cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blistering Skin Diseases

This book aims to provide the definitive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of various blistering skin diseases. It offers the reader a succinct clinical description for quick recognition of different types of blistering diseases and their relative urgency. It also provides information on the clinical features of blistering skin diseases, differential diagnoses, laboratory findings, and therapeutic strategy. There is also a section on pathogenesis to enhance the reader’s understanding of the molecular events underlying the blistering disease process. This book will be useful for dermatologists in training and in practice, physicians working in emergency departments, and in medical microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease. Hardcover, 160 pages, full-color insert, illustrations, index.
Comparison Theorems and Monotonicity Methods

In this chapter we begin to study nonlinear partial differential equations. The results which we obtain here all follow from the maximum principles which were obtained in Chapters 8 and 9. We shall show how they apply to nonlinear elliptic and parabolic partial differential equations. As a first application, we will use the strong maximum principles to prove comparison theorems ; i.e., pointwise inequalities between different solutions. These say, roughly, that if u and v are two solutions, and if u ≤ v on ∂D, it follows that u d v on D. Such theorems can be quite useful in obtaining qualitative information about solutions. For example, comparison theorems are often used to obtain information about the asymptotic behavior of solutions of parabolic equations as t→ + ∞. As a second application of the maximum principle, we shall show how it can be used to prove existence theorems. This is the method of “upper” and “lower” solutions, the solution being the limit of a monotone iteration scheme, where the monotonicity is a consequence of the maximum principle.
Object-Oriented Database Design Methodologies: A Survey

In this paper, we survey the various methods and tools proposed for object-oriented database (OODB) schema design. An extensive survey of current literature in this area indicates that structural aspects of OODB are modeled separately from their dynamic behaviors. Even though some of them discuss both at the same time, they merely present either a specification language or notation to impose the operations onto the structure. Hence, we classify methodologies into two categories: first by their structure and behavior modeling; second by the way relationships are handled. Our survey will help us identify strengths and weaknesses of individual methodologies, as well as general guidelines for future improvements and extension of methods and tools. We summarize research issues for OODB schema design.
Health Care Marketing: Role Evolution of the Community Health Educator.

(1990). Health Care Marketing: Role Evolution of the Community Health Educator. Health Education: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 6-9.
Inflammation and the regulation of repair responses in developing skin (212.2)

Two general mechanisms exist for healing cutaneous wounds: repair and regeneration. In mature skin, injury initiates a repair process that includes periods of inflammation, cellular proliferation, ...
Automatic Detection of Large Misregistrations of Multimodality Medical Images

Before a retrospective registration algorithm can be used routinely in the clinic, methods must be provided for distinguishing between registration solutions that are clinically satisfactory and those that are not [1]. One approach is to rely on a human observer. Here, we present an algorithmic procedure that discriminates between badly mis-registered pairs and those that are close to correct alignment. We found that a new goodness measure based on brain contours appears to identify misregistrations on the order of 15 mm or more of RMS error.
A relational database system for images

A Relational Database System for Images (REDI) is designed as an integrated database system interfaced with an image understanding system for the efficient storage and retrieval of images and pictures. By using image processing and pattern recognition manipulation functions, structure information and features of images are extracted and ntegrated into relational databases. A relational query language, Query by Pictorial Example (QPE) is introduced for manipulating queries regarding spatial relations as well as conventional queries. In addition to the manipulating capabilities of the usual query languages, queries can also be expressed in terms of pictorial examples through a display terminal. An experimental system for LANDSAT images is implemented as an illustrative example.
A customizable camera-based human computer interaction system allowing people with disabilities autonomous hands-free navigation of multiple computing tasks

Many people suffer from conditions that lead to deterioration of motor control making access to the computer using traditional input devices difficult. In particular, they may loose control of hand movement to the extent that the standard mouse cannot be used as a pointing device. Most current alternatives use markers or specialized hardware, for example, wearable devices, to track and translate a user's movement to pointer movement. These approaches may be perceived as intrusive. Camera-based assistive systems that use visual tracking of features on the user's body often require cumbersome manual adjustment. This paper introduces an enhanced computer vision based strategy where features, for example on a user's face, viewed through an inexpensive USB camera, are tracked and translated to pointer movement. The main contributions of this paper are (1) enhancing a video based interface with a mechanism for mapping feature movement to pointer movement that allows users to navigate to all areas of the screen even with very limited physical movement and (2) providing a customizable, hierarchical navigation framework for human computer interaction (HCI). This framework provides effective use of the vision-based interface system for accessing multiple applications in an autonomous setting. Experiments with several users show the effectiveness of the mapping strategy and its usage within the application framework as a practical tool for desktop users with disabilities.
Neural network modeling of nonlinear systems based on volterra series extension of a linear model

A Volterra series approach has been applied to the identification of nonlinear systems which are described by a neural network model. A procedure is outlined by which a mathematical model can be developed from experimental data obtained from the network structure. Applications of the results to control of robotic systems are discussed. >
Effects of kappa opioid receptor-selective agonists on responses of pelvic nerve afferents to noxious colorectal distension.

