cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effects of Lisdexamfetamine and Mixed Amphetamine Salts Immediate Release in Adult ADHD: Results of a Crossover Design Clinical Trial

AbstractObjectives: To examine the clinical effects of equivalent doses of single-blind (SB; patient-blind) lisdexamfetamine (LDX) and mixed amphetamine salts-immediate release (MAS-IR) on adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a placebo (PBO)-controlled, crossover design. Methods: Twenty-four subjects were treated sequentially in a fixed order with (1) SB PBO (matching LDX) for 1 week, (2) SB LDX (up to 70 mg/day) for 5 weeks, (3) SB PBO washout for 3 weeks, and (4) open-label treatment MAS-IR (tid up to 45 mg/day) for 5 weeks. Clinical effects on ADHD and executive function were assessed weekly throughout the trial with the ADHD Rating Scale with adult prompts, the Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results: Lisdexamfetamine and MAS-IR were generally well tolerated. Significant and equal reductions on ADHD clinician ratings were seen. Significantly greater reductions in CGI-S and selected BRIEF subsets wer...
Environmental problems of siting and operating desalination plants in the united states

Abstract Environmental problems of desalination may result from excessive withdrawals of surface water and from indiscriminate discharge of brines differing in chemical character and temperature from ambient conditions. Nature and magnitude of the problem varies with the site of the facility, source of feed water, type of desalination process and discharge practices. This paper documents methods of handling these problems at existing and proposed plants in the United States.
Structural distortions and dynamic behavior of the elusive L -shaped cis-bicyclo[3.3.0]octenyllithium: X-ray crystallographic and NMR studies

Substituted cis-bicyclo[3.3.0]octenyllithium prepared by addition of t-BuLi to 3-methylene-1,4-cyclooctadiene in the presence of TMEDA crystallizes as a dimer with one unsolvated Li+ sandwiched between the external faces of two allyl anions in a triple ion, and external to it the second Li+ is bidentately complexed to TMEDA, 8. Within each allyl unit, the allyl bonds have different lengths, and all four rings deviate from coplanarity which relieves strain in the rings despite introducing partial localization of the allyl anions. A similar structure prevails in solution as shown by 7Li NMR and the results of 7Li{1H} HOESY and 1H, 1H NOESY experiments. Carbon-13 NMR line shape changes indicate that the system undergoes a fast allyl bond shift concerted with conformation shifts of the out of plane carbons, ca. ΔG⧧ = 9 kcal·mol-1. Cyclopentyllithium prepared by CH3Li cleavage of the trimethylstannyl derivative slowly undergoes an allowed ring opening to pentadienyllithium as well as deprotonating the solvent....
Investigation of Respiratory Gating in Quantitative Myocardial SPECT

The purpose of this study is to investigate optimal respiratory gating schemes using different numbers of gates and placements within the respiratory cycle for reduction of respiratory motion (RM) artifacts in myocardial SPECT. The 4D NCAT phantom with its realistic respiratory model was used to generate 96 3D phantoms equally spaced over a complete respiratory cycle modeling the activity distribution from a typical Tc-99m Sestamibi study with the maximum movement of the diaphragm set at 2 cm. The 96 time frames were grouped to simulate various gating schemes (1, 3, 6, and 8 equally spaced gates) and different placements of the gates within a respiratory cycle. Projection data, including effects of attenuation, collimator-detector response and scatter, from each respiratory gate and each gating scheme were generated and reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm with correction for attenuation. Attenuation correction was done with average attenuation maps for each gate and over the entire respiratory cycle. Bull's-eye polar plots generated from the reconstructed images for each gate were analyzed and compared to assess the effect of RM. RM artifacts were found to be reduced the most when going from the ungated to the gated case. No significant difference was found in attenuation compensated images between the use of gated and average attenuation maps. Our results indicate that the extent of RM artifacts is dependent on the placement of the gates in a gating scheme. Artifacts are less prominent in gates near end-expiration and more prominent near end-inspiration. This dependence on gate placement decreases when going to higher numbers of gates (6 and higher). However, it is possible to devise a non-uniform time interval gating scheme with 3 gates that will produce results similar to those using a higher number of gates. We conclude that respiratory gating is an effective way to reduce RM artifacts. Effective implementation of respiratory gating to further improve quantitative myocardial SPECT requires optimization of the gating scheme based on the amount of respiratory motion of the heart during each gate and the placement of the gates within the respiratory cycle.
Five-micrometer measurements of Uranus and Neptune

Five-micron brightness temperatures and brightness temperature upper limits for Uranus and Neptune have been obtained which are substantially lower than those of Jupiter and Saturn and which correspond to a geometric albedo of approximately 0.01, in agreement with results reported by Gillett and Rieke (1977). Phosphine and CH3D, which are observed at 5 microns on Jupiter and Saturn, are discussed as possible sources of opacity at 5 microns in the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune.
A 10-year analysis of venous thromboembolism on the surgical service: the effect of practice guidelines for prophylaxis.

