cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of volume flow rate by the proximal isovelocity surface area method: Simplified approach using color Doppler zero baseline shift

Objectives. The goal of this study was to develop an accurate, simplified proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method for calculating volume flow rate using lower blue-red interface velocity produced by a color Doppler zero baseline shift technique. Background. The Doppler color proximal isovelocity surface area method has been shown to be accurate for calculating the volume flow rate (Q) across a narrowed orifice by the formula Q = PISA × Blue-red interface velocity. A hemispheric model is generally used to calculate proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA = 2πa2, where a = the radius corresponding to the blue-red interface velocity). Although a hemispheric model is simple, requiring measurement of one radius, it may underestimate the actual volume flow rate because, in the general case, the shape of a proximal isovelocity surface area is hemielliptic. Although a hemielliptic model is generally more accurate for calculating proximal isovelocity surface area, it is more complex, requiring measurement of two orthogonal radii. Methods. Sixteen in vitro constant flow model studies were performed using planar circular orifices (diameter range 6 to 16 mm). The blue-red interface velocity was changed from 3 to 54 cm/s using color Doppler zero baseline shift. Results. 1) With decreasing blue-red interface velocity, the size of the proximal isovelocity surface area was increased, and its shape changed from hemielliptic to hemispheric. 2) With the blue-red interface velocity in the range 11 to 15 cm/s, the proximal isovelocity surface area became nearly hemispheric; however, it was difficult to determine the blue-red interface radius at a blue-red interface velocity <10 cm/s because of interface fluctuations. 3) Calculated volume flow rate using the hemispheric proximal isovelocity surface area model with a single radius was relatively accurate at a blue-red interface velocity of 11 to 15 cm/s (mean percent difference from actual volume flow rate was −3.6%). Conclusions. Because the shape of the proximal isovelocity surface area is nearly hemispheric at a blue-red interface velocity of 11 to 15 cm/s, volume flow rate can be accurately calculated in this proximal isovelocity surface area interface velocity range (produced by zero baseline shift) by measuring a single-interface radius. This approach should be clinically useful for calculating the volume flow rate across stenotic and regurgitant valves and across shunt defects.
Beyond the Four Theories of the Press: A New Model for the Asian & the World Press

The four theories of the press have long dominated in journalism education and research and arguably do a good job of describing media systems in the West. However, it is hard to fit Asian media systems into the existing theories. This paper re-examines the four press theories and identifies the difficulties in using the theories as a guide to understand media systems in Asia. The purpose of this paper is to raise issues with the applicability of the theories in an Asian media context and explore a new paradigm, which would bring in cultural values from both the East and the West.
The dual effect of PNU-120596 on α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels.

PNU-120596 (1-(5-chloro-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)urea), a Type-II positive allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors inhibits α7 desensitization and robustly prolongs openings of α7 channels. However, these effects may render α7 channels more accessible to positively charged molecules and thus, more susceptible to voltage-dependent open-channel-block-like inhibition. To test this hypothesis, choline chloride (i.e., choline), a selective endogenous α7 agonist, and bicuculline methochloride (i.e., bicuculline), a competitive α7 antagonist, were used as membrane voltage-sensitive probes in whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from hippocampal CA1 interneurons in acute brain slices in the absence and presence of PNU-120596. PNU-120596 enhanced voltage-dependent inhibition of α7 responses by bicuculline and choline. In the presence of PNU-120596, α7 channels favored a burst-like kinetic modality in the presence, but not absence of bicuculline and bursts of α7 openings were voltage-dependent. These results suggest that PNU-120596 alters the pharmacology of α7 channels by making these channels more susceptible to voltage-dependent inhibitory interactions with positively charged drugs at concentrations that do not potently inhibit α7 channels without PNU-120596. This inhibition imitates α7 nicotinic receptor desensitization and compromises the potentiating anti-desensitization effects of PNU-120596 on α7 nicotinic receptors. This unexpected dual action of PNU-120596, and possibly other Type-II positive allosteric modulators of α7 nicotinic receptors, may lead to unanticipated α7 channel-drug interactions and misinterpretation of α7 single-channel data.
An Internet-based self-change program for traumatic event related fear, distress, and maladaptive coping

This study compared the efficacy of an Internet-based, 8-week self-help program for traumatic event-related consequences (SHTC) (n = 13) to a wait-list (WL) condition (n = 14). The SHTC consisted of cognitive-behavioral modules that progressed from the least anxiety-provoking component (i.e., information) to the most anxiety-provoking (i.e., exposure). Participants were those who had experienced a traumatic event and had been experiencing subclinical levels of symptoms associated with the event. Participants mastered the material in each module before proceeding to the next module. Pre- and post-treatment assessments revealed that SHTC participants decreased avoidance behavior, frequency of intrusive symptoms, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and increased coping skills and coping self-efficacy significantly more than WL participants. SHTC participants demonstrated more clinically significant improvement than WL individuals.
Democratical Gentlemen and the Lust for Mastery: Status, Ambition, and the Language of Liberty in Hobbes’s Political Thought

