cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical image storage management: design and implementation for a distributed PACS

Existing picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) lack intelligence in managing radiologic images distributed throughout individual PACS components (i.e. the acquisition, archive, and display subsystems), resulting in inefficient access to images. A multi-level storage system within our departmental PACS has been developed which minimizes access time for both current and historical images. The storage management system is based on a composite staging mechanism utilizing multiple storage media: redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID), magnetic disks, erasable magneto-optical disks, and write-once-read-many (WORM) optical disks. Three levels of access to images at display stations are provided: (1) immediate access to both current and selected historical images via local RAID disks, (2) fast retrieval of images from archive subsystem's cache magnetic disks, and (3) retrieval of any historical images from long-term archive's magneto-optical disks and WORM disks. Mechanisms implemented in the system include: image routing, image stacking, image aging, HIS/RIS/PACS interfacing, image pre-fetching, studies grouping, and platter management. The storage management system for our distributed PACS was evaluated in terms of image access time at the display stations. With its multi-level storage architecture, the system demonstrated a 70% improvement in image access time compared with a centralized storage system. We conclude that fast access to radiologic images in PACS can be achieved through a well-designed, multi-level storage architecture.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A convergent optimization method using pattern search algorithms with adaptive precision simulation

Thermal building simulation programs, such as EnergyPlus, compute numerical approximations to solutions of systems of differential algebraic equations. We show that the exact solutions of these systems are usually smooth in the building design parameters, but that the numerical approximations are usually discontinuous due to adaptive solvers and finite precision computations. If such approximate solutions are used in conjunction with optimization algorithms that depend on smoothness of the cost function, one needs to compute high precision solutions, which can be prohibitively expensive if used for all iterations. For such situations, we have developed an adaptive simulation–precision control algorithm that can be used in conjunction with a family of derivative free optimization algorithms. We present the main ingredients of the composite algorithms, we prove that the resulting composite algorithms construct sequences with stationary accumulation points, and we show by numerical experiments that using coa...
Simulation of a Variety of Wings Using a Reynolds Stress Model

The Wilcox 2006 stress-ω model, a Reynolds stress model, implemented in both the NASA Langley codes FUN3D and CFL3D, has been used to study a number of 2-D and 3-D cases. This study continues the assessments of the stress-ω model by simulating the flow over two wings: the DPW-W1 and the DLR-F11 wings. Using FUN3D, which uses unstructured grids, and CFL3D, which uses structured grids, the results were compared to solvers employing one- and two-equation turbulence models and experimental data. In general, in situations where experimental data is available, the stress-ω model performs as well or better than one- and two-equation models.
Maximal divergent uniform spacings

Abstract Let U 1 , U 2 ,…, be a sequence of independent random variables, uniformly distributed on the unit interval, and let a n , n ⩾1, be an integer sequence for which 1⩽ a n ⩽ n . For n ⩾1, define Δ n to be the largest of the a n +1 spacings induced by the observations U n − a n +1 , U n − a n +2 ,…, U n .In this paper we consider the almost sure limiting behavior of the process Δ n , n ⩾1.
Allelopathic Potential of Nelumbo lutea (Willd.) Pers. to Alter Growth of Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Potamogeton pectinatus L.

ABSTRACT We examined the potential allelopathic effect of American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) on two submerged plant species common to Great Lakes coastal wetlands: Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus). Whole N. lutea seedlings and aqueous leaf extracts were employed as sources of putative allelochemical agents. N. lutea seedlings had no effect on the growth of target plants over seven-day exposures. Aqueous extracts at both 2% and 10% titers significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) shoot growth rates in M. spicatum compared with extract-free control plants. N. lutea extracts were ineffective in altering P. pectinatus growth rates. These findings suggest that, at natural plant population densities, it is unlikely that N. lutea allelopathy plays a significant role in watermilfoil or sago pondweed population dynamics.
Ion transport and clustering in nafion perfluorinated membranes

Abstract A theory of ion-clustering is presented for Nation resins. An expression for the cluster diameter is derived; it correctly describes the experimental variations in cluster diameter with cation form, equivalent weight, and water content of the polymers. The theory further suggests that short channels connecting adjacent clusters are thermodynamically stable in support of the cluster-network model proposed by one of us earlier. The percolative aspects of ion transport and an ionic insulator-to-conductor transition in Nation resins are discussed.
Mass transfer efficiency of screen packings with gas crossflow

The efficiency of screen packings in the distillation of a model benzene-toluene mixture at total reflux was assessed in a 1200-mm diameter column with gas crossflow. The packings were tested at 100-110 C and 110-133 kPa and liquid feed rates of 2.5-14 cubic meters per hour. Compositions of samples withdrawn from the packings were determined chromatographically and these data were used to calculate the number of theoretical plates under total reflux with the Fensek-Underwood equation. Mass transfer efficiency of the crossflow packings was found to increase with increasing vapor and liquid load and to depend also on the dimensions of the packings. When the reflux load was increased from 12.9 to 44.5 cubic meters per hour, the efficiency changed very little, indicating a broad range of stable operation for the crossflow system.
Wetting behavior of silicone oils on solid substrates immersed in aqueous electrolyte solutions

