cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical correlates of pain with amniocentesis

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether sensory or affective dimensions of pain with genetic amniocentesis are associated with identifiable clinical correlates. Study design Women completed the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire after second-trimester genetic amniocentesis. The effect of maternal weight, parity, previous amniocentesis, previous surgery, history of menstrual cramps, maternal anxiety, presence of fibroid tumors, and depth and location of needle insertion on pain intensity was determined. The T-test, correlation matrix, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis; a probability value of Results One hundred twenty-one women were enrolled: 19.3% reported no pain, 42.9% described the pain as mild, 31.1% described the pain as discomforting, and 6.7% described the pain as distressing or horrible. Mean intensity of pain was 1.6±1.3 (on a scale of 0-7). Pain was most often described as sharp, cramping, fearful, and stabbing. Anxiety and pain were increased in women with an indication of abnormal serum screen as compared with women with advanced maternal age. Anxiety and a history of menstrual cramps were associated with increased affective dimensions of pain and had moderate correlation with quantified pain intensity. A history of previous amniocentesis and needle insertion in the lower one third of the uterus were associated with increased pain. Maternal weight, parity, previous surgery, fibroid tumors, and depth of needle insertion were not correlated with perceived pain. Presence or absence of an accompanying person was not associated with pain intensity. Conclusion Women report mild pain or discomfort with genetic amniocentesis. Increased pain is associated with increased maternal anxiety, a history of menstrual cramps, a previous amniocentesis, and insertion of the needle in the lower uterus.
Jay B. Nash

(1985). Jay B. Nash. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 56, No. 7, pp. 55-57.
MÖSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY OF STRONTIUM FERRITES RELATED TO PERMANENT MAGNET MATERIALS

In the synthesis of SrFe12O19 from SrCO3 and Fe2O3, SrFeO3-x is formed as the only intermediate phase, which reacts subsequently with Fe2O3 to form SrFe12O19. Nonstoichiometric hexaferrites, i.e. with SrO/Fe2O3 ratios from 1/5.5 to 1/5.0, contain Sr4Fe6O13 as a second phase. The degree of resolution of the spectra from the five magnetic sublattices of SrFe12O19 depends upon the concentration of Sr4Fe6O13. The superior magnetic properties of nonstoichiometric Sr-hexaferrites appear to be related to the coexistence of the two magnetically ordered phases SrFe12O19 and Sr4Fe6O13.
Low-molecular-weight heparins in acute myocardial infarction: rationale and results of a pilot study.

Background: Antithrombotic adjuncts to fibrinolytic drugs for acute myocardial infarction increase the rate and speed of infarct artery recanalization. Hypothesis: A low—molecular—weight heparin might be preferable to unfractionated heparin for this indication, as it has been shown to be in several other thrombus-related vascular disorders. Methods: We performed a pilot study in 20 patients, all receiving aspirin and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Randomization was to standard dose intravenous unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin (the first dose given intravenously and followed by a subcutaneous administration). The endpoint was stability of anticoagulant effect. Results: Enoxaparin produced stable therapeutic anti—Xa levels with minimal effect on activated partial thromboplastin times. Unfractionated heparin produced wide swings of these parameters, often outside desired levels. Conclusions: Enoxaparin may be a better antithrombotic agent than conventional unfractionated heparin when used in conjunction with fibrinolytics.
Pathologic effects of external-beam irradiation on human vocal folds.

Objectives:We sought to better characterize pathologic changes that occur in the human vocal fold after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.Methods:In a blinded, controlled study of archived tissue, we evaluated postirradiation salvage laryngectomy vocal fold tissue without evidence of malignant disease. Clinical and demographic patient data were collected. In a blinded fashion, irradiated tissue was compared to nonirradiated, benign control tissue. Histomorphometric analysis was used to assess muscle and collagen organization, superficial lamina propria (SLP) and vocal ligament thickness, vocalis muscle fiber area, collagen content, and hyaluronic acid content. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess the content of type I collagen, type IV collagen, vimentin, fibronectin, α–smooth muscle actin, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and laminin.Results:Twenty irradiated vocal folds were evaluated and compared to control specimens. Collagen and muscle disorganization was noted in the irradiated specimens. ...
Measurement of paint-on die spacers used for casting relief

Abstract Three paints used for die spacing were measured for film thickness. Two of the materials are marketed as die spacers, and the third is sold as a model airplane paint. The materials were applied to stone dies in multiple coats. They were embedded in resin, sectioned, and measured photographically through a microscope. The three die spacing materials were capable of achieving clinically acceptable relief in the range of 20 to 40 μ by using a variable number of coats. Different paints produced different thicknesses. The two paints sold specifically for die spacing gave 11 to 13 μ per coat. The hobby shop paint had the smallest film thickness per coat, yielding approximately 5 μ per layer. It also had the smallest standard deviation. This control plus the relative low cost and availability make it attractive for this purpose.
Immediate response to inspiratory resistive loading in anesthetized patients with kyphoscoliosis: spirometric and neural effects.

