cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the success of a surgical resident learning portfolio.

Background Learning portfolios have gained modest acceptance in graduate medical education because of challenges related to user satisfaction, time and resource commitment, and quality assessment. In 2001, the Department of Surgery implemented the Surgical Learning and Instructional Portfolio (SLIP) to help residents develop a case-based portfolio demonstrating practice-based learning. In 2008, the format was changed to a Web-based platform with open viewing of portfolios for all learners. This study was performed to evaluate the SLIP program using resident and faculty perspectives in the domains of satisfaction, compliance, and educational value. Methods Likert scale surveys were distributed to residents to assess satisfaction. Using a semistructured format with subsequent qualitative analysis of the meeting transcript, a focus group discussion was held with the SLIP director, SLIP facilitator, and program coordinator. An analysis of the program compliance was performed by review of SLIP entry dates. Finally, the quality of the SLIP entries (n = 420) was analyzed in a blinded manner using a locally developed standardized SLIP assessment tool. Data analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation and Cronbach's alpha. Results Residents were satisfied with the program and felt the Web-based format promoted self-reflection. They perceived that time spent was appropriate. Residents also believed they gained medical knowledge of their own specific entry topics but did not learn routinely from others' entries. Faculty asserted that the Web-based platform eased the administrative burden but did not necessarily alter the quality of the SLIP entries. Compliance with the assignment was 100%. SLIP entry analysis demonstrated the reflection and understanding of the topics chosen. However, the overall quality assessment of entries was hindered by suboptimal interrater reliability (inter-rater reliability (IR) = 0.636). Conclusions The SLIP program allows residents to demonstrate practice-based learning and improvement of medical knowledge. The Web-based format provides transparency and ease of administration. Quality assessment of individual portfolio entries remains a challenge to the widespread adoption of portfolios.
High-level parallel architecture for a rule-based system

A parallel architecture for rule-based systems is generally based on techniques that reduce the execution time of a production cycle, match- select-act cycle. With these techniques, speedups in rule-based systems are limited to tenfold. We investigate a new approach to achieve higher speedups by developing a computer architecture that exploits parallelism at much higher levels. This high-level parallel architecture is based on a semantic network representation and message passing. This architecture closes the semantic-gap that exists between the application and its implementation and yields higher speedups. To demonstrate our approach, we have chosen the VLSI architecture simulation application which has inherent parallelism and demands large execution times on conventional computers. We performed functional simulations for two applications and measured close to linear speedups. In this paper, we present the applications, knowledge representation scheme, architecture suitable for this set of applications, and speedup measurements.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The problem of information naïveté

With the rapidly changing Web-enabled world, the already existing dichotomy between knowing of and knowing about, or information naivete, widens daily. This article explores the ethical dilemmas that can result from the lack of information literacy. The article also discusses conditions and consequences of information naivete, media bias, possessive memory, and limited contexts and abilities. To help avoid information failure, the author recommends producers, contributors, disseminators, and aggregators of information be less information naive. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF THE SUBSTITUTION OF CALCINED BALL CLAY FOR NONPLASTIC IN PORCELAIN AND TALC BODIES

It has been the purpose of this study to determine the effect of the substitution of calcined ball clay for flint in certain type bodies. Complete data on the physical properties of these bodies has been obtained, including electrical resistivity up to 980°C. A substitution of calcined ball clay for a portion of the talc in a type talc body has also been made.
Oxygen codoping of ZnS:Tb, F electroluminescent thin film