Su, X., J. N. Sengupta, and G. F. Gebhart. Effects of kappa opiois receptor-selective agonists on responses of pelvic nerve afferents to noxious colorectal distension. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 1003–101...
Early Intermediate State of Transforming Deoxyribonucleic Acid During Uptake by Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Examination of the effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on uptake of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by Bacillus subtilis allowed definition of a new intermediate state of transforming DNA during uptake. Markers in this state, termed “EDTA-resistant,” are bound to the cell, are sensitive to inactivation by deoxyribonuclease, but may become deoxyribonuclease-resistant despite the addition of excess EDTA. Markers become EDTA-resistant quadratically with time after the addition of DNA to a competent culture, but linearly after exposure of competent cells to a brief pulse of DNA. An attractive model consistent with these findings is that EDTA blocks only the initiation of entry of a molecule of DNA.
Fractional Photothermolysis for the Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation after Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing

A common complication of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can occur in up to 20% to 30% of all patients. Although most cases respond to topical therapy with retinoids, steroids, hydroquinone, topical vitamin C, or some combination, 5% to 10% of all patients treated with CO2 laser resurfacing can develop chronic, lifelong, treatment-resistant dyschromia. In this report, we describe a case of CO2 laser–induced pigmentation refractory to topical bleaching agents treated with fractional photothermolysis. This is a gentle approach to laser resurfacing, whereby the skin is resurfaced fractionally (15–30%) each treatment session. This is accomplished using a 1,550-nm wavelength laser to place microscopic zones of thermal damage in the epidermis and dermis surrounded by islands of normal tissue. The normal skin left untreated serves as a reservoir for healing, allowing the skin to heal rapidly. This procedure is typically repeated for four to six sessions every 2 to 4 weeks. In this way, one can resurface a large portion of the skin over time. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CO2 laser–induced dyschromia treated with this modality.
Soundness of Coercion in the Calculus of Constructions

A coercive subtyping system for the Calculus of Constructions is presented. The proposed system λC≤co is obtained essentially by adding coercions and η-conversion to λC≤, which is a subtyping extension to the Calculus of Constructions without coercions. We proved that a coercion c:A ≤ B is semantically sound. That is, (1) c is a term of type A → B; (2) c behaves like an identity function. This development follows the spirit of semantical interpretation of subtyping.
Positioning level 3: Connecting local identity displays to macro social processes

In this article I discuss the positive impact of the concept of positioning on identity studies, with particular reference to the analysis of narratives. I argue that the notion of positioning (particularly as developed in Bamberg’s 1997 three levels model), together with other constructs such as indexicality, has helped enormously in bridging the gap (particularly in interview based research) between interactionally-oriented and more traditionally oriented studies of narrative identities. I focus on level 3 positioning to argue that this construct allows for an approach to the construction of identity in discourse that occupies a middle ground between talk-in-interaction approaches that center exclusively on participant orientations at the local level and approaches that regard identity as basically determined by macro social processes and only manifested in discourse. To illustrate level 3 positioning I analyze a narrative taken from a corpus of stories of language conflict told by Latin American immigrant women to the US. I show that the narrator constructs her identity in relation to Discourses and ideologies about language and migration showing that interpretation of her positioning is based on close analysis of discourse at the local level, ethnographic data and understanding of macro social processes underlying power relations.
OPTIC NEUROPATHY IN URAEMIC PATIENTS ON DIALYSIS

Optic nerve disease has been reported in patients with renal failure. A toxic aetiology has been postulated. The incidence of this complication of renal failure has not been determined. We observed 60 patients with renal failure on dialysis for 24 months to determine the incidence of optic neuropathy. Four patients developed typical acute ischaemic optic neuropathy. Their case notes were reviewed in order to determine the pathogenesis. Each patient had long-standing renal failure and its sequelae of anaemia and hypertension. The immediate causes of ischaemia were hypotension in 1, severe anaemia in 1, and generalised atherosclerosis in 2 patients.
Observational Purpose and Evaluative Articulation in Frame-of-Reference Training: The Effects of Alternative Processing Modes on Rating Accuracy

Abstract The influence of observational purpose and the degree of articulation in raters′ judgment processes on attention, recognition, and rating was investigated in a sample of 120 student raters who read behavioral descriptions of college professor classroom performance. It was hypothesized that observation for purposes of either memorization or impression formation and classification of ratee behaviors into two, three, or five levels of performance would influence attention time, recognition accuracy, and rating accuracy measures. Results revealed no effects on attention time or recognition accuracy, but did indicate a significant observational purpose by articulation interaction. Complex articulation resulted in more accurate ratings than did a simple level of evaluative articulation, but only when subjects were in an impression formation, rather than memorization, mode of processing. The pattern of results is interpreted as indicating the importance of the schematic basis for processing that a rater brings to a rating situation. The possibility of cognitive structural characteristics being more important for performance ratings than processing characteristics is also raised by the pattern of results. Directions for future research and the practical implications of the results are also discussed.
Shame and Silence

