cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensional flow-induced crystallization of a polyethylene melt

Measurements of flow-induced orientation and crystallization have been made on a high-density polyethylene melt (HDPE) undergoing a planar extensional flow in a four-roll mill. The HDPE was suspended as a cylindrical droplet at the flow stagnation point in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) carrier phase. Deformation and crystallization of the HDPE droplet phase were monitored using video imaging in conjunction with measurement of the birefringence and dichroism to quantify the in-situ transformation kinetics. Planar deformation rates along the symmetry axis of the molten HDPE phase were on the order of 0.03 s−1. Measurements of the initial transformation rate following flow cessation at 131.5°C and 133.2°C show a dependence on initial amorphous phase orientation and the total Hencky strain achieved during flow. The flow-induced crystallization rate is enhanced over the quiescent transformation rate by orders of magnitude, however, the dependence on temperature is less dramatic than expected for a nucleation-controlled growth mechanism. Analysis demonstrates that the melting point elevation model cannot account either qualitatively or quantitatively for the phenomena observed, suggesting that alternative explanations for the strong orientation dependence of the transformation rate are needed.
The effect of alpha-tocopherol deficiency on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effect of barbital

Abstract The effect of alpha-tocopherol deficiency on barbital absorption, distribution and elimination in rats was investigated. It was found that the in vitro transport of barbital through the everted intestine was more rapid in animals deficient in alpha-to-copherol as compared to controls. Pharmacokinetic analysis of blood level versus time data obtained on intact animals showed that the absorption rate constant was significantly increased and the elimination rate constant decreased in the vitamin deficient animals. The apparent volume of distribution was unchanged although the peak height and time of occurrance of the blood level peak were different in the deficient animals. A correlation between pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was found. The increased absorption and transport of barbital through the gastrointestinal membranes resulted in higher blood levels within a shorter period of time. The consequence of this phenomena is that the onset of sleep was shortened in animals with an alpha-tocopherol deficiency.
Morphological types of neurons located at taste-responsive sites in the solitary nucleus of the hamster

HRP histochemistry and microelectrode mapping were combined to study the sizes, shapes, and orientations of neuronal cell bodies and dendrites located at sites of taste-elicited single unit activity in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST). Cells responding to sapid stimulation of the anterior tongue were extracellularly recorded using micropipettes containing HRP. Iontophoretic injection of the marker at the recording sites resulted in small (50-200 microns diameter) opaque zones bordered by a small number (2-15) of neurons with Golgi-like filling of their cell bodies, dendrites, and to some extent, their axons. The cell bodies were near (50-250 microns) the injection sites into which they sent labelled dendrites. Two broad categories of neurons were typically filled. Elongate cells had oval- to spindle-shaped cell bodies oriented mediolaterally. Two primary dendrites extended 100-300 microns from the cell body, one medially and one laterally, and branched within a cylindrical dendritic field oriented mediolaterally. A minority of the HRP-filled elongate cells had unusually long rostrally or caudally directed dendritic branches. Stellate cells had oval, round, triangular, or polygonal cell bodies and 3-5 primary dendrites coursing 200-300 microns in all directions and branching as unoriented, spheroidal fields. A minority of stellate cells had relatively unbranched wavy dendrites, resembling tentacles, while others had unusually small cell bodies (10-15 microns diameter), small dendrites, and locally arborizing axons. Of 151 labelled cells, all but 12 were remarkably confined to the rostral NST. Nearly 90% were concentrated in the rostral central cytoarchitectonic subdivision, where stellate cells predominated, or in the rostral lateral subdivision, where elongate cells predominated. These morphological types of neurons, filled at neurophysiological recording sites, are compared with cell types identified in previous light and electron microscopic studies of the cytoarchitecture, connections, and synaptic organization of the gustatory NST.
Magnitude scales and somatic evoked potentials to percutaneous electrical stimulation

Abstract Eighteen observers used magnitude estimation or production to scale percutaneous rectangular electrical pulses of different intensities at various pulse widths. Averaged evoked potentials were obtained from scalp leads on eight of these subjects. Various functions were fitted to both the psychophysical and electrophysiological data. The most useful description of all findings was a power function, R = a ( I - I o ) k . The threshold factor I o formed a strength-duration function against pulse width. The exponent “k” was less for electrophysiological than for psychophysical results but was invariant over pulse width. The dual power function which Rosner and Goff previously proposed to describe somatosensory intensity functions is unnecessary.
SYNERGISTIC IMPACT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND DIABETES MELLITUS ON PERIPHERAL VASCULAR ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE NEOVASCULARIZATION AND INFLAMMATION

Neovascularization and inflammation in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) augments thrombotic risk in these patients, the impact of CKD on atherosclerotic plaque progression in the setting of DM remains
Zero-switching-loss inverters for high-power applications

