cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular dysfunction: an often overlooked cause of chronic headaches

Objective To review and discuss the role of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) as a cause of chronic headaches and facial pain. Data Sources and Study Selection A literature review was performed using the PubMed database for English-language articles published between January 1, 1981, and August 31, 2006, using the following keywords: temporomandibular dysfunction, temporomandibular disorder, temporomandibular joint , and chronic headache . Additional information was obtained from a review of current medical texts. Results Allergists and immunologists are frequently called on to evaluate patients with chronic headaches and facial pain. TMD is known to cause recurrent facial discomfort and headaches. Many individuals with the disorder present with headache or facial discomfort as their only chief complaint. They mistakenly think it is a "sinus" headache. Nearly 10 million Americans are affected by the disorder, and early studies estimate that TMD pain is the cause of chronic headaches in 14% to 26% of individuals with recurrent headaches. Conclusions TMD is a likely underdiagnosed cause of chronic headache and facial discomfort. As such, many patients with the disorder are routinely mislabeled as experiencing chronic sinusitis and are unnecessarily subjected to multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other unnecessary therapy. TMD can be readily diagnosed by a careful history and physical examination. Patients typically respond well to conservative therapy, which includes behavioral modification and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The disorder should be suspected in individuals with a long-standing history of chronic daily headaches and facial pain without objective evidence of sinus, neurologic, or intracranial abnormalities.
The Real Effects of Financial Sector Risk

This paper estimates the magnitude of key effects on the real economy from financial sector stress. We focus on the short-run feedback effect from market-based indicators of financial sector risk to the real economy through the credit channel, and estimate this effect on an economy-wide (macro) level, as well as on the level of individual large banks. Both estimates yield significant feedback effects of substantial magnitude. The estimates are consistent with other work in this area. Our results suggest that prudential supervision could be enhanced by taking into account the feedback effects of financial instability in the real economy. We also propose a way to integrate feedback effects into stress tests in order to improve realism and accuracy or macroeconomic stress scenarios, as well as a metric to interpret stress testing results.
Fertile, intermediate hybrids between Phaseolus vulgaris and P. acutifolius from congruity backcrossing

Recurrent or introgressive backcrossing of Phaseolus vulgaris — P. acutifolius hybrids with either P. vulgaris or P. acutifolius increased fertility, as measured by pollen stainability and seed per pod from non-manipulated flowers, while invariably resulting in loss of traits from the non-recurrent parent. When hybrids were backcrossed with each of the parent species in alternate generations (congruity backcrossing), fertility decreased in early generations but gradually increased in later generations. By the fourth or fifth generation, congruity-backcross hybrids produced numbers of seeds per pod from non-manipulated flowers comparable to those of parent species, although the percent of stainable pollen tended to be lower. Congruity-backcross hybrids were intermediate to parent species when pedigrees contained equal representation of parents but favored the majority parent when pedigrees were unbalanced. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of developmental incongruity, such as abnormal leaflet number, foliar variagation, or unusual growth patterns, occurred in each generation. However, completely new characteristics appeared after the second backcross generation, presumably due to recombination. Backcrossing to both parent species in alternate generation reversed incongruity, allowing selection for fertility without loss of traits from one of the parent species.
Uncertain innovation and persistence of monopoly revisited

Abstract Does monopoly persist in a dynamic industry with opportunities for technological innovations? This paper points out that the persistence of monopoly under uncertain innovations depends on how R&D competition is modeled. If the incumbent and the entrant bid for a stochastic R&D technology in an auction framework as in Gilbert and Newbery (American Economic Review, 1982, 72, 514–526) before engaging in R&D competition as in Reinganum (American Economic Review, 1983, 73, 741–748), then the incumbent monopolist wins the auction with probability one both for drastic and nondrastic innovations.
A pipelined and parallel architecture for quantum Monte Carlo simulations on FPGAs

Recent advances in Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology make reconfigurable computing using FPGAs an attractive platform for accelerating scientific applications. We develop a deeply pipelined and parallel architecture for Quantum Monte Carlo simulations using FPGAs. Quantum Monte Carlo simulations enable us to obtain the structural and energetic properties of atomic clusters. We experiment with different pipeline structures for each component of the design and develop a deeply pipelined architecture that provides the best performance in terms of achievable clock rate, while at the same time has a modest use of the FPGA resources. We discuss the details of the pipelined and generic architecture that is used to obtain the potential energy and wave function of a cluster of atoms.
The engineering profession in transition

