter wire will also be used. A density of up to 5000 bits per square inch is predicted. Comparisons with semiconductor memory technology are made to support the position that plated-wire memories will remain less expensive than semiconductors above module sizes in the 40 000-60 000-bit range.
Effects of Extraneous Materials in the Uni-Arc

The effects of extraneous materials in the point-to-plane Uni-Arc excitation of copper-base alloys were investigated. A number of materials were shown to increase markedly the line-to-background ratio. It was demonstrated that copper-containing materials could be used to obtain a constant intensity for the copper internal standard line despite wide variations in copper content from sample to sample, eliminating the need for concentration ratio methods in which the copper concentration must be known or determined. Data are presented which indicate that the technique is applicable to the point-to-plane analysis of a variety of copper-base alloys for trace constituents with a reasonable degree of precision and accuracy.
Endothelin-1 activates the phosphoinositide cascade in cultured glomerular mesangial cells

The newly described peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), causes profound vasoconstriction, but the pathways of transmembrane signaling remain unclear. We demonstrate that in glomerular mesangial cells, smooth muscle-like vascular pericytes, ET-1 elevates intracellular Ca2+ ([ Ca2+]i) by activating the phosphoinositide cascade. ET-1 increased [Ca2+]i in two distinct kinetic patterns. Concentrations of 0.1-10.0 pM ET-1 caused a slow but sustained increase in [Ca2+]i that was insensitive to voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockade but dependent on extracellular Ca2+. In contrast, ET-1 greater than or equal to 0.1 nM evoked a rapid, transient increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a lesser, sustained increase. Only the sustained increment of [Ca2+]i required extracellular Ca2+, but both phases were unaffected by Ca2+ channel blockade. The transient increase in [Ca2+]i resulted from activation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C to release inositol trisphosphate (IP3), which mobilizes Ca2+ from intracellular stores. ET-1 also stimulated amiloride-inhibitable Na+/H+ exchange, causing cytosolic alkalinization. Thus, the phosphoinositide cascade probably mediates some biological functions of ET-1, including possibly contraction via pharmacomechanical coupling.
Predictive Markers of Efficacy for an Angiopoietin-2 Targeting Therapeutic in Xenograft Models

The clinical efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies has been difficult to predict, and biomarkers that can predict responsiveness are sorely needed in this era of personalized medicine. CVX-060 is an angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) targeting therapeutic, consisting of two peptides that bind Ang2 with high affinity and specificity, covalently fused to a scaffold antibody. In order to optimize the use of this compound in the clinic the construction of a predictive model is described, based on the efficacy of CVX-060 in 13 cell line and 2 patient-derived xenograft models. Pretreatment size tumors from each of the models were profiled for the levels of 27 protein markers of angiogenesis, SNP haplotype in 5 angiogenesis genes, and somatic mutation status for 11 genes implicated in tumor growth and/or vascularization. CVX-060 efficacy was determined as tumor growth inhibition (TGI%) at termination of each study. A predictive statistical model was constructed based on the correlation of these efficacy data with the marker profiles, and the model was subsequently tested by prospective analysis in 11 additional models. The results reveal a range of CVX-060 efficacy in xenograft models of diverse tissue types (0-64% TGI, median = 27%) and define a subset of 3 proteins (Ang1, EGF, Emmprin), the levels of which may be predictive of TGI by Ang2 blockade. The direction of the associations is such that better efficacy correlates with high levels of target and low levels of compensatory/antagonizing molecules. This effort has revealed a set of candidate predictive markers for CVX-060 efficacy that will be further evaluated in ongoing clinical trials.
The germ cell-less gene product: A posteriorly localized component necessary for germ cell development in Drosophila

The first cell fate specification process in the Drosophila embryo, formation of the germline precursors, requires posteriorly localized germ plasm. We have cloned a gene, germ cell-less (gcl), required for germline formation. Posterior localization of the gcl messenger RNA (mRNA) requires the function of those genes essential for the localization of both nanos RNA, which specifies the abdomen, and the germ cell determinants. Mothers with reduced gcl function give rise to sterile adult progeny that lack germ cells. In embryos with reduced maternal gcl product, the germ cell precursors fail to form properly. Consistent with this phenotype, gcl protein specifically associates with those nuclei that later become the nuclei of the germ cell precursors. These observations suggest that gcl functions in the germ cell specification pathway.
Two-meson annihilation of a nucleon and antinucleon

