cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wandering spleen as an asymptomatic pelvic mass.

Abstract Background Wandering spleen is caused by laxity of the ligaments surrounding the spleen and may present as an asymptomatic pelvic mass. Case A 20-year-old woman with a neurogenic bladder was diagnosed with a pelvic mass on a routine screening ultrasound. The mass was described as solid and multilobulated, with the lobules measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. She was completely asymptomatic. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a wandering spleen. Conclusion Wandering spleen, though unusual, should be included on the differential diagnosis of patients with an asymptomatic solid pelvic mass.
Voltage transients due to arc extinction

High transient voltages may be developed in equipment associated with gas conduction tubes when there is a sudden cessation or change in the magnitude of the current that is being conducted through the tube. The conditions for the occurrence of this phenomenon have received considerable attention from those working in the field of gas conduction tubes as well as those who have applied such devices. Three conditions of operation of gas conduction devices have been recognized as contributing or being capable of creating the rapid rate of current change that is necessary to generate the high voltages observed: 1. cathode-spot extinction, 2. arc extinction, or gas ?starvation? as it is sometimes called, and 3. the pinch effect. The pinch effect occurs when the current through the discharge reaches a sufficient magnitude to cause the conduction electrons to be pressed into a tight spiral because of the force of the self-induced magnetic field on the electron trajectory. This phenomenon is receiving considerable attention in the controlled thermal nuclear work that is currently being undertaken. Of the three, the pinch effect has not been demonstrated to be a contributing factor in the generation of transient voltages under normal conditions of operation and will not be considered further in this paper.
Surface morphology changes in polythiophene and polythiophene derivative films after being oxidized with iodine. A scanning probe microscopy study

Abstract The nanometer-scale surface morphology of polythiophene (PT) and polythiophene derivative thin films was found to change substantially after exposure to I 2 vapor. Small PT bundles with an average dimension of 400 A were observed in films prior to oxidation (doping) by I 2 , using the technique of scanning probe microscopy. However, upon doping by I 2 , the bundles in the same film were replaced by much larger units with a range of different sizes. The oxidation process was instantaneous, and all the derivative films behaved in a qualitatively identical fashion. The change in morphology is concluded to be due to aggregation of the polymer chains, which is caused by charge species introduced through oxidation by I 2 .
Verapamil: A Review of its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Use

Synopsis: Verapamil is a novel antiarrhythmic and antianginal agent which, although introduced in 1962, has only recently gained prominence not only as a significant agent in cardiovascular therapeutics but also as a powerful tool to examine the nature of some of the biophysical phenomena at the membrane of cardiac and other excitable tissues. Verapamil is the prototype of those agents which selectively inhibit membrane transport of calcium, an action which accounts for the drug’s peripheral and coronary vasodilator properties, its effect on excitation-contraction coupling and hence its negative inotropic propensity, as well as its depressant effects on the sinus node and atrioventricular conduction. Its pharmacological effects are largely independent of the autonomic nervous system. The main therapeutic uses of the drug are in the management of atrial tachyarrhythmias, angina, and possibly hypertension. The overall experimental and clinical data suggest that verapamil will become an important and safe addition to existing drug regimens, especially as an agent of choice for the short-term treatment of most cases of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias. The initial experience in other arrhythmias, angina and hypertension, is also sufficiently encouraging to justify further detailed clinical trials to define its potential role in cardiovascular therapeutics.
RAD-NNET, a neural network based correlation developed for a realistic simulation of the non-gray radiative heat transfer effect in three-dimensional gas-particle mixtures

A neural network correlation, RAD-NNET, is developed to simulate the realistic effect of non-gray radiative absorption by a homogeneous mixture of combustion gases (CO2 and H2O) and soot using numerical data generated by RADCAL. RAD-NNET is then applied to assess the accuracy of some commonly accepted approximate approaches to evaluate radiative heat transfer in three-dimensional non-gray media. Results show that there are significant errors associated with the current approximate approaches. RAD-NNET can be readily implemented in commercial CFD codes to greatly enhance the accuracy of simulation of radiative heat transfer in practical engineering systems.
Conflict, displacement and health in the Middle East

Abstract Displacement is a hallmark of modern humanitarian emergencies. Displacement itself is a traumatic event that can result in illness or death. Survivors face challenges including lack of adequate shelter, decreased access to health services, food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, social marginalisation as well as economic and sexual exploitation. Displacement takes many forms in the Middle East and the Arab World. Historical conflicts have resulted in long-term displacement of Palestinians. Internal conflicts have driven millions of Somalis and Sudanese from their homes. Iraqis have been displaced throughout the region by invasion and civil strife. In addition, large numbers of migrants transit Middle Eastern countries or live there illegally and suffer similar conditions as forcibly displaced people. Displacement in the Middle East is an urban phenomenon. Many displaced people live hidden among host country populations in poor urban neighbourhoods – often without legal status. This represents a cha...
Effect of probe force on the resolution of atomic force microscopy of DNA.