Background There is a national effort to decrease the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients by encouraging compliance with established guidelines for prophylaxis. Reported compliance with these guidelines has been poor. The outcome of noncompliance in terms of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients is unknown. We sought to determine if there has been a decrease in the incidence of symptomatic VTE since implementation of the guidelines and whether there has been compliance with the guidelines in individual patients; we also analyzed the outcome of a cohort with VTE. Methods We reviewed the records of all patients with symptomatic VTE on 3 surgery services over the 10-year period since initial publication of the guidelines. We determined in each patient whether there was compliance with the guidelines. We weighted the morbidity of each episode of VTE based on the likelihood of short-term mortality and long-term morbidity to determine the disease burden. Results Of 37,615 patients, 172 developed a VTE (0.46%), and the incidence increased gradually over the years of the study. There was partial or complete compliance with the guidelines in 84% of the patients, but 37% of the VTEs were considered to be preventable. The disease burden was greatest in the higher-risk patients—there were 20 deaths (6%), 4 of which were caused by a pulmonary embolus. Conclusions Despite one of the highest published rates of compliance with the guidelines for prophylaxis, the rate of symptomatic VTE is increasing.
Device spectroscopy of magnetic field effects in a polyfluorene organic light-emitting diode

We perform charge-induced absorption and electroluminescence spectroscopy in a polyfluorene organic magnetoresistive device. Our experiments allow us to measure the singlet exciton, triplet exciton, and polaron densities in a live device under an applied magnetic field and to test the predictions of three different models that were proposed to explain organic magnetoresistance. These models are based on different spin-dependent interactions, namely, exciton formation, triplet-exciton polaron quenching, and bipolaron formation. We show that the singlet exciton, triplet exciton, and polaron densities and conductivity all increase with increasing magnetic field. Our data appear to be inconsistent with the exciton formation and triplet-exciton polaron quenching models.
Three-dimensional distribution of ST-T wave alternans during acute ischemia.

Repolarization Alternans in Ischemia. Introduction: A canine model of reversible ischemia was used to measure the magnitude and transmural distribution of repolarization alternans. Methods and Results: Twenty-four multielectrode needles were inserted into a reversibly ischemic region created by 8 minutes of coronary occlusion. One hundred ninety-two unipolar electrograms were simultaneously recorded at 1-minute intervals for 8 minutes of ischemia and 3 minutes of reflow recovery. Beat-to-beat repolarization alternans was quantified for all electrograms using the standard deviation of QRST integrals. When alternans from animals that fibrillated was compared with alternans from animals that did not, the magnitude of alternans in the fibrillation group was an average standard deviation of 1125 ± 99.7 mV-msec at the time of fibrillation and 409 ± 183 mV-msec at 8 minutes of ischemia in the animals that did not fibrillate. The increase in alternans occurred mainly in the mid-myocardial and epicardial regions in the animals that fibrillated. QRS morphology of sequential electrograms did not differ in beat-to-beat comparison, suggesting that repolarization alternans measured was not due to alternating conduction block in the region of reversible ischemia. Conclusion: During acute ischemia, the magnitude and distribution of repolarization alternans are greater and differ in hearts that experience ventricular fibrillation. This observation may have clinical utility in arrhythmia prediction. It also is consistent with the possibility there may be multiple mechanisms for repolarization alternans.
Analyzing the encoding range of amplitude- and phase-coupled spatial light modulators

Most spatial light modulators (SLM) are limited in that they cannot produce arbitrary complex modulations. Because phase and amplitude are usually coupled, it is difficult to computer design appropriate modulation patterns fast enough for the real-time applications for which SLMs are suited. Dramatic computational speedups can be achieved by using encoding algorithms that directly translate desired complex values into values that the modulator can produce. For coherently illuminated SLMs in a Fourier transform arrangement pseudorandom encoding can be used. Each SLM pixel is programmed in sequence by selecting a single value of pixel modulation from a random distribution having an average that is identical to the desired fully complex modulation. While the method approximates fairly arbitrary complex modulations, there are always some complex values that are outside the encoding range for each SLM coupling characteristic and for each specific pseudorandom algorithm. Using the binomial distribution leads to methods of evaluating and geometrically interpreting the encoding range. Evaluations are presented of achieving fully complex encoding with SLMs that produce less than 2 (pi) of phase shift, identifying an infinite set of encoding algorithms that encode the same value, identification of the maximum encoding range, and geometric interpretation of encoding errors.
Hartree-Fock calculations of the ratio of bound-state to continuum beta decay of 187 Re, the chronometric partner of 187 Os