In kyphoscoliosis (KS), lung volumes are reduced, respiratory elastance and resistance are increased, and breathing pattern is rapid and shallow, attributes that may contribute to defense of tidal volume (VT) in the face of inspiratory resistive loading. The control of ventilation of 12 anesthetized patients about to undergo corrective spinal surgery was compared to that of 11 anesthetized patients free of cardiothoracic disease during quiet breathing and the first breath through one of three linear resistors. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of the KS group was 48% that of the controls (C). Passive elastance (Ers) and active elastance and resistance (E′rs and R′rs, respectively) were computed according to previously described techniques (Behrakis PK, Higgs BD, Baydur A, Zin WA, Milic-Emili J (1983) Active inspiratory impedance in halothane-anesthetized humans. J Appl Physiol 54:1477–1481). Baseline tidal volume VT, inspiratory duration TI, expiratory duration TE, duration of total breathing cycle TT, and inspiratory duty cycle TI/TT were significantly reduced, while VE was slightly decreased in the KS. Ers, E′rs, and R′rs, were, respectively, 72, 69, and 89% greater in the KS. Driving pressure (Pmus) was derived from the equation of motion, using active values of respiratory elastance. With resistive loading, there was greater prolongation of TI in the C, while percent reduction in VT and minute ventilation VE was less in KS. Compensation in both groups was achieved through three changes in the Pmus waveform. (1) Peak amplitude increased. (2) The duration of the rising phase increased. (3) The rising Pmus curve became more concave to the time axis. These changes were most marked with application of the highest resistance in both groups. Peak driving pressure and mean rate of rise of Pmus were greater in the KS. Increased intrinsic impedance, Pmus, and differences in changes in neural timing in anesthetized kyphoscoliotics contribute to modestly greater VT defense, compared to that of anesthetized subjects free of cardiorespiratory disease.
Analysis of the Deformation Behavior in Tension and Tension-Creep of Ti-3Al-2.5V (wt pct) at 296 K and 728 K (23 °C and 455 °C) Using In Situ SEM Experiments

The deformation behavior of a Ti-3Al-2.5V (wt pct) near-α alloy was investigated during in situ deformation inside a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two plates with distinct textures were examined. Tensile experiments were performed at 296 K and 728 K (455 °C) (~0.4T m), while a tensile-creep experiment was performed at 728 K (455 °C) and 180 MPa (σ/σ ys = 0.72). The active deformation systems were identified in the α phase using electron backscattered diffraction based slip-trace analysis and SEM images of the surface. Prismatic slip deformation was the dominant slip mode observed for all the experiments in both plates, which was supported by a critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) ratio analysis. However, due to the texture of plate 1, which strongly favored the activation of prismatic slip, the percentages of prismatic slip activity for specimens from plate 1 tested at 296 K and 728 K (23 °C and 455 °C) were higher than the specimens from plate 2 under the same testing conditions. T1 twinning was an active deformation mode at both 296 K and 728 K (23 °C and 455 °C), but the extent of twinning activity decreased with increased temperature. T1 twinning was more frequently observed in specimens from plate 2, which exhibited a higher fraction of twinning systems favoring activation at both 296 K and 728 K (23 °C and 455 °C). The tension-creep experiment revealed less slip and more grain boundary sliding than in the higher strain rate tensile experiments. Using a previously demonstrated bootstrapping statistical analysis methodology, the relative CRSS ratios of prismatic, pyramidal 〈a〉, pyramidal 〈c+a〉, and T1 twinning deformation systems compared with basal slip were calculated and discussed in light of similar measurements made on CP Ti and Ti-5Al-2.5Sn (wt pct).
Understanding Responsibility: A Self‐Directred Learning Application of the Triangle Model of Responsibiity

Personal responsibility has long been considered an important component in self-directed learning. And yet, a theoretical understanding of personal responsibility that could lead to meaningful instrumentation has eluded the field. The present study considers the merits of the Triangle Model of Responsibility (TMR) (Schlenker, Britt, Pennington, Murphy, & Doherty, 1994) as a useful construct for the field of self-directed learning. This study considers how well the TMR fits with other theoretical constructs and considers possibilities for future research.
STUDIES ON THE RIGOR RESULTING FROM THE THAWING OF FROZEN FROG SARTORIUS MUSCLE

