cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Randomized, Controlled, 3-Arm Trial of Pharmacological Penile Rehabilitation in the Preservation of Erectile Function After Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Background Although the concept of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP) has been advocated for decades, there is little definitive evidence regarding its utility or the best strategy to optimize patient outcomes. Aim The goal of this study is to analyze the ability of 3 different pharmacological strategies to preserve the ability of men to achieve spontaneous (non-medication assisted) erections after bilateral nerve-sparing RP. Methods This IRB- and FDA-approved study studied penile rehabilitation in a 3-arm fashion with a target enrollment of 200 patients. (i) Control arm: nightly placebo with sildenafil 100 mg on demand for sexual relations (up to 6 pills/month); (ii) nightly sildenafil arm: nightly sildenafil 50 mg and sildenafil 100 mg on demand for sexual relations (up to 6 pills/month); (iii) combination therapy arm: nightly sildenafil 50 mg (5 nights/week) plus intracavernosal injections twice/week. Inclusion criteria included bilateral nerve-sparing surgery, normal serum total testosterone, and good preoperative baseline erectile function as measured by the erectile function domain score of the IIEF (EFD) (≥24). Patients were followed with a medication use diary and the IIEF questionnaire at 6 weeks, 3 m, 6 m, 12 m, 18 m and 24 m. Outcomes A difference was seen in the IIEF-EFD scores between the 3 groups at 24 months after RP. Secondary end points include the time to return of spontaneous functional erections, the time for patients to respond to oral erectogenic therapy, and the proportion of patients who have normalization of their IIEF-EFD scores. Results The study was interrupted because of failure to recruit the target study population in a reasonable timeframe. A total of 76 subjects with median age of 57 (IQR: 51, 63) years and mean IIEF-EFD of 29 (IQR: 27, 30) were initially randomized, but at 24 months, the sample sizes by group were (i) n = 4; (ii) n = 18; and (iii) n = 10, with median IIEF-EFD 24 (IQR: 18, 28), 24 (IQR: 18, 28), and 21 (IQR: 9, 26), respectively. There was no statistical difference among the groups in the final analysis. Clinical Implications Definitive evidence for the ability of different pharmacological rehabilitation strategies to improve long-term EF outcomes might never be available. Strengths & Limitations This was a well-designed randomized and 3-arm designed trial intended to provide decisive evidence regarding the utility of penile rehabilitation. Failure to recruit the target population is the main limitation. Conclusion The limited number of patients in the present trial precludes definitive interpretation. However, results indicate how challenging it is to conduct true rehabilitation studies. Miranda EP, Benfante N, Kunzel B, et al. A Randomized, Controlled, 3-Arm Trial of Pharmacological Penile Rehabilitation in the Preservation of Erectile Function After Radical Prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2021;18:423–429.
Exhaust valve phasing controllers for cold start NOx emissions reduction in heavy duty diesel engines

In this paper, early exhaust valve opening (EVO) is applied to a diesel engine for fast warm up of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with the ultimate goal of tailpipe NOx emissions re...
Quantifying the effects of delisting wolves after the first state began lethal management

Predators and their protection are controversial worldwide. Gray wolves, Canis lupus, lost U.S. federal protection (delisting) and the State of Wisconsin began lethal management first among all states and tribes that regained authority over wolves. Here we evaluated the initial success of reaching the state's explicit objective, "…to allow for a sustainable harvest that neither increases nor decreases the state's wolf population…" We used official state figures for hunter-killed wolves, population estimates from April 2017-2020, and the latest peer-reviewed model of individual wolf survival to estimate additional deaths resulting from federal delisting. More than half of the additional deaths were predicted to be cryptic poaching under the assumption that this period resembled past periods of liberalized wolf-killing in Wisconsin. We used a precautionary approach to construct three conservative scenarios to predict the current status of this wolf population and a minimum estimate of population decline since April 2020. From our scenarios that vary in growth rates and additional mortality estimates, we expect a maximum of 695-751 wolves to be alive in Wisconsin by 15 April 2021, a minimum 27-33% decline in the preceding 12 months. This contradicts the state expectation of no change in the population size. We draw a conclusion about the adequacy of regulatory mechanisms under state control of wolves and discuss the particular governance conditions met in Wisconsin. We recommend greater rigor and independent review of the science used by agencies to plan wolf hunting quotas and methods. We recommend clearer division of duties between state wildlife agencies, legislatures, and courts. We recommend federal governments reconsider the practice of sudden deregulation of wolf management and instead recommend they consider protecting predators as non-game or transition more slowly to subnational authority, to avoid the need for emergency relisting.
Factors impacting the time to ovarian cancer diagnosis based on classic symptom presentation in the United States.