The development of zero switching loss inverters has attracted much interest for industrial applications. Two topologies for realizing zero switching losses in high-power converters are proposed. The actively clamped resonant DC link inverter uses the concept of a lossless active clamp to restrict voltage stresses to only 1.3-1.5 supply voltage. For applications demanding substantially better spectral performance, the resonant pole inverter (RPI), also called the quasi-resonant current mode inverter, is proposed as a viable topology. Using only six devices rated at supply voltage, this circuit transfers the resonant components to the AC side of each phase and thus requires additional inductor and capacitor (LC) components. On the other hand, the RPI is capable of true pulsewidth modulation (PWM) operation at high frequency as opposed to discrete pulse modulation operation found in resonant DC link invertors. >
Instrument for Measuring the Forward Scattering Coefficient of Sea WATER1

The theory dcvclopcd by Beuttel and Brewer for an instrument to measure the total scattering coefficient is re-examined to detcrminc its usefulness in sea water. It is found that, with a properly dcsigncd instrument, one can WC this principle to measure the forward scattering coefficient with an accuracy better than 10% if the total attenuation coefficient of the water dots not exceed 2.1/m. The errors that could be introduced by the size and shape of the source or of the beam of clctcction arc cxamincd and discussed. Beuttel and Brewer ( 1949) devised a remarkably simple and ingenious device for measuring the total scattering coefficient of the atmosphere. The principle of this device is shown in Figure 1 where A is a small cosine emitter of radiance WO. If a multiplier phototube looks across this source from 0 along a line of sight OM, which is parallel to the surface of the source and a distance h above it, then for the condition in which A is the only source of light, and the absorption coefficient is substantially zero, Beuttel and Brewer demonstrated that the total scattering coefficient, s, could be obtained by means of equation 1,
Management of a Large Acetabular Chondrolabral Injury in a Young Patient With Femoroacetabular Impingement

Patients with mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome often have concomitant chondrolabral pathology in addition to the characteristic cam and pincer lesions. Unfortunately, these patients are typically young, and the pathology is localized to the weight-bearing dome of the acetabulum. Complete preoperative characterization of labral and cartilage lesions is often not possible even with advanced imaging techniques, and the full extent of the injury may not be appreciated without direct arthroscopic visualization. Thus management decisions regarding intra-articular pathology may not be possible until the time of surgery. Often, the cartilage and labral pathology in these young patients is part of a contiguous complex of tissue that separates from the underlying subchondral bone. We present an arthroscopic management technique for young patients with this pattern of injury. This includes limited debridement of loose labral and chondral tissue, labral repair to restore the suction-seal effect, microfracture to promote reparative tissue formation, and takedown of the underlying pathoanatomic cam and pincer lesions.
Seminal oxidative stress in patients with chronic prostatitis

Prostatitis has been associated with abnormal semen parameters and may be the cause of infertility in some patients. Sperm antibodies and impaired sperm motility have been observed in the semen of patients with prostatitis. More recently, seminal oxidative stress has been detected in patients with prostatitis or accessory gland infection. Oxidative stress is the result of elevated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or depressed Total Anti-oxidant Capacity, or both. Granulocytes, in prostatic fluid may be responsible for the generation of ROS, which are known to impair sperm function. Abnormal levels of ROS, however, have also been detected in the absence of leucocytospermia. Several investigators have observed significant oxidative stress in the semen or prostatic fluid from patients with bacterial and abacterial forms of prostatitis, comparable with levels reported in men with recognized infertility. Whether prostatitis is a risk factor for infertility or not, remains controversial. Therefore, the role of seminal oxidative stress as either the result of prostatic inflammation or the cause of infertility is likewise debatable, but plausible. We summarize the results of our studies, as well as those of others who are dedicated to the research of prostatitis, and its potential effects on semen quality.
Response strategies for coping with the cognitive demands of attitude measures in surveys

This paper proposes that when optimally answering a survey question would require substantial cognitive effort, some repondents simply provide a satisfactory answer instead. This behaviour, called satisficing, can take the form of either (1) incomplete or biased information retrieval and/or information integration, or (2) no information retrieval or integration at all. Satisficing may lead respondents to employ a variety of response strategies, including choosing the first response alternative that seems to constitute a reasonable answer, agreeing with an assertion made by a question, endorsing the status quo instead of endorsing social change, failing to differentiate among a set of diverse objects in ratings, saying ‘don't know’ instead of reporting an opinion, and randomly choosing among the response alternatives offered. This paper specifies a wide range of factors that are likely to encourage satisficing, and reviews relevant evidence evaluating these speculations. Many useful directions for future research are suggested.
Leg-length determination with biplanar CT scanograms