1. The rigor which takes place when completely frozen frog sartorius muscle is thawed ("thaw rigor"), is accompanied by a decrease in length of 70 per cent and a loss in weight of 35 per cent, whether the muscle is frozen in the resting or the exhausted condition, or during isometric tetanus. Muscle tetanized to maximal shortening shows a loss in weight of 25 per cent on thawing. 2. A load of 8 gm. is sufficient to prevent the decrease in length on thawing, but after its removal the muscle will shorten almost to the normal extent. 3. Inhibitors such as azide, cyanide, 2:4 dinitrophenol, p -chloromercuribenzoate, Cu, and hydrogen peroxide, when used for periods not exceeding 1 hour, have little effect on the shortening; although in some cases these poisons render the muscle inexcitable. 4. Muscles poisoned with iodoacetic acid and stimulated to exhaustion, or maintained at fixed length in nitrogen, show little or no shortening on thawing. ATP can produce shortening in the muscles in which it has been prevented. 5. The phenomenon is considered to be due to an in situ synaeresis of the actomyosin of the myofibrils. As a result of the disorganisation of the muscle protoplasm produced by the freezing and subsequent thawing, the ATP, which must be bound or localized in the resting muscle, can act on the myofibril in a similar manner to its in vitro effect on the actomyosin thread.
Semantic Richness and Word Learning in Children with Hearing Loss who are Developing Spoken Language: A Single Case Design Study

AbstractChildren with hearing loss who are developing spoken language tend to lag behind children with normal hearing in vocabulary knowledge. Thus, researchers must validate instructional practices that lead to improved vocabulary outcomes for children with hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate how semantic richness of instruction interacts with individual child profiles to influence word learning. A single subject adapted alternating treatments design measured the effects of three semantic richness conditions – Semantically Sparse, Semantically Rich, and Semantically Super Rich – on expressive vocabulary learning at the end of the school week. Participants included eight preschool children with hearing loss who were developing spoken language. Each week for 7 weeks teachers taught children new vocabulary words presented in one of three semantic richness conditions; conditions were randomly assigned by week. The probe measure, an expressive naming task, was collected in baseline and ...
Antimycin-resistant alternate electron pathway to plastocyanin in bovine-heart complex III.

Bovine-heart Complex III can catalyze the reduction of spinach plastocyanin by a decyl analog of ubiquinol-2 at a rate comparable with the rate of plastocyanin reduction by plastoquinol as catalyzed by the cytochromeb6−f complex purified from spinach leaves. This plastocyanin reduction as catalyzed by Complex III was almost completely inhibited by myxothiazol at stoichiometric concentrations, partially inhibited by UHDBT (5-n-undecyl-6-hydroxy-4,7-dioxobenzothiazole) and funiculosin, and was relatively insensitive to antimycin and HQNO (2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide). Cytochromec reduction as catalyzed by Complex III displayed a residual, inhibitor-insensitive rate of 5% of the uninhibited rate for each of the three inhibitors, antimycin, myxothiazol, and UHDBT. However, the residual rate that was insensitive to each of the inhibitors added singly was inhibited further by addition of the remaining two inhibitors. From these results it is concluded that plastocyanin reduction involves an electron-transfer pathway through Complex III that is distinct from the pathway utilized for reduction of cytochromec.
Binary interaction parameters from blends of SMA copolymers with TMPC-PC copolycarbonates

Abstract Miscibility maps for blends of copolycarbonates based on various proportions of tetramethyl bisphenol-A and bisphenol-A (TMPC—PC) with copolymers of styrene—maleic anhydride (SMA) have been established and interaction energies have been calculated from the data using a binary interaction model combined with the Flory—Huggins theory. This analysis provides an independent assessment of all six interaction energies between the various repeat unit pairs. These include the first reported estimates for the binary interaction energies of MA with TMPC and with PC. The other four interaction energy values found here are in excellent agreement with earlier reports. LCST-type phase separation temperatures were determined and compared with values predicted by the Sanchez—Lacombe equation-of-state theory.
Selection of collection centers and recovery facilities for designing a reverse supply chain

The designing of a reverse supply chain must involve selection of collection centers and recovery facilities that have sufficient success potentials. These success potentials depend heavily on the participation of the following three important groups who have multiple, conflicting, and incommensurate criteria for evaluation, and so, the potentials must be evaluated based on the maximized consensus among those groups: (i) Consumers (whose primary concern is convenience), (ii) Local government officials (whose primary concern is environmental consciousness), and (iii) Supply chain company executives (whose primary concern is profit). In this paper, we propose a three-phase multi-criteria group approach to select collection centers as well as recovery facilities, of sufficient success potentials. In the first phase of the approach, we identify important criteria for evaluation of the alternatives (collection centers as well as recovery facilities) by each of the above three groups. In the second phase, we give weights to the criteria of each group using the eigen vector method, and then, employ the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to find the success potential of each alternative, as evaluated by that group. Then, in the third and final phase, we use Borda"s choice rule that, for each alternative, combines individual success potentials into a group success potential.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neuroligin‐1 performs neurexin‐dependent and neurexin‐independent functions in synapse validation

