cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality and Signal Detection Effects on a Short-Term Memory Task with Mentally Retarded Children

Summary.-The purpose was to compare a priori and d' measures using data from Swanson and Watson's (1976) study with 10 mentally retarded children on a serial recognition task. Treatment main effects were simi!ar using both measures. Significant primacy and recency effects were found with d' measures, however, this was not found in a porr hoc analysis of proportion correct scores. The results suggested that future invest~garlons of serial recognition performance with emotionally mentally retarded ch~ldren use an unbiased index of memory strength. Recent scudies (e.g., Berch, 1975; Keely, 1971) have noted that the a priori (proportion correct) index commonly used in the probe-type serial memory task as developed by Atkinson, Hansen, and Bernback (1964) is sensitive to a variation in both memory strength and response bias. Thus, to the extent that subjects possess differential serial position response biases, the a prior; measure may lead to false conclusions regarding the relative levels of retention for different positions. The purpose of this study was to test this assumption by directly comparing a priori and unbiased measures (d') derived from the theory of signal decection on data reported in a recent study by Swanson and Watson ( 1976). In the preceding study the d' index was used to differentiace between strength of memory and response bias of 10 mentally retarded children on serial-recognition performance. Using a task outlined by Atkinson, et nl. (1364), significantly better recognition was found with three-dimensional than with two-dimensional representations, as reported by Swanson and Watson (1976). Response biases based on the Cj index for the middle position were found for both the two- and three-dimensional conditions. For the present analysis, raw scores from the above study were converted to the proportion correct at each serial position under both dimensionalities for each child's performance. A 2 X 6 (stimulus dimensionality X serial position) repeatedmeasures analysis of variance was performed on the a priori first-choice scores. As with Swanson and Watson's (1976) d' data, the analysis yielded a significant main effect of stimulus dimensionality ( F1,$ = 9.63, p < .05 ), indicating that
Unaccompanied status as a risk factor in Vietnamese Amerasians

This study prospectively evaluates the relationship between unaccompanied status and levels of psychological distress in a group of Vietnamese Amerasians both prior to, and during, migration. Its objective was to determine whether unaccompanied migrant status functions as an independent post-departure risk factor for psychological distress, or if unaccompanied migrants are already at increased risk for, and have higher levels of, psychological distress prior to departure and the acquisition of unaccompanied status. Seventy-five Vietnamese Amerasian youth were evaluated at two points during their migration utilizing Felsman's Personal Information Form, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, and the Youth Self-Report. The first assessment was conducted prior to migration at the Amerasian Transit Center in Vietnam, and the second during migration at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center. Unaccompanied Amerasians were found to have significantly higher risk levels for, and significantly more symptoms of, psychological distress prior to migration than accompanied Amerasians. During migration the difference in levels of psychological distress between accompanied and unaccompanied Amerasians increased beyond that attributable to predeparture risk levels alone. This significant differential increase in levels of psychological distress among unaccompanied Amerasians is attributable to unaccompanied status. Unaccompanied migrant status thus appears to function both as an independent postdeparture risk factor for psychological distress and also as a marker for increased levels of risk and psychological distress prior to migration.
Analysis of wind turbine vibrations based on SCADA data

Vibrations of a wind turbine have a negative impact on its performance. Mitigating this undesirable impact requires knowledge of the relationship between the vibrations and other wind turbine parameters that could be potentially modified. Three approaches for ranking the impact importance of measurable turbine parameters on the vibrations of the drive train and the tower are discussed. They include the predictor importance analysis, the global sensitivity analysis, and the correlation coefficient analysis versed in data mining and statistics. To decouple the impact of wind speed on the vibrations of the drive train and the tower, the analysis is performed on data sets with narrow speed ranges. Wavelet analysis is applied to filter noisy accelerometer data. To exclude the impact malfunctions on the vibration analysis, the data are analyzed in a frequency domain. Data-mining algorithms are used to build models with turbine parameters of interest as inputs, and the vibrations of drive train and tower as outputs. The performance of each model is thoroughly evaluated based on metrics widely used in the wind industry. The neural network algorithm outperforms other classifiers and is considered to be the most promising approach to study wind turbine vibrations.
Implications of the trapping-desorption and direct inelastic-scattering channels on Dicke-narrowed line shapes

The Dicke-narrowed line shape of an atom in a wall-coated, bufferless atomic storage cell is composed of two parts, a sharp central spike and a broad underlying pedestal. To understand the pedestal shape we find that it is necessary to account for various atom-surface scattering channels. Conversely, analysis of the pedestal shape yields information concerning these scattering channels. In particular, nearly-Doppler-broadened pedestals, observed for alkali-metal hyperfine transitions in cells with paraffin coatings, indicate that both a trapping-desorption channel and a direct inelastic or quasielastic channel are accessible in the atom-surface scattering process. Alternatively, the appearance of much narrower pedestals, observed in cells with dichlordimethysilane coatings, indicates that the trapping-desorption channel dominates the atom-surface scattering process.
A density functional theory benchmark of the formation enthalpy and first CO dissociation enthalpy of hexacarbonyl complexes of chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten

Abstract Reaction energies have been calculated for the hexacarbonyl metal complexes of chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten using six different Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods. Two gas phase reactions have been utilized to benchmark the computed results. The reactions are the heat of formation of the hexacarbonyl complex from its metal dioxide, dicarbon and dioxygen; and the first dissociation enthalpy of the carbonyl ligand. It was found that all DFT methods agreed well with the available experimental data. For the formation reaction, all methods underestimate the formation enthalpy, while non-hybrid methods do better than the methods involving functional hybridization. Including a diffuse function in the basis set decreases the magnitude of the formation enthalpy. For the CO dissociation reaction the LYP methods underestimate the bond enthalpy consistently for all the metals. There was not much difference between using a hybrid and a non-hybrid functionals, except when comparing the PWP91 and B3PW91 methods, but it was found that the level of exchange and correlation affects the result, especially when using the LYP-based methods. A comparison of calculated geometries and frequencies is also made with available experimental and computational data, confirming that the ground state of WO 2 is a singlet.
Cyclic [beta]-1,6 -1,3 Glucans Are Synthesized by Bradyrhizobium japonicum Bacteroids within Soybean (Glycine max) Root Nodules

We have previously reported that free-living cultures of Bradyrhizobium species produce novel oligosaccharides that are cyclic, contain between 10 and 13 glucose residues, and are linked by [beta]-1,6 and [beta]-1,3 glycosidic bonds (K.J. Miller, R.S. Gore, R. Johnson, A.J. Benesi, V.N. Reinhold [1990] J Bacteriol 172: 136–142). In the present study, we show that these glucans are also synthesized by bacteroids of Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 within Glycine max root nodules.
Application of circuit theory to the design of servomechanisms

Abstract Circuit analysis methods have proved to be powerful tools in the design of automatic control systems.A servomechanism and its principal components are defined, and the reason for employing this type of automatic control system pointed out.The general requirements of stability, accuracy, and speed of response are emphasized and methods are explained by which they may be calculated for particular systems. The similarity between a servomechanism and a feedback amplifier is pointed out. The types of circuits employed in correcting the dynamical and steady state responses of servomechanisms are illustrated and methods of choosing circuit parameters are developed.
Adult Education and the Rational-Irrational Dimension of Prejudice

Using teachers and counselors attending an eight week insti tute on problems of school desegregation as subjects, this study sought to estimate the degree of change in ethnic attitudes on the rational-irrational and anti-pro minority dimensions of prejudice as related to participation in an intensive adult education experience. Systematic procedures were employed to relate degree of change on these dimensions of prejudice to group learning method, social attitude set, and characteristics of race, age, and sex. Findings supported a fundamental postulate of the study that attitude change is related to participation in intensive educational experi ences. The degree of change varied on the anti-minority dimension of prejudice as related to social attitude set and to age. The degree of change on the rational (cognitive) pro-minority dimension was greater among older subjects than among younger subjects. There was little evidence to support hypotheses on the relation of attitude change to group learning methods.
HARTOS: a distributed real-time operating system

This paper outlines the design objectives and research goals for HARTOS, a distributed real-time operating system being developed at The University of Michigan. This effort is part of a larger research project to design and implement an experimental distributed real-time system called the Hexagonal Architecture for Real-Time Systems (HARTS). An important feature of HARTS is the use of an intelligent network processor to handle many of the functions relating to communications. The paper focuses on the communications aspects of the operating system and the control software kernel of the network processor. The preliminary version of the kernel provides good support for inter-process communication and distributed control. Its performance has been measured and analyzed and found to be comparable to that of other message passing systems like the V system.
Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on guinea pig heart muscle

Abstract Cardiac effects of TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) were examined using atrial muscle isolated from young or mature guinea pigs fed ad libitum, from young animals 10 or 20 days after a single ip injection of 1 μg TCDD/kg body wt, and from control guinea pigs pair-fed to the TCDD-treated animals. Basal contraction force of left atrial muscle obtained from TCDD-treated and pair-fed control guinea pigs 10 days after treatment was significantly increased compared to atrial muscle obtained from ad libitum control animals. Atrial muscle from TCDD-treated animals 20 days after treatment had a significantly lower basal force of contraction while that from pair-fed animals was significantly higher relative to atrial muscle from ad libitum control animals. These results suggest that the TCDD-induced change in basal atrial contraction force is in part due to undernutrition and that prolonged exposure to TCDD inhibits this response observed in pair-fed animals. Furthermore, prolonged TCDD treatment shifted the dose-response curve for the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol to the right with no statistically significant change in the maximal inotropic effect obtained with high concentrations of isoproterenol. The TCDD-induced changes in force of contraction and the dose-response curve for the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol were similar in young TCDD-treated and mature control guinea pigs. TCDD did not alter the basal contraction frequency or the dose-response curve for the positive chronotropic effect of isoproterenol. There was no effect on cardiac lipoprotein lipase activity at 1 μg/kg, but in animals administered 4 μg TCDD/kg activity was reduced. It was concluded that TCDD adversely affects atrial muscle of guinea pig heart.
A new species of Staphylea (Staphyleaceae) from Sichuan, China.