Abstract Thin films of ZnS:Tb,F were sputter deposited from a ZnS:TbF 3 target in an oxygen-argon ambient. The highest electroluminescent brightness (82 cd/m 2 at 60 Hz) was measured from ZnS:Tb,F films with a 3.6 at% oxygen concentration. Oxygen concentrations above or below this concentration resulted in sharp decreases in brightness (56 cd/m 2 at 2.2 at% oxygen, and 42 cd/m 2 at 8.1 at% oxygen). The brightness improvement by oxygen codoping between 0 and 3.6 at% results from increased conduction charge with increasing oxygen concentrations. The brightness decrease for oxygen >3.6 at% is attributed to decreases of both excitation and radiative efficiencies. Improved electroluminescent brightness from oxygen codoping during sputter deposition of ZnS:Tb,F films was equivalent to the improvement observed in films deposited from a ZnS:TbOF target.
Bilateral Symmetrical Metastases to the Clavicular Heads from Bronchogenic Carcinoma Simulating Primary Hyperparathyroidism

A case of bronchogenic carcinoma with signs of hyperparathyroidism and bilateral symmetrical metastasis to the clavicles is presented. Ectopic hyperparathyroidism was confirmed. The clinical and laboratory differentiation of primary and ectopic hyperparathyroidism is discussed.
The judicious use and management of humor in the workplace

Abstract Everybody loves humor. In the workplace, it can provide such benefits as stress relief, team unification, employee motivation, idea generation, and frustration diffusion through venting. Despite these positives, it should be stressed that humor in this context has downsides, as well. For example, humor can distract us from the job at hand, hurt our credibility, or cause offense in increasingly diverse work settings. In the midst of this complicated situation stand managers, who occupy a position of responsibility for both the good and bad effects of humor in the workplace. It is the intention of this article to use existing humor theory and a simple model to generate a more analytical understanding of humorous interaction. Suggestions are then offered as to how to use humor and manage the use of humor in such a way as to maximize its benefits, while minimizing its dangers.
Executable semantic descriptions

We describe how the denotational semantics of a programming language can be executed directly, if it is expressed in a suitable functional programming language such as ML. We also apply Mosses' idea of ‘semantic algebras’ to construct semantic descriptions that are significantly more modular and understandable than usual. The possibility of executing a language's semantic description directly supports a methodology of language design that we advocate: express the design as a formal language description, and use this to test and refine the design, before becoming committed to constructing a compiler.
Leisure time exercise and lipid and lipoprotein levels in an older population.

Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured in 1,019 men and 1,273 women, aged 50 to 89, who were classified according to whether they reported participation in regular strenuous exercise. In men and women, strenuous exercisers had significantly (P less than .01) higher age-adjusted high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels than nonstrenuous exercisers, and male strenuous exercisers also had lower plasma triglyceride levels. Adjusting for differences in cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, or obesity did not alter these results. A subgroup of 498 consecutive men and 615 consecutive women that completed a more detailed exercise questionnaire were classified into categories of light, moderate, heavy, or no exercise. In men, age-adjusted HDL cholesterol levels were higher and triglyceride levels lower with higher exercise-intensity categories (P for trend less than .001). In the heavy exercise category, HDL cholesterol levels were 15% higher and plasma triglyceride levels were 41% lower than in the sedentary group. In women, HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher and triglyceride levels lower at the more moderate levels of exercise. In both genders results among exercise-intensity groups did not change after adjusting for age, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. In men, adjusting for obesity did not significantly alter the intergroup differences, whereas in women adjusting for body mass index or waist-to-hip ratio reduced differences in HDL cholesterol levels between exercising and sedentary participants to nonsignificance. We conclude that exercise levels attainable by older adults may significantly improve HDL cholesterol levels and could theoretically reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease.
Robotic radical prostatectomy-a minimally invasive therapy for prostate cancer: results of initial 530 cases

