cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of adenoidectomy complications: Velopharyngeal inadequacy and nasopharyngeal stenosis

Complications of adenoidectomy include velopharyngeal inadequacy and nasopharyngeal stenosis. The evaluation of velopharyngeal inadequacy requires the participation of speech pathology in assessing the problem and formulating a treatment plan. Nasal endoscopy findings are crucial in this process, and a decision tree based on these findings is given. The surgical treatment options for velopharyngeal inadequacy after adenoidectomy are discussed. The less common problem of nasopharyngeal stenosis and an approach to its treatment is also presented.
On supporting containment queries in relational database management systems

Virtually all proposals for querying XML include a class of query we term “containment queries”. It is also clear that in the foreseeable future, a substantial amount of XML data will be stored in relational database systems. This raises the question of how to support these containment queries. The inverted list technology that underlies much of Information Retrieval is well-suited to these queries, but should we implement this technology (a) in a separate loosely-coupled IR engine, or (b) using the native tables and query execution machinery of the RDBMS? With option (b), more than twenty years of work on RDBMS query optimization, query execution, scalability, and concurrency control and recovery immediately extend to the queries and structures that implement these new operations. But all this will be irrelevant if the performance of option (b) lags that of (a) by too much. In this paper, we explore some performance implications of both options using native implementations in two commercial relational database systems and in a special purpose inverted list engine. Our performance study shows that while RDBMSs are generally poorly suited for such queries, under conditions they can outperform an inverted list engine. Our analysis further identifies two significant causes that differentiate the performance of the IR and RDBMS implementations: the join algorithms employed and the hardware cache utilization. Our results suggest that contrary to most expectations, with some modifications, a native implementations in an RDBMS can support this class of query much more efficiently.
EVALUATION OF LEFT VENTRICULAR PREEJECTION SYSTOLE IN NORMAL CHILDREN BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

The period of systole prior to left ventricular (LV) ejection (PES) can be assessed from echograms (E), by measuring the interval from the onset of the electrical Q wave to: coaptation of the mitral valve (Q-M) or opening of the aortic valve (Q-AO), and to the onset of systolic excursions of the ventricular septum (Q-S) or posterior left ventricular wall (Q-LVW). Thus we studied a group of clinically normal school children to establish standards for these different PES, and to examine the Interrelationships between these normal events. Strip chart E were obtained from a LV sector containing mitral echoes, and from a plane of the aortic root in which valve motion was well recorded, using a 2.25 MHz transducer. PES intervals were measured in milliseconds and mean and standard error of mean values were: Q-M 49.4±1.6, Q-AO 74.0±2.4, Q-S 78.2±2.2 and Q-LVW 109.0±2.4. The differences between Q-M and Q-AO (25.1) was highly significant (p=<0.001) and represents LV isovolumic contraction time. The shorter duration of Q-S than Q-LVW (31.0) with p=<0.001 reflects the conduction time along the left branch from S to LVW. Thus this study demonstrates that PES can be analyzed from a variety of reference points recorded by E. In addition E analysis of PES may be utilized to evaluate Isovolumic systole and conduction velocity along the left bundle branch. These results also indicate that the aortic valve opening is not dependent on the systolic Inward excursion of S and LVW.
Looking to the Southeast Antilles: Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra's Geopolitical Thought in his Historia geográfica, civil y natural de la Isla de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico (1788)

Inigo Abbad y Lasierra’s Historia geografica, civil y natural, completed in 1782 and published in 1788, is widely seen as the founding colonial history of Puerto Rico’s national history. This essay examines this imperial and comparative account, which cannot be dissociated from Abbad y Lasierra’s first important writing, his Diario del viaje a America completed in 1781. I argue that his observations and reflections on the condition and prospects of Puerto Rico are deeply influenced by his travel in the Caribbean’s southeastern circuit and, in addition, his readings of Spain’s foreign polemical detractors, in particular Guillaume-Thomas Abbe Raynal and his Histoire philosophique et politique. This essay also sheds light on Bourbon dynamics in Puerto Rico and Abbad y Lasierra’s appeal to Romantic liberal creoles seeking abolition of slavery and sovereignty from Spain in the nineteenth century. Thus, the basis of Puerto Rican patriotic identity is found in Abbad y Lasierra’s intellectual appropriations susta...
Analysis of oxonic acid, uric acid, creatine, allantoin, xanthine and hypoxanthine in poultry litter by reverse phase HPLC

A separation method has been developed to extract organic compounds from poultry manure and litter and subsequently analyze these extracts using reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Specifically, the method may be used to quantify oxonic acid, allantoin, creatine, uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine in poultry manure samples. In a representative sample of fresh poultry manure, oxonic acid, allantoin, creatine, uric acid and xanthine were present at concentrations of 2.4, 2.7, 3.9, 270 and 0.8 mg/g dry manure, respectively. Litter samples stored for eight or sixteen weeks showed the presence of hypoxanthine but no longer contained detectable quantities of creatine. Allantoic acid and urea, both previously shown to be present in the litter samples, could not be distinguished by the chromatographic technique. Orotic acid and uracil, although capable of being separated by the method, were not detected in any poultry litter samples.
Alcohol Dependence and Domestic Violence as Sequelae of Abuse and Conduct Disorder in Childhood.