This report by Colonel Carey, chairman of the Engineers' Joint Council Committee on the 1946 Survey of the Engineering Profession, reviews the highlights of the EJC's 1946 survey which is entitled “The engineering profession in transition.” The survey is soon to be published and will be available for general sale at $1 per copy. It is a continuation of previous work which covered the years 1929 to 1934, the present survey covering the years 1939 through 1946. Three articles reporting various phases of the former survey were published in ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING as follows: “Professional Aspects of Engineering Education,” (EE, Aug '36, pp 863–7); “Unemployment in the Engineering Profession,” (EE, Feb '37, pp 216–23); and “Employment in the Engineering Profession,” (EE, May '37, 524–31). Of particular interest in this latest study, restricted for the first time to persons identified through their membership in the six national professional engineering societies as being qualified members of the profession, are the comparisons afforded for 1939, 1943, and 1946, indicating the economic status of the engineer before, during, and after the war years. The participating societies in this survey are: AIEE, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which make up the Engineers' Joint Council, and the National Society of Professional Engineers, joining in this project by invitation of EJC.
Rat Pit-1 Stimulates Transcription in Vitro by Influencing Preinitiation Complex Assembly

Abstract The anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor, Pit-1, activates prolactin, growth hormone, TSHβ, growth hormone receptor genes and autoregulates the pit -1 gene. Its mechanism of transcription activation is unknown. Using immobilized DNA templates and order-of-addition transcription assays, it is shown that Pit-1 is required during pre-initiation complex assembly to activate the prolactin gene in vitro . Using prolactin promoters containing point mutations in the distal TATA box, it is also demonstrated that Pit-1 activation in vitro is not mediated simply by repressing the upstream, alternative promoter. Experiments show that a preformed class II pre-initiation complex is refractory to Pit-1 influence. The data indicate that Pit-1, and perhaps other members of the POU-protein family, activate transcription by influencing the type pre-initiation complex assembled on target promoters.
Is hysterectomy or the use of graft necessary for the reconstructive surgery for uterine prolapse

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hysterectomy or the use of graft is necessary for the reconstructive surgery for uterine prolapse. One hundred sixty-eight patients were categorized into the 3 groups: group I, abdominosacral colpopexy with mesh and hysterectomy (n = 63); group II, abdominosacral uteropexy with mesh (n = 35); group III, abdominal uterosacrocardinal colpopexy and hysterectomy (n = 70). Perioperative and postoperative complications, functional outcomes, and anatomical recurrences were assessed. The median follow-up was 36 months in all surgery groups. In the complication rates and functional outcomes, no difference was noted, except for operation time (longer in group I, p = 0.001) and hemoglobin loss (greater in group II, p = 0.002). There was a significant difference in the cumulative anatomical cure rates (p < 0.0001). The risk of recurrence in group III was 6.2 times higher than in group I. In conclusion, the use of graft, rather than hysterectomy, might be necessary for the reconstructive surgery for uterine prolapse.
A small photic stimulator with fiber optic light guides

Abstract This instrument is designed for acute animal experiments. Flashes of diffuse light are superimposed upon adjustable residual illumination, their frequency, duration and intensity being determined by electrical pulses obtainable from common laboratory instruments. The use of fiber optic light guides for transmission of light to the eyes minimizes: (a) requirements for space in the experimental area; (b) problems of optical shielding; and (c) artifacts in electrical recordings.
Design and performance of low-thermal-resistance, high-electrical-isolation heat intercept connections

Electrical conductors often require the removal of heat produced by normal operation. The heat can be removed by mechanical connection of the conductor to a refrigeration source. Such connections require both effective heat removal (low thermal resistance) and effective electrical isolation (high electrical resistance and high dielectric strength). Fabrication of these connections should be straightforward, and performance must be reliable and independent of operating temperature. The connection method described here involves clamping (by thermal interference fit) an electrically insulating cylinder between an outer metallic ring and an inner metallic disc. Material candidates for insulating cylinders include composites, e.g. epoxy/fibreglass, and ceramics, e.g. alumina. Design factors, including geometry, materials and thermal contact resistance are discussed. The design, construction experience and performance measurements of a heat intercept connection in a high-temperature superconducting lead assembly is presented.
In vitro Culture of Guayule

Summary Nine different strains of guayule, Parthenium argentatum Gray were established as tissue culture on static or in liquid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing various growth regulators. Cultures were best established on medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). Maximum callus growth was achieved on medium containing 20 mg·l -1 BA. Shoot cultures derived from germinated seeds grew best on media with lower concentrations of BA (0.1 mg·l -1 for static and 0.05 mg·l -1 for liquid media). Whole plant cultures developed from shoot cultures with regenerated roots and might possibly be developed from root cultures with nodules that formed shoots. Both plant and root cultures with nodules are possible methods for the in vitro propagation of guayule. Germinated seeds transferred to medium containing naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) died, and callus cultures grew poorly on medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). A fine cell suspension could not be established; however, suspensions of large cell aggregates developed from callus grown in liquid medium (20.0 mg·l -1 ).
Transfer of heme from heme-albumin to hemopexin