Abstract Experimental results are presented to show that the adhesion force is the single most important limiting factor in high-resolution atomic force microscopy of DNA in air, prepared by the cytochrome-C-assisted spreading method. It is also shown that humidity plays a minor role in the control of probe force. Using a pure carbon film as the substrate to clean the AFM tip prior to imaging, it is demonstrated that 4–6 nm resolution on DNA can be routinely obtained by the atomic force microscope with commercial Si3N4 pyramid cantilevers. We also show that in organic solvents a resolution of up to 3 nm can be obtained under optimal conditions.
Future of bisphosphonates and denosumab for men with advanced prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer occurring in American men of all races. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the USA. Bone metastasis is a frequent occurrence in men with advanced prostate cancer, with skeletal-related events being a common complication and having negative consequences, leading to severe pain, increased health care costs, increased risk of death, and decreased quality of life for patients. Bone loss can also result from antiandrogen therapy, which can further contribute to skeletal-related events. Treatment with antiresorptive agents bisphosphonates, and the newly approved denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANK-L) inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the risk of skeletal-related complications and prevent treatment-induced bone loss in patients with advanced prostate cancer. This review discusses the role of antiresorptive agents bisphosphonates and RANK-L inhibitor in the current treatment of advanced prostate cancer by examining the primary literature and also focuses on the likely role of the bisphosphonates in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in the future.
An Anthropological Approach to Multicultural Diversity Training

This article describes an anthropological training process for fostering multicultural diversity competence. Multicultural diversity competence refers to the ability to demonstrate respect and understanding, to communicate effectively, and to work collaboratively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. Based on principles of anthropological fieldwork, the training process is multilevel. It is designed to address personal and interpersonal knowledge and skills, and organization-wide policies and procedures. Participants become aware of the multidimensions of current diversity problems and of the need for interpersonal and organizational intervention strategies.
Bone resorption and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor in patients with renal osteodystrophy

Bone resorption and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor in patients with renal osteodystrophy. The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major cell regulatory factor that may play an important role in the bone remodeling of patients with renal failure. IL-6 exerts its action by binding to its receptor (IL-6R), which leads to transduction of a second messenger cascade within cells. In vitro as well as in vivo data point to IL-6 as an autocrine/paracrine factor in bone osteoclasts. Recently, bone cells from patients with Paget's disease were found to express IL-6 and IL-6R mRNA transcripts. However, in patients with renal bone disease, there is currently no in vivo evidence that osteoclasts have the capability to express mRNA for IL-6 and IL-6R. To investigate the potential expression of IL-6 and IL-6R in bone and its relationship to bone cell activity, iliac crest bone biopsies were performed in patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. Messenger RNA expression of IL-6 and IL-6R was studied using in situ hybridization histochemistry, and parameters of bone turnover were determined by bone histomorphometry. In the samples studied, mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-6R was found in osteoclasts and bone marrow cells. Furthermore, we report the novel finding of increased IL-6R mRNA expression in osteoclasts engaged in increased bone resorption. The results of the present study suggest that the cytokine IL-6 is intricately involved in osteoclastic bone resorption and that expression of its receptor, IL-6R, in osteoclasts may parallel osteoclastic bone resorbing activity.
Alcoholism, antisocial behavior and family history.

Previous investigations in selected and clinical samples have demonstrated a close association between alcoholism and both antisocial behavior and a family history of problem drinking. This study uses the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) data to assess this relationship in the general population in St. Louis, Missouri (U.S.A.). The results showed that serious antisocial behavior (both conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder), gender, and a family history of problem drinking were all significantly associated with alcoholism (DSM-III alcohol abuse or dependence). Having either conduct disorder, antisocial personality, or a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with problem drinking increased the probability of alcoholism; being male also increased its probability. Antisocial behavior and gender interacted in that antisocial behavior was a more potent risk factor for women than for men. However, despite their close association with alcoholism, having either antisocial personality or a positive family history of problem drinking identified only 49% of male alcoholics and 14% of female alcoholics. Thus, these two important predictors of alcoholism would be somewhat inefficient screeners for primary prevention. More investigation is needed to understand the development of alcoholism in those without these major risk factors and the lack of alcoholism in those with them.
Pulsatile flow experiments on heart valve prostheses.