Equilibrium contact angles are reported for silicone oils (poly(dimethylsiloxane)s) on polymer-coated and uncoated solid-silicon substrates immersed in aqueous electrolyte solutions. Solid-substrate wettability to water ranges from highly hydrophilic to highly hydrophobic based on water/air contact angles. Although silicone oils in air spread completely on all of the studied substrates, these same surfaces when immersed in aqueous media exhibit finite contact angles against silicone oils that depend strongly on the substrate surface energy. A detailed investigation of the pH influence on the wetting behavior of silicone oil on the solid substrates is pursued where a clear correlation emerges between the changes of substrate-surface zeta potential (ζ) and the oil-wetting behavior on substrates immersed in aqueous solution. Also, the influence of inorganic KCl and CaCl2 electrolytes on the wetting behavior of silicone oils on solid substrates is studied. KCl does not produce a noticeable effect on the wetti...
Intake, Growth, and Selected Blood Parameters in Calves Fed Calf Starter via Bucket or Bottle

Calf starter was offered to 40 calves in a plastic bucket or from a nipple bottle, and intake, growth, and selected blood parameters were measured. The nipple was designed with a large opening to allow feed particles to pass through the nipple during meals. Calves began the study at 7 d of age and were fed for 56 d. A commercially prepared calf starter was offered for ad libitum consumption from d 1 of the study, and commercial milk replacer was offered at 10% of BW to weaning at 6 wk of the study. No effects of treatment on intake, rates of gain, feed efficiency, blood BHBA or plasma glucose, urea N, or NEFA were observed. Consumption of starter DM exceeded 1.9 kg/d by wk 8 of the study. Concentration of blood parameters changed in a fashion consistent with developing ruminal function. Calf starter fed from a plastic nipple bottle promoted starter intake as effectively as did starter fed from plastic buckets.
Purification and molecular properties of the acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo electroplax.

The acetylcholine receptor of Torpedo electroplax is purified by affinity adsorption using cobra toxin (Naja naja siamensis) covalently attached to Sepharose 4B. Desorption by 10 mm benzoquinonium produces a protein that binds α-[125I]bungarotoxin but not [3H]acetylcholine or other reversible cholinergic ligands. On the other hand, desorption by 1 m carbamylcholine produces an acetylcholine receptor protein that binds [3H]acetylcholine, [3H]decamethonium, [3H]nicotine, [14C]dimethyl-d-tubocurarine, and α-[125I]bungarotoxin. The batch method of affinity adsorption employed gives recoveries of acetylcholine receptor (as measured by acetylcholine binding) averaging 69.2 ± 14.6%. The purity of the isolated acetylcholine receptor protein is estimated to be at best 87% as judged by disc gel electrophoresis and electrofocusing. The purified acetylcholine receptor binds 7.8 nmoles acetylcholine/mg protein based on estimation of protein concentration by a spectrophotometric method. Of these, 2.7 nmoles exhibit high affinity (KD = 0.02 μM) and 5.1 nmoles a lower affinity (KD = 1.97 μM. If the protein concentration used is that obtained by amino acid analysis, the total specific activity would be 10.4 nmoles acetylcholine bound per milligram protein. The subunit carrying one acetylcholine binding site is estimated to range between 83,000 and 112,000 daltons. In contrast to the membrane-bound or Lubrol-solubilized acetylcholine receptor, the purified acetylcholine receptor shows no autoinhibition with acetylcholine concentrations up to 10 μm. Binding of acetylcholine was totally inhibited by α-bungarotoxin or cobra toxin and was partially blocked by four nicotinic drugs, but not by two muscarinic ones. The amino acids of the acetylcholine receptor are analyzed and compared to those of acetylcholinesterase.
Re-Imagining Internet Scholarship: Academic Uses and Abuses of the Influential Internet Social Network, Facebook