Exchange of heme in vitro between two heme-binding serum proteins, albumin and hemopexin, was examined spectrophotometrically. Hemopexin, albumin and heme in molar ratios of 1 : 70 : 1 were incubated at 22 degrees C, pH 7.3. The heme was added as free heme, heme-hemopexin or methemalbumin. Due to the high affinity of hemopexin for heme, Kd near 10(-13) M, only negligible amounts of heme were transferred from hemopexin to albumin in 48 h. However, more than 80% of heme was transferred from methemalbumin to hemopexin within 24 h. Heme added to a 1 : 70 mixture of the apo-proteins is initially bound by albumin; but more than 90% is bound by hemopexin in 24 h. Addition of dithionite causes nearly all of the heme present, whether added as free heme or methemalbumin, to associate with hemopexin in 15 min. Albumin thus appears to have a much lower affinity for ferro- than for ferri-heme. Results obtained from similar experiments with human serum and human serum made hemopexin-free by immunoadsorption fully corroborate those obtained with mixtures of purified albumin and hemopexin. These observations suggest that the rate-limiting step in the heme transport function of hemopexin is the formation of the heme-hemopexin complex, rather than the uptake of the complex by the liver.
Hydrodynamic Factors in the Friction of Fibers and Yarns

Many investigations of the friction between yarns (or fibers) and cylindrical pins have been described. Most of these have involved lubricants or finishing agents of un specified physical properties. Recently Lyne has described a study in which mineral oils of known viscosities have been used, and he has examined the effect of speed, viscosity and pre-tension. In this paper it is shown that his results may he explained on the assumption that, to a large extent, hydrodynamic lubrication exists between the yarn and the pin. Further experiments described here suggest that other factors, such as wetting angle may also be significant. However, the main new point brought out is the im portance of hydrodynamic factors in the frictional behavior of yarns sliding over cylindrical surfaces.
Intraoperative assessment of regional myocardial perfusion using quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiography: An experimental evaluation☆☆☆

Abstract To test the hypothesis that myocardial contrast echocardiography can be used to quantitate regional myocardial flow in the arrested heart at the time of delivery of cardioplegic solution, data were acquired in 13 dogs on cardiopulmonary bypass. Different degrees of stenosis were placed in random order on the left anterior descending coronary artery. For each stenosis, myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed by injecting sonicated albumin microbubbles into the cross-clamped aortic root at the time of delivery of cardioplegic solution. The resultant echocardiographic images were analyzed on an off-line computer. Background-subtracted time-intensity plots were generated, and an exponential function, f(t) = Ce−αt+ De−βt, was applied to each plot. Variables that reflected the total number of microbubbles entering the coronary artery bed, such as the area under the curve and the peak height of the curve, correlated best with radiolabeled microsphere-measured myocardial flow (r = 0.92 and r = 0.91, respectively). Variables that reflected the appearance of contrast microbubbles in the myocardium, such as the initial slope and the slope at 1 s, also had a good correlation with myocardial flow (r = 0.84 and r = 0.89, respectively). Variables that reflected the washout of contrast medium from the myocardium, such as the slope of the descending portion of the curve, had only a fair correlation with myocardial flow (r = 0.65). In six dogs, the technique of injecting contrast medium into the cross-clamped aortic root was also examined. Although continuous infusion of contrast medium produced smaller perturbations in mean aortic and distal left anterior descending artery pressures compared with a bolus injection (p It is concluded that it is possible to quantitate myocardial flow by using myocardial contrast echocardiography at the time of delivery of cardioplegic solution in dogs on cardiopulmonary bypass. The implementation of this technique in humans might be useful in guiding the sequence of graft placement and thereby improving myocardial preservation during coronary artery bypass operations.
Biological studies of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the only major mental disorder for which a cause is considered to be known: that is, an event that involves threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others and induces a response of intense fear, helplessness or horror. Although PTSD is still largely regarded as a psychological phenomenon, over the past three decades the growth of the biological PTSD literature has been explosive, and thousands of references now exist. Ultimately, the impact of an environmental event, such as a psychological trauma, must be understood at organic, cellular and molecular levels. This Review attempts to present the current state of this understanding on the basis of psychophysiological, structural and functional neuroimaging, and endocrinological, genetic and molecular biological studies in humans and in animal models.
Plane-selective doped AlGaAs/GaAs double heterostructure light emitting diodes

