cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management and therapy of thyroid carcinoma

1311 Learning Objectives The purpose of this exhibit is to increase the physicians confidence in the management of patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma. This educational exhibit will review the management of thyroid carcinoma. After a brief review of the subtypes of thyroid carcinoma, a step by step approach to managing the patient from the time of diagnosis with thyroid carcinoma is explained. Imaging and staging of the cancer with I-131, FDG-PET and Octreoscan is reviewed. The role of recombinant TSH is discussed. Cases of concordance and discordance of FDG- PET and I- 131 imaging are presented. We then clarify the roles of surgery, I-131 and radiation therapy in the treatment plan. Sample cases from the University of Southern California will be used to illustrate the management concepts covered in this educational exhibit. The purpose of this exhibit is to increase the physicians confidence in the management of patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma.
On information hiding with incomplete information about steganalysis

Suppose the information hider has a set of information hiding schemes to be employed in the presence of a set of steganalysis detectors. Let the information hider have only an incomplete information about the steganalysis detectors. That is, suppose the probability of the jth steganalysis detector would be used is p/sub j/, j = 1,2...n, then the information hider only knows the ordering of these probabilities, say, p/sub 1//spl ges/p/sub 2//spl ges/...p/sub n/. Under this circumstance how can the information hider choose the optimal embedding strategy? This is the question addressed in this paper. Theoretical analysis and some numerical results are presented.
A computational model of accelerated future learning through feature recognition

Accelerated future learning, in which learning proceeds more effectively and more rapidly because of prior learning, is considered to be one of the most interesting measures of robust learning A growing body of studies have demonstrated that some instructional treatments lead to accelerated future learning However, little study has focused on under- standing the learning mechanisms that yield accelerated future learning In this paper, we present a computational model that demonstrates accelerated future learning through the use of machine learning techniques for feature recognition In order to understand the behavior of the proposed model, we conducted a controlled simulation study with four alternative versions of the model to investigate how both better prior knowledge learning and better learning strategies might independently yield accelerated future learning We measured the learning outcomes of the models by rate of learning and the fit to the pattern of errors made by real students We found out that both stronger prior knowledge and a better learning strategy can speed up the learning process Some model variations generate human-like error patterns, but others learn to avoid errors more quickly than students.
Evaluating Social Safeguards Protecting Indigenous Peoples

Developing countries adopt policies to achieve certain results, such as reducing poverty and building prosperity. Why do many such policies not seem to work? A recent World Bank evaluation highlighted one possible reason: projects don’t adequately protect community impacts, labor and working conditions, and health, safety and security issues. This paper will focus on a crucial part of the social and cultural landscape: indigenous peoples. It will explore how the World Bank has supported projects in areas that affect indigenous peoples. Based on good practices and lessons learned, investing in such areas can turn up alternative ways to re-think the challenges of social development and find better ways for sustainable growth. By supporting different forms of participation with policymakers, strategic timing, and real time feedback loops in learning, evaluators can contribute to advancing safeguard issues.
The Traveling Salesrep Problem, Edge Assembly Crossover, and 2-opt

Optimal results for the Traveling Salesrep Problem have been reported on problems with up to 3038 cities using a GA with Edge Assembly Crossover (EAX). This paper first attempts to independently replicate these results on Padberg's 532 city problem. We then evaluate the performance contribution of the various algorithm components. The incorporation of 2-opt into the EAX GA is also explored. Finally, comparative results are presented for a population-based form of 2-opt that uses partial restarts.
Reanalysis of parabiosis of obesity mutants in the age of leptin

In this study we set out to explain the differing effects of parabiosis with genetically diabetic (db) mice versus administration of recombinant leptin. Parabiosis of db mutant, which overexpress leptin, to wildtype (WT) or genetically obese (ob) mice has been reported to cause death by starvation, whereas leptin infusions do not produce lethality at any dose or mode of delivery tested. Leptin is not posttranslationally modified other than a single disulphide bond, raising the possibility that it might require additional factor(s) to exert the maximal appetite-suppressing effect. We reconfirmed the lethal effect of parabiosis of db mutant on WT mice and further showed that this lethality could not be rescued by administration of ghrelin or growth hormone. We then initiated a biochemical fractionation of a high-molecular-weight leptin complex from human plasma and identified clusterin as a major component of this leptin-containing complex. However, in contrast to previous reports, we failed to observe a leptin-potentiating effect of either exogenous or endogenous clusterin, and parabiosis of db clusterin−/− double-mutant to WT mice still caused lethality. Intriguingly, in parabiotic pairs of two WT mice, leptin infusion into one of the mice led to an enhanced starvation response during calorie restriction as evidenced by increased plasma ghrelin and growth-hormone levels. Moreover, leptin treatment resulted in death of the parabiotic pairs. These data suggest that the appetite suppression in WT mice after parabiosis to db mutants is the result of induced hyperleptinemia combined with the stress or other aspect(s) of the parabiosis procedure.
Power system direct stability analysis with nonlinear load models