BACKGROUND Patients with ovarian cancer often present with late-stage disease and nonspecific symptoms, but little is known about factors affecting the time to diagnosis (TTD) in the United States. METHODS A retrospective, population-based study of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database was conducted. It included women 66 years old or older with stage II to IV epithelial ovarian cancer with at least 1 code for abdominal/pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating, or urinary symptoms within 1 year of the cancer diagnosis. TTD was defined from the first claim with a prespecified symptom to the ovarian cancer diagnosis. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess for differences in TTD by group medians. Univariate and generalized linear models with a log-link function evaluated TTD by covariables. RESULTS For the 13,872 women analyzed, the mean and median times to diagnosis were 2.9 and 1.1 months, respectively. The median TTD differed significantly by first symptom (P < .001), number of symptoms (P < .001), and first physician specialty seen (P < .001). In a multivariable analysis, TTD differed significantly according to race/ethnicity (P < .001), geographic region (P = .001), urban-rural location (P = .031), emergency room presentation (P < .001), and number of specialties seen (P < .001). A shorter TTD was associated with a diagnosis in 2006-2010 (relative risk [RR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.98) or 2011-2015 (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93) in comparison with 1992-1999. CONCLUSIONS The time from a symptomatic presentation to care to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is influenced by clinical and demographic variables. This study's findings reinforce the importance of educating all physicians on ovarian cancer symptoms to aid in diagnosis. LAY SUMMARY Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed once disease has spread because the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer-abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating, and urinary issues-can be mistaken for other problems. This study examined the time between when women with classic ovarian cancer symptoms went to a physician and when they received a cancer diagnosis in a large database population. The authors found that the time to diagnosis differed according to the type and number of symptoms and what type of physician a woman saw as well as factors such as race, geographic location, and year of diagnosis.
Selective Oxidation of Propylene

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on a single aspect of selective hydrocarbon oxidation, the selective oxidation of propylene to acrolein, with the questions in mind, such as “How is propylene activated? What is the nature of the reactive oxygen species?” The selective oxidation of propylene is an important model reaction for studying oxidation reactions over oxide catalysts. Much information has been gathered over the past three decades that helps to answer these questions. Considerable evidence exists that indicates the selective oxidation of propylene proceeds via the formation of a symmetrical ally species. Subsequent steps may vary as a function of the catalyst. Some catalyst systems may abstract a second hydrogen atom before the insertion of oxygen. Others may add molecular oxygen, forming a hydroperoxide intermediate, which may then subsequently decompose into acrolein and water. While a number of oxygen species can exist on the surface of oxides, the reactive oxygen for the selective oxidation of propylene is lattice oxygen. Under reaction conditions, solid-state reactions occur that are a function of the temperature and the composition of the reacting gas mixture.
Alterations in chemical shifts and exchange broadening upon peptide boronic acid inhibitor binding to α-lytic protease

α-Lytic protease, a bacterial serine protease of 198 aminoacids (19800 Da), has been used as a model system for studies of catalyticmechanism, structure–function relationships, and more recently forstudies of pro region-assisted protein folding. We have assigned thebackbones of the enzyme alone, and of its complex with the tetrahedraltransition state mimic N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Pro-boroVal, usingdouble- and triple-resonance 3D NMR spectroscopy on uniformly15N- and 13C/15N-labeled protein.Changes in backbone chemical shifts between the uncomplexed and inhibitedform of the protein are correlated with distance from the inhibitor, thedisplacement of backbone nitrogens, and change in hydrogen bond strengthupon inhibitor binding (derived from previously solved crystal structures).A comparison of the solution secondary structure of the uninhibited enzymewith that of the X-ray structure reveals no significant differences.Significant line broadening, indicating intermediate chemical exchange, wasobserved in many of the active site amides (including three broadened toinvisibility), and in a majority of cases the broadening was reversed uponaddition of the inhibitor. Implications and possible mechanisms of this linebroadening are discussed.
Evolution of the Interferon Regulatory Factor Family

The interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are a family of transcription factors that play central roles in immune defence and stress responses. All IRF proteins share a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding domain. IRF genes first appeared in the last common metazoan ancestor. In sponges, placozoans and ctenophores the number and diversity of the IRF family are limited. In cnidarians and bilaterians, the IRF genes diversified into the IRF1 and IRF4 branches. The IRF family, especially the IRF4 genes, expanded several times in distinct groups of bilaterians to include as many as 14 family members. In nematodes and insects, IRF genes were eliminated or mutated beyond recognition. The 10 vertebrate IRF genes arose by the 2-fold whole genome duplication in early vertebrates. Repetitive expansions, diversifications or contractions of IRF family suggest the changing selection pressure in the evolution of the metazoan defence systems. Key Concepts: The interferon regulatory factors are a family of transcription factors that function as major regulators of host defence in vertebrates. IRF genes first appeared in the last common metazoan ancestor. IRF genes are present in all five basal groups of metazoans: sponges, placozoans, comb jellies, cnidarians and bilaterians. IRF genes have two evolutionary conserved domains, the DNA-binding domain and the IRF association domain and both are already present in ancient sponges. In cnidarians and bilaterians, the IRF genes diversified into the IRF1 and IRF4 branches. The IRF family expanded several times in distinct groups of bilaterians (molluscs, cephalochordates, tunicates and vertebrates). IRF genes were eliminated or mutated beyond recognition in nematodes and insects. The 10 members of the vertebrate IRF family originated in early vertebrates as a result of 2-fold genome duplication. Some IRF genes were eliminated in certain vertebrate species, whereas additional IRF family members were detected in fishes. Although the function of the IRF family in vertebrates has been studied in considerable detail, very little is known about the functions of invertebrate IRF genes. Keywords: interferon regulatory factors; evolution; metazoan-specific origin; expansion and contraction of gene family; 2R hypothesis
From Competition to Competence? Theory and Experiments Regarding Deliberation, Expertise, and Decision Making