Neorepublican treatments of Hobbes argue that his conception of liberty was deliberately developed to counter a revived and Roman-rooted republican theory of liberty. In doing so, Hobbes rejects republican liberty, and, with it, Roman republicanism. We dispute this narrative and argue that rather than rejecting Roman liberty, per se, Hobbes identifies and attacks a language of liberty, Roman in character, often abused by ambitious persons. This is possible because Roman liberty—and, by extension, Hobbes’s relationship to it—is more complex than neorepublican authors have allowed. Drawing on Roman sources, along with Hobbes’s major works, we argue that Hobbes’s theory of liberty owes much to his engagement with Roman sources, and that this theory speaks to the egalitarian elements in his political thought.
Spontaneous right cervicothoracic lymphocoele.

ital, traumatic, diagnostic procedures (iatrogenic), and neoplastic categories. The primary imaging modalities to assess lymphocoeles are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography are used occasionally to delineate the course of lymph flow. Isosulphan blue injection is used to aid in the localization of disrupted lymphatic channels during operative repair. Treatment of groin and abdominal lymphocoeles consists of observation only, aspiration (often repeated), instillation of sclerosing agents, irradiation, and surgical closure-excision. Most cases of mediastinal lymphocoele can be attributed to iatrogenic2 or accidental3 trauma, although large cysts of the thoracic duct in the mediastinum have been reported without a clear cause.4 Even less frequently, these cysts manifest themselves as a supraclavicular mass confined to or predominantly located in the neck.5,6 Cysts of the right lymphatic system are extremely rare. Only one case of a mediastinal lymphocoele has been reported that was thought to arise from the right lymphatic system.7 Clinical Summary The patient is a 32-year-old otherwise healthy woman who noticed the abrupt onset of a large right cervical‐supraclavicular fossa fullness. The only recent physical exertion she could recall was a vigorous and aerobic (ie, noncontact) workout 4 days before onset. She denied a history of pain immediately after the activity or during the following days. The area measured 7.0 5.0 cm, was not tender, was not fluctuant, and had no overlying erythema. The patient denied previous surgery or other trauma to the neck or chest. There was no abdominal distention.
Cholecystokinin octapeptide: effects on the excitability of cultured spinal neurons.

Abstract The actions of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK) on the membrane properties of mouse spinal neurons grown in monolayer culture were examined using intracellular recording techniques. In a subpopulation of cells, application of CCK (0.2–100 μM) by pressure ejection from micropipettes produced a small (∼2 mV) membrane depolarization that was accompanied by a decrease in membrane conductance (∼11 percent). These effects were associated with an enhanced tendency of the cells to generate action potentials when stimulated with intracellular depolarizing current. The unsulfated analog of CCK, which possesses weak biological activity in the gut, had little or no effect on cultured spinal neurons. A number of differences were noted between the responses to CCK and the excitatory amino acid glutamate. First, the effects of CCK were more delayed in onset (∼17 sec) and prolonged in duration (∼124 sec). Second, the depolarizations produced by glutamate were of larger magnitude and associated with variable effects on membrane conductance. Third, the response to CCK showed tachyphylaxis with repeated applications whereas glutamate remained effective as often as it was applied. It is concluded that CCK facilitates the excitability of spinal neurons in a manner distinct from that of the conventional excitant glutamate.
The Impact of Real Gas Properties on Predictions of Static and Rotordynamic Properties of the Annular Gas Seals for Injection Compressors

Predictions are presented for an annular gas seal that is representative of the division-wall seal of a back-to-back compressor or the balance-piston seal of an in-line compressor. A two-control-volume bulk-flow model is used including the axial and circumferential momentum equations and the continuity equations. The basic model uses a constant-temperature prediction (ISOT) and an ideal gas law as an equation of state. Two variations are used: adding the energy equation with an ideal gas law (IDEAL), and adding the energy equation with real gas properties (REAL). The energy equations assume adiabatic flow. The ISOT model has been used for prior calculations. Concerning predictions of static characteristics, the calculated mass leakage rates were, respectively, 9.46 kg/s, 9.55 kg/s, and 7.87 kg/s for ISOT, IDEAL, and REAL. For rotordynamic coefficients, predicted effective stiffness coefficients are comparable for the models at low excitation frequencies. At running speed, REAL predictions are roughly 40% lower than ISOT, which could result in lower predicted critical speeds. Predicted effective damping coefficients are also generally comparable. REAL and IDEAL predictions for the crossover frequency are approximately 20% lower than ISOT. REAL predictions for effective damping are modestly lower in the frequency range of 40-50% of running speed where higher damping values are desired.
Intratumoral vascularity as a prognostic factor in cancers of the urogenital tract

