cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Measurement of Ultrashort Light Pulses—Simple Devices, Complex Pulses

We review the state of the art of ultrashort-light-pulse measurement using frequency-resolved-optical-gating (FROG). Recent developments have extended the state of the art considerably. FROG devices for measuring the intensity and phase of ultrashort laser pulses have become so simple that almost no alignment is required. In addition, such devices not only operate single shot, but they also yield the two most important spatio-temporal distortions, spatial chirp and pulse-front tilt. With other FROG variations, it is now possible to measure more general ultrashort light pulses (i.e., pulses much more complex than common laser pulses), with time-bandwidth products as large as several thousand and as weak as a few hundred photons, and despite other difficulties such as random absolute phase and poor spatial coherence.
Optimizing the Diffusion Welding Process for Alloy 800H: Thermodynamic, Diffusion Modeling, and Experimental Work

A research effort was made to evaluate the usefulness of modern thermodynamic and diffusion computational tools, Thermo-Calc and Dictra (Thermo_Calc Software, Inc., McMurray, PA), in optimizing the parameters for diffusion welding of Alloy 800H. This would achieve a substantial reduction in the overall number of experiments required to achieve optimal welding and post-weld heat treatment conditions. This problem is important because diffusion-welded components of Alloy 800H are being evaluated for use in assembling compact, micro-channel heat exchangers that are being proposed in the design of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor by the U.S. Department of Energy. The modeling was done in close contact with experimental work. The latter included using the Gleeble 3500 System (Dynamic Systems, Inc., Poestenkill, NY) for welding simulation, mechanical property measurement, and light optical and scanning electron microscopy. The modeling efforts suggested a temperature of 1423 K (1150 °C) for 1 hour with an applied pressure of 5 MPa using a 15-μm Ni foil as joint filler to reduce chromium oxidation on the welded surfaces. Good agreement between modeled and experimentally determined concentration gradients was achieved, and model refinements to account for the complexity of actual alloy materials are suggested.
Combustion dynamics behavior in a single-element lean direct injection (LDI) gas turbine combustor

Abstract : A concurrent computational and experimental study of self-excited combustion dynamics in a model configuration of a lean direct injection (LDI) gas turbine combustor is described. Incoming air temperature and equivalence ratio were varied. Simulation at low equivalence ratio compared better with measurement and thus this condition was selected for a more detailed study of the underlying combustion dynamics mechanisms. First, hydrodynamic modes are investigated by conducting the simulation with an acoustically-open combustor so that acoustic effects on the flow field are minimized. The Vortex Breakdown Bubble (VBB) proves to be an important flow structure that can easily interact with the acoustic field to sustain instability. Second, detailed cycle studies of the acoustically closed combustor simulation reveals enhanced mixing and vaporization of the JP-8 fuel spray due to acoustic compression wave. Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) analysis is used to identify the coupling between axial acoustics and the vortex breakdown bubble in the lower frequency region. Presence of another important hydrodynamic mode, the Precessing Vortex Core (PVC) is also identified from the DMD analysis. The possibility of nonlinear coupling between the acoustics and PVC modes is indicated.
Failure of medical therapy for pulmonary "thromboembolic" disease: beware the unsuspected primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery.

Clinical Summary PATIENT 1. A 54-year-old woman was admitted for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy workup. She had a past medical history of pulmonary embolism (PE) that occurred 3 months before admission. This was complicated by an area of right lower lobe infarction seen on chest computed tomography (CT) scanning. A deep vein thrombosis of her right femoral vein was diagnosed on lower extremity Doppler investigation as the cause of her PE. Her treatment consisted of anticoagulation and placement of an inferior vena cava filter. The results of all screening tests for a hypercoagulable state were negative. She had progressive shortness of breath over the following 3-month period and was in New York Heart Association class IV at the time of admission. A chest CT scan revealed a massive pulmonary embolus in the right PA (Figure 1, A). A pulmonary arteriogram demonstrated total occlusion of the right PA approximately 4 cm from its origin, whereas the left PA and its branch vessels were normal (Figure 1, B). Echocardiography revealed severe tricuspid regurgitation and a PA systolic pressure of 65 mm Hg. In view of her symptoms and occluded right PA, she underwent a right pulmonary endarterectomy to restore antegrade right pulmonary blood flow. Intraoperatively, extensive clots within the right PA were found and removed. The right PA had a very thickened intima consisting of tan-yellow membranous tissue and nodules that had markedly narrowed the PA lumen. A right PA endarterectomy was performed during hypothermic circulatory arrest. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged 9 days later. Histopathology revealed a
SPREADING PROPERTIES OF LEECH EXTRACTS AND THE FORMATION OF LYMPH