Computed tomography (CT) scanograms provide an accurate method for evaluation of leg-length discrepancy. Flexion of a leg may be missed on a single frontal projection, and the measurements obtained will be erroneously shortened. When performing CT sonography, lateral views of the limbs may be easily and rapidly obtained without having to change the position of the patient. This permits assessment of limb flexion.
Cholesterol Screening in an At-Risk Pediatric Population

Elevation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a recognized risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and such elevations have their antecedents in the pediatric population. This study evaluated the frequency of elevated LDL cholesterol in children and adolescents (8–18 years) in whom one parent had a history of premature ischemic heart disease (<55 years). Patients had a fasting lipid profile performed and results were classified as normal, borderline/high, or high in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. Fifty-two parents had a total of 97 children and adolescents who were eligible for screening. Ninety-three initially consented and fasting lipid profiles were obtained in 82 (84.5%) children. Prevalences of high and borderline/high LDL cholesterol were (7/82) 8.5% and (17/82) 20.7%, respectively. Screening for hypercholesterolemia in these at-risk children and adolescents is prudent and dietary advice must be offered.
The Roman Church and Modern Italian Democracy

Among the many anecdotes about Pope Sixtus V, a stern figure of an Italian Pope-king of the sixteenth century, there is one which tells of an old Franciscan friar who had been a close friend of the Pope when the latter in his young days was a friar himself, known by the name of Felice Peretti, living in a small convent of northern Italy. When “Fra Felice” was elected Pope, his friend thought that Sixtus would not forget him and would call him to Rome and perhaps make him an important personage in the Curia. But no call came from Rome, not even an acknowledgment of the humble letters of congratulation sent with so many hopes by the old friar to his exalted friend. So he decided to go to Rome and speak personally to the Pope. After many hours of waiting in the antechamber he was admitted to the papal presence. Sixtus looked at him with indifferent eye as if he never had known him.
Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis: an adolescent with an ovarian teratoma.

Abstract Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis has been reported to be associated with ovarian teratomas. In many patients, surgical excision has resulted in improvement. Case A previously healthy 14-year-old girl presented with confusion which later evolved into a comatose state. Imaging revealed an adnexal mass which was surgically removed and confirmed to be a mature teratoma. Her cerebral spinal fluid was positive for antibodies to NR1/NR2 heteromers of NMDA receptors. Comments Cystic teratomas are one of the most common benign ovarian lesions in children and young women. While an association of ovarian teratomas and paraneoplastic encephalitis is published in the neurologic literature, this association needs to be clarified for the practicing gynecologist who may be asked to consult on these patients.
Effects of Polysialic Acid on Sensory Innervation of the Cornea

Abstract Sensory trigeminal growth cones innervate the cornea in a coordinated fashion during embryonic development. Polysialic acid (polySia) is known for its important roles during nerve development and regeneration. The purpose of this work is to determine whether polySia, present in developing eyefronts and on the surface of sensory nerves, may provide guidance cues to nerves during corneal innervation. Expression and localization of polySia in embryonic day (E)5–14 chick eyefronts and E9 trigeminal ganglia were identified using Western blotting and immunostaining. Effects of polySia removal on trigeminal nerve growth behavior were determined in vivo, using exogenous endoneuraminidase (endoN) treatments to remove polySia substrates during chick cornea development, and in vitro, using neuronal explant cultures. PolySia substrates, made by the physical adsorption of colominic acid to a surface coated with poly- d -lysine (PDL), were used as a model to investigate functions of the polySia expressed in axonal environments. PolySia was localized within developing eyefronts and on trigeminal sensory nerves. Distributions of PolySia in corneas and pericorneal regions are developmentally regulated. PolySia removal caused defasciculation of the limbal nerve trunk in vivo from E7 to E10. Removal of polySia on trigeminal neurites inhibited neurite outgrowth and caused axon defasciculation, but did not affect Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) expression or Schwann cell migration in vitro. PolySia substrates in vitro inhibited outgrowth of trigeminal neurites and promoted their fasciculation. In conclusion, polySia is localized on corneal nerves and in their targeting environment during early developing stages of chick embryos. PolySias promote fasciculation of trigeminal axons in vivo and in vitro, whereas, in contrast, their removal promotes defasciculation.
Empirical Distribution Models for Escherichia coli 57:H7 in Ground Beef Produced by a Mid-size Commercial Grinder