INTRODUCTION A POSITIVE correlation of increasing intratumoral microvessel density (IMD) with various measures of tumour aggressiveness has been reported for a long list of solid tumours arising at multiple body sites. This list includes not only cancers of the breast, head and neck, lung, skin, stomach, colon, rectum, bone marrow, and central nervous system, but also those arising in the prostate, bladder, ovary, cervix, endometrium and testis. In most of these studies increasing IMD was found to have independent prognostic significance when compared to traditional prognostic markers by multivariate analysis. These reports are derived from numerous independent medical centres located around the world and these, as well as other evidence supporting the importance of tumour vascularity in the growth and spread of cancer, have been recently extensively reviewed [l]. Also, recent work, especially for prostate carcinoma, suggests that the assessment of IMD may first achieve widespread practical application in urogenital tract tumours. This review will focus on those studies of urogenital tract tumours wherein measuring tumour angiogenesis has been useful as a prognostic factor.
Quantitation of cocaine and cocaethylene in small volumes of rat whole blood using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract A simple solid phase extraction (SPE) technique combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode is described for quantitation of cocaine and cocaethylene in small samples (250 μl) of rat whole blood. Use of ( N -[ 2 H 3 C])-cocaine and (N- [ 2 H 3 C])-cocaethylene internal standards resulted in high sensitivity and selectivity for this analytical method. Analysis was performed using a Hewlett-Packard 5890 GC equipped with a 7673A Automatic Liquid Sampler linked to a Hewlett-Packard 5972 Mass Selective Detector. Separation of analytes was accomplished on a cross-linked methyl silicone gum capillary column (Ultra 1: 12m × 0.2mm (i.d.) × 0.33 μm). Linearity was established over a wide range of concentrations (5.0–2000.0 ng ml −1 ) with good precision. Limits of detection (LOD) were 1.0 and 2.0 ng ml −1 for cocaine and cocaethylene, respectively. This analytical method was designed for use in pharmacokinetic experiments studying the formation of cocaethylene following ethanol pretreatment in rats administered cocaine.
Obesity prevention in schools: current role and future practice of school nurses

Objective. To determine responsibilities of school nurses in delivering obesity prevention services, assess opinions and beliefs about school-based obesity prevention and determine factors associated with school nurses supporting and providing obesity prevention services. Method. In fall 2005, a self-administered survey was mailed to 275 school nurses in Minnesota; 221 were returned (response rate = 80%). Results. Most (76%) school nurses supported the use of school health services (SHS) for obesity prevention. The likelihood of nurses supporting SHS for obesity prevention (p = 0.009), as well as performing more child- (p = 0.016) and school-level (p = < 0.001) obesity prevention tasks increased as perceived support for school-based obesity prevention from health care providers and school administrators, teachers and foodservice staff increased. Nurses supportive of school-based height, weight and BMI screening and parent notification were twice as likely to perform child-level obesity prevention tasks (p = 0.021) and more than three times as likely to support using SHS for obesity prevention (p = 0.005). Conclusion. Our study suggests considerable support among school nurses for school-based obesity prevention efforts and a growing interest in providing primary and secondary preventive care services in the school setting. Study findings also speak to the need for preparation, time and support from the school and health provider community.
Semantic conditioning and generalization.

One female college freshman, serving as 5, was conditioned to salivate to a list of words, and generalization to synonym-related and homonym-related word lists was then studied. No significant difference was found between generalization to the word lists of synonyms and homonyms; both lists exerted the same control over behavior. E concluded that these results support the notion that reliable semantic generalization gradients can not be demonstrated when the data of individual Ss are considered. Some shortcomings of semantic conditioning and generalization research are discussed.
Nuclear effects and the NuTeV sin2 θW measurement

Abstract NuTeV measures sin 2 θ W by comparing neutral and charged current cross-sections on a heavy nuclear target, and finds a value of sin 2 θ W (on-shell) = 0.2277 ± 0.0013(stat) ± 0.0009(syst), approximately 3σ from the predicted value. We discuss the possibility that nuclear effects on parton distribution functions or cross-sections may be responsible for the discrepancy.
Epoch gradient descent for smoothed hinge-loss linear SVMs

A gradient descent method for strongly convex problems with Lipschitz continuous gradients requires only O(logq e) iterations to obtain an e-accurate solution (q is a constant in (0; 1)). Support Vector Machines (SVMs) penalized with the popular hinge-loss are strongly convex but they do not have Lipschitz continuous gradient. We find SVMs with strong-convexity and Lipschitz continuous gradient using Nesterov's smooth approximation technique [1]. The simple gradient method applied on the smoothed SVM converges fast but the obtained solution is not the exact maximum margin separating hyperplane. To obtain an exact solution, as well as a fast convergence, we propose a hybrid approach, epoch gradient descent.
Photocontraction of polyethylene-containing photochromic dyes

Etude en fonction du temps et de la concentration du colorant de la contraction photoinduite reversible du PF provoquee par la photoisomerisation cis-trans du colorant (disperse Orange 3, Sudan Black B)
The effects of leadership style on stress outcomes

