cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution and species diversity of deep-sea nematodes off North Carolina*

Abstract In four sedimentary environments off North Carolina 209 species of free-living marine nematodes were identified. Of these, 106 were restricted to one of four habitats. Clayey-silts (800 to 2500 m) contained the most stenotopic species (49). Quartz-algal sands (50 to 100 m) contained 35, foraminiferan sands (250 to 500 m) 17, and sandy silts (500 to 800 m) only 5 stenotopic species. A sand zone (50 to 500 m) and a clayey-silt faunistic zone (800 to 2500 m) are recognized, separated by a transition zone (500 to 800 m) characterized by little endemism. There may be zonation of the fauna within these major zones. Species diversity decreased with increasing water depth, attributable to the decreased number of microhabitats available in the clayey-silts. Diversity is largely a function of species richness. Withinhabitat diversity in the North Carolina sediments is higher than in Long Island Sound (a shallower, temperate body of water).
SU-FF-T-349: Validation of DSAR Algorithm for Intensity Modulated Neutron Radiotherapy

Purpose: To validate the differential scatter air ratio dose calculation algorithm for Intensity Modulated Neutron Radiotherapy (IMNRT). Method and Materials: Our current treatment planning system uses a differential Scatter Air Ratio (dSAR) technique to calculate neutron dose distributions from a d(48.5) + Be cyclotron. An empirical function was used to fit the profiles at different depths. Intensity modulated beams are delivered using the segmental MLC (sMLC) technique. Application of the dSAR method to small beam segments used for IMNRT has been investigated. Beam profiles for rectangular fields ranging from 2 × 2 cm2 to 10 × 10 cm2 were measured using a 0.3 cc TE chamber and compared to that predicted by the empirical profile function. This chamber has a diameter of 6 mm and a wall thickness of 2.5 mm. Point dose measurements using the dual ionization chamber technique and individual profile measurements were performed to validate the dose calculation accuracy for small irregular segments. Results: For field sizes ranging from 2 × 2 cm2 to 10 × 10 cm2, measured profiles agreed with the dSAR calculations to within 5% at 2.5 cm depth, and to within 3% at 10 cm depth, inside the field. The pdd's matched to within 2% of that calculated by the treatment planning system. For irregularly shaped segments, absolute point dose measurements matched to within 2% along the central axis and to within 3% for off-axis points. For some irregular segment profiles, large deviations were observed in the penumbral region, particularly at shallower depths. This was due primarily to partial volume effects resulting from the large diameter of the ionization chamber used for measuring these profiles. However, all measured profiles agreed with the calculated profiles to within 5% inside the segments. Conclusions: The dSAR dose calculation algorithm has been validated for IMNRT.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Process Planning

During recent decades, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) from computer science, psychology and linguistics has created a great impact on the design and implementation of process planning systems. This article provides a review of the state‐of‐the‐art AI‐based automated process planning systems. A generalised framework for expert process planning systems is proposed and prospective research issues are discussed.
Optical steganography based on amplified spontaneous emission noise

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an optical steganography method in which a data signal is transmitted using amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise as a carrier. The ASE serving as a carrier for the private signal has an identical frequency spectrum to the existing noise generated by the Erbium doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) in the transmission system. The system also carries a conventional data channel that is not private. The so-called “stealth” or private channel is well-hidden within the noise of the system. Phase modulation is used for both the stealth channel and the public channel. Using homodyne detection, the short coherence length of the ASE ensures that the stealth signal can only be recovered if the receiver closely matches the delay-length difference, which is deliberately changed in a dynamic fashion that is only known to the transmitter and its intended receiver.
Polyoma tumorigenesis in mice: evidence for dominant resistance and dominant susceptibility genes of the host.

Abstract We have determined the tumor responses of nine inbred mouse strains and of two F1 hybrids following inoculation with polyoma virus. The results showed wide variations in the frequencies of mice developing tumors. Correlations with H-2 haplotype were evident. C3H/BiDa mice of H-2 k type were fully susceptible, while C57BL/6 mice of H-2 b type were completely resistant. DBA/2 and BALB/c mice, both H-2 d , were of low susceptibility. Contributions of the major histo-compatibility complex were demonstrated using pairs of H-2 congenic mice. Substitution of H-2 k on either a BALB/c or a C57BL/10 background resulted in an increase in the frequencies and kinds of tumors induced. Susceptibilities of BALB and C57BL mice bearing the H-2 k haplotype were still well below those of C3H/BiDa mice, however. Crosses of C3H/BiDa with BALB/c or BALB.K (H-2 k ) produced Fls that were of moderate and full susceptibility, respectively. These results indicate two distinct classes of host genes, one at the H-2 locus where different alleles confer varying degrees of resistance and the other a dominant susceptibility gene(s) carried in C3H/BiDa mice.
The role of iodine-131 and thallium-201 imaging and serum thyroglobulin in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Background. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the use of iodine-131 sodium scintigraphy, thallium-201 chloride scintigraphy, and quantitative serum thyroglobulin estimation in the detection of differentiated thyroid carcinoma after thyroidectomy and iodine-131 sodium ablative therapy. Methods. Thirty-one patients with a median age of 45.6 years (range, 20-73 years) were included in the study. After optimal endogenous thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation (>50 mU/ml), 53 pairs of iodine-131 and thallium-201 scans were performed. Concomitant serum thyroglobulin levels were available for 32 pairs of scans. The presence or absence of thyroid cancer was established by clinical, radiologic, and/or biopsy findings
Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids and chronic ethanol consumption on reverse cholesterol transport in rats