Abstract Objectives: To examine in the Navajo population: (1) the importance of childhood abuse as a risk factor for conduct disorder; (2) the importance of each form of abuse and conduct disorder as risk factors for alcohol dependence; and (3) the relative importance of each form of abuse, conduct disorder, and alcohol dependence as risk factors for being a perpetrator and/or victim of domestic violence. Method: The study is based on a case-control design. Cases (204 men and 148 women) between the ages of 21 and 65 were interviewed in alcohol treatment program and matched to community controls. There were two groups of controls: alcohol dependent (374 men, 60 women) and nonalcohol dependent (157 men, 143 women). When adjusted for stratification by age, community of residence, and sex, the combined control groups comprise a representative sample of the Navajo male and female population 21–65 years of age. Results: The prevalence of physical and sexual abuse before age 15 is within limits observed in other populations. Each form of abuse is a risk factor for conduct disorder. Along with conduct disorder, physical abuse is a risk factor for alcohol dependence. Physical abuse and alcohol dependence are independent risk factors for being involved in domestic violence as both perpetrator and victim. There appears to have been no secular trend in the incidence of childhood abuse over the past several generations, but there is suggestive evidence that domestic violence has become more common. Conclusions: Physical abuse is a significant risk factor for alcohol dependence as well as for domestic violence independent of the effects of alcohol abuse. The effects of sexual abuse with regard to both domestic violence and alcohol dependence do not appear to be significant.
Psoas Muscle Infiltration Masquerading Distant Adenocarcinoma

Malignant metastasis to the psoas muscle is rare. We report a case that clinically mimicked psoas abscess that was subsequently proven to be from metastatic disease secondary to adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. A 62-year-old male presented with a seven-month history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and progressive dysphagia. CT scan of abdomen-pelvis revealed a right psoas infiltration not amenable to surgical drainage. Patient was treated with two courses of oral antibiotics without improvement. Repeated CT scan showed ill-defined low-density area with inflammatory changes involving the right psoas muscle. Using CT guidance, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the right psoas was performed that reported metastatic undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. Patient underwent upper endoscopy, which showed a duodenal mass that was biopsied which also reported poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. In this case, unresponsiveness to medical therapy or lack of improvement in imaging studies warrants consideration of differential diagnosis such as malignancy. Iliopsoas metastases have shown to mimic psoas abscess on their clinical presentation and in imaging studies. To facilitate early diagnosis and improve prognosis, patients who embody strong risk factors and symptoms compatible with underlying malignancies who present with psoas imaging concerning for abscess should have further investigations.
The role of parents' attachment orientations, depressive symptoms, and conflict behaviors in children's externalizing and internalizing behavior problems

Abstract The present study examined links among parents’ attachment orientations, depressive symptoms, and conflict behaviors (attacking and compromising) and children’s externalizing and internalizing behavior problems in a sample of 64 nonclinical, Caucasian families. Correlational analyses showed that all three parent attributes were significantly related to children’s behavior problems. When a regression-based approach recommended by Baron and Kenny [The moderator-mediator distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical contributions, J. Personal. Social Psychol. 51 (1986) 1173–1182] was applied to the data, some indirect pathways between parents’ attachment orientations and children’s behavior problems were found. Results indicated that mothers’ depressive symptoms mediated the relation between mothers’ attachment anxiety and children’s internalizing behaviors, whereas fathers’ depressive symptoms partially mediated the relation between fathers’ attachment anxiety and children’s internalizing behaviors. Findings provide support for the idea that attachment theory [J. Bowlby, The making and breaking of affectional bonds, Br. J. Psychiatry 130 (1977) 201–210] is useful for understanding the role of parents’ intimate relationships and depressive symptoms in their children’s behavioral adjustment and highlight the importance of addressing mothers’ and fathers’ attributes separately.
Suicide attempts among sexual-minority youths: population and measurement issues.

