cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Sexual Impact of Cancer and Cancer Treatments in Men

This article presents an overview of the literature on the impact cancer and associated therapies have on male sexuality, interventions to maintain or improve sexual function after cancer, and identification of gaps in health care providers' knowledge of this topic. Normal sexual activity depends on a complex inter-relationship among multiple systems, including psychologic, biochemical, neurologic, and physiologic. Furthermore, there are multiple factors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer that have an impact on male sexuality, including the complex psychologic and symptom burden of the disease and treatments. There are an increasing number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to treat erectile function; however, success rates are variable and long-term compliance is generally low. Little study has been devoted to interventions that may improve compliance, such as counseling, or that focus on aspects of male sexuality other than erectile dysfunction.
Algorithms for trie compaction

The trie data structure has many properties which make it especially attractive for representing large files of data. These properties include fast retrieval time, quick unsuccessful search determination, and finding the longest match to a given identifier. The main drawback is the space requirement. In this paper the concept of trie compaction is formalized. An exact algorithm for optimal trie compaction and three algorithms for approximate trie compaction are given, and an analysis of the three algorithms is done. The analysis indicate that for actual tries, reductions of around 70 percent in the space required by the uncompacted trie can be expected. The quality of the compaction is shown to be insensitive to the number of nodes, while a more relevant parameter is the alphabet size of the key.
Analysis of the effectiveness of an endoscopy education program in improving residents' laparoscopic skills.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a gynecologic endoscopy education program in enhancing residents' proficiency in laparoscopic surgery. Methods The program was designed to provide residents with the knowledge and skills necessary for laparoscopic surgery, before entering the operating room, in a costeffective manner that honored the principles of adult education. The 7-week program included didactic sessions to provide conceptual learning but focused on practical skills enhancement through practice in both pelvic trainer and animal laboratory settings. The program design included dominant, nondominant, and two-handed skills as well as models for laparoscopic dissection, hemostasis, and suturing. The evaluation of the program is based on timing of laparoscopic skills as well as resident and faculty evaluation of laparoscopic proficiency at the beginning and end of the program. Results Prior to the program, 48% of residents and 75% of faculty were satisfied with laparoscopic training. All residents improved operating times in pelvic trainer skills after the program, with first-year residents improving by 68%, third-year residents by 58%, and fourth-year residents by 72%. The residents self-assessment of competence in 14 laparoscopic skills revealed an increase in all skills following the program. The faculty assessment showed an upward trend in skills competence. At the conclusion of the program, 100% of residents and 92% of faculty were satisfied with the laparoscopic training. Conclusion A structured program emphasizing skills enhancement is an effective approach to improve residents' performance in laparoscopic surgery.
Design of an Efficient Solution Grown Semiorganic NLO Crystal for Short Wavelength Generation: 2-Amino-5-nitropyridinium Tetrafluoroborate

A newly engineered host−guest hydrogen-bonded 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium tetrafluoroborate (2A5NPFB) salt has been designed following a strategy applied to the 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium salts. The crystal structure of organic−inorganic 2A5NPFB has been determined, and it belongs to the noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2. The powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency measurement with Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) radiation shows the highest value among 2-amino-5-nitropyridinium derivatives with the phase-matching property. The optical transparency window in the visible and near-IR (420−1100 nm) regions was found to be good for nonlinear optical applications. The experimental conditions of the synthesis and its spectral analysis, namely FT-NMR, FT-IR, and FT-Raman, have also been studied. Thermal stability of 2A5NPFB and its tendency to grow as single crystals in solution have been identified.
STIMULATION OF THE ONION ROOT BY ALTERNATING CURRENT.

Positive direct current sent up an onion root may polarize or stimulate the root, i.e., increase or decrease, respectively, the positivity of the electric potential of the distal contact measured with respect to the earthed proximal contact. Current sent down the root may depolarize or less commonly stimulate the root, i.e., decrease or increase the positivity of this electric potential. The type of change which the current produces is dependent, at least in part, on the strength and duration of the current; the temperature and oxygen tension of the environment; the previous treatment; the individual characteristics; and the segment of the root under investigation (2, 3). Since the flow of direct current in a given direction may result in oppositely oriented potential changes which appear to summate in certain cases, it was believed that the use of alternating current would simplify the observations by eliminating one of the two effects, i.e., the polar effect. With this in mind the present investigation was undertaken and the results indicate that the simplification occurred only in part. Clark (5) found that alternating current (6v) applied to Avena coleoptiles diminished the PD of 25 sections mounted in parallel between two agar blocks to which electrical connection was made. The direction of the change in potential is in agreement with the results reported below but no analysis of the action was attempted. Amlong and B?nning (1) and B?nning (4) found the threshold value for AC stimulation which resulted in a decrease in the potential difference of roots and stems of several plants. Metzner (6) claims to have demonstrated rectification in 50 cycle AC in several tissues, but experimental details are lacking. This report indicates that stimulation with DC or AC elicits apparently identical electrical changes in the root, confirming many of the experimental observations previously described (3). Moreover, the environmental factors, oxygen and temperature, as well as the previous treatment of the root, are found to influence irritability.
Growth, Yield, Dressout, and Net Returns of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Stocked at Three Densities in Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Ponds