Postsynaptic neuroligins are thought to perform essential functions in synapse validation and synaptic transmission by binding to, and dimerizing, presynaptic α- and β-neurexins. To test this hypothesis, we examined the functional effects of neuroligin-1 mutations that impair only α-neurexin binding, block both α- and β-neurexin binding, or abolish neuroligin-1 dimerization. Abolishing α-neurexin binding abrogated neuroligin-induced generation of neuronal synapses onto transfected non-neuronal cells in the so-called artificial synapse-formation assay, even though β-neurexin binding was retained. Thus, in this assay, neuroligin-1 induces apparent synapse formation by binding to presynaptic α-neurexins. In transfected neurons, however, neither α- nor β-neurexin binding was essential for the ability of postsynaptic neuroligin-1 to dramatically increase synapse density, suggesting a neurexin-independent mechanism of synapse formation. Moreover, neuroligin-1 dimerization was not required for either the non-neuronal or the neuronal synapse-formation assay. Nevertheless, both α-neurexin binding and neuroligin-1 dimerization were essential for the increase in apparent synapse size that is induced by neuroligin-1 in transfected neurons. Thus, neuroligin-1 performs diverse synaptic functions by mechanisms that include as essential components of α-neurexin binding and neuroligin dimerization, but extend beyond these activities.
Tomographic reflection to merge ultrasound images with direct vision

Tomographic reflection is a method that may be used to merge the visual outer surface of a patient with a simultaneous ultrasound scan of the patient's interior. The technique combines a flat-panel monitor with a half-silvered mirror such that the image on the monitor is reflected precisely at the proper location within the patient. In this way, the ultrasound image is superimposed in real time on the view of the patient along with the operator's hands and any invasive tools in the field of view. Instead of looking away at an ultrasound monitor, the operator can manipulate needles and scalpels with direct hand-eye coordination. Invasive tools are visible up to where they enter the skin, permitting natural visual extrapolation to targets in the ultrasound slice. Tomographic reflection is independent of viewer location, requires no special apparatus to be worn by the operator, nor any registration of the patient.
Gold nanorod mediated plasmonic photothermal therapy: a tool to enhance macromolecular delivery.

Abstract Plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) with gold nanostructures has been used to generate significant heat within tumors to ablate vasculature. Here we report the use of gold nanorod (GNR) mediated PPTT to induce moderate hyperthermia as a tool to enhance the delivery of macromolecules. GNRs were injected intravenously in a mouse sarcoma (S-180) tumor model. After 24 h Evans blue dye (EBD) was injected and the right tumor was radiated with a laser diode for 10 min. EBD content in the right and left tumors were extracted in formamide, measured spectrophotometrically and expressed as a thermal enhancement ratio (TER). Enhanced delivery of EBD was observed (up to 1.8-fold) when tumor temperatures reached 43 °C or 46 °C. No statistical difference was observed between tumors at these two temperatures, though significant hemorrhage was observed in tumors and surrounding areas receiving the higher thermal dose (46 °C). These results indicate that tumor directed PPTT may be used to induce moderate hyperthermia and therefore selectively increase the delivery of macromolecules with therapeutic anticancer drugs.
Babesiosis in Patients with AIDS: A Chronic Infection Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin

Babesiosis is a malaria-like, tick-transmitted zoonosis caused by protozoa of the family Piroplasmorida, which includes Babesia and Theileria species. In the United States, the infection is endemic in the Northeast and upper Midwest, although cases have recently been described in Northern California and Washington State. We report a case of babesiosis in a patient infected with HIV who presented with a prolonged fever of unknown origin; the patient had not undergone splenectomy. Parasitemia persisted despite initial clinical improvement after treatment with quinine and clindamycin. Babesiosis was controlled with a maintenance regimen consisting of clindamycin, doxycycline, and high-dose azithromycin, but the infection was not eradicated. Babesiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIV-infected patients with fevers and/or anemia in areas where the infection is endemic. HIV-infected patients who are severely immunosuppressed, even those without a history of splenectomy, may present with severe manifestations of babesiosis and develop a chronic infection, which may require therapy to prevent relapse of disease.
Comparison of intensity-modulated continuous-wave lasers with a chirped modulation frequency to pulsed lasers for photoacoustic imaging applications.

Using a Green’s function solution to the photoacoustic wave equation, we compare intensity-modulated continuous-wave (CW) lasers with a chirped modulation frequency to pulsed lasers for photoacoustic imaging applications. Assuming the same transducer is used in both cases, we show that the axial resolution is identical and is determined by the transducer and material properties of the object. We derive a simple formula relating the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the two imaging systems that only depends on the fluence of each pulse and the time-bandwidth product of the chirp pulse. We also compare the SNR of the two systems assuming the fluence is limited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) laser safety guidelines for skin. We find that the SNR is about 20 dB to 30 dB larger for pulsed laser systems for reasonable values of the parameters. However, CW diode lasers have the advantage of being compact and relatively inexpensive, which may outweigh the lower SNR in many applications.
Retrograde transport of cholera toxin from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum requires the trans‐Golgi network but not the Golgi apparatus in Exo2‐treated cells