We previously showed that chronic ethanol feeding leads to a decrease of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), whereas supplementing this diet with 2.8% of total dietary calories as ω3-fatty acids (ω3FAs) restores HDL-apoE to the control values. Since HDL containing apoE plays a major role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), we measured the effects chronic ethanol intake and ω3-FAs on RCT in the present study. Four groups of rats, control normal fat (CN), alcohol-normal fat (AN), control ω3FA fat (CF), and alcohol-ω3FA fat (AF), were fed their respective diets for 8 weeks, after which hepatocytes and HDLs from each group were evaluated for RCT capacity (cholesterol efflux from macrophages and uptake by liver cells). Compared with the control diet (CN), chronic ethanol (AN) feeding inhibited the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL by 21% ( P P P P =. 0001,. 0001, and. 007, respectively). There was a significant HDL-alcohol and HDL-fish oil interaction ( P =. 0001). Hepatocyte-alcohol was not a factor in any 2-way interactions. Our study indicates no evidence of an interaction between the effects of ω3FAs and the effects of alcohol on hepatocytes in terms of RCT function. Thus, feeding as little as 2.8% of the total dietary calories as ω3FA not only restored the impaired RCT function of HDL caused by chronic ethanol intake, but also enhanced by severalfold the ability of HDL to promote RCT even in normal animals.
A slow scan display for computer processed images

Abstract A means of displaying digitized image data can often prove invaluable when judging the effects of transform and other image processing techniques. This is particularly true in the case of enhancement techniques which cannot be readily evaluated by quantitative measures. Computer line printer plots offer some perspective, but suffer the effects of aspect distortion and of limited gray scale. In this paper a low cost slow scan display is developed for educational institutions on a restricted budget. Design considerations and details of the system operation are discussed. Emphasis is placed on a design utilizing components normally available in an university laboratory. Where possible, the digital computer is used to simplify the logic design and to perform the video and linearity corrections. Display options and applications are demonstrated with examples related to the image processing. The system is evaluated and suggestions are offered for improving the image quality and the operating procedure.
Practical asymmetric synthesis of α-branched 2-piperazinylbenzylamines by 1,2-additions of organometallic reagents to N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines

2-[4-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperazinyl]benzylidene-tert-butanesulfinamides underwent nucleophilic 1,2-addition with different organometallic reagents to give highly diastereomerically enriched adduc...
Reliable GaN-based resonant tunneling diodes with reproducible room-temperature negative differential resistance

Resonant tunneling diode (RTD) is an electronic device embodying a unique quantum-interference phenomenon: negative differential resistance (NDR). Compared to other negative resistance devices such as (Esaki) tunnel and transferred-electron devices, RTDs operate much faster and at higher temperatures. III-nitride materials, composed of AlGaInN alloys, have wide bandgap, high carrier mobility and thermal stability; making them ideal for high power high frequency RTDs. Moreover, larger conduction band discontinuity promise higher NDR than other materials (such as GaAs) and room-temperature operation. However, earlier efforts on GaN-based RTD structures have failed to achieve a reliable and reproducible NDR. Recently, we have demonstrated for the first time that minimizing dislocation density and eliminating the piezoelectric fields enable reliable and reproducible NDR in GaN-based RTDs even at room temperature. Observation of NDR under both forward and reverse bias as well as at room and low temperatures attribute the NDR behaviour to quantum tunneling. This demonstration marks an important milestone in exploring III-nitride quantum devices, and will pave the way towards fundamental quantum transport studies as well as for high frequency optoelectronic devices such as terahertz emitters based on oscillators and cascading structures.
Spin-lattice relaxation in the linear Heisenberg chain: (TMPD-TCNQ)

Abstract The temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation of the charge-transfer complex TMPD-TCNQ is reported and interpreted in terms of a theory describing the complex as a model system for the linear Heisenberg chain. The analysis is based on the Kubo-Tomita theory for relaxation through spin exchange interactions.
Analytical evaluation of the BEM singular integrals for 3D Laplace and Stokes flow equations using coordinate transformation