Since its inception at Harvard in 2004, the social network, Facebook, has grown dramatically and spread across the globe. It will soon have 1 billion users and is now operative in over 75 languages. A large percentage of undergraduates are now active on Facebook. Much of the recent literature on Facebook focuses on business applications and how it can contribute to growing profits and market share. Little attention has been directed to the academic implications of Facebook. The focus of this article is to assess critically the scholarly uses and abuses of Facebook. The article draws on several theoretical frameworks such as those of Ivan Illich (conviviality of technologies), Denis Goulet (technology as a two-edged sword), and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (optimal human experience and flow). Many scholarly uses of Facebook are presented documenting its potential for enhancing academic work. That is followed by a discussion of negative aspects of the technology and potential adverse effects on humans in terms of their productivity and capabilities. If used critically and creatively, these new networks can enhance in valuable ways human, intellectual, social, and cultural capital. In a networked knowledge society, students now have extraordinary new tools to help them realize their intellectual, cultural, and social potential.
Cervicofacial actinomycosis following orthognathic surgery: report of 2 cases.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis usually presents as a slowly enlarging, painless neck mass beneath the lower border of the mandible. Actinomyces israelii, the most frequent bacterial species involved, is a component of the normal oral microbial flora.1 The organism is of low virulence, thus the disease is uncommon. The disease generally presents after a disruption of the mucosal barrier, such as with a tooth extraction or a mandibular fracture.2 There is no association with immunosuppression or other host factors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are often difficult because of the disease’s chronic, low-grade, but persistent spread, and its resistance to routine antibiotic therapy. Actinomycosis has been reported only once previously following intraoral orthognathic surgery.3 We report 2 additional cases, that occurred 14 years apart in a hospital that treats 150 to 200 orthognathic cases each year.
High content image-based screening of a protease inhibitor library reveals compounds broadly active against Rift Valley fever virus and other highly pathogenic RNA viruses.

High content image-based screening was developed as an approach to test a protease inhibitor small molecule library for antiviral activity against Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and to determine their mechanism of action. RVFV is the causative agent of severe disease of humans and animals throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Of the 849 compounds screened, 34 compounds exhibited ≥50% inhibition against RVFV. All of the hit compounds could be classified into 4 distinct groups based on their unique chemical backbone. Some of the compounds also showed broad antiviral activity against several highly pathogenic RNA viruses including Ebola, Marburg, Venezuela equine encephalitis, and Lassa viruses. Four hit compounds (C795-0925, D011-2120, F694-1532 and G202-0362), which were most active against RVFV and showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity, were selected for further evaluation for their cytotoxicity, dose response profile, and mode of action using classical virological methods and high-content imaging analysis. Time-of-addition assays in RVFV infections suggested that D011-2120 and G202-0362 targeted virus egress, while C795-0925 and F694-1532 inhibited virus replication. We showed that D011-2120 exhibited its antiviral effects by blocking microtubule polymerization, thereby disrupting the Golgi complex and inhibiting viral trafficking to the plasma membrane during virus egress. While G202-0362 also affected virus egress, it appears to do so by a different mechanism, namely by blocking virus budding from the trans Golgi. F694-1532 inhibited viral replication, but also appeared to inhibit overall cellular gene expression. However, G202-0362 and C795-0925 did not alter any of the morphological features that we examined and thus may prove to be good candidates for antiviral drug development. Overall this work demonstrates that high-content image analysis can be used to screen chemical libraries for new antivirals and to determine their mechanism of action and any possible deleterious effects on host cellular biology.
Surgical Management of Endolymphatic Sac Tumors

Objective To review the cumulative experience of surgical management of endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs) in the literature. To review the experience with ELST management at a tertiary referral-based otology-neurotology practice and present our approach to management. Study Design Retrospective patient review at a referral-based otology-neurotology practice. Methods A review of all available records from the House Clinic of patients with ELSTs was performed. Presentation, diagnostic workup, microsurgical approach, and outcomes were reviewed. Literature review using MEDLINE of studies reporting surgical outcomes of patients with ELSTs was also performed. Results Retrospective chart review revealed 18 patients with ELSTs who underwent surgical management. Grouping of these patients provides surgical outcomes on the largest group of mostly non–von Hippel-Lindau patients with ELSTs in the literature. Patients most commonly presented with sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. A majority of patients presented with large tumors exhibiting significant destruction of surrounding structures including the cochlea, vestibule, and internal auditory canal. Patients underwent microsurgical resection with the intent of complete resection. Conclusions Although the extensive nature of ELSTs at time of diagnosis often precludes hearing preservation, complete microsurgical resection can be achieved safely with preservation of facial function in the majority of cases.
Severe droughts reduce estuarine primary productivity with cascading effects on higher trophic levels

Using a 10-yr time-series data set, we analyzed the effects of two severe droughts on water-quality and ecosystem processes in a temperate, eutrophic estuary (Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina). During the droughts, dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations were on average 46-68% lower than the long-term mean due to reduced riverine input. Phytoplankton productivity and biomass were slightly below average for most of the estuary during a spring-autumn drought in 2002, but were dramatically lower than average throughout the estuary during an autumn-winter drought in 2007-2008. Droughts affected upper trophic levels through alteration of both habitat condition (i.e., bottom-water dissolved oxygen levels) and food availability. Bottom-water dissolved oxygen levels were near or slightly above average during the 2002 drought and during summer 2007. Concomitant with these modest improvements in bottom-water oxygen condition, fish kills were greatly reduced relative to the long-term average. Low-oxygen bottom-water conditions were more pronounced during summer 2008 in the latter stages of the 2007-2008 drought, and mesozooplankton abundances were eight-fold lower in summer 2008 than during nondrought years. Below-average mesozooplankton abundances persisted for well over 1 yr beyond cessation of the drought. Significant fish kills were observed in summer 2008 and 2009, perhaps due to the synergistic effects of hypoxia and reduced food availability. These results indicate that droughts can exert both ephemeral and prolonged multiyear influence on estuarine ecosystem processes and provide a glimpse into the future, when many regions of the world are predicted to face increased drought frequency and severity due to climate change.
Do drunk drivers pay their way? A note on optimal penalties for drunk driving