— Alternative fish species that can be cultured together with catfish Ictalurus punctatus provide an opportunity to diversify caffish farms. A 2-yr study was conducted in 0.10-ha earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of bighead carp (BHC) stocking density on growth, yield, dressout yield, and net returns. Initially, bighead carp (average weight of 22 g) were stocked at rates of 380, 750, or 1,130 fishha in ponds with catfish. Caffish were cultured under commercial conditions by stocking caffish at a density of 12,500/ha, aerating nightly and feeding at an average rate of 82 kgha per d. Stocking rates for 2-yr-old fish were reduced to 77, 260, and 435/ha in the second growing season. There were no significant differences among treatments (P > 0.05) in summer growth of bighead carp in either year. Bighead carp stocked at 1,130 fishha had significantly higher yields than those stocked at 380/ha, but did not reach minimum market size of 2.2 kg during the first year (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in caffish growth, yield, survival, or feed conversion ratios due to the bighead carp stocking densities. Partial budget analysis indicated that net benefits were positive for all three treatments over a range of prevailing prices of bighead carp. Bighead carp production in catfish ponds is economically feasible over a wide range of prices. Given the market risk of producing smaller fish at the higher density, the medium density is the preferred stocking density of fingerling bighead carp in catfish ponds.
The role of nitric oxide in the development and maintenance of the hyperalgesia produced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan in the rat

Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been reported to be involved in the mechanisms that underlie thermal hyperalgesia produced by the intraplantar injection of carrageenan. As NMDA-mediated thermal hyperalgesia produced in models of acute and persistent pain have been reported to involve production of nitric oxide, we examined the role of nitric oxide in both the development and maintenance of the thermal hyperalgesia produced by the intraplantar injection of carrageenan. In addition, we examined the role of nitric oxide in the maintenance of the mechanical hyperalgesia produced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan. Prior to the intraplantar injection of carrageenan (2 mg in 100 microliters) there was no significant difference in thermal withdrawal latencies or mechanical withdrawal thresholds between the left and right hindpaws. Three hours after injection of carrageenan into the left hindpaw, rats showed evidence of a significantly faster thermal withdrawal latency and lower mechanical withdrawal threshold of the left hindpaw compared to the right hindpaw. In addition, the left hindpaw was significantly increased in size (diameter) compared with the right hindpaw. In these same rats, the intrathecal administration of saline, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 2-200 nmol) or the inactive enantiomer, NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME; 200 nmol) did not produce any significant change in thermal nociceptive withdrawal latencies in the non-injected paw. However, administration of L-NAME (2-20 nmol), but not saline or D-NAME produced a dose dependent and reversible block of the thermal hyperalgesia for a period of up to 3 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Portal vein calcification and associated biliary stricture in idiopathic portal hypertension (Banti's syndrome)

We present a case of dense portal vein calcification with secondary extrahepatic biliary stricture and cholangitis in an adult patient diagnosed with idiopathic portal hypertension at age three. Biliary ductal dilation proximal to echogenic shadowing foci near the porta hepatis mimicked choledocholithiasis on sonographic examination. Portal vein calcification and biliary stricture from portal venopathy each represent rare findings. The obstruction was successfully managed with biliary stenting.
Risk of excessive weight gain in epileptic children treated with valproate.

We sought to identify factors associated with excessive weight gain in children treated with valproate, excluding patients fed by gastrostomy or treated with medications known to affect appetite (eg, stimulants). Weight and height were recorded before treatment and at the time of follow-up; a measure of adiposity, body mass index, was computed and expressed in kg/m2, and weight and height for age were converted to Z-score. Putative risk factors included sex, age at start of treatment, monotherapy at start of treatment, duration of follow-up, mental retardation, seizure type (generalized or partial), etiology (idiopathic or cryptogenic versus remote symptomatic), and dose of valproate. Fifty-five children (30 girls, 25 boys), ranging in age at the start of therapy from 1.8 to 16.9 years were followed for 8.6 to 33.8 months. Forty-three patients had primarily generalized seizures, 34 had idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy (including 30 with generalized idiopathic epilepsy), and 18 had mental retardation. Va...
Compatibility of 14C-Labeled Phenylephrine Hydrochloride in Polyethylene Nasal Spray Containers