Many scholars propose deliberation as a remedy for our uninformed citizenry. Specifically, scholars emphasize that exposing citizens to the views of competing experts and then letting them discuss those views will help citizens to learn about politics and make informed decisions. In this paper, we analyze experimentally the conditions under which competition between experts induces the experts to make truthful statements and enables citizens to improve their decisions. Our results demonstrate that, contrary to our theoretical predictions, competition induces enough truth-telling to allow subjects to achieve modest improvements in their decisions. Then, when we impose even weak institutions (such as small penalties for lying or slim chances of verification) upon the competing experts, we observe dramatic improvements in both the experts' propensity to tell the truth and in subjects' decisions. We find similar improvements when the competing experts are permitted to exchange reasons for why their statements may be correct. Thus, both institutions and the exchange of reasons help competition between experts to function more effectively.
A neuronal population code for sound localization

The accuracy with which listeners can locate sounds is much greater than the spatial sensitivity of single neurons. The broad spatial tuning of auditory neurons indicates that a code based on the responses of ensembles of neurons, a population code, must be used to determine the position of a sound in space. Here we show that the tuning of neurons to the most potent localization cue, the interaural time difference in low-frequency signals (< approximately 2kHz), becomes sharper as the information ascends through the auditory system. We also show that this sharper tuning increases the efficiency of the population code, in the sense that fewer neurons are required to achieve a given acuity.
Animalizing ability of Evans Blue in embryos of Arbacia punctulata. Effect on ribosomal RNA synthesis.

Abstract Two-cell embryos of Arbacia punctulata were animalized by continuous exposure to Evans Blue at a concentration of 1 25 000 [32]. Mid-gastrulae and experimental embryos were incubated for 3 h with 3H-5-uridine or with 3H-methyl- l -methionine. The time course of uptake of these isotopes into the acid-soluble fraction was found to be similar in both control and experimental embryos, thus negating the possibility that permeability differences might interfere with the analysis of the rates of ribosomal RNA synthesis. The total RNA content/106 embryos was the same in control and experimental groups. Animalized larvae synthesized only half as much RNA per μg total RNA and per 106 embryos as control larvae. Fractionation of purified cytoplasmic RNA by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels revealed that Evans Blue-animalized larvae incorporated both 3H-5-uridine and 3H-methyl- l -methionine into 26S and 18S ribosomal RNA at about 50% of the rate found in control larvae. As in all animal cells examined [1, 47] the 18S molecule was more highly methylated than the 26S in both control and experimental embryos. The fact that similar decreases in the rate of synthesis of ribosomal RNA were detected using two different precursors speaks against the possibility that this reduction in rate merely reflects a modification of the size of internal precursor pools. These results suggest that part of the lesion of animalization may be due to a reduction in the rate of transcription of the genes for ribosomal RNA.
How pulsars get their spins

A supernova explosion announces the spectacular death of a massive star. The remnant is usually a neutron star, tiny and dense, and often spinning rapidly and travelling at high speed through the Galaxy. A provocative new thesis forms a bridge between the physics of supernovae and the spin and velocity of neutron stars.
Contemporary Issues in Geriatric Medicine

This chapter is a new addition to the series. As new techniques develop and a better understanding is reached regarding the aging process and diseases that more commonly affect the elderly, it is essential that new information be promptly disseminated. Since all topics do not readily lend themselves to discussions within the already delineated format of this series, this chapter will address a variety of timely subjects.
A Short GRB "No-Host'' Problem? Investigating Large Progenitor Offsets for Short GRBs with Optical Afterglows

[abridged] We investigate the afterglow properties and large-scale environments of several short-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with sub-arcsecond optical afterglow positions but no bright coincident host galaxies. The purpose of this joint study is to robustly assess the possibility of significant offsets, a hallmark of the compact object binary merger model. Five such events exist in the current sample of 20 short bursts with optical afterglows, and we find that their optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray emission are systematically fainter. These differences may be due to lower circumburst densities (by about an order of magnitude), to higher redshifts (by dz~0.5-1), or to lower energies, although in the standard GRB model the smaller gamma-ray fluences cannot be explained by lower densities. To study the large-scale environments we use deep optical observations to place limits on underlying hosts and to determine probabilities of chance coincidence for galaxies near each burst. In 4 of the 5 cases the lowest probabilities of chance coincidence (P( 1 leads to offsets of ~15 kpc. Alternatively, the limits at the burst positions (>26 mag) can be explained by typical short GRB host galaxies (L~0.1-1 L*) at z>2. Thus, two possibilities exist: (i) ~1/4 of short GRBs explode ~50 kpc or ~15 kpc from the centers of z~0.3 or z>1 galaxies, respectively, and have fainter afterglows due to the resulting lower densities; or (ii) ~1/4 of short GRBs occur at z>2 and have fainter afterglows due to their higher redshifts.
Properties and Characteristics of a Bacteriocin from Serratia marcescens