Since the \ensuremath{\beta} decay of $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ is first-forbidden unique, the ratio \ensuremath{\rho} of bound-state to continuum \ensuremath{\beta} decay of $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ reduces to a problem in atomic physics. A knowledge of \ensuremath{\rho} is required if one is to connect the experimentally determined value of the rate of continuum decay to a value of the half-life ${T}_{1/2}$ for the \ensuremath{\beta} decay of $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$. The value of ${T}_{1/2}$ plays a significant role in the use of the geochemically determined ratio of $^{187}\mathrm{Os}$ to $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ in the estimation of the age of our galaxy. Our results for \ensuremath{\rho}, based on the Hartree-Fock-Dirac single-configuration and the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock approximations strengthen the conclusion of Williams, Fowler, and Koonin [Astrophys. J. 281, 363 (1984)] based on a modified Thomas-Fermi model, that \ensuremath{\rho} is only of the order of 1%. We also include a few values of the rate for a process first considered by Perrone [Ph.D. thesis, Rice University (1971)], the bound-state \ensuremath{\beta} decay of a bare $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ nucleus. (Since the mass of the $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ nucleus is less than the sum of the masses of its daughter nucleus $^{187}\mathrm{Os}$ and of an electron, continuum decay of a bare $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ nucleus is forbidden; neutral $^{187}\mathrm{Re}$ can \ensuremath{\beta} decay only because of the greater binding energy of the electrons of $^{187}\mathrm{Os}$ than of $^{187}$Re.)
The use of advanced imaging for appendicitis in children

Improved resolution of late-generation CT and US technology has fostered an increased reliance on imaging for the preoperative diagnosis or exclusion of appendicitis. Both modalities have been shown to have a high accuracy rate, but certain diagnostic challenges persist. CT has largely replaced US for the diagnosis of appendicitis in adults, but the modality of choice is less clear in children. US is usually more easily and rapidly performed in young patients, obviating the need for contrast administration and sedation. Ionizing radiation exposure is avoided with US. Assessment of physical signs and symptoms can be achieved while performing US, an advantage over CT. However, US is best interpreted during performance of the examination, and thus CT is often favored when the interpreter is in a remote location. Strategies using limited CT to follow an indeterminate US show high diagnostic accuracy. This article discusses the controversy surrounding the optimal imaging approach to acute abdominal pain in children and illustrates some of the challenges encountered with US and CT for the evaluation of appendicitis.
Optimal l ∞ to l ∞ estimation

In this paper we consider the problem of finding a filter that minimizes the worst case magnitude (l∞) of the estimation error in the case of linear time invariant systems subjected to unknown but magnitude bounded (l∞) inputs. These inputs consist of process and observation noise, as well as initial conditions; also, the optimization problem is considered over an infinite time horizon. Taking a model matching approach, suboptimal solutions are presented which stem from the resulting l∞-induced norm minimization problem.
Pathophysiology of cardiac transplantation and the challenge of exercise.

Heart transplantation is now currently performed in adult (A-HTR) as well as in pediatric cardiac patients (P-HTR). In A-HTR, heart denervation results in a delayed, blunted heart rate (HR) response to exercise onset, mainly sustained by the level of circulating catecholamines. At the offset of exercise HR resumes the pre-exercise level in 5-25 min, depending on the absolute work intensity. Peak HR is approximately 140 beats/min. Maximal aerobic power is 19 O2/kg x min, i.e., approximately 60% than that of healthy age-matched sedentary subjects and exercise tolerance is therefore reduced. A functional impairment at the muscle level may also be present, as suggested by the slow kinetics of the VO2 readjustment (phase II) at the onset of submaximal aerobic exercise. P-HTR generally behave as A-HTR. However, recently, in a few P-HTR a fast HR response to exercise and greater peak HR values (172 +/- 22 beats/min) were demonstrated. Maximal aerobic power of P-HTR was 32 +/- 7 ml O2/kg x min, greater than that of A-HTR, but yet approximately 60% of that of healthy age-matched controls. It may be concluded that occasionally P-HTR may resume an almost normal cardiovascular response to exercise; nevertheless, their exercise tolerance is limited, likely by functional impairment at the muscle level, whose origin is still unknown.
Occupational neurotoxicology: some neuropsychological issues and challenges.

