cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-I-38: Improved Metal Artifact Correction Using Adaptive Dual Energy Calibration

Purpose: The empirical dual energy calibration (EDEC) method corrects for beam-hardening artifacts, but shows limited performance on metal artifact correction. In this work, we propose an adaptive dual energy calibration (ADEC) method to correct for metal artifacts. Methods: The empirical dual energy calibration (EDEC) method corrects for beam-hardening artifacts, but shows limited performance on metal artifact correction. In this work, we propose an adaptive dual energy calibration (ADEC) method to correct for metal artifacts. Results: Highly attenuating copper rods cause severe streaking artifacts on standard CT images. EDEC improves the image quality, but cannot eliminate the streaking artifacts. Compared to EDEC, the proposed ADEC method further reduces the streaking resulting from metallic inserts and beam-hardening effects and obtains material decomposition images with significantly improved accuracy. Conclusion: We propose an adaptive dual energy calibration method to correct for metal artifacts. ADEC is evaluated with the Shepp-Logan phantom, and shows superior metal artifact correction performance. In the future, we will further evaluate the performance of the proposed method with phantom and patient data.
Management Of Powerplant Maintenance And Restoration Programs For Fuel Conservation

This paper reviews powerplant operational and maintenance procedures with the objective of minimizing fuel consumption and total operating costs of existing large turbofan engines. Specific recommendations are made to reduce the rate of on-wing performance deterioration and to define cost effective performance refurbishment. Measures being taken to accomplish further fuel and cost savings in the future are summarized. These include design performance retention improvements and development of performance diagnostic/analytical systems to permit better management control of engine operating costs. 3 refs.
A single chip Lempel-Ziv data compressor

A single-chip implementation of the Lempel-Ziv adaptive data compression algorithm in 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology is described. The chip uses 2K-byte on-chip content addressable memory (CAM)/SRAM for storing the most recent input characters to which the incoming string is compared against and referenced. It performs compression or decompression on byte-oriented input data at a data rate of one byte per clock cycle, except when one out of every 33 cycles is used to update the string dictionary. >
Osteoporosis and vitamin-D deficiency among postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown a lower prevalence of osteoporotic hip fractures in patients with osteoarthritis. Other studies have demonstrated elevated bone mineral density in patients with osteoarthritis. The prevailing view is that there may be an inverse relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The purposes of the present study were to describe a subgroup of patients with osteoarthritis who were found to have osteoporosis and to assess the vitamin-D status and other risk factors for low bone density in osteoarthritic subjects with and without osteoporosis. Methods: The bone mineral density of the spine, the proximal part of the femur, and the total body was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in sixty-eight postmenopausal white women who were scheduled to undergo total hip replacement for advanced osteoarthritis. The serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and the urinary level of N-telopeptide were measured. Information from validated lifestyle, dietary, and demographic questionnaires was also evaluated. Results: Seventeen (25%) of the sixty-eight women had occult osteoporosis (as indicated by a T score of less than –2.5). Fifteen (22%) of the sixty-eight subjects had vitamin-D deficiency, and three (4%) had an elevated serum parathyroid hormone level. Only two of the seventeen osteoporotic women had vitamin-D deficiency. On the basis of these numbers, vitamin-D status was not correlated with bone density (p = 0.32). Analysis of the relationship between the number of years since menopause and osteoporosis or markers of elevated bone turnover showed that osteoporosis was detected throughout the postmenopausal period. Conclusion: A substantial portion of these sixty-eight white women with osteoarthritis of the hip had occult osteoporosis and hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin-D deficiency was not restricted to the group with low bone density. These results support the need to consider the presence of both osteoporosis and vitamin-D deficiency in women with advanced osteoarthritis. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (case-control study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Null audio susceptibility of current-mode buck converters: small signal and large signal perspectives

Small signal modeling of sensorless current-mode (SCM) control for DC-DC converters reveals a method of achieving zero (null) audio susceptibility. Similar results are known for peak current-mode (PCM) control. The true line-to-output responses of such SCM and PCM "null"-designs are demonstrated to be nonzero for nonsmall signal disturbances. Definitions of large signal null audio susceptibility are proposed beyond the linearized small signal paradigm. Investigations of true large signal null audio susceptibility controllers are compared with the SCM method for buck converters.
Don't confuse me with the facts: knowledge claims and terrorism