The interaction of phenylephrine hydrochloride with low density polyethylene containers was investigated using 14Clabeled phenylephrine hydrochloride. In the first part of the study, nasal spray bottles with and without dip tubes containing 0.25 and 0.5% 14C-phenylephrine hydrochloride were evaluated at temperatures of 7, 22, 40, and 50°. No losses of 14C-phenylephrine hydrochloride were observed. Units stored at 40 and 50° showed apparent increases in concentration of the 14C-phenylephrine hydrochloride. This reflected the loss of water from these units, the loss being confirmed by gravimetric data. This demonstrated a technique for the observation of solvent loss by means of a radio-isotopic method. In the second part of the study, the influence of two preservatives, benzalkonium chloride (1:5000) and thimerosal (1:5000) on the phenylephrine hydrochloride-polyethylene container interaction was investigated. The data indicated apparent binding of phenylephrine hydrochloride to low density polyethylene by means of a preservative agent. Interaction was most significant at room temperature, with elevated temperature disrupting the apparent weak binding.
Tweedie's Formula and Selection Bias.

We suppose that the statistician observes some large number of estimates zi, each with its own unobserved expectation parameter μi. The largest few of the zi’s are likely to substantially overestimate their corresponding μi’s, this being an example of selection bias, or regression to the mean. Tweedie’s formula, first reported by Robbins in 1956, offers a simple empirical Bayes approach for correcting selection bias. This article investigates its merits and limitations. In addition to the methodology, Tweedie’s formula raises more general questions concerning empirical Bayes theory, discussed here as “relevance” and “empirical Bayes information.” There is a close connection between applications of the formula and James–Stein estimation.
PROGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS OF SIMULTANEOUS BIOMARKER ASSESSMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SAVOR-TIMI 53 TRIAL

Cardiac biomarkers improve risk stratification and therefore offer an attractive strategy for CV screening. We evaluated the incremental prognostic value of multiple biomarkers reflecting different pathophysiologic processes in stable outpatients with T2DM and established CV disease or cardiac risk
The effect of intermittent indoor cold exposure on white rats.

Recently it has been shown that when white rats are kept in individual cages and exposed indoors to constant cold temperature or when they are exposed in groups to the outdoor winter conditions, they develop similar degrees of cold resistance and similar metabolic adjustments but they differ in endocrine, insulative, and peripheral adjustments.In an attempt to determine whether variations in temperature alone could be responsible for the type of adjustments developed outdoors, white rats were kept at 30 °C for 4 weeks but exposed to 6 °C for a few hours every day. Through these intermittent cold exposures, the animals developed the same type of acclimation as the one produced indoors by continuous exposure to a constant temperature, but to a lesser degree. Adrenals tended to hypertrophy, body and muscle growth tended to decrease, and over-all insulation appeared to decrease. In contrast to continuously exposed rats, however, they showed no cold injury, no change in ear vascularization, and no thickening o...
Dysfunctional Programming: Teaching Programming Using Formal Methods to Noncomputer Science Majors

In the fall of 1992, we taught an introductory programming course to a class of noncomputer science majors. We followed an approach based on formal specifications, with an informal translation to Pascal as an implementation language. This anecdotal article reports on our experiences and ideas for future attempts.
Towards a better understanding of data models through the multilingual database system

An approach to the design of a database system, the multilingual database system (MLDS), has been proposed and implemented. MLDS is a single database system that can execute may transactions written respectively in different data languages and support many databases structured correspondingly in various data models, i.e. DL/I transactions on hierarchical databases, CODASYL-DML transactions on network databases, SQL transactions on relational databases, and Daplex transactions on functional databases. The authors describe MLDS, focusing on its motivation and structure. It is shown how MLDS, by providing an integrated environment for experimenting with data models and data languages, also serves as a testbed that provides insight to data models and data-model semantics, using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Related work on data-language comparison and analysis is indicated. >
Effects of pegylated interferon alfa-2b on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of methadone: a prospective, nonrandomized, crossover study in patients coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV receiving methadone maintenance treatment.