Abstract Occupational neurotoxicology offers the opportunity for demonstration of neuropsychological capacity to detect otherwise non-demonstrable CNS compromise, and thereby the enhancement of human well-being. Simultaneously, neuropsychological applications in this field highlight some of the disciplines persisting problems, such as uncertainties over the differential sensitivities of tests, lack of a common functional taxonomy, limited employment of component-analysis procedures, insufficiencies of control over extraneous variance (including malingering and social expectancy effects), and knowledge limits regarding the everyday significance of findings. These problems are especially troublesome where effects are subtle, diffuse, or of insidious onset, and where physically demonstrable lesioning is uncommon. With neuroimaging advances, conditions so characterized may become increasingly the focus of neuropsychological efforts. The likelihood of increasing involvement with legal issues such as compensati...
Purification of shed human melanoma proteins by affinity chromatography

Summary Naturally shed proteins from cultured human melanoma cells were separated from the growth medium by Con A affinity chromatography. Analysis of the separated components by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel chromatography indicated that there were three major groups of macromolecules. One group contained a glycolipoprotein similar to the reported human melanoma antigen.
High-performance affinity chromatography of divalent concanavalin A on matrices of variable ligand density

Abstract Divalent concanavalin A was chromatographed under isocratic conditions on matrices of variable ligand density, containing immobilized p-aminophenyl α- d -mannopyranoside or d -glucosamine. Methyl α- d -mannopyranoside was used as a competing inhibitor in the mobile phase. As the ligand density increased, retention was observed to change from a primarily monovalent interaction to a primarily divalent interaction. Several retention models were used to examine the data and to evaluate the extent of cooperative binding. Especially when possible heterogeneity in the distribution of ligand molecules was taken into account, it was found that several retention models fit the data reasonably well.
The Impact of Natural Hazards on Housing Values: The Loma Prieta Earthquake

A large, detailed data set is used to examine the effect of the Loma Prieta (World Series) earthquake on housing prices in the San Francisco Bay area. This relationship is examined while controlling for potential confounding variables, such as location-specific risk and the timing of the earthquake. The results indicate that the Loma Prieta earthquake caused an area wide reduction in property values. In addition, it seems that individuals considered other measures of earthquake risk in their housing purchases, yielding a measurable price gradient. These results are relatively robust, remaining stable across estimated functional forms and independent variable sets.
GENE FLOW AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF NORTHERN GOSHAWKS BREEDING IN UTAH

Abstract Adult movement and natal dispersal data demonstrate that Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) are able to travel over long distances, suggesting a large functional population. However, these data are unable to determine whether these movements contribute to gene flow among adjacent breeding areas. We used eight microsatellite DNA loci and mitochondrial DNA control-region sequence data to assess population structure of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah. Goshawks had moderate levels of genetic variation at microsatellite loci (observed heterozygosity = 50%), similar to levels found in other medium-sized, highly mobile birds. Overall estimates of interpopulation variance in microsatellite alleles (FST = 0.011) and mtDNA haplotypes (ΦST = 0.126) were low and not significantly different from zero. Pairwise population comparisons using microsatellite markers revealed no differentiation among sampled sites, indicating that the functional population extends beyond Utah. However, pairwise population an...
Nonlinear problem of a shock-tube interaction-region boundary layer.

Description of a numerical method that dispenses with the recourse to linearization or 'momentum-integral-correction' schemes in solving nonlinear problems of boundary layer flow in the interaction region of a shock tube or of similar singular parabolic problems of shock-induced unsteady boundary layers. The accuracy of the numerical results obtainable is shown to be satisfactory.
Catheter fracture: A complication in venous access devices

Catheter fracture is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening complication of venous access devices (VADs). Catheter fracture generally occurs when long-term silicone catheters are placed medial to the mid-clavicular line into the subclavian vein. Symptoms such as inability to infuse fluids, difficulty drawing blood, and an indentation of the catheter on chest radiography are associated with pinch-off sign. Pinch-off sign is a common precursor to catheter fracture. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate the varying presentations of catheter fracture. Nursing care of patients demonstrating these symptoms focuses on early recognition and treatment. Prevention focuses on education concerning proper placement techniques for physicians who insert these catheters.
Management of infection after instrumented posterior spine fusion in pediatric scoliosis

Study design Case series retrospective review. Objective To identify what factors predict successful eradication of infection after ID of the patients with other diagnoses, 14 of 32 (44%) required a second I&D, which was not a significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest reported series of spinal implant infections. When children with an infection after posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation undergo irrigation and debridement, there is a nearly 50% chance that the infection will remain if all spinal implants are not removed. As nearly 50% of the infections were caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, we recommend that prophylactic antibiotic coverage for this organism is used at the time of the initial spinal fusion.
Palladium Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Prochiral Nucleophiles: Horsfiline

[reaction; see text] The asymmetric synthesis of the oxindole alkaloid horsfiline is described. A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is used to set the spiro(pyrrolidine-oxindole) stereogenic center.
The effects of cigarette smoking on pain and anxiety

The antinociceptive and anxiolytic consequences of smoking a nicotine-containing cigarette or a zero-nicotine cigarette were investigated in minimally deprived habitual smokers, using a within-subject design. Five subjects were studied in each of two experiments. In one, pain was induced using the cold pressor test; in the other, anxiety, using unsolvable anagrams. All subjects exhibited pain- and anxiety-reduction after smoking a nicotine-containing cigarette. The results support the hypothesis that nicotine from smoking can produce psychological changes that are independent of the state of nicotine withdrawal.
Triggered rhythms in atrial muscle