1. The injection of leech extracts into the skin increases its permeability, as shown both by the spread of fluid and of foreign particles through the dermis. The spread is followed some hours after the injection by more or less edema of the subcutaneous tissue. 2. A preliminary study of the chemical properties of the leech spreading factor indicates a similarity with the spreading factor prepared from testicle. 3. Attempts to separate the leech spreading and anticoagulating factors showed that the two have practically the same distribution in the leech body, extracts from the separated head being the most active. 4. It is undetermined whether two distinct factors are responsible for the spreading and anticoagulating properties of leech extracts. A chemical similarity is suggested by the fact that agents which affect the activity of one factor have a parallel effect on the other. 5. The mechanism of the spread produced by leech extracts and by other spreading agents is discussed.
Octanoic acid produces accumulation of monoamine acidic metabolites in the brain: interaction with organic anion transport at the choroid plexus

Effects of octanoic acid on monoamines and their acidic metabolites in the rat brain were analyzed by HPLC. Octanoic acid (1,000 mg/kg i.p.) elevated homovanillic acid levels by 54% in the caudate and 338% in the hypothalamus but increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in both the caudate and the hypothalamus by approximately 50% compared with the control. A lower dose of octanoic acid (500 mg/kg) increased 5-HIAA levels by 29% in the caudate and 20% in the hypothalamus. However, it did not produce any changes in the concentration of homovanillic acid in either the caudate or the hypothalamus. Treatment with octanoic acid also failed to change the level of dopamine, serotonin, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the caudate and the hypothalamus. The role of carrier-mediated transport in the clearance of 5-HIAA from the rabbit CSF was also evaluated in vivo by ventriculocisternal perfusion. Steady-state clearance of 5-HIAA from CSF exceeded that of inulin and was reduced in the presence of octanoic acid. Because this transport system in the choroid plexus is normally responsible for the excretion of the serotonin metabolite from the brain to the plasma, accumulation of endogenously produced organic acids in the brain, secondary to reduced clearance by the choroid plexus, could be a contributing factor in the development of encephalopathy in children with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency who have elevated levels of octanoic acid systematically.
UWGSP6: a diagnostic radiology workstation of the future

The Univ. of Washington's Image Computing Systems Lab. (ICSL) has been involved in research into the development of a series of PACS workstations since the middle 1980's. The most recent research, a joint UW-IBM project, attempted to create a diagnostic radiology workstation using an IBM RISC System 6000 (RS6000) computer workstation and the X-Window system. While the results are encouraging, there are inherent limitations in the workstation hardware which prevent it from providing an acceptable level of functionality for diagnostic radiology. Realizing the RS6000 workstation's limitations, a parallel effort was initiated to design a workstation, UWGSP6 (Univ. of Washington Graphics System Processor #6), that provides the required functionality. This paper documents the design of UWGSP6, which not only addresses the requirements for a diagnostic radiology workstation in terms of display resolution, response time, etc., but also includes the processing performance necessary to support key functions needed in the implementation of algorithms for computer-aided diagnosis. The paper includes a description of the workstation architecture, and specifically its image processing subsystem. Verification of the design through hardware simulation is then discussed, and finally, performance of selected algorithms based on detailed simulation is provided.
Surface plasmonic optical tweezers based on standard single-mode fiber

We demonstrate optical trapping by a plasmonic lens fabricated on the tip of a singlemode fiber. Three-dimensional sub-wavelength confinement of one-micrometer-size glass beads is achieved.
FLIGHT OF THE VIRTUAL BEE

![Figure][1] Insects make fluid dynamic studies extremely difficult. They're small; they'll rarely fly steadily in a wind tunnel; and they tend to flap their wings extremely quickly. A three quarter milligram fruit fly, for example, can flap its 2mm long wings 250 times per second, making
Greedy topological sorting on questionnaire directed acyclic graph and its application in patient surveys

With the wide adaption of EMR systems in healthcare, patient questionnaires become more relevant for data collection like pre-visit notes. In this paper, we introduce questionnaire directed acyclic graph(QDAG) to model a questionnaire. Based on QDAG, we studied optimizing the sequence of questions to be presented to the patient to reduce the number of needed answers by using greedy topological sorting. Our solution not only reduces the time needed to complete a questionnaire, but also may lead to results with better quality by reducing user fatigues. Experimental studies on synthesized data set indicated a 15% reduction on the numbers of answers needed.
Estimates of the Regression Coefficient Based on Kendall's Tau