Abstract It is well-known that singular integrals arise when the source point and field point are in the same element in boundary element method. To improve the accuracy, analytical evaluation of the singular integral should be carried out whenever possible. However, the analytical formulas for the BEM singular integrals are always quite complicated in 3D problems. In this paper, by applying a coordinate transformation, the analytical formulas of the singular integrals for 3D Laplace׳s and Stokes flow equations are obtained for arbitrary triangular boundary elements with constant elements approximation. In addition, numerical examples will be presented to demonstrate the improvement on accuracy.
Tissue adhesion to bioactive glass-coated silicone tubing in a rat model of peritoneal dialysis catheters and catheter tunnels

Tissue adhesion to bioactive glass-coated silicone tubing in a rat model of peritoneal dialysis catheters and catheter tunnels. Background Silicone peritoneal dialysis catheters do not develop tissue ingrowth, lack a mechanical barrier to periluminal bacterial migration and need cuffs for anchorage. We hypothesized that a bioactive glass coating composed of silicon, calcium, sodium and phosphorous oxides would cause a beneficial tissue reaction causing catheter adhesion, and tested this in a rat model. Methods A hexane solvent-based method of coating silicone tubes with Bioglass® powder was used, which maintained flexibility, and then the ultrastructure was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy (EM). Segments 2.5 cm were implanted subcutaneously in 8 Sprague-Dawley rats, with uncoated tubes as a contralateral control, and histology was done at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, including special stains and EM. Results The uncoated segments grossly had no adherence to surrounding tissue, and were physically separate from a thin fibrous capsule of approximately 50 μ width. Trichrome stains demonstrated the capsule was rich in collagen. There was minimal adjacent tissue reaction. In contrast, the coated tubes were palpably fixed to the soft tissues, and sections demonstrated an adjacent prominent layer of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. Small numbers of lymphocytes were noted. This cellular reaction increased over the 6-week implant duration, and was also associated with neovascularization of the tissue adjacent to the segments (33 vessels in coated vs. 20 in controls per ×200 field, P Conclusions In summary, bioactive glass coatings can improve the tissue retention of silicone tubing by promoting adhesion by collagen and cell proliferation, and are promising for future studies of peritoneal dialysis catheters.
Cell wall composition of the aquatic fungusBlastocladiella emersonii

Abstract Cell walls fromBlastocladiella emersonii were isolated by repeated washing and centrifugation. Purity and uniformity of cell wall preparations were assessed by light and electron microscopy and chemical reproducibility. Electron microscopy showed the cell walls to consist of an inner microfibrillar network and an outer amorphous layer. Analyses by X-ray and infrared spectroscopy were consistent with chitin as the major wall component. Gross chemical analysis indicated that the cell walls were composed of 74.7% amino sugar (as anhydroN-acetylhexosamine), 10.7% neutral sugar (as anhydro hexose), 10.6% protein, and 4.2% lipid. Analysis of the neutral sugars showed that isolated cell walls contain 1.5% mannose, 3.0% galactose, and 3.0% glucose. Isolated cell walls were fractionated using a hot sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extraction followed by either Pronase digestion or hot KOH extraction. The hot SDS extract was found to contain two polymer types, galactose- and/or glucose-containing polymers and glycoprotein. However, the residue from the hot SDS extraction still contained most of the neutral sugars and protein present in the isolated walls. Both Pronase digestion and the hot potassium hydroxide extraction removed all of the neutral sugars except glucose. The cell wall fractionation results indicate that the major wall component is microfibrillar chitin. The results further suggest that the SDS-solubilized glycoproteins and neutral sugar polymers may represent an outer amorphous layer.
Load-matching adaptive task scheduling for energy efficiency in energy harvesting real-time embedded systems

In this paper we present a load matching task scheduling algorithm for energy harvesting real-time embedded systems using a realistic model for the battery charging and discharging processes. The proposed approach addresses two important issues that have not been considered by previous work: load matching and battery charge/discharge overhead. The new algorithm increases available energy by managing the system load through task scheduling so that the energy harvesting module delivers maximum power output. It further improves the system wide energy efficiency by considering the charging and discharging overhead when deciding if the harvested energy should be used to charge the battery or directly on the circuits. Experimental results show that, comparing to the best of the existing techniques the proposed algorithm improves the system wide energy efficiency by 8.0% to 56.3% and reduces deadline misses by 13.3% to 81.8% under different workload conditions.
Media Review: The Trials of Academe: The New Era of Campus Litigation

(2011). Media Review: The Trials of Academe: The New Era of Campus Litigation. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 48, No. 2, pp. 247-249.
Biological cycles for toxic elements in the environment