Staphylea campanulata, a new species from the Sichuan Province of China, is described and its morphological distinctions from related species are discussed.
Maintenance of richness despite reduced abundance of desert bees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes) to persistent grazing

Anthropogenic changes to ecosystems typically result in decreased species richness and abundance relative to that of adjacent semi-pristine or pris- tine areas. Yet, there is debate about the generality of this result for bees given that most studies have included extremely disturbed areas and are from a lim- ited set of biogeographical areas. 2. Repeat sampling of an unusually specialised, species-rich bee community was done in the north-western Chihuahuan Desert, North America at sites in five habitats (riparian, mesquite forest, abandoned field, grassland, and desert scrub) that either had been intensely grazed by cattle in the previous year or not been grazed for 22+ years. 3. Species density and species composition of bees did not change in response to grazing, abundance and proportion of singleton species (those represented by one specimen) did. In all habitats, other than the riparian, there was lower overall abundance and a greater proportion of singleton species at sites that had been recently grazed than at sites that had not been grazed since 1979. The proportion of singletons was greater in recently grazed than in long-term ungrazed areas, but pollen-specialist species did not respond more strongly than pollen generalists. 4. The substantial variation in bee abundance and rarity was probably associ- ated with differences in floral resources. Overall, lower bee abundance in grazed areas reflects the continuous removal by grazers of the flowers that bees use. Despite reduced bee abundance due to long-term grazing, species richness, and composition in this desert bee community remained high.
The psychiatric clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioner: An example of a combined role

The purpose of this article is to provide an historical overview of the clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner roles in psychiatric nursing. This article is written as a follow-up to that of Dyer, Hammill, Regan-Kubinski, Yurick, & Kobert, (1997), Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 11 , 2–11, in which a new paradigm for delivering comprehensive mental and general health services is conceptualized, i.e., the psychiatric-primary care nurse practitioner role. In this article an alternative model is presented: the psychiatric clinical nurse specialist/nurse practitioner role. Similarities and differences in the two roles are discussed.
Coupled quantum–continuum analysis of crack tip processes in aluminum

Abstract A concurrent multiscale method is presented that couples a quantum mechanically governed atomistic domain to a continuum domain. The approach is general in that it is applicable to a wide range of quantum and continuum material modeling methodologies. It also provides quantifiable and controllable coupling errors via a force-based-coupling strategy. The applications presented here utilize an atomistic region that is governed by Kohn–Sham density functional theory and a continuum region governed by linear elasticity with discrete dislocation capabilities. As a validation we compute the core structure of a screw dislocation in aluminum and compare to previously published results. Then we investigate two crack orientations in aluminum and predict the critical load at which crack propagation and crack tip dislocation nucleation occurs. We compute critical loads with both LDA and GGA exchange correlation functionals and compare our results to popular empirical potentials in the context of classical continuum models. Overall this work aims to lay a foundation for future quantum mechanics-based investigations of crack tip processes involving Al alloys and impurity elements.
First-order Fermi particle acceleration by relativistic shocks

Monte Carlo calculations of test particle spectra and acceleration times are presented from first-order Fermi particle acceleration for parallel shocks with arbitrary flow velocities and compression ratios r up to seven, shock velocities u1 up to 0.98c, and injection energies ranging from thermal to highly superthermal. Far above the injection energy, the spectra are well-approximated by a power law and the spectra are always harder than for nonrelativistic shocks. Approximate analytic expression are given for the spectral slope as a function of u1 and r. The acceleration time as a function of particle energy is less than for nonrelativistic shocks by a factor that increases with u1 and is about three for u1 = 0.98c. It is confirmed that the spectrum for pitch-angle diffusion is considerably steeper than for large-angle scattering for the same shock parameters.
Effectiveness of a prebariatric surgery insurance-required weight loss regimen and relation to postsurgical weight loss.