Cholera toxin (CT) follows a glycolipid-dependent entry pathway from the plasma membrane through the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it is retro-translocated into the cytosol to induce toxicity. Whether access to the Golgi apparatus is necessary for transport to the ER is not known. Exo2 is a small chemical that rapidly blocks anterograde traffic from the ER to the Golgi and selectively disrupts the Golgi apparatus but not the TGN. Here we use Exo2 to determine the role of the Golgi apparatus in CT trafficking. We find that under the condition of complete Golgi ablation by Exo2, CT reaches the TGN and moves efficiently into the ER without loss in toxicity. We propose that even in the absence of Exo2 the glycolipid pathway that carries the toxin from plasma membrane into the ER bypasses the Golgi apparatus entirely.
Renal artery stenting slows the rate of renal function decline.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to analyze renal artery interventions performed at a tertiary medical center and to evaluate improvements in hypertension and renal excretory function. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated at a tertiary medical center from January 2001 to December 2005. All patients treated with renal artery stenting by the Interventional Radiology or Endovascular Services were included. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results Forty patients with renal artery stenosis were evaluated for renal artery stenting, of these 22 were followed up with medical management. Twenty-six renal artery stents were placed in 18 patients (mean age, 70 ± 8 years), of whom 76% were treated for multidrug resistant hypertension, and 24% were treated for renal salvage. Mean follow-up was 15 months. Patients experienced a significant reduction in hypertension and in the number of antihypertensive agents, but this significance deteriorated at 6 months, when their blood pressure and number of medications returned to preprocedural values. Compared with a cohort that was followed up with medical management, the rate of renal function decline improved from −0.08 mg/dL per month to 0.00 mg/dL per month ( P Conclusions Renal artery stenting initially improves hypertension control, but the durability is lost after 6 months. Renal artery stenting dramatically slows the rate of renal function decline and could potentially delay a patient's requirement for hemodialysis.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Fraxinus pennsylvanica hypocotyls and plant regeneration

A genetic transformation protocol for green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) hypocotyl explants was developed. Green ash hypocotyls were transformed using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring binary vector pq35GR containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion gene, and an enhanced green fluorescent protein gene. Pre-cultured hypocotyl explants were transformed in the presence of 100 μM acetosyringone using 90 s sonication plus 10 min vacuum-infiltration. Kanamycin at 20 mg l−1 was used for selecting transformed cells. Adventitious shoots regenerated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 13.3 μM 6-benzylaminopurine, 4.5 μM thidiazuron, 50 mg l−1 adenine sulfate, and 10% coconut water. GUS- and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive shoots from the cut ends of hypocotyls were produced via an intermediate callus stage. Presence of the GUS and nptII genes in GUS-positive shoots were confirmed by PCR and copy number of the nptII gene in PCR-positive shoots was determined by Southern blotting. Three transgenic plantlets were acclimatized to the greenhouse. This transformation and regeneration system using hypocotyls provides a foundation for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of green ash. Studies are underway using a construct containing the Cry8Da protein of Bacillus thuringiensis for genetic transformation of green ash.
Personality and the Pursuit of Happiness

Although people pursue life outcomes because they believe that these outcomes will make them happy, research shows that external life circumstances have a surprisingly small effect on happiness and subjective well-being. In contrast, personality traits and other stable factors appear to play a more important role in happiness. Happiness is heritable, stable over time, and moderately to strongly associated with personality characteristics. Empirical support for these conclusions is reviewed, and more recent evidence that challenges strong interpretations of personality effects is discussed. Although the effects of personality are robust, long-term levels of happiness can and do change.
Comparison of two servo ventilator devices in the treatment of complex sleep apnea

Abstract Objective Servo ventilation (SV) devices generate positive airway pressure with a variable pressure support that changes in response to a patient's own respiratory output. Two currently available SV devices—VPAP-AdaptSV® and BIPAP-AutoSV®—have been used in treatment of complex sleep apnea (CompSAS), but no side-by-side comparisons are available. Methods Data of 76 consecutive patients with complex sleep apnea, who were prescribed a VPAP-AdaptSV® or BIPAP-AutoSV® in a non-randomized parallel design, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent a diagnostic polysomnogram followed by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration and a SV titration study. Objective compliance with the device was assessed at the first visit at 4–6weeks of its use. Results Thirty-five patients received a VPAP-AdaptSV® device, while 41 patients were treated with BIPAP-AutoSV®. Patients treated with BIPAP-AutoSV® had a significantly higher apnea–hypopnea index during their CPAP titration study than patients treated with VPAP-AdaptSV® [49/h (28–60) vs. 35/h (19.5–49.5), median (interquartile range), p p =0.081); an improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was higher in the BIPAP-AutoSV® group than in the VPAP-AdaptSV® group [4 (1–9) vs. 2.5 (0–5), p =0.02]. Conclusion Our retrospective data indicate that the two servo-ventilation devices are comparable means of controlling complex sleep apnea, and the compliance with them is high.
The Effects of World Society on Environmental Protection Outcomes