Two questions were addressed regarding suicide attempts among sexual-minority youths: Who should be classified as a sexual minority, and what constitutes a suicide attempt? Results from 2 studies indicated that sexual-minority youths, broadly defined in terms of sexual orientation and recruitment venue, were slightly more likely than heterosexual youths to report a suicide attempt. To afford a more accurate assessment of suicide attempts, a detailed measure distinguished true from false attempts. This method eliminated over half of suicide attempt reports among sexual minorities because they were false attempts-ideation rather than a concrete act to end life. Furthermore, many true attempts were not life threatening, suggesting that the reports were attempts to communicate the hardships of lives or to identify with a gay community. Language: en
Partial Differential Equations in Conformal Geometry

In this paper we present our recent work on conformally compact Einstein 4-manifolds. We present our discovery of a conformal compactification by positive eigenfunctions and many interesting consequences of this compactification in the study of topology of conformally compact Einstein 4-manifolds.
Evaluating Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), and Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), as a Vegetative Cap for Industrial Brine Landform Stabilization and Phytoremediation

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), and weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) were evaluated for use as a vegetative cover over a brine solid waste surface impoundment. Grass seed and sod were established at soil cap depths of 0, 5.1, 10.2, and 15.3 cm over a brine field. Results indicated that each grass species had benefits for either soil stabilization, phytoremediation, and/or establishing a suitable vegetative cap. Results indicated that seashore paspalum leaf tissue assimilated significantly greater quantities of essential elements potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and molybdenum (Mo) compared to bermudagrass, and weeping lovegrass. Seashore paspalum also contained the highest concentration of chloride in the plant tissue, indicating that seashore paspalum could be a potential brine remediator. Seashore paspalum and bermudagrass were suitable vegetative grass species selections for the Gulf Coast states. Bermudagrass and seashore paspalum successfully g...
Stress and Trance in Freefall Parachuting: A Pilot Study

Freefall parachuting is a demanding activity which, at times, is profoundly stressful. Fifty-nine freefall parachutists completed a survey which dealt with parachuting experience, levels of perceived stress, sources of stress, episodes of altered consciousness, and use of hypnotic techniques in preparation for freefall. Over one third admitted to having experienced a "trance-like state" before, during, or after a jump; the same was true of a state of "altered consciousness." The great majority used mental imagery or another mental or physical technique to prepare for freefall. These results recall the theory that stress predisposes to hypnotic trance. Trance, when unconsciously evoked during emergencies (spontaneous dissociation), may account for some parachuting accidents. When consciously pursued, however, self-hypnosis may provide the jumper with a way to control his level of arousal, facilitate cognitive rehearsal, and enhance performance. Language: en
Focal microinjection of carbachol into the periaqueductal gray induces seizures in the forebrain of the rat

Abstract Previous studies have reported that the repetition of running–bouncing and tonic–clonic seizures mediated by brainstem structures eventually elicits seizure activity in the forebrain. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the periaqueductal gray (PAG) region is a component of the neural network through which brainstem seizures elicit forebrain seizures. Bilateral microinjection of 40 nmol carbachol into the PAG region of rats induced arrested, staring behavior accompanied by epileptiform electrocorticogram (ECoG) afterdischarge recorded from the parietal cortex. In two animals limbic seizure activity similar to kindled amygdala seizures was also induced. The carbachol effect was dose-related as the 40 nmol dose induced a significantly greater duration of ECoG afterdischarge than a 20 nmol dose. The carbachol effect was mediated by muscarinic receptors as bilateral 50 nmol atropine microinjection 1 min prior to 40 nmol carbachol microinjection inhibited all seizure activity. Immunohistochemical detection of the proto-oncogene c - fos was used to verify that seizure activity was induced in forebrain regions. Rats with seizures induced by PAG carbachol microinjections exhibited dense c - fos -like immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus but not the CA 1 or CA 3 regions, amygdala, piriform cortex, perirhinal cortex or hypothalamus. In addition, PAG microinjection of 10 nmol N -methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) induced wild-running convulsions while 400 pmol bicuculline induced clonic spasms, myoclonic activity or limbic seizures. These results indicate that stimulation of the PAG, a brainstem structure, is sufficient to induce forebrain seizures. Since the forebrain seizures were induced by a single carbachol administration, it is proposed that the PAG serves as a pathway for caudal-rostral seizure generalization.
Family structure, family organization, and quality of family life

This study examines how family organization is associated with the quality of family life for parents in first marriages, remarriages with biological children, and several types of stepfamilies. Data are drawn from the 1987–1988 National Survey of Families and Households; only married couples in which both spouses participated in the survey and who had children under age 19 in the household are considered (N=3,120). Results indicate that respondents in different family structures differ in the perceived quality of parent-child relationships, that differences in family structure are not related to differences in family organization, and that some aspects of family organization are related to marital quality and the quality of parent-chil relationships. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicate that family structure and family organization are independently related to the quality of family life.
Intersubunit proximity of residues in the RecA protein as shown by engineered disulfide cross-links.