Abstract Plane-selective doping in MBE growth has been used to fabricate light-emitting diodes of a novel configuration. The plane-selective doping process utilizes the amphoteric nature of the dopant silicon in MBE GaAs and AlGaAs to create contiguous regions of opposite conductivity types within a single epitaxial layer. Substrates are patterned and selectively etched to expose (100) and (111)A planes. Growth of GaAs and AlGaAs on the (111)A regions can be made p-type, while simultaneous growth on (100) regions is n-type. Lateral p-n junctions were formed in AlGaAs using this plane-selective doping phenomenon. These lateral p-n junctions provide current confinement in double heterostructure diodes. Light emission was observed from stripes about 2 μm wide grown over (111)A planes. This is the first reported use of MBE grown lateral p-n junctions in operating devices.
A closer look at the role of a spiritual approach in addictions treatment

Twelve Step Programs such as AA play a major role in addictions treatment, and their members are increasingly accepting of psychotherapy and medication. However, many clinicians question the role of an approach defined by these Programs as spiritual. This paper explores the nature, indications, and limitations of a spiritual approach to addiction and the implications for collaboration with mental health professionals. It suggests that Twelve Step Programs not only provide accessible group support and a clear ideology regarding addiction but address individuals' needs for identity, integrity, an inner life and interdependence within a larger social and moral, or spiritual context. It examines the ways in which the religious connotations of the Program remain an obstacle for many patients and clinicians. Clarification of the different needs met by modalities such as AA can improve the specificity and the comprehensiveness of treatment for patients with substance use disorders.
Regional Inequality in China: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province

The tremendous changes in China's development philosophy and regional economies during the last two decades have carved out selectively new locations of development across the nation. While politicians heatedly debate the acceptable levels of regional inequality, most scholarly studies focus on broad aggregate trends of inequality among provinces and groups of provinces, and pay little attention to identifying and conceptualizing sources and major agents of spatial change. This paper aims at revealing detailed spatial ramifications of the reforms, and at understanding the impacts of the state, local agents, and foreign investors on regional development. To this effect, we conduct a disaggregated and empirical study of Jiangsu, a coastal province experiencing dramatic economic and spatial restructuring. We show that local agents which favor rural industrial enterprises accelerated new growth in selected rural areas, in contrast to slower growth of older cities and state-owned enterprises, resulting in a net decline of intercounty inequality. But the coalescence of state policy, local agents, and foreign investment has widened the historical gap between northern and southern Jiangsu, and is likely to accelerate intercounty inequality in the future. Our study demonstrates the utility of the “developments from above, below and outside” framework for analyzing key forces of regional growth in socialist transitional economies.
Where's Farah?: Knowledge silos and information fusion by distributed collaborating teams

The Cognitively-Based Rapid Assessment Methodology (C-RAM) system manages multiple-user interactions as users work with multiple information sources. Further, it allows users to view, exchange, organize, and combine the information available and it facilitates group decision-making. Three-member teams, randomly assigned in either the (a) view others' whiteboards or (b) cannot view others' whiteboards conditions, completed an intelligence analysis and mission planning task. Each team member was given access to a virtual whiteboard populated with decision cards (DCards) containing intelligence information constrained to a specific area of expertise. DCards can be assessed (rated) for decision impact and importance and team members have access to all DCards regardless of experimental condition. Team members who can view their teammates' whiteboards during collaborative activities achieve significantly higher performance. When compared to teams unable to view others' whiteboards, they move their own DCards less frequently, add fewer additional DCards to their own whiteboards, and rate others' DCards less frequently. Additionally, rating one's own DCards is the only process positively related team performance.
Effect of deflazacort on cardiac and sternocleidomastoid muscles in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the involvement of cardiac and sternocleidomastoid muscles by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of T2 relaxation time and the left ventricular systolic function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) on treatment with deflazacort and compare them with DMD patients without treatment. Subjects Seventeen patients with DMD (aged 17–22 years) on treatment with deflazacort for at least 7 years and 17 boys with DMD of younger age (12–15 years) without steroid treatment. All patients were free of cardiac or respiratory symptoms and had normal ECG and Holter monitor examination. Methods T2 relaxation time of the myocardium (H), left (SCM-L) and right sternocleidomastoid (SCM-R) muscles and left ventricular systolic function were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in two groups of DMD patients. Myocardial and sternocleidomastoid muscles T2 relaxation time was calculated using 16 TEs (10–85 msec) and TR at least 2000 ms and T2 maps were created. Results DMD on deflazacort had higher T2 relaxation time values of the heart and of both sternocleidomastoid muscles (T2H median (range): 47 (41–48) vs. 33 (31–37) ms, p p p p =0.03, LVESV median (range): 45 (38–55) vs. 47 (41–51) ml, p =0.81(NS), LVEF median (range): 53% (51–57) vs. 48% (42–51), p Conclusions DMD patients on deflazacort are characterized by better preservation of the T2 relaxation time of myocardium and sternocleidomastoid muscles and better LV systolic function. The duration of this beneficial effect needs to be studied prospectively.
Calcium Channel Blocker Toxicology

Calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications in the United States and as such are a common presenting ingestion. The pharmacology and mechanism of action of this class of drugs will be discussed. The clinical presentation and therapeutic options will be reviewed.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Delavirdine and N-Delavirdine in HIV-Infected Individuals

Delavirdine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in combination regimens for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Our objective was to characterise the population pharmacokinetics of delavirdine in HIV-infected patients who participated in the adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 260 and 261 studies. ACTG 261 was a randomised, double-blind study of delavirdine 400mg three times daily, in various combination regimens; ACTG 260 was a concentration-targeted monotherapy study. Two hundred and thirty-four patients, and 1254 and 1251 plasma concentrations for delavirdine and N-delavirdine, respectively, were available for population pharmacokinetic analysis. The pharmacokinetic model (and initial parameters), based on previous studies, included two compartments for delavirdine (peripheral and central) and parallel clearance pathways (nonlinear conversion to N-delavirdine and first order clearance from the body). The model was one compartment for N-delavirdine with first order clearance. Diurnal variation of delavirdine and N-delavirdine oral clearance was modelled as a cosine function, with amplitude variation a fitted parameter. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were derived from iterative two-stage analysis; observed delavirdine and N-delavirdine concentrations fit with weighting by the inverse observation variance. Covariates were analysed by multiple general linear modelling. The mean (percent coefficient of variation [%CV]) CD4 count was 315 (109) cells/mm3, weight 76.9 (14.7) kg, age 37 (8.5) years, and 15% of the population were women. Mean (%CV) population pharmacokinetic parameter estimates for delavirdine were: volume of distribution at steady state 67.6 (100) L, intrinsic oral clearance 19.8 (64) L/h, concentration at half the maximum velocity of metabolism (Vmax) 6.3 (69) μmol/L and first order oral clearance 0.57 (86) L/h. For N-delavirdine, the mean (%CV) apparent volume of distribution was 24.7 (75) L and apparent clearance 29.7 (42) L/h. The mean Vmax was 1376 (68) mg/day. The final model for average intrinsic clearance of delavirdine included race, sex, weight and age as significant covariates (p < 0.05); however, these covariates do not explain a significant proportion of the overall variability in the population. Delavirdine disposition exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics and large interpatient variability, and is significantly altered by time of day (impacting potential therapeutic drug monitoring and future pharmacokinetic study designs). Although race and sex appear to influence delavirdine pharmacokinetics, men and women and patients of different races should receive similar mg/kg dosage regimens. The presence of large interpatient variability supports the further investigation of the utility of therapeutic drug monitoring for delavirdine, if target drug concentrations can be better defined.
Selective Thermal Radiation of Colored and Pure Fused Quartz

Thermal radiation of fused quartz.---The peculiarity of pure fused quartz in that it does not visibly radiate at all until its temperature nears the fusion point is explained by the displacement, with increasing temperature, of the ultraviolet absorption band toward the visible.Selective thermal emission of neodymium oxide dissolved in quartz.---Quartz-neodymium rods, containing neodymium oxide were prepared. When heated they emit a radiation consisting of seven distinct bands. The wave-lengths of the centers of the bands are 8730, 8270, 7504, 6717, 5944, 5340, 4570A. Absorption measurements show bands in the same positions. A method for preparing the neodymium-quartz is described.
Comparing a Large- and Small-Scale Online Language Course: An Examination of Teacher and Learner Perceptions.

Abstract This study explored how class size affects the quality of online language teaching and learning. Administrators and departments often make decisions about class size based on fiscal and budgetary constraints rather than on best practices in blended and/or online learning. The present study compared the experiences of instructors and students in two second semester online Spanish language courses. There were 125 students enrolled in the large-scale class and 25 students enrolled in the small-scale class. Each class had one instructor and no teaching assistants. Two instruments were used to collect data, a Teacher Questionnaire and an anonymous Student Questionnaire. The results indicate that a large class size negatively impacts students' satisfaction with their online language learning experience. Further, in the large-scale course, the quality and quantity of student–student and student–instructor interaction was limited and instructor expertise was underutilized since the large class size affected the instructor's ability to create an environment conducive to learning.
Brownian motion and its effects in NMR chemical exchange and relaxation in liquids

At any instant, the magnetic dipolar moments or electric quadrupolar moments of atomic nuclei in a liquid experience interactions that depend on local structural parameters. Because such interactions depend on the distance and orientation of nearby magnetic dipole moments and electric charges, Brownian motions are reflected in the NMR spectra and relaxation times. We can use mathematical models based on our physical and chemical knowledge and intuition to help us interpret NMR data in terms of structure and motions. With proper experiments, we can use this approach to investigate molecular motions, structure, and interactions in liquids; molecular orientations at surfaces; and the range of interfacial order in heterogeneous materials, such as gels and biological tissue. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of Rhizoctonia solani AG-UNK from Rice and Rice Fields in Texas as AG-11.