The world environmental regime has encouraged nations to adopt new environmental policies and laws worldwide. But, scholars question the impact on the environment, suggesting that national policies may be 'decoupled' from outcomes. We fill a gap in neo-institutional theory by specifying the circumstances in which institutions will affect outcomes - namely, when institutions are: 1) highly structured; 2) when they penetrate actors at multiple levels of the social system; and 3) when they are persistent over time. We explore these ideas using the case of global environmentalism. Longitudinal world-level analyses find that measures of structure, penetration, and persistence are associated with lower levels of environmental degradation, as measured by global CO 2 and CFC emissions. Additionally, cross-national analyses find that penetration is associated with improved outcomes. In this case, international institutions have generated substantive social change.
Stigmatizing Materialism: On Stereotypes and Impressions of Materialistic and Experiential Pursuits

Five studies examined the stigmatization of materialism. Participants expressed negative stereotypes of materialistic people, considering them to be more selfish and self-centered than experiential people (Study 1). Participants also viewed materialistic pursuits as more extrinsically motivated than experiential pursuits (Study 2). These stereotypes led respondents from varied demographic backgrounds to form less favorable impressions of individuals who were associated with prototypically materialistic versus experiential purchases, a result that was statistically mediated by impressions that materialistic purchases were more extrinsically motivated (Study 3). These differential impressions are primarily attributable to the denigration of materialistic people rather than the admiration of experiential people (Study 4). The stigmatization of materialism led participants to like less and enjoy interacting less with their conversation partners when discussing materialistic rather than experiential purchases (Study 5). The authors discuss these findings' implications for self-perception, accurate social perception, and well-being.
Investigation of interfaces with analytical tools

This paper focuses on advancements in three areas of analyzing interfaces, namely, acoustic microscopy for detecting damage to closely spaced interfaces, thermal imaging to detect damage and degradation of thermal interface materials and laser spallation, a relatively new concept to understand the strength of interfaces. Acoustic microscopy has been used widely in the semiconductor assembly and package area to detect delamination, cracks and voids in the package, but the resolution in the axial direction has always been a limitation of the technique. Recent advancements in acoustic waveform analysis has now allowed for detection and resolution of closely spaced interfaces such as layers within the die. Thermal imaging using infrared (IR) thermography has long been used for detection of hot spots in the die or package. With recent advancements in very high-speed IR cameras, improved pixel resolution, and sophisticated software programming, the kinetics of heat flow can now be imaged and analyzed to reveal damage or degradation of interfaces that are critical to heat transfer. The technique has been demonstrated to be useful to understand defects and degradation of thermal interface materials used to conduct heat away from the device. Laser spallation is a method that uses a short duration laser pulse to cause fracture at the weakest interface and has the ability to measure the adhesion strength of the interface. The advantage of this technique is that it can be used for fully processed die or wafers and even on packaged devices. The technique has been used to understand interfaces in devices with copper metallization and low-k dielectrics.
Low-passage-associated proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi B31: characterization and molecular cloning of OspD, a surface-exposed, plasmid-encoded lipoprotein.

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, loses its ability to infect and cause disease in mammalian hosts after repeated in vitro passage. To identify proteins preferentially expressed by the low-passage strain and thus representing potential virulence factors, the polypeptide profiles of virulent, low-passage and nonvirulent, high-passage forms of B. burgdorferi B31 were compared by nonequilibrium pH gradient two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Four low-passage-associated proteins with relative molecular masses (M(r)s) of 35,000, 28,000, 24,000, and 20,000 were identified. Of these, the 28- and 35-kDa polypeptides were not expressed in detectable quantities in the high-passage B31 strain, whereas the 24- and 20-kDa proteins were present in reduced quantities. All four of these proteins were lipoproteins, as determined by labelling with [3H]palmitate. The abundant 28-kDa component, called outer surface protein D (OspD), is surface exposed on the basis of its proteolysis during treatment of intact organisms with proteinase K. The ospD gene is located on a 38-kb linear plasmid present in seven of nine low-passage strains of B. burgdorferi examined but absent in most high-passage, nonvirulent strains tested. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the ospD gene locus revealed an open reading frame encoding a 28,436-Da polypeptide with a putative signal peptidase II leader sequence. An unusual feature of the region upstream of the gene was the presence of seven contiguous, direct repeats of a 17-bp sequence that includes consensus -35 and -10 transcription initiation signals; however, only one transcription initiation site was active as determined by primer extension analysis. Further study of these and other polypeptides associated with low-passage strains may lead to identification of B. burgdorferi gene products required for infection and pathogenesis in mammalian hosts. Images
Evaluation of Ceramic Matrix Composites by Thermal Diffusivity Imaging