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among methadone-maintained HIV-positive individuals. Pegylated interferon (pegIFN) used in combination with ribavirin is conventional treatment for HCV. However, pegIFN has been associated with adverse effects (AEs) that may simulate opioid withdrawal and be confused with insufficient methadone dosage. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine, using methadone pharmacokinetic properties, whether methadone dosage adjustments are needed on initiation of treatment with pegIFN alfa-2b for HCV in methadone-maintained HIV-positive patients. Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, crossover study was conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, New York). Patients who were aged ≥18 years, coinfected with chronic HCV and HIV, and had been receiving methadone maintenance treatment (dosage, 40–200 mg/d PO) for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment were eligible. We determined mean methadone C max , T max , Cn,in, AUC, and oral clearance (CL/F) values over a 24-hour period before (baseline) and after the administration of pegIFN alfa-2b 1.5 μg/kg SC (2 doses given 1 week apart). To determine differences in opiate withdrawal symptoms, one of the primary investigators administered the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) and Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) at baseline and 7, 14, and 21 days after the administration of the first dose. Study participants underwent weekly clinical evaluation for signs and symptoms of methadone withdrawal and for AEs of pegIFN. Results: Nine patients were included in the study (7 men, 2 women; 7 Hispanic, 2 black; mean [SD] age, 41 [8.3] years; mean [SD] weight, 75.0 [12.3] kg). We did not observe any significant changes from baseline in mean C max , T max , C min , AUC, and CL/F values despite 80% power to detect a 30% change in either direction. Changes from baseline in SOWS and OOWS scores were not statistically significant. The only AEs reported were mild and consistent with those expected after pegIFN alfa-2b administration, such as inflammation at the injection site and mild, brief, flulike symptoms. Conclusion: Based on the results of this small, prospective, nonrandomized study, pegIFN alfa-2b did not appear to precipitate opioid withdrawal in this sample of methadone-maintained persons with HIV and chronic HCV coinfection; methadone dosage adjustments were unlikely to be needed.
3553 Sclerotherapy for stomal varices: bleeding controlled.

Sclerotherapy is one of the standard protocols available for esophageal varices to control bleeding and reduce risk of re-bleeding. It's utility is less clear in other vascular lesions. Control of bleeding in patients (PTS) with ileostomy site stomal varices is directed at lowering filling pressure by shunting portal hypertensive blood away from bleeding collateral vessels. This is more difficult in PTS with portal vein thrombosis.We describe use of ultrasound guided sclerotherapy in five PTS to control stomal variceal bleeding. All had ileostomies during total colectomy for ulcerative colitis. Two PTS had developed pancreatic cancer decades after surgery and both had portal vein thrombosis, a complication of the malignancy. TECHNIQUE: All PTS were treated by a single care provider. PTS were NPO for eight hours before ultrasound, to reduce ostomy output. The stomal site was photographed before treatment was initiated. Venous and arterial collateral vessels were mapped out around the stoma to define high flow conduits with the bleeding site. Mid-clavicular line was defined as 12:00. Initial site selected was vessel closest to the active bleeding site. Preference was to vessels >3 mm in diameter. Direction of flow did not affect choice of vessel. The site was injected while compressing the vessel to prevent flow away from the stoma, thereby encouraging the sclerosant to propagate toward the stoma. All injections were inside vessels, not around margins of vessels. Treatments were at six week intervals, or PRN if bleeding developed. PTS were followed to demise or until liver transplant(Tx). RESULTS: Five PTS were treated. Female to male ratio was 2:3. Ages were 58-78 yrs. Two to six treatments were required to demonstrate loss of vessels >1.5 mm in diameter. Transfusion requirements varied between 5 & 26 units per yr. before sclerotherapy, with a decrease to 0-4 units per year after completion. One patient had bleeding from esophageal varices during followup period. One patient awaits a Tx while one has already undergone Tx. The 2 PTS with pancreatic cancer and portal vein thrombosis lived 4 & 6 months respectively, after completing therapy. Each required 2 treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: Stomal varices can be treated successfully with sclerosing therapy. Access to the vessel in continuity with the stoma bleeding site requires ultrasound guidance. This therapy is indeed worthwhile and effective in controlling ileostomy stomal bleeding.
Trends in odor intensity for human and electronic noses: Relative roles of odorant vapor pressure vs. molecularly specific odorant binding

Response data were collected for a carbon black-polymer composite electronic nose array during exposure to homologous series of alkanes and alcohols. The mean response intensity of the electronic nose detectors and the response intensity of the most strongly driven set of electronic nose detectors were essentially constant for members of a chemically homologous odorant series when the concentration of each odorant in the gas phase was maintained at a constant fraction of the odorant’s vapor pressure. A similar trend is observed in human odor detection threshold values for these same homologous series of odorants. Because the thermodynamic activity of an odorant at equilibrium in a sorbent phase is equal to the partial pressure of the odorant in the gas phase divided by the vapor pressure of the odorant and because the activity coefficients are similar within these homologous series of odorants for sorption of the vapors into specific polymer films, the data imply that the trends in detector response can be understood based on the thermodynamic tendency to establish a relatively constant concentration of sorbed odorant into each of the polymeric films of the electronic nose at a constant fraction of the odorant’s vapor pressure. Similarly, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that the odor detection thresholds observed in human psychophysical experiments for the odorants studied herein are driven predominantly by the similarity in odorant concentrations sorbed into the olfactory epithelium at a constant fraction of the odorant’s vapor pressure.
Syntactic Processing in Agrammatic Aphasia by Speakers of a Slavic Language