This paper uses a simple framework to describe optimal penalties for drunk driving, and reviews available data to judge current policies against this standard. The analysis suggests that policies should be designed so that the penalties paid by drunk drivers equal the value of the increased risks drunk drivers impose on others. Current penalties appear to be too lenient, implying that current levels of drunk driving are too high.
492 WHO SHOULD MAKE THE ETHICAL DECISIONS IS MEDICINE? A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Technical progress in the maintenance of life has forced the physician into making complex ethical decisions. One technique that has been proposed to assist the physician in making such decisions is the use of an advisory panel containing some individuals without medical training. Such a panel would offer advice prior to instituting a course of action. Inherent in this system is the belief that diversity of background provides greater objectivity. In order to test this hypothesis and to examine the effects of medical education on development of ethical attitudes, 6 panels were presented the same 5 ethical problems. The panels were: 4th year medical students, senior pediatric residents, pediatric faculty, pediatric nurses, and 2 lay groups. Ethical problems dealt with: active euthanasia, the rights of adolescents, quality of life, rights of the retarded, and parental involvement in critical care decisions. Results revealed a high concurrence of final recommendations among all panels although factors involved in the decision-making process varied. Medical panels made prompter decisions. Lay groups were more concerned with economic issues and had a greater acceptance of euthanasia. These findings suggest that personal beliefs and not medical training are more important factors in reaching a decision. The use of lay individuals may offer no advantage or alter recommendations.
Experimental Approach for Developing and Testing Predictive Self-Assembly Models

Testing methods and apparatus for studying capillary self-assembly processes are presented. This system permits the control of key self-assembly process variables so that relationships between process rates and yields and the process variables can be tested. Part arrival energies and angles are controlled by dropping through a fluid at terminal velocity onto fixed substrate binding sites. Using this system, the assembly probability at the low energy limit is shown to match a simple area fraction relationship.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Sword and Shield: The WTO Dispute Settlement System and Japan

At its inception in 1995, few predicted that the World Trade Organization (WTO) would be as widely used by its members as it is today. Between 1995 and 2001, the WTO presided over more complaints than its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), had over a forty-year period.1 Observing this trend at the close of the 1990s, many scholars—supporters and skeptics alike—agreed that ruled-based dispute settlement had moved to the center stage of international economic diplomacy, and that there were significant economic, political, and legal advantages to this progressive "judicialization" from the perspective of national governments (Jackson 1998a, pp. 175, 178-79; Petersmann 1998 [1997], pp. 84-87).
Autocrine Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Inhibits β-Casein mRNA Expression in a Mammary Cell Line

Abstract A hallmark of mammary cell differentiation is the induction of β -casein mRNA expression. A mouse mammary epithelial cell line (COMMA-1D) was treated with insulin, hydrocortisone (HC), and prolactin (Prl) at concentrations (50, 500, and 20ng/ml, respectively) that resulted in less than half-maximal β -casein mRNA expression. The cells secreted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II (106 pg/ml per 24h) in the condition media under these conditions. Replacement of insulin with rhIGF-II (150ng/ml) resulted in significantly less β -casein mRNA expression. Long-Arg IGF-I (50ng/ml) was similar to insulin in terms of its ability to induce differentiation, but its activity differed from that of insulin in that it also induced cell proliferation. When the two receptor-specific IGF-II analogs, Arg 54,55 IGF-II and Leu 27 IGF-II, were used in studies, only at high concentrations (150ng/ml) was either analog capable of stimulating any β -casein mRNA expression. When autocrine IGF-II was immuno-neutralized or bound by the addition of rhIGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), β -casein mRNA expression was enhanced seven-fold and three-fold, respectively. Exogenous application of IGF-II to counteract the IGF-II mAb stimulation resulted in increased cellular growth and reduced differentiation. We conclude that autocrine IGF-II inhibits mammary cell differentiation and that the blockage of autocrine IGF-II benefits mammary cell differentiation.
Disaster Prepper: Health, Identity, and American Survivalist Culture