Because of the complex structural design and multiple processing steps, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) typically contain a variety of flaws distributed throughout the volume. These flaws need to be detected and characterized because they are detrimental to CMC material properties. Thermal diffusivity imaging is a nondestructive evaluation method that can quantitatively determine the thermal property of a CMC component. Thermal diffusivity is an intrinsic material property that not only depends on the material constituents but also on the micro- and macrostructure of the CMC component. This paper investigates fundamental theories for thermal diffusivity measurement using pulsed thermal imaging from two- and one-sided setups. The variation of thermal diffusivity is examined for two types of flaws, voids and cracks, that are commonly present within CMCs. The sensitivity of thermal imaging to detect small and large flaws is analyzed and evaluated with measured thermal diffusivity data. In addition, analysis of fracture theories for the mechanical and thermal properties of materials with distributed microcracks has identified that thermal diffusivity may be used to determine the degradation of mechanical properties and, therefore, to predict the remaining life of a CMC component. Preliminary results for correlating thermal and mechanical properties are discussed.
Renormalization Group Method in Chaotic Mixing

There exist special values of a control parameter for which a self-similar hierarchy of islands occurs in the phase space of a system with chaotic dynamics. This set of islands impose an anomalous diffusion of particles which can be described by a fractional kinetic equation with fractional derivatives in space and time. The corresponding exponents of the derivatives can be related to the self-similarity properties of the islands using the renormalization group approach. Examples are given for the web-map and standard map.
Role of Geometric Distortion and Polarization in Localizing Electronic Excitations in Conjugated Polymers

Five different Density Functional Theory (DFT) models (ranging from pure GGA to long-range-corrected hybrid functionals) were used to study computationally the nature of the self-trapped electronic states in oligophenylene vinylenes. The electronic excitations in question include the lowest singlet (S1) and triplet (T1†) excitons (calculated using Time Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) method), positive (P+) and negative (P–) polarons, and the lowest triplet (T1) states (computed with the Self-Consistent Field (SCF) scheme). The polaron formation (spatial localization of excitations) is observed only with the use of range-corrected hybrid DFT models including long-range electronic exchange interactions. The extent of localization for all studied excitations is found to be invariant with respect to the size of the oligomer chain in their corresponding optimal geometries. We have analyzed the interdependence between the extent of the geometrical distortion and the localization of the orbital and spin density, and have...
The World is at Fault

Seven months before Cavalier ran an excerpt from The Crying of Lot 49, the same magazine published an essay on-Pynchon-an-a-other black humorists that has gone unnoticed by Pynchon's bibliographers. Written by his Cornell friend Jules Siegel, "The Dark Triumvirate"--on Friedman, Pynchon, and Heller--appeared in the August 1965 issue of Cavalier (vol. 15, pp. 14-16, 90-91) and is remarkable for a long quotation from one of Pynchon's letters. Since Cavalier is held by very few libraries, the quotation is reprinted below, along with Siegel's introductory paragraph.
Visual urethrotomy in the management of the obliterated membranous urethra.

SUMMARY Delayed direct-vision internal urethrotomy is a reasonable first treatment of the traumatically obliterated posterior urethra. Postoperative continence is achieved if the bladder neck is competent on preoperative cystogram. Simultaneous suprapubic and transurethral instrumentation most accurately define the length of obliterated urethra, and rectal examination determines any prostatic displacement. Half the patients will require repeat endoscopic surgery for significant stricture, and all require long-term follow-up to assure urethral patency. Potency is not affected by the procedure. Urethrotomy failure should not preclude a subsequent open procedure.
Design and Characterization of a Vision-Assisted System for Surface-Mount Component Placement

The accurate placement of surface-mount components on their respective pads is an important problem in surface-mount technology. As the lead/pad pitch size decreases, the placement problem becomes more difficult and a vision system is required to provide error information necessary to implement an accurate placement. Most vision-based placement strategies described in the open literature use component-to-pad alignment techniques unable to compensate for local errors in the component or the pad. This paper describes the development of a lead-to-pad placement strategy able to compensate for global and local errors. Sharp images with good illumination techniques reduce the amount of image processing, and simulation results show that lead-to-pad matching performs significantly better than component-to-pad matching.
Burden-Shifting and Tightened Conditionality, 1975–76: ‘The Practice of Financing the Status Quo is Coming to an End’

As discussed in Chapter 4, there were indicators in 1975 suggesting growing differences of view among international financial officials over the appropriate mechanisms to address persisting current account deficits. In his remarks at the 1975 annual IMF meeting, IMF Managing Director Johannes Witteveen (1975b: 249) acknowledged that disagreements ‘have naturally reflected differences among countries in economic priorities or objectives and in the assessment of evolving trends and prospects,’ but he nonetheless hoped that the assembled officials would come to ‘general agreement on two propositions. First countries must avoid policies that would achieve national objectives by shifting the burden to their trading partners. Second, given the strong interdependence of national economies, countries have international, as well as national, responsibilities.’
Giant Bullous Emphysema With Placental Transmogrification: A Case Report of a 14-Year-Old With Right Middle- and Lower-Lobe Involvement:

Giant bullous emphysema with placental transmogrification is an extremely rare entity, with 30 previously reported cases. Of these reported cases, it is typically identified with varied clinical and radiological impressions, presents in young adulthood to elderly, is always unilateral, and usually involves just one lobe. Despite the unknown pathogenesis, this diagnosis carries an excellent prognosis and is curative with complete resection. The pulmonary placental transmogrification is histologically indistinguishable from placental origin. Although not necessary to utilize because of the male predominance and no reported association, immunohistochemical stains can be used to prove lung origin. We report an extremely rare case of 2-lobe involvement of giant bullous emphysema with placental transmogrification in a boy 14 years of age, who is the youngest diagnosed patient with this lung abnormality.
Routine use of mesh during hiatal closure is safe with no increase in adverse sequelae.