It is widely believed that agrammatic aphasics have lost the ability to assign complete syntactic representations. This view stems from indications that agrammatics often fail to comprehend complex syntactic structures, as for example, some types of relative clauses. The present study presents an alternative account. Comprehension by Serbo-Croatian-speaking agrammatic aphasics was tested on four types of relative clause structures and on conjoined clauses. The relative clauses varied in type of embedding (embedded vs. nonembedded) and in the location of the gap (subject position vs. object position). There were two control groups: Wernicke-type aphasics and normal subjects. The findings from a sentence-picture matching task indicated that agrammatic aphasics were able to process complex syntactic structures, as evidenced by their well-above chance performances. The success rate varied across different types of relative clauses, with object-gap relatives yielding more errors than subject-gap relatives in all groups. Each group showed the same pattern of errors: agrammatic subjects were distinguished from Wernicke subjects and normal subjects only in quantity of errors. These findings are incompatible with the view that the agrammatics are missing portions of the syntax. Instead, their comprehension deficits reflect varying degrees of processing impairment in the context of spared syntactic knowledge.
Free Vibration Of Anisotropic Composite Thin-Walled Beams Of Closed Cross-Section Contour

Abstract This paper focuses on the formulation of the dynamic problem of laminated composite thick- and thin-walled, single-cell beams of arbitrary cross-section and on the investigation of their associated free vibration behavior. The structural model considered herein incorporates a number of non-classical effects. These are related to the exotic properties characterizing the advanced composite material structures; namely, anisotropy, heterogeneity and transverse shear flexibility, and with the incorporation of the non-uniform torsional model. The results obtained in this paper, related to the modelling of thick and thin-walled beams (TWB) made of advanced composite materials and the clarification of the role played by a number of non-classical effects, are expected to be useful toward obtaining better predictions of the vibrational behavior of TWB structures, in general, and of dynamic response and flutter instability of aeronautical/aerospace structures, in particular.
Dialkyltriazaniumsalze, 2. Mitt.: Darstellung und Eigenschaften von Dimethyltriazaniumsalzen

Dimethyltriazaniumnitrat,-perchlorat,-methylsulfonat,-toluolsulfonat,-bromid und-jodid wurden aus Dimethyltriazaniumchlorid mit den entsprechenden Silbersalzen in Methanol oder mit Kaliumhalogeniden in fl. NH3 dargestellt. Durch Reaktion mit der OH-Form eines basischen Ionenaustauschers last sich eine verd. wasr. Losung des Hydroxids erhalten. Das Verhalten von Dimethyltriazaniumchlorid in neutraler, saurer und alkalischer wasr. Losung wird diskutiert.
Towards understanding the rate capability of layered transition metal oxides LiNiyMnyCo1−2yO2

Abstract This work attempts to understand the rate capability of layered transition metal oxides LiNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 (0.33 ≤ y ≤ 0.5). The rate capability of LiNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 increase with increasing Co in the compounds and with increasing amount of carbon additives in the electrodes. The lithium diffusion coefficients and electronic conductivities of LixNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 are investigated and compared. The 333 compound has higher diffusivity and electronic conductivity and thus better rate performance than 550. Chemical diffusion coefficients for both delithiation and lithiation of LixNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 investigated by GITT and PITT experiments are calculated to be around 10−10 cm2 s−1, lower than that of LixCoO2. The electronic conductivity of LixNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 is inferior compared to LixCoO2 at same temperature and delithiation stage. However, the LixNiyMnyCo1−2yO2 are able to deliver 55%–80% of theoretical capacity at 5 C with good electronic wiring in the composite electrode that make them very promising candidates for electric propulsion in terms of rate capability.
Erectile Dysfunction in the Elderly