: The purpose of this research was to develop empirical models that describe the amount and distribution of ground beef contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 when a contaminated beef trim is introduced into a batch of uncontaminated beef before processing in a mid-size commercial grinder (34 g/s). A beef trim was inoculated with a rifampacin-resistant strain of E. coli O157:H7 and added to a batch of noncontaminated trims at the grinding step. To study the distribution of the E. coli O157:H7rif in the ground beef, 6 treatments with different inoculum levels (1 to 6 log10 colony-forming units [CFU]) were tested. Removal or pick up of the residual contamination with E. coli O157:H7rif left in the grinder was evaluated. E. coli O157:H7rif was detected in 9% to 86% of the total ground beef for the 1 to 6 log10 CFU inoculum levels, respectively. E. coli O157:H7rif contamination was detected in the collar that fixes the grinder's die and blade to the hub. An exponential algorithm described the relationship between the quantities of ground beef containing E. coli O157:H7rif and the inoculum level (R2= 0.82). Distribution models based on a Chi-squared algorithm were developed for each inoculum level describing the contamination level as a function of the batch fraction processed (R2= 0.81 to 0.99). The results of this study corroborate that when beef processors test for pathogenic contamination in a mid-scale grinder, they should test the beef residues in the collar that fixes the grinder's die and blade to the hub.
Analysis of the validity of the Gouy-Chapman theory of the electric double layer

Approximate expressions for the influence of dielectric saturation, polarization of ions, and ionic interactions on the structure of the electric double layer were derived and were incorporated in a generalized Poisson-Boltzmann differential equation for the electric double layer. The solution of this extended equation in terms of a correction function, to be applied to the standard Gouy-Chapman treatment of the double layer, showed that in the case of colloid suspension with a low concentration of co-ions (relative to the concentration of counter-ions) these corrections are small, provided the surface density of charge of the colloid does not exceed 2 × 10−7 meq/cm.2 (= 20 μ Coulomb/cm.2). Especially the effects of dielectric saturation and polarization of the ions, being opposite in sign, balance each other rather closely. The effect of ionic interaction can be of some magnitude, the maximum effect probably occurring around the mentioned charge density of 2–3 × 10−7 meq/cm.2. Above this value the short-range repulsion will start to exceed the effect of the Coulombic interaction, and eventually lead to a uniform concentration of ions over some distance from the plate. It is expected, therefore, that if the charge density of a colloid does not exceed 2 × 10−7 meq/cm.2, the Gouy-Chapman theory will give fairly reliable results, especially if the charge density of the colloid under consideration is constant. The conclusions drawn are in agreement with certain experimental observations.
The oncogenicity of azathioprine

One hundred and fifty-four patients with histologically verified non-alcoholic chronic liver disease were randomized to azathioprine or prednisone treatment. After a median of 91 months observation time, the cause of death was assessed retrospectively. Autopsy was performed in 82% of 71 deaths. In the azathioprine group 33% (13/39) died from malignant neoplasia, and in the prednisone group (13%) (4/32) (p = 0.08). Considering a possible fatal outcome as a consequence of treatment, this finding urges caution in the long-term application of azathioprine at the usual dose level.
Bayesian bivariate linear mixed-effects models with skew-normal/independent distributions, with application to AIDS clinical studies.

Bivariate correlated (clustered) data often encountered in epidemiological and clinical research are routinely analyzed under a linear mixed-effected (LME) model with normality assumptions for the random-effects and within-subject errors. However, those analyses might not provide robust inference when the normality assumptions are questionable if the data set particularly exhibits skewness and heavy tails. In this article, we develop a Bayesian approach to bivariate linear mixed-effects (BLME) models replacing the Gaussian assumptions for the random terms with skew-normal/independent (SNI) distributions. The SNI distribution is an attractive class of asymmetric heavy-tailed parametric structure which includes the skew-normal, skew-t, skew-slash, and skew-contaminated normal distributions as special cases. We assume that the random-effects and the within-subject (random) errors, respectively, follow multivariate SNI and normal/independent (NI) distributions, which provide an appealing robust alternative to...
Spectroscopic and microstructural characterization of solution chemistry effects in PZT thin film processing

Ferroelectric PZT 53:47 thin films were prepared by two different solution deposition methodologies. Both routes utilized carboxylate and alkoxide precursors and acetic acid, which served as both a solvent and a chemical modifier. We have studied the effects of solution preparation conditions on film microstructure and ferroelectric properties, and have used NMR spectroscopy to characterize chemical differences between the two precursor solutions. Films prepared by a sequential precursor addition (SPA) process were characterized by slightly lossy hysteresis loops, with a Pr of 18.7 μC/cm2 and an Ec of 55.2 kV/cm. Films prepared by an inverted mixing order (IMO) process were characterized by well saturated hysteresis loops, a Pr of 26.2 μC/cm2 and an Ec of 43.3 kV/cm. While NMR investigations indicated that the chemical environments of both the proton and carbon species were similar for the two processes, differences in the amounts of by-products (esters, and therefore, water) formed were noted. These differences apparently impacted ceramic microstructure. Although both films were characterized by a columnar growth morphology, the SPA derived film displayed a residual pyrochlore layer at the film surface, which did not transform into the stable perovskite phase. The presence of this layer resulted in poor dielectric properties and lossy ferroelectric behavior.
Carbon dioxide fixation and biosynthesis of amino acids in yeast.