Abstract The present study manipulated transformational and transactional leadership styles to examine their influence on individuals' performance on a stressful task, and on perceived social support, self-efficacy beliefs, emotions, and stressor appraisals. In addition, this study examined whether these variables mediated the relationship between leadership style and performance. Two hundred fourteen participants viewed video instructions for a stressful task presented by an actor depicting one of three leadership styles (transformational, transactional-contingent reward, and transactional-management by exception). Participants' psychological, emotional, and motivational responses to the videos were assessed prior to their engagement with the task. The transformational leadership condition was associated with enhanced task performance, higher social support perceptions, greater efficacy beliefs, lower negative affect, and lower threat appraisals compared to the transactional conditions. Causal modeling revealed that leadership style had a direct, rather than indirect, effect on task performance. The present research extends leadership research by providing an experimental evaluation of the costs/benefits of transformational and transactional leadership under stressful task conditions. Some of the results parallel those from correlational field studies, thus corroborating transformational leadership theory while other results diverge from theory, but present opportunities for future research.
Occupational Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis and Asthma due to Fennel Seed

Background A patient with complaints of rhinitis and asthma occurring at work presented for consultation. Objectives To evaluate the role of the foods and spices with which he worked, in the causation of his complaints, and to evaluate his immune reactivity to these materials. Methods Allergy skin testing and in vitro RAST assays were carried out. After demonstrating specific reactivity to fennel, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was carried out. Results Positive skin tests to grass, ragweed, and freshly prepared fennel seed were found. Serum IgE antibodies to fennel were quite high. Immunoblotting studies showed reactions to two components in fennel extract as well as to components in mugwort, paprika, short ragweed, and black pepper. Conclusion This case of occupational rhinitis and asthma in an atopic individual involves sensitivity to unique allergens in fennel, with molecular weights of 67 to 75 kD.
Mud and Mudstones: Introduction and Overview

This volume is exemplary of the adage that one should not judge a book by its cover. The cover photo is, indeed, striking, and is a spectacular example of contrasting mudstone rheologies; but alas, the photo description is wrong (the formation ages are reversed and Albian is misspelled)! But once the reader is past the title page, Mud and Mudstones: Introduction and Overview is a well-crafted, concise, and, for the most part, comprehensive discussion of fine-grained clastic rocks. Information about mudstones in sedimentary petrology curricula is commonly meager or completely lacking. Standard texts with content on fine-grained clastics are rapidly becoming outdated, and the need for a contemporary overview of mudstones is acute.
Two subcellular localizations of eIF3 p170 and its interaction with membrane-bound microfilaments: implications for alternative functions of p170.

Summary We previously identified a 170-kDa protein (p170) highly expressed in lung cancers as the major subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3). p170 was recently cloned and little is known concerning its characteristics and subcellular localization. In this paper, we report our surprising findings that about 20% of p170 is associated with membranes while the remaining portion is located in the cytoplasm presumably in the eIF3 complex. We also find that p170 interacts with both endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membranes. The binding of p170 to membranes is through actin filaments, consistent with the fact that p170 contains a spectrin repeat motif that may be involved in actin binding. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic p170 is phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues and the phosphorylation is stimulated by serum. However, the membrane-actin-bound p170 is not phosphorylated. The results obtained in this study suggest that p170 may have other functions in addition to participating in translation initiation. Phosphorylation may play an important regulatory role in the function of p170 in translation initiation and other alternative functions.
Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency : genotype may not predict phenotype

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most frequent cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We have determined the 21-hydroxylase genotype in 197 patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and assessed phenotypic characteristics based on 1) genital status with respect to virilization in females, 2) ACTH stimulation tests to evaluate the secretion of androgens and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and 3) salt deprivation tests to precisely describe the phenotype with respect to aldosterone deficiency and salt wasting. After dividing our patients into 26 21-hydroxylase gene mutation-identical groups, we found that, in general, the patient's phenotype matched the severity of the genotype. However, in 13 of these groups, the genotype did not always predict the phenotype, even within families. This study, has demonstrated that the 10 most common mutations observed in the 21-hydroxylase gene result in phenotypes that are not always concordant with the genotype.
Inhibition of human monocyte-macrophage and lymphocyte cytotoxicity to herpes simplex-infected cells by glucan.