Samantha Vice’s proposal on how to live in ‘this strange place’ of contemporary South Africa, includes an appeal to the concepts of shame and silence. In this paper, I use Emmanuel Levinas and Giorgio Agamben to move the discussion of shame from a moral to an existential question. The issue is not about how one should feel, but about the kind of self that whiteness in South Africa makes possible today. Shame desubjectifies. Vice’s recommendation of silence is then taken as witnessing/listening, which I argue grounds the possibility of a recovery of the self.
The TRAC PS mobile-bearing prosthesis

Abstract We present a posterior stabilized mobile-bearing prosthesis, TRAC PS, which has congruent contact from full extension to full flexion, allows for freedom of internal-external rotation, and has an automatic posterior shift in tibiofemoral contact on the tibia to maximize the quadriceps lever arm in flexion. TRAC PS has 2 radii of curvature in the sagittal plane, 1 for the distal femoral condyles and 1 for the posterior femoral condyles, as does the normal knee. The distal and posterior femoral condyles articulate congruently in the inner tracks or the outer tracks of the polyethylene bearing, respectively. Anterior or posterior sliding of the femoral condyles on the bearing or of the bearing on the tibial tray cannot occur, providing inherent anterior and posterior stability. Three-dimensional knee laxity testing was performed on 17 patients from 12 months to 25 months after total knee arthroplasty with the TRAC PS and on 18 healthy control subjects of similar ages. Normal ligament balancing and normal internal-external rotational laxity were achieved with the TRAC PS prosthesis. Anterior and posterior laxity in the patients with TRAC PC was significantly reduced compared with that of the control subjects.
Double skin façades as mass dampers

An integrative system is proposed by investigating the utilization of double skin facades as mass dampers in buildings to improve both building safety and energy efficiency. Facade systems protect buildings and also significantly affect building energy usage. By enabling movements in double skin facades, the author proposed to use them as mass dampers that reduce structural vibration and damage during earthquakes and wind storms. The synergy of the proposed system can lead to buildings that are structurally safe, energy efficient, and ultimately sustainable. The preliminary results related to the structural control aspects of the proposed system are presented in this paper. The facade damper system is first formulated and earthquake responses are simulated. Then, the damper parameters (stiffness and damping coefficients) are optimized using a pattern search algorithm to minimize structural responses to stochastic and historical earthquake excitations. Five configurations with one-, two-, four-, five- and ten-dampers are optimized and analyzed. The optimized configurations can significantly reduce vibrations.
A New Time Domain Technique for Velocity Measurements Using Doppler Ultrasound

A new technique for determining the Doppler frequency shift in a phase-coherent pulsed Doppler system is presented. In the new approach, the Doppler frequency shift is given directly in the time domain in terms of the measured I and Q components of the measured Doppler signal. The algorithm is based on an expression for the instantaneous rate of change of phase which separates rapidly varying from slowly varying terms. It permits noise smoothing in each term separately. Since the technique relies solely on signal processing in the time domain, it is significantly simpler to implement than the classic Fourier transform approach. In addition, the algorithm can be shown to give rigorously accurate values for instantaneous frequency and outperform the Fourier transform approach in poor signal-to-noise environments. Experimental results are presented which confirm the superiority of the new domain technique.
Deep-Sea Pleistocene Biostratigraphy

The first detailed paleontological analysis of a deep-sea pistoncore from the Caribbean Sea has been completed. The core, P6304-8, was raised from 3927 meters, east of Beata Ridge at 14 degrees 59'N, 69 degrees 20'W. Formerly, stratigraphic works in this area were based on studies of paleotemperature, measured by the oxygen isotope mass spectrometry method, or on micropaleontological analysis by means of rapid or cursory examinations. For core P6304-8, samples for foraminiferal analysis were taken at 10-centimeter intervals and split into smaller samples containing an average of 710 individuals (smallest sample, 517 individuals); all individuals were then identified and counted. By use of data derived from populations of this size, a statistical reliability was insured within a 5 percent limnit. Temperature oscillations, the best method of portraying Pleistocene stratigraphy, were shown by using ratios of the relative abundances of tropical and subtropical planktonic foraminifera to those found in temperate and cooler waters. These ratios correlate well with existing paleotemperature measurements for the same core, obtained by the oxygen isotope mass spectrometry method.
The hydrides of TbCo3 and YCo3