It became commonplace after 11 September 2001 to declare that the events changed ‘everything’ and that the world would never again be as it was before that date. Many spoke of the dividing line of the pre-9/11 and post-9/11 world, and it became commonplace to assert that the events conclusively demonstrated the validity of the thesis that there was a ‘new’ terrorism, at base religious and apocalyptic, more networked rather than hierarchical and very different from the ‘old’ terrorism. This article reflects upon and evaluates the development of knowledge claims about insurgent terrorism and measures them against the standard of how well these claims have advanced the formulation of theories of terrorism that can be subjected to observational testing. The article examines changes in the lethality of terrorism, the characterisations, boundaries and control structures of the network claims and differences amongst the old and new terrorists and concludes that claims of a ‘new terrorism’ are vastly misleading.
Evidence for Cell-Surface Association Between Fusin and the CD4-gp120 Complex in Human Cell Lines

Accessory cell-surface molecules involved in the entry of human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 into cells have recently been identified and shown to belong to the family of chemokine receptors. Treatment of human cell lines with soluble monomeric gp120 at 37 degrees C induced an association between the surface CD4-gp120 complex and a 45-kilodalton protein, which can be down-modulated by the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The three proteins were coprecipitated from the cell membranes with antibodies to CD4 or to gp120. The 45-kilodalton protein comigrated with fusin on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels and reacted with rabbit antisera to fusin in protein immunoblots. No 45-kilodalton protein could be coprecipitated from similarly treated nonhuman cells. However, infection of 3T3.CD4.401 cells with vaccinia-fusin recombinant virus (vCBYF1), followed by gp120 treatment, resulted in coprecipitation of fusin and CD4.401 molecules from their membranes. Together these data provide evidence for physical association between fusin and the CD4-gp120 complex on cell membranes.
Decreased Salmonella colonization in turkey poults inoculated with anaerobic cecal microflora and provided dietary lactose.

Abstract The effect of intracloacal inoculation with anaerobic cultures of cecal microflora and addition of lactose to the feed on Salmonella senftenberg cecal colonization was evaluated in turkey poults. One-day-old poults were divided into four groups and provided 1) no anaerobic cultures, no lactose (control), 2) anaerobic cultures, 3) 5% lactose in the feed, or 4) anaerobic cultures and lactose. All groups were challenged orally with 106S. senftenberg at 3 days of age. Salmonella senftenberg growth in the cecal contents was significantly decreased (P
Correction: An Error in a UCLA Conference on Immune Interventions

Excerpt To the editor: A typographical error occurred in the article, "Immune Interventions in Disease," the UCLA Conference moderated by Dr. John Fahey (1). In Table 3, our data from a clinical tr...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effects on testosterone, prolactin, and corticosterone in adult male rats.

Abstract Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a relatively new technique for inducing small, localized, and reversible changes in living brain tissue. Although transcranial magnetic stimulation generally results in no immediate changes in plasma corticosterone, prolactin, and testosterone, it normalizes the dexamethasone suppression test in some depressed subjects and has been shown to attenuate stress-induced increases in adrenocorticotropic hormone in rats. Methods: In this study, serum corticosterone and testosterone concentrations were assayed in male rats immediately and 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 hours following a single transcranial magnetic stimulation or sham application. Serum prolactin concentrations were determined immediately and 2 hours following a one-time application of either transcranial magnetic stimulation or sham. Results: Transcranial magnetic stimulation animals displayed significantly lower corticosterone concentrations at 6 and 24 hours following a single application compared with sham-control values. Transcranial magnetic stimulation also resulted in lower corticosterone concentrations numerically but not statistically in transcranial magnetic stimulation animals immediately after application (p = .089). No significant differences were found between groups for serum prolactin or testosterone levels at any given collection time point. Conclusions: These findings 1) suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis and 2) provide time-course data for the implications of the hormonal mechanism that may be involved in the actions of transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Photometric studies using the Starfire Optical Range adaptive optics system

Observations using the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) 1.5m telescope, located near Albuquerque, NM, were made during two separate observing runs, one in 1995 and the other in 1996. Image data was collected using a cooled 2K by 2K user provided CCD camera system. During the first observing sessions a standard SOR direct imaging configuration was used where a CCD imager. For the second observing run the configuration was modified to use a mirror with a small on- axis hole that allowed all the light in the central region to be used by the AO system while the remainder of the field was directed to the CCD. The data from these observations were used to investigate a number of issues related to AO observing including: (i) the effect of scattered laser light on image quality; (ii) the photometric accuracy across an AO corrected field; (iii) the PSF variations across an AO corrected field; (iv) the limits to observation of close companions using a mirror with a hole as a coronograph. The result of these observing runs are presented along with representative images obtained using no correction, partial correction, using natural guide stars, and Rayleigh laser beacon configuration.
Reassembly of Living Cells from Dissociated Components