Abstract The effect of short term in vitro incubation of glucan — a reticuloenthelial system stimulator — on subsequent cytotoxicity of human monocyte-macrophages (MP) and lymphocytes (L) to Herpes simplex virus-infected cells in a 51Cr-release assay was analyzed. Particulate, cell-associated glucan irreversibly inhibited MP antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In contrast, the inhibition of L-ADCC and L-natural killer cytotoxicity could be reversed by dissociation of glucan and cells utilizing serum gradient centrifugation, a process which did not remove the glucan. These experiments reveal further basic differences between MP and L-ADCC using the reagent glucan.
Insular Cortex and Consummatory Successive Negative Contrast in the Rat

Rats that are expecting a high value reward (e.g., 1.0 M sucrose) show an exaggerated underresponding when they are instead given a low value reward (e.g., 0.15% saccharin), an effect termed successive negative contrast (SNC). In the present experiment, insular cortex-lesioned (ICX) rats showed normal responsivity to sucrose and saccharin prior to the reward downshift. However, when switched from sucrose to saccharin during the postshift trials these rats displayed no evidence of SNC. Indeed, over the downshift trials these ICX rats consistently drank more saccharin than the ICX rats maintained on saccharin throughout the experiment. Potential interpretations are discussed including a lesion-induced impairment in the ability to accurately recognize the novelty of the postshift saccharin stimulus.
Differences in smoking patterns among women smokers with childhood versus later onset of weight problems.

We hypothesized that among overweight women smokers, those with childhood onset of weight problems may be more likely to engage in unhealthy eating and dieting behaviors, including smoking to control weight. Data were collapsed from 89 currently overweight (BMI≥25) women smokers who were recruited to participate in smoking research projects that focused on weight, body image, and food intake. We compared those who reported first becoming overweight before Junior High School (n=22) with those who recalled first experiencing weight problems during Junior High School or later (n=67). Women with Childhood Onset weight problems reported first trying cigarettes at a significantly younger age than those with Later Onset (13 vs. 15 years of age, respectively), and they reported more nicotine withdrawal symptoms during smoking abstinence, with a significantly greater likelihood of endorsing anger/irritability and trouble concentrating. No group differences were evident for cigarettes per day or other indicators of nicotine dependence (e.g., FTND). Although it is unclear whether having weight problems during childhood contributes directly to smoking initiation, our results provide evidence that childhood weight problems may serve as a marker for earlier smoking experimentation and may also complicate cessation efforts due to its association with elevated withdrawal symptomatology. Future longitudinal studies with prospective measures of weight, dieting, and smoking initiation may be helpful in establishing causal pathways in different subgroups of smokers.
Ethnicity and Gender in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence: Group Identity and Awareness of Bias.

The current study examined awareness of gender and ethnic bias and gender and ethnic identity in 350 African American, White/European American, and Latino/Hispanic students (Mage = 11.21 years, SD = 1.59) from the 4th, 6th, and 8th grades of diverse middle and elementary schools. The study collected (a) qualitative data to best capture the types of bias that were most salient to children and (b) daily diaries and individual measures to examine the multiple components of children's gender and ethnic identities. Results revealed ethnic, gender, and grade-level differences in awareness of ethnic and gender bias. Overall, more children were aware of gender bias than ethnic bias. This effect was most pronounced among White/European American youths. Among those in 4th grade, African American and Latino youths were more likely to be aware of ethnic bias than were White/European American youths. Analyses also examined how awareness of bias was related to gender and ethnic identity. For example, children who had a salient and important gender identity, and a devalued ethnic identity, were less likely than other children to be aware of ethnic bias.
The hydrodynamic field due to forcing by modulated acoustic waves

Abstract This theoretical investigation determines the hydrodynamic field interior and exterior to an oscillating viscous drop for the case in which the hydrodynamic field exists strictly as a result of forcing by a modulated acoustic standing wave field. Perturbation of the governing equations of fluid motion generates a hierarchy of systems of equations. At second order, this system represents the hydrodynamic field which is forced by terms quadratic in acoustic field quantities. Viscous effects are incorporated into the acoustic field. Of particular interest is the nature of the hydrodynamic field in a sublayer region which exists near drop-host interface. The boundary conditions, which are imposed at the drop-host fluid interface and which include the radial and tangential forcing due to the acoustic radiation pressure vector, complete the problem formulation.
Testosterone Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase via Src Kinase and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Sertoli Cells

A new pathway of testosterone (T) action in Sertoli cells was recently identified that may be required to support spermatozoa production (spermatogenesis) and fertility. Specifically, T acts via the androgen receptor (AR) to rapidly activate the MAPK cascade and the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor in Sertoli cells. In further characterizing the signaling pathway that transduces T actions, we now find that a population of AR is localized to the plasma membrane and that AR associates with Src kinase after T stimulation. In addition, we demonstrate that Src kinase is activated by T and that Src kinase activity is required for stimulation of the ERK MAPK and CREB. Furthermore, we determine that activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor downstream of Src contributes to the activation of the MAPK cascade and CREB. The elucidation of this nonclassical pathway of T action in the testis may provide new targets for the control of male fertility.
The effect of thiamylal and methamphetamine on the two-flash fusion threshold

Abstract Using each subject as his own control, it was demonstrated that intravenous infusion of methamphetamine tends to lower the two-flash fusion threshold while infusion of sodium thiamylal tends to raise it.
Efficacy and safety of a new kappa-opioid receptor agonist for the treatment of uremic pruritus.