Abstract Hydrogen desorption isotherms of the systems TbCo3-H at 20 °C and YCo3-H at 20 and 80 °C are reported. Pressure plateaus on the isotherms indicate the existence in both systems of two hydride phases in addition to the hydrogen-saturated metal phase. The plateau pressures at 20 °C are 1.74 and 23.1 Torr for TbCo3-H, and 0.19 and 22.9 Torr for YCo3-H. In both systems the β and γ phases are greater than 0.5 atoms mol−1 wide and the first plateau is 1.0 atom mol−1 wide. In YCo3 isopleths were measured at the centers of both plateaus. The heats of absorption were −13.41 kcal (mol H2)−1 on the first plateau and −10.48 kcal (mol H2)−1 on the second plateau.
Separate acquisition rest thallium-201/stress technetium-99m sestamibi dual-isotope myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography : a clinical validation study

Objectives. This study assessed the validity of a novel approach to myocardial perfusion scintigraphy that provides the opportunity to avoid the drawbacks of standard same-day rest/stress technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion studies by using separate-acquisition dual-isotope rest thallium-201 and exercise technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emisson computed tomography (SPECT). Background. Standard seme-day rest/stress technetium-99m sestamibi myocardial perfusion studies are cumbersome, associated with a potential decrease in perceived stress defect severity compared with thallium-201 due to the presence of rest technetium-99m sestamibi and may be enable to differentiate hibernating from infarcted myocardium. Methods. The dual-isotope procedure was performed in 63 patients without previous myocardial infarction undergoing coronary angiography to evaluate sensitivity and specificity for coronary artery disease and in 107 patients with a low (<5%) likelihood of coronary artery disease to evaluate normalcy rate. To validate defect reversibility, the dual-isotope SPECT study was compared with stress/rest technetium-99m sestamibi SPECT studies in a separate group of 31 patients with previous documented myocardial infarction who underwent a rest technetium-99m sestamibi study in addition to the dual-isotope SPECT study. Results. In angiographic correlations, dual-isotope SPECT demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting patients with ≥50% stenosis (91 %, 55 patients) and ≥70% stenosis (96%, 52 patients). In a small group of patients, high specificity was also observed (75% for <50% stenosis [8 patients] and 82% for <70% stenosis [11 patients]). A very high normalcy rate of 95% was also found. In the patient group assessed for defect reversibility, in zones with no previous myocardial infarction, segmental agreement for defect type between rest thallium-201 and rest technetium-99m sestamibi studies was 97% (kappa = 0.79, p < 0.001). In myocardial infarct zones, segmental agreement for defect type was 98% (kappa = 0.93, p < 0.001). Image quality was generally good to excellent. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that separate-acquisition dual-isotope myocardial perfusion SPECT is accurate for coronary artery disease detection, correlates well with reststress sestamibi studies for assessment of defect reversibility and results in good to excellent image quality. This approach provides an excellent method for the combined assessment of stress myocardial perfusion and myocardial viability.
Uniform shell patterning using rubber-assisted hot embossing process. I. Experimental

In rubber-assisted hot embossing, a softened thin thermoplastic film is pressurized between a hard mold surface and a rubber pad. The rubber pad, as a soft counter-tool, deforms conformably to the hard mold surface, allowing feature transfer from the hard surface and formation of shell-type structures on the polymer film. This two-article sequence was aimed to understand the basic mechanisms affecting the pattern uniformity and replication in rubber-assisted hot embossing. In Part I, a series of rubber-assisted embossing experiments involving parametric studies of the effects of different processing conditions, as well as material selections, on the pattern thickness uniformity and replicated pattern height were conducted. The difference in film thickness uniformity in different experiments was explained using the mechanical and rheological behavior of the polymer film and the rubber counter-tool under different processing conditions. Based on the experimental results, strategies for determining a feasible process window for achieving uniform shell patterning by rubber-assisted embossing were proposed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interactions and scaling in a disordered two-dimensional metal

We show that a non-Fermi liquid state of interacting electrons in two dimensions is stable in the presence of disorder and is a perfect conductor, provided the interactions are sufficiently strong. Otherwise, the disorder leads to localization as in the case of non-interacting electrons. This conclusion is established by examining the replica field theory in the weak disorder limit, but in the presence of arbitrary electron-electron interaction. Thus, a disordered two-dimensional metal is a perfect metal, but not a Fermi liquid.
US telecommunications: industries in transition

Abstract Telecommunications in the US is undergoing a revolution. Corporations are attempting to leverage their competencies in the deregulated environment in order to enhance their competitive position. While the eventual results of this flurry of partnerships that has recently occurred are uncertain, there are certain trends that are becoming increasingly apparent. This paper represents an essay on the telecommunications industry (or its converging associated industries) and describes its history and evolving structure. Fifty-four partnerships are examined in an attempt to systematically examine an industry in transition. Key implications of these partnerships are also discussed.
Relative buffering capacity of goat milk, cow milk, soy-based infant formulas and commercial nonprescription antacid drugs