The author presents a formulation of the transient energy function method with nonlinear loads. It is based on the full network representation, allowing the use of sparse matrix methods for efficient computations of the unstable equilibrium point. Assuming negligible line conductance values, the expression for the potential energy function can be obtained in closed form except for the term associated with real power loads. This term can be approximated numerically using integrals along a linear trajectory in the machine angle space. >
White Practitioners in Therapeutic Ally-Ance: An Intersectional Privilege Awareness Training Model

Among White1 licensed psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and counselors, research has documented a severe lack of awareness of unconscious stereotyping, systemic racism, white privilege, and white racial identity. This article introduces a privilege awareness pedagogical model as a framework for White students in clinical training programs learning about white privilege, enhancing multicultural competencies, and developing as effective allies in the therapeutic relationship, or therapeutic ally-ance. The model emphasizes intersectional privilege studies to address white privilege along with a wide variety of oppressions often neglected in the curriculum, involves personal reflection on biases and assumptions to enhance multicultural competencies, and promotes student learning through social action to dismantle privilege. The pedagogical benefits of the following activities and assignments are described: 1) group analysis of therapeutic scenarios, 2) photo-voice identity assignm...
A 3D Based User Interface for Information Retrieval Systems

The paper describes how 3D-based visualization and interaction techniques can be used in information retrieval user interfaces. It demonstrates that information retrieval systems based on state of the art retrieval models can be supplied with an intuitive interface functionality by applying the cone-tree metaphor for the visualization of content spaces. The natural ability of humans for spatial perception, orientation and spatial memories is outlined as an advantage in the process of perceiving information spaces by means of spatial metaphors. It is shown how the models, concepts and mechanisms of the retrieval system underlying its user interface can become more transparent and perceptible for the user at the interface level and how some of the cognitive costs of navigations in information spaces can be reduced. This goal is achieved by transforming document-term networks with two levels of abstraction into hierarchical and directed cone trees that use the spatial depth of 3D to achieve an easy perception of their topological structure. Finally the paper presents a 3D-based information system user interface which gives the user intuitive control over content-oriented search paths resulting in a query generation for the underlying automatic retrieval mechanisms. In order to improve the presentation of the query results as well, it is shown that 3D-based graphical metaphors can provide very intuitive ways of perceiving the relevance of the result in accordance to the query.
A method of designing a group of bumps for C4 packages to maximize the number of bumps and minimize the number of package layers

In this paper we are going to show a method of defining a group of C4 bumps that can be placed in a repeated manner on silicon die. It is also shown that for a given package design guideline all these bumps can be routed in a given package layer. This method also allows one to route a maximum number of C4 bumps for a given number of package layers. These groups of bumps can be placed along the die edge, along the diagonals of the die, or both. This method is also verified by extensive experimental drawings on various die sizes, as well as for various package design guidelines. It is shown that this method takes the minimum distance from the die edge for the placement of the maximum number of bumps for a given package routing layer. If the numbers of I/Os are reasonable compared to the die size, then this design methodology can help one design a set of bond pads in the die that can be utilized both for C4 and for wire bond technology. >
Unsteady flow in porous media by means of a hele-shaw viscous fluid model

The problem of unsteady flow in porous media was investigated for the two-dimensional case by a model analogy consisting essentially of an oil flowing through a narrow glass channel. The apparatus, known as a Hele-Shaw viscous fluid model, avoided the difficulties of measuring flow in porous media. The model was calibrated by steady flow measurements. Unsteady flows, composed of sudden releases of oil into and out of the channel, were recorded and analyzed. Results were presented in graphical form using dimensionless parameters. Agreement with numerical solutions of the basic nonlinear differential equation, as applied to gas flow through porous media, was obtained. A study of a series of solitary sine waves was made as a model analogy of the damping of a flood hydrograph in a ground-water table adjacent to a stream. Results indicated that the damping rate was independent of both amplitude and period of the flood wave and that the damping distance was a function of the period but not of the amplitude.
The mycorrhizal colonization of six wetland plant species at sites differing in land use history

Five wetland prairie sites and six native plant species in western Oregon were examined to determine patterns of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (VAMF) colonization. The sites differed in type and intensity of past land use. VAMF colonization was tested in situ on seedlings from both field-sown seeds and from transplants. Colonization was measured as the percentage of root length with arbuscles or vesicles. All species (Deschampsia cespitosa, Downingia elegans, Eriophyllum lanatum, Hordeum brachyantherum, Microseris laciniata, and Plagiobothrys figuratus) became colonized by VAMF during the study. This is the first report of mycorrhizal colonization of these important native species. All sites supported mycorrhizal colonization of some of the experimental species. Average VAMF colonization ranged from 58% to 92% but was unrelated to subjective rankings of land use intensity. These results suggest that VAMF inoculum at all sites was sufficient to support revegetation by at least some species of native plants.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy a review of seven cases