Most US insurance companies require patients to participate in a medically supervised weight loss regimen prior to bariatric surgery. However, the utility of this requirement has not been documented. Data was collected from 94 bariatric surgery patients who were required, and 59 patients who were not required, by their insurance company to participate in a presurgical weight loss regimen. Weight change in the required group, as well as group differences in weight change, was examined from 3 and 6 months presurgery to 1 week presurgery, and from 1 week presurgery to 3 months postsurgery. Weight change presurgery was then used to predict weight loss postsurgery. In the 6 months prior to surgery, required patients gained 3.7 kg ± 5.9 (s.d.) (P 70%) in this sample gained weight prior to surgery, potentially taking advantage of final opportunities to overindulge in preferred foods. Required patients fared no better in terms of weight change postsurgically and, surprisingly, presurgical weight gain predicted better postsurgical weight loss outcome. Several potential explanations for this finding are offered.
Performance Assessment of the Optical Transient Detector and Lightning Imaging Sensor

We describe the clustering algorithm used by the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) and the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) for combining the lightning pulse data into events, groups, flashes, and areas. Events are single pixels that exceed the LIS/OTD background level during a single frame (2 ms). Groups are clusters of events that occur within the same frame and in adjacent pixels. Flashes are clusters of groups that occur within 330 ms and either 5.5 km (for LIS) or 16.5 km (for OTD) of each other. Areas are clusters of flashes that occur within 16.5 km of each other. Many investigators are utilizing the LIS/OTD flash data; therefore, we test how variations in the algorithms for the event group and group-flash clustering affect the flash count for a subset of the LIS data. We divided the subset into areas with low (1-3), medium (4-15), high (16-63), and very high (64+) flashes to see how changes in the clustering parameters affect the flash rates in these different sizes of areas. We found that as long as the cluster parameters are within about a factor of two of the current values, the flash counts do not change by more than about 20%. Therefore, the flash clustering algorithm used by the LIS and OTD sensors create flash rates that are relatively insensitive to reasonable variations in the clustering algorithms.
Comparison of theory with experiment in convectionless growth of crystals from solution

Wilcox's computer program for predicting the growth rates of crystals in convectionless supersaturated solution is used to model experiments to measure the crystal growth experiments of Simon (1978) and of Nerad and Shlichta (1984), and the results are compared with the experimental data. The predictions of Wilcox's model are found to be in remarkably good agreement with the results of Simon. The data of Nerad and Shlichta are 30 to 90 percent higher than the predictions of the Wilcox model for a certain range of temperature dependence, consistent with the observation of occasional low-level convection in these experiments. These comparisons indicate that the Wilcox model can be used to make reliable order-of-magnitude predictions of growth rates in the absence of convection.
Transcriptional regulation of the human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor gene by interferon-γ

IgA is transported into external secretions by the polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a major regulator of pIgR expression, has been shown to increase pIgR mRNA levels in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. To determine the molecular mechanisms of pIgR regulation, genomic DNA containing the 5'-flanking region of the human pIgR gene was isolated and a single start site of transcription in human intestinal epithelial cells was identified. Using chimeric reporter plasmids containing flanking regions of the pIgR gene, a segment of the pIgR promoter which is necessary and sufficient for induction of transcription by IFN-gamma in HT-29 cells was identified. Significantly, the pIgR promoter contains three motifs homologous to the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE), two in the 5'-flanking region and one in exon 1 of the pIgR gene. The upstream ISREs bind nuclear protein(s) which are constitutively expressed by HT-29 cells, while the exon 1 ISRE binds interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), following stimulation with IFN-gamma. Furthermore, induction of the IRF-1 promoter by IFN-gamma correlates with induction of the pIgR promoter by IFN-gamma. It has previously been demonstrated that induction of pIgR mRNA by IFN-gamma, requires de novo protein synthesis. It is now shown that IRF-1 is not detected in nuclear extracts from HT-29 cells stimulated with IFN-gamma in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo synthesis of IRF-1 is required for induction of pIgR transcription by IFN-gamma.
A novel FGFR2 gene mutation in Crouzon syndrome associated with apparent nonpenetrance.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether specific mutations within the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene that are associated with Crouzon syndrome can be present in an individual who had been assumed to be “clinically normal.” Methods: Most mutations responsible for Crouzon syndrome occur in exons IIIa (U) or IIIc (B) of the FGFR2 gene, which facilitates allelotyping using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–mediated mutation analysis. Once a specific mutation was identified in the index case, remaining affected family members and “clinically normal” first-degree relatives were analyzed in order to correlate genotype with phenotype. Results: A novel missense mutation—-a G to T transversion—involving the first base of codon 362 was identified in all Crouzon syndrome-affected family members and in one “clinically normal”–appearing parent following DNA sequencing of exon B of the FGFR2 gene and specific BstNI restriction fragment length polymorphism. Pattern profile analysis demonstrated a consist...
Controlling misses and false alarms in a machine learning framework for predicting uniformity of printed pages