Buffering capacities of goat milk (Alpine, Nubian), cow milk (Holstein, Jersey), soy-based infant formulas, and non-prescription antacid drugs were estimated. Total N, protein, NPN, and P2O5 as major buffering entities were quantified for each milk category. Nubian goat milk had the highest levels of the three major buffering chemical entities, and the infant formulas contained less total N and NPN compared with natural goat and cow milks. Buffering capacities of the formulas also were lower than those of natural milks. Combinations of milk and antacid drugs had higher buffering capacities than either the milk or drug alone. Drug plus goat milk combinations upon addition of more than 2 ml of acid titrant exhibited fewer changes in pH than the respective drug plus cow milk combinations.
Environmental Implications of Alternative-Fueled Automobiles: Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Tradeoffs

Alternative fuel-powertrain options for internal combustion engine automobiles are analysed. Fuel/engine efficiency, energy use, pollutant discharges, and greenhouse gas emissions are estimated for spark and compression ignited, direct injected (DI), and indirect injected (II) engines fueled by conventional and reformulated gasoline, reformulated diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and alcohols. Since comparisons of fuels and technologies in dissimilar vehicles are misleading, the authors hold emissions level, range (160 and 595 km), vehicle size class, and style (a 1998 Ford Taurus sedan) constant. At present, CNG vehicles have the best exhaust emissions performance while DI diesels have the worst. Compared to a conventional gasoline fueled II automobile, greenhouse gases could be reduced by 40% by a DI CNG automobile and by 25% by a DI diesel. Gasoline- and diesel-fueled automobiles are able to attain long ranges with little weight or fuel economy penalty. CNG vehicles have the highest penalty for increasing range, due to their heavy fuel storage systems, but are the most attractive for a 160-km range. DI engines, particularly diesels, may not be able to meet strict emissions standards, at least not without lowering efficiency. (A)
Ictal spread of medial temporal lobe seizures with and without secondary generalization: an intracranial electroencephalography analysis.

SUMMARY Objective: Secondary generalization of seizures has devastating consequences for patient safety and quality of life. The aim of this intracranial electroencephalography (icEEG) study was to investigate the differences in onset and propagation patterns of temporal lobe seizures that remained focal versus those with secondary generalization, in order to better understand the mechanism of secondary generalization. Methods: A total of 39 seizures were analyzed in nine patients who met the following criteria: (1) icEEG-video monitoring with at least one secondarily generalized tonic– clonic seizure (GTCS), (2) pathologically proven hippocampal sclerosis, and (3) no seizures for at least 1 year after anteromedial temporal lobe resection. Seizures were classified as focal or secondary generalized by behavioral analysis of video. Onset and propagation patterns were compared by analysis of icEEG. Results: We obtained data from 22 focal seizures without generalization (FS), and 17 GTCS. Seizure-onset patterns did not differ between FS and GTCS, but there were differences in later propagation. All seizures started with low voltage fast activity, except for seven seizures in one patient (six FS, one GTCS), which started with sharply contoured theta activity. Fifteen of 39 seizures started from the hippocampus, and 24 seizures (including six seizures in a patient without hippocampal contacts) started from other medial temporal lobe areas. We observed involvement or more prominent activation of the posterior-lateral temporal regions in GTCS prior to propagation to the other cortical regions, versus FS, which had no involvement or less prominent activation of the posterior lateral temporal cortex. Occipital contacts were not involved at the time of clinical secondary generalization. Significance: The posterior-lateral temporal cortex may serve as an important “gateway” controlling propagation of medial temporal lobe seizures to other cortical regions. Identifying the mechanisms of secondary generalization of focal seizures could lead to improved treatments to confine seizure spread.
The significance of the coat protein in infection by the electrophoretic forms of cowpea mosaic virus.

Abstract The specific infectivity of purified cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) increased with increasing age of infection. However, the specific infectivity of the extracted CPMV-RNA declined with age of infection and this decline was correlated with increased polydispersity. Increased specific infectivity of CPMV particles was correlated with an increase in the ratio of the fast-migrating to slow-migrating electrophoretic form. The fast form (F) demonstrated a greater specific infectivity than the slow form (S), but F-RNA was less infectious than S-RNA and was more polydisperse. Exposure of the separated forms to basic proteins and ribonuclease reduced the specific infectivity of the F form more than the S form. In etiolated cowpea hypocotyls infection was initiated more rapidly with the F form than with the S form. These data suggest that the modified protein coat of the F particles is responsible for the enhancement of infectivity.
Probing "pop-out": Another look at the face-in-the-crowd effect.

C. H. Hansen and R. D. Hansen (1988) found that an angry face in a crowd of happy faces can be found faster than a happy face in a crowd of angry faces. They called this finding the face-in- the-crowd effect (FICE). The present experiments replicated this effect for nine-face crowds but not for four-face crowds. Hansen and Hansen concluded that their result was due to “pop out,” because they found no reliable effect of crowd size for angry face targets. Contrary to prediction from the “pop out” hypothesis, we found that the position of the target face within the crowd had an effect on reaction time. Such positional effects demonstrate that subjects were scanning the face array to locate the target face. Examination of the literature on the perception of facial expression suggests that the FICE may be produced, at least in part, by the crowds scanned rather than by the target scanned for. The present paper suggests that conclusive evidence of “pop-out” should consist of both the absence of target-position effects and the conventionally accepted small-stimulus-set-size effects.
The provision of comprehensive reproductive health services in Los Angeles: a physician's perspective.