Efficacy and safety of a new κ-opioid receptor agonist for the treatment of uremic pruritus
Ocular pulsations due to posttraumatic compromise of the orbital roof

A 21-year-old man was in a motor collision, resulting in skull fractures and subsequent craniectomy (figure). When he was able to communicate, 60 days after injury, he reported vertical oscillopsia and a throbbing sensation around his left eye. Examination revealed monocular left orbital pulsations (video on the Neurology ® Web site at [Neurology.org][1]). Orbital pulsations can result from a cavernous carotid fistula, orbital venous varix, orbital arteriovenous malformation, orbital tumor, intraorbital ophthalmic artery aneurysm, tricuspid regurgitation, or orbital wall defects associated with neurofibromatosis. Orbital pulsations have been rarely reported due to incompetent orbital bone structure. This case illustrates orbital pulsations associated with postsurgical, posttraumatic oscillopsia. [1]: http://Neurology.org
Urban Compression Patterns: Fractals and Non-Euclidean Geometries - Inventory and Prospect

Urban growth and fractality is a topic that opens an entrance for a range of radical ideas: from the theoretical to the practical, and back again. We begin with a brief inventory of related ideas from the past, and proceed to one specific application of fractals in the non-Euclidean geometry of Manhattan space. We initialize our discussion by inventorying selected existing knowledge about fractals and urban areas, and then presenting empirical evidence about the geometry of and movement in physical urban space.Selected empirical analyses of minimum path distances between places in urban space indicate that its metric is best described by a general Minkowskian one whose parameters are between those for Manhattan and Euclidean space. Separate analyses relate these results to the fractal dimensions of the underlying physical spaces. One principal implication is that theoretical, as well as applied, ideas based upon fractals and the Manhattan distance metric should be illuminating in a variety of contexts. These specific analyses are the focus of this paper, leading a reader through analytical approaches to fractal metrics in Manhattan geometry. Consequently, they suggest metrics for evaluating urban network densities as these represent compression of human activity. Because geodesics are not unique in Manhattan geometry, that geometry offers a better fit to human activity than do Euclidean tools with their unique geodesic activities: human activity often moves along different paths to get from one place to another.Real-world evidence motivates our specific application, although an interested reader may find the subsequent "prospect" section of value in suggesting a variety of future research topics that are currently in progress. Does "network science" embrace tools such as these for network compression as it might link to urban function and form? Stay tuned for forthcoming work in Geographical Analysis.
Performance Enhancement of On-Chip Inductors With Permalloy Magnetic Rings

We demonstrate spiral inductors with continuous Permalloy ring structure at 100-μm scale, which achieve enhancements of sixfold in inductance and threefold in quality factor at frequencies as high as 200 MHz. The roll-off frequency is due to the eddy current loss in the conductive magnetic material. To reduce such loss and tune the permeability, the Permalloy film is laminated and split into bars. The dependence of the inductance and quality factor on permeability is further investigated. Different types of spiral inductors were fabricated with magnetic rings, helping shed light on optimization strategy.
Oxygen evolution from broken thylakoids fused with liposomes.

Abstract Thylakoid membrane fragments obtained by hypotonic disruption of spinach chloroplasts in cold distilled water were fused with egg leicthin liposomes and tested for oxygen evolution in the presence of ferricyanide. Stability of the oxygen evolving complexes to ageing was demonstrated to be greatly enhanced by the lipsomes. Although phosphatidyl choline liposomes increased stability of oxygen evolution, phosphatidyl ethanolamine liposomes completely destroyed it. An enclosed membrane was apparently important for oxygen production. Fusion of thylakoids to liposomes may serve as a method for eventual extraction and isolation of the elusive oxygen evolving complexes.
Endoscopic Management of Colloid Cysts

Advances in endoscopic technology have increased the treatment options for patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle. The endoscopic technique used by the two neurosurgeons (KAS and PN) who perform most of the colloid cyst resections at our institution is presented. Technical nuances, such as the use of stereotactic navigation for optimal bur hole placement and novel techniques for endoscopic tissue removal, are discussed. Although early series of endoscopic resections are only now obtaining 10 years of follow-up, recurrence rates appear to be low. Intracranial endoscopy has enhanced the treatment of colloid cysts by shortening operative times and hospital stays. It appears to be a safe and effective alternative to open microsurgical resection.
Immunoblotting assays for keratan sulfate.