A strain of Serratia marcescens was found to produce a bacteriocin that inhibits the growth of certain Escherichia coli strains. This inhibition was bacteriocidal rather than bacteriostatic and was not caused by a bacteriophage. Whereas the bacteriocin was inactive on the 7 Serratia strains tested, it killed 11 of the 20 E. coli strains tested for sensitivity. A relationship of the bacteriocin to a possible colicin cannot as yet be excluded, although E. coli mutants resistant to 1 or 2 of 15 different colicins remained sensitive to the bacteriocin. The bacteriocidal effect by the bacteriocin could be interrupted in a substantial fraction of the treated cell population by the addition of trypsin. The synthesis of the bacteriocin was inducible by ultraviolet light or by starvation for thymidine. Both procedures led to a similar increase in maximum bacteriocin titer relative to noninduced cultures.
Questioning and Peer Collaboration as Techniques for Thinking and Writing about Personality.

An exercise in asking questions as preparation for writing essays was developed to encourage students to analyze and evaluate personality theories. Students wrote questions that were then discussed and classified according to Bloom's taxonomy. Twice in the term students chose questions to develop into essays. Rough drafts of the essays were discussed in small groups. The proportion of evaluative questions that students wrote increased during the course of the term. A questionnaire administered at the end of the term indicated that 90% of the students viewed the exercise positively. Having copies of others' questions and discussing rough drafts were rated as particularly useful.
Long-wavelength VCSELs with AlGaAsSb/AlAsSb Bragg mirrors lattice-matched on InP substrates

The characterization of 1.55 micrometer room temperature (RT) electrically pumped monolithic vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) on InP is reported. By combining high refractive index-contrast AlGaAsSb/AlAsSb distributed Bragg mirrors (DBRs) and Esaki-junction-based active region, these results demonstrate that VCSELs operating at 1.55 micrometer and employing a reasonable number of mirror periods can be grown in a single epitaxial step. Regarding our first results with the same type of structure, some improvements have been achieved on the threshold current density (approximately equals 1 kA/cm2), and on the voltage drop in the DBRs. We also present in this paper the thermal conductivity of the As- Sb materials measured on both bulk layers and DBR stacks. The main performance-limiting factor appears to be the combination between the low thermal conduction of the quaternary alloys lattice-matched to InP, and the high energy-band offset between the high- and the low-index materials.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Homonegativism and sexual orientation matching in counseling supervision

The present study examined the effects of sexual orientation matching and supervisory role on supervisory style and satisfaction with homonegativism as a covariate. Supervisory style significantly correlated with satisfaction for supervisors when trainees were heterosexual but not when trainees were lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Regardless of supervisor or trainee sexual orientation, the supervisors’ homonegativism significantly negatively correlated with trainees’ satisfaction and ratings of supervisors’ style. No significant differences in supervisory style were found among supervision dyads cross-matched for sexual orientation while controlling for homonegativism.
High-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol in plasma.

Abstract A simple and rapid high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure is reported for the simultaneous quantitative determination of propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol in plasma. Following an extraction the samples are chromatographed on a reversed-phase column and the components in the column effluent are detected by fluorescence monitoring. Using 1-ml plasma samples propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolo concentrations at least as low as 1 ng/ml and 5 ng/ml, respectively, can be quantitated. The reproducibility of the method is satisfactory and no interference from endogenous plasma components or other drugs has been observed. A single plasma sample can be analyzed in approximately 20 min.
Drag force on agglomerated spheres in creeping flow

Abstract Most particles in nature have irregular shapes. To date, no data have been available for drag force on irregularly or randomly shaped objects; all drag data are for non-spherical objects such as prisms, cylinders, spheroids, etc. that have at least one axis of symmetry. Recently, equations (Johnson, Doctoral dissertation, University of North Carolina, 1985; Johnson et al., J. Aerosol Sci. 18 , 87, 1987; Sheaffer, J. Aerosol Sci. 18, 11, 1987; Leith, Aerosol Sci. Technol. 6, 153, 1987) have been developed for drag on non-spherical objects; however, these equations have not been tested on irregular objects. In this work, the drag force on caved prisms, regular agglomerates, and irregular agglomerates was measured to provide data for model evaluations. A new model based on a theoretical equation (Leith, Aerosol Sci. Technol. 6, 153, 1987) and drag data for the agglomerates tested here estimates drag for agglomerates well, adjusted R 2 = 0.999, and also works better than published models for drag on a broad set of data for objects with various shapes.
Transrectal ultrasound and biopsy in diagnosis of malakoplakia of prostate.