Abstract The least squares estimator of a regression coefficient β is vulnerable to gross errors and the associated confidence interval is, in addition, sensitive to non-normality of the parent distribution. In this paper, a simple and robust (point as well as interval) estimator of β based on Kendall's [6] rank correlation tau is studied. The point estimator is the median of the set of slopes (Yj - Yi )/(tj-ti ) joining pairs of points with ti ≠ ti , and is unbiased. The confidence interval is also determined by two order statistics of this set of slopes. Various properties of these estimators are studied and compared with those of the least squares and some other nonparametric estimators.
Differences in beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval between day and night.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval during the day and night. A new algorithm was used to detect the onset of the QRS, the apex of the T wave, and end of the T in ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings. Beat-to-beat variability of QT, QaT, and QTc during the day and night was studied in the time, frequency, and chaotic domains. Participants were adults without clinical evidence of heart disease. Although the QT duration was higher (p = 0.0001) at night, the beat-to-beat variability of this interval was lower: in the time domain (decreased standard deviation, p = 0.0005), in the frequency domain (decreased low-frequency power of the spectra, p = 0.004), and the chaotic domain (tighter clustering of the points in the Poincare plots). The high-frequency to low-frequency ratio of the power spectra of the QT (and the RR) was higher (p = 0.03) at night. Beat-to-beat QT variability in the time, frequency, and chaotic domains is decreased at night with shift of the QT modulation to higher frequencies corresponding to respiration and representing vagal preponderance. The techniques presented here and the findings in normal subjects may be useful in evaluating the risk for arrhythmic events in patients with heart disease.
Clamp Shimming Optimization for Minimizing Sheet-Metal Assembly Deformation

Clamps are the major fixturing devices that constrain workpieces to perform manufacturing operations. As gaps exist between the clamp and workpiece, these gaps are forced to close during the clamping action and accordingly undesirable structural deformation results. This is especially true for sheet-metal assembly processes. One way to reduce clamping deformation in an assembly process is to apply clamp shimming, which slightly changes the normal clamping position of a part. However, it is generally very time-consuming to determine the optimal shim size for each clamp. An algorithm for clamp shimming optimization is proposed in this paper. Application results of two industrial parts demonstrated that the proposed algorithm effectively achieve the objective.
Theoretical Development and Experimental Validation of Local Volume Displacement Sensors for a Vibrating Beam

Further development of local volume displacement sensors is presented. This development supports the implementation of noise control techniques that are based on minimization of local volume displacements, velocities, or accelerations of a vibrating structure. In this paper, we present a general methodology for the development of local volume displacement sensors for vibrating beams using PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF). This methodology was verified experimentally for a clamped beam. The local volume displacement measured using a single PVDF sensor matched the local volume displacement found using multiple accelerometer measurements. The resulting sensors span the entire length of the beam. They have a quadratic shape over that portion of the beam whose volume displacement is desired, and they have a linear shape over all other sections. Sensor design issues for different beam boundary conditions are discussed along with a presentation of some sample sensor shapes for various beam segments and boundary conditions.
Comparative statics derivatives with nonlinear preferences

Abstract With smooth preferences over probability distributions, a comparative statics derivative can be separated into a linear effect, which exists if preferences are linear, and a shape effect, which does not. It is possible to extend comparative statics results from expected utility to smooth preferences if either the initial distribution is degenerate or preferences satisfy betweenness and attention is restricted to shifts which leave the individual indifferent, such as compensated increases in risk. The shape effect is discussed using a mutual fund portfolio problem, and for this problem the direction of the shape effect is determined by the individual's fanning properties.
Measurement of Love and Intimate Relations: Theories, Scales, and Applications for Love Development, Maintenance, and Dissolution

Preface Introduction Theoretical Foundations A Common Methodological Framework for Love Research in Theory Development, Measurement, and Evaluation The Psychosemantic Paradigm and Its Love Models: A Theoretical Content Framework for Studies of Love Summary of Octagonal Stages and Love Theorizations Measurement and Empirical Studies of Love Psychometric Theories, Techniques, and Considerations Measurement Scales for Eight Octagonal Stages Folk Theory of Love and Intimate Relations Cross-Scale and Cross-Construct Comparisons in Love Measurements Development of Psychovector Love Scale and Its Differentiability Summary, Discussions and Applications Summary and Applications References Index
Comparative Analysis of CAM Use in the U.S. Cancer and Noncancer Populations