There are very few legal restrictions to obtaining an abortion in the state of California.However, women who reside in the highly populated and diverse county of Los Angeles may face barriers to obtaining comprehensive reproductive health services. In particular, women may face linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic barriers, among others, that contribute to disparities in reproductive health and to access to safe abortion.In the era of health care reform, opportunities to address these health disparities exist, but access to abortion remains a challenge.
« Démontage » de dispositifs techniques médicaux en soins palliatifs : singularité et dynamique subjective

Resume L’admission d’un patient en soins palliatifs met au travail tout un systeme de representations propre a chacune des personnes impliquees, mais elle provoque aussi la mobilisation des interactions et des roles qu’ils jouent les uns par rapport aux autres. Dans cet article, les auteurs proposent de se concentrer sur l’effet du demontage de dispositifs techniques medicaux qui a lieu pour certains patients a l’entree dans une unite de soins palliatifs (par exemple au moment de sortir d’une unite de reanimation) et aussi sur la fonction du psychologue dans cette situation. Cette action provoque une rupture ayant un impact direct sur les coordonnees qui constituent la realite du patient et de sa famille. Par ailleurs, la frequente apparition d’angoisses et de peurs tres primitives serait une consequence de la reedition d’un etat de detresse archaique. Dans le cas du demontage des dispositifs techniques medicaux, c’est le reel du corps qui est l’objet de l’action, mais cela a necessairement une repercussion sur la representation symbolique et la consistance imaginaire de la subjectivite. La fonction du psychologue pourrait s’inscrire ainsi dans un espace d’elaboration qui restitue la possibilite de creation d’un nouveau monde ou le sujet par la dimension ethique de l’acte puisse continuer a exister.
Land mine detection through GPR and EMI sensor fusion

In this paper, we develop a system to exploit sensor fusion for detecting and locating plastic A/P mines. We design and test the system using data from Monte Carlo electromagnetic induction spectroscopy (EMIS) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) simulations. We include the effects of both random soil surface variability and sensor noise. In the presence of a rough surface and a heterogeneous, multi-element clutter environment, we obtain good results fusing EMIS and GPR data using a statistical approach. More generally, we demonstrate a framework for simulating and testing sensor configurations and sensor fusion approaches for landmine and unexploded ordinance (UXO) detection systems. Taking advantage of high- fidelity electromagnetic simulation, we develop a controlled environment for testing sensor fusion concepts, from varied sensor arrangements to detection algorithms. In this environment, we can examine the effect of changing mine structure, soil parameters, and sensor geometry on the sensor fusion problem. We can then generalize these results to produce mine detectors robust to real-world variations.
SU‐FF‐T‐207: Efficient IMRT Delivery — Fast Generation of Integer‐Valued Beam Profiles

Purpose:The delivery time for an intensity‐modulated radiotherapy plan using the step‐and‐shoot method may be impractical for complex beam profiles that require a large number of segments. We propose a fast algorithm that simplifies beam profiles to integer‐valued intensities, which results in dramatic reduction of leaf‐segments, while maintaining the “goodness” of the original‐optimized‐plan. Method‐and‐Materials:An optimization model was designed to simplify a beam profile to integer‐valued intensities. The user specifies the permitted intensity level values, the maximum number of intensity levels, and the acceptable percentage of total under‐/over‐dosage. The model minimizes the absolute difference between each beamlet intensity and a weighted average of the intensities of the beamlet's nearest neighbors(and itself) in the resulting plan. The method is tested on several cases of head‐and‐neck and prostate cases, each with seven beams. In the original‐optimized‐plan, the number of intensity levels in each beam ranges from 97 to 153. Results: For all beams, an optimal integer solution was obtained within 15seconds. This held true even after the total intensity delivered by the simplified‐beam‐profile was constrained to be either the floor or ceiling of the total intensity of the original beam profile(the tightest possible). The simplified‐beam‐profiles were permitted to use up to ten distinct integer values(between 1–20). There is virtually no difference in conformity, homogeneity and dose distribution in PTV(all within 0.02%), as well as in all OARs. The total intensities deposited between the original‐optimized‐plan versus the resulting simplified plans are within 0.45%. Running through Siochi's leaf‐sequencer, the resulting segments reduce from 89–151 to 14–39 for all simplified plans. Conclusions: This work indicates the potential of a quick algorithm for simplifying complex intensity profiles while maintaining good plan quality. The resulting beam complexity reduction improves deliverability of the leaf sequence of each beam. The algorithm takes only seconds to complete, thus making it realistic for clinical implementation.
Specific epithelial degeneration (ciliocytophthoria) in inflammatory and malignant respiratory disease.