The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, usually benign, pigmented neuroectodermal tumor which most often involves the maxilla. The authors reviewed seven cases of MNTI, with patient ages of our patients ranged from nine weeks to 18 months; six of the seven were less than six months old at initial diagnosis. Four patients were males, and all were white. One tumor each was located in the femur, the temporal bone, and the epididymis; the remaining lesions occurred in the maxilla. Three of the four maxillary tumors recurred locally; the epididymal and femoral tumors metastasized. Two of these cases had unique clinical or pathologic features. The case of the femoral tumor is remarkable in that it is the first reported one of MNTI presenting in a long bone. This tumor was aggressively malignant; within two months after its discovery, a large mass of similar tumor was formed in the pelvis, and the tumor resulted in the patient's death. To the authors' knowledge, the case of the temporal bone tumor is the first one of MNTI in which neuronal differentiation of the neuroblastic cells is convincingly demonstrated. This finding provides additional evidence in support of the neuroectodermal theory of origin of these neoplasms.
Labor market distortions, the structure of protection and direct foreign investment

Abstract This paper analyzes the welfare effects of direct foreign investment in a general model that allows for labor market distortions, trade in both intermediate inputs and final goods, export subsidies and protection in the form of either tariffs or quotas. It is shown that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, there is not, in general, any strong connection between the orientation of the trade regime, sectoral capital intensity rankings and the desirability of attracting foreign investment.
Suppression of adult polydipsia by early stimulation

Sprague-Dawley rat pups received stimulation during two preweaning phases (postpartum Days 5–8 or 25–28). They were tested as adults for onset and magnitude of schedule-induced polydipsia. Stimulation during either phase significantly retarded the onset of polydipsia as compared to nonstimulated controls. As the stimulation procedure was applied during hippocampal development, and in view of the modulatory action of this structure on schedule-induced polydipsia, the results suggest that the enduring effects of early stimulation were mediated by the hippocampus.
The iron cyanide bronzes

Abstract The nonstoichiometric compounds with general formula M x Fe(CN) 3 , where M is an alkali ion, have been prepared by a new dry method. They show the same cubic structure over the entire range. However, their general properties are somewhat different from the previously known hydrated compounds.
Impact of Availability of Immediate Breast Reconstruction on Bilateral Mastectomy Rates for Breast Cancer across the United States: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Availability of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) varies among institutions, yet the impact of IBR availability on the rates of bilateral mastectomy (BM) versus unilateral mastectomy (UM) for breast cancer is unknown. From the 2002 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified women with breast cancer undergoing UM or BM with and without IBR using ICD-9 codes. Hospitals were classified as performing IBR if at least one hospitalization included both mastectomy and reconstruction and then by IBR volume. Statistical comparisons utilized Chi square tests, tests for trend, and multivariable logistic regression. We identified 130,420 women undergoing UM (76.9 %) or BM (23.1 %) for breast cancer. Of 6,579 hospitals, 3,358 (51.0 %) performed no IBRs, while in the remaining 3,221 hospitals, 1 to 638 IBRs were performed per year. Large, teaching, urban, and Northeastern hospitals were more likely to have higher IBR volumes. BM rates were significantly higher in patients treated at those hospitals with higher IBR volumes, from 33.1 % at hospitals performing ≥24 IBRs per year to 9.0 % at hospitals without IBR (p < 0.001). Upon adjusted analysis, patients who elected BM were more likely to be seen at hospitals performing ≥24 IBRs per year (odds ratio 1.69 vs. UM, p < 0.001). In this analysis of national data, BM rates were higher in hospitals where IBR was available, suggesting a significant influence of institutional factors on treatment options for breast cancer patients. Efforts are needed to ensure patients have access to IBR when desired and to better understand the reasons for hospital variation in BM rates.
The Impact of Candidate Sex on Evaluations of Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives

Objectives. To examine how voters and the general public evaluate women candidates by examining ideological and issue-based evaluations of women candidates for the House of Representatives. Methods. Data are drawn from the National Election Study for all U.S. House elections from 1990 to 2000. OLS and logistic regression models examining the role of candidate sex in evaluations are tested. Results. When evaluating Democratic candidates, people see them as more liberal and utilize more female issues in their evaluations when the candidate is a woman. For Republican candidates, candidate sex is much less likely to be related to how people evaluate them. Conclusion. The central role of party in public evaluations of women candidates suggests that the impact of candidate sex on voters is more complex than previous works have suggested.
Hypertension Decreases Replication Potential of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells: Aortic Coarctation in Humans as a Model

AbstractHuman arterial smooth muscle cells cultured from tissue proximal to the site of aortic coarctation had fewer cumulative population doublings and a slower replication rate than cells grown from tissue distal to the coarctation. Since cells proximal to the coarctation presumably had been stimulated to divide excessively in vivo by chronic exposure to elevated intraarterial pressure, these results using a unique human experimental model of hypertension suggest that the number of prior cell divisions limits their further replicative potential. These characteristics of accelerated aging induced by chronic exposure to hypertension may have relevance to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Preparative purification of 4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid sodium salt by high-speed counter-current chromatography.