Combining the techniques of nuclear transplantation and cytoplasmic transfer, dissociated amoeba nuclei, cytoplasm, and membranes were reassembled to form viable amoebae. The techniques of cell reassembly appear to be sufficiently adequate so that any desired combination of cytoplasm, nucleus, and membrane can be assembled into living cells.
Understanding the variation in treatment intensity among patients with early stage bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Given the uncertainty surrounding the optimal management for early stage bladder cancer, physicians vary in how they approach the disease. The authors of this report linked cancer registry data with medical claims to identify the sources of variation and opportunities for improving the value of cancer care. METHODS: By using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database (1992-2005), patients with early stage bladder cancer were abstracted (n ¼ 18,276). The primary outcome was the intensity of initial treatment that patients received, as measured by all Medicare payments for bladder cancer incurred in the 2 years after diagnosis. Multilevel models were fitted to partition the variation in treatment intensity attributable to patient versus provider factors, and the potential savings to Medicare from reducing the physician contribution were estimated. RESULTS: Provider factors accounted for 9.2% of the variation in treatment intensity. Increasing provider treatment intensity did not correlate with improved cancer-specific survival (P ¼ .07), but it was associated with the subsequent receipt of major interventions, including radical cystectomy (P < .001). If provider-level variation was reduced and clinical practice was aligned with that of physicians who performed in the 25th percentile of treatment intensity, then total payments made for the average patient could be lowered by 18.6%, saving Medicare $18.7 million annually. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that a substantial amount of the variation in initial treatment intensity for early stage bladder cancer is driven by the physician. Furthermore, a more intensive practice style was not associated with improved cancer-specific survival or the avoidance of major interventions. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing between-provider differences may improve the value of cancer care. Cancer 2010;116;3587–94. V C 2010 American Cancer Society.
Sustaining behavior with conditioned reinforcement as the only response-produced consequence.

Food was intermittently presented to pigeons on a response-independent basis. Concurrently, pecking at a key was intermittently reinforced with the presentation of stimuli which accompanied the food presentation, but not the food. Under these conditions, key-pecking was maintained indefinitely at moderate rates and control procedures demonstrated that the results could only be accounted for on the basis of conditioned reinforcement.
Edible earth: dining on seasonal and local ingredients

College students are primarily concerned with the price and convenience of the food they choose to eat. Environmental impact is not a consideration in their food decisions. We present a web-based solution that simplifies meal choices and addresses the perception that home-prepared meals are inconvenient and expensive. The solution provides a web service that suggests convenient recipes that use local and seasonal ingredients tailored to the user's location. This promotes sustainable food purchasing habits. The solution uses a location-aware mobile device as an example platform. The study presents the participatory design process that informed the development of this solution.
Gender Differences, Motivation, and Empathic Accuracy: When it Pays to Understand

Two studies of college students investigated the conditions under which women perform better than men on an empathic accuracy task (inferring the thoughts and feelings of a target person). The first study demonstrated that women’s advantage held only when women were given a task assessing their feelings of sympathy toward the target prior to performing the empathic accuracy task. The second study demonstrated that payments in exchange for accuracy improved the performance of both men and women and wiped out any difference between men’s and women’s performances. Together, the results suggest that gender differences in empathic accuracy performance are the result of motivational differences and are not due to simple differences of ability between men and women.
Instantaneous daytime conductive heat flow through snow on lake ice in Alaska

The instantaneous daytime conductive heat flow through the snow on lake ice was derived from snow depth, temperature and density measurements made during the course of six winters at MST Pond in central Alaska. The MST Pond data for winter 2003-04 are compared with results for the same period at six other sites (Barrow, Nome, Amos Lakes, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Seward) in Alaska. The maximum heat flow at MST Pond has varied between -19-5 and -8·8 W m -2 . Each winter, the heat flow decreases as the total thickness of snow and ice increases with time. Superimposed on this trend are variations due to fluctuating air temperatures. The comparison of the MST Pond data with the other locations in Alaska reveals heat flow differences that reflect different weather conditions, particularly air temperature and wind, and the latter's effect on snow depth and density. Notwithstanding the regional differences, the heat flow values are of the same order of magnitude as those obtained for sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctica. The implications for the total winter conductive heat loss at large lakes and for regions where many small lakes cover a large proportion of the land are discussed.
Estimation of globular protein secondary structure by solvent elimination particle beam LC/FTIR spectrometry: correlation with other IR measurements

To determine how well protein secondary-structure estimates obtained from particle beam spectra correlate with estimates obtained from other IR sampling methods, a series of globular protein spectra was acquired. In addition to solid film deposit produced by the particle beam, spectra were obtained by the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Circle cellTM, on ZnSe as evaporated films, and with Diffuse Reflectance in KCl. The proteins used in this study were classified into types based on relative amounts of secondary structures as determined by FT-IR spectrometry. Estimates of secondary structure content from the solid- state deposits prepared with particle beam, evaporated films, and ATR spectra were very similar. The harsh environment required for diffuse reflectance measurements may explain why estimates by this method did not compare well with the other techniques employed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Probe of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in erythrocyte membranes of cystic fibrosis patients☆