In our previous work 1 , we presented a block-based technique to analyze printed page uniformity both visually and metrically. The features learned from the models were then employed in a Support Vector Machine (SVM) framework to classify the pages into one of the two categories of acceptable and unacceptable quality. In this paper, we introduce a set of tools for machine learning in the assessment of printed page uniformity. This work is primarily targeted to the printing industry, specifically the ubiquitous laser, electrophotographic printer. We use features that are well-correlated with the rankings of expert observers to develop a novel machine learning framework that allows one to achieve the minimum "false alarm" rate, subject to a chosen "miss" rate. Surprisingly, most of the research that has been conducted on machine learning does not consider this framework. During the process of developing a new product, test engineers will print hundreds of test pages, which can be scanned and then analyzed by an autonomous algorithm. Among these pages, most may be of acceptable quality. The objective is to find the ones that are not. These will provide critically important information to systems designers, regarding issues that need to be addressed in improving the printer design. A "miss" is defined to be a page that is not of acceptable quality to an expert observer that the prediction algorithm declares to be a "pass". Misses are a serious problem, since they represent problems that will not be seen by the systems designers. On the other hand, "false alarms" correspond to pages that an expert observer would declare to be of acceptable quality, but which are flagged by the prediction algorithm as "fails". In a typical printer testing and development scenario, such pages would be examined by an expert, and found to be of acceptable quality after all. "False alarm" pages result in extra pages to be examined by expert observers, which increases labor cost. But "false alarms" are not nearly as catastrophic as "misses", which represent potentially serious problems that are never seen by the systems developers. This scenario motivates us to develop a machine learning framework that will achieve the minimum "false alarm" rate subject to a specified "miss" rate. In order to construct such a set of receiver operating characteristic 2 (ROC) curves, we examine various tools for the prediction, ranging from an exhaustive search over the space of the nonlinear discriminants to a Cost-Sentitive SVM 3 framework. We then compare the curves gained from those methods. Our work shows promise for applying a standard framework to obtain a full ROC curve when it comes to tackling other machine learning problems in industry.
Nonlinear dynamic response of reinforced concrete under impulsive loading: Research status and needs

Abstract Current research status is presented for the multidimensional nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete subjected to impulsive load conditions. Strategy for the solution of nonlinear dynamic equations is discussed. The description of the development of models for material behavior is given. Further research needs and interests for the development of improved analysis capabilities are indicated.
Time course and morphology of dopaminergic neuronal death caused by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

Mechanisms responsible for 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopamine (DA) neuronal death remain unknown and in mice it is even unclear whether neuronal death does occur. In vitro studies suggest that 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), the active metabolite of MPTP, kills neurons by apoptosis. Herein, we investigated whether MPTP induces DA neuronal death in vivo in mice and whether the mechanism is that of apoptosis. C57/bl Mice received different doses of MPTP administered in four intraperitoneal injections every 2 hours and were sacrificed at different time points for analyses of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry, silver staining, and Nissl staining within the mesencephalon. We found that MPTP induces neuronal destruction in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The active phase of degeneration began at 12 h postinjection and continued up to 4 days. During this period, there was a greater decrease in TH-defined neurons than in Nissl-stained neurons suggesting that MPTP can cause a loss in TH without necessarily destroying the neuron. Thereafter, neuronal counts by both techniques equalized and there was no further loss of DA neurons. Dying neurons showed shrunken eosinophilic cytoplasm and shrunken darkly stained nuclei. Double staining revealed degenerating neurons solely among TH positive neurons of SNpc and VTA. At no time point and at no dose of MPTP was apoptosis observed. In addition, in situ labelling revealed no evidence of DNA fragmentation. This study demonstrates that the MPTP mouse model replicates several key features of neurodegeneration of DA neurons in PD and provides no in vivo evidence that, using this specific paradigm of injection, MPTP kills DA neurons by apoptosis.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND INTERLACING OF THE ZEROS OF STIELTJES POLYNOMIALS