A survey of Texas rice fields in 1984 and 1985 yielded collections of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA (causal agent of sheath blight of rice), R. oryzae (causal agent of sheath spot of rice), and a collection of eight multinucleate Rhizoctonia solani-like isolates that would interanastomose, but not anastomose, with tester isolates of AG-1 through AG-8 (representing those available at that time). In 1985, the isolates were characterized as R. solani AG-UNK (2). Isolates were recovered as atypical sclerotia from elutriated field soils in rice-soybean and rice-fallow rotations. Isolates also were recovered from late-season stem lesions nearly identical to those associated with sheath spot disease and from rice residues at locations throughout the upper Gulf Coast of Texas but at extremely low frequencies compared with recovery of R. solani AG-1 IA and R. oryzae. Teleomorphs of R. solani AG-UNK were observed during middle to late season on rice sheaths and matched descriptions of Thanatephorus cucumeris. Isolates...
Direct computation of optimal control of forced linear system

It is known that the optimal control of a forced linear system may be reduced to that of tracking the system without forces. The solution of the tracking problem is available via the costate variables method. This procedure is computationally expensive for large order systems. It requires solution of matrix Riccati equation and two final value problems. An alternate approach is outlined for the direct computation of the optimal control. Instead of Riccati equation, a matrix Volterra integral must be solved. For this purpose two computational schemes are described, and an illustrative example is given. The results compare favorably with the classical solution. This alternative approach may be especially useful for the control of large space structure where large order models are required.
States of Urban Spatial Structure

A spatial-equilibrium model of a local public economy is developed in four settings. Each setting is distinguished by two factors: whether the city is ‘open’ or ‘closed’, and the method used to determine the urban fringe. The four settings are contrasted by use of a numerical illustration.
Tradeoffs in noise, resolution, and dose with reconstruction filter selection in lung nodule detection in CT

Low contrast detection tasks, such as the detection of subtle ground glass nodules, are low signal to noise (SNR) situations that can be greatly influenced by choice of reconstruction filter. The goal of this work is to examine tradeoffs in noise, resolution, and dose on the SNR of low contrast test objects, resembling spherical lung nodules, to potentially improve reconstruction filter selection for a given nodule detection task. To perform these experiments, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) was calculated for each reconstruction filter available. Next, simulated signal images were created using 2mm section thicknesses of 1 cm diameter spheres of varying contrast levels. The Noise Power Spectra (NPS) were then calculated for each reconstruction filter to be examined. The signal to noise metric used is the ideal Bayesian observer SNR metric, which takes into account the spatial correlations in noise introduced by the filter (and described by the NPS). The IBO SNR was calculated under a variety of reconstruction conditions: (a) varying mAs so that each reconstruction filter results in the same standard deviation; (b) constant mAs and varying reconstruction filter; (c) one reconstruction filter using varying mAs. These measurements provide an opportunity to examine the important tradeoffs in SNR with noise, resolution, and dose that occur with selection of a reconstruction filter and can potentially lead to a quantitative basis for filter selection, improving lesion detectability.
Loop suture technique for optional adjustment in strabismus surgery

Purpose: To describe a loop suture technique that allows intraoperative conjunctival closure and later optional suture adjustment in strabismus surgery in uncooperative patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case series comprised 25 patients. After a recessed or resected horizontal muscle was secured to the sclera with a primary suture suspended back 2 mm, a second loop suture was passed through the body of the muscle and under the primary suture knot. The loop suture could be removed later while the patient was awake, or it could be tied to advance the muscle. Success was defined as a residual deviation of 10 prism diopters (PD) or less at 2 months postoperatively. Results: In the study cohort, 20 patients had successful alignment at 2 months (80%). Six patients (24%) underwent postoperative suture tightening by the loop technique, and each muscle affected the alignment an average of 7.7 PD (±3.8 PD). No patients underwent a reoperation within the first 2 months. One patient had a pyogenic granuloma (4%). Conclusions: The loop suture technique permits optional postoperative tightening of muscles and avoids sedation in children or uncooperative patients not requiring adjustment.
Modeling of solid‐state polycondensation. I. Particle models

A comprehensive model has been developed to handle the reactions in polymers undergoing polycondensation reactions in the solid state. The polymer crystalline fraction is modeled as containing only repeat units, thus concentrating end groups and condensate in the amorphous fraction. In addition, by using a general framework for the equations, many previously neglected effects are included; for example, variable crystallinity and gas phase mass transfer effects. This model is compared to PET and nylon reaction data with good results. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1233–1250, 1998
EXTERNAL DISTURBANCES AND COUPLING MECHANISMS IN UNDERACTUATED HANDS