In vitro fluid dynamic characteristics of aortic valve prostheses were experimentally measured for physiological relevant pulsatile flows using hot-film velocimetry. The prostheses studied were (i) centrally occluding ball-in-cage and (ii) tilting disc valves. The valves sewn to a plexiglass ring were placed in a specially designed valve chamber. The valve chamber was mounted in a mock circulatory system in which glycerol solution was used as the blood analogue fluid. Physiological pulsatile flow experiments were conducted at a time-averaged flow rate of 86·7 cm3s−1, (mean Reynolds number of 1320 based on the cross-sectional averaged velocity with a tissue annulus, diameter, of 27 mm). With the aid of a three-sensor probe, the instantaneous values of the three velocity components (component along the axis, as well as radial and tangential velocity, components in a cross-section) were measured and used to compute the mean velocity profiles as well as turbulent normal stresses. The results showed that peak turbulent normal stresses were obtained at 108 ms after the opening of the valves with maximum magnitudes of 110 Pa, 45 mm downstream from the silastic ball valves, compared to about 35 Pa for the stellite ball valve. The largest turbulent normal stresses of about 150 Pa were obtained behind tilting disc valves in the minor flow region parallel to the tilt axis.
Self-consistent power/performance/reliability analysis for copper interconnects

Joule heating in interconnects raises the temperature of the metals above that of the substrate, which impacts both performance and reliability of Integrated Circuits. The resistivity of the metal depends on temperature, surface scattering and the thickness of the resistive diffusion barrier. The effective thermal conductivity of inter-layer dielectrics (ILD) depends on the vias. In this work, we account for all these dependencies to determine the temperature profile in the metal lines; the resulting performance is also studied. Two configurations are considered, both of which incorporate low-k materials in the backend: one in which both the ILD and inter-metal dielectric (IMD) are replaced by low-k material (homogeneous), and the other in which only the IMD is replaced by low-k, and SiO2 is used as the ILD material (non-homogenous). We find that the temperature excursion at the top metal level (relative to the substrate) increases approximately by a factor of 10 in the first case versus 3 for the second by the year 2016. Using the above Joule heating model, coupled with electromigration model, we compare the maximum allowed current density dictated by electromigration constraints for the two low-k technology options.
Deep water port—fire & explosion hazards assessment. An exhaustive assessment of the explosion and fire hazard and involved in the crude‐oil and off‐loading facility proposed for the Deep Water Port, Galveston, Texas

An assessment of the explosion and fire hazard of the crude-oil and off-loading facility proposed for the Deep Water Port, Galveston, TX is pressented. Casualty potential is discussed, and several accident scenarios are given. Fire-damage potential, utility of inert-gas system, and risk-reduction potential are also discussed. (JMT)
Pressure jump relaxation kinetics of frog skin open circuit voltage and short circuit current

Abstract The relaxation kinetics of frog skin open circuit voltage, V oc , and short circuit current I sc , was studied by analyzing the effects of subjecting the tissue to sudden increments of hydrostatic pressure. Both V oc and I sc are perturbed by the pressure jump. Changes in V oc can be resolved into three components: a rapid decrease (phase I), a second, additional decrease with time constant 2.2 s (phase II), and finally a very slow increase found only in some preparations. The amplitudes of phases I and II are linear in the range of pressures studied ( atm ) and have respective pressure coefficients of −1.2 · 10 −4 atm −1 and −3.7 · 10 −4 atm −1 . Under short circuit conditions phases I and II persist. The pressure coefficients of the amplitudes of phase I and II, −4.3 · 10 −4 atm −1 and −5.0 · 10 −4 atm −1 , respectively, are larger than those of V oc , but the time constant of phase II, 2.2 s, is the same. The sum of the amplitudes of phases I and II is directly proportional to I sc when it is inhibited with ouabain. It is argued that in both electrical states pressure perturbs the same transport mechanism giving rise to phases I and II of V oc and I sc . The magnitude of the pressure coefficients of these processes implies that they arise from chemical reactions, rather than from simple, physical solution properties. Comparison of the pressure jump kinetics with the previous spectral analysis of the electrical fluctuations of frog skin suggests a common origin for both sets of phenomena.
Enhancement for Potential Target in Cryptography Algorithms by Applying Processor-in-Memory Architecture

Data encryption/decryption has become an essential part of modern information systems. However, executing these cryptography algorithms introduces high overhead issues for performance, power, and hardware cost. Through profiling work, we found that cryptography algorithms are data-intensive, and memory access overhead plays an important role in downgrading the performance. We found that the instructions in Load-Store Block (LSB) patterns account for more than 30% of total instruction count for certain algorithms. Based on this, we propose a Processor-in-Memory (PIM) architecture to efficiently execute the application by reducing the memory access penalty caused by a large amount of memory accesses. We divided the memory module into segments and implemented the Load-Store Block of the chosen algorithm as the processing element in the PIM module. By having each of these segments run concurrently, our implementation achieves speedups as high as 200 to 500 folds for various sizes of LSB and around 1.5 folds for the overall algorithm when the number of modules is eight. Overall, by implementing the LSB into the memory module on our proposed architecture, the performance of the cryptography application can be enhanced significantly, with superb energy efficiency and marginal hardware cost.
Transit of tRNA through the Escherichia coli ribosome: cross-linking of the 3' end of tRNA to ribosomal proteins at the P and E sites.