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder among older men. In the elderly, chronic comorbidities and the decline of physiologic processes associated with aging combine to impair erectile function. Nevertheless, the desire for sexual activity persists in many older men despite the occurrence of ED, which consequently can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Multiple safe, efficacious, and convenient options for the treatment of ED have produced excellent results in elderly men, but their application requires an understanding of nuances related to comorbidities, medication interactions, and physical limitations inherent in that population. This review will focus on those nuances, as well as recent advances in the field, with a comprehensive discussion on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, comorbidities, evaluation, and treatment of ED in the elderly.
Increased atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Premature and extensive atheroscleroses involving renal, peripheral, and cardiovascular sites remain major complications of diabetes mellitus. Controversy exists as to the contribution of hyperglycemia versus elevated local or systemic concentrations of insulin to atherosclerosis risk. In this report, we developed the first murine model susceptible to both atherosclerosis and diabetes to determine which diabetogenic factors contribute to vascular disease. C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were treated with multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) or control citrate buffer and fed rodent chow or an atherogenic-promoting (Ath) diet for 12-20 wk. STZ treatment resulted in sustained hyperglycemia (250-420 mg/dl) and a modest reduction in plasma insulin levels for both strains regardless of diet. Citrate-treated C57BL/6 mice fed the Ath diet showed extensive oil red O-staining fatty streak aortic sinus lesions (20,537+/-2,957 micron2), the size of which did not differ for Ath-fed mice treated with STZ (16,836+/-2,136 micron2). In contrast, hyperglycemic BALB/c mice fed the Ath diet showed a 17-fold increase in atherosclerotic lesion area (7,922+/-2,096 micron2) as compared with citrate-treated mice fed the Ath diet (467+/-318 micron2). Correlations between lesion size and plasma glucose levels were significant for BALB/c (r = 0.741, P < 0.009), but not C57BL/6 (r = 0.314, P<0.3) mice. Lesion size correlated significantly with plasma cholesterol for C57BL/6 (r = 0.612, P<0.03) but not BALB/c (r = 0.630, P<0.1) mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that aortic sinus lesions from both strains contained macrophages, but smooth muscle cells were clearly present in lesions of BALB/c mice. In summary, we present the first small animal model showing accelerated atherosclerosis in response to hyperglycemia. Fatty streaks resembled those of human type II lesions in that both macrophages and smooth muscle cells were evident. In addition, our results support the concept that hyperglycemia as opposed to hyperinsulinemia contributes heavily to risk of atherosclerosis.
Local Environmental Struggles: Citizen Activism in the Treadmill of Production

In recent years, environmentalism in the US has increasingly emerged at the community level, focusing on local ecological problems. Correspondingly, the American environmental movement has exhorted its supporters to 'think globally' but 'act locally'. The authors examine this modern environmental mantra by analysing the opportunities and constraints on local environmental action posed by economic and political structures at all levels. The difficulties involved in local activism are explored in three case studies - a wetlands protection project, water pollution of the Great Lakes, and consumer waste recycling. The final chapter then reflects on the challenges facing citizen-worker movements in each case study, and concludes that, despite the inherent difficulties, any successful attempt at mobilisation must have a local component.
KEPI, a PKC-dependent protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor regulated by morphine

Abstract cDNAs encoding KEPI, a novel protein kinase C (PKC)-potentiated inhibitory protein for type 1 Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PP1), were identified. They were found among morphine-regulated brain mRNAs identified using subtracted differential display techniques. Full-length rat, mouse, and human cDNA and genomic sequences were elucidated with library screening and data base searching. Rat, mouse, and human KEPI cDNAs encode 164–165 amino acid proteins with calculated isoelectric points of 5.2. Each species' amino acid sequence contains consensus sequences for phosphorylation by PKC (KVT72VK), protein kinase A (RKLS154), and casein kinase II (S43SRE, S120EEE). Multiple KEPI N-terminal myristoylation consensus sites provide potential regions for membrane anchoring. Subcellular fractionation and Western analyses revealed that most KEPI immunoreactivity was associated with P2 and P3 membrane-enriched fractions and little in cytosolic fractions. 2.6-kb KEPI mRNAs were detected in brain, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and in heart and skeletal muscle. Brain KEPI mRNA was up-regulated by both acute and chronic morphine treatments. The human KEPI gene contains four exons extending over more than 100 kb of genomic sequence on 6q24-q25, near the μ opiate receptor gene. These sequences displayed sufficient homology with the porcine PP1 inhibitor CPI-17 that we asked whether KEPI could share the ability of CPI-17 to modulate PP1 activity in a PKC-dependent fashion. Recombinant mouse KEPI is phosphorylated by PKC with aKm of 2.6 μm and at 1/2 of 20 min. Phospho-KEPI inhibits PP1α with an IC50 of 2.7 nm, a potency more than 600-fold greater than that displayed by unphosphorylated KEPI. Neither phospho- nor dephospho-KEPI inhibits protein phosphatase 2A. Up-regulation of KEPI expression by morphine, an agonist at PKC-regulating G-protein-coupled μ receptors, provides a novel signaling paradigm in which the half-lives of serine/threonine phosphorylation events can be influenced by activities at Gi/Go-coupled receptors that modulate KEPI expression, KEPI phosphorylation, and KEPI regulation of PP1 activity.
Comparison of the information-sharing benefit of the internet for family and non-family firms

Family firms are often characterised by fewer information asymmetries and more trusting cultures than are non-family firms. As a result, using agency theory, we argue that family firm leaders will perceive that they derive less benefit from the internet, an information technology that allows companies to reduce their information asymmetries, than leaders from non-family firms. Our findings are consistent with this argument and provide support for the contention that there are fundamental differences between the perceptions of leaders in family and non-family firms.
Initiation and transduction of stretch-induced RhoA and Rac1 activation through caveolae: cytoskeletal regulation of ERK translocation.