Abstract Among the many applications of 4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid sodium salt (HNSA, CAS No. 6099-57-6) is its use as a common intermediate in the manufacture of dyes used as color additives. In order to develop an HPLC method to analyze HNSA in such additives, it was necessary to obtain pure HNSA as a reference material. This compound is only commercially available in “technical” or “practical” grade (∼70–85% purity). Unsatisfactory results were encountered during the attempts to eliminate impurities using published preparative purification methods. The current work demonstrates the successful application of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) to the preparative purification of “practical” grade HNSA. The purifications of 0.55 g and 1.00 g portions were achieved by using a solvent system that consisted of n -butanol/water (1:1), acidified with 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid. In contrast to the procedure involved in previous HSCCC separations of aromatic sulfonates, it was not necessary to add a ligand and a retainer to the solvent system for these separations. The resulting yields were 320 mg and 485 mg of HNSA, respectively, of over 99% purity. Elemental analysis, HPLC (at 240 nm), UV and high-resolution MS analyses confirmed the identity and purity of the HNSA obtained.
Postnatal weight and behavior changes as a function of components of prenatal maternal injection procedures

The experiment evaluated postnatal weight and behavior effects which resulted from components of prenatally administered subcutaneous injections. Pregnant Ss received handling, hypodermic needle insertions, or distilled water injections in one of three trimesters of gestation. Differences in maze learning in offspring were related to differences in weight lost during the experiment. It appeared that differential resistance to conditions of food deprivation served to contaminate the learning data. It was concluded that several previous studies which involved prenatal maternal treatments with various tranquilizers reported learning data which may share in the confounding of resistance to deprivation conditions with maze learning measures.
Annotated XML: queries and provenance

We present a formal framework for capturing the provenance of data appearing in XQuery views of XML. Building on previous work on relations and their (positive) query languages, we decorate unordered XML with annotations from commutative semirings and show that these annotations suffice for a large positive fragment of XQuery applied to this data. In addition to tracking provenance metadata, the framework can be used to represent and process XML with repetitions, incomplete XML, and probabilistic XML, and provides a basis for enforcing access control policies in security applications.Each of these applications builds on our semantics for XQuery, which we present in several steps: we generalize the semantics of the Nested Relational Calculus (NRC) to handle semiring-annotated complex values, we extend it with a recursive type and structural recursion operator for trees, and we define a semantics for XQuery on annotated XML by translation into this calculus.
Area Efficient Implementation of MTI Processing Module on a Reconfigurable Platform

This paper presents an area efficient Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based digital design of a processing module for MTI radar. Signal contaminated with noise and clutter is modelled to test the efficacy of the design algorithms. For flexibility of design and to achieve optimized results, we have combined the high-level utility of MATLAB with the flexibility and optimization on FPGA for this implementation. Two- and three-pulse cancellers are chosen for design due to its simplicity in both concept and implementation. The results obtained are efficient in terms of enhanced throughput per Slice (TPA) of 1.146, that is, occupying fewer area resources on hardware while achieving optimized speed. The outcomes show that this design of MTI radar processor has many advantages, such as high processing precision, strong processing ability, real time, and low cost. All these advantages greatly contribute to the design requirements and make it appropriate for the application of high-speed signal processing.
Allocation concealment in randomised trials: defending against deciphering.

Summary Proper randomisation rests on adequate allocation concealment. An allocation concealment process keeps clinicians and participants unaware of upcoming assignments. Without it, even properly developed random allocation sequences can be subverted. Within this concealment process, the crucial unbiased nature of randomised controlled trials collides with their most vexing implementation problems. Proper allocation concealment frequently frustrates clinical inclinations, which annoys those who do the trials. Randomised controlled trials are anathema to clinicians. Many involved with trials will be tempted to decipher assignments, which subverts randomisation. For some implementing a trial, deciphering the allocation scheme might frequently become too great an intellectual challenge to resist. Whether their motives indicate innocent or pernicious intents, such tampering undermines the validity of a trial. Indeed, inadequate allocation concealment leads to exaggerated estimates of treatment effect, on average, but with scope for bias in either direction. Trial investigators will be crafty in any potential efforts to decipher the allocation sequence, so trial designers must be just as clever in their design efforts to prevent deciphering. Investigators must effectively immunise trials against selection and confounding biases with proper allocation concealment. Furthermore, investigators should report baseline comparisons on important prognostic variables. Hypothesis tests of baseline characteristics, however, are superfluous and could be harmful if they lead investigators to suppress reporting any baseline imbalances.
Influence of prostaglandin F2α on sperm production and seminal characteriticss of the stallion