Context: In 2000, the number of new cases of prostate cancer was estimated at 5 13 000 worldwide [Eur J Cancer 2001; 37 (Suppl 8): S4]. In next 15 years, prostate cancer is predicted to be the most common cancer in men [Eur J Cancer 2001; 37 (Suppl 8): S4]. Radical prostatectomy is one of the most common surgical treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. In spite of its excellent oncological results, due to the fear of pain, risk for side effects, and inconvenience (Semin Urol Oncol 2002; 20: 55), many patients seek alternative treatments for their prostate cancer. At Vattikuti Urology institute, we have developed a minimally invasive technique for treating prostate cancer, which achieves oncological results of surgical treatment without causing significant pain, large surgical incision, and side effects (BJU Int, 2003; 92: 205). This technique involves a da Vinci™ (Intuitive Surgical®, Sunnyvale, CA) surgical robot with 3-D stereoscopic visualization and ergonomic multijointed instruments. Presented herein are our results after treating 750 patients. Methods: We prospectively collected baseline demographic data such as age, race, body mass index (BMI), serum prostate specific antigen, prostate volume, Gleason score, percentage cancer, TNM clinical staging, and comorbidities. Urinary symptoms were measured with the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), and sexual health with the sexual health inventory of males (SHIM). In addition, the patients were mailed the expanded prostate inventory composite at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after the procedure. Results: Gleason seven or more cancer grade was noted in 33.5% of patients. The average BMI was high (27.7) and 87% patients had pathological stage PT2a-b. The mean operative time was 160 min and the mean blood loss was 153 cm3. No patient required blood transfusion. At 6 months 82% of the men who were younger and 75% of those older than 60 years had return of sexual function and 64 and 38%, respectively, had sexual intercourse. At 6 months, 96% patients were continent. Where next?: This procedure is safe and effective in managing patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. However, the surgical robot has a significant prize tag attached and not every center has access to the technology. In future, hopefully, the robot will become smaller, and cheaper to allow wide acceptance of this procedure.
Vicarious calibration of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator thermal-infrared channels

We made an experimental vicarious calibration of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ~MODIS! Airborne Simulator ~MAS! thermal infrared ~TIR! channel data acquired in the field campaign near Mono Lake, Calif. on 10 March 1998 to demonstrate the advantage of using high-elevation sites in dry atmospheric conditions for vicarious calibration. With three lake-surface sites and one snow-field site, we estimated the MAS noise-equivalent temperature difference as 0.7‐1.0 °C for bands 30 ‐32 in the 3.68 ‐ 4.13-mm region and 0.1‐ 0.5 °C for bands 42, 45, 46, and 48 in the 8 ‐13.5-mm region. This study shows that the MAS calibration error is within 60.4 °C in the split-window channels ~at 11 and 12 mm! and larger in other TIR channels based on the MAS data over Mono Lake and in situ measurement data over the snow-field site. © 1999 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 040.3060, 120.0280, 120.0120, 120.5630.
Range Expansion and Population Dynamics of an Invasive Species: The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Invasive species offer ecologists the opportunity to study the factors governing species distributions and population growth. The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) serves as a model organism for invasive spread because of the wealth of abundance records and the recent development of the invasion. We tested whether a set of environmental variables were related to the carrying capacities and growth rates of individual populations by modeling the growth trajectories of individual populations of the Collared-Dove using Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data. Depending on the fit of our growth models, carrying capacity and growth rate parameters were extracted and modeled using historical, geographical, land cover and climatic predictors. Model averaging and individual variable importance weights were used to assess the strength of these predictors. The specific variables with the greatest support in our models differed between data sets, which may be the result of temporal and spatial differences between the BBS and CBC. However, our results indicate that both carrying capacity and population growth rates are related to developed land cover and temperature, while growth rates may also be influenced by dispersal patterns along the invasion front. Model averaged multivariate models explained 35–48% and 41–46% of the variation in carrying capacities and population growth rates, respectively. Our results suggest that widespread species invasions can be evaluated within a predictable population ecology framework. Land cover and climate both have important effects on population growth rates and carrying capacities of Collared-Dove populations. Efforts to model aspects of population growth of this invasive species were more successful than attempts to model static abundance patterns, pointing to a potentially fruitful avenue for the development of improved invasive distribution models.
Phosphorylation of the insulin receptor by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) promotes ligand-independent activation of the insulin signalling pathway in rodent muscle