SUMMARY 1Ciliocvtophthoria is a specific form of degeneration of columnar ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract. 2Using the Papanicolaou staining technique for the examination of sputum, CCP cells are easily recognized by the formation of tufts, pyknotic and clumped nuclei, and by the presence of acidophilic inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm and nucleus. 3A study of 301 cases with varied respiratory diseases showed the highest incidence of CCP to occur.in patients with acute viral infections and bronchogenic carcinoma. 4Among 77 cases positive for CCP, 65 (84 per cent) occurred in patients with either viral or malignant respiratory disease. 5The relationship of CCP formation to viral disease and malignancy is explained by an epitheliotropic process occurring in both conditions resulting in the desquamation, and subsequent degeneration, of large numbers of columnar ciliated epithelial cells.
The Hitachi Graphite Furnace-Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometer as an Automated, Element-Specific Detector for High Pressure Liquid Chromatography: The Separation of Arsenobetaine, Arsenocholine and Arsenite/Arsenate

Abstract An interface between a high pressure liquid chromatograph and a Hitachi Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer for the element-specific detection of trace element compounds is described. This device was used for the separation of arsenobetaine bromide. arsenocholine bromide, and inorganic arsenic (arsenate/arsenite) from each other.
Assessing the impact of group projects on examination performance in social statistics

College teachers in the sciences and professional studies have endorsed collaborative learning group strategies for teaching undergraduate statistics courses, but few researchers provide empirical evidence that students’ quantitative skills actually increase as a result of the collaborative experience. Assessment of the efficacy of collaborative learning group techniques is frequently subjectively based, and often relies on casual comments from students or faculty. Despite this shortcoming, instructors searching for new and effective ways of teaching quantitative courses continue to experiment with collaborative pedagogy. Consequently, an exploration of the effectiveness of collaborative teaching modalities on students’ statistical knowledge seems warranted. This study examined the relationship between performance on collaborative learning group assignments and students’ examination scores in statistics. Data were derived from 270 students enrolled in nine sections of a social statistics course, taught be...
Intrinsic propulsive activity of thoracic duct perfused in anesthetized dogs

Abstract We have investigated the regulation of the intrinsic smooth muscle propulsive activity of the thoracic duct in the anesthetized, ventilated dog. We cannulated both ends of the duct and, with the chest open and ventilation constant, perfused it with Krebs-Henselite buffer at constant inflow and outflow pressures. With inflow and outflow pressures equal (no net driving pressure) flow through the duct must be due to intrinsic smooth muscle contractions. When we increased transmural distending pressure of the thoracic duct, flow increased as distending pressure increased to 5 cm H 2 O, then declined. Although there was no evidence of any basal neural stimulation of the duct, intravenous infusion of catecholamines increased flow. Their effects were blocked by phentolamine (α-blocker). 5-Hydroxytryptamine caused flow to increase, then decrease. The decrease appeared to be due to duct spasm, not inhibition. Constant intravenous infusions of histamine, prostaglandin E 1 , and bradykinin either had no effect or inhibited flow. Intrinsic myogenic activity of the thoracic duct in the living animal may be a significant factor in lymph propulsion.
Incorporating diverse information sources in handwriting recognition postprocessing

This article describes the proposed implementation of a new model for the linguistic postprocessing component of the Human Language Technology (HLT) project. The model was designed for handwriting recognition applications but can be used for other text recognition problems and speech recognition. We demonstrate here that the current implementation (the POS model) fails to incorporate new sources of information such as word n-grams, and further handles the recognizer's scores incorrectly. We propose an alternative approach (the SSS model) which remedies these shortcomings. We also show that the SSS algorithm has a direct interpretation as a Hidden Markov Model whose states correspond to words that have been tagged with their parts of speech, and whose observations are discretized recognizer confidences. The HMM interpretation has the added advantage that the approach can be naturally extended to handle error recovery of the recognizer. Preliminary results indicate that the SSS model is successful in selecting the truth path over alternate paths. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The phosphorescent decay of the excited triplet sublevels in ketones generated by the photolysis of substituted 1,2-dioxetanes

Abstract The phosphorescent decays of the triplet state in acetone and adamantanone are observed by the photolysis of frozen methylcyclohexane solutions of tetramethyldioxetane and adamantylideneadamantanedioxetane respectively. The photolyses with N 2 laser and xenon lamp pulses at or below 77 K are compared with the phosphorescence of the respective ketones photoexcited under similar conditions. The sublevel decay times in both ketones are typically 0.5, 5 and 500 ms and the ratios of the corresponding initial intensities are typically 1 : 0.1 : 0.003. The kinetic results, which are similar in the decay of glyoxal, and the phosphorescence spectra, which depend on the sublevel under observation, were the same in chemiexcitation as in photoexcitation. The results indicate that the only source of triplet ketone in the dioxetane photolysis is through intersystem crossing from the excited singlet state of the ketone. No evidence is found for a metastable intermediate form of the dioxetane in the photochemistry.
Formulas in Physics Have a “Standard” Form