Photoreactive derivatives of yeast tRNA Phe contain- ing 2-azidoadenosine at their 3P termini were used to trace the movement of tRNA across the 50S subunit during its transit from the P site to the E site of the 70S ribosome. When bound to the P site of poly(U)-programmed ribosomes, deacylated tRNA Phe , Phe-tRNA Phe and N-acetyl-Phe-tRNA Phe probes labeled protein L27 and two main sites within domain V of the 23S RNA. In contrast, deacylated tRNA Phe bound to the E site in the presence of poly(U) labeled protein L33 and a single site within domain V of the 23S rRNA. In the absence of poly(U), the deacylated tRNA Phe probe also labeled protein L1. Cross- linking experiments with vacant 70S ribosomes revealed that deacylated tRNA enters the P site through the E site, progressively labeling proteins L1, L33 and, finally, L27. In the course of this process, tRNA passes through the inter- mediate P/E binding state. These findings suggest that the transit of tRNA from the P site to the E site involves the same interactions, but in reverse order. Moreover, our results indicate that the final release of deacylated tRNA from the ribosome is mediated by the F site, for which protein L1 serves as a marker. The results also show that the precise placement of the acceptor end of tRNA on the 50S subunit at the P and E sites is influenced in subtle ways both by the presence of aminoacyl or peptidyl moieties and, more surprisingly, by the environment of the anticodon on the 30S subunit. fl 2002 Federation of Euro- pean Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Thermodynamics, liposuction, and metabolism.

The regulation of body weight adheres to the principles of thermodynamics: a positive energy balance causes weight gain, and weight loss occurs when the energy expenditure exceeds intake. More than...
Affiliation of opposite-sexed strangers

Abstract This study examined the effects of a subject's sex and affiliative tendency and the other's physical attractiveness on the cross-sexual interaction of strangers. Although previous studies showed that one's interest in an opposite-sexed other is a function of the other's physical attractiveness, the actual behavior of individuals in the presence of attractive and unattractive others had not been systematically examined. Subjects were individually placed in a 5-min waiting situation with a physically attractive or unattractive target of the opposite sex who behaved in a standard way. Conversations were recorded and subsequently analyzed; subjects also provided their impressions of the targets following the waiting period. Physical attractiveness of the opposite-sexed other did not significantly influence the subject's verbal affiliative behavior, but the combined influence of a subject's sex and affiliative tendency was predictive of cross-sexual affiliation. Although physical attractiveness did not account for differences in affiliative behavior, subjects preferred attractive over unattractive targets as potential dates or marriage partners.
Deposition of stoichiometric MoS2 thin films by pulsed laser evaporation

Abstract Thin films of MoS 2 have been deposited on stainless steel substrates by pulsed laser evaporation. The substrates were nominally at room temperature during deposition. In situ surface analysis of the as-deposited films by Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the films to be stoichiometric MoS 2 . Analysis of the films by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction indicated the films to be hexagonal MoS 2 .
GAD67-GFP+ neurons in the Nucleus of Roller. II. Subthreshold and firing resonance properties.

In the companion paper we show that GAD67-GFP+ (GFP+) inhibitory neurons located in the Nucleus of Roller of the mouse brain stem can be classified into two main groups (tonic and phasic) based on ...
Informed consent in the psychiatric application of deep brain stimulation technology

Deep brain stimulation offers a promising new therapeutic option for individuals with treatment resistant psychiatric illness. Prior to surgery, patients and their surgeons discuss the procedure in a practice known as informed consent. During this discussion, patients are educated about how the surgery will be performed, the possible risks of an adverse event, and the likelihood of a therapeutic benefit. However, while these elements of discussion are appropriate and sufficient for traditional surgeries of the body, they are likely inadequate for surgeries of the mind because they fail to establish a definition of "mind" for the patient and treatment team. This paper seeks to demonstrate some of the issues that might arise when the term "mind" is not adequately defined prior to deep brain stimulation and proposes a framework definition of "mind" to help facilitate addressing this topic during informed consent.
Screening Trichoderma species for biological control activity against Phytophthora ramorum in soil

Abstract Despite efforts of eradication and sanitation, Phytophthora ramorum persists in the United States and abroad. Fungicides have limited effectiveness, but there are concerns that they may only inhibit pathogen growth and hasten resistance development after repeated fungicide applications. Biological control is an active control measure that can work continuously as long as the agent is alive and active. The goal of this study was to examine whether Trichoderma spp. have the potential as a biological control agent against P. ramorum. Sixteen Trichoderma spp. isolates were screened for mycoparasitism of P. ramorum in a dual culture assay. The different Trichoderma spp. isolates demonstrated variable mycoparasitic activities with some isolates showing no activity while others completely eliminated the pathogen after 4 weeks. Seven isolates of T. asperellum were consistent among replicated trials in eliminating recovery of P. ramorum from the exposed agar plugs and preventing leaf disk necrosis. Further testing of six T. asperellum isolates against two different P. ramorum isolates (A1 and A2 mating types) resulted in the same high level of mycoparasitic activity. Soil assays involving P. ramorum-infested potting mix and selected Trichoderma spp. isolates demonstrated that two isolates (04-22 and 02-64) were consistent among the repetitions to eliminate P. ramorum propagules to non-detectable levels. Based on these results, specific T. asperellum isolates have the potential to remediate P. ramorum-infested soil and have the potential to be developed into a commercially-viable product.
Blowout Stability Limits Of a Hydrogen Jet Flame In a Supersonic, Heated, Coflowinq Air Stream