Mutational studies of regions that make up the oligomeric interface within the RecA protein filament structure have shown that F217 is an important determinant of RecA function and oligomer stability. All substitutions, other than Tyr and Cys, completely inhibit RecA activities and exhibit a substantial decrease in protein filament stability [Skiba, M. C., and Knight, K. L. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 3823-3828; Logan, K. M., et al. (1997) J. Mol. Biol. 266, 306-316]. Although the RecA crystal structure exhibits no obvious constraints that explain this mutational stringency, the structure does reveal a hydrophobic pocket in the neighboring monomer that may accommodate the F217 side chain. Together with the F217C mutation, we have introduced a series of Cys substitutions within the interacting surface on the neighboring monomer and have tested for disulfide formation under various conditions, e.g., with or without ATP and ssDNA. We show that the location of F217 in the crystal structure is in general agreement with its position in the catalytically active RecA-ATP-DNA complex. Functional studies with the mutant proteins support the idea that ATP-induced movement of the wild-type F217 side chain toward this hydrophobic pocket is important in mediating allosteric changes in the RecA protein structure.
A class of deflection-modulated, high-power microwave amplifiers

An unusual deflection-modulated, fast-wave electron device is analyzed. It has several unique properties; the electron beam is unbunched and is perpendicular to the direction of power flow in the circuit, and the circuit could be a simple fundamental-mode rectangular waveguide. The amplifier consists of an electron gun, a deflection cavity, an optional beam-bending system, and an output interaction region. An idealized theory showing that 100% electronic efficiency may be achieved, and several large-signal calculations with over 90% electronic and circuit efficiencies, are presented. The power, gain, and frequency limits to this type of amplifier or frequency multiplier are discussed. The beam power must be greater than 100 kW for efficient operation because the output circuit losses and deflection power depend on beam voltage, not on beam power. The devices operate best at frequencies below a few gigahertz because of limitations on the ratio of beam size to circuit size. The power gains vary between 10 and 25 dB.
Building class models for ATR

Variability within a class of target vehicles seriously impacts the performance of a target recognition system. In this paper we present two main ideas about handling the intra- class variability. First, we develop a metric to quantify and understand the extent of variability within a class and second, we examine the class of T-72 tanks from the MSTAR public release data sets and attempt to make templates representative of the whole class.
Path-dependent conductivity in the regime of floating delocalized states.

We present measurements of the longitudinal conductivity minima in the density\char21{}magnetic-field plane of a low-density, strongly disordered two-dimensional electron gas in a gated GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As heterostructure. We find the position in the n-B phase diagram of the minimum in ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{xx}}$ to be strongly path dependent in the region where the floating of delocalized states is observed. While the position of the minimum in the n sweep is not universal, the position in the B sweep is always found to correspond to an integer value of nh/eB. In an attempt to understand the origin of the floating, we offer a simple model, consistent with experiment, that directly links floating to Landau-level mixing.
A degree of professionalism

There's a growing career path for students who like science, but don't want to be academics.
Imaging with Intermolecular Multiple-Quantum Coherences in Solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

A magnetic resonance imaging technique based on intermolecular multiple-quantum coherences in solution (the correlated spectroscopy revamped by asymmetric z gradient echo detection or CRAZED experiment) is described here. Correlations between spins in different molecules were detected by magnetic-field gradient pulses. In order for a correlation to yield an observable signal, the separation between the two spins must be within a narrow band that depends on the area of the gradient pulses. The separation can be tuned from less than 10 micrometers to more than 1 millimeter, a convenient range for many applications.
Fault interactions and seismic hazard

Abstract Faults usually are not isolated features but exist within a population of faults which may interact through their stress fields. This poses two serious problems for seismic hazard analysis. The most severe such problem lies in estimating the likelihood of whether or not a future earthquake will be confined to a single fault (or fault segment) or will jump to adjacent faults and result in a larger earthquake. We review recent results which show that it is possible to determine the degree of fault interaction from geological data alone. We propose that the probability of an earthquake jumping from one fault to another will increase with the degree of stress interaction between the faults, and introduce a simple criterion to estimate the degree of interaction based on separation and overlap of echelon normal fault pairs. This statics based criterion for normal faults agrees qualitatively with the limited dynamic modeling of (Harris, R.A., Day, S.M., 1993. Dynamics of fault interaction: parallel strike-slip faults. Journal of Geophysical Research 98, 4461–4472) of the more complex case of strike slip faults and suggests that a more general criterion may be obtainable. The second problem discussed is the hazard associated with earthquakes being triggered by earlier earthquakes on a different fault. This phenomena produces seismic hazards distinct from that associated with ordinary aftershocks. We point out that with rapid data acquisition and proper preparation, it is feasible to issue a short-term hazard assessment regarding triggered earthquakes shortly after the occurrence of a potentially triggering event.
Minimizing the effect of periodic and quasi-periodic trends in detrended fluctuation analysis