Abstract We report our experience with the use of transrectral ultrasound and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy in the diagnosis of 4 cases of malakoplakia of the prostate. Prostatic malakoplakia is rare with a total of 25 cases reported in the literature. It may simulate carcinoma on digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound. Herein are 4 additional cases in which transrectal ultrasound of the prostate was compatible with carcinoma. Subsequent needle biopsy of the suspicious regions revealed the classic pathologic features of malakoplakia. Malakoplakia is a difficult pathologic diagnosis, and the prevalence of this disease may be underestimated. As the use of transrectal ultrasound becomes more common in diagnosing carcinoma of the prostate, and due to the difficulty in diagnosing malakoplakia pathologically, we recommend maintaining a high index of suspicion for malakoplakia to avoid possible unnecessary radical surgery.
Hazard mapping of normalized peak strain in soils during earthquakes: microzonation of a metropolitan area

Seisnfic hazard maps of the Los Angeles metropolitan area are illustrated for normalized peak strain and for 50 years of exposure. The strain estimates are based on scaling in terms of peak ground velocity. The proportionality factor is the phase velocity with which the wave energy is propagating. A simplified seismicity model is used in which all earthquakes occur on faults represented by buried lines and in one :zone of diffused seismicity. Poissonian model of earthquake occurrence is assmned. The same model was used in the 1980's to illustrate a method for microzoning of the same area for response spectral amplitudes. Maps of logarithms of normalized peak strain, ceres, are presented for probabilities of at least one exceedance p = 0.99, 0.9, 0.5, 0.1 and 0"01. These can be used to construct site specific probability distribution functions of the normalized peak strain, C£ma x. Such maps are useful for design of new and for retrofit of existing structures, sensitive to strain and differential ground motions (bridges, tunnels, pipelines, etc.). Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Limited.
Innovation of decision support system-matplan based on structure matrix supported by APL

There exist two areas in Decision Support System. The one is the business area where the application logics are common property of the organization and should not be hold by a special person as black-box. e.g. Profit Planning. Cost Accounting. Production Planning etc. The another area would be afforded to be kept closed as black box. Responding “What-if” needs in the former area, current approaches which, in conclusion, require end-users utilizing of computer language, however efficiently it works, had difficulties. Thinking the computer jobs performed by individuals, the consolidating of them become more serious. A breaking-through was required to diminish the semantic gap between end-users and their computer processes. Also maintenance of application system brought by “What-if” is a big problem in DSS. A breaking-through was done by MATPLAN based on the new technology: STRUCTURED MATRIX—hierarchical table including datas and their processing logics, with the expression of mutual relations. You will find various suggestions for new system approach towards the 21 century in this paper.
Defining the virtual tourist community: implications for tourism marketing

Abstract The notion of community has been a central element of the Internet since its inception. Though research on virtual communities have been extensive the concept appears to be ill defined and the understanding of members’ needs remains fragmented. The purpose of this article is to identify a theoretical foundation of the concept of a virtual tourist community based upon the core characteristics of a virtual communities and the fundamental needs of community members. Perspectives of how one can define and interpret virtual communities within the tourism industry are discussed and issues related to the functions of virtual communities are explored from the member's viewpoint. Implications are made regarding virtual communities in the travel industry from marketing and design perspectives.
St. Jude prosthesis for aortic and mitral valve replacement: A ten-year experience

From January 1, 1979 through December 1990, 456 adult patients underwent isolated aortic (AVR) (254) or mitral (MVR) (202) valve replacement with the St. Jude prosthesis at the Medical University of South Carolina. Age ranged from 21 to 84 years (mean: 54 +/- 15 years for AVR; 51 +/- 13 years for MVR). Male sex predominated in the AVR group (66%) and female sex in the MVR group (64%). Ninety-two patients (20%) had associated coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR, 25%; MVR, 14%). There were 17 deaths (3.7%) occurring during the same hospitalization or within 30 days (AVR, 10/254 [3.9%]; MVR, 7/202 [3.5%]). Follow-up is 94.5% complete and ranges from 1.0 to 131 months (mean, 55 +/- 37 months; total, 2,073 patient-years). In the AVR group, 53 late deaths have occurred and actuarial survival is 80% +/- 3% at 5 years and 47% +/- 9% at 10 years. Twenty-one patients have sustained thromboembolic episodes (1.8%/patient-year), and the probability of remaining free of thromboembolism at 10 years is 67% +/- 13%. The mean improvement in New York Heart Association functional class from preoperative to postoperative is 3.1 +/- 0.76 to 1.6 +/- 0.84 (p < 0.0001). In the MVR group, there have been 41 late deaths, and the actuarial survival was 80% +/- 3% at 5 years and 63% +/- 5% at 10 years. Twenty-eight patients have sustained thromboembolic complications (2.9%/patient-year), and the probability of remaining free of thromboembolism at 10 years is 77% +/- 5%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Response of Type I Atrial Fibrillation to Atrial Pacing in Humans

Background High-density mapping studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have suggested the presence of an excitable gap. The purpose of this study was to assess the local and left atrial response to pacing at the high right atrium during type I AF in humans. Methods and Results Pacing was performed at the high right atrium during type I AF in 24 patients in the electrophysiology laboratory. The response to pacing was assessed at cycle lengths 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ms less than the mean baseline atrial cycle length. Digitized tracings of the baseline tachycardia and the response to pacing were recorded from the high right atrium and from the distal coronary sinus. Computer analysis of these signals was used to calculate a left atrial electrogram density before, during, and after pacing. Two hundred eighty-eight segments of AF with a duration of 3.9±0.5 seconds (mean±SD) were analyzed. Local capture of the right atrium during AF was demonstrated for at least one pacing cycle length in each patient. The left at...
Time Constants of Flat Arcs Cooled by Thermal Conduction