Abstract An extensive set of flame blowout limit curves has been measured for the case of a hydrogen jet flame surrounded by a heated, supersonic, coflowing air stream and some ideas are proposed to explain the observed trends. The stagnation temperature of the Mach 2.2 air stream was varied from 294 K up to the autoignition temperature of 900 K; hydrogen injection velocities were varied up to 1191 m/s. It was found that the flame blowout curves display two distinct stable regions which are bounded by the: (a) far-field blowout limit and (b) near-field blowout limit. Far-field blowout occurs after a flame first lifts off and is associated with a sufficiently large fuel velocity; the shape of the far-field blowout curve can be explained by previous subsonic lifted flame analyses. Near-field blowout is a sudden blowout for which no liftoff occurs; it results from a sufficiently large air velocity. In all cases the flame attachment point is in the shear layer at a distance of about 1 em from the fuel tube li...
Endogenous opiates and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male sheep

Abstract The effects of morphine and the opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone, on the secretory pattern of luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed in male sheep. Morphine infusion (250 mg/hr) abruptly stopped LH pulsatile secretion in castrates (wethers) and decreased mean serum LH concentrations by nearly 70 percent. Response of the pituitary to exogenous LH releasing hormone was not affected by morphine suggesting that the effects of morphine on LH secretion were mediated through the hypothalamus. Estradiol-implanted wethers, characterized by a nonpulsatile LH secretory pattern, responded to intravenous injection of naloxone (20, 50 and 200 mg Lv.) with an immediate release (pulse) of L.H. Similarly, LH release was significantly increased following naloxone infusion (200 mg/hr for four hours) in intact rams and wethers implanted with testosterone or estradiol. In contrast, naloxone infusion altered the pattern of LH secretion in wethers but without affecting mean serum LH concentrations. These results support the notion that LH secretion in male-sheep is tonically regulated by endogenous opiates and further suggests that opioid modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-LH axis in sheep involves an interaction with the steroid negative feedback system.
RNA SYNTHESIS DURING ILYANASSA OOGENESIS: AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY*

Ovarian cells of the mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta were studied by light microscopy and autoradiography of tritiated RNA precursors. Eight stages for ovarian oocytes were devised from morphological and functional criteria. Rates of incorporation of RNA precursors were determined for seven stages by cellular compartments — cytoplasm, nucleoplasm, and nucleolus. Comparison of rates of accumulation and times of first appearance of label among the cellular compartments of the various stages gave evidence of the times, extent, and source of RNA synthesis during oogenesis. These comparisons indicate a distinct change in the nuclear pattern of RNA synthesis between stages 3 and 4; the evidence supports a predominance of ribosomal RNA synthesis in stages 1–3, with chromatin transcription increasing at stage 4 and beyond.
Positive Experimental Demonstration of the Negative Brain “Protective” Effects of Anesthetics following Cardiac Arrest

The cerebral metabolic effects of a massive dose of thiopental (177 mg/kg) were investigated in seven dogs. The systemic circulation was supported with an extracorporeal circuit. At an infusion rate of 2 mg/kg/min, cerebral oxygen consumption (CMR O2 ) decreased progressively until cerebral electrical silence was produced. This occurred after a mean dose of 72 mg/kg, which caused a mean decrease in CMR O2 to 58% of the control value (measured at 1.5% halothane inspired). Thereafter, despite continued at 4 mg/kg/min, CMR O2 did not decrease further. The oxygen-glucose index never changed during the infusion period and, at the termination of the infusion, brain assays for ATP, phosphocreatine, lactate, and pyruvate revealed normal concentrations. It is concluded that there was no alteration in normal cerebral metabolic pathways, that cerebral metabolic effects of thiopental are secondary to functional effects, that thiopental would provide no cerebral protection during hypoxia sufficient to abolish cerebral function, and that thiopental does not uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in vivo.
Long term study of random noise and signal uniformity in spin‐echo brain imaging