Abstract Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) has been proposed as a robust technique to determine possible long-range correlations in power-law processes. However, recent studies have reported the susceptibility of DFA to periodic trends, which can result in spurious crossovers. In this brief report, we propose a technique based on singular value decomposition to minimize the effect of both periodic as well as quasi-periodic trends in DFA estimation. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated on publicly available data sets.
Observations of Complex Oscillations in a Closed Thermosyphon

Observations have been made of thermal oscillations in a slightly inclined closed thermosyphon. The thermosyphon is made up of two isothermal tubes, capped at the outer ends, and joined along their axes by an insulating section. The tube assembly is filled with liquid and inclined slightly with respect to the vertical. The lower isothermal section is hotter than the upper one and convection is driven across the insulating region. Between the applied temperature difference at which simple steady convection occurs, and that required for persistent turbulent motions, there is a wide range over which thermal oscillations are observed. These oscillations reflect quasi-periodic flows as well as a type of periodic chaos.
Nucleotide sequence of an intermediate filament cDNA from Torpedo californica.

We report the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence for electric organ antigens (3), including a frog postsynaptic antigen an intermediate filament (IF) gene from the elasmobranch that is recognized by the IF monoclonal antibody (4), has not Torpedo californica. The clone was isolated from a Xgtl 1 cDNA been determined. expression library encoding transcripts from the electric organ and the sequence was obtained from both DNA strands. The deduced protein sequence is highly homologous to other IF REFERENCES proteins in the rod and coil demains, especially desmin and vimentin (1). Western blotting showed that a mon6clonal antibody 1. Weber2K. and Geisler,N. (1985) Annals New YorkAcademyofSciences 455, that recognizes all classes of IFs (2) recognizes a ,B-galactosidlase 2. Pruss et al. (1981) Cell 27, 419-428. fusion protein that encodes the sequences of the full length clone 3. Froehner,S. (1984) J. Cell Biol. 99, 88-96. (data not shown). The relationship between our clone and other 4. Burden,S. (1982) J. Cell Biol. 94, 521-530.
Terrorist risk and income revisited

Using the five sub-indices of the World Markets Research Centre's Global Terrorism Index (GTI), this study finds that national income has a significant relationship with terrorist risk, even after accounting for the other terrorist risk determinants. This finding extends past research that has used the aggregated GTI data to explore the relationship between income and terrorist risk. Specifically, national income is found to be significantly correlated with a country's counter-terrorism abilities, or the ‘Prevention’ risk factor. It is argued in this study that wealthier countries have a greater capability to enhance counter-terrorism and security measures compared with low-income countries and thus the level of economic development should affect a country's terrorist risk. It is suggested that the use of the weighted, aggregate GTI data in past research negates the relationship between national income and terrorist risk, which is apparent at the individual risk factor, or sub-index level.
Boundary distance effects on overshooting.

Experiments with a subject-paced pursuit tracking task show that overshoot rate is dependent upon the distance between the target and the display boundary measured in the direction of movement, and that a previously noted inverse relationship with distance to the target is artifactual. The effect held for tasks with direct and reverse control-display relations, and for tasks with constant and variable target distances. The findings were consistent with Wetford’s (1968) hypothesis that a pursuit response is initiated with a ballistic, distance-covering, movement. Ralph Leonardo carried out extensive work in collecting data, Fred Hyde maintained the apparatus, and Georgie Green assisted in data analysis.
Unintentional overdose and suicide among substance users: A review of overlap and risk factors

Substance use is a risk factor for suicide, suicide attempts, and fatal and non-fatal overdose, but to date, little has been done to integrate the research on suicidal behavior and overdose among substance users. This study reviews the literature on suicide and overdose among substance users with the goal of illuminating the similarities and differences between these two events. A structured review resulted in 15 articles (describing 14 unique studies) published between 1990 and 2010 that examined both overdose and suicide in samples of substance users. There is some evidence that substance users who attempt suicide are more likely to report an overdose and vice versa. This relationship may be partially explained by the fact that overdose is a common method of suicide. The results of the literature review also indicate that substance users with a history of both events may represent a group with particularly poor psychological and social functioning and severe drug-related problems. Further research is needed to understand the overlap of, and differences between, suicide and accidental overdose among individuals who misuse substances, particularly individuals who primarily use substances other than heroin. An improved understanding of the interrelationships between suicide and unintentional overdose among individuals who use alcohol or drugs is necessary to guide the development of effective prevention and intervention approaches.
Tangles and plaques in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease: independence or interaction?