The survivalist movement in the United States has spawned the "disaster prep" phenomenon and has become a lifestyle and identity with potential health-related consequences. "Preppers" anticipate either a natural or man-made apocalypse which will result in the total collapse of civil society, prompting them to "prep" by securing places to shelter during the chaos and stockpiling their homes with food, water, fuel, medicine, and supplies. The purpose of this article was to document the impact of survivalist identity upon health-related decision making and health-seeking behavior, as well as examine the identity building and community formation processes as they unfold in virtual contexts. Data were collected from publicly available survivalism and the Prepper web logs (blogs). Results included discussion about the maintenance of chronic conditions, ethical dilemmas regarding medical dependency, and anticipatory changes to health behavior, with implications for future research on identity building and virtua...
Interfacial reaction kinetics of SiC fiber-reinforced Ti3Al matrix composites

Abstract 1. (1) SiC fibers reacted with Ti 3 Al + Nb to form multilayer reaction products during consolidation and extended isothermal exposure. Complex carbides and silicides genertated from the reactions between Ti, Nb, Al and SiC appears to be the major components in the reaction zone. The C-rich layer on the surface of a SiC fiber affects the development of the reaction zone and the distribution of the reaction products. 2. (2) The fiber/matrix interfacial reaction is diffusion-controlled with an activation energy of 271.49 KJ/mole and 218.11 KJ/mole for the SCS-6/Ti-24A1-11Nb and Sigma/Ti-24Al-11Nb composites, respectively, at the early stage of reaction. 3. (3) The results of this study indicate that in the SCS-6/Ti-24Al-11Nb composite, the activation energy is higher, the growth rate of reaction zone is slower, and the consumption of C-rich layer is much slower than that in the SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composite.
Parallel map projection of vector-based big spatial data: Coupling cloud computing with graphics processing units

Abstract The objective of this article is to present a framework that couples cloud and high-performance computing for the parallel map projection of vector-based big spatial data. The past few years have witnessed a tremendous growth of a variety of high-volume spatial data—i.e., big spatial data. Map projection is often needed, for example, when we apply these big spatial data into large-scale spatial analysis and modeling approaches that require a common coordinate system. However, due to the size of these data and algorithmic complexity of map projections, the transformation of big spatial data between alternative projections represents a pressing computational challenge. Recent advancement in cloud computing and high-performance computing offers a potential means of addressing this computational challenge. The parallel map projection framework presented in this study is based on a layered architecture that couples capabilities of cloud computing and high-performance computing accelerated by Graphics Processing Units. We use large LiDAR data as an example of vector-based big spatial data to investigate the utility of the parallel map projection framework. As experimental results reveal, the framework provides considerable acceleration for re-projecting vector-based big spatial data. Coupling high-performance and cloud computing, which complement to each other, is a suggested solution for the efficient processing and analysis of big spatial data.
Identification of response properties of ascending axons from dorsal cochlear nucleus

Electrical stimulation in the dorsal acoustic stria (DAS) and the posterior and dorsal part of the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) was used to identify the response properties of efferent axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) in unanesthetized, decerebrate cats. Responses recorded in the DCN of this preparation can be divided into two broad classes, type II/III and type IV. Results of previous studies suggest that one subclass of type II/III units, those without spontaneous activity, are inhibitory interneurons terminating on type IV cells. Most type IV units (34/43) could be antidromically activated from the DAS and most units which could be activated from the DAS were of this type (34/39), suggesting that type IV responses are recorded from the projection cells of the DCN. Few type II/III cells without spontaneous activity could be activated from the DAS (1/30). A few cells of this type (6/32) could be antidromically stimulated from regions of the posterior AVCN or dorsal PVCN through which axon collaterals of some small cell interneurons of the DCN have been reported to pass. No type IV cells could be activated from the VCN (0/22). Thus the results are consistent with some type II/III responses originating in DCN interneurons. Spontaneously active type II/III units had intermediate properties.
Evidence of cognitive dysfunction after soccer playing with ball heading using a novel tablet-based approach

Does frequent head-to-ball contact cause cognitive dysfunctions and brain injury to soccer players? An iPad-based experiment was designed to examine the impact of ball-heading among high school female soccer players. We examined both direct, stimulus-driven, or reflexive point responses (Pro-Point) as well as indirect, goal-driven, or voluntary point responses (Anti-Point), thought to require cognitive functions in the frontal lobe. The results show that soccer players were significantly slower than controls in the Anti-Point task but displayed no difference in Pro-Point latencies, indicating a disruption specific to voluntary responses. These findings suggest that even subconcussive blows in soccer can result in cognitive function changes that are consistent with mild traumatic brain injury of the frontal lobes. There is great clinical and practical potential of a tablet-based application for quick detection and monitoring of cognitive dysfunction.
After dentoalveolar surgery, most patients are satisfied with telephone follow-up.