Random noise and MR signal uniformity were analyzed for a period of 9 months using two head coils on a 1.5 T commercial imager. Signal response from a cylindrical phantom filled with a 0.1 mmol/L CuSO4 solution was incorporated in a correction scheme and the effect of correction on uniformity and accuracy of tissue volume determination was measured. There was little change in random noise (CV < 5%) and image uniformity (CV < 15%) over the time of the study. The uniformity in a 130 cm2 region was 4% for a double saddle coil and 5.3% for a mirror coil. After correction, uniformity was improved to 1.1% for the double saddle coil and 1.2% for the mirror coil. In a 40 cm2 central region the uniformity was approximately three times better than in the 130 cm2 region. A second phantom, mimicking the relaxation times of CSF and the brain, consisted of saline encapsulated in vials of volume ranging from 35.6 ml to 249.6 ml and placed in a 0.1 mmol/L solution of MnCl2. Uniformity correction reduced the average error in volume measurement from 8.6% to 6.1%.
The spanning bound as a measure of range query complexity

Abstract The subject matter of this paper concerns the complexity of data structures which permit insertions and deletions of records, and range queries of the form Query (Region); Return Σ key( r ) ϵ region value( r ) (Region ϵ Γ), where value( r ) (the value associated with a record r ) lies in a commutative semigroup S , and Γ denotes a set of regions of the space of possible keys. A combinatorially defined quantity called the spanning bound is defined and is shown to provide a lower bound for the inherent worst case complexity of a sequence of n interminxed insertions, deletions, and range queries. Moreover, the strength of the spanning bound is demonstrated by proving the existence of data structures which come close to achieving it.
Efficient image reduction for image registration with evolutionary algorithm

The run time of the evolutionary algorithm for image registration depends on the time required for the evaluation of the fitness value of a parameter vector during one iteration. This time can be reduced if some preprocessing is employed prior to image registration resulting in image reduction. Two algorithms are compared that can be potentially used for preprocessing, fractal encoding and a simple segmentation technique. Numerical experiments show that both algorithms perform well and can be successfully applied to image reduction.
Research Note: Effect of Postmortem Aging Temperature on Sarcomere Length and Tenderness of Broiler Pectoralis major

Abstract Forty male broilers (49 days of age) were hand processed and randomly placed into four postmortem aging temperature treatments: 41, 28, 14, and 0 ± 1 C, 10 carcasses/treatment. Sarcomere length (SL) measurements were made on left Pectoralis (P.) major muscle at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h postmortem. At the end of 4 h, all carcasses (except 0 C temperature group) were chilled at 0 ± 1 C for 1 h. The right P. major muscles were removed, weighed, and frozen for cooking loss (CL) and tenderness (Kramer shear) measurements. There was a significant postmortem temperature (P
Integrating Effective Writing Skills in the Accounting Curriculum.

Abstract The J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia has developed a program for its accounting curriculum which integrates the teaching of effective writing skills with the regular accounting courses. Students in a three-course sequence write a total of eight papers — technical, memos, or reports. The assignments resemble on-the-job technical writing tasks actually encountered by professional accountants. A full-time writing consultant on the School's staff provides occasional lectures and handouts for students on effective writing skills; she also provides help to individual students who may need it. Papers are evaluated for both accounting content and effective writing
Ward Evaluations: Should They Be Abandoned?

Even in the era of the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), the predominant method of resident evaluation is the faculty ward evaluation (WE), despite many concerns about its reliability. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the WE as a measurement of clinical competence in terms of both reliability and validity. In a one-year period, surgery faculty members evaluated 72 residents. An average of 7 faculty members evaluated each resident. The evaluation form contained 10 specific performance ratings and an overall evaluation. Inter-rater reliability of the overall performance ratings was calculated by using the intraclass correlation. Validity of the WE was evaluated in four ways. Inter-rater reliability of the overall performance rating was 0.82; the reliability of a single overall rating was 0.39. (1) A discriminant function analysis indicated that residents at advanced levels of training received more positive evaluations than residents at less advanced levels (P < 0.0001). (2) The overall rating was significantly correlated (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001) with the overall score of a concurrent OSCE. (3) A factor analysis showed high correlations among the items, indicating a lack of discrimination between the skills. (4) Overall ratings were insensitive to performance deficiencies. Only 1.3% of the ratings were unsatisfactory or marginal. The WE was sufficiently reliable to estimate the faculty's view of each resident. The fact that the ratings tended to differentiate residents by level of training and that ratings significantly correlated with the OSCE provides strong evidence of their validity. However, factor analysis indicated that the faculty members were making one global, undifferentiated judgment and that these ratings did not identify deficient performance skills. We conclude that ward evaluations have a place in the assessment of residents.
A statistical model for extracting geometric sources of transistor performance variation

This paper provides an approach to extracting geometrical variations in nominally identical devices fabricated in close proximity to each other. The method assumes correlations between factors can be neglected. With this assumption, it is shown that geometrical variations are significant, and any study of microscopic variations, such as dopant fluctuations, must first strip away these macroscopic geometrical variations. We assess the gate length L and width W dependence of threshold voltage (V/sub T/) variations. Related geometrical variations, namely corner influences where the source and drain encounter the isolation edges are examined, and incorporated in the model. Results from the model are compared to measurements at small dimensions. The differences provide lower bounds for excess variations other than these geometrical contributions. Our study shows that these other variations account for almost half the total V/sub T/ variance at the smallest device size fabricated, demonstrating the seriousness of these other variations when scaling down devices.
A method for estimating center of mass from forceplate data during quiet standing