Polynomial solutions to the generalized Lame equation, the Stieltjes polynomials, and the associated Van Vleck polynomials have been studied since the 1830's, beginning with Lame in his studies of the Laplace equation on an ellipsoid, and in an ever widening variety of applications since. In this paper we show how the zeros of Stieltjes polynomials are distributed and present two new interlacing theorems. We arrange the Stieltjes polynomials according to their Van Vleck zeros and show, firstly, that the zeros of successive Stieltjes polynomials of the same degree interlace, and secondly, that the zeros of certain Stieltjes polynomials of successive degrees interlace.
SU-FF-T-75: Accuracy Assessment of a Non-Invasive Image Guided System for Intra-Cranial Linac Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: To assess the total system accuracy of a non‐invasive image guided technique for intra‐cranial radiosurgery.Method and Materials: To test the system three fiducials were placed in a Rando head phantom in cerebellar, mid‐brain and lateral‐frontal locations. A stereotactic mask system by Brainlab was used for immobilization. Positioning was based on the Novalis Body system consisting of two kV x‐ray cameras with amorphous silicondetectors and an IR tracking system calibrated to the treatment isocenter. CT scans were acquired using a slice thickness of 1.25 mm. For each scan the phantom was positioned in the immobilizer and an attachment with IR‐reflective spheres was added. Using the Brainscan 5.31 treatment planningsystem, the IR markers were localized and an isocenter placed on each fiducial. Plan information was exported to the Novalis Body computer. The phantom was initially positioned using the IR tracking system. X‐ray images were obtained and an automatic 6‐D bony fusion performed. Shifts calculated by the fusion were performed under guidance of the IR system. Port films were taken and the deviation between the center of the fiducial and the treatment isocenter was evaluated. Results: A total of 57 phantom setups were performed (19 for each anatomical location). The measured mean total system error magnitude was 0.73 mm with a standard deviation of 0.29 mm. The positioning accuracy for the lateral frontal fiducial was found to be slightly inferior to the other two with a mean error magnitude of 0.96 mm compared to 0.60 mm and 0.64 mm for cerebellar and mid‐brain respectively. Conclusion: In all cases the radiosurgery accuracy requirements specified in AAPM Report #54 were met or exceeded. This system provides equivalent accuracy to conventional invasive frame based radiosurgery and can substantially improve both patient comfort and treatment planning workflow.
Rotating Spherical Electrode: A Perturbation Theory for Schmidt Number Corrections

Using a method of singular perturbation, the theory of the rotating spherical electrode has been extended to include the correction terms for convective diffusion at small Schmidt numbers. The resulting rate equation expressed in the form of an asymptotic series permits a good approximation of the transfer rate for . Within this region the accuracy of the theory increases with increasing Schmidt numbers; the maximum error, occurring at , is less than 5%.
Application of theta functions for numerical evaluation of complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kinds

Abstract An approximation method based on the use of theta functions is shown to be efficient and useful in the numerical evaluation of complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kinds, K ( k ) and E ( k ), respectively. The integrals are expressed in terms of power series of the form Σ a n q n 2 , 0⩽ q q is the nome determined uniquely from a given value of the argument k . The series converge very rapidly, except for small domains near | k | = 1, where they either converge slowly or fail to converge. When applied on Cray 2 computers for 0 ⩽ k 2 ⩽0.995, the procedure is found to be more efficient than both the Chebyshev approximations of the Hastings form and the standard Gauss arithmetic-geometric mean process. Numerical results that demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the approximation method are presented.
Trash-to-Gas: Using Waste Products to Minimize Logistical Mass During Long Duration Space Missions

Just as waste-to-energy processes utilizing municipal landftll and biomass wastes are finding increased terrestrial uses, the Trash-to-Gas (TtG) project seeks to convert waste generated during spaceflight into high value commodities. These include methane for propulsion and water for life support in addition to a variety of other gasses. TtG is part of the Logistic Reduction and Repurposing (LRR) project under the NASA Advanced Exploration Systems Program. The LRR project will enable a largely mission-independent approach to minimize logistics contributions to total mission architecture mass. LRR includes technologies that reduce the amount of consumables that need to be sent to space, repurpose items sent to space, or convert wastes to commodities. Currently, waste generated on the International Space Station is stored inside a logistic module which is de-orbited into Earth's atmosphere for destruction. The waste consists of food packaging, food, clothing and other items. This paper will discuss current results on incineration as a waste processing method. Incineration is part of a two step process to produce methane from waste: first the waste is converted to carbon oxides; second, the carbon oxides are fed to a Sabatier reactor where they are converted to methane. The quantities of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and water were measured under the different thermal degradation conditions. The overall carbon conversion efficiency and water recovery are discussed
Synthesis of a Stable Discrete-Time Repetitive Controller for MIMO Systems

This paper presents some new results on synthesis and stability analysis of a class of repetitive controllers for discretetime multi-input multi-output (MIMO) linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. In particular, the necessary and sufficient conditions for exponential stability of the resulting closed-loop systems are derived. A simulation case study featuring a flexible mechanical system is also presented
Crack tip deformation in LiF single crystals

In this report, mode I crack tip deformation has been studied. Dislocation distributions ahead of a crack tip for two different deformation modes are observed: the first blunts the crack front; jogs the crack front. These deformation modes involve different dislocations and slip characteristics. A dislocation-free zone has sometimes been found in both of these deformation modes. The results show that unloading contributes to deformation in the crack tip region, which is contrary to the usual assumption that removal of the applied load relieves the crack tip stress intensity factor.
Role of myo-inositol in the synthesis of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol in the lung