With the goal of improving the performance of underactuated robotic hands in grasping, we investigate the influence of the underlying coupling mechanism on the robustness of underactuated hands to external disturbance. This paper identifies unique behaviors in the hand’s response as a function of the coupling mechanism and the actuation mode the hand is operated in. Specifically, we show that in conditions when the actuator position is fixed, hands with single-acting mechanisms exhibit a bimodal behavior in contrast to hands with double-acting mechanisms that exhibit a unimodal behavior. We then present an analysis of how these behaviors influence grasping capability of the hand and then discuss implications for underactuated hand design and operation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Capacitors For Repetitively Pulsed Lasers

There are about twenty common solid dielectrics and about a dozen fluids commonly used in pulsed capacitors. In high repetition rate discharge circuits where very high average and RMS currents can be attained, these materials are reduced to just a few. Dielectrics suitable for this duty must have several specific characteristics. One, small temperature coefficient, that is, the dielectric constant should remain constant over a large range of temperatures. Low dielectric loss is essential for high repetition rate capacitors because, at large RMS currents, substantial heat can be generated in even the smallest of dissipative elements. This is all important in spirally wound capacitors because the only path of heat removal is by conduction out through the foil edges. Pulse capacitor dielectrics should also exhibit constant characteristics with frequency. Since pulse capacitors are exposed to a wide range of frequencies, fluctuations in dielectric constant and loss are not a desired characteristic. Frequency dependence of capacitance and loss further reduce the number of suitable dielectrics for high repetition rate applications. Last, many dielectrics exhibit an electric field dependence, usually given in data sheets as the "voltage coefficient". As with temperature, this parameter is commonly stated as a negative percentage. The magnitude of this effect depends on material properties and mechanical forces. Dielectric constant variations with electric field are determined empirically for the most part. Some spirally wound fluid impregnated capacitors were found to exhibit electrical characteristic changes due to movement of the capacitor plates.
Method For Determining In-Vivo Ligament Lengths From Biplanar X Rays With Incomplete Data

A non-invasive biplanar radiographic technique for in-vivo determination of ligament lengths is presented. By taking biplanar X-rays of a human subject joint and locating the images of prominent bony reference points on the films, the three-dimensional locations of these points are determined. A unique scaling method is employed that compares the coordinates of the reference points with those previously obtained from a cadaver. Scaling equations that describe the subject joint in terms of the cadaver joint allow reference points to be clearly visible in only one X-ray view. The origin and insertion of ligament points from the cadaver are mapped onto the subject's joint and the ligament length is taken as the distance between the two. An application of this technique to the human knee joint is presented.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of 2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoic acid in 100 per cent sulfuric acid

Abstract The uv absorption spectra of solutions of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoic acid in sulfuric acid were investigated. Concentrations of sulfuric acid ranging from 85 to 104.5 per cent were considered. Characteristic absorption bands were found at 208.5 and 282.5 mμ at all sulfuric acid concentrations chosen. The solution of TMB in 100 per cent sulfuric acid contained an additional intense band, ϵ m = 4200, at 328 mμ. That band was assigned as an intramolecular charge transfer band characteristic of the acyllium ion, MesCO + .
A Record Linking System for Research on School Improvement.

A computer algorithm which links student test records using information available on two files is described and data on its accuracy presented. During the past four years it has been used to match over 1.6 million student records for use in a statewide school reward program. The results indicate that after minimal editing about .18 percent of the computer matches were incorrect and .44 percent of the potential valid matches were missed. By comparison, matches based on unedited student ID numbers produced almost no mismatches (.06%) but missed about 6 percent of the possible matches. For many applications the computer error rates should be tolerable and, since the system utilizes extant data, it is clearly cost-effective. A number of additional areas of application are described.
The fractal geometry of Mytilus edulis L. spatial distribution in a soft-bottom system

Abstract The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis L., forms dense beds that cover extensive areas of the seafloor. Mussel bed spatial pattern often appears to be complicated and highly irregular. In this study, fractal geometry was used to characterize the spatial distribution of mussels in a population from Maine, USA. Hypotheses were tested that related fractal dimension, D , to percent cover, density and spatial dispersion. The first hypothesis was that the outline of the M . edulis pattern is fractal, i.e., D values lie between 1 and 2. The second and third hypotheses were that fractal dimensions reach their highest values at intermediate levels of M . edulis percent cover and density. The fourth hypothesis was that the relationship between fractal dimension and the degree of M . edulis aggregation is negative. All four hypotheses were supported. D values of the spatial pattern within quadrats ranged from 1.36 to 1.86. Second order regression curves in the form of downward-opening parabolas were found between D and percent cover ( r 2 =0.94) and density ( r 2 =0.92). A negative linear regression existed between D and Morisita's Index of spatial dispersion ( r 2 =0.82). The results indicate that the complex distribution of mussels within beds is spatially ordered and has a predictable pattern that is revealed by fractal geometry.
Fizz And Gas Separation With SVM Classification