A method is presented for obtaining the horizontal center of mass (COM) position from forceplate data during standing. This method uses double integration and moving averages. Experiments show that the data obtained using this method correlates well with data obtained from motion analysis.
Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies Fabricated by Layer‐by‐Layer Electrostatic Self‐Assembly Techniques

High activity, carbon supported Pt electrocatalysts were synthesized using a supercritical fluid method and a selective heterogeneous nucleation reaction to disperse Pt onto single walled carbon nanotube and carbon fiber supports. These nanocomposite materials were then incorporated into catalyst and gas diffusion layers consisting of polyelectrolytes, i.e., Nafion, polyaniline, and polyethyleneimine using layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly techniques. Due to the ultrathin nature and excellent homogeneity characteristics of LBL materials, the LBL nanocomposite catalyst layers (LNCLs) yielded much higher Pt utilizations, 3,198 mW mg Pt -1 , than membrane electrode assemblies produced using conventional methods (∼800 mW mg Pt -1 ). Thinner membranes (100 bilayers) can further improve the performance of the LNCLs and these layers can function as catalyzed gas diffusion layers for the anode and cathode of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.
THE BIRTH OF MODERN MEMORY

John Edward Toews, Becoming Historical: Cultural Reformation and Public Memory in Early Nineteenth-Century Berlin . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. pp. xxiv + 466. George S. Williamson, The Longing for Myth in Germany: Religion and Aesthetic Culture from Romanticism to Nietzsche . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004. pp. xiv + 428. Peter Fritzsche, Stranded in the Present: Modern Time and the Melancholy of History . Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2004. pp. 268. Each generation chooses its own objects of historical inquiry. Over the past decade or two, many historians have moved away from perennial topics in social and political history, turning their gaze on more ethereal questions in the realm of “memory studies.” The three splendid books under review here examine elusive phenomena in nineteenth-century Europe: the transformation of historical consciousness, the invention of national myths, and the emergence of nostalgia as a prominent element of European culture after the French Revolution and the Napoleonic age. Taken together, these works vividly illustrate both the value and the challenges of scholarship on the modern historical imagination.
Snowbirds and infection - new phenomena in pneumonia and influenza hospitalizations from winter migration of older adults: a spatiotemporal analysis.

Background Despite advances in surveillance and prevention, pneumonia and influenza (P&I) remain among the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Elderly adults experience the most severe morbidity from influenza-associated diseases, and have the highest rates of seasonal migration within the U.S. compared to other subpopulations. The objective of this study is to assess spatiotemporal patterns in influenza-associated hospitalizations in the elderly, by time, geography, and intensity of P&I. Given the high seasonal migration of individuals to Florida, this state was examined more closely using harmonic regression to assess spatial and temporal patterns of P&I hospitalizations by state of residence.
Adsorption of bacteriophage under various physiological conditions of the host

1. The adsorption rate constant of phage to bacterium is found to change between wide limits, depending on the physiological state of the bacterium. 2. The experiments of Krueger and of Schlesinger on the residual free phage in contact with an excess of bacteria are discussed and the view of Schlesinger, that they represent phage particles with reduced affinity to the bacterial host is supported by experiments. 3. The theory of von Smoluchowski and Schlesinger is compared with the experiments. 4. The implications of these findings for the assay methods currently used are discussed.
p53 Mutations in Bladder Cancer: Evidence for Exogenous versus Endogenous Risk Factors

Bladder cancer is associated with smoking, occupational exposures, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1 and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) 2 polymorphisms that may influence carcinogen metabolism, but somatic p53mutations are often CpG dinucleotide G:C-A:T transitions that can occur spontaneously. We conducted a case-control study to determine whether p53mutation characteristics might distinguish cases with environmental versus endogenous causes. p53exons 4-9 were amplified from 146 bladder tumors by PCR, screened by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis, and sequenced. Thirty-one cases were p53-positive, and 112 were p53-negative (germ line or silent). G:C-A:T transitions were also subclassified as CpG or non-CpG. Cases and 215 clinic controls were interviewed. GSTM1, NAT1, and NAT2 polymorphisms were assayed from peripheral blood. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic and polytomous regression. Case-control ORs for smoking, occupations, and NAT1*10genotype were similar for p53-positive and p53-negative cases. Associations with GSTM1-null and NAT2-slow genotypes were somewhat stronger for p53-positive [OR, 3.3; CI, 1.4-7.8 (GSTM1 null); OR, 1.8; CI, 0.8-4.0 (NAT2 slow)] than p53-negative cases [OR, 1.5; CI:0.9-2.3 (GSTM1 null); OR, 0.9; CI, 0.6-1.4 (NAT2 slow)]. Smoking was strongly associated with CpG G:C-A:T (OR, 15.3; CI:3.6-65) versus other G:C-A:T (OR, 1.8; CI, 0.3-9.8). NAT2 slow genotypes were also associated with CpG G:C-A:T (OR, 6.2; CI:0.7-52), whereas GSTM1 null was associated with non-CpG G:C-A:T (OR, 7.8; CI, 0.9-65). Associations were not substantially different for case subtypes defined by p53mutation status alone. Estimates for p53 subtypes were imprecise but support in vitro evidence that some CpG G:C-A:T transitions may be caused by smoking and other environmental mutagens.
Fabrication and Characterization of PZT Thin-Film on Bulk Micromachined Si Motion Detectors