Abstract The time required for the label from 14CO2 to enter the various amino acids of yeast protein has been studied by means of paper chromatography and radioautography. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid and threonine become radioactive within the first 1 2 hour, emphasizing their rapid equilibrium with the primary products of 14CO2 fixation. Glycine and serine become radioactive by the end of the first hour and remain among the most radioactive of the amino acids throughout the period studied. This observation supports a previous proposal for the biosynthesis of these amino acids from a four carbon intermediate, which is probably one of the first formed carbon dioxide fixation products. Proline incorporates label very slowly and lysine not at all. These findings are in line with a slow turnover rate for proline and the known biosynthetic pathway for lysine. Valine labeling appearing before that in alanine suggests a decarboxylation-recarboxylation step in the formation of valine.
On comparing the shape parameters of two Weibull distributions

Abstract Probability estimators developed previously by the authors have been used to compare unbiased estimates of the shape parameters (Weibull modulus) from two distributions by the linear regression method for thirteen sample sizes ranging from 10 to 100. Percentiles of the ratio of two estimated Weibull moduli for various confidence levels have been developed. The use of these percentiles for hypothesis testing, i.e., comparison of the two Weibull moduli is demonstrated by using datasets from the literature.
Controlled Functionalization of Polystyrene: Introduction of Reactive Groups by Multisite Metalation with Superbase and Reaction with Electrophiles

The controlled functionalization of polystyrene using a process of metalation with a potassium superbase followed by reaction with electrophiles is described. The method is advantageous because metalation is extremely efficient, occurring rapidly even at room temperature, and the degree of functionalization can be controlled over a very broad range. Functionalization with trimethylsilyl groups allows effective monitoring and quantification of the metalation process. Other examples of modification include the introduction of small dendritic fragments by reaction with a dendron having an aldehydic focal point or the introduction of carboxylic acid pendant groups. This method, which has little effect on the polydispersity of the polymer, has broad applicability for the functionalization of a wide spectrum of polymers containing active hydrogens and may also be used to prepare randomly branched or star structures.
Presurgical mapping with magnetic source imaging: comparisons with intraoperative findings.

We compare noninvasive preoperative mapping with magnetic source imaging to intraoperative cortical stimulation mapping. These techniques were directly compared in 17 patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative somatosensory mapping of a total of 22 comparable anatomic sites (digits, face). Our findings are presented in the context of previous studies that used magnetic source imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging as noninvasive surrogates of intraoperative mapping for the identification of sensorimotor and language-specific brain functional centers in patients with brain tumors. We found that magnetic source imaging results were reasonably concordant with intraoperative mapping findings in over 90% of cases, and that concordance could be defined as “good” in 77% of cases. Magnetic source imaging therefore provides a viable, if coarse, identification of somatosensory areas and, consequently, can guide and reduce the time taken for intraoperative mapping procedures.
Nurse practitioners' use of nursing diagnoses.

“Where are We Now?” is an occasional feature in Nursing Diagnosis. The column focuses on current issues and trends related to nursing diagnosis development, implementation, and evaluation.
Injectable, Highly Flexible, and Thermosensitive Hydrogels Capable of Delivering Superoxide Dismutase

Injectable hydrogels are attractive for cell and drug delivery. In this work, we synthesized a family of injectable, biodegradable, fast gelling and thermosensitive hydrogels based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid (AAc), dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone acrylate (DBA), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-poly(trimethylene carbontate) (HEMAPTMC) macromer. Type I collagen was composited with the hydrogels to improve their biocompatibility. The hydrogel copolymer solutions were readily injectable at 4 °C. The solutions exhibited thermal transition temperatures ranging from 23.6 to 24.5 °C and were capable of gelation within 7 s at 37 °C to form highly flexible and soft hydrogels with moduli from 39 to 119 KPa and breaking strains >1000%, depending on the copolymer composition and collagen addition. After 2 weeks incubation in PBS, the hydrogels demonstrated weight losses ranging from 10−20%. The completely degraded hydrogels had thermal transition temperatures >40 °C and were soluble at body temperature. ...
Further features of the Fennoscandian focus of multiple sclerosis.