Abstract Although amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), they also occur in healthy, nondemented aging. Tangles are present in all brains over the age of 55, concentrated in specific structures around the hippocampus. The number of tangles increases with age, and with dementia severity in AD, but their relative distribution remains the same. Plaques are not ubiquitous in nondemented cases, but are prominent in all demented cases. While the incidence of plaques increases with age, their density is not related to age or dementia severity. Unlike tangles, plaques develop in the neocortex, with fewer in the hippocampus. The differential distribution of plaques and tangles indicates independent initial formation during non-demented aging. In AD amyloid may accelerate tangle formation.
Menthol: a refreshing look at this ancient compound

Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic terpene alcohol of plant origin, which has been used since antiquity for medicinal purposes. Its use in dermatology is ubiquitous, where it is frequently part of topical antipruritic, antiseptic, analgesic, and cooling formulations. Despite its widespread use, it was only recently that the mechanism by which menthol elicits the same cool sensation as low temperature was elucidated upon, with the discovery of the TRPM8 receptor. Although almost 5 years have passed since the discovery of this receptor, many dermatologists are still unaware of menthol's underlying target. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent advances in the mechanism of action of menthol and to provide an overview of its dermatologic applications.
Dynamic analysis of continuous self-organizing cortical maps

Based on Amaris mathematical formulation of the self- organization of synaptic efficacies and neural response fields under the influence of external stimuli we show that if the map is a contraction, then the system has a unique equilibrium which is globally asymptotically stable; consequently the system acts as a stable encoder of external input stimuli. The system converges to a fixed point representing the steady- state of the neural activity which has as an upper bound the superposition of the spatial integrals of the weight function between neighboring neurons and the stimulus autocorrelation function.
Change, choices, and consequences: A guide to mega thinking and planning by Roger Kaufman, CPT

Roger Kaufman, CPT, is professor emeritus from Florida State University, director of Roger Kaufman & Associates, and Distinguished Research Professor at the Sonora Institute of Technology. He has published 38 books and over 250 articles on strategic planning, performance improvement, quality management and continuous improvement, needs assessment, management, and evaluation. Change, Choices, and Consequences (ISBN: 0–87425–924-X) is published by HRD Press and ISPI. The publisher may be reached online at www.hrdpress.com or by phone at 800–822–2801.
A note on bounds for direct shipping cost

The bounds on direct shipping cost developed by Gallego and Simchi-Levi are used in this note to demonstrate that it is difficult to rule out multiple stop inventory-routing strategies, even when the optimal shipment size for direct shipping is a full vehicle.
Gradient echo plural contrast imaging--signal model and derived contrasts: T2*, T1, phase, SWI, T1f, FST2*and T2*-SWI

Gradient Echo Plural Contrast Imaging (GEPCI) is a post processing technique that, based on a widely available multiple gradient echo sequence, allows simultaneous generation of naturally co-registered images with various contrasts: T1 weighted, R2*=1/T2* maps and frequency (f) maps. Herein, we present results demonstrating the capability of GEPCI technique to generate image sets with additional contrast characteristics obtained by combing the information from these three basic contrast maps. Specifically, we report its ability to generate GEPCI-susceptibility weighted images (GEPCI-SWI) with improved SWI contrast that is free of T1 weighting and RF inhomogeneities; GEPCI-SWI-like images with the contrast similar to original SWI; T1f images that offer superior GM/WM matter contrast obtained by combining the GEPCI T1 and frequency map data; Fluid Suppressed T2* (FST2*) images that utilize GEPCI T1 data to suppress CSF signal in T2* maps and provide contrast similar to FLAIR T2 weighted images; and T2*-SWI images that combine SWI contrast with quantitative T2* map and offer advantages of visualizing venous structure with hyperintense T2* lesions (e.g. MS lesions). To analyze GEPCI images we use an improved algorithm for combining data from multi-channel RF coils and a method for unwrapping phase/frequency maps that takes advantage of the information on phase evolution as a function of gradient echo time in GEPCI echo train.
Survival of communally reared larval and juvenile lobsters, Homarus americanus

Survival of individually reared larval and juvenile stage lobsters, Homarus americanus (Milne-Edwards), was significantly higher than in corresponding groups of communally reared individuals. Among communally reared lobsters, the mortality rate was highest in the second-stage larvae and then progressively decreased in the later stages. The relationship between survival and duration of molt period of each life-cycle stage indicates that asynchronous molting in the groups of communally reared lobsters is a contributing factor to the higher mortality rate. The molting and mortality curves of communally held lobsters reared from the first larval to first or second juvenile stage showed best cross correlation at 0- or 1-day time lag. The decreased mortality rate observed in the later larval and juvenile stages appears to have resulted from the establishment of new behavior patterns. Group interactions which are influenced by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors lead to higher mortality rate (“cannibalism”) among communally reared lobsters.
Raman intensity as a function of exciting wavelength for a vibration known to mix electronic states

$^{1}$ A.C. Albrecht, J. Chem. Phys. 34, 1476 (1961). $^{2}$ W.L. Peticolas, L. Nafie, P. Stein, and B. Fanconi, J. Chem. Phys. 52, 1576 (1970). $^{3}$ L. L. Krushinskii and P. P. Shorygin, Opt. Spectrose. 19, 312 (1965).""
Methodological hurdles in conducting pharmacoeconomic analyses.