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are often used with conventional medical treatments, hence it is important for healthcare providers to understand factors influencing use and implications for patient care. Method: This study compared patterns and predictors of use of CAM providers, practices, and products among the U.S. cancer and noncancer population. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors in the CAM Healthcare Model were examined for ability to predict CAM use from a health service utilization perspective. A secondary analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey was conducted for population estimation using STATA 9.2 software. The analysis compared CAM use by cancer survivors (N=2,262; estimated cancer population=14.3 million) and individuals without cancer (N=28,734; estimated population=191.5 million). Multinomial Logistic Regression identified between-subject differences and allowed for population comparison. Results: Data suggest that cancer survivors and noncancer populations differ in their CAM use patterns, with cancer survivors more likely to use CAM. Conclusion: While these patterns may have begun during the initial period of cancer diagnosis and treatment, they continue among long-term survivors. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors were strong predictors of CAM use in both populations.
Modeling Mechanotransduction Signaling through Actin Filament Network Deformation Linked to Biochemical Response

It is becoming more and more evident that the mechanical forces previously taken for granted actually play a pivotal role in influencing biological phenomenon from cancer metastases to vasculogenesis. Recent literature provides strong evidence for a causative link between the mechanical stretching of the cytoskeleton and the release of mechanotransductive signaling molecules. Understanding the links between mechanical input, the corresponding morphological changes in the actin cytoskeleton, and the resulting biochemical response is not well understood yet is a significant challenge in the field of mechanotransduction. Here, we present a model that integrates actin filament network remodeling under stretch with a novel biophysical model of molecular release to further elucidate the interplay between actin network morphology and resultant biochemical signaling.As stretch is applied to a model of the actin filament network, the distribution of bond angles in the network transitions from a more peaked to a flatter distribution. High variability is observed from site-to-site within the network upon an applied stretch, with a nearly uniform distribution of difference between stretched and unstretched angles (“delta angles”) at high levels of stretching. We used our approach to explore various thresholding models of how actin filament network deformations might influence rates of release of bound signaling molecules. These models allow us to project how a biochemical response might appear from a given applied mechanical stimulus. We validate these simulations using experimental data and use our model to then test different predictive capabilities of how mechanotransduction may function. Our model for the mechanotransductive release of signaling factors represents a potentially versatile mechanistic platform for examining biophysical interactions that link mechanical stimulus at the cellular level to response at the protein level.
Central and peripheral effects of iminodipropionitrile on catecholamine metabolism in rats

Chronic treatment with iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) causes a behavioral syndrome characterized by lateral and vertical neck dyskinesias, hyperactivity, random circling, and increased startle response (the "ECC syndrome"). The effects of the neurotoxin on norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and their metabolites were evaluated in the hypothalamus and the striatum of IDPN-treated animals. Urinary excretion of the amines was also measured. There was no significant persistent change in central metabolism of dopamine. There was a transient increase in NE metabolism in the hypothalamus after the third injection of IDPN that lasted until the development of the syndrome at 7 days of drug treatment. Urinary excretion of NE and its metabolites was increased on the day that the syndrome developed. Urinary excretion of homovanillic acid was persistently decreased throughout and after cessation of drug treatment. There was no change in the excretion of either dopamine or dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid. The ratio of total NE/total DA excreted by IDPN-treated rats was the inverse of that of control animals. These results suggest that persistent dyskinesias may be associated with a relative increase in facilitatory NE-dependent mechanisms at the cortical, subcortical, or spinal cord level.
Concrete cracking simulations for nuclear applications

Abstract The need to understand concrete behavior under high temperatures in the nuclear industry has become rather acute. Previously, concrete has been used in nuclear industry as inexpensive material for construction and also for radiation shielding. Presently, we are concerned with the structural integrity of the containment, subject to accidental exposure of concrete to excessively high temperatures and chemical attack. Consequently, we are now seeking basic understanding of concrete behavior at extreme environmental condition. Indispensible in mathematical modeling of concrete behavior is the constitutive relation. A constitutive model developed by Takahashi [1] has been incorporated into the coupled thermal-stress analysis code, TEMP-STRESS, which gives the stress-strain relation up to the point of cracking. This paper describes the modeling of cracking behavior. Four crack propagation criteria: the J-integral, the energy release rate, the effective strength and the failure surface criterion are examined. Several numerical examples are given. Situations under which one method might be more convenient to use than the others are discussed.
Numerical Investigation of Supersonic Base Flow with Base Bleed

Abstract : A zonal, implicit, time-marching Navier-Stokes computational technique has been used to compute the turbulent supersonic base flow over a cylindrical afterbody with base bleed. A critical element of calculating such flows is the turbulence model. Two eddy viscosity turbulence models have been used in the base region flow computations. These models include an algebraic turbulence model and a two-equation k-e model. The k-e equations are solved using an implicit algorithm, and calculations with the k-e model are extended up to the wall. Flow field computations have been performed for a cylindrical afterbody at M approx. = 2.46 and at an angle of attack of a = 0. The results are compared to the experimental data for the same conditions and the same configuration. Details of the mean flow field as well as the turbulence quantities have been presented. In addition, the computed base pressure distribution has been compared with the experiment. In general, the k-e turbulence model performs better in the near wake than the algebraic model and predicts the base pressure much better.
Intermediary protein metabolism in helminths. III. The L-amino acid oxidases in Hymenolepis diminuta and some effects of changes in host physiology.