Primary laparoscopic hiatal repair with fundoplication is associated with a high recurrence rate. We wanted to evaluate the potential risks posed by routine use of onlay-mesh during hiatal closure, when compared to primary repair. Utilizing single-institutional database, we identified patients who underwent primary laparoscopic hiatal repair from January 2005 through December 2014. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine perioperative morbidity and mortality. Long-term results were assessed by sending out a questionnaire. Results were tabulated and patients were divided into 2 groups: fundoplication with hiatal closure + absorbable or non-absorbable mesh and fundoplication with hiatal closure alone. A total of 505 patients underwent primary laparoscopic fundoplication. Mesh reinforcement was used in 270 patients (53.5%). There was no significant difference in the 30-day perioperative outcomes between the 2 groups. No clinically apparent erosions were noted and no mesh required removal. Standard questionnaire was sent to 475 patients; 174 (36.6%) patients responded with a median follow-up of 4.29 years. Once again, no difference was noted between the 2 groups in terms of dysphagia, heartburn, long-term antacid use, or patient satisfaction. Of these, 15 patients (16.9%, 15/89) in the ‘Mesh’ cohort had symptomatic recurrence as compared to 19 patients (22.4%, 19/85) in the ‘No Mesh’ cohort (p = 0.362). A reoperation was necessary in 6 patients (6.7%) in the ‘Mesh’ cohort as compared to 3 patients (3.5%) in the ‘No Mesh’ cohort (p = 0.543). Onlay-mesh use in laparoscopic hiatal repair with fundoplication is safe and has similar short and long-term results as primary repair.
Public Stigma Across Addictive Behaviors: Casino Gambling, eSports Gambling, and Internet Gaming

The negative psychological effects of public stigma on disordered gamblers have been well documented. Public stigma deters treatment-seeking and other help-seeking behaviors, and negatively impacts individuals' view of themselves. Different types of disordered gambling activities may attract different degrees of stigma. One increasingly popular form of gambling involves placing bets on the outcomes of competitive video games, also called eSports gambling. This activity shares characteristics with Internet gaming and gambling. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of public stigma held towards traditional casino gamblers, eSports gamblers, and Internet gamers, as compared to an individual experiencing comparable levels of impairment and distress due to a financial crisis. Using an experimental between-groups vignette study design, we found that all three types of behavioral addictions were more heavily stigmatized than the control condition. The three behavioral addictions were seen as being highly controllable, engendered a significant amount of anger and blame, and resulted in higher levels of desired social distance. Traditional casino gamblers were seen as significantly more dangerous to be around and created a higher level of desired social distance than the Internet gamer. Differences between the Internet gamer and eSports better were less pronounced. These findings underscore the importance of reducing public stigma for gambling and other behavioral addictions, and provide information that can be used when developing interventions to impact stigma.
Students with Hearing Impairments

Our abilities to hear and respond to various sounds have an impact upon virtually every aspect of our lives. When hearing is severely limited, there can be far-reaching effects upon an individual’s capability to interact with the environment. This is especially true during the child’s early formative years. When a young child is unable to hear sounds clearly, significant educational problems may develop. For example, if a child has a problem hearing certain speech sounds, he or she will not be able to produce those speech sounds accurately when older. This can have a direct and adverse effect on language development and on all areas affected by language (e.g., reading). But the inability to hear clearly can also produce social and emotional problems (Kleffner, 1973). A student who is unable to hear verbal directions might be “accused” of ignoring someone or of being obstinate and uncooperative. Hearing impairments, therefore, should be viewed not only from the educational perspective but also from the larger perspective of their effects on the child’s overall adjustment.
Solving the Single IRB/Boilerplate Bind: Establishing Institutional Guidelines.

There are ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and clarity in the ethical review process. Institutional review boards (IRBs) often use standardized language (“boilerplate”) for consent forms to ac...
Unusual Destruction of the Nasal Septum

Extranodal Natural Killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is the most common cause of nasal cell lymphoma. It manifests by progressive destruction of the facial midline features with nasal obstruction and local destruction of soft tissue. Therefore, establishing the diagnosis of this disease tends to be difficult. This is attributed to an extensive differential diagnosis of infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic and inflammatory etiologies. We herein report the case of a 63-year-old female who presented to our department for persistent nasal congestion resistant to symptomatic treatment that was found to have an ENKTL. In this paper, we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical and imaging findings, differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.