There are several conflicting reports regarding a defective (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in tissues from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The work presented in this paper represents an independent assessment of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase function in CF and, at the same time, provides a somewhat more detailed analysis of the enzyme from CF patients than has previously existed. We found no significant differences in either the Km value for Ca2+ or the Vm value of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in membrane preparations from CF patients and control subjects when the red cell membranes were prepared by methods which utilize Tris-glycylglycine-Mg2+ buffers. In contrast, the Vm value of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in the preparations from CF patients was found to be lower than that from control subjects when the membranes were prepared by a series of washes with EDTA-containing buffers (i.e., 1-10 mmol/1 EDTA). The EDTA treatment, however, did not produce any significant difference in the Km between the two groups. The fluorescent ATP analogue, trinitrocyclohexadienylidine-ATP, appeared to interact with erythrocyte ghosts as evidenced from an enhancement of its fluorescence. This enhancement was greater in control preparations than in samples from CF patients. In addition, the kinetic profiles, with respect to ATP, were quite different between the two enzyme populations. The overall results suggest that the lower rate of ATP hydrolysis observed with membranes from CF patients may reflect an impaired utilization of the substrate by the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from these individuals.
Relationship between Pulmonary Function and Sleep-Induced Respiratory Abnormalities

The relationships between pulmonary function and sleep-induced respiratory events were studied in 34 consecutive male patients with suspected sleep apnea syndrome. In view of the effects of obstructive airway disease on pulmonary volume and airway resistance (Raw), patients were divided into two groups, those with and those without obstructive airway disease. Percent predicted functional residual capacity (FRC) correlated significantly with the apnea-plushypopnea index (AHI) in patients with and without obstructive airway disease (r=-0.62 and p
Spherical quantum chromodynamics of heavy-quark systems.

We propose a model for quantum chromodynamics, obtained by ignoring the angular dependence of the gluon fields, which could qualitatively describe systems containing one heavy quark. This leads to a two-dimensional gauge theory which has chiral symmetry and heavy-quark symmetry. We show that in a light cone formalism, the Hamiltonian of this spherical QCD can be expressed entirely in terms of color singlet variables. Furthermore, in the large [ital N][sub [ital c]] limit, it tends to a classical hadron theory. We derive an integral equation for the masses and wave functions of a heavy meson. This can be interpreted as a relativistic potential model. The integral equation is scale invariant, but renormalization of the coupling constant generates a scale. We compute the approximate [beta] function of the coupling constant, which has an ultraviolet stable fixed point at the origin.
Adaptive Post-Linearization of Dynamic Nonlinear Systems With Artificial Neural Networks

We have applied tailor-made neural networks to the post-linearization of nonlinear systems containing memory. The problems we address involve tracking systems that contain linear dynamics together with memoryless, nonlinear sensors and amplifiers. In general, the goal is to accurately infer a system's inputs based only on the system's outputs, which have been corrupted by nonlinear components. The linearizing neural network is trained to emulate the inverse of the Volterra operator which describes the nonlinear system. In implementation, the network estimates the original input signal from the system's output sequence. The post-linearizing network architecture is determined from an approximate model of the system to be linearized. The network is trained with test signals that excite the tracking system over its domain of operation and expose much of its nonlinear behavior. Network weights and biases are adjusted using a novel algorithm, batch backpropagation-through-time (BBTT). This paper presents a test case involving a sensor with an input-output relation similar to that of a scaled dc SQUID. The sensor and amplifier nonlinearities are embedded within a fourth-order dynamic system with negative feedback. The problem is generally formulated and we discuss the application of our methodology to a variety of nonlinear sensing and amplification systems.
Complete principal truncations of Dowling lattices

In this paper, we give geometric axioms and a numerical characterization of the complete principal truncations of Dowling lattices at modular flats. Using these characterizations, we show that these truncations are determined by their Tutte polynomials up to the order of the group.
A Method for Determining Ice-Water Relationships by Measurements of Dielectric Constant Changes

A Method for Determining Ice-Water Relationships by Measurements of Dielectric Constant Changes
First data acquired on the extended Q-range small-angle neutron scattering (EQ-SANS) diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source

Initial experimental results are reported from the extended Q-range small-angle neutron scattering (EQ-SANS) diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). A generation-8 polyamidoamine dendrimer was measured and the conformation parameters (radius of gyration, thickness of the soft shell etc.) extracted by model fitting to the scattering data. The results are compared with data collected at the general-purpose small-angle neutron scattering (GP-SANS) beamline at the High-Flux Isotopic Reactor at ORNL and show that EQ-SANS is ready for scientific studies for the small-angle neutron scattering community.
Improving Computer Skills in Colleges of Education