Abstract The conditions for assaying l -glutamic acid dehydrogenase activity in the rat tapeworm, H. diminuta, are described. Enzyme systems for the oxidation of other l -amino acids are too variable in their activity to yield significant results with present methods. Castration produced little effect on the activity of the glutamic acid dehydrogenase system in the tapeworm. Although even complete deletion of protein from the host diet had no effect on the l -glutamic acid dehydrogenase activity, high protein diets produced an increase in the activity of this system. Adrenalectomy of the host caused an apparent decrease in l -glutamic acid dehydrogenase activity in the worm but this could not be statistically proved because of the wide variation in the assays on individual worms. Administration of male sex hormone or adrenalcortical extract to the host was ineffectual.
On the responses of laughing gull chicks (Larus atricilla) to the calls of adults I. Recognition of the voices of the parents

Abstract Twelve matched pairs of parent-raised and hand-raised laughing gull chicks from the same clutches were tested, at 6 to 8 days post-hatching, with successive presentations of playback of a recording of calls of their parents and recording of calls of parents from a neighbouring nest, in a situation in which they could approach or withdraw from the sound. The parent-raised chicks oriented towards the sound, moved towards the sound and called when the calls of their own parents were played; they tended to withdraw from the sound and sit silently when the calls of the neighbouring parents were played. The hand-raised chicks fled from the sound and crouched in silence in response to both calls of their parents and the calls of neighbours. They were more vocal and active in periods without sound than were the parent-raised chicks. It is concluded that laughing gull chicks in nature learn to recognize the individual characteristics of the calls of their parents, and to react positively to the calls, through interaction with their parents prior to the age of 6 days post-hatching.
The DNA-Content of nuclei in the meristem of onion roots

The techniques of making and evaluating measurements of nuclear DNA-contents by the two wave length method, including wave length determination were worked out. The efficiency of the analysis increased by “unbiased elimination of off-values”. Correction for non-specific absorption was made but remained, with the present material (sections), necessarily imperfect. This seems to be the factor which limited the, otherwise apparently very high, optical accuracy of which instrument and methods are capable. Errors in the determination of the nuclear dye-content were, even so, small compared with the more extreme cases of proportionality errors in the determination of the DNA-content that resulted from disproportionality of Feulgen dye- and DNA-content.
Antitumor agents—CLI. Bis(helenalinyl)glutarate and bis(isoalantodiol-B)glutarate, potent inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase II

Evaluation of a number of cytotoxic antitumor sesquiterpene lactones and their derivatives has led to the discovery of bis(helenalinyl)glutarate (4) and bis(isoalantodiol-B)glutarate (10) as potent inhibitors of human-derived topoisomerase II. Unlike etoposide, which inhibits by preventing the DNA rejoining process, compounds 4 and 10 inhibit topoisomerase II without causing DNA breakage. The structure-activity relationships of 4, 10, and related compounds are discussed.
THE EVOLUTION OF STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

The feasibility of using echocardiography to identify stress induced wall motion abnormalities was first demonstrated with M-mode recordings. The practical use of such a test had to await the development of 2-dimensional echocardiography whereby more wall segments could be analyzed. From the early days of 2-dimensional echocardiography there have been a succession of technological and clinical advances which have made stress echocardiography a very clinically useful tool in the management of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. These developments included the realization that stress-induced wall motion abnormalities produce stunned myocardium permitting immediate posttreadmill echoes to be clinically useful, the use of pharmacologic stress, the introduction of digital recording techniques so that rest and stress images could be viewed side-by-side, and more recently the advent of new imaging technologies, such as harmonic imaging of tissue to provide higher quality of stress echocardiograms.
Comparative overview of cardiac output measurement methods: has impedance cardiography come of age?