Abstract Low energy nucleon-antinucleon annihilation into two mesons is examined in a distorted wave, “effective” perturbative QCD, approach. Both velocity-independent and first-order velocity-dependent terms are kept in the basic interaction responsible for the quark-antiquark annihilation. Interesting selection rules are predicted. Cross sections are evaluated.
Studies in comparative detonation sensitivities

Detonation testing has been conducted by the National Fertilizer Development Center of the Tennessee Valley Authority to determine the relative detonation sensitivity for solid fertilizer materials which contain ammonium nitrate. Selected data are given that describe the application of the procedure to various types of mixtures. The test sample is placed in a cardboard cylinder with a kraft paper bottom. These containers vary in diameter from 3-3/8 to 6 inches; the smaller diameter containers are used for relatively sensitive materials and the larger diameter containers are used for less sensitive items. To provide a quantitative measure of the relative sensitivity to detonation, an index of sensitivity (Is) is given, defined as 100/mean weight of booster in grams. The mean weight is that at which one-half of the tests would be expected to detonate. The booster used was pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).
Magnetothermopower of Co/Cu multilayers

We have studied the magnetothermopower S(H,T) for a series of Co/Cu multilayers with a constant Co layer thickness of 10 A but with Cu layer thickness varying between 9 and 21 A. The thermopower is negative, and its magnitude increases with magnetic field. We also found the magnetothermopower to be linear in the conductance for all samples. In two samples studied, the linear relationship holds from room temperature down to 50 K, with the proportionality constant linear in temperature. The zero‐field thermopower is roughly the same for all samples despite different Cu layer thickness. This behavior can be understood from the spin‐dependent interface scattering model.
Cardiovascular Changes Associated With Sexual Arousal and Orgasm in Men

Indices of cardiovascular function were measured in seven men while they masturbated to ejaculation. Cardiac electrical activity, respiration, finger pulse, and anal contractions were monitored. Orgasm was determined by the onset of anal contractions. While there were marked individual differences, reliable changes were observed in heart rate, pulse transit time, pulse amplitude, and pulse rise velocity during masturbation. In addition, we were able to identify specific changes in some of these measures during the few seconds prior to the onset of anal contractions, during these contractions, and after their termination. Based upon these observations, we propose a characterization of the autonomic activity associated with sexual arousal and orgasm in men which differs from that currently provided in the literature. Specifically, we propose that the critical autonomic event associated with orgasm is an acute increase in parasympathetic activity in the presence of elevated sympathetic tone.
Non-Darcy flow of water through woodchip media

A denitrifying bioreactor is a system where a carbon substrate (commonly woodchips) is used to reduce nitrate concentration in water flow. For many years, water flow through woodchips has been assumed laminar without proper validation. The main objective of this study was to validate Darcy’s laminar flow assumption for woodchips. For this purpose, we conducted both constant head laboratory column experiments and field evaluation of a denitrification bed. Laboratory results revealed that Darcy’s law does not apply for the majority of the hydraulic gradients forcing flow through fresh and old woodchip media. However, Forchheimer’s equation adequately described the flow pattern using a quadratic equation. Statistical analysis showed that old woodchips (excavated from a denitrification bed) had significantly lower intrinsic permeability than fresh woodchips. We determined Forchheimer’s and Darcy’s in-situ coefficients, and used them to predict flow rate in a denitrification bed. Model evaluation statistics showed better flow rate prediction with Forchheimer’s than Darcy’s equation when compared with the measured flow rate. In conclusion, the linear flow assumption was inadequate for describing water flow through woodchips in a denitrification bed.
Zur Darstellung von Phosphor(III, V)-oxiden: β-Phase P4O7–P4O8