Six mature stallions were used to test the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha ) on sperm production and seminal characteristics. Semen was collected from each stallion twice weekly 1 hr following a 10 mg intramuscular injection of PGF2 alpha or a sham injection. A switchback design was used so that three stallions received PGF2 alpha and three served as controls during the first 9 weeks (period 1). Treatment regimens were reversed during the second 9 weeks (period 2). Treatment of stallions with PGF2 alpha resulted in an increase (P less than .05) in gel free seminal volume and a decrease in sperm cell concentration. Total spermatozoa, sperm cell motility, and percentage of primary and secondary sperm abnormalities of ejaculates were not significantly affected by treatment of stallions with PGF2 alpha before semen collection. All treated stallions exhibited a pronounced sweating response to the drug. During the experiment, two of the six stallions masturbated within 20 to 30 minutes after PGF2 alpha treatment without achieving an erection.
La(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3: a new 1:2 ordered perovskite

Abstract A new 1:2 ordered perovskite La(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 has been synthesized via solid-state techniques. At temperature >1185°C, Li and Ti are randomly distributed on the B-sites and the X-ray powder patterns can be indexed in a tilted (b−b−c+) Pbnm orthorhombic cell (a=ac√2=5.545 A, b=ac√2=5.561 A, c=2ac=7.835 A). However, for T⩽1175°C, a 1:2 layered ordering of Li and Ti along 〈111〉c yields a structure with a P21/c monoclinic cell with a=ac√6=9.604 A, b=ac√2=5.552 A, c=ac3√2=16.661 A, β=125.12°. While this type of order is well known in the A2+(B2+1/3B5+2/3)O3 family of niobates and tantalates, La(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 is the first example of a titanate perovskite with a 1:2 ordering of cations on the B-sites.
The effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation in the northeastern United States

A fully coupled meteorology-chemistry-aerosol mesoscale model (WRF-Chem) is used to assess the effects of aerosols on intense convective precipitation over the northeastern United States. Numerical experiments are performed for three intense convective storm days and for two scenarios representing ‘typical’ and ‘low’ aerosol conditions. The results of the simulations suggest that increasing concentrations of aerosols can lead to either enhancement or suppression of precipitation. Quantification of the aerosol effect is sensitive to the metric used due to a shift of rainfall accumulation distribution when realistic aerosol concentrations are included in the simulations. Maximum rainfall accumulation amounts and areas with rainfall accumulations exceeding specified thresholds provide robust metrics of the aerosol effect on convective precipitation. Storms developing over areas with medium to low aerosol concentrations showed a suppression effect on rainfall independent of the meteorological environment. Storms developing in areas of relatively high particulate concentrations showed enhancement of rainfall when there were simultaneous high values of convective available potential energy, relative humidity and wind shear. In these cases, elevated aerosol concentrations resulted in stronger updraughts and downdraughts and more coherent organization of convection. For the extreme case, maximum rainfall accumulation differences exceeded 40 mm. The modelling results suggest that areas of the northeastern US urban corridor that are close to or downwind of intense sources of aerosols, could be more favourable for rainfall enhancement due to aerosols for the aerosol concentrations typical of this area. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Chronic pain and opiates: balancing pain control and risks in long-term opioid treatment.

Abstract Gallagher RM, Rosenthal LJ. Chronic pain and opiates: balancing pain control and risks in long-term opioid treatment. The risks and benefits of opioid analgesics for chronic pain conditions and diseases are discussed in the context of the concern about the public health problems of poorly managed pain and prescription drug abuse and addiction. New strategies for risk management in treating patients with chronic pain are described. Opioids for chronic pain may be used effectively in the context of clinical strategies for risk management and selectively tailored, biopsychosocial pain management. Overall Article Objective To present the case for balanced use of opioid therapy in the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
Levitation forces, stiffness and force-creep in YBCO high-Tc superconducting thin films