Networked computers with multimedia capabilities are increasingly being used for teaching, research, and service activities in institutions of higher education. In order to meet user demands and to avoid costly mistakes, colleges and universities need to develop assessment strategies which can reliably determine their computer needs. As the “trainer of trainers,” a college of education should take a vital leadership role in the integration of technology and instruction for pre-service teachers and administrators. A survey instrument, recently implemented in the Education Department at the University of New Hampshire, was found to be effective in evaluating the levels of computer use of its faculty members and undergraduate and graduate students. The questionnaire is designed to measure sixteen computer skills and can be adapted for other academic departments. Results of this needs assessment led to various technology-based initiatives for educators at the university and in partnership with the public schools.
Is there a Relation between the Nuclear Binding Energy and the Parameters of the Variable Moment of the Inertia Model

Successful models have been obtained by comparing the atomic nucleus with 1) the atom (shell model (1947)), 2) the molecule (liquid drop) (collective models of strongly deformed nuclei (1951/2) and of “vibrational nuclei” (1955)), and 3) superconductivity (pairing plus quadrupole model (1958)). 4) A phase transition between closed shell nuclei and even-even nuclei containing one or several pairs of nucleons was found 1,2).
A scoring algorithm to predict survival for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a stratification tool for prospective clinical trials.

ABSTRACT Purpose: We developed a clinically useful scoring algorithm to predict cancer specific survival for patients with clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: We studied 727 patients treated with radical nephrectomy for clear cell RCC from 1970 to 2000 who had distant metastases at nephrectomy (285) or in whom metastases subsequently developed (442). A scoring algorithm to predict cancer specific survival was developed using the regression coefficients from a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: There were 606 deaths from clear cell RCC at a median of 1.0 years (range 0 to 14) following metastatic RCC. Constitutional symptoms at nephrectomy (+2), metastases to the bone (+2) or liver (+4), metastases in multiple simultaneous sites (+2), metastases at nephrectomy (+1) or within 2 years of nephrectomy (+3), complete resection of all metastatic sites (-5), tumor thrombus level I to IV (+3), and the primary pathological features of nuclear grade 4 (+3) and histological tumor necrosis (+2) were significantly associated with death from RCC. All patients started with a score of 0 and points were added or subtracted as indicated in parentheses. Cancer specific survival rates at 1 year were 85.1%, 72.1%, 58.8%, 39.0%, and 25.1%, respectively, for patients with scores of -5 to -1, scores of 0 to 2, scores of 3 to 6, scores of 7 or 8, and scores of 9 or more. Conclusions: This scoring algorithm can be used to predict cancer specific survival for patients with metastatic clear cell RCC.
Influence of neonatal diethylstilbestrol treatment on androgen and estrogen receptor levels in the mouse anterior prostate, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle

Perinatal exposure to the synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), affects the structure of both male and female reproductive systems. Changes may also occur in the levels of steroid hormone receptors. Cytosolic and nuclear androgen and estrogen receptor levels (expressed per mg DNA) from the sex accessory glands of male BALB/c mice exposed neonatally to DES were analyzed by exchange assays. Neonatal DES exposure caused significant decreases in: (1) cytosolic androgen and cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptor levels in the anterior prostate and (2) cytosolic estrogen receptor levels in the ventral prostate. A significant increase was seen in the cytosolic estrogen receptor levels in the seminal vesicle. Significant decreases in cytosolic protein levels occurred in all DES-exposed glands.
Active control of laminar-turbulent transition

Instability waves, commonly called T-S waves, can be introduced in a laminar boundary layer by periodic heating of flush-mounted heating elements. Experiments have demonstrated that nearly complete cancellation of a T-S wave excited in this way can be achieved by using a second downstream heating element with a suitable phase shift. As one application of the technique, a single element together with a feedback loop activated by measured wall shear stress has been used to reduce the amplitude of naturally occurring laminar instability waves. A significant increase in the transition Reynolds number has been achieved.
Length-dependence of intramolecular electron transfer in σ-bonded rigid molecular rods: an ab initio molecular orbital study

Abstract The dependence of electron transfer (ET) coupling element, VAB, on the length of rigid-rod-like systems consisting of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP), cubane (CUB), and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (BCO) monomers, has been investigated with the use of ab initio Hartree–Fock (HF) method employing Marcus–Hush two-state (TS) model. The value of VAB decreases exponentially with increase in the number of the cage units of the σ-bonded molecules. The calculated decay constant, β, shows good agreement with previously reported data. For molecular length ⩾15 A , the value of VAB becomes negligibly small, suggesting complete suppression of the through bond direct tunneling contribution to ET process.
The Evolving Field of Neuropathic Pain