Motion detectors consisting of Pb(Zr{sub x}Ti{sub (1{minus}x)})O{sub 3} (PZT) thin films, between platinum electrodes, on micromachined silicon compound clamped-clamped or cantilever beam structures were fabricated using either hot KOH or High Aspect Ratio Silicon Etching (HARSE) to micromachine the silicon. The beams were designed such that a thicker region served as a test mass that produced stress at the top of the membrane springs that supported it when the object to which the detector was mounted moved. The PZT film devices were placed on these membranes to generate a charge or a voltage in response to the stress through the piezoelectric effect. Issues of integration of the PZT device fabrication process with the two etching processes are discussed. The effects of PZT composition and device geometry on the response of the detectors to motion is reported and discussed.
Near-infrared CCD observations of umbral dots

Umbral fine structure have been observed at 8500 A using a new CCD detector. Four frames with diffraction-limited seeing were obtained. Between 68 and 91 umbral dots with a brightness contrast greater than 2 percent were found in each frame, although no dots were found in the darkest part of the umbra. The intrinsic flux of the umbral dots varies widely, indicating that their intrinsic brightness does as well. The mean dot lifetime is estimated as 15 min, although some dots were observed to live more than 2 h. Some of the umbral dots are flowing into the umbra at speeds up to 0.5 km/s. These dots have higher than average contrast and are associated with penumbral grains.
Pheochromocytomas and Ultimobranchial (C-cell) Neoplasms in the Bull: Evidence of Autosomal Dominant Inheritance in the Guernsey Breed

Pheochromocytomas and ultimobranchial (C-cell) neoplasms were diagnosed at a high frequency in a family of Guernsey bulls. The incidence supported the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance of the neoplasms. These two neoplasms also occur in man as multiple endocrine adenomatosis type 2, which has autosomal dominant inheritance.
Spatial power combining oscillators based on an extended resonance technique

Several spatial power combining oscillators employing an extended resonance technique have been designed and fabricated for the first time on single layer microstrip structures. Power combining efficiency, circuit tolerance to individual device variations and the effect of device failures on circuit performance were studied. Results obtained indicate exceptional circuit tolerance to individual device parameter variations as well as to device failures. The combiners described herein were designed and operated at 8 GHz with effective radiated powers of 0.22 W, 0.64 W and 4.3 W for a two, four and a nine device combiner, respectively. >
Identification of nonlinear flight dynamics: theory and practice

This article presents an innovative time-domain nonlinear mapping-based identification method. The method reported is applied to identify the unknown parameters of multivariable dynamic systems which are mapped by nonlinear differential equations. A systematic identification method is introduced, and a novel algorithm is developed using nonlinear error maps. An analysis of parameter convergence is provided and the regions of convergence can be found using the second method of Lyapunov. Innovative nonquadratic Lyapunov functions are designed and used. Analytical and numerical studies are performed to illustrate and validate the identification concept. The unsteady flight of a high-alpha aircraft in the longitudinal axis is chosen as a nonlinear case study. The unknown parameters are identified. Simulation results show that the model dynamics match the experimental data. The reported example demonstrates that the time-domain nonlinear mapping-based identification method ensures robustness and reduces major shortcomings in stability, convergence, and computational efficiency compared with other algorithms available.
Perceptually based scalable image coding for packet networks

The exchange of visual information in heterogeneous networks requires image compression algorithms that provide high quality images at several spatial resolutions and bit rates. Scalable coding provides images at several resolutions and bit rates, while perceptual coding incorporates human visual system characteris- tics. This paper presents an image compression algorithm that pro- vides both scalable and perceptual coding to produce an embedded stream suitable for transmission over packet networks. Scalable and perceptual coding are combined through intraband coding of per- ceptually significant image regions. Images are segmented into smooth, edge, and detailed regions, and these regions are then independently intraband coded and included in the stream in de- creasing order of visual importance with respect to both region type and scale. Visual importance is based on the results of two psycho- physical studies analyzing sensitivity to noise in different image re- gions and their roles in recognition. Locally adaptive quantization, based on study results, is also included in the compression algo- rithm. The resulting embedded stream provides spatial scalability and region-selective coding and performs well in the presence of packet loss. © 1998 SPIE and IS&T. (S1017-9909(98)00403-6)