Das fruher vermutete strukturanaloge Endglied P4O7 der β-Phase von Phosphor)III, V(-oxiden kann ebenso wie die β-Mischkristallphase P4O7–P4O8 durch Oxydation von in Tetrachlormethan gelostem Phosphor(III)-oxid dargestellt werden. Ohne Anderung der Kristallgitterstruktur sind P4O7- und P4O8-Molekeln im Phasenbereich P4O7–P4O7,9 kontinuierlich gegeneinander austauschbar. Die Dichte der Mischkristalle andert sich dabei gesetzmasig mit der mittleren Zusammensetzung. Die Kristallstruktur der β-Phase wird offensichtlich durch die Struktur der P4O7-Molekeln bestimmt und nicht, wie fruher angenommen, durch die der P4O8-Molekeln. Letztere scheinen in reiner Form im allgemeinen amorphe Substanzen zu bilden. The previously suggested end member P4O7 of the beta;hyphen;phase structure type of phosphorus (III,IV) oxides as well as the mixed-crystal β-phase P4O7–P4O8 have been prepared by oxidation of phosphorus(III) oxide dissolved in carbon tetrachloride. Without alteration of the crystal structure type, P4O7 and P4O8 molecules are mutually exchangeable in the phase range P4O7–P4O7,9, the density of such mixed crystals being strictly determined by the mean composition. The crystal structure of the β-phase is obviously fixed by the P4O7 molecular structure and not, as previously supposed, by that of the P4O8 molecules. The latter appear to occur in the pure state as, in general, amorphous substances.
Theoretical studies of low-energy electron-CO 2 scattering: Total, elastic, and differential cross sections

We report the results of a theoretical study of electron scattering by CO[sub 2] at incident electron energies ranging from 0.25 to 10 eV using the complex Kohn variational method. These are the first fully [ital ab initio] calculations to accurately reproduce the two dominant features observed in experiment, namely, the dramatic rise in the integral cross sections below 2.0 eV and the resonance enhancement near 3.8 eV. Both of these effects are sensitive to the inclusion of electronic correlation effects involving long-range target polarization and short-range distortion. We have also carried out a preliminary study of effects of target vibrational motion in [sup 2][Pi][sub u] symmetry with an adiabatic nuclei treatment of the symmetric stretch mode. We find that this has a substantial effect on the width of the 3.8 eV resonance feature and gives results for both the integral elastic and total cross sections in excellent agreement with experiment. Our calculated differential elastic cross sections are also in good accord with recent experimental results. [copyright] [ital 1999] [ital The American Physical Society]
Long-term medical treatment of cushing's disease with pasireotide: a review of current evidence and clinical experience.

Cushing’s disease is a rare condition of chronic hypercortisolism caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma and associated with debilitating complications and excess mortality. Transsphenoidal adenomectomy is generally first-line treatment but is contraindicated in some patients and associated with significant post-surgical recurrence. While there are few data to support long-term use of most pharmacologic treatments, pasireotide (a multireceptor-targeted somatostatin analog) recently demonstrated sustained benefit in a 12-month, multicenter, Phase III trial and in 2 long-term extension studies. The Phase III trial (N=162) demonstrated reductions in urinary free cortisol in most patients, with durable treatment effect over 12 months. Biochemical improvement was generally paralleled by reductions in Cushing’s-related signs and symptoms and enhanced health-related quality of life. Long-term treatment was evaluated in 58 patients who entered a planned 12-month extension phase. Reductions in urinary free cortisol remained stable throughout the extension, with further improvements noted in clinical signs and symptoms. Similar results were reported in the smaller Phase II extension (N=18; median treatment duration, 9.7 months; range, 2 months–4.8 years). Case reports have recently emerged demonstrating sustained disease control for upto 7 years in some patients. Safety considerations for long-term medical treatment with pasireotide are generally similar to those for other somatostatin analogs, except for the incidence and severity of hyperglycemia. Most patients experience new or worsening hyperglycemia with pasireotide treatment. Expert recommendations for treatment of pasireotide-associated hyperglycemia have recently been published and new studies are planned to elucidate the optimal treatment approach for pasireotide-associated hyperglycemia.
Implicit bicultural identity among Mexican American and Asian American college students.