Some of the chemical and biochemical transformations of toxic elements in the environment are discussed with special emphasis on the role played by microorganisms. When confronted with a toxic substance, microorganisms frequently adapt to detoxify it. However, the detoxification of a substance by microorganisms can yield a product that is either more or less toxic to higher organisms. The detoxification mechanisms of mercury are used as examples to demonstrate that there are biological cycles for the synthesis and degradation of toxic compounds. It is also shown that our present knowledge of the biologial cycles of toxic elements enables us to predict the behavior of other toxic elements in the environment.
SU-GG-J-159: Radiation Dose Estimates for in Vivo MicroCT Studies

Purpose: Repeated scans of microCT can deliver radiation dose levels that can perturb the biological response of an animal model. The purpose of this study is to determine if a simple phantom having dimensions that approximate the size of a typical mouse can be substituted for the animal model for radiation dose measurements of microCT scans. Method and Materials: Phantom measurements of radiation dose were performed with a hollow water‐filled acrylic cylinder (OD: 25.4 mm, ID: 19.0 mm) and a lithium fluoride TLD in a PVC pouch immersed in the water compartment of the phantom. CT was performed using a microCT system (X‐O™, Gamma Medica‐Ideas, Northridge, CA) with an x‐ray source of two settings, 75 kVp/0.325 mA and 60 kVp/0.530 mA which are typical for in vivo studies. CT data were acquired using 512 projections over 120 seconds of continuous x‐ray exposure. For comparison, a TLD placed within the thorax of a euthanized mouse (∼30 g) was exposed using the same x‐ray techniques as the phantom. A total of 4 TLDs (one each with two x‐ray settings for the phantom and animal measurements) were read using a Harshaw 6600 TLD reader with correction factors applied for 60–75 kVp x‐ray. Results: The TLD measurements produced dose measurements of 3.645 and 4.255 cGy in the cylindrical phantom, and 4.137 and 4.690 cGy in the euthanized animal, for x‐ray techniques of 75 kVp/0.325 mA and 60 kVp/0.530 mA, respectively. The readings obtained from the phantom measurements were 9–12% lower than those obtained from the animal.Conclusion: The radiation dose measurements using TLDs in the mouse‐sized cylindrical phantom were in a good agreement with the dose measurements in the euthanized animal. This phantom, in combination with TLDs, potentially is a useful tool for estimating radiation dose for serial in vivo studies with microCT.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Salts on Fairways and Greens Irrigated with Reuse Water

A 4-yr study was conducted to assess the impact of reuse water on soil salinization of nine golf courses in southern Nevada: three long-term reuse courses, three fresh-water courses, and three courses that transitioned to reuse water during the experimental period. Four of nine fairways had positive leaching fractions (LFs) during all 4 yr, with statistical separation occurring based on 4-yr averages (p < 0.001). Soil salinity levels followed a sinusoidal seasonal curve, with 70% of all peaks associated with summer months. Salinity contour maps (surface soil) were compared over time. More than 85% of the surface area of greens were mapped as electrical conductivity of saturation extract (EC e ) < 4.0 dS m -1 , whereas 64% of the fairways were mapped at EC e < 4.0 dS m This salinity relationship dropped to 13% on fairways of long-term reuse courses. Changes in the average EC e values after transition to reuse water were primarily driven by the number of days a course had been irrigated with reuse water (R 2 = 0.69***). Depth-averaged salinity (sensors) was found to be highly correlated with LF on reuse courses (R 2 = 0.86***) and transitional courses (R 2 = 0.87***). Yearly changes in depth-averaged sensor values on transitional courses were described by an equation that included the number of days a golf course was irrigated with reuse water, the LF, and the uniformity of the irrigation system (R 2 = 0.83***). Although deficit irrigating can be practiced for short periods, adequate LFs are essential for the long-term success of golf courses irrigated with reuse water.
Deficiencies of product labeling directions for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify potential deficiencies in product labeling (package insert) instructions for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals. Methods Preparation instructions, which include both reconstitution and quality control (QC) directions, as stated in the package inserts were evaluated for all commercially available reconstituted radiopharmaceuticals. Reviews of the package inserts were initially performed by each author, and then all identified deficiencies were compiled and evaluated by all authors. The preparation scenario for each package insert evaluated was based on a centralized nuclear pharmacy operation assuming typical support personnel, standard operating equipment, and workload. Main Outcome Measure The instructions as stated in each package insert for the preparation (including QC) were rated as inadequate if a satisfactory preparation could not be prepared by a nuclear pharmacist or physician when instructions were followed exactly. Results Identified deficiencies in package insert instructions for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals fell into the following five categories: (1) absent or incomplete directions (especially with regard to QC procedures); (2) restrictive directions (e.g., specific requirement to use designated needles, chromatography solvents, counting devices), (3) inconsistent directions (e.g., different reconstituted volumes for the same final drug product, unworkable expiration times); (4) impractical directions (e.g., unrealistically low reconstituted activity limits, dangerously high number of radiolabeled particles); and (5) vague directions (e.g., use of the words "should," "may," "recommend"). Conclusion Manufacturers' directions for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals often contain deficiencies and should be viewed as standard guidance rather than as requirements. Just as physicians are permitted to use U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for off-label indications, nuclear pharmacists should be allowed to use alternative methods for preparing radiopharmaceuticals, provided those methods have been validated to be as good as the stated directions and that the nuclear pharmacists do not engage in activities that fall outside the normal practice of pharmacy. Manufacturers, FDA, nuclear pharmacists, and nuclear physicians should work together to address identified deficiencies in package insert directions.
Effects of estradiol and cortisol on neural tissue in culture