As total healthcare spending increases throughout the world, greater emphasis is being placed on research which demonstrates value for medical interventions, including new and existing pharmaceuticals. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations can assist manufacturers, insurers, clinicians, governmental agencies, policy-makers and consumers to make informed, appropriate decisions about adoption and application of new medications. Because of the far-reaching implications of this research, it is important that researchers adequately address methodological challenges. In this article, we describe the uses of results of pharmacoeconomic trials, identify and discuss various study designs and methods for gathering nonclinical outcome data which may differ significantly from clinical outcome data, and consider the importance and difficulty of incorporating the patients’ experience into such trials. Researchers in this area must give specific consideration to sample size estimation for economic outcomes, and carefully handle time issues including duration of observation for complications and discounting of future health and financial consequences. Costs from different perspectives associated with resource use should be assembled in a standard fashion. Use of charges which may not be standardised across geographical or organisational boundaries are discouraged. Inclusion of appropriate health-related quality-of-life (HR-QOL) and utility instruments is increasingly important, but controversy over the best methods still exists. While there is little question of the importance of pharmacoeconomic evaluations, they are expensive. Well designed and executed pharmacoeconomic trials can justify this expense by helping decision-makers understand which treatments have value.
Unravelling Sleep Problems in Treated and Untreated Children with ADHD

ABSTRACT This study investigated parental perception of sleep problems in stimulant treated and untreated children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents of 135 psychiatric clinic referred children and 83 pediatric outpatients completed a sleep questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist. Moderate to severe "sleep problems" reportedly occurred at least once a week in 19.3% of children with ADHD, 13.3% of the psychiatric controls, and 6.2% of the pediatric controls. Children with ADHD treated with stimulants were reported to display a higher prevalence of nightly "severe" sleep problems than did untreated children with ADHD. Almost a third (29%) of stimulant treated ADHD children were reported to display increased sleep latency or insomnia every night versus 10% of untreated children with ADHD. Despite the high prevalence of sleep related problems in ADHD, the significance of the association between delayed sleep onset and ADHD with regard to etiology and management of ADHD is sti...
A Rigorous Optical DPSK Transceiver Model and BER Calculation Using the KLSE Method

After developing a detailed model for DPSK transceivers, we present a covariance matrix based BER calculation method. We show that the transceiver imperfection and the linear fiber effects, such as chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion, can be incorporated into our model and our BER calculation method. With the developed BER calculation method, we assess the modulation bandwidth limitations, and compare the performance of RZ-DPSK with NRZ-DPSK for a back-to-back 40 Gb/s DPSK system.
Reply to the Comment of Vermani and Beers

The argument of Vermani and Beers is centered around two examples. The smallness of the discrepancy noted in the case of the harmonic oscillation reinforces our confidence in the validity of the Kramers transformation method for the potential case. The generalization of the method to the two-level system is fundamentally different from the potential case. We are thus unwilling to accept conclusions drawn from this particular model as having general validity.
Motorcycle Helmets and Spinal Injuries: Dispelling the Myth

Abstract Study objective: To determine the relationship between spinal injuries and helmet use in motorcycle trauma. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Twenty-eight hospitals in four midwestern states–Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin–representing urban, suburban, and rural settings. Patients and other participants: Consecutive sample of motorcyclists treated at the participating centers. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: The major variables evaluated were helmet use, ethanol use, and significant head or spinal injuries. Results: 1,153 cases were analyzed. Helmet use was not significantly associated with spinal injuries (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence intervals, 0.79, 1.58) whereas head injury was markedly decreased with helmet use (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence intervals, 0.23, 0.53). Ethanol use was a significant variable in both head (odds ratio, 3.89) and spinal (odds ratio, 2.41) injuries. Conclusion: In contrast to a significant protective relationship identified for head injuries, helmet use was not associated with an increased or decreased occurrence rate of spinal injuries in motorcycle trauma. [Orsay EM, Muelleman RL, Peterson TD, Jurisic DH, Kosasih JB, Levy P: Motorcycle helmets and spinal injuries: Dispelling the myth. Ann Emerg Med April 1994;23:802-806.]
Electron-dislocation interaction in copper

We present measurements of the influence of magnetic fields on the flow stress of copper and show that the mobile dislocations are affected by magnetic fields. This observation is consistent with the mobile dislocations moving at high velocities, so that inertial effects must be considered when dislocations move in copper. We describe the effect by treating the dislocation according to a string model with the inclusion of a damping term due to electrons.
Interaction effects of wind-blown flames from wood crib fires

In the past, the authors and their colleagues have studied the effects of wind-blown flames involving burning gases and liquid pool fires. It would seem logical to conduct a similar study with solid fuels. This the authors have done, and they report their observations here.
The 1883 eruption of Krakatau