Reassessment of the distribution of multiple sclerosis with the methodology employed in previous work provides strong evidence for a single focus of high-frequency MS in Norway. This focus occupies the eastern mountain plains area of Southern Norway and extends to the coast on both south and east, as well as northward to encompass the entire waist of Norway up to some 64° north latitude. The distributions are very similar for both cumulative death rates (1951–65) and for disability-pensioned cases (1966), when assessed according to residence within the 104 small units comprising Norway, a number which represents the lower limit of unit size for the method used. In combination with the previously described distributions of MS within small units of Sweden and intermediate-sized units of Finland, the Norwegian data provide even stronger evidence for the existence of a single Fennoscandian focus of high-frequency MS, extending from the southern mountain plains of Norway eastward across the inland lake area of southern Sweden, across the Bay of Bothnia to south-western Finland, and thence back to Sweden at Umea. The combination of separate studies is thought valid in the light of the strong correlations between distributions of MS covering different generations of patients in Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway. The slope of the regression line for these three lands is about the same, and is such as to raise the possibility of the diffusion of MS over time in these countries.
Agents of Change: The Role of Public Managers in Public Policy

Our article outlines a number of ways that theories of public management can contribute to the work of public policy scholars. We first outline some of the ways in which public managers have been incorporated into previous work on public policy, and the limitations faced by previous treatments. We then discuss the role that public management plays in the policy process, with a specific focus on managerial quality, networking, and performance evaluation.
Positive allosteric modulation of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as a new approach to smoking reduction: evidence from a rat model of nicotine self-administration

Rationale The α4β2 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) plays a central role in the mediation of nicotine reinforcement. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) at α4β2 nAChRs facilitate the intrinsic efficiency of these receptors, although they do not directly activate the receptors. α4β2 PAMs are hypothesized to reduce nicotine self-administration in subjects engaged in routine nicotine consumption. The present study tested this hypothesis using a rat model of nicotine self-administration.
Strabismus Misadventures in Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery procedures become more popular everyday. Millions of people have left their glasses or contacts behind after getting a surgical solution to their vision needs. Binocular diplopia...
The 2003 October-November Fast Halo Coronal Mass Ejections and the Large-Scale Magnetic Field Structures

The coronal magnetic field, computed from synoptic maps of the magnetic field and a potential field source surface (PFSS) model, reveals special configurations related to the active regions that were associated with most, if not all, fast halo coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in 2003 October-November. It was shown that these active regions emerged in an open field area, produced a large open field area after emerging, or sat on a boundary of two open field areas with the same polarity. This type of boundary is also known as a "plasma sheet." Such magnetic structures appear to be favorable for the propagation of the disturbance. MHD simulations were performed here to explore the behavior of the propagation of the disturbance against these special configurations of the background magnetic field. It is demonstrated that without the presence of open flux, the speed of the CMEs would have been only 78% of that with open flux present. It is also found that the CMEs from a heliospheric current sheet have a speed only 67% of the CMEs' speed from a plasma sheet, the source boundary with the same polarity.
Percent body fat and prediction of surgical site infection.

Background Obesity is a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) after elective surgery. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to define obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ), but percent body fat (%BF) (obesity is >25%BF [men]; >31%BF [women]) might better predict SSI risk because BMI might not reflect body composition. Study Design This prospective study included 591 elective surgical patients 18 to 64 years of age from September 2008 through February 2009. Height and weight were measured for BMI. %BF was calculated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Preoperative, operative, and 30-day postoperative data were captured through interviews and chart review. Our primary, predetermined outcomes measurement was SSI as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results Mean %BF and BMI were 34±10 and 29±8, respectively. Four-hundred and nine (69%) patients were obese by %BF; 225 (38%) were obese by BMI. SSI developed in 71 (12%) patients. With BMI defining obesity, SSI incidence was 12.3% in nonobese and 11.6% in obese patients (p = 0.8); Using %BF, SSI occurred in 5.0% of nonobese and 15.2% of obese patients (p Conclusions Obesity, defined by %BF, is associated with a 5-fold increased SSI risk. This risk increases as %BF increases. %BF is a more sensitive and precise measurement of SSI risk than BMI. Additional studies are required to better understand this relationship.
Amplification of the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for measuring allergen‐specific IgE and IgG antibody

The amplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (a-ELISA) has been successfully applied to the measurement of allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibodies. Data presented indicate a high positive correlation among measurements of IgE-specific antibodies to ragweed antigen E using the a-ELISA, RAST and radiometric assay of Zeiss. Similarly, a high correlation between allergen-specific IgG antibodies measured by the a-ELISA and Farr assay was also observed. Data presented indicate that the measurement of serum IgE antibodies in the linear region of the ELISA titration plot is unaffected by competition with IgG antibodies. The assay is sensitive, reliable, and without risk to laboratory personnel. It is capable of measuring both IgE and IgG antibodies in patients using the same assay system.
Radical cystectomy after coronary artery bypass graft

Nine patients have undergone single-stage radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion two to fifty-one months after coronary artery bypass procedures. Two patients presenting with intractable angina at the time their malignant disease was being evaluated required bypass surgery before cystectomy could be undertaken. No significant cardiac morbidity occurred postoperatively, and all remain alive without evidence of malignant disease.
The fabrication of a MWNTs-polymer composite chemoresistive sensor array to discriminate between chemical toxic agents