Abstract The addition of myo -inositol to lung microsomes inhibited phosphatidylglycerol synthesis up to 94% while it stimulated that of phosphatidylinositol. The inhibition was evident only when CDP-diacylglyceride availability was limiting the rate of acidic phospholipid synthesis. Excess myo -inositol given to rabbits for two days decreased surfactant phosphatidylglycerol from 5.3–5.7% to 0.4–0.5%, and increased that of phosphatidylinositol from 5.4–5.8% to 9.3–8.6% of total phospholipid. The composition of other surfactant phospholipids as well as those in mitochondria and microsomes were little affected. The quality of microsomally synthesized acidic phospholipids may be controlled by myo -inositol at the biosynthetic surface.
Laparoscopic ultrasound imaging of adrenal tumors during laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) during laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and to define the ultrasound imaging characteristics of various adrenal tumors. Methods: LUS was utilized in 27 patients who underwent LA (including one bilateral adrenalectomy) from May 1994 to October 1998. Tumor size ranged from 1.0 to 5.5 cm (mean 3.3 cm), and a transabdominal lateral approach to LA was used. Results: LUS localized the adrenal gland and tumor in all 28 adrenalectomies and demonstrated the relationship of the tumor to the kidney and adjacent vascular structures (renal artery/vein and inferior vena cava). The adrenal vein was visualized sonographically in only six cases (21%). Pheochromocytomas were mild to markedly heterogenous, whereas most aldosteronomas and cortical adenomas were homogenous. LUS provided useful information to the surgeon in 11 of 28 cases (39%) by: 1) localizing the adrenal gland and tumor and/or guiding the dissection; 2) demonstrating that tumors ≥4 cm were confined to the adrenal gland; and 3) investigating suspected pathology in other organs. Mean operating time for LUS was 10.9 min (range 5 to 24 min) and calculated hospital charges were $602. Conclusions: LUS accurately localizes adrenal tumors, helps define their relationship to adjacent structures, and provides confirmation that larger tumors are amenable to laparoscopic resection. LUS is a useful adjunct to laparoscopic adrenalectomy in selected patients.
The clinical features, diagnosis, and prognosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Abstract:Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a state of ongoing seizure activity for at least 30 minutes, with cognitive or behavioral changes, but without convulsive clinical manifestations. It requires EEG for confirmation. It has been categorized into groups having focal or generalized EEG
Commonsense dietary recommendations for geriatric dental patients

N umerous surveys have documented the fact that elderly people frequently suffer from malnutrition.‘” Some of the reasons for the elderly’s poor diet patterns and food utilization include (1) impaired chewing ability, (2) decreased appetite, (3) lack of knowledge, (4) established habits, (5) financial limitations, (6) social isolation, (7) logistic problems with food, (8) medical restrictions, (9) impaired digestion, (10) decreased absorption, (11) impaired glucose tolerance, and (12) effects of drugs. It is clear that not all people who have passed the arbitrary milestone of 65 years have health or nutrition problems, but a high percent of prosthodontic patients might be classified as “nutritionally disadvantaged” geriatric patients, A dental examination frequently reveals signs suggestive of nutritional deficiencies such as atrophic mucous membrane, excessive resorption of alveolar bone, or slow healing responses following injury. It must be emphasized that patients who have systemic diseases or oral conditions for which inadequate nutrition is a contributing factor cannot be restored to health until their nutritional problems are corrected. The dentist should be responsible for seeking out and treating nutritional inadequacies just as he or she is responsible for treating any other factors in dental disease, such as infections, irritations, malocclusions, or neoplasms. Patients with less-thandesirable eating habits should be offered the benefits of guidance in establishing better long-term dietary practices.
Tradeoffs from hedging oil price risk in Ecuador

The oil sector is critical to Ecuador's economy, contributing about 17 percent to the country's GDP. Ecuador began exporting crude oil in 1972 and over the past two and a half decades oil has become the country's most important sector. It is controlled by the government through the public enterprise, PETROECUADOR, which serves as the holding company for all state-owned petroleum operations. Movements in oil prices are of major concern to the government, and forecasts of oil prices are built into the government budget. Ecuador's macroeconomic performance depends on the oil sector's performance; shocks to the sector have economywide repercussions. The authors investigate methods to reduce risk for the country's oil exports through hedging in futures markets. They find that hedging Ecuadorian oil has significant potential for risk reduction. After simulating ex-ante cross hedges for 1991-96, they find that in each case ex-ante hedging effectively reduces risk. They calculate the tradeoffs between return and risk from hedging and find that for a risk-minimizing short hedger, a 1-percent reduction in risk would cost a reduction in return of 0.65 percent.
Performance of Gifted Children on the PPVT and PPVT-R.