Contemporary research on ethnic identity, acculturation, and cultural orientation suggests that, at least under some circumstances, individuals can successfully internalize or identify with more than one culture. Previous research on multicultural identity has relied almost exclusively on self-report measures. Using the Implicit Association Test (IAT), the present research examined to what extent Mexican American and Asian American college students identified with American culture and with their culture of origin. Results indicated that Mexican American and Asian American participants strongly and equally identified with both cultures. The present research provides firm evidence for a bicultural identity through assessments of thoughts that cannot be consciously controlled. Patterns of bicultural identification obtained on implicit measures were not the product of deliberate responses to normative demands or conscious attempts
Visual and auditory sequencing by aphasic subjects

Abstract Sixteen aphasic and sixteen nonaphasic subjects participated in visual and auditory sequencing tasks in which they reported the order of light flashes and pure tones by pushing buttons which were paired with the lights and tones. Aphasic subjects as a group exhibited poorer performance on both visual and auditory sequencing tasks. However, some individual aphasic subjects performed the tasks as well as nonaphasic subjects. “Expressive” aphasic subjects had more difficulty with auditory than visual sequencing, and “semantic” aphasic subjects exhibited substantial deficits in both visual and auditory sequencing.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of HIV viremia (`blips') in patients with previous suppression below the limits of quantification

Objective To examine the prevalence and clinical correlates of subsequently measurable viremia in HIV-infected patients who have achieved viral suppression below the limits of quantification ( Design Non-randomized dynamic cohort study of ambulatory HIV patients in nine HIV clinics in eight cities. Patients Patients had two consecutive HIV-1 RNA levels Results Of the 448 patients, 122 (27.2%) had transient viremia, 19 (4.2%) had lasting low-level viremia and 33 (7.4%) had lasting high-level viremia (defined as 50-400 and > 400 copies/ml, respectively). Only 16 (13.1%) of those who had transient viremia later had persistent viremia > 50 copies/ml. The occurrence of transient viremia did not vary with whether the patient was ART-naive or experienced (P = 0.31), or currently taking protease inhibitors or not (P = 0.08). On consistent ART, the median percentage increase in CD4 cell count was statistically different between subgroups of our cohort (Kruskal-Wallis, P = 0.002). Conclusions Transiently detectable viremia, usually 50-400 copies/ml, was frequent among patients who had two consecutive HIV-1 RNA levels below the limits of quantification. In this analysis, such viremia did not appear to affect the risk of developing lasting viremia. Caution is warranted before considering a regimen as 'failing' and changing medications.
San Vicente Arroyo

Abstract One of the most dramatic episodes of arroyo cutting in the historic period occurred in the San Vicente drainage located in southwestern New Mexico. Historical data indicate that the vegetation cover was much reduced by land misuse just prior to the event and this fact rather than any unusually heavy rain was the primary causal factor. Stratigraphic study shows that although there were fluctuations in climate and vegetation over the preceding 2,300 years, none of these fluctuations culminated in an arroyo-forming event. Evidence for earlier episodes of valley incision are present but cannot be related to any specific set of environmental factors.
LIPID PEROXIDATION-DERIVED ALDEHYDE-PROTEIN ADDUCTS CONTRIBUTE TO TRICHLOROETHENE-MEDIATED AUTOIMMUNITY VIA ACTIVATION OF CD4+ T CELLS

Lipid peroxidation is implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) are highly reactive and bind to proteins, but their role in eliciting an autoimmune response and their contribution to disease pathogenesis remain unclear. To investigate the role of lipid peroxidation in the induction and/or exacerbation of autoimmune response, 6-week-old autoimmune-prone female MRL+/+ mice were treated for 4 weeks with trichloroethene (TCE; 10 mmol/kg, ip, once a week), an environmental contaminant known to induce lipid peroxidation. Sera from TCE-treated mice showed significant levels of antibodies against MDA-and HNE-adducted proteins along with antinuclear antibodies. This suggested that TCE exposure not only caused increased lipid peroxidation, but also accelerated autoimmune responses. Furthermore, stimulation of cultured splenic lymphocytes from both control and TCE-treated mice with MDA-adducted mouse serum albumin (MDA-MSA) or HNE-MSA for 72 h showed significant proliferation of CD4+ T cells in TCE-treated mice as analyzed by flow cytometry. Also, splenic lymphocytes from TCE-treated mice released more IL-2 and IFN-gamma into cultures when stimulated with MDA-MSA or HNE-MSA, suggesting a Th1 cell activation. Thus, our data suggest a role for lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes in TCE-mediated autoimmune responses and involvement of Th1 cell activation.
Using Incentives to Promote Workers' Participation in Worksite Research:

We designed this study to examine the effects of two types of incentives on the participation rate of workers from two plants in worksite research. There were 186 workers in the study, some of whom received chances for savings bonds. Given reductions in funding and concerns of management, no comparison could be made between the incentives; however, the study provided valuable information regarding planning for incentives in worksite research.
Detection of spores using electric field-assisted FTIR-ATR.