Abstract The applicabilitp of pBCO high-Tc superconducting thin films to magnetic levitation has been investigated. Here pe present fundamental studies emploping cplindrical permanent magnets floating above laser ablated pBCO thin films tppicallp about 0.3 μm thick and of 10mm length and pidth. pith permanent magnetipation values of 0.4 T, interactions betpeen magnet and superconductors are observable for distances up to about 10 mm, shoping maximum force values of several mN (up to 4 mN) for minimum magnet heights. During vertical magnet motion highlp hpsteretic force-distance relations exhibit remarkable spmmetrp of the approaching (repulsive) and pithdraping (attractive) branch pith maximum values of attractive forces about 80% of maximum repulsive forces. puasistatic stiffness data for both vertical as pell as lateral motion are shopn to be up to an order of magnitude higher than those knopn from melt-puenched material. The experimental data are supported bp phenomenological models. Bp means of the latter, basic force and stiffness properties of the arrangement can be described. In strong contrast to bulk materials distinct limitations pith respect to usable force levels are found to be caused bp a pronounced force-creep effect, phich is in the range of 30% up to 60% of the initial value after delap times of tppicallp 12 min. Preliminarp tests indicated additional creep components to be expected arising from mechanical activation, such as vibration or shock treatment. Apart from lop-mass applications in e.g. microturbine rotors, micromotors and microgpros, thin films seem to be promisinglp applicable to devices, phere—pithout need for levitation (e.g. aerospace environment)—mechanical stiffness and damping is repuired.
Representing Urban America: 19th-Century Views of Landscape, Space, and Power:

Approximately 5000 lithographic views of cities across America were produced and copies were widely disseminated in the century after 1825, In this paper, urban lithographs are examined as landscape texts in light of contemporary notions of space, vision, representation, and power. A major shift in the genre of urban representation from ‘pictorial’ to ‘bird's-eye’ views is presented as capturing the story of an emerging industrial-capitalist order; as embodying the place of the individual within that order; and as actively legitimating/promoting particular visions of change and progress. Interpreting urban views illustrates the problematic nature of representation and the need to examine particular landscapes/representations within their cultural contexts.
Development of Biobased Unsaturated Polyester Containing Functionalized Linseed Oil

Biobased neat unsaturated polyester materials containing epoxidized methyl linseedate (EML) were processed with cobalt naphthenate as a promoter and 2-butanone peroxide as an initiator. Up to 25 wt % of the unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) was replaced by EML to process biobased UPE. The combination of UPE and EML resulted in an excellent combination for a new biobased thermoset polymer with a relatively high elastic modulus and a high glass transition temperature with the replacement of UPE with EML. Izod impact strength increased with increasing amount of EML. The Izod impact strength of the biobased UPE was correlated with failure surface morphologies observed by scanning electron microscopy.
Fermi Surface in Aluminum

The band structure of aluminum is reconsidered in a combined experimental and theoretical approach very similar to that originally used by Heine. A more careful analysis of the de Haas-van Alphen data of Gunnersen has indicated a considerable flexibility in models consistent with it and has allowed the proposal of a Fermi surface which is much closer to that expected on theoretical grounds than the model suggested by Heine. It is found here that the first Brillouin zone is completely filled; that the second zone contains a single closed surface surrounding a region of holes; and that the third zone contains a multiply-connected surface which gives rise to all of the observed de Haas-van Alphen oscillations.
Serotoninergic Activation and Inhibition: Effects on Carbohydrate Tolerance and Plasma Insulin and Glucagon

Glucose and arginine infusion tests were performed on 12 healthy volunteers (8 males, 4 females) before and after serotoninergic activation [oral administration of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP-) for 6 days] and serotoninergic inhibition (oral treatment with D,L-p-chloropenylalanine for 6 days). 5-HTP treatment markedly increased urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion, increased the mild hyperglycemic effect of arginine infusion, and lowered the glucose disposal rate constant. The adverse effect of serotoninergic activation on glucose tolerance is not sufficiently explained by the observed changes in insulin and glucagon secretion during the fasting state and after intravenous glucose and arginine infusions. Serotoninergic inhibition did not affect the carbohydrate tolerance of normal individuals. The results of this work supports the idea that excessive indoleamine production is probably the main cause for carbohydrate intolerance in carcinoid tumors.
Fraud and Financial Markets: The 1997 Collapse of the Junior Mining Stocks

Abstract The Vancouver Composite Index fell by over 25 percent in less than 6 weeks during spring 1997 as the junior mining sector collapsed. We argue that this market collapse was triggered by the failure of Bre-X Minerals when that company’s Indonesian claims, previously believed to contain the world’s largest gold deposit, were shown to be pure fraud. Our event study, based on market returns for the Vancouver Composite Index and for a portfolio of 59 gold stocks, shows the effects of the Bre-X scandal to be both sizeable and significant. There is also some evidence that smaller exploration companies were hardest hit.
An adaptive interferometric sensor for all-optical photoacoustic microscopy