Intracellular and extracellular recording techniques were used to study triggered activity in tissues isolated from the inferior right atrium of the dog. In the presence of norepinephrine (greater than 10(-7) M) single stimuli or short rapid pacing elicited action potentials with delayed after-depolarizations, leading to single or repetitive non-driven beats. Most commonly, during sustained triggered activity action potential and electrogram configurations remained constant. In addition, cycle length changed gradually, initially decreasing and then increasing before activity stopped. However in some preparations, once sustained triggered activity was initiated there were abrupt spontaneous changes in action potential and electrogram configurations that were coincident with abrupt spontaneous changes in cycle length. When quiescent, short rapid pacing initiated triggered activity with a relatively short cycle length that abruptly shifted to a longer cycle length before stopping. During sustained triggered activity, short rapid pacing caused an abrupt decrease in cycle length that was coincident with changes in action potential and electrogram configurations. The present results indicate that abrupt changes in cycle length can occur during bouts of triggered activity resulting in unique patterns of arrhythmias. These rhythms may be due to interactions and shifts between multiple sites of triggered pacemaker activity.
Familial testicular cancer in a father (bilateral seminoma-embryonal cell carcinoma) and son (teratocarcinoma). A case report and review of the literature

Familial testicular neoplasia is reported in a father and his son. This represents only the fifth published case of father-son testicular cancer. The father had bilateral testicular seminoma with embryonal cell elements while the son had teratocarcinoma. The clinical significance of familial testicular neoplasia is discussed and the subject of father and son testicular cancer is reviewed. This case of father-son testicular neoplasia illustrates the following important points: 1) there is a continuing need to document and describe each case of familial testicular cancer in order to better evaluate the pathogenesis of this familial occurrence; 2) prospective genetic and laboratory studies will be needed to definitively clarify the specific factors involved in the familial clustering or transmission of this type of cancer; and 3) this tendency for testicular cancer to affect multiple kindred must be considered in the proper guidance and counseling of affected patients and their high-risk family members.
Thermotropic liquid-crystalline behaviour from mixtures of non-mesogenic molecules

Abstract A class of non-mesogenic molecules, which as mixtures exhibit monotropic nematic phases, is described.
Increased incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage and developmental delay in cocaine-exposed, very low birth weight infants ☆ ☆☆ ★ ★★

This study sought to determine whether very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 gm) with fetal cocaine exposure differed from non-cocaine-exposed VLBW infants in incidence of neonatal medical complications and in later developmental outcome. Forty-one cocaine-exposed, VLBW infants, followed in a longitudinal study, were compared with 41 non-cocaine-exposed, VLBW infants of comparable race, social class, age, and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Cocaine-exposed infants were identified on the basis of combined findings of maternal and/or infant urine immunoassay and on the basis of maternal self-report. At birth, groups did not differ on medical risk factors except that cocaine-exposed infants had a higher
An Approach to Quantifying Design Flexibility for Mass Customization in Early Design Stages

With the increasing stratification of customer preferences, companies must offer a number of options to remain competitive. Current methodologies, such as product families, seek to offer more options to the consumer while minimizing costs to the company. Customizable products are striving to offer the customer what they truly desire by increasing the level of influence the consumer has on their instance of the design. As the shift from cosmetic changes and modular options continues, systems will be required to have a greater amount of design flexibility to allow for the changes made by individual consumers. Drawing on reconfigurable system and product family research, metrics for flexibility are proposed for use in the early stages of the design process. Discussion focuses on functional aspects of a product which affect flexibility and the rational behind the component metrics representing their flexibility. The goal of the metrics is to assist with the evaluation of design options by rating the overall flexibility of the system early in the design process. A case study is presented to demonstrate the use of the metrics.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Technical Note-On the Evaluation of Intertemporal Lotteries

We consider the evaluation of intertemporal lotteries using two tools: a single univariate utility function and a set of discount coefficients. If each of the lotteries consists of a single stochastic return to be received in a future period, then these tools are sufficient only if the utility function exhibits constant proportional risk aversion. Further, if the lotteries involve returns in more than one time period, we demonstrate that the tools are sufficient if, and only if, the utility function is linear.
A numerical study of three-dimensional wall-bounded flows

Abstract Nonequilibrium three-dimensional (3-D) turbulent boundary layers are studied using direct numerical simulation (DNS). Time-developing flows are used to investigate the physics of spatial-developing ones. We find that application of a spanwise shear leads to the reduction of both the turbulent kinetic energy and drag, with the most dramatic reduction of the latter occurring when the shear is applied between y + ≈ 5 and 15. When the three-dimensionality is produced by transverse skewing, the resulting alteration of the relationship between the Reynolds stresses is associated in large part with the effect of the pressure gradient upon the amplification or attenuation of the turbulent kinetic energy.
Leading from the Inside Out: Learned Respect for Academic Culture through Shared Governance