Emerging Strategies for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain delivers more than what the title promises. It is the result of the discussions of 40 experts in the field of neuropathic pain, from academia and the pharmaceutical industry, who met in Scottsdale, Arizona for a 5-day meeting in April 2005. The recognition by the editors for the need of another publication about neuropathic pain highlights the current status of the field: intriguing, dynamic, evolving, under-recognized by the general practitioner and underestimated by many clinicians. This excellent publication provides state-ofthe art information on the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain, the status of current research, and delineates where the field will be heading in the short-term and in the future. The book is organized in four chapters, with the first two focusing on ‘‘specific targets,’’ the third written from the disease perspective, and the last one on new technological advances applied to the study of neuropathic pain. Although this classification may be considered arbitrary, as recognized by the editors in the preface
Acupuncture Treatment of Alcoholic Recidivism: A Pilot Study

We performed a randomized trial of acupuncture on a group of 54 hardcore alcoholic recidivists to determine if sobriety could be achieved and episodes of drinking and/or Detox Center admissions be decreased by this mode of therapy. Patients in the treatment group received acupuncture points specific for the treatment of substance abuse; control patients received nonspecific points. Significant differences in the two groups were noted at the end of the study. Patients in the treatment group expressed less need for alcohol (p less than 0.003), and had fewer drinking episodes (p less than 0.0076) and admissions to the Detox Center (p less than 0.03) during the study than did control patients. The majority of treated patients felt that acupuncture had a definite impact on their desire to drink, whereas only a few control patients noted this effect (p less than 0.015). The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be able to interdict the cycle of alcoholic recidivism. Further investigation is needed to define the role of acupuncture in the treatment of alcoholism more precisely.
EFFECT OF COPPER AND CADMIUM BINDING ON FLOCCULATION OF FERRIC OXIDE PARTICLES

ABSTRACT The sorption of copper and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions by ferric oxide particles was studied using batch equilibrium and kinetic experiments. The sorption process was found to be pH dependent, with the uptake increasing at high pH values. An increase in equilibrium pH was observed when the initial pH was in the acidic range, and a decrease from initial values was observed in the basic range, in the case of both copper and cadmium sorption. The former phenomenon is due to competition between metal and proton binding, and the latter is due to precipitation mechanisms at high initial pH values. A large increase in the zeta potential of the particles from baseline values was observed during equilibrium sorption. This increase occurs as a result of surface charge neutralization due to metal ion uptake. Particle destabilization appears to occur as a result of metal ion sorption. Kinetic experiments indicate that the uptake of copper by ferric oxide particles is a slow process. The pH histories ...
Surgical management of superficial bladder cancer (stages Ta/T1/CIS).

Transurethral surgery is the primary treatment for patients with superficial bladder cancer. Either electrical or laser thermal destruction is used most often but there is no proven therapeutic benefit for one method over the other. Treatment failure is usually a consequence of new tumor occurrence rather than the failure to eradicate existing visible tumors. Adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy improves results over surgery alone in most circumstances.Semin. Surg. Oncol. 13:328-334, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Black and Hispanic: The Racial Identification of Afro-Cuban Immigrants in the Southwest

Although studies document the successful adaptation of Cuban exiles in Miami, little research has examined the settlement experiences of recent Afro-Cuban immigrants. Many of these Afro-Cubans have settled in relocation sites throughout the United States, including the Southwest. The adjustment of these immigrants in areas with mostly White and Mexican-origin populations, and a smaller African American group, creates identity conflicts as these immigrants struggle to find their place in this largely white/black/brown triracial system. Drawing on interviews with forty-five Afro-Cubans in Austin, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, this study employs a constructionist approach, exploring the ways in which racial and ethnic identities are formed in dialogue with both self-appraisal and external classification from others. Findings reveal the complicated identification processes involved as Afro-Cubans attempt to maintain identification as both “Cuban” and “Black” in the face of external classification as eit...
Synthesis and NMR spectra of 3-aryl-1,1,2,2-tetracyanocyclopropanes

Abstract The synthesis of seventeen 3-aryl-1,1,2,2-tetracyanocyclopropanes is described, by a general route. The cyclopropane hydrogen, which appears in the range τ 4·5–5·3 in these compounds, couples with the ortho aromatic protons (J ≅ 0·9 Hz). This is appreciably larger than comparable coupling of the vinyl proton in the corresponding arylidenemalononitriles.
Privatization within the Chinese State