The 1883 eruption of Krakatau was a modest ignimbrite-forming event. The deposits are primarily coarse-grained dacitic, non-welded ignimbrite. Large explosions produced pyroclastic flows that entered the sea, generating destructive tsunami. Grain-size studies of the ignimbrite suggest that these explosions were not driven by magma-seawater interaction. The total bulk volume of pyroclastic deposits, including co-ignimbrite ash, is estimated to be 18-21 cu km.
Peacekeepers’ Privilege and Sexual Abuse in Post-Conflict Populations

In recent years, the gendered components of international political affairs have emerged as a significant issue within academic and scholarly discourse. The multi-dimensional mandate afforded to mo...
Mechanisms and energetics of SiH3 adsorption on the pristine Si(0 0 1)- (2×1) surface

Abstract A theoretical study is presented of the adsorption mechanisms and energetics of the silyl (SiH 3 ) radical on the pristine Si(0 0 1)-(2×1) surface based on density functional theory and molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations. Adsorption mechanisms include: (i) SiH 3 attachment to a surface dangling bond, (ii) dissociative adsorption that involves insertion between dimer atoms and breaking of the dimer bond, (iii) bonding to two surface dimer atoms of neighboring pairs in the same dimer row, and (iv) bridging of neighboring dimer rows. The dissociative adsorption where the Si–Si surface dimer bond is broken is the most exothermic mechanism.
Session 2. Biological research.

Biotechnology is not a new phenomenon; its techniques have been used throughout history. Microorganisms have been used since early times to make bread and beer. These processes were the beginnings of the microbial fermentation technologies that continue to be practiced today. It was not until the 1970s, however, that scientists learned to reach into living organisms and precisely alter their genetic structures, leading to the development of metabolic engineering, which takes advantage of advances in DNA cloning and sequencing technologies, synthesis and amplification techniques, arming scientists with the ability to target and purposefully alter metabolic pathways within organisms. This will result in a better understanding and utilization of the cellular pathways for chemical transformation, energy transduction, and supermolecular assembly. Bioprocessing is the ability to use living organisms or their components to produce marketable materials. Chemicals and fuels can be produced through bioprocesses, eliminating the need for energy-intensive chemical processes and reducing our national dependence on petroleum. In the case of fuel production, ethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass, which includes agricultural wastes, such as rice straw and corn fiber, represents an opportunity to clean up waste products that have polluted our environment and turn them into a valuable commodity. The work presented in this session is representative research in chemical and fuels production using biological organisms in place of chemical methods. These biological systems, whether they are E. coli engineered with the capability to grow on limonene, or yeasts that can ferment five and six carbon sugars, will be valuable to the future of the chemical and fuels industry. As scientists learn more about our environment and the need to reduce petroleum-based chemistry, more and more opportunities arise for novel bioprocesses, and with the development of each process, there is an overwhelming need to learn more about the systems under development.
Algorithm for optimal loss reduction in serial manufacturing

Quality improvement efforts and process planning for quality both focus on the manufacturing process and the effect of each processing step on the quality of the manufactured part. A probabilistic model that describes the serial effects of subprocessing rates and times on the quality of a part characteristic is proposed. The Taguchi loss function is used as a guide to action on the process, because expected loss per part operationally defines the consequences of off-target process centring and excessive process variation. Continual reduction of loss is conceived as a sequence of specific actions on subprocessing rates or times, each action providing an increment of loss reduction via an adjustment to a mean, a reduction in a variance, or both. An algorithm is reported that automatically generates the optimal sequence of loss reduction actions on a serial manufacturing process. Each action prescribed to the quality engineer is the one that, within the technology limits of the subprocesses, provides the mos...
Three-dimensional nonlinear regularized inversion of the induced polarization data based on the Cole–Cole model

Abstract The quantitative interpretation of induced polarization (IP) data in a complex three-dimensional (3D) environment is a very challenging problem. The analysis of IP phenomena is usually based on models with frequency dependent conductivity distributions. In this paper, we develop a technique for 3D nonlinear inversion of IP data based on the Cole–Cole relaxation model. Our method takes into account, though in an approximate way, the nonlinearity of electromagnetic induction and IP phenomena, and inverts the observed data for the Cole–Cole model parameters. The solution of the 3D IP inverse problem is based on both smooth and focusing regularized inversion, which helps to generate more reliable images of the subsurface structures. The method is tested on synthetic models with anomalous conductivity and intrinsic chargeability, and is also applied to a practical 3D IP survey. We demonstrate that both the electrical conductivity and the chargeability distributions, as well as the other parameters of the Cole–Cole model, can be recovered from the observed IP data simultaneously. The recovered parameters of the Cole–Cole model can be used for the discrimination of the different types of mineralization, which is an important goal in mineral exploration.