Cardiac output, usually expressed as liters of blood ejected by the left ventricle per minute, is a fundamental measure of the adequacy of myocardial function to meet the perfusion needs of tissue at any time. Decreases in cardiac output over time (when cardiac output is measured under similar conditions) may signal myocardial functional deterioration and the onset or progression of heart failure. Conversely, improvements in cardiac output may indicate a positive response to medical therapy. However, most methods for evaluating cardiac output are technically demanding, require specialized training and specialized environments for measurement, and are costly. Therefore, most measurement techniques are impractical for routine evaluation of disease progression and/or response to treatment in the prevention and/or management of heart failure. This paper provides a comparative overview of commonly employed cardiac output measurement strategies with emphasis on developments in impedance cardiography which suggest that impedance cardiography has the potential to make routine assessment and trending of cardiac output a viable alternative to assist in the management of both chronically and acutely ill patients, including those with heart failure.
Extending the viability of sea urchin gametes

Abstract The sea urchin is the material of choice for studying many early developmental events. Methods to extend the viability of sea urchin gametes have not received much attention, but it is well known that the eggs are easily damaged by freezing. This study was designed to extend the viability of Lytechinus pictus eggs and sperm without freezing. Gamete viability measurements were based on relative numbers of fertilized vs unfertilized eggs, percentage fertilization, and on observations of embryonic development. Results indicate that gametes can be stored longer and at lower temperatures than previously described. Sperm were consistently kept viable for at least 12 days with little decrease in viability when stored in glass test tubes or plastic petri dishes and submerged in ice inside a refrigerator at 0 ± 1°C. In one experiment, sperm stored in glass test tubes on ice remained viable up to 20 days after extraction. Eggs were maintained from 1 to 7 days, rather than the 1 day or so previously reported, when stored in glass test tubes submerged in ice in a refrigerator at 0 ± 1°C. Results of egg and sperm experiments varied at different times in the season. Such variations may be caused by seasonal cytoplasmic changes, population differences, or the time mature individuals were maintained unfed in aquaria prior to use. Results from this study should be useful for a variety of research. mariculture, and teaching applications in which sea urchin supplies are limited or when the same gamete population is required for subsequent experiments.
‘R.I.P. Nature Island’: the threat of a proposed oil refinery on Dominica's identity

Dominica is a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea that has long struggled with issues of poverty and development. To improve these conditions, the government formed a preliminary agreement with Venezuela to build a multimillion dollar oil refinery on the island. Some discussion about this proposal took place in local forums, such as radio talk shows, but additional discussion took place online. Internet-based media, including online reproductions of traditional media and new types of media such as interactive discussion forums and weblogs, were used not only to continue the discussion but also to raise awareness among a wider audience. The framework for appealing to such a disparate set of interests both locally and abroad was already in place: the island's ‘nature island’ identity. The project was perceived as a threat to quality and aesthetic appearance of the nature island as well as a threat to the concept of Dominica as the ‘nature island’. This paper examines the role of Dominica's iden...
Superflavor Symmetry for Heavy Particles

Abstract We extend the heavy quark spin and flavor symmetry discussed by Voloshin and Shifman and by Isgur and Wise to systems in which the heavy colored particles have different spins. We discuss in detail the superflavor symmetry between a heavy quark and a heavy color triplet scalar.
Comparison of kinetic models for data from a positron emission tomograph

The purpose of this research was to compare a physiological model of 82Rb in the myocardium with two reduced order models with regard to their ability to assess physiological parameters of diagnostic significance. A three compartment physiological model of 82Rb uptake in the myocardium was used to simulate kinetic region of interest data from a positron emission tomograph (PET). Simulations were generated for eight different blood flow rates reflecting the physiological range of interest. Two reduced order models which are commonly used with myocardial PET studies were fit to the simulated data and the parameters of the reduced order models were compared with the physiological parameters. Then all three models were fit to the simulated data with noise added. Monte carlo simulations were used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic utility of the reduced order models.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Genetic analysis of genome-wide variation in human gene expression

Natural variation in gene expression is extensive in humans and other organisms, and variation in the baseline expression level of many genes has a heritable component. To localize the genetic determinants of these quantitative traits (expression phenotypes) in humans, we used microarrays to measure gene expression levels and performed genome-wide linkage analysis for expression levels of 3,554 genes in 14 large families. For approximately 1,000 expression phenotypes, there was significant evidence of linkage to specific chromosomal regions. Both cis- and trans-acting loci regulate variation in the expression levels of genes, although most act in trans. Many gene expression phenotypes are influenced by several genetic determinants. Furthermore, we found hotspots of transcriptional regulation where significant evidence of linkage for several expression phenotypes (up to 31) coincides, and expression levels of many genes that share the same regulatory region are significantly correlated. The combination of microarray techniques for phenotyping and linkage analysis for quantitative traits allows the genetic mapping of determinants that contribute to variation in human gene expression.
CRT-94 Fractures And Restenosis Of Nitinol Stents In The Superficial Femoral Artery: Is There An Association?