Since the nature of the state and state—society relations in China are significantly different from other "developmental states" in East Asia, an analysis of Chinese political economy has to go beyond the developmental state theory. The Chinese state is a socialist state which is an amalgamation of the Communist Party, the government, and their vast network of affiliated social organizations. In contrast to the authoritarian rule of other Asian developmental states, the Chinese state exercises totalitarian rule over the society. Among other characteristics of this totalitarian rule, state organizations in China thoroughly penetrate society and the state plays a hegemonic role in the economy, based on the principles of public ownership and central planning (McCormick, 1990, p. 7). Therefore, alternative theoretical arguments are needed to explain China's political economy.
A PDP-12 interface for time-code generator/readers

An interrupt-driven time-code reader interface for the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-12 minicomputer is described.
Flow Based Performance Guarantee Scheduling in Buffered Crossbar Switches

Buffered crossbar switches are a special type of crossbar switches with a small buffer at each crosspoint of the crossbar. Existing research results indicate that they can provide port based performance guarantees with speedup of two, but require significant hardware complexity to provide flow based performance guarantees. In this paper, we present scheduling algorithms for buffered crossbar switches to achieve flow based performance guarantees with speedup of two and one buffer per crosspoint. When there is no crosspoint blocking, only simple and distributed input scheduling and output scheduling are needed. Otherwise, a special urgent matching procedure is necessary to guarantee on-time delivery of crosspoint blocked cells. For urgent matching, we present both sequential and parallel matching algorithms. The parallel version significantly reduces the average number of iterations for convergence, which is verified by simulation. With the proposed algorithms, buffered crossbar switches can provide flow based performance guarantees by emulating push-in-first-out output-queued switches, and we use the counting method to prove the perfect emulation. Finally, we discuss an alternative backup-buffer implementation design to the bypass path, and compare our scheme with existing solutions.
A novel synthetic sealant to treat air leaks at cardiac reoperation

Purpose Pulmonary injury with resultant air leak is common at cardiac reoperation. Sequelae of this complication include prolonged chest tube drainage and time to ambulation, extended hospitalization and increased costs, and mediastinitis. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a new synthetic absorbable sealant at treatment air leaks occurring at cardiac reoperation. Patients and methods Fifteen patients having cardiac reoperation had lung injuries repaired with FocalSeal-L Sealant (Focal, Inc., Lexington, MA). Mean age was 61+/-15 years, and mean interval from the previous to the current operation was 44+/-38 months. Results In all patients, FocalSeal-L Sealant was successful at sealing intraoperative air leaks. Postoperatively, 73% of patients had no air leak. Four patients (27%) developed a recurrent air leak, three on postoperative day 1 and one on postoperative day 2. In three of these patients, the air leak sealed within 3 days. In the fourth patient, an immunosuppressed heart transplant recipient with mediastinitis, the air leak never sealed; that patient died of sepsis after an omental flap failed to control the air leak. In patients without air leak, chest tubes were removed on postoperative day 1 (9 patients) or 2 (1 patient). Conclusion This novel synthetic sealant prevents postoperative air leaks in the majority of patients suffering lung injury at cardiac reoperation.
How AA works and why it's important for clinicians to understand

Alcoholism is associated with tremendous suffering, psychological denial, and physical and emotional debilitation. Much of the suffering that plagues alcoholics is rooted in core problems with self-regulation involving self-governance, feeling life (affects), and self-care. Alcoholics Anonymous is effective because it is a sophisticated group psychology that effectively accesses, corrects, or repairs these core psychological vulnerabilities. The traditions of storytelling, honesty, openness, and willingness to examine ("take inventory") character defects allow people to express themselves who otherwise do not feel or speak and help those who otherwise are deceitful (to self and others) and would deny vulnerability and limitation to openly admit to it.
Spin-charge density waves in the Hubbard model

Abstract The ground state of the Hubbard model in a square lattice is examined in the Hartree-Fock mean field approximation at zero temperature. At small finite hole doping, the system has periodically distributed soliton like structures whose modulations are incommensurate. In a self-consistent way, the Fermi energy can always be located in a gap. The incommensurate states have lower energies than the commensurate antiferromagnetic states calculated at the same filling. These soliton structures persist even when a sizeable nearest neighbor repulsive interaction is included.
Reaction of polyglycolic acid sutures in the urinary tract Comparison with chronic catgut sutures