We discuss the importance of the ordering of symbols in physics formulas and identify implicit conventions that govern the “standard” form for how formulas are written and interpreted. An important part of writing and reading this form is understanding distinctions among constants, parameters, and variables. We delineate these conventions and encourage instructors to make them explicit for students.
The determination of device noise parameters

A novel noise measurement technique is outlined which results in data that directly give the noise parameters of the test device when processed by a simple computer program.
A zinc linchpin motif in the MUTYH glycosylase interdomain connector is required for efficient repair of DNA damage.

Mammalian MutY glycosylases have a unique architecture that features an interdomain connector (IDC) that joins the catalytic N-terminal domain and 8-oxoguanine (OG) recognition C-terminal domain. The IDC has been shown to be a hub for interactions with protein partners involved in coordinating downstream repair events and signaling apoptosis. Herein, a previously unidentified zinc ion and its coordination by three Cys residues of the IDC region of eukaryotic MutY organisms were characterized by mutagenesis, ICP-MS, and EXAFS. In vitro kinetics and cellular assays on WT and Cys to Ser mutants have revealed an important function for zinc coordination on overall protein stability, iron–sulfur cluster insertion, and ability to mediate DNA damage repair. We propose that this “zinc linchpin” motif serves to structurally organize the IDC and coordinate the damage recognition and base excision functions of the C- and N-terminal domains.
Xenopus Staufen is a component of a ribonucleoprotein complex containing Vg1 RNA and kinesin

RNA localization is a key mechanism for generating cell and developmental polarity in a wide variety of organisms. We have performed studies to investigate a role for the Xenopus homolog of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, Staufen, in RNA localization during oogenesis. We have found that Xenopus Staufen (XStau) is present in a ribonucleoprotein complex, and associates with both a kinesin motor protein and vegetally localized RNAs Vg1 and VegT. A functional role for XStau was revealed through expression of a dominant-negative version that blocks localization of Vg1 RNA in vivo. Our results suggest a central role for XStau in RNA localization in Xenopus oocytes, and provide evidence that Staufen is a conserved link between specific mRNAs and the RNA localization machinery.
Notes on streptozotocin in metastatic insulinoma.

A case of limited success with streptozotocin in overwhelming metastatic insulinoma is reported for illustration of clinical management and possible toxic effects of the drug. An initial dose of 1.5 g/m2 and an interval of administration no more frequent than 1–2 weeks is favored. Acute renal failure and bone marrow suppression followed the last and largest intravenous dose of 8 g/m2. Insulin immunoassay levels and glucose or caloric requirements were reduced, but the patient did not survive. Niacin-amide and an intra-arterial route of administration may avoid toxicity in clinical use of this valuable drug.
Human plasma free fatty acid concentration at rest and after norepinephrine infusion: effect of preceding physical activity.

Abstract Plasma free fatty acid concentrations before and after low-dose, short-term norepinephrine infusion (0.1 μg/kg/min for 5 min) have been studied in 9 normal men under conditions of varying preceding physical activity. Free fatty acid responses to norepinephrine were greater under nonbasal conditions, whether morning or afternoon, than under morning-basal conditions. Preinfusion base-line free fatty acid values were not similarly affected. It appears that preceding physical activity enhances adipose tissue sensitivity to catecholamines, and possibly also peripheral uptake of free fatty acids from circulation. These changes may account for some of the considerable variablility in human plasma free fatty acid levels not readily explained by sympathetic nervous or insulin effects.
Dynamic plastic response of finite bars

Dynamic plastic response of finite bar subject to axial impact load noting reflected waves, stress- strain-time histories and residual strain
Expression of the Thy-1 gene in human T lymphoid cell lines

We have previously shown that three human T cell lines (MOLT-3, HUT-78 and HUT-102) were able to react with anti-human brain Thy-1 sera by cell surface immunofluorescence. However, the possibility that the antisera might cross-react with molecules other than Thy-1 could not be entirely excluded. In this report, mRNA prepared from these three T cell lines as well as from a murine T cell line (EL4) and a human B cell line (Raji) was subjected to Northern blot analysis and probed with a murine Thy-1.2 gene fragment. The result confirms our cell surface immunofluorescence data and indicates that HUT-78 and HUT-102 cells have approximately 20-fold more of the Thy-1 mRNA than MOLT-3 cells do. The Thy-1 mRNA was not detectable in the human B cell line Raji. This work is the first demonstration that the Thy-1 gene is expressed in human T cell lines. The finding is helpful in clarifying the current confusion regarding the expression of Thy-1 in human lymphoid cells and it also provides a possible model system for exploring the function of Thy-1 in cultured human T lymphocytes.