Purpose To estimate patient satisfaction with telephone follow-up and compare the frequencies of postoperative complications between patients undergoing telephone and those undergoing clinical follow-up after ambulatory office-based dentoalveolar procedures. Materials and Methods Using a retrospective study design, the investigators enrolled a cohort of subjects who had had at least 1 tooth extracted during a 2-year period. The primary study variable was subject self-report of satisfaction with the telephone follow-up. For additional analyses, the predictor variable was follow-up type grouped as telephone versus clinical. The outcome variable was postoperative complications. To measure the relationships between the follow-up type and postoperative complications, bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed. P ≤ .05 was considered significant. Results The sample was composed of 364 subjects, of whom 155 (42.6%) had received telephone follow-up. The sample's mean age was 28.6 ± 11.7 years, included 220 females (60.4%), and had had an average of 3.4 ± 2.1 teeth removed. The self-reported patient satisfaction rate with telephone follow-up was 95.9%. The subjects who experienced postoperative complications were 90% less likely to be satisfied relative to those without complications ( P = .04). The overall complication frequency was 19.2%, with telephone follow-up subjects having a lower complication frequency (12.9%) than the clinical follow-up subjects (23.4%) ( P P = .7). Conclusion Patient satisfaction with telephone follow-up was high. The subjects scheduled for telephone follow-up had a complication rate that was similar to that of the clinical follow-up subjects.
Heat transfer and kinetics of bulk growth of silicon carbide

Abstract A kinetics model for silicon carbide growth is proposed that is based on Hertz–Knudsen equation and relates supersaturation to the growth rate. The species concentration profiles in the growth chamber are obtained by using a one-dimensional advective mass transfer model assuming that the axial temperature gradient in growth chamber is larger than the radial temperature gradient. The RF induction heating and heat transfer in a 1.5-in system is calculated by using a magnetic vector potential theory and a coupled radiation and conduction model. Axisymmetric, two-dimensional growth rate profiles for different ingot lengths are obtained by considering the temperature variation in radial direction.
In Response to Brenda J. Duncan

We have read Brenda J. Duncan's response to our article "Social Work Professional Standards: An Exploratory Study" (January 1997, pp. 187-199) with both interest and incredulity. The matter of context for the behaviors and beliefs we surveyed is an important issue, but Duncan seems to conclude that standards are relative and that anything goes as long as the social worker and the client both agree that the behavior is contextually appropriate. Before responding to some of the specific behavioral transactions and beliefs addressed by Duncan, we want to reply to two general issues she advances. First, we did not attempt to answer many of the questions she raises; we completed the study and published the results to identify what we believe are important issues for the profession (and for clients). The research pointed out that there were a variety of opinions and a lack of definitional clarity on the appropriateness of certain behaviors. Duncan seems to misunderstand the meaning of our data. Simply reporting that a percentage of the respondents behaved in a certain way or thought a given behavior was appropriate does not reflect our opinions about such conduct. We attempted to make no judgments about respondents' behaviors and beliefs. Second, we deliberately avoided the "it depends" response, believing that most respondents would choose to give a conditional answer and our purpose would be thwarted. What we sought in this survey was how social workers generally conducted themselves and what they thought about certain kinds of professional behavior. We realize that exceptions are the crux of many ethical violations based on the notion that "I can cross this ethical boundary because I am different or my client is different." As to specific issues, Duncan questions the appropriateness of even publishing the results of this study. She asks whether we want to let potential clients or others know about our practice behaviors and our collective views about the appropriateness of certain kinds of conduct without a full explication of context. As an aside, when similar research has been done by other mental health professions, to our knowledge no one has diminished the survey results or advanced the argument that the profession should not let others know about practice standards without full attention to context. Duncan stresses the concept of informed consent, but apparently believes we should not inform the public about our practice standards and beliefs. With specific regard to the social work profession, where are we to learn about ourselves if not through professional journals? Duncan seems to believe that as long as the client is able to give full and informed consent as determined by the social worker, any behavior may be appropriate. …
Targeted expression of Cre recombinase to adipose tissue of transgenic mice directs adipose-specific excision of loxP-flanked gene segments

Functional analysis of mammalian genes relies, in part, on targeted mutations generated by homologous recombination in mice. We have developed a strategy for adipose-specific inactivation of loxP-floxed gene segments. Transgenic mice have been established that express Cre recombinase under the control of the adipose-specific aP2 enhancer/promoter. Crossing of the aP2/ Cre mice with any loxP-floxed gene will facilitate its functional analysis in adipose tissue.
‘Searching for a “generalized social agent” to predict Namibians’ intentions to prevent sexual transmission of HIV

Debate surrounds the definition, measurement and utility of subjective norms (theory of reasoned action, Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). Scholars propose alternative concepts including descriptive norms and injunctive norms (Cialdini et al., 1990), enabling factors and social embeddedness (e.g. Barrera, 1986), and betweenness to others in a network (Wasserman & Faust, 1994) to explain social influences on willingness to perform a behaviour. This study explores the relative utility and comparability of different social concepts in understanding Namibians' intentions (n=1200) to abstain from sex or to be faithful to one sexual partner. Neither subjective norms nor the five other concepts consistently predict either intentions, although they account for 21% of variance in intentions to abstain and 24% of intentions to have one sexual partner in one region. Conflicting relationships between injunctive and subjective norms exist; stigma surrounding HIV prevention provides some explanation. Campaigns designed to alter norms may benefit from altering stigma simultaneously.
Elongation of rat-tail tendon on hydration.