L'activite acetylcholinesterasique et la teneur globale en proteines de fragments de cervelet et de moelle d'embryon de poulet de 16 jours diminue lorsqu'ils sont maintenus en culture organotypique dans le milieu standard deEagle. Apres addition de cortisol ou d'oestradiol au milieu, les caracteristiques des tissus ne sont pas alterees par la mise en culture.
Effect of cold storage on shear-induced platelet aggregation and clot strength

Abstract : Platelets (PLTs) participate in hemostasis and save lives following trauma. PLTs for transfusion are maintained at room temperature (RT, 22 deg C), limiting viability to 5 days because of metabolic compromise and high risk of bacterial contamination. RT storage may result in weaker clots, delaying hemorrhage control, whereas cold storage (4 deg C) could permit longer PLT shelf life and result in a more hemostatic product. In this study, we characterized the effect of storage temperature on shear-induced PLT aggregation, clot formation, and strength. PLTs obtained from phlebotomized blood or by apheresis were stored at RT or 4 deg C for 5 days, and PLT aggregation and clot strength were assessed at 37 deg C. We studied PLT aggregation at steady and complex patterns of shear rates (500 2,500 per second) by flow cytometry, and the kinetics of clot formation and strength were measured using turbidity and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. PLT aggregation was higher in 4 deg C-stored samples on Day 5 compared with fresh or RT-stored samples at all shear rates tested (fresh vs. 4 deg C and RT vs. 4 deg C, p G 0.05). PLTs stored at 4 deg C for 5 days formed significantly stronger clots compared with fresh or RT-stored samples as quantified by turbidity and elastic moduli measurements (fresh vs. 4 deg C and RT vs. 4 deg C, p 0.05). Our results show that cold-stored PLTs are more responsive to aggregation stimuli and form stronger clots, presumably because of thicker fibrin strands. These data suggest that the superior functionality of cold-stored PLTs may support faster hemostasis for acutely bleeding in trauma patients compared with RT-stored PLTs.
Effect of 2-chloroethylnitrosoureas on plasmid DNA including formation of strand breaks and interstrand cross-links

Summary Plasmid [ 3 H]pBR 322 was incubated with various alkylating agents including chlorozotocin, N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N'-nitrosourea (BCNU), N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) and dimethylsulfate (DMS). Formation of DNA strand breaks was followed by separation of the various forms of DNA on agarose gels and liquid scintillation counting of the bands. All alkylating agents examined were capable of rapidly producing strand breaks in time and concentration dependent fashion. Bands migrating as relaxed circular and supercoiled forms of the plasmid disappeared, and extensive alkylation resulted in formation of a band that migrated faster than the linear form of DNA. Electron microscopy of this band showed that it consisted of relaxed circles. Prolonged storage of alkylated plasmid resulted in fragmentation of the DNA, possibly due to strand scission at apurinic sites. A new neutral denaturation technique was developed, which allowed for the detection of DNA interstrand cross-links with minimal effects on other potentially labile sites of the alkylated DNA. The level of alkylation was quantitated by incubating [ 3 H]pBR 322 with [2-chloroethyl-U- 14 C]chlorozotocin and was shown to be independent of DNA concentration but have a linear relationship with drug concentration. Linear and relaxed circular forms of the plasmid were alkylated to a somewhat higher extent than supercoiled DNA. Alkylation of pBR 322 with defined superhelical densities showed no preferential loss in DNA with a specific superhelical density, indicating that alkylation-induced unwinding is independent of superhelicity under the experimental conditions used.
Is the confining potential weaker than linear in heavy quark-antiquark system?

By using a dipole moment sum rule, we find that there is a relation between the hyperfine splitting, fine splitting, E1 transition rates and the scalar part of the quark—antiquark potential S(r) in the heavy quarkonium. Assuming S(r) = ars, s>0, a>0, the latest data seem to indicate a weaker confining potential (s<1), but can not completely exclude the linear confinement (s = 1).
Onboard Science Processing Concepts for the HyspIRI Mission

This paper presents the operational concept for onboard processing for the HysIRI mission which is an Earth observing mission that includes both thermal infrared instrument and a hyperspectral visible/shortwave infrared instrument, and that is being considered for launch in the next decade. This article describes the potential application of AI techniques for the HyspIRI mission-for both onboard processing and ground-based, automated mission planning.
Distributing Medical Expertise: The Evolution And Impact Of Telemedicine In Arkansas