In this study, a chemoresistive sensor was fabricated by the chemical polymerization and coating of either polyaniline (PANI), poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene], or commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) on MWNTs. We investigated the resistance responsiveness of the multilayer samples to simulated chemical warfare agents, including dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) and dichloromethane (DCM), as well as to organic agents, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, methyl-ethyl ketone, and xylene. The MWNTs–PANI film was characterized by SEM and FT-IR, and the resistivity values for the six solvents were measured at different temperatures. We observed that the MWNTs-PANI sensing film exhibited a high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and good reproducibility to the detection of all of the aforementioned agent vapors. In addition, we used atomic force microscopy to demonstrate the MWNTs–PANI absorption of DMMP vapor, wherein the sensing film exhibited a swelling phenomenon, such that the film thickness increased from 0.8 to 1.3 μm. In addition, we used principal component analysis to evaluate the performance of the sensor in detecting DMMP, DCM, and the aforementioned organic agent vapors.
Sleep Apnea Following Withdrawal of Amitriptyline

A 41-year-old man developed sleep apnea following abrupt cessation of amitriptyline. Cessation of antidepressants may result in excessive release of acctylcholine, which increases REM sleep. This in turn increases disordered breathing time and decreases nocturnal oxygenation. Sleep apnea did not recur when amitriptyline was reinstated and later gradually discontinued.
Neurochemical Measurement of Adenosine in Discrete Brain Regions of Five Strains of Inbred Mice

Adenosine (ADO), a non-classical neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, and its metabolites adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), have been shown to play an important role in a number of biochemical processes. Although their signaling is well described, it has been difficult to directly, accurately and simultaneously quantitate these purines in tissue or fluids. Here, we describe a novel method for measuring adenosine (ADO) and its metabolites using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Using this chromatographic technique, we examined baseline levels of ADO and ATP, ADP and AMP in 6 different brain regions of the C57BL/6J mouse: stratum, cortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, substantia nigra and cerebellum and compared ADO levels in 5 different strains of mice (C57BL/6J, Swiss-Webster, FVB/NJ, 129P/J, and BALB/c). These studies demonstrate that baseline levels of purines vary significantly among the brain regions as well as between different mouse strains. These dissimilarities in purine concentrations may explain the variable phenotypes among background strains described in neurological disease models.
Synthesis of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol 3- and 17-glucuronides

Abstract The glucuronidation of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) was carried out by three different methods: (1) The Koenigs-Knorr reaction using methyl-2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-1α-bromo-1-deoxy-β- d -glucuronate, (2) by employing methyl-2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-1- O -(trichloroacetimidoyl)-α- d -glucopyranuronate (imidate procedure), and (3) by the reaction of 2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-α- d -glucopyranuronate catalyzed by trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (tnflate method). The Koenigs-Knorr method gave the β-anomers of both the 3- and 17-glucuronides. The imidate procedure also resulted in the β-anomers of the 3- and 17-glucuronides, but in lower yield. The triflate method, however, yielded only the α-anomers of the 3- and 17-glucuronides. The structural assignments of these compounds were made from NMR spectral data obtained with a 500 mHz instrument.
Image synthesis from nonimaged laser-speckle patterns

We demonstrate that unspeckled images of coherently illuminated, diffuse objects can be formed from measurements of backscattered laser-speckle intensity. The theoretical basis for this imaging technique is outlined, and results of computer experiments that successfully construct images from digitally simulated laser-speckle measurements are presented.
Highlights From 60 Years of Practice, Research, and Teaching in Family Therapy

In this article I summarize practical and theoretical highlights from my 60 years of clinical practice, research, and teaching in family therapy. My start in family therapy came through the backdoor of play therapy. However, once I realized that by accepting a child in play therapy, I would reinforce the family's negative attribution of the child as the “identified patient,” I changed my experimental, monitored play-therapy rooms into two family therapy rooms (L’Abate, 1998, 2009a). My most recent work is contained in this summary. This summary does not contain many other highlights but only those that remain in my memory more vividly than others. I shall start with practice prescriptions and then move on to selected models of Relational Competence Theory (RCT) and their applications (Cusinato & L’Abate, 2012; L’Abate, Cusinato, Maino, Colesso, & Scilletta, 2010).
Patron‐Driven E‐book Solutions: Moving Beyond the Banana Books Incident