THE extent of hydration in connective tissues is of considerable physiological importance. Water retained by mucopolysaccharides and collagen is thought to have a pronounced effect upon the mechanical functioning of the tissue1. The rate and extent of swelling of collagen2 were studied in order to measure the hydration of collagen as well as to ascertain how this might be related to the degree of cross-linking of the protein. The objective of the work discussed here was to analyse the rate and extent of elongation of a dry tendon when it was immersed in solutions.
Prostaglandin E2-mediated sensitization of rat sensory neurons is not altered by nerve growth factor

To ascertain whether chronic exposure to nerve growth factor (NGF) alters the responsiveness of sensory neurons to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), sensory neurons taken from adult rats were grown in culture in the presence or absence of NGF for 7 days. Neurons then were exposed to PGE2 and release of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide (iCGRP) and production of immunoreactive cAMP (icAMP) were examined. Growing neurons in the presence of 250 ng/ml NGF increased the content and the release of iCGRP from sensory neurons. Independent of NGF treatment, exposure to 100 nM PGE2 augmented capsaicin- or potassium-stimulated release of iCGRP by 1.5-fold compared with cells not exposed to PGE2. In a similar manner, NGF treatment did not alter the ability of PGE2 to increase the content of icAMP. These data suggest that prostaglandin-induced sensitization of sensory neurons is not influenced by NGF.
SU‐E‐T‐566: Comparison of Institutional Radiochromic Film Data of Small Circular Collimators with a Sun Nuclear Edge Detector, IBA Stereotactic Field Diode (SFD), and the Mapcheck 2 QA Tool

Introduction: The measurement of small stereotactic fields is difficult on many levels. The loss of charge particle equilibrium, perturbation of the field due to the detecting system, and energy spectrum changes contribute to uncertainties and errors in the measurement. Recent advances in detector technology and design have produced detectors that are smaller, less than 0.02mm3 active volumes, and near energy independence. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the dosimetric quantities of small circular stereotactic fields and extend existing treatment planning data from the smallest field size of 15.0mm to 7.5mm. The second step was to determine if the Mapcheck‐2 device could be used for standard quality assurance checks for small stereotactic fields. Methods: Measurements were performed with three detecting systems and compared to institutional data obtained with Radiochromic film. Dosimetric data was collected with the Edge detector and the SFD. The Edge detector is a n‐type radiation harden silicondiode with an active volume of 0.019mm3, and the SFD is a p‐type high doped silicondiode with an active volume of 0.017mm3. The Mapcheck‐2 is a diode array containing 1527 diodedetectors. The dosimetric measurements performed included the TPR at 5cm depth, penumbra, FWHM, and the output factors for 15 stereotactic collimators. All measurements were done with a 6MV beam collimated by a Radionics collimating system. Results: Both systems provided consistent data as compared to the Radiochromic film measurements for field sizes between 15 mm and 40 mm. The SFD provided a sharper penumbra, and larger TPR values for the 10mm and 7.5mm cones. Conclusion: Both detecting systems provide consistent data for cone sizes of 15 mm to 40 mm. The smaller volume of the SFD provides more accurate penumbra data for the smaller cone sizes. The Mapcheck‐2 can be used for dosimetric measurements of stereotactic collimators.
On learning complex procedural knowledge

Lewicki, Czyzewska, and Hoffman (1987) demonstrated learning without awareness in a visual search task. Rules determined target location on every seventh trial on the basis of target locations in the preceding six trials. Learning was demonstrated by negative transfer effects when the rules were changed. When questioned afterwards, the subjects could not describe the rules and denied awareness of them. This experiment was designed to replicate that of Lewicki et al. and to test several hypotheses about this apparent learning without awareness. Transfer conditions were included to determine whether rule learning was primarily perceptual or motor. The present assessment of awareness was based on an objective definition of awareness, rather than a subjective definition as in Lewicki et al.'s study. Their effect was replicated, and the transfer conditions revealed that learning relied on perceptual aspects of the task. The objective measure of awareness provided further evidence that subjects were unaware of the rules. Language: en
Pre-matriculation program at the University of South Florida College of Medicine.