Aims/hypothesis Muscle may experience hypoglycaemia during ischaemia or insulin infusion. During severe hypoglycaemia energy production is blocked, and an increase of AMP:ATP activates the energy sensor and putative insulin-sensitiser AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK promotes energy conservation and survival by shutting down anabolism and activating catabolic pathways. We investigated the molecular mechanism of a unique glucose stress defence pathway involving AMPK-dependent, insulin-independent activation of the insulin signalling pathway.
Tumor cell autophagy as an adaptive response mediating resistance to treatments such as antiangiogenic therapy.

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that can sequester cytosolic material including organelles nonspecifically in a process called nonselective macroautophagy, or can target specific protein aggregates designated for destruction in a process called selective autophagy. Autophagy is one mechanism that enables tumor cells to survive stressors in the tumor microenvironment, as well as injuries caused by treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The complexity of the role of autophagy in cancer is underscored by evidence that autophagy can allow premalignant cells to escape the genotoxic stress and inflammation that promote tumorigenesis, and by evidence that some tumor cells exhibit loss of autophagy capacity altogether through molecular mechanisms that have not yet been defined. Efforts to understand and modulate the autophagy pathway will be crucial to maximize the full therapeutic potential of cancer therapies which are currently hindered by tumor cell autophagy as a resistance mechanism.
Abstract 2798: VDR gene polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer in African-American

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: Genetics and epidemiological studies have shown that genes and environment interaction play strong roles in prostate cancer etiology. We have already shown that higher UV exposure, higher serum vitamin D, and lower skin pigmentation inversely associated with the risk of prostate cancer in African-American. Methods: In order to explore the relationship between Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk in African American men; 91 affected African American men with histologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the prostate, PSA of > 2.5 ng/ml and a positive digital rectal exam have been recruited. Ninety-one age and ethnicity matched controls have been also recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood sample of each case and control subjects. Nine primers were designed for amplification of 9 different axons in VDR gene. DNA fragments from all samples were amplified using PCR reaction. In order to investigate the existence of heteroduplex, PCR products denatured and using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) technique heteroduplex analysis on the Wave system was performed. Those samples demonstrating heteroduplex peaks were sequenced using an ABI 377 DNA sequencer. Results: Seven polymorphisms in VDR sequence were confirmed after sequencing. SNPs 132G>A, 332 G>A, 83 G>A, invs9-286C>T, 122 A>G, and invs10-49G>T are located in non-coding region. 209 T>C SNP is located in coding region. However this SNP is anonymous as previously reported. 332G>A, 83G>A, and invs9-286C>T SNPs showed strong negative association with prostate cancer risk (p A, 209T/C, and IVS10-49G>T showed direct association with risk of prostate cancer but statistically is not significant. Using Binary Logistic Regression Model confirmed that 332G>A, 83G>A, and invs9-286C>T SNPs are good predictor of protection against prostate cancer. Whereas having SNP 209T>C is strong indicator of risk of prostate cancer. Conclusion: It is possible that genetic variants may mediate prostate cancer risk via a mechanism involving availability of 1, 25(OH)2 D. Vitamin D protects against risk of prostate cancer. UV exposure, good vitamin D diet, and lighter skin along with advantageous VDR polymorphism as modulators of vitamin D can improve this protection. We are in the process of assessment of analysis the interaction between other genes involved in vitamin D metabolism and environmental factors. Our results require further corroboration in large statistically powerful sample collections. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2798.
Safety-first portfolio optimization for US investors in emerging global, Asian and Latin American markets

Abstract Risk averse US investors with safety-first objectives in portfolio optimization hold small weights (maximum 10%) in emerging markets when constructing portfolios of the Standard and Poor's 500 (SP), and the Emerging Markets Composite Global (CG), Asia (AS) and Latin American (LA) indexes, respectively. The Composite Global and Asia weights are even smaller than their minimum variance weights. Yet, these optimal safety-first portfolios are dominant in terms of risk and return over the global minimum or higher variance portfolios. In contrast, safety-first optimization for Latin America is hardly different from the minimum variance and not clearly dominant over other mean–variance portfolios. Overall, safety-first limits portfolio losses associated with infrequent catastrophic events and otherwise optimize performance.
Analysis of 5' nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase by gene disruption in Dictyostelium.