The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised were compared for 31 gifted children. The sample mean for the PPVT-R was significantly lower than for the PPVT. In addition, the PPVT and PPVT-R correlated to a significant degree, yielding a standard score correlation coefficient of .83.
Dose to Larynx Predicts for Swallowing Complications After Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Purpose To evaluate early swallowing after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and determine factors correlating with aspiration and/or stricture. Methods and Materials Consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy between September 2004 and August 2006 at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital were evaluated with institutional review board approval. Patients underwent swallowing evaluation after completion of therapy; including video swallow studies. The clinical- and treatment-related variables were examined for correlation with aspiration or strictures, as well as doses to the larynx, pharyngeal constrictor muscles, and cervical esophagus. The correlation was assessed with logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 96 patients were evaluated. Their median age was 55 years, and 79 (82%) were men. The primary site of cancer was the oropharynx in 43, hypopharynx/larynx in 17, oral cavity in 13, nasopharynx in 11, maxillary sinus in 2, and unknown primary in 10. Of the 96 patients, 85% underwent definitive RT and 15% postoperative RT. Also, 28 patients underwent induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemotherapy, 59 received concurrent chemotherapy, and 9 patients underwent RT alone. The median follow-up was 10 months. Of the 96 patients, 31 (32%) had clinically significant aspiration and 36 (37%) developed a stricture. The radiation dose–volume metrics, including the volume of the larynx receiving ≥50 Gy ( p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) and volume of the inferior constrictor receiving ≥50 Gy ( p = 0.05 and p = 0.02, respectively) were significantly associated with both aspiration and stricture. The mean larynx dose correlated with aspiration ( p = 0.003). Smoking history was the only clinical factor to correlate with stricture ( p = 0.05) but not aspiration. Conclusion Aspiration and stricture are common side effects after intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. The dose given to the larynx and inferior constrictors correlated with these side effects.
EVALUATION OF A HEPATITIS A VACCINE IN INFANTS: INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL ANTIBODY AND DOSE ON THE ANTIBODY RESPONSE. 1048

Hepatitis A vaccines have been extensively evaluated in adults and children> 2 years of age, but there have been few studies in infants. Although hepatitis A infections are usually asymptomatic in infants, immunization of infants may be desirable. Infected infants and children are often the source of infection for adults, and about 30% of reported cases occur in persons < 14 years of age. However, preliminary studies suggest that maternal antibodies may interfere with the response. We compared 3 dosages of Merck's hepatitis A vaccine (VAQTA) to determine if higher dosages might overcome this interference. Healthy 2-month-olds were randomized to 1 of 3 groups and given 2 doses (4 months apart) of either a 13 unit (U) (n=79), 25U (n=81), or 50U(n=80) dosage of vaccine. Safety data after the 1st dose are shown:Table Vaccination was well tolerated; the highest dose did not result in increased rates of local or systemic reactions. Local reactions were generally mild and nearly all had resolved by the 2nd day after vaccination. Results of antibody data will be presented. Funded by Merck & Co.
Cultural studies of biomedicine: An agenda for research☆

This paper outlines a 'cultural studies' approach to investigations of the transnational world of contemporary biomedicine. Although biomedicine is fostered by an international political economy and global community of medical educators and bioscientists, it is taught, practiced, organized and consumed in local contexts. This essay argues that cultural studies of contemporary biomedicine should focus on the dynamic relationship between local and international worlds of knowledge, technology and practice. Three issues illustrate this approach: (1) an exploration of the tensions inherent in the local and cosmopolitan shaping of 'clinical narratives', with examples drawn from comparative studies of oncology; (2) an exploration of the influence of biomedical research findings and international clinical trials on the production of clinical narratives, with examples drawn from current research on breast cancer; and (3) an exploration of the local or national and 'international' or 'transnational' dimensions of the production of biotechnologies and pharmaceutical therapeutics. The essay concludes with a discussion of the limits that privilege either universal or local perspectives and claims to knowledge and the ethical challenges that become apparent from this perspective.
The impact of the physical environment on the psychological well-being of office workers

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the physical office environment and the psychological well-being of office workers. The results indicate that adverse environmental conditions, especially poor air quality, noise, ergonomic conditions, and lack of privacy, may effect worker satisfaction and mental health. The data also provide substantial evidence that worker assessments of the physical environment are distinct from their assessments of general working conditions, such as work load, decision-making latitude and relationships with other people at work. Stated another way, people who reported problems with the physical environment could not simply be characterized as dissatisfied workers exhibiting a tendency to ‘complain’ about every aspect of their working conditions. Taken together, these findings lend support to the position that the stress people experience at work may be due to a combination of factors, including the physical conditions under which they labor. Both theoretical and practical considerations arise from these data, including the need for work site based health promotion and stress reduction programs to consider both the physical and psychological design of jobs.