Maintenance of long-term patency after implantation of Nitinol stent in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) remains to be one of the most challenging aspects of endovascular therapy. Studies have made conflicting observations regarding a possible association between Nitinol stent fractures (SF) in
Time series analysis of motor learning: KR versus No-KR

Abstract This paper outlines the basis for the applicability of discrete time series models to motor learning experiments. An illustration of this approach is provided through a re-analysis of data from Newell (1974) on learning a linear timing task with and without knowledge of results, or KR. The best fitting model for learning with KR is a stationary, white-noise model whereas most subjects under No-KR conditions are consistent with a nonstationary model. It appears that KR helps develop a consistent subject reference to an external criterion but no systematic trial-to-trial behavior as would be evidenced by autocorrelated errors, is evident around this stationary mean. This latter finding is counter to traditional informational interpretations of KR and motor learning and reflects the different test of motor learning produced by stochastic models in contrast to traditional analysis of variance techniques.
Medication Education for Children: Is it Worthwhile?

Child psychiatric inpatients have little or no control over their treatment. Anxiety and fear are normal reactions to the hospitalization and treatment process. Pharmacotherapy is an intervention that the child often perceives as an indicator of pathology. This article presents various methodologies to teach children about their medication treatment. Puppetry, graphics, art, and discussion were techniques used in a peer group to impart knowledge and decrease anxiety, fear, and negativity.
Physiological Consequences of Moisture Deficit Stress in Cotton

Moisture deficits can depress cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lint yield in all cotton production regions. However, most cotton physiological drought stress research has been conducted in arid production regions, growth chambers, or greenhouses. The objective of this research was to document the effects of moisture deficit stress on the physiology of cotton grown in the humid southeastern USA. Field studies were conducted under dryland and irrigated conditions from 1998 to 2001 with eight genotypes, including an okra-normal leaftype near-isoline pair and transgenic lines paired with their recurrent parents. Dry matter partitioning, light interception, canopy temperature, leaf water potential, gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, and leaf Chl content data were collected. Genotypes responded similarly to both soil moisture regimes. Drought stress reduced overall plant stature with a 35% leaf area index (LAI) reduction, prompting an 8% reduction in solar radiation interception. Dryland leaves had 6% greater CO 2 exchange rates (CER) and 9% higher light-adapted photosystem II (PSII) quantum efficiency than irrigated leaves during the morning. However, as water potential of the dryland plants became more depressed during the afternoon, the CER and light adapted PSII quantum efficiency of the dryland plants became inhibited and was 6 and 10% lower, respectively, than irrigated leaves. A 19% greater Chl content for the dryland leaves contributed to their higher CER during the morning. This polarity of photosynthesis throughout the day for the dryland plants relative to irrigated plants may explain some of the irrigation yield response inconsistencies in the southeastern USA.
Neighborhood Science Stories: Bridging science standards and urban students’ lives

Shelter, distribution of resources, adaptation and food sources are all key topics in teaching fifth grade students ecosystems. These terms and ideas are often presented in value neutral terms in the standard science curriculum. These terms have radically different connotations in different communities. In this paper students’ fictional narrative about the community and ecosystem provide insight into how experiences in an urban community change perceptions and understandings of science content. By analysing the students’ stories, the teacher is provided with a critical lens through which to rethink the content being taught, the examples and discussions about the content and how that content is being presented in the classroom. In this example, students’ own understanding of how resources are allocated justly in society stand in contrast to the value neutral presentation of resource distribution in the standard curriculum.
The effect of musculoskeletal facial pain on registration of maxillomandibular relationships and treatment planning: A synthesis of the literature

Abstract Statement of problem. A significant number of patients exist who are in need of prosthodontic rehabilitation and who at the same time report musculoskeletal pain in the facial area. Purpose. This article, which is based on an assessment of both the past and the most recent basic science and clinical literature, evaluates the effect of musculoskeletal facial pain on two static (physiologic rest position and centric relation) and two dynamic (protrusive border and lateral border movements) maxillomandibular relationships. Material and methods. To find the relevant studies addressing the association between musculoskeletal facial pain and maxillomandibular relationships, a MEDLINE search was conducted, which was complemented by a hand search in selected journals. Results and Conclusions. Musculoskeletal facial pain seems to variably affect the aforementioned positions and movements. Hence, the validity of maxillomandibular registrations in patients with existing facial pain is questioned. In those patients with facial pain who simultaneously are in need of a prosthodontic rehabilitation, clinicians should be cautious with regard to the timing of the restorative procedures. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:439-45.)
Four-dimensional functional analysis of left and right ventricles using MR images and active appearance models