The University of Colorado Boulder Libraries participated in one of the first patron‐driven acquisition initiatives offered by netLibrary in the late 1990s. One outcome of this patron‐driven pilot was the banana books incident which has now become part of popular collection development lore. This incident will be described more fully and will highlight the difficulties of establishing demand‐driven models that are divorced from an institution’s approval plans. More recently, the University of Colorado has taken the lessons learned from the banana books snafu and has developed institution specific solutions for patron selection and use of e‐books. This paper will discuss strate‐ gies for integrating e‐books into subject and publisher based approval profiles with Ingram‐Coutts and the My iLi‐ brary platform. The paper will also address the complexities of customizing 70 profiles that are a combination of print, e‐preferred, e‐patron‐driven with Coutts and 30 selectors.
575: Routine testing for copy number variants (CNVs) by chromosomal microarray analysis in patients with a normal karyotype: a single center's 20 month experience

nancy, and leptin levels have been linked to various pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. We sought to characterize methylation patterns in the leptin gene in normal early pregnancy and preeclamptic pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: The methylation profiles of 2 CpG sites in the leptin gene were characterized in DNA from maternal blood longitudinally in 14 women at 16 gestational weeks, at delivery and postpartum; and in 14 preeclamptics at delivery. All women were non-smokers and the groups were matched for age and BMI. Genomic DNA was derived from buffy coat, purified, and bisulfite modified then run on the Illumina Methylation Assay. Mean methylation levels at each CpG site were compared using a t-test. RESULTS: Leptin methylation patterns at both CpG sites differed significantly between the early pregnancy and postpartum samples (P 0.01, P 10-5). Both leptin CpG sites were hypomethylated during early pregnancy as compared to postpartum. Methylation patterns were similar in normotensive and preeclamptic patients at the time of delivery (P 0.64, P 0.71). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates that early pregnancy results in decreased methylation at two CpG sites on the leptin gene. As methylation levels tend to be inversely correlated with gene transcription and resultant serum protein levels, this result suggests that altered methylation may be an epigenetic mechanism to control increased leptin production in normal early pregnancy. The presence of preeclampsia at the time of delivery did not appear to impact methylation of the leptin gene compared to normotensive patients. This suggests that there may be another mechanism controlling the increase in circulating serum leptin seen in pregnancies effected by preeclampsia.
Adverse reactions to benzodiazepine hypnotics: spontaneous reporting system.

The rates of reported adverse drug reactions involving the central nervous system were compared among patients taking any of three benzodiazepine hypnotics: flurazepam, temazepam, and triazolam. These
An Efficient Microscale Procedure for the Preparation of 3,5-Dinitrobenzoates

A convenient microscale procedure for the preparation of 3,5-dinitrobenzoates, which utilizes 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and tosyl chloride in pyridine as an acylating medium, is described.
Can Cellular Phototoxicity be Accurately Predicted on the Basis of Sensitizer Photophysics

The phototoxicity of three structurally related photosensitizers (PS), deuteroporphyrin IX (DP) and monobromo (Br-DP) and dibromo (Br2-DP) derivatives, was studied in murine L1210 leukemia cells. These compounds were chosen on the basis of heavy-atom-induced differences in triplet yield, phi T, and lifetime, tau T, and used as tools to test a model for phototoxicity based on photophysical parameters. All three porphyrins were found to localize preferentially in the plasma membrane of L1210 cells by confocal fluorescence microscopy. A poor correlation was observed between the measured photodynamic efficacies of these PS and a model using photophysical parameters determined by laser flash photolysis in homogeneous solution. However, an excellent correlation was obtained when the same parameters measured directly in the cells were used. The biological microenvironment of the porphyrins in cells induces significant changes in the photophysics of the PS. Reduction in fluorescence yield, phi F, and phi T observed for Br2-DP in cell suspensions arises from self association of the molecule due to increased hydrophobicity and high local concentrations. The photophysical model was also tested for its ability to handle variations in the oxygen dependence of cellular phototoxicity of these PS. The good correlation achieved between laser flash photolysis data determined in cells and the measured phototoxicity under air, 1.5% and 0.5% O2-saturated conditions, proves the intermediacy of singlet oxygen. This study gives further credence to the direct use of photophysical techniques to elucidate photochemical mechanisms in biological media while highlighting the potential pitfalls of using solution data to predict photosensitizing potential.
The role of transcranial Doppler in nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy

Abstract PURPOSE: To investigate through the use of cerebral Doppler technology whether emboli are a more common cause of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) than previously recognized. METHODS: Eleven patients with a recent ( 121 days) were examined using a Nicolet Pioneer 2020 transcranial Doppler (TCD) unit with a 2-MHz bilateral continuous monitoring capability. The right and left middle cerebral arteries were evaluated simultaneously for 30 minutes at a depth of 50 to 55 mm, and the number of emboli, blood flow velocities, and pulsatility indices were recorded. Data were stored by computer, and hard-copy color recordings were made. RESULTS: None of 11 patients with a recent history of NAION demonstrated microemboli by TCD examination. One patient in the control group who had a remote history of NAION had a microembolic event rate of 12 per hour (six over 30 minutes). This patient had a history of prosthetic cardiac valve replacement and was taking anticoagulation medication at the time of the examination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not reveal an increased incidence of embolic events in patients with NAION when they were examined in a transcranial Doppler study of the middle cerebral arteries. This study does not support embolism as a frequent cause of NAION.