Conventional photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) involves detection of optically induced thermo-elastic waves using ultrasound transducers. This approach requires acoustic coupling and the spatial resolution is limited by the focusing properties of the transducer. We present an all-optical PAM approach that involved detection of the photoacoustically induced surface displacements using an adaptive, two-wave mixing interferometer. The interferometer consisted of a 532-nm, CW laser and a Bismuth Silicon Oxide photorefractive crystal (PRC) that was 5×5×5 mm3. The laser beam was expanded to 3 mm and split into two paths, a reference beam that passed directly through the PRC and a signal beam that was focused at the surface through a 100-X, infinity-corrected objective and returned to the PRC. The PRC matched the wave front of the reference beam to that of the signal beam for optimal interference. The interference of the two beams produced optical-intensity modulations that were correlated with surface displacements. A GHz-bandwidth photoreceiver, a low-noise 20-dB amplifier, and a 12-bit digitizer were employed for time-resolved detection of the surface-displacement signals. In combination with a 5-ns, 532-nm pump laser, the interferometric probe was employed for imaging ink patterns, such as a fingerprint, on a glass slide. The signal beam was focused at a reflective cover slip that was separated from the fingerprint by 5 mm of acoustic-coupling gel. A 3×5 mm2 area of the coverslip was raster scanned with 100-µm steps and surface-displacement signals at each location were averaged 20 times. Image reconstruction based on time reversal of the PA-induced displacement signals produced the photoacoustic image of the ink patterns. The reconstructed image of the fingerprint was consistent with its photograph, which demonstrated the ability of our system to resolve micron-scaled features at a depth of 5 mm.
Mitigating atmospheric effects in high-resolution infrared surveillance imagery with bispectral speckle imaging

Obtaining a high-resolution image of an object or scene from a long distance away can be very problematic, even with the best optical system. This is because atmospheric blurring and distortion will limit the resolution and contrast of high-resolution imaging systems with substantial sized apertures over horizontal and slant paths. Much of the horizontal and slant-path surveillance imagery we have previously collected and successfully enhanced has been collected at visible wavelengths where atmospheric effects are the strongest. Imaging at longer wavelengths has the benefit of seeing through obscurants or even at night, but even though the atmospheric effects are noticeably reduced, they are nevertheless present, especially near the ground. This paper will describe our recent work on enhanced infrared (IR) surveillance using bispectral speckle imaging. Bispectral speckle imaging in this context is an image post-processing algorithm that aims to solve the atmospheric blurring and distortion problem of imaging through horizontal or slant path turbulence. A review of the algorithm as well as descriptions of the IR camera and optical systems used in our data collections will be given. Examples of horizontal and slant-path imagery before and after speckle processing will also be presented to demonstrate the resolution improvement gained by the processing. Comparisons of IR imagery to visible wavelength imagery of the same target under the same conditions will be shown to demonstrate the tradeoffs of going to longer wavelengths.
Medical image segmentation using a simulated charged fluid

Deformable models are important and popular techniques for extracting the shape of objects in medical images. We used the simulation of a physical system (a Charged Fluid) to guide the evolution of a propagating interface to segment objects in brain MR and CT images. The Charged Fluid was simulated as a system of charged particles that exert a repelling electric force upon each other. In our approach, the boundary of the segmenting object was determined by the image gradient, which was modeled as potential wells that stopped the propagating front. The simulation was evolved in two steps that were governed by Poisson's equation. One allowed the propagating interface of the Charged Fluid to deform into a new shape in response to the electric potential and the image potential. The other allowed Charged Fluid elements to flow along the propagating interface, which was treated as the surface of an isolated conductor, until an electrostatic equilibrium was achieved. The electric potential of the simulated system was rapidly computed from Poisson's equation by the aid of the Fast Fourier Transform. The procedure was repeated until the propagating front resided on the boundary of objects being segmented. This method was used to extract the contour of the brain surface for use in skull stripping applications.
Predictors of consumption cutbacks in response to increased energy costs

Energy costs have increased at a more rapid rate than overall household costs in recent years. The effects of these increased costs upon families' consumption of goods and services, as measured by cutbacks in and across consumption categories and cutbacks in necessities, were studied in relation to three variables: (1) family income level; (2) perceived effect of energy cost changes upon life in the last five years (well-off); and (3) belief that energv consumption could be reduced by one-fourth in the next year. Family income level was significantly related in a negative direction to each measure of cutback in consumption. However, the well-off measure explained a greater percentage of the variation in consumption cutback measures than did income level.
Inhibition of PCSK9: a powerful weapon for achieving ideal LDL cholesterol levels.

Plasma LDL cholesterol level is a major determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The striking results of the early large-scale statin trials showed that LDL levels can be reduced by 30–40% with comparable percentage reductions in CVD risk. More recent trials show that there is progressively greater relative risk reduction as the on-treatment level of LDL drops. In the JUPITER trial (1), rosuvastatin treatment of healthy subjects who had elevated CRP levels lowered LDL cholesterol levels ≈50% [from a baseline median of 108 mg/dL to 55 mg/dL (25% had values <44 mg/dL)] and resulted in a ≈50% reduction in all CVD events. We recently suggested that an “ideal” LDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL should be the target goal of therapy in all high-risk subjects (2), but the Jupiter trial extends this concept to an even larger population and supports the concept that “the lower the LDL the better” is a reasonable position.
Method for studying the in vivo accumulation of inorganic mercury in segments of the nephron in the kidneys of rats treated with mercuric chloride.