Arkansas’s telemedicine system has evolved since 2003 from a support mechanism for high-risk pregnancy consultations to an initiative that spans medical specialties, including asthma care, pediatric cardiology, gynecology, and mental health. The system has also expanded care to diverse populations, including incarcerated women and people with HIV/AIDS. This article describes the system’s evolution, organization, and diverse activities. It also shows how telemedicine can have a positive impact on a rural state and how such a state can become an engine for change regionally. The Arkansas telemedicine system faced classic challenges to uptake and function, in building and sustaining funding, in obtaining insurance reimbursement for services, and in educating patients and providers. The system’s impacts on health outcomes and medical practice culture have also reached beyond patient care and provider support. The existing yet continually evolving telemedicine infrastructure and partnerships in Arkansas will r...
Modeling of fully-developed, liquid metal, thin film flows for fusion divertor applications

Abstract Interest in thin film flows of liquid metal (LM) in a strong magnetic field has increased due to the possible application of such flows to the protection of divertor surfaces in a tokamak fusion reactor. In order to investigate the behavior of such a thin film flow the fully-developed limit, a two-dimensional numerical model of open-channel, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow has been constructed. This flow is contained in a chute of arbitrary electrical conductance with a magnetic field perpendicular to the flow direction but with arbitrary azimuthal orientation. Results of this self-consistent model are used to examine issues of importance to the successful fusion divertor application of thin film flow, such as the uniform film height and heat transfer of the films. It is seen that the flow height can be dominated by even a small transverse component of the field, rather than the stronger coplanar component, due to the elongated nature of the film. The model is also used to determine the validity of the Hartmann-averaging technique, an approximation used extensively in previous developing film models to account for the effects oof a dominant coplanar field. This Hartmann-averaging is shown to be accurate in predicting the behavior of the core flow in the strong coplanar MHD interaction regimes, but cannot predict the flow quantity in parallel layer jets that can make up an appreciable portion of the flow. The Hartmann-averaging method is seen to be unsuitable for elongated flows dominated by the transverse field component.
Changes in epicardial coronary arterial diameter following intracoronary papaverine in man.

The effect of intracoronary papaverine administration on epicardial coronary arterial diameter was examined in 18 male patients. Coronary-artery cineangiograms were acquired with a power injector before intervention, 20 sec after intracoronary saline (control), and 20 sec after administration of papaverine into either the left (12 mg) or right (8 mg) coronary artery. Absolute coronary arterial diameter of a normal-appearing segment was quantified using a previously validated, fully automated digital edge detection program with an ADAC digital radiographic unit. Baseline coronary arterial diameter of 3.1 +/- 0.8 mm did not significantly change after saline administration (3.1 +/- 0.9 mm) but did significantly increase (p less than .001) to 3.4 +/- 0.9 mm after papaverine administration. No significant percent change in diameter occurred in either the left anterior descending (-.5 +/- 1.7%), left circumflex (-.2 +/- 1.1%), or right (-3.0 +/- 3.8%) coronary arteries with saline, but significant (p less than .001) increases occurred with papaverine (7.2 +/- 4.1%, 7.0 +/- 4.5%, 6.8 +/- 2.7%, respectively). The response of 7 coronary arteries examined immediately proximal to a significant lesion was not significantly different from the response of the remaining 11 coronary arteries. In conclusion, intracoronary papaverine causes a significant increase in coronary arterial diameter. This has clinical implications for assessing coronary flow reserve with devices that defect flow velocity.
Absolute frequency stability measurements of a semiconductor-based, etalon-stabilized 10 GHz optical frequency comb

We present a semiconductor optical frequency comb stabilized to an intracavity, 104 Finesse etalon which is held in a vacuum chamber and temperature stabilized. The frequency instability is 12 min of operation.
Prehospital advanced life support vs “Scoop and Run” in trauma management

The question of attempted field stabilization versus the "scoop and run" approach in the management of trauma has no clear-cut answer. We have long been supporting a complex EMS system based on a hope for its effectiveness, rather than concrete proof. The data we need are not currently available. To make any scientific conclusions, we must have data generated from well-controlled, prospective, randomized studies. This involves a question of ethics. There exists a strong general feeling that randomizing prehospital care is unethical. We have reached a point where full resuscitative effort at the scene is not only expected by the general public, but anything less is considered inadequate by much of the medical community. Nevertheless, because the true influence of prehospital treatment is unknown, shouldn't the patient also be given the benefit of not receiving on-site stabilization effort in view of its potential harm? Prospective randomized studies undoubtedly will invite criticism. However, this is the only way to generate any meaningful conclusions. The essential questions remain unanswered. Can criticality be reliably assessed in the field, and if so, will advanced life support serve to reduce this criticality, or only further delay appropriate care?
Fetal loss in symptomatic first-trimester pregnancy with documented yolk sac intrauterine pregnancy