Time constants of flat arc bands, burning between nonevaporating plates, were theoretically and experimentally investigated. Neglecting the convection term, the relevant energy balance equation was solved in a one-dimensional approximation. Expressions for the distribution of electrical gradient were inversely proportional to the plate distance and were dependent, as well, on the heat-flux potential. The arc time-constant was proportional to the square of the plate distance and inversely proportional to the thermal diffusivity. Measurements at current zero of alternating-current arcs, operating at 2000 c/s and 1000 amperes, confirmed the strong dependency of the arc time-constant on the plate distance. Time constants as small as 0.1 ?s were obtained.
Stable crack growth in aluminum tensile specimens

Post's white-light moire interferometry was used to obtain sequential records of the transientUy-displacement fields associated with stable crack growth in 7075-T6 and 2024-0, single-edge-notched (SEN) specimens with fatigued cracks. TheUy-displacement fields are used to evaluate the crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD), far- and near-fieldJ-integral values, Dugdale-strip-yield model, William's polynomial function and the HRR field.
Possible Connection Between Strangeness and Parity

A connection between strangeness and parity is conjectured in such a way that predictions become possible on the relative parities of strongly interacting particles. (W.D.M.)
High flow demand on small arterial coronary bypass conduits promotes graft spasm

Despite the superior long-term patency of arterial grafts, surgeons are often reluctant to use arterial grafts on coronary vessels that supply large areas of myocardium because postoperative shock may occur. We hypothesized that supramaximal flow through small arterial conduits would decrease distal intraluminal pressure, thereby reducing afterload on the smooth muscle and rendering the arterial graft vulnerable to spasm. Fourteen internal thoracic and eight gastroepiploic arteries were harvested from adult pigs (220 to 250 pounds). Arteries were mounted on a computer-controlled perfusion system with inflow pressure at 80 mm Hg and outflow resistance adjusted to simulate normal (in situ) or supramaximal (coronary artery bypass graft) flow demands. Artery pressures and flow rates were measured at baseline and after norepinephrine was added to the system. Internal thoracic arteries had no hemodynamic response to norepinephrine at normal flow. Under supramaximal flow demands, large internal thoracic arteries (2.5 to 3.0 mm) had no hemodynamic response to norepinephrine. However, for small internal thoracic arteries (2.1 to 2.9 mm), norepinephrine reduced distal internal thoracic arterial pressure (63.2 ± 2.2 to 27.0 ± 1.9 mm Hg) and flow rate (99.4 ± 5.0 to 45.4 ± 2.7 ml/min, median effective dose=9.12 x 10 −9 mol/L). Under normal flow demands, the flow rate in gastroepiploic arteries (1.0 to 2.0 mm diamet decreased (14.1 ± 0.5 to 4.8 ± 0.8 ml/min, p −6 mol/L). Supramaximal flow demands reduced distal gastroepiploic arterial pressure (77.5 ± 0.5 to 49.5 ± 3.8 mm Hg, p p −8 mol/L, p
THE MEDIUM OF “TRADITION”: AMADOU HAMPÂTÉ BÂ’S CONFRONTATIONS WITH LANGUAGES, LITERACY, AND COLONIALISM

In his efforts to communicate his research on African “tradition”—more specifically oral texts—Hampâte Bâ was faced with a choice of languages and alphabets. Much of his work appeared only in French, the language of his main formal education and administrative training. In collaboration with several French colonial scholar-administrators (Henri Gaden, Colonel R. Figaret, and Gilbert Vieillard) Hampâte Bâ eventually developed a system for writing his native Fulfulde in Roman characters. However for his own Fulfulde religious poetry (“mes seules oeuvres de ‘creation’”), Hampâte Bâ used Ajami (Arabic letters representing non-Arabic languages), a writing system that he also promoted as a medium of wider Fulbe literacy.
Charge-based Interaction Conserved within Histone H3 Lysine 4 (H3K4) Methyltransferase Complexes Is Needed for Protein Stability, Histone Methylation, and Gene Expression

Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases are conserved from yeast to humans, assemble in multisubunit complexes, and are needed to regulate gene expression. The yeast H3K4 methyltransferase complex, Set1 complex or complex of proteins associated with Set1 (COMPASS), consists of Set1 and conserved Set1-associated proteins: Swd1, Swd2, Swd3, Spp1, Bre2, Sdc1, and Shg1. The removal of the WD40 domain-containing subunits Swd1 and Swd3 leads to a loss of Set1 protein and consequently a complete loss of H3K4 methylation. However, until now, how these WD40 domain-containing proteins interact with Set1 and contribute to the stability of Set1 and H3K4 methylation has not been determined. In this study, we identified small basic and acidic patches that mediate protein interactions between the C terminus of Swd1 and the nSET domain of Set1. Absence of either the basic or acidic patches of Set1 and Swd1, respectively, disrupts the interaction between Set1 and Swd1, diminishes Set1 protein levels, and abolishes H3K4 methylation. Moreover, these basic and acidic patches are also important for cell growth, telomere silencing, and gene expression. We also show that the basic and acidic patches of Set1 and Swd1 are conserved in their human counterparts SET1A/B and RBBP5, respectively, and are needed for the protein interaction between SET1A and RBBP5. Therefore, this charge-based interaction is likely important for maintaining the protein stability of the human SET1A/B methyltransferase complexes so that proper H3K4 methylation, cell growth, and gene expression can also occur in mammals.
Progesterone-induced down-regulation of an electrogenic Na+, K+-ATPase during the first meiotic division in amphibian oocytes

Progesterone initiates the resumption of the meiotic divisions in the amphibian oocyte. Depolarization of theRana pipiens oocyte plasma membrane begins 6–10 hr after exposure to progesterone (1–2 hr before nuclear breakdown). The oocyte cytoplasm becomes essentially isopotential with the medium by the end of the first meiotic division (20–22 hr). Voltage-clamp studies indicate that the depolarization coincides with the disappearance of an electrogenic Na+, K+-pump, and other electrophysiological studies indicate a decrease in both K+ and Cl− conductances of the oocyte plasma membrane. Measurement of [3H]-ouabain binding to the plasma-vitelline membrane complex indicates that there are high-affinity (Kd-4.2×10−8m), K+-sensitive ouabain-binding sites on the unstimulated (prophase-arrest) oocyte and that ouabain binding virtually disappears during membrane depolarization. [3H]-Leucine incorporation into the plasma-vitelline membrane complex increased ninefold during depolarization with no significant change in uptake or incorporation into cytoplasmic proteins or acid soluble pool(s). This together with previous findings suggests that progesterone acts at a translational level to produce a cytoplasmic factor(s) that down-regulates the membrane Na+, K+-ATPase and alters the ion permeability and transport properties of both nuclear and plasma membranes.
Functional specificity of gonadotropin and thyrotropin in Fundulus heteroclitus

Gonadotropic hormones (GTHs) and thyrotropic hormones (TSHs) reportedly bear close evolutionary and structural relationships, and the thyroid appears to be active in reproduction in some fish species. We tested the sensitivity of the thyroid of Fundulus heteroclitus to glycoprotein hormones from mammalian and piscine sources. Six mammalian glycoprotein hormones, including four gonadotropins and two thyrotropins, produced dose-dependent elevations in serum thyroxin. A release of endogenous gonadotropins was elicited by injecting GnRH. This resulted in gonadal stimulation, with no alteration in circulating thyroxin levels and the rate of radioiodine uptake. We also treated fish with partially purified salmon gonadotropin (SG-G100). The gonadotropic actions of this extract were confirmed by steroid elevations, and again T4 and 125I uptake remained at resting levels. The lack of response of the thyroid gland to fish gonadotropins suggests that TSH receptors in Fundulus heteroclitus can differentiate between endogenous thyrotropin and gonadotropin(s), even though most heterologous glycoprotein hormones are thyrotropic.
Trace-element partition coefficients for ilmenite, orthopyroxene and pyrrhotite in rhyolite determined by micro-PIXE analysis

Abstract Ilmenite is a common accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, yet few data are available on its partitioning behavior. We present in situ proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) microanalytical data for ilmenite (Ilm), orthopyroxene (Opx), pyrrhotite (Po) and coexisting silicic glass in a rhyolite lava from Clear Lake, California. The rhyolite contains grains of Ilm (Xilm=0.96–1.00) associated with Opx and Plag phenocrysts. Po occurs as inclusions in Ilm and Opx, and as rare single grains. Ilmenite concentrates Nb (D = 51–71), Ta (64–85), Zn (10–11), Mo (> 5) and Zr (1.0–1.4). Opx concentrates Ni (D=∼ 11–25) and Zn (14–16). Po concentrates Mo (D=∼ 161), As (2–3), Se (∼ 36–44), Pb (2), Co (∼ 999), Cu (∼ 459–502) and Ni (∼ 1842) relative to silicic melt, but these coefficients may reflect liquid/liquid rather than solid/liquid partitioning. Ilmenite is the dominant oxide in Clear Lake volcanic rocks, occurring in silicic to intermediate lavas and metasedimentary xenoliths. Silicic volcanic rocks of the area formed by interaction of mafic magmas with deep crustal rocks. The dominance of ilmenite over magnetite reflects the bulk composition and low fO2 of a metasedimentary source component. The relative abundance of ilmenite in such systems and its high DNb- and DTa-values suggest that it will strongly influence Nb and Ta concentrations during partial melting of crustal rocks and during crystal fractionation. Similarly Po will exert an important influence on the distribution of chalcophile and siderophile elements. Ilm and Po must be considered in quantitative fractionation models involving HFSE and metals, even if present in trace abundances.
Electrochemical reduction of silver vanadium phosphorous oxide, Ag2VO2PO4: Silver metal deposition and associated increase in electrical conductivity