Underrepresented-minority (URM) students at the University of South Florida College of Medicine increased from 4.9% to 10.5% of the total student body from 1991 to 1997. During that period it became clear that some majority and minority students had serious academic difficulties with the first-year curriculum and that a higher proportion of the minority matriculants had difficulties. In response, the college in 1997 created the Summer Pre-matriculation Program to reduce the number of first-year students who had academic difficulty. In the summer before they matriculate in the college, the students complete a six-week program of lectures, small-group discussions, compute-aided instruction, and laboratory instruction in biochemistry, human embryology, and gross anatomy. URM students, non-science majors, and students who have been away from the academic environment (e.g., pursuing medicine as a second career) are given priority for the 20 positions available each year. At the end of the first cohort's first medical school year, the academic performances of program participants and other students were compared, and it was clear that the program participants had performed as well as or slightly better than their counterparts in gross anatomy, biochemistry, and human embryology. Further, the program participants performed at or above the class average in medical school courses for which they had not had targeted instruction during the program. The College of Medicine is committed to diversifying its student body and realizes that diverse students bring varying levels of academic preparation as well as diversity in cultural and academic backgrounds. Concerted efforts such as the pre-matriculation program may be required to normalize the "playing field" at the very outset of medical school and to ensure that every matriculant has an equal opportunity to succeed.
ABSENT PULMONARY VALVE WITH VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (APV WITH VSD)

SA characteristic clinical picture, recognizable in the o first hours of life, consisting of extreme respiratory distress, cyanosis, a to-and-fro murmur at the upper left sternal border, and bilateral pneumothorax is described in two infants. This syndrome, the result of aneurysmal dilitation of the main and branch pulmonary arteries producing compression of the bronchi, is unusual but well-described in slightly older infants. Chest tube drainage and respirator support were required by 5 hours of age in both our patients. Immediate and lasting relief from respiratory obstruction was obtained by surgical reimplantation of the right pulmonary artery to main pulmonary artery, anterior to the ascending aorta, as described by Litwin, et al., in the second infant. Severe pulmonary valve insufficiency with intractable right heart failure and inadequate net pulmonary flow persisted, leading us to believe that this syndrome, if present at birth, is characteristic of the severest type of pulmonary valve insufficiency. Prompt recognition, relief of respiratory obstruction and, probably, total correction of the cardiac lesion with a valved pulmonary conduit will be necessary for management of these patients.
Structure of poly d(AI).poly d(CT) in two different packing arrangements.

Abstract X-ray diffraction analysis of poly d(AI)poly·d(CT) in oriented and polycrystalline fibers has revealed the DNA structure to be a 10-fold, right-handed, antiparallel, Watson-Crick base paired double helix in two distinct packing arrangements corresponding to one and two helices, respectively, in the unit cell. The helix pitch is 32.1 A and 32.4 A in the two cases, almost 1.5 A shorter than in classical B-DNA. The resulting B-DNA geometry, described in terms of a tetranucleotide repeat which is conformationally similar to B-DNA, has its minor groove closely shut and major groove correspondingly widened, thus striking a sharp morphological contrast to B-DNA. According to difference electron density maps, a spine of hydration along the minor groove connects both strands and provides structural stability; ordered sodium ions and water molecules are actively involved in bridging the phosphate groups of neighboring helices. The crystallographic R-values for these two allomorphs are 0.26 and 0.20, respec...
Optical cross correlator in a silicon waveguide

We present a technique for performing single-shot optical cross-correlations in a silicon waveguide and show that it can be applied to the cross correlation of two 300-fs signals.
Novel Copolymers of Vinyl Acetate with Alkyl and Alkoxy Ring‐Disubstituted 2‐Phenyl‐1,1‐dicyanoethylenes

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, alkyl and alkoxy ring‐disubstituted 2‐phenyl‐1,1‐dicyanoethylenes, RC6H3CH˭C(CN)2 (where R is 2,4‐(CH3)2, 2,5‐(CH3)2, 2,3‐(CH3O)2, 2,4‐(CH3O)2, 2,5‐(CH3O)2, 3,4‐(CH3O)2, 3‐C2H5O‐4‐CH3O, 4‐CH3O‐3‐CH3), were synthesized by piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐disubstituted benzaldehydes and malononitrile, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and vinyl acetate were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (ABCN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T g of the copolymers, in comparison with that of polyvinyl acetate, indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis in...
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PACKAGING METHODS ON OBJECTIVE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FROZEN AND STORED COW BEEF

An inexpensive alternative for areas of the world that use no protective covering on frozen beef was evaluated. Three-pound samples of Holstein cow rounds were packaged in medium density polyethylene film and stored at -22.3 ± 1°C. Packaging treatments with this film consisted of no protective packaging (control), polyethylene packaged, polyethylene with vacuum induced package cling and polyethylene with CO2 initially altered atmosphere. Quality characteristics were evaluated by chemical, physical and microbiological methods at the beginning of the experiment and every 3 months for 9 months. Reflectance readings, TBA values, shear values and weight loss indicated that the polyethylene wrapped samples were more acceptable than the other treatments tested at this storage temperature.