Abstract The detection of microquantities of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in biological samples has been hampered by the lack of sensitive methods. In this paper we describe the modification and development of three sensitive assays capable of detecting nanogram quantities of GAGs in biological samples. The first assay detects total GAGs. It is a modified Alcian blue dye precipitation assay in which the dye binds to the negatively charged GAGs in CsCl-fractionated extracts from chicken tendons. This assay compares favorably with the widely used uronic acid assay in terms of its sensitivity and ability to detect all classes of GAGs, including keratan sulfate (KS). Two other assays, dot-blotting and immunoblotting, detect KS in complex mixtures and can be easily adapted for the detection of other GAGs. Both take advantage of binding of carboxyl and sulfate groups of GAGs to trivalent neodymium. In dot-blotting, samples were directly blotted onto nitrocellulose membrane soaked in Nd 2 (SO 4 ) 3 buffer, and KS was detected with the monoclonal anti-KS 5-D-4 antibody and an avidin–biotin complex detection system. In immunoblotting, the samples were first separated in 28% polyacrylamide gels, transferred onto a Nd 2 (SO 4 ) 3 -soaked nitrocellulose membrane using a phosphate buffer system, and stained and developed using the same protocol as in dot-blotting. Whereas dot-blotting allows the use of very low quantities of samples because of its high sensitivity (lower detection limit was 5 ng), immunoblotting provides more specificity.
Simultaneous three-dimensional gas-liquid chromatography on wall-coated glass-capillary columns

A new system for multiple simultaneous gas-liquid chromatographic analysis is described. A commercially available gas chromatograph was modified to accommodate three wall-coated glass-capillary columns. A novel design of both the injection port and sample splitter allows the admission of equal portions of the sample into each of the three columns from a single injection. This provides the analyst either with data for the sample in question on three different liquid phases, or with a single result in triplicate if the same liquid phase is used on all columns. This presentation briefly describes the geometry of the inlet system; details will be published shortly. The performance of this system is illustrated with a simple example. In an artificial mixture, the quantitative GLC-data of 6 compounds obtained on three different columns were unequivocally correlated. A correlation number (CN) is derived which gives the maximum possible number of compounds that can be theoretically correlated in a mixture by the system described.
833 Tube Placement for ambulatory small bowel manometry : technical aspects and experience.

Background: Ambulatory manometric evaluation of the small bowel is a research technique that is approaching clinical applicability, but widespread use has been limited by problems with both tube placement and interpretation. We describe our technique for tube placement and experience using this technique. Methods: Patients presented after an overnight fast. Intravenous sedation was administered (midazolam). Narcotics were avoided due to concerns about alteration of motility. The motility catheter (Konigsberg Instruments, Pasadena, CA) was a 4.7 mm solid state probe with 4 sensors located at 3, 10, 23, and 33 cm from the tip. Special collars 1, 18, and 35 cm from the tip were used to tie short (1.5 cm) lengths of silk suture to the catheter. The motility catheter was lubricated and passed transnasally into the stomach (confirmed fluoroscopically). The patient was then orally intubated with a standard or pediatric endoscope. Using a biopsy forceps without teeth (Bard Forceps Precisor Hot Bx Forceps #852)the suture nearest the tip was grasped and advanced through the pylorus and into the 2nd-3rd portion of the duodenum. The endoscope was then carefully withdrawn and the procedure was repeated for the remaining sutures. The tip of the probe was confirmed to be distal to the ligament of Treitz fluoroscopically and the endoscope was carefully withdrawn with the tube position monitored continuously. The catheter was connected to the recording device (Synetics Medical μ Digitrapper 4Mb), the patient was monitored in the recovery area for at least one hour. The subjects were instructed to eat their regular meals, avoid snacks and keep a detailed diary. They returned 24 hours later, the catheter position was confirmed using fluoroscopy and then removed. The data were then downloaded for analysis. Results: A total of 79 studies were attempted. In 70 of 79 studies (88.6%) the tube placement was successful and the patient was able to undergo the study. The reasons for the 9 unsuccessful tube placements were; inability to achieve adequate sedation for tube placement (2), inability to place the tube due to anatomical factors (5) and emesis of the tube in the recovery area after successful placement (2). There were no complications from the tube placement or endoscopy. Conclusion: Placement of ambulatory motility catheters using this technique is highly successful and acceptable to patients. Radiation exposure is minimized as fluoroscopy is used intermittently.
Welfare Effects of Rural Hospitial Closures: A Nested Logit Analysis of the Demand for Rural Hospital Services

been a central question in rural health debates over the past decade. The reported results are mixed, with some researchers finding that hospital closures in rural areas result in lower rates of inpatient hospitalizations (Bindman, Keane, and Lurie), while other researchers have found no such link (Hadley and Nair). The literature on the economic impact of rural hospitals provides an additional perspective on hospital closures, where researchers find that the presence of a hospital in a rural community generates significant positive economic effects (Cordes). While research on both the access effect and the economic impact shed light on rural hospital closures, neither approach rests upon the economic theory of demand and the principles of welfare analysis. This paper argues that welfare evaluations of U.S. rural health policies can be undertaken with a discrete choice model of the demand
Effects of patient health literacy, patient engagement and a system-level health literacy attribute on patient-reported outcomes: A representative statewide survey