Abstract Background The possibility of spontaneous miscarriage is a common concern among pregnant women in the emergency department (ED). Objective This study sought to determine fetal outcomes for women following ED evaluation for first-trimester abdominopelvic pain or vaginal bleeding who had an intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) on ultrasound before a visible fetal pole ("yolk sac IUP"). Methods A retrospective chart review of consecutive ED charts from December 2005 to September 2006 identified patients with a yolk sac IUP. Demographic data, obstetric/gynecologic history, and presenting symptoms were obtained. Outcomes were determined via computerized records. Fetal loss was diagnosed by falling β -human chorionic gonadotropin or pathology specimen. Live birth was diagnosed by viable fetus at 20-week ultrasound or delivery. Results A total of 131 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 14 were lost to follow-up (12%), leaving 117 patient encounters. Of the 117 women, 82 carried their pregnancies to at least 20-week gestation. Thirty-five patients miscarried. Fetal loss rate by chief complaint were as follows: 8 of 46 patients presenting with pain only, 14 of 34 presenting with vaginal bleeding only, and 13 of 37 with both vaginal bleeding and pain. Conclusion Seventy percent of women diagnosed with a yolk sac IUP in the ED carried their pregnancy to at least 20 weeks. The remaining women (30%) experienced fetal loss. Vaginal bleeding (with or without pain) increased the rate of fetal loss compared with women with pain only. These data will assist the emergency physician in counseling women with symptomatic first-trimester pregnancies.
Estimation of soil carbon change from rotation cropping of rapeseed with wheat in the hydrotreated renewable jet life cycle

Rapeseed is being considered as a potential feedstock for hydrotreated renewable jet (HRJ) fuel in the USA through its cultivation in rotation with wheat. The goal of this research was to determine the impact of soil C changes, induced through replacing the fallow period with rapeseed in rotation with wheat, and the effects it would have on emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) of rapeseed HRJ. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Tier 1) method was used with modifications to determine the changes in soil C of wheat–wheat–rapeseed (WWR) relative to the reference wheat–wheat–fallow (WWF) rotation for 20 years of cultivation. The 27 case scenarios were conducted to study the impacts of changes in management practices (tillage practice and residue input) on changes in soil C for WWR rotation in multiple locations in 10 US states. The CO2 emissions resulting from soil C changes were incorporated into the rapeseed HRJ pathway in order to evaluate the GHG emissions. Introducing rapeseed to replace the fallow period with wheat could either increase or decrease changes in soil C, depending on management practices. Soil C is predicted to increase with increased residue input and reduced tillage. The greatest gain of soil C was found when using high residue input for wheat and rapeseed under no tillage, resulting in the best management practice. Conversely, adding low residue input to both crops with full tillage created the highest loss of soil C, referring to as the worst management practice. Soil C changes varied across locations from −0.22 to 0.32 Mg C ha−1 year−1. Consequently, the GHG emissions of rapeseed HRJ ranged from 4 to 70 g CO2 eq./MJ, comparing to 46 g CO2 eq./MJ for excluding soil C change. The rapeseed HRJ exhibited the GHG savings of 65–96 % for the best practice and 20–42 % for the worst practice when compared to petroleum jet fuel. Based on results using the modified IPCC method, adoption of high residue input with no tillage for the rotation cropping of rapeseed with wheat had the potential to increase soil C. However, the method has limitations for predicting soil C changes regarding crop management practices. Biogeochemical-based models that have a potential to capture processes of C and N dynamics in soil and yield may be better suited to quantify regional variations in soil C changes for the rotation cropping of rapeseed with wheat.
Biologic grafts for cystocele repair: does concomitant midline fascial plication improve surgical outcomes?

Introduction and hypothesis This study aims to compare the efficacy of porcine graft-augmented anterior prolapse repair with and without underlying pubocervical fascia plication.
Role of Involuntary Eye Movements in Stereoscopic Acuity

Involuntary eye movements have been suggested as the basis for the resolution of the small differences in visual angles which have been reliably found in stereoscopic acuity determinations. By the use of the stabilized image technique it is possible to compensate optically for the effects of these movements, so that the image remains on the same set of receptors. An optical apparatus was constructed in which the images presented to both eyes were stabilized. Stereoscopic thresholds were obtained for three subjects under both normal and stabilized viewing conditions for exposure times from 0.02 to 1.00 sec. Thresholds obtained under both conditions decrease with an increase in exposure time with no significant difference in the rate of decrease. This conclusion is consistent with static theoretical concepts but conflicts with a dynamic theory of stereoscopic acuity.
Geological aspects of marine slope stability, northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The improvement of sensors such as various high‐resolution seismic and navigational systems and side‐scan sonar, of offshore shallow‐water drilling techniques, and of laboratory analyses has allowed the marine geologist to make more accurate identifications and maps of the distribution of numerous types of marine sediment instabilities, as well as to determine the mechanisms responsible for their occurrence. A large number of data on the continental shelf and upper continental slope off the modern delta of the Mississippi river have been compiled; these data will be used to document the major types of slope instabilities. The continental shelf and slope off the modern Mississippi river delta display various types of sediment instability. High rates of sedimentation (up to 80 m per century), weak, high‐water‐content clays, and differential weighting of clay sediments characterize this region. The major types of sediment instabilities that have been documented include (a) Peripheral slumping, with ...
Double Resonance Probes for Close Frequencies