An approach that integrates an electric field with an attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) flow through cell was used to detect spores in aqueous environments. A “proof of concept” in terms of the principle features of the method is described. It is shown that under an electric field, the negatively charged spores migrate and are concentrated on the surface of a ZnSe internal reflection element (IRE). No coating on the IRE is required, and a maximum amount adsorbed was obtained within the time needed to record the first spectrum. The amount adsorbed depends on both the pH and the ionic strength. Lowering the pH decreases the charge density and reduces the lateral−lateral repulsion force, leading to a higher packing density on the IRE. Reversal of the field does not overcome the strong attraction between the spores and the IRE. However, repeated measurements can be performed as the spores are completely and rapidly removed from the IRE by simply adding the next sam...
Identification of a novel polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol‑derived SIRT1 inhibitor with cancer‑specific anti-proliferative and invasion-suppressing activities

SIRT1, a class III histone deacetylase, plays a critical role in regulating cancer cell growth, migration and invasion, which makes it a potential target for cancer therapeutics. In this study, we screened derivatives of several groups of natural products and identified a novel SIRT1 inhibitor JQ-101, a synthetic derivative of the polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol (PPAP) natural products, with an IC(50) for SIRT1 of 30 µM in vitro, with 5-fold higher activity for SIRT1 vs. SIRT2. Exposure of tumor cells to JQ-101 significantly enhanced acetylation of p53 and histone H4K16 at known sites of SIRT1 deacetylation, validating SIRT1 as its cellular target. JQ-101 suppressed cancer cell growth and survival by targeting SIRT1, and also exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards a panel of human tumor cell lines, while producing no toxicity in two normal human cell types at comparable concentrations. JQ-101 induced both apoptosis and cell senescence, and suppressed cancer cell invasion in vitro. In summary, we have identified JQ-101 as a new SIRT1 inhibitor which may have potential application in cancer treatment through its ability to induce tumor cell apoptosis and senescence and suppress cancer cell invasion.
Synergistic enhancement of human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation on BMP-2-derived and RGD peptide concentration gradients.

Abstract Rational design of bioactive tissue engineered scaffolds for directing bone regeneration in vivo requires a comprehensive understanding of cell interactions with the immobilized bioactive molecules. In the current study, substrates possessing gradient concentrations of immobilized peptides were used to measure the concentration-dependent proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells. Two bioactive peptides, one derived from extracellular matrix protein (ECM), GRGDS, and one from bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), KIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYL, were found to synergistically enhance cell proliferation, up-regulate osteogenic mRNA markers bone sialoprotein (BSP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2, and produce mineralization at densities greater than 130 pmol cm −2 (65 pmol cm −2 for each peptide). In addition, COOH-terminated self-assembled monolayers alone led to up-regulated BSP mRNA levels at densities above 200 pmol cm −2 and increased cell proliferation from day 3 to day 14. Taking further advantage of both the synergistic potentials and the concentration-dependent activities of ECM and growth-factor-derived peptides on proliferative activity and osteogenic differentiation, without the need for additional osteogenic supplements, will enable the successful incorporation of the bioactive species into biorelevant tissue engineering scaffolds.
Parathion Toxicokinetics in Resistant and Susceptible Strains of the Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Results of studies to determine the mechanism of resistance in a parathion resistant strain of green bugs, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), indicated that the resistance mechanism is a combination of metabolic detoxification and target site insensitivity. In vivo metabolism experiments confirmed involvement of metabolic detoxification based on decreased rates of paraoxon formation in the resistant strain. Reduced paraoxon formation is either the result of lower activity of cytochrome P450-dependent oxidases that catalyze desulfuration of parathion, or increased hydrolytic metabolism of paraoxon. Resistance was also associated with a 2.5-fold decrease in sensitivity of acetylcholinesterase to paraoxon inhibition; therefore, we conclude that target site insensitivity and metabolic detoxification interact to confer overall resistance levels.