ABSTRACT Traditionally, faculty members who expected to become presidents ascended through the typical labor chain to that position. However, questions are prevalent about whether these individuals gain the managerial experience needed to succeed in a presidency. Unlike the private business management model that has been successful in developing leaders in that arena, community colleges have not provided such formal training to former faculty members who are well-versed in their field and academic-related issues, but lack formal managerial skills development. One area where such training may be achieved is through the development of the leaders of faculty senate bodies. Faculty senate bodies provide their leaders with an opportunity to provide a voice in the campus decision-making process and, potentially, may present an opportunity for more formal training for those interested in the presidency. Further analysis of the perceived skills of these leaders is an important step in addressing this need. The pu...
Strain sensing using photocurrent generated by photoactive P3HT-based nanocomposites

Many sensor technologies commonly used for structural health monitoring (SHM) still suffer from high energy demand, large form factors and weight, and indirect damage detection. These constraints limit the application of these sensor systems for SHM of various space, aeronautical, mechanical and civil structures. In this study, a self-sensing thin film fabricated from poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) is proposed for strain sensing. Unique to this nanocomposite is its ability to generate a photocurrent in response to light illumination, and it will be shown that the magnitude of the generated photocurrent scales with the level of applied strain. First, two types of P3HT-based sample sets with and without MWNTs have been prepared by spin coating. Second, current?voltage measurements have been used for characterizing electrode response due to applied strains. Lastly, strain sensing characterization tests have been conducted, where thin film generated photocurrent has been measured during applied cyclic tensile strains. The nanocomposites? strain sensitivity, linearity and sensing range have been analyzed and compared. The results show that these P3HT-based thin films can be used for photocurrent-based strain sensing. These films do not require an external power source, have small form factors and can directly measure structural strains.
Optical phenomenon of peri‐implant soft tissue. Part II. preferred implant neck color to improve soft tissue esthetics

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate an optical solution to eliminate the undesirable shine-through effect of implants on peri-implant mucosa by selecting an optimized implant neck color based on an objective and quantifiable method. Material and methods: The optical effect of color strips on 15 peri-implant mucosal sites of 14 patients with Straumann® single-tooth implant replacements in the maxillary anterior region was analyzed. The color differences between the peri-implant mucosa with insertion of each of eight different color strips (white, black, light pink, pink, light orange, orange, gold, violet) and the gingiva of an adjacent or contralateral tooth without any color strips were compared for the selection of optimal color of implant neck. Spectrophotometric color measurements were performed to compare the color difference index (ΔE) and color coordinates (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* and ΔC*). Results: The colors of the peri-implant mucosa with color strips and the gingiva of natural tooth demonstrated that the test site soft tissue with color strips of light pink, pink, light orange and orange showed a significantly smaller ΔE value (P<0.05). Moreover, light pink exhibited the lowest mean ΔE value of 2.6±0.6, indicating a clinically indistinguishable color difference. Conclusions: The results suggest that it is possible to improve gingival esthetics by coloring the implant neck, most effectively with light pink, to mask the impact of the underlying titanium implant. The use of implants with optimized neck colors to correct an esthetic deficiency may be a feasible approach to establish improved peri-implant soft tissue esthetics.
The Land Question in the Food Sovereignty Project

AbstractThis essay explores the changing landscape of food sovereignty politics in the shadow of the so-called ‘land grab’. While the food sovereignty movement emerged within a global agrarian crisis conjuncture triggered by northern dumping of foodstuffs, institutionalized in WTO trade rules, the twenty-first-century food, energy and financial crises intensify this crisis for the world's rural poor (inflating prices of staple foods and agri-inputs) deepening the process of dispossession. The circulation of food is compounded by global financial flows into enclosing land for industrial agriculture and/or speculation, challenging small producer rights across the world. Under these conditions, the terms of struggle for the food sovereignty movement are shifting towards a human rights politics on the ground as well as in global forums like the FAO's Committee on World Food Security. This includes in particular the need to develop a discursive politics to reframe what is at stake, namely the protection and su...
Multiphonon difference band absorption in diamond

The longwave absorption coefficient of diamond is composed of the two-phonon red wing and multiphonon difference (hot) bands. As temperature increases the difference bands rapidly grow in strength and dominate the absorption. A variation on a multiphonon sum band model is developed for difference bands and applied to a temperature dependent data set on CVD polycrystalline diamond that are 1.54 mm thick. The model can also be used to estimate multiphonon difference band contribution to the refractive index.
Highly sensitive immunoadsorption procedure for detection of low-abundance proteins.