Abstract Ninety-two suture lines bathed in urine were closed using either chromic catgut or PGA (polyglycolic acid suture) to discover any adverse behavior of PGA in the presence of urine. Of 54 wounds closed with catgut, there were 6 problems, including 1 dehiscence. Of 38 wounds closed with PGA there was 1 dehiscence. Intact PGA suture was found when that patient's wound was reclosed. Both dehiscences could be attributed to factors other than suture failure. There appears to be no reason at present to avoid PGA in the urinary tract. It has several attributes useful in urologic procedures: strength, security of knots, lack of tissue reaction, and dissolution by hydrolysis.
TeV gamma rays from millisecond pulsars and the detectability of globular clusters

I investigate the detectability of TeV gamma rays from millisecond pulsars, assuming the energy source that powers this emission is the loss of rotational energy of the spinning neutron star. I show that although individual sources may be too weak to detect, the contribution of many (about 1000) active millisecond pulsars may lead to currently detectable TeV gamma-ray emissions from globular clusters, provided the average pulsar converts about 0.1 percent of its spin-down energy into TeV gamma rays. Future detections of TeV gamma rays from globular clusters (or more restrictive upper limits on the fluxes) will lead to better estimates of the number of active millisecond pulsars the clusters contain, and to a better understanding of the pulsar emission mechanism. I also derive flux estimates for the following sources: (1) the Crab Nebula, (2) PSR 19374-21, PSR 1953 4-29, and PSR 1855 4-09, and (3) nearby millisecond pulsars in the galactic disk.
Effect of grain anisotropy on ordering, stability and dynamics in granular systems

With experiments and simulations, we show that monomer, dimer, and trimer beads in 2D represent an ideal system in which specific types of order, dynamics, and granular stability can be controlled. We determine the distinct types of ordering for increasing grain anisotropy. Dimers possess a quasi-ordered state in which translational but not orientational order exists, while trimers are disordered. We show that these different orderings give rise to specific types of flow. Monomers show a large-scale collective ordered shear motion, dimers show tumbling motion near the surface, and trimers show disorderly bulk tumbling.
Graphical Layout System for IC Mask Design

The Fairchild graphical layout system is a design tool for the layout and production of masks for large-scale integrated circuits. Its purpose is to reduce the time delay from the specification of a circuit design in schematic form to the production of a set of masks to be used in the manufacturing process. The system operates on an IBM 1130 computer with 16K 16-bit words of core memory. A Sanders display system built to Fairchild specifications makes possible rapid graphic man-machine interaction. An entire design may be carried out at the display or portions of it may be entered through punched cards. Final output consists of masks cut on a Calcomp plotter, line drawings, and/or digital images of the design which may be saved for later use and modification, or for output on other media (e.g., reticle generators). The use of a grid system for determining coordinate positions together with software windowing and scaling has produced a layout design package that is easy to use and provides rapid response to user requests with a relatively small low-speed computer. The graphical layout system produces circuit layouts with resolutions that are an order of magnitude greater than the resolution of the CRT display.
Initial results of using an intelligent tutoring system with Alice

This paper describes the initial steps taken towards incorporating an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) into Alice. After initially describing an ITS, the paper focuses on the development of several tutorials for teaching specific introductory programming concepts that have been created using stencils. Initial results concerning usability and effectiveness of these stencil-based tutorials are provided.
Borderline Personality Features and Instability of Daily Negative Affect and Self-Esteem

We used a daily process design and multilevel modeling to examine the role of borderline personality features in the day-to-day stability of college students' negative affect and self-esteem and their reactivity to interpersonal stressors. At the end of each day for two weeks, students completed a checklist of daily stressors and measures of state affect and self-esteem. We predicted that high scores on a measure of borderline features would be related to more daily interpersonal stressors, greater negative affective and self-esteem reactivity to these stressors, and less day-to-day carryover of negative mood and self-esteem. The first and third hypotheses were supported, but not the second. The findings demonstrate the utility of a daily process methodology and multilevel modeling to study the day-to-day functioning of individuals with borderline features.
Orwell's Morris and ‘Old Major's’ dream

(1990). Orwell's Morris and ‘Old Major's’ dream. English Studies: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 361-371.
Synthesis of cyclic AMP and phosphodiesterase in various species of cellular slime molds and its bearing on chemotaxis and differentiation.

Abstract With 3 different chemotaxis tests it has been shown that of the 7 species of cellular slime molds examined in this study 4 are attracted strongly to cyclic AMP, while the remaining 3 show no chemotactic response whatsoever. Nevertheless it could be demonstrated that all the species produced extracellular cyclic AMP (although the nonresponders did produce less). All 7 species also synthesized a phosphodiesterase capable of converting cyclic AMP to 5′ AMP. Despite the fact that these substances are ubiquitous, there is strong evidence from Francis (1965) to support the hypothesis that the species that do not respond to cyclic AMP have a different acrasin that is essential for their aggregation. This raises the question of the function of cyclic AMP in these 3 species, and it is suggested that it may be involved in differentiation.