The effects of health literacy are thought to be based on interactions between patients’ skill levels and health care system demands. Little health literacy research has focused on attributes of health care organizations. We examined whether the attribute of individuals’ experiences with front desk staff, patient engagement through bringing questions to a doctor visit, and health literacy skills were related to two patient-reported outcomes. We administered a telephone survey with two sampling frames (i.e., household landline, cell phone numbers) to a randomly selected statewide sample of 3358 English-speaking adult residents of Missouri. We examined two patient-reported outcomes – whether or not respondents reported knowing more about their health and made better choices about their health following their last doctor visit. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the independent contributions of predictor variables (i.e., front desk staff, bringing questions to a doctor visit, health literacy skills). Controlling for self-reported health, having a personal doctor, time since last visit, number of chronic conditions, health insurance, and sociodemographic characteristics, respondents who had a good front desk experience were 2.65 times as likely (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.13, 3.30) and those who brought questions were 1.73 times as likely (95% CI: 1.32, 2.27) to report knowing more about their health after seeing a doctor. In a second model, respondents who had a good front desk experience were 1.57 times as likely (95% CI: 1.26, 1.95) and those who brought questions were 1.66 times as likely (95% CI: 1.29, 2.14) to report making better choices about their health after seeing a doctor. Patients’ health literacy skills were not associated with either outcome. Results from this representative statewide survey may indicate that one attribute of a health care organization (i.e., having a respectful workforce) and patient engagement through question asking may be more important to patient knowledge and health behaviors than patients’ health literacy skills. Findings support focused research to examine the effects of organizational attributes on patient health outcomes and system-level interventions that might enhance patient health.
Mitochondria in cybrids containing mtDNA from persons with mitochondriopathies

The cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) technique allows investigators to express selected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences against fixed nuclear DNA (nDNA) backgrounds. Cybrids have been used to study the effects of known mtDNA mutations on mitochondrial biochemistry, mtDNA-nDNA inter-species compatibility, and mtDNA integrity in persons without mtDNA mutations defined previously. This review discusses events leading up to creation of the cybrid technique, as well as data obtained via application of the cybrid strategies listed above. Although interpreting cybrid data requires awareness of technique limitations, valuable insights into mtDNA genotype-functional phenotype relationships are suggested.
Sex Differences in First-Year Algebra.

It was the general consensus of the literature of the '60s and early '70s that there were no sex-related differences in mathematics achievement in young children and that this comparability persisted through most of the elementary grades but that during early adolescence differences began to appear and increased as students progressed through high school (Aiken, 1971; Callahan & Glennon, 1975; Glennon & Callahan, 1968; Hilton & Berglund, 1974; Husen, 1967; Keeves, 1973; Maccoby, 1966; Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974; Flanagan, Davis, Daily, Shaycroft, Orr, Goldberg, & Neyman, Note 1). More recently, these earlier findings of sex differences in achievement among high school students have been challenged, and it has been noted that when the number of years of studying mathematics is controlled, sex differences in achievement are negligible (Fennema, 1974, 1978; Fennema & Sherman, 1977, 1978). Most of the current research on sex differences has focused on measures
Particle Deposition onto a Permeable Surface in Laminar Flow

A theoretical investigation of particle deposition onto a permeable surface in a parallel-plate channel is presented in this paper. The convective diffusion equation is rigorously formulated with the inclusion of lateral transport due to permeation drag and inertial lift, and transport due to gravitational, double layer, and van der Waals forces. A numerical procedure for solving the governing equation is also presented. The effects of particle size, permeation velocity, solution ionic strength, cross-flow velocity, and particle density on the initial rate of particle deposition are investigated. Results point out that the local and average particle deposition rates onto a permeable surface are determined by an interplay between several transport and interaction mechanisms, among which permeation drag, electric double layer repulsion, and inertial lift are most important.
High-sensitivity near-IR absorption measurements of nanoliter samples in a cavity enhanced fiber sensor

A compact fiber optic sensor is described using Incoherent Broad-Band Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy for sensitive detection of nanoliter samples of aqueous chemicals and microorganisms in capillaries. Absorption was measured in a 70 μm gap, comparable to the inside diameter of a capillary used for electrophoresis, between the ends of two short segments of multimode fiber. The other ends of the fibers were optically contacted to dielectric mirrors to form an 11-cm cavity resonator. Light from a superluminescent diode (λ=1054 nm, BW=35 nm FWHM) was coupled into one end of the cavity, and transmission through the cavity was measured using a silicon photodiode. Dilute aqueous solutions of near infrared dye were used to determine the minimum detectable absorption change of 4x10 -6 for 10 second integration and unity signal-to-noise ratio, which is approximately two orders of magnitude more sensitive than previously published results for systems with comparable sample path lengths.
Ethylene in IRC+10216

Ethylene has been detected in the circumstellar gas surrounding the supergiant star IRC +10216. Two lines of the nu sub 7 vibration-rotation band near 28 THz (949/cm) have been seen in absorption at an expansion velocity of 14 km/sec relative to the central star. The line intensities indicate a rotational temperature of T greater than 400 K and a radial C2H4 column density of 10 to the 16th to 10 to the 17th per sq cm.