Abstract A procedure that virtually eliminates nonspecific adsorption of radiolabeled proteins during immunoprecipitation was devised utilizing staphylococcal cells containing protein A (Staph A). Immunoprecipitates (antigen-antibody complexes) were solubilized from Staph A pellets into detergent micelles by incubation in a small volume of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at 23°C for 10 min. To allow re-formation of immunocomplexes and rebinding to new Staph A, the SDS-solubilized material was diluted 20-fold in buffer containing 1% Triton X-100 and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate. Specific conductance measurements revealed that this solubilization and subsequent reimmunoadsorption of antibody-antigen complexes occur at SDS concentrations that are first above and then below its critical micelle concentration. This procedure lowered the nonspecific background from approximately 2250 parts per million (ppm) to less than 25 ppm with a final recovery of 30–50% depending on the antigen and antibody. Chaotropic agents such as 2 m urea, 0.2 m KOH, and 3.5 m MgCl2 (as well as combinations of urea and SDS) can substitute for 1% SDS, although the final recovery is somewhat lower. Fluorography of radiolabeled proteins obtained in this manner displays virtually undetectable background even for exposures as long as 2 months. These methods allowed the unambiguous detection of low-abundance antigens at a high level of sensitivity, for example, mouse mammary tumor virus protein products and epidermal growth factor receptor.
Storytelling for promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection among Latinos.

Abstract Objective Health promotion efforts directed at Latinos may be more effective when culturally adapted methods are used. Our study was designed to test a novel communication modality for promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and screening messages among Latinos. Methods We compared a culturally aligned, brief storytelling educational intervention (ST) to a numeric risk tool intervention (NR) based on the Harvard Cancer Risk Index. Both interventions included risk factor information and recommendations for primary prevention and screening for CRC. Sixty-four Latinos (mean age 46.8, 86% female) were randomized and completed pre- and post-tests. Results Participants in ST indicated intent to add significantly more servings of vegetables ( p = .030) and more minutes of exercise ( p = .018) to daily routines than those in NR. Most respondents (ST and NR) reported intentions to recommend CRC screening to friends and relatives. Conclusions These data provide support for storytelling's potential to promote health behavior change with cultural relevance for Latinos. Practice implications Storytelling shows promise as an effective method for reaching one of the historically underserved ethnic groups with cancer prevention and screening information.
Applying a pilot system and prototyping approach to systems development and implementation

Abstract The acquisition and implementation of standard software packages carries with it a need for compromise between the software's capabilities and user information needs. The likelihood for successfully meeting the user's needs, as evidenced by this case study, can be greatly increased by employing a combination of pilot systems and prototypes in the implementation process.
KINETICS OF PENETRATION VII. MOLECULAR VERSUS IONIC TRANSPORT

In some living cells the order of penetration of certain cations corresponds to that of their mobilities in water. This has led to the idea that electrolytes pass chiefly as ions through the protoplasmic surface in which the order of ionic mobilities is supposed to correspond to that found in water. If this correspondence could be demonstrated it would not prove that electrolytes pass chiefly as ions through the protoplasmic surface for such a correspondence could exist if the movement were mostly in molecular form. This is clearly shown in the models here described. In these the protoplasmic surface is represented by a non-aqueous layer interposed between two aqueous phases, one representing the external solution, the other the cell sap. The order of penetration through the non-aqueous layer is Cs > Rb > K > Na > Li. This will be recognized as the order of ionic mobilities in water. Nevertheless the movement is mostly in molecular form in the nonaqueous layer (which is used in the model to represent the protoplasmic surface) since the salts are very weak electrolytes in this layer. The chief reason for this order of penetration lies in the fact that the partition coefficients exhibit the same order, that of cesium being greatest and that of lithium smallest. The partition coefficients largely control the rate of entrance since they determine the concentration gradient in the non-aqueous layer which in turn controls the process of penetration. The relative molecular mobilities (diffusion constants) in the non-aqueous layer do not differ greatly. The ionic mobilities are not known (except for K+ and Na+) but they are of negligible importance, since the movement in the non-aqueous layer is largely in molecular form. They may follow the same order as in water, in accordance with Walden's rule. Ammonium appears to enter faster than its partition coefficient would lead us to expect, which may be due to rapid penetration of NH3. This recalls the apparent rapid penetration of ammonium in living cells which has also been explained as due to the rapid penetration of NH3. Both observation and calculation indicate that the rate of penetration is not directly proportional to the partition coefficient but increases somewhat less rapidly. Many of these considerations doubtless apply to living cells.
Testing the Improvement of English as a Foreign Language Instruction among Chinese College Students through Computerized Graphic Visuals.