Abstract The Rho family small GTPases play a crucial role in mediating cellular responses to stretch. However, it remains unclear how force is transduced to Rho signaling pathways. We investigated the effect of stretch on the activation and caveolar localization of RhoA and Rac1 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In unstretched cardiomyocytes, RhoA and Rac1 were detected in both caveolar and non-caveolar fractions as assessed using detergent-free floatation analysis. Stretching myocytes for 4 min activated RhoA and Rac1. By 15 min of stretch, RhoA and Rac1 had dissociated from caveolae, and there was decreased coprecipitation of RhoA and Rac1 with caveolin-3. To determine whether compartmentation of RhoA and Rac1 within caveolae was necessary for stretch signaling, we disrupted caveolae with methyl β-cyclodextrin (MβCD). Treatment with 5 mm MβCD for 1 h dissociated both RhoA and Rac1 from caveolae. Under this condition, stretch failed to activate RhoA or Rac1. Stretch-induced actin cytoskeletal organization was concomitantly impaired. Interestingly the ability of stretch to activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was unaffected by MβCD treatment, but ERK translocation to the nucleus was impaired. Stretch-induced hypertrophy was also inhibited. Actin cytoskeletal disruption with cytochalasin-D also prevented stretch from increasing nuclear ERK, whereas actin polymerization with jasplakinolide restored nuclear translocation of activated ERK in the presence of MβCD. We suggest that activation of RhoA or Rac1, localized in a caveolar compartment, is essential for sensing externally applied force and transducing this signal to the actin cytoskeleton and ERK translocation.
The Ideal Retraction Property for Idempotent Semigroups

A semigroup S is said to have the ideal retraction property provided each of its ideals is the image of an idempotent endomorphism of S. The main result of this work is a characterization of those bands which have the idempotent retraction property. All such bands are normal.
Information sharing and collateral damage.

Recent studies have revealed a novel mechanism of antigen cross-presentation by intercellular peptide transfer through gap junctions, which provides new insight about how the immune system recognizes and destroys viruses and tumor cells. At the site of infection or tumorigenesis, gap junctions provide an ‘information-sharing' channel through which viral- and tumor-derived peptides are transferred to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), leading to naive T-cell stimulation. Similarly, gap-junction-mediated peptide transfer from infected or malignant cells to neighboring cells incurs ‘collateral damage' by cytotoxic T cells, thereby limiting the spread of viruses or the progression of tumors.
GENESIM (generic network simulator)

A description is given of the GENESIM generic network simulator, a communications network simulation tool designed specifically to facilitate simulation development for large, research-level network problems. The structure of the package has been derived in response to the need to study large networks with experimental variation of adaptive routing algorithms. Such efforts are considered not well-served by parameter-driven simulators because the variations in possible message processing/routing and system topology are difficult to plan for in advance. It is also pointed out that ad hoc coding of each possible network variant affects both project costs and schedules. The GENESIM system provides a hybrid approach to such tasks, which will permit coding the network algorithms with the full flexibility of a general-purpose language, while relieving the programming of the details normally associated with simulation coding. >
Boundary phase stability and critical phenomena in higher order solid solution systems II: Conditions for critical points and approximate solutions

The thermodynamic treatment of double-pseudobinary solutions of the type (A xBy) r o(M uNv) s o presented in a preceding publication was extended to include the conditions defining the critical points for the asymmetric case (r o≠s o) and approximations for the spinodal and binodal surface near the critical solution point. Closed solutions for the coordinates of the critical points were obtained only for systems with ideal mixing behavior, and the isothermal binodal and spinodal near the critical solution point in such systems are adequately approximated by circles and ellipses, respectively. An axes ratio of $$\sqrt 3$$ is nearly independent of the relative sublattice abundance and the major effect of changes in the ratios o/r o is a rotation of the binodal by an angle tg $$\alpha = \sqrt {\frac{{s_0 }}{{r_0 }}} .$$ . The principal features of nonideal regular systems for temperatures close to the critical solution point are described by expressions derived from small term expansions of the conditional equations, but generalizations are not possible to the same extent as for the case with ideal boundary systems. The results are discussed and the application of the equations demonstrated on model examples.
Density‐dependent Survival in Seedlings Differs among Woody Life‐forms in Tropical Wet Forests of a Caribbean Island