Abstract This report details the chemical and associated electrical resistance changes of silver vanadium phosphorous oxide (Ag 2 VO 2 PO 4 , SVPO) incurred during electrochemical reduction in a lithium based electrochemical cell over the range of 0–4 electrons per formula unit. Specifically the cathode electrical conductivities and associated cell DC resistance and cell AC impedance values vary with the level of reduction, due the changes of the SVPO cathode. Initially, Ag + is reduced to Ag 0 (2 electrons per formula unit or 50% of the calculated theoretical value of 4 electrons per formula unit) accompanied by significant decreases in the cathode electrical resistance, consistent with the formation of an electrically conductive silver metal matrix within the SVPO cathode. As Ag + reduction progresses, V 5+ reduction initiates; once the SVPO reduction process progresses to where the reduction of V 5+ to V 4+ is the dominant process, both the cell and the cathode electrical resistances then begin to increase. If the discharge then continues to where the dominant cathode reduction process is the reduction of V 4+ to V 3+ , the cathode and cell electrical resistances then begin to decrease. The complex cathode electrical resistance pattern exhibited during full cell discharge is an important subject of this study.
Head-heart disparity among future managers: Implications for ethical conduct

An examination of the ethical perceptions of business students using Macobby's head/heart traits and a comparison to earlier studies of managers, accountants, and business students is made. The data were collected at three universities that are similar in size, enrollment and degree programs within the College of Business. Results indicate that present day business students are no less ethically inclined than are their business counterparts in previous eras. In general head traits dominated over heart traits, an indication that business schools continued to do a good job emphasizing and developing analytical skills but a poor job of developing the qualities of the heart that are generally associated with ethical behavior. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A comparison of glutamic-oxalacetate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase activities in non-spawning, pre-spawning, and spawning pink salmon

Abstract 1. 1. The activity levels of various enzymes were assayed in the serum of non-spawning, pre-spawning, and spawning salmon. The enzymes, often used in the diagnosis of degenerative diseases in humans, included glutamic-oxalacetate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase. 2. 2. The activity levels of all enzymes were highest in spawning salmon as compared to non-spawning salmon. 3. 3. In other fish sera, the enzyme activity levels for all enzymes were highest in Pacific herring while sera from dogfish, ling cod, and red rock fish had activity levels approaching those found in normal human serum. 4. 4. Polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis of spawning salmon lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes showed a diversity of enzyme patterns. This suggests that LDH activity can vary considerably from fish to fish.
Resistance and susceptibility of fungal spores to lysis

Spores of Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum lagenarium, Aspergillus oryzae, Thielaviopsis basicola and Penicillium atrovenetum were lysed to varying extents in soil, but the spores of A. niger and A. phoenicis were resistant under identical conditions. A streptomycete enzyme preparation which digested F. oxysporum and C. phomoides spore walls and catalysed the release of N-acetylhexosamine and reducing sugars had some effect on walls of Helminthosporium turcicum and an albino strain of Thielaviopsis basicola and little or no effect on spores of a pigmented strain of T. basicola or of other fungi. Ghitinase and β -1,3-glucanase preparations caused little lysis of F. oxysporum conidia, but the addition of a protease enhanced digestion. The release of N-acetylhexosamine and reducing sugars by chitinase and β -1,3-glucanase preparations suggests that F. oxysporum and C. lagenarium spore walls contain chitin and a β -1,3-glucan.
A student's perspective on learning to do group work

Abstract This article presents the student's perspective of teaching group leadership skills. Issues regarding experiential components of training, wellness, and mentoring are addressed.
Prospective randomized clinical trial of inpatient cervical ripening with stepwise oral misoprostol vs vaginal misoprostol

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of stepwise oral misoprostol vs vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening before induction of labor. Study design Two hundred and four women between 32 to 42 weeks of gestation with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤6) and an indication for labor induction were randomized to receive oral or vaginal misoprostol every 4 hours up to 4 doses. The oral misoprostol group received 50 μg initially followed by 100 μg in each subsequent dose. The vaginal group received 25 μg in each dose. The primary outcome was the interval from first misoprostol dose to delivery. Patient satisfaction and side effects were assessed by surveys completed after delivery. Results Ninety-three (45.6%) women received oral misoprostol; 111 (54.4%) received vaginal misoprostol. There was no difference in the average interval from the first dose of misoprostol to delivery in the oral (21.1+7.9 hrs) and vaginal (21.5+11.0 hrs, P =NS) misoprostol groups. The incidence of hyperstimulation in the oral group was 2.2% vs 5.4% in the vaginal group, P =NS. Eighteen patients in the oral group (19.4%) and 36 (32.4%) in the vaginal group underwent cesarean section ( P P =NS). Conclusion Stepwise oral misoprostol (50 μg followed by 100 μg) appears to be as effective as vaginal misoprostol (25 μg) for cervical ripening with a low incidence of hyperstimulation, no increase in side effects, a high rate of patient satisfaction, and is associated with a lower cesarean section rate.