Abstract A new double resonance probe design for NMR experiments for systems with close resonance frequencies is introduced. The design is based on two coupled resonators and was extensively tested on magnetically aligned powders of several high temperature superconductors by performing double resonance experiments between the 65 Cu and 63 Cu isotopes as well as between transitions of different magnetic quantum number of the same spin. The probe's performance approaches that of a single resonance circuit and it has only 4 variable tuning/matching elements.
Economic injury levels for yellow sugarcane aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on seedling sorghum.

Dynamic economic injury levels were calculated for yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), an occasional pest of seedling sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moech. Economic injury levels were based on evaluations of data from five field trials conducted in 1983 and 1984 near College Station, Tex. Multiple regression equations used to calculate economic injury levels related S. flava number, plant spacing, and plant height to yield per plant. Economic injury levels ranged from 3 to 27%, 4 to 43%, and 11 to 100% infested plants for plants 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 cm tall when control costs ranged from $5 to $25 per hectare and crop values ranged from $250 to $500 per hectare.
The role of extended defects in device degradation

Grain boundaries and dislocations are well known to cause trouble in electronic devices, but in most cases they can be avoided by using single crystal films and eliminating or suppressing dislocation densities. Hetero-interfaces, on the other hand, are essential features of devices. This papers reviews several topics from the author's published work, combining theoretical calculations with experimental data (microscopy, electrical measurements) to illustrate the interplay of impurities with extended defects, especially interfaces: dopant segregation in grain boundaries of polycrystalline Si, the role of hydrogen in the degradation of the Si–SiO2 interface in Si-based metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), the role of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in the quality and degradation of the SiC–SiO2 interface in SiC-based MOSFETs, and the role of vacancies in room-temperature degradation of III–V high-mobility electron transistors by the formation of microvoids.
Degration of a starch based polymer studied using thermal analysis

Biodegradable polymers are being actively pursued as possible solutions to the solid waste disposal dilemma. Plastics require between 6% and 22% starch concentration in order to be classified as biodegradable; however the ability to monitor such levels are limited with poor quantitative correlation. The goal of this research was to introduce a quick and accurate method to measure the removal of the starch from the polymer matrix. A biodegradable copolymer was synthesized with polyacrylonitrile and the removal of starch by amylase treatment followed utilizing thermal analysis.
Improved rendering of parallax panoramagrams for a time-multiplexed autostereoscopic display

Parallax-barrier panoramagrams (PPs) can present high- quality autostereoscopic images viewable from different perspectives. The limiting factor in constructing PP computer displays is the display resolution. First, we suggest a new PP display based on time multiplexing in addition to the usual space multiplexer; the barriers move horizontally in front of the display plane. The time multiplexing increases the horizontal resolution. In addition, it permits us to use wider barriers than are acceptable for static displays. We then analyze these displays, showing that wide-barrier PPs have advantages relating to depth-resolution and smoothness, and we present a novel algorithm for rendering the images on a computer.
Gender differences in crack users who are research volunteers

This study compared gender differences in a non-treatment sample of crack cocaine users interested in participating in a research study on addiction. Data was collected from initial telephone screening interviews of women and men responding to cocaine research recruitment in a midwest urban environment over a two-year period. Female respondents (n = 88) were age- and race-matched with men interviewed over the same time period, for a total sample size of 176. Mean age of the female sample was 33 years and the majority were African-American. Basic demographics were similar for both genders. Respondents had first used cocaine at 24 years of age and currently smoked 2 g cocaine/day for 5 days/week, a rate higher than that found in many treatment samples. Women were found to have significantly higher rates of cigarette smoking, headaches and history of suicidal ideation, and significantly more women reported emergency room visits following crack use than did men. Equal numbers of men and women had been convicted of a crime (56%), with significantly fewer women reporting having committed a crime involving violence. Nearly all respondents (94%) reported that crack use had negative effects on their value systems, and significant numbers of both genders reported involvement with bartering crack and sex. Two-thirds of women able to become pregnant used no method of birth control and the use of barrier methods was infrequent. Forty-two percent admitted to using cocaine during pregnancy. These data indicate that while patterns of crack use per se do not differ between women and men in this sample, community outreach programs may benefit from focusing on other associated behaviors that do show differences between genders.