Conventional analysis of cardiac ventricular function from magnetic resonance images is typically relying on short axis image information only. Usually, two cardiac phases of the cardiac cycle are analyzed- the end-diastole and end-systole. Unfortunately, the short axis ventricular coverage is incomplete and inconsistent due to the lack of image information about the ventricular apex and base. In routine clinical images, this information is only available in long axis image planes. Additionally, the standard ventricular function indices such as ejection fraction are only based on a limited temporal information and therefore do not fully describe the four-dimensional (4D, 3D+time) nature of the heart's motion. We report a novel approach in which the long and short axis image data are fused to correct for respiratory motion and form a spatio-temporal 4D data sequence with cubic voxels. To automatically segment left and right cardiac ventricles, a 4D active appearance model was built. Applying the method to cardiac segmentation of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and normal hearts, our method achieved mostly subvoxel signed surface positioning errors of 0.2±1.1 voxels for normal left ventricle, 0.6±1.5 voxels for normal right ventricle, 0.5±2.1 voxels for TOF left ventricle, and 1.3±2.6 voxels for TOF right ventricle. Using the computer segmentation results, the cardiac shape and motion indices and volume-time curves were derived as novel indices describing the ventricular function in 4D.
Craniofacial Resection of Midline Anterior Skull Base Malignancies: A Reassessment of Outcomes in the Modern Era

Objective Craniofacial resection has been considered the gold standard in the management of malignancies involving the anterior skull base, where the goal of surgery is negative margins with minimal morbidity. In recent years, there has been growing enthusiasm for purely endoscopic techniques for craniofacial malignancies. Given recent advancements in open surgical approaches, there is a need to review the technique of open craniofacial resection in the modern surgical era. Methods We review our experience of open craniofacial resection of midline anterior cranial fossa malignancies in the modern era. Results Between 1995 and 2009, 41 patients underwent bifrontal craniotomy/craniofacial resection for malignancy. A subset of patients had undergone previous treatment, i.e., transfacial resection (34%), chemotherapy (5%), and radiation therapy (10%). Esthesioneuroblastoma (29%) was the most common pathology, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (27%) and the remaining patients presented with various histologic subtypes. All tumors invaded the cribriform plate; tumors invaded dura in 51%, parenchyma in 17% and orbit in 54% of patients. Negative margins were obtained in 85% of the cohort. Postoperative complications included seizure (one patient), cerebrospinal leak (one patient), and symptomatic pneumocephalus (two patients). Conclusion Since its introduction more than 50 years ago, craniofacial resection has undergone several important technical advancements concurrent to the introduction of endoscopy. With these improvements, our results indicate good oncologic disease control with minimal morbidity for extensive malignancies invading the intracranial cavity. With improvements in both open and endoscopic techniques, there is a need to reassess outcomes to determine relative indications.
A Model for Group Work Practice with Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Victims of Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study

The Orthodox Jewish community has only recently acknowledged that religious practice and commitment does not make one immune to suffering from domestic violence. Effective therapeutic techniques for working with battered Orthodox women have only recently begun to emerge. This article focuses on the use of group work as an effective therapeutic modality for working with abused Orthodox Jewish women. This research highlights the insight, knowledge, and experience of practitioners who facilitate domestic violence groups, focusing on proficiencies and ethnic-sensitive practice strategies that are perceived to lead to successful outcomes. The application of ethnic-sensitive strategies is discussed to illustrate viable therapeutic considerations for working with this population. Implications and issues for educators and practitioners will be addressed.
State equations for nonrational spectra

This paper develops an infinite dimensional theory for filtering and control in the presence of non-rational spectra. It begins with a review of the original work of A.V. Balakrishnan for the continues time case. This work formulates an auxiliary state space signal model for the case of non-rational spectra. The result is the recovery of Kalman like signal generation models with the resulting separation principle for control. New results, based on unpublished notes of Balakrishnan, on discretization of the model are developed. Although the results can and will be generalized, this paper only covers the 1D theory.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Probability of Consecutive Rainless Days

: A major objective of this work was to develop a method applicable to the Intermountain region for estimating the probability of n consecutive dry days, where n ≤ 30 days. One result was a computationally simple method of producing the desired estimates directly from the rainfall record. For a consecutive dry-day period of n days, these estimates are equivalent to those obtained from a Markov model of order n-1. The efficacy of a simple Markov model was also evaluated. In this climatic region, the simple Markov model produces probability estimates of consecutive dry days that are too conservative, especially at long dry-day periods. In this data set, it was found that the longer the dry-day sequence, the more conservative the Markov estimate. The source of these conservative estimates is the strong dry-day persistence, which is characteristic of summer weather in the Intermountain region. In this region, the best estimates of the probability of consecutive dry days are probably those obtained directly from a representative rainfall record and smoothed by the partial sums of a fourier Series.