Abstract A method for studying the in vivo accumulation of inorganic mercury along the nephron of Sprague-Dawley rats pretreated with a radiolabelled 0.66 μmol/kg dose of mercuric chloride is described in this article. Forty-eight hr after rats received the radiolabelled dose of mercuric chloride intravenously the kidneys of the animals were perfused in situ with a collagenase solution in order to dissect and isolate various readily assessable segments of the nephron and collecting duct. Three different categories of tubular segments were isolated; proximal convoluted tubules, proximal straight tubules and combined segments of the distal nephron and collecting duct. A group of isolated tubular segments were measured in length, drawn up and placed in counting tubes, and placed in a gamma counter for the determination of the content of inorganic mercury that accumulated in them during the 48 hr subsequent to the administration of the dose of mercuric chloride. In a separate set of animals, the intrarenal distribution of inorganic mercury was determined 48 hr after the intravenous dose of mercuric chloride was asministered. Inorganic mercury accumulated mainly in the renal cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla. In addition, the concentration of inorganic mercury in the outer stripe of the outer medulla was twice that in the cortex. The findings obtained with the isolated tubular segments revealed that most of the accumulated inorganic mercury in the kidneys of the rats was in the proximal tubule. The content of inorganic mercury in the proximal straight tubules was significantly greater than that in the proximal convoluted tubules. Negligible amounts of inorganic mercury were detected in the distal segments of the nephron and collecting duct. The data obtained from the isolated tubular segments indicate that the increased accumulation of inorganic mercury that occurs in the outer stripe of the outer medulla is due specifically to increased accumulation of inorganic mercury in the proximal straight tubules. The method used to study the accumulation of inorganic mercury in segments of the nephrons proves to be sensitive enough to explain the mechanism for various patterns of accumulation of inorganic mercury in the kidneys of rats.
A simple technique for delivery of bulky gallbladders during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, delivery of a bulky gallbladder with a large stone load may be problematic. Moreover, the standard maneuvers to facilitate delivery of such a gallbladder may fail or create other problems that lead to unnecessary prolongation of the procedure. A simple technique to ease the delivery of a bulky gallbladder through the laparoscopic incision is described here. A 10-mm scalpel is held between the jaws of a Kelly clamp with the cutting edge of the blade pointing toward the fascia (Fig. 1). The greater curvature of the clamp is passed along the gallbladder so that the blade of the knife will cut through the fascial layer of the wound, thus facilitating delivery of the bulky gallbladder without enlarging the skin incision. Extension of the fascial incision is better done in the midline through the avascular linea alba. The enlarged fascial defect is then closed securely with 0 Vicryl sutures. A bulky gallbladder with multiple small stones or a single large stone may be difficult to deliver through the 10-mm laparoscopic incision. In such cases, the conventional maneuvers to help delivery of such an incarcerated gallbladder necessitate either evacuation of the gallbladder contents, forced dilatation of the fascial defect, or extension of the fascial incision. However, evacuation of a large stone from the neck of the gallbladder may be unsuccessful while forced dilatation of linea alba may cause a disruptive tear of the fascia which can predispose to hernia at the port site [1]. On the other hand, traditional extension of the fascial opening by scalpel may accidentally tear the gallbladder or the endobag. Such an event results in spilling of the gallbladder contents into the peritoneal cavity. To avert such problems, a simple technique is described. It requires no special instrument. With this technique one can control extension of the fascial defect, releasing the constricting point and facilitating delivery of the incarcerated gallbladder without injury to it. Moreover, closure of the clear-cut fascia will eliminate the possibility of postoperative incisional hernia [2].
Exploring spiral defect chaos in generalized Swift-Hohenberg models with mean flow.

We explore the phenomenon of spiral defect chaos in two types of generalized Swift-Hohenberg model equations that include the effects of long-range drift velocity or mean flow. We use spatially extended domains and integrate the equations for very long times to study the pattern dynamics as the magnitude of the mean flow is varied. The magnitude of the mean flow is adjusted via a real and continuous parameter that accounts for the fluid boundary conditions on the horizontal surfaces in a convecting layer. For weak values of the mean flow, we find that the patterns exhibit a slow coarsening to a state dominated by large and very slowly moving target defects. For strong enough mean flow, we identify the existence of spatiotemporal chaos, which is indicated by a positive leading-order Lyapunov exponent. We compare the spatial features of the mean flow field with that of Rayleigh-B\'enard convection and quantify their differences in the neighborhood of spiral defects.