Negative density dependence contributes to seedling dynamics in forested ecosystems, but the relative importance of this factor for different woody plant life-forms is not well-understood. We used 1 yr of seedling survivorship data for woody seedlings in 17 different plots of lower to mid-montane rain forests on the island of Dominica to examine how seedling height, abiotic factors, and biotic factors such as negative density dependence are related to seedling survival of five different life-forms (canopy, midstory, and understory trees; shrubs; and lianas). Across 64 species, taller seedlings in seedling plots with higher canopy openness, greater seedling density, lower relative abundance of conspecific seedlings, and lower relative abundance of conspecific adults generally had a greater probability of surviving. Height was the strongest predictor of seedling survival for all life-forms except lianas. Greater seedling density was positively related to survival for canopy and midstory trees but negatively related to survival for the other life-forms. For trees, the relative abundance of conspecific seedling and adult neighbors had weak and strong negative effects on survival respectively. Neither shrub nor liana seedling survival was affected by the relative abundance of conspecific neighbors. Thus, negative density dependence is confirmed as an important structuring mechanism for tree seedling communities but does not seem to be important for lianas and shrubs in Dominican rain forests. These results represent the first direct assessment of controls on seedling survival of all woody life-forms – an important step in understanding the dynamics and structure of the entire woody plant community.
Fostering Healthy Attachment Between Substance Dependent Parents and Their Infant Children

Infants of parents with substance abuse problems enter foster care at a higher rate than infants of nonabusing parents and are at a higher risk for attachment problems and child maltreatment. The current study evaluates the impact of a 10-week infant massage intervention designed to increase attachment between parents in a drug rehabilitation facility and their infants. The program focuses on parental awareness of infant's internal states, the development of skills for self-regulation of affect, the calming of their child, and the development of a capacity for sustained positive parent-child interaction so that parents can become more available in the psychological space and time they spend with their infant children. Parent participants, interviewed before and after the intervention, completed a demographic and program evaluation survey, as well as standardized measures of parent knowledge of child development, parenting stress, and depression. Results indicate trends towards decreased parental stress, i...
Local government in Scandinavia

Public ownership and social services have log been the concern of municipalities in Scandinavian countries.
Reprimanding and responding to a reprimand : A case study of Peruvian Spanish speakers

Abstract This paper presents empirical research analyzing the politeness strategies and frames of participation for male and female Peruvian Spanish speakers in two role-play situations: reprimanding and responding to a reprimand. When reprimanding, both male and female participants preferred solidarity over deferential politeness strategies. They also preferred strategies that threatened the interlocutor's face wants rather than their own, and her negative rather than positive face wants. This reflects a preference for being authoritative while maintaining friendliness. Males were far more authoritative than females and participated within what we call a ‘this is business’ frame. On the other hand, females generally expressed concern for the interlocutor and participated within a ‘this is friend’ frame. Older participants, both male and female, and members of the upper middle class were the more forceful and imposing. Unlike what was characteristic of reprimanding, when responding to a reprimand a second set of males and females preferred deferential as opposed to solidarity politeness strategies. In this situation participants threatened their own face wants rather than their interlocutor's, preferring also to threaten their negative rather than positive face wants. This demonstrates once more the preference for expressing friendliness as opposed to imposing on themselves or the interlocutor. There were again decided differences between males and females. Males were confrontational participating in a ‘this is challenge’ frame. Females, on the other hand, balanced their confrontation with an admission of responsibility and participated in a ‘this is acceptance’ frame. Older participants, both male and female, and members of the upper middle class were the more deferential.
Students as Tourists and Fledgling Researchers: The Value of Ethnographic Field Courses for Tourism Education

This article describes an ethnographic field course on indigenous tourism and discusses the value of short-term field courses for tourism education. The course involves taking undergraduate students from southern Maine to Cree Indian communities in northern Quebec as part of a collaborative project between the author and the Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA). While providing students with training in ethnographic fieldwork, it also lets them directly observe and report on the state of tourism development in Cree communities. Ethnographic field courses offer unique experiential learning opportunities and are well suited to teaching students from various backgrounds and disciplines about tourism and its challenges.
Soliton solutions and their stability for the flow of relativistic fluids through channels

We analyze the flow of a perfect relativistic fluid in a confining channel of variable cross-section — a situation that is relevant for models of radio galaxies. Families of soliton-like solutions are found and their topologies described. However, a perturbative investigation of these solutions indicates that all such soliton modes are unstable, and would eventually decay.
Stochastic models of lesion induction and repair in yeast.

Abstract In the past decade several stochastic models for the effects of radiation on cell survival have been proposed. We survey them briefly and consider their possible application to some experimental results of Frankenberg-Schwager and coauthors on irradiated yeast. One possible model is a slight modification of the model proposed by Yang and Swenberg. It is shown that the modified model does not actually fit well and that the repair mechanism requires additional complications for adequate description.