Partial gas discrimination is challenging because low and high gas saturation can result in very similar Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) responses. With AVO synthetics generated on the basis of rock-property models for brine, gas, and fizz reservoirs, we applied a new pattern recognition algorithm called Support Vector Machines (SVM) to classify the AVO attributes. The SVM classification of AVO attributes suggests that it is possible to discriminate fizz from gas, and that certain variations of density and velocity from calibration location contribute more other variations in defining the fizz and gas boundary.
Semantics-Enhanced Recommendation System for Social Healthcare

Nowadays more and more people are going online to seek for information, service and products to address their health concerns. Given the mountains of online health-related data, it is time and energy consuming for people to locate the right information directly related to their health concerns. Therefore, effective recommendation is very important to save people's time and energy by providing them with the appropriate information. In this paper, we propose a recommendation system which utilizes semantic web technology and healthcare social networking to provide personalized recommendation to speed patient recovery and improve healthcare outcomes. Extensive experiments have been performed to evaluate the performance of the system. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The rotating disk argument and Humean supervenience: cutting the Gordian knot

Advocates of Humean supervenience have been at pains to defend their view against the homogeneous rotating disk argument. Here I will argue that keeping clearly in mind the distinction between perdurance and endurance accounts of persistence clarifies and resolves the dispute. I will close by interpreting Hawley (1999) as suggesting that non-supervening relations can do the work of endurance for a perdurance theorist. The claim of Humean supervenience is that everything supervenes upon the space-time distribution of local intrinsic qualities – for short, everything Hume-supervenes. A concise statement of the argument in question proceeds thus:
A compact LED-based module for DNA capillary electrophoresis

A setup consisting of a bifurcated optical fiber made from high-transmission fused-silica cores with relatively high numerical apertures (NA=0.22), high-power cyan light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and Peltier cooling elements controlled by a proportional–integrative–derivative (PID) module is introduced to replace bulky, power- consuming lasers conventionally used in laser induced fluorescence (LIF) microchip capillary electrophoresis (μCE). The output fiber beam size, divergence, power distribution and power stability over time are documented. A modified epifluorescence microscope arrangement is used in conjunction with a compact fixed spectrometer aligned with a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera for added sensitivity. Fluorescent dyes such as fluorescein, 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) and rhodamine B can be detected in cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and glass microchannels at submicromolar levels. A single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide (10-mer) labeled with 6-FAM is also detected with reasonable signal-to-noise ratio when electrophoretically migrated at 100 V/cm. The compact LED excitation system presented herein will allow using capillary electrophoresis for DNA detection in compact mobile devices.
Sintering of TiO2–Al2O3 Composites: A Model Experimental Investigation

In recent theoretical work we have shown that the sintering of a composite is strongly affected by the shear deformation of the continuous phase. This phenomenon was studied experimentally in a model system consisting of a TiO2 matrix dispersed with nondensifying agglomerates of Al2O3. The results of this study are reported here. Several interesting results were obtained: (a) The experimentally obtained sintering rate of the composite could be successfully predicted by measuring the concomitant shear and densification rate of the matrix phase in a sinter-forging experiment and using the developed analysis; (b) the densification rate of the composite changed with the volume fraction of the dispersed phase, but was unaffected by the size of the dispersed phase; and (c) processing flaws appeared to form only when the size of the dispersed phase was greater than about 10 μm. A technique for measuring the parameter β, which was used to correlate theory and experiments, is described. The procedures used for preparation of powders (from alkoxides) and the green compacts are also described in detail.
Comparison of large fragments obtained by T1 RNase digestion of ribosomal and nucleolar preribosomal RNA of Novikoff hepatoma ascites cells: the 5'-terminal eicosanucleotide.

Summary Large T 1 RNase fragments of 18S and 28S rRNA and their nucleolar precursors were separated by successive elution from columns of DEAE Sephadex at pH 7.6 and DEAE-cellulose at pH 3.4, respectively. The fragments that contain the methylated oligonucleotides Am-Gm-Cm-Ap, Um-Gm-Up, Gm-Up and Cm-Ap are referred to as α2 −2 , α2 −4 , α2 −3 and α1 −1 ′. Fragment α2 −2 is the eicosanucleotide Am-Gm-Cm-A-A-A-U-U-C-A-U-A-U-U-C-A-A-A-C-Gp which is the 5′ end of 28S rRNA and its precursors including nucleolar 45S RNA. The dinucleotide Cm-Ap is present only in 18S rRNA and 45S nucleolar RNA.