TESOL Quarterly invites readers to submit short reports and updates on their work. These summaries may address any areas of interest to Quarterly readers.
Elevated neutral protease activity in myelin from brains of patients with multiple sclerosis

Incubation of human myelin at neutral pH resulted in the proteolytic conversion of the myelin-associated glycoprotein to a lower molecular weight derivative (dMAG) and the degradation of basic protein. The formation of dMAG occurred much more rapidly than the degradation of basic protein. The formation of dMAG and the degradation of basic protein both occurred significantly more rapidly in myelin preparations purified from brains of patients with multiple sclerosis than in preparations from control brain. The results suggest that this neutral protease associated with myelin may function in the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Chlobenthiazone and tricyclazole inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus

Abstract Studies with Aspergillus flavus were made to determine if the melanin pathway reductase inhibitors, chlobenthiazone and tricyclazole inhibit aflatoxin synthesis. Three wild-type strains of A. flavus were grown in shake cultures containing up to 30 μg/ml chlobenthiazone or tricyclazole. Both compounds inhibited the accumulation of aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , and B 2a , and their inhibitory effect on mycelial growth (dry weight) was minor compared to that on aflatoxin synthesis. In a typical study with strain SRRC-2002, quantities of aflatoxin B 1 , in 4-day-old cultures were decreased by 90, 99, and 100% at 1, 4, and 8 μg/ml chlobenthiazone, respectively. Tricyclazole at 1, 8, and 30 μg/ml decreased aflatoxin synthesis by 2, 21, 73%, respectively. Cultures treated with chlobenthiazone at 8 μg/ml did not accumulate aflatoxin precursors that are normally found in control cultures, i.e., norsolorinic acid, averufin, versicolorin A, or versicolorin C. This suggests that chlobenthiazone causes inhibition at a site in the aflatoxin pathway prior to the synthesis of norsolorinic acid.
Urine excretion of tumor-associated antigens by patients with gynecologic neoplasms

Abstract Twenty-four-hour urine samples from known gynecologic cancer patients and normal donors were tested for antigen by a complement fixation assay using autologous sera as antibody sources. Eleven of fourteen cancer patients (78.6%) were antigenically positive while only 1 of 9 (11.1%) normal donors was positive. Absorption of sera with autologous tumor cells removed the antibodies while uninvolved gynecologic tissues were ineffective as absorbents. In 1 patient whose disease was surgically debulked, removal of the tumor was characterized by a diminution in antigen excretion.
On the deficiency of the fluxon mass derived from the lattice elastic energy

Inadequacies of a result for the fluxon mass per unit length m derived from the nonlocal elasticity of the flux line lattice are discussed. Unusual properties of m are pointed out, including a divergent temperature dependence, showing the need to replace this quantity and the associated viscosity in dynamical expressions. An Appendix illustrates one of many alternative fluxon masses and viscosities, the electromagnetic contribution of AJ fluxons.
Computer Methods for Estimating Weibull Parameters in Reliability Studies

In an earlier paper3 which appeared in this Transactions, the author showed in the appendixes two methods of estimating the shape and scale parameters of a Weibull distribution from a set of life testing data. They are: (I) the method of least squares for the transformed data, and (II) the method of maximum likelihood for ungrouped data. It was pointed out that since the method of least squares was the simpler of the two, it could be used as a first approximation for getting the maximam likelihood estimate which involves solving, by trial and error, two simultaneous transcendental equations. As a measure of simplifying the computation of the analysis, the author suggested fixing the shape parameters at m = 1.7, when studying the reliability of electron tubes. This value of m = 1.7 was an average value based upon the life experience data, then available to the author, of some 2,000 electron tubes. With the wide popularity and availability of electronic computer, the above simplifications are no longer necessary, though still desirable for reasons explained in the text. This paper describes two additional methods for which the computers are almost indispensable. They are: (III) the method of maximum likelihood for grouped data, and (IV) the method of minimized chi-squares. For the sake of discussion, the two previous methods (I and II) are briefly reviewed.
Adult rat bone marrow stromal cells express genes associated with dopamine neurons

An intensive search is underway to identify candidates to replace the cells that degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, no suitable substitute has been found. We have recently found that adult rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) can be induced to assume a neuronal phenotype in vitro. These findings may have particular relevance to the treatment of PD. We now report that adult MSCs express multiple dopaminergic genes, suggesting that they are potential candidates for cell therapy. Using RT-PCR, we have examined families of genes that are associated with the development and/or survival of dopaminergic neurons. MSCs transcribe a variety of dopaminergic genes including patched and smoothened (components of the Shh receptor), Gli-1 (downstream mediator of Shh), and Otx-1, a gene associated with formation of the mesencephalon during development. Furthermore, Shh treatment elicits a 1.5-fold increase in DNA synthesis in cultured MSCs, suggesting the presence of a functional Shh receptor complex. We have also found that MSCs transcribe and translate Nurr-1, a nuclear receptor essential for the development of dopamine neurons. In addition, MSCs express a variety of growth factor receptors including the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored ligand-binding subunit of the GDNF receptor, GFRalpha1, as well as fibroblast growth factor receptors one and four. The expression of genes that are associated with the development and survival of dopamine neurons suggests a potential role for these cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.