In Dictyostelium discoideum a phosphatase with a high pH optimum is known to increase in activity during cell differentiation and become localized to a narrow band of cells at the interface of prespore and prestalk cells. However, it was not clear if this activity is due to a classical "alkaline phosphatase" with broad range substrate specificity or to a "5'nucleotidase" with high substrate preference for 5'AMP. We attempted to disrupt the genes encoding these two phosphatase activities in order to determine if the activity that is localized to the interface region resides in either of these two proteins. During aggregation of 5nt null mutants, multiple tips formed rather than the normal single tip for each aggregate. In situ phosphatase activity assays showed that the wt and the 5nt gene disruption clones had normal phosphatase activity in the area between prestalk and prespore cell types, while the alp null mutants did not have activity in this cellular region. Thus, the phosphatase activity that becomes localized to the interface of the prestalk and prespore cells is alkaline phosphatase.
Region-based retrieval of biomedical images

Searching digital biomedical images is a challenges problem. Prevalent retrieval techniques involve human-supplied text annotations to describe image contents. Biomedical images, such as pathology slides, usually have higher resolution than general-purpose pictures, making it additionally difficut to index. Precise object segmentation is also extremely difficult and is still an open problem. We are developing a multiresolution region-based retreival system for high-resolution biomedical image databases. The system, based on wavelets, the IRM (Integrated Region Matching) distance, and image classification, is highly robust to inacurate image segmentation and various visual alterations. Tested on a database of more than 70,000 pathology image fragments, the system has demonstrated high accuracy and fast speed.
The South China sea margins: Implications for rifting contrasts

Abstract Implications regarding spatially complex continental rifting, crustal extension, and the subsequent evolution to seafloor spreading are re-examined for the northern and southern-rifted margins of the South China Sea. Previous seismic studies have shown dramatic differences in the present-day crustal thicknesses as the manifestations of the strain experienced during the rifting of the margin of south China. Although the total crustal extension is presumed to be the same along the margin and adjacent ocean basin, the amount of continental crustal extension that occurred is much less along the east and central segments of the margin than along the western segment. This difference was accommodated by the early formation of oceanic crust (creating the present-day South China Sea basin) adjacent to the eastern margin segment while continued extension of continental crust was sustained to the west. Using the observed cross-sectional areas of extended continental crust derived from deep penetration seismics, two end-member models of varying rift zone widths and varying initial crustal thicknesses are qualitatively examined for three transects. Each model implies a time difference in the initiation of seafloor spreading inferred for different segments along the margin. The two models examined predict that the oceanic crust of the South China Sea basin toward the west did not begin forming until sometime between 6–12 my after its initial formation (∼32 Ma) toward the east. These results are compatible with crustal age interpretations of marine magnetic anomalies. Assuming rifting symmetry with conjugate margin segments now residing along the southern portions of the South China Sea basin implies that the total width of the zone of rifting in the west was greater than in the east by about a factor of two. We suggest the most likely causes of the rifting differences were east–west variations in the rheology of the pre-rift crust and associated east–west variations in the thermal structure of the pre-rift lithosphere. The calculated widths of rifted continental crust for the northern and southern margins, when combined with the differential widths of seafloor generated during the seafloor spreading phase, indicate the total crustal extension that occurred is about 1100 km and is remarkably consistent to within ∼10% for all three (eastern, central, western) segments examined.
The conduction of the cardiac impulse 1951–1986

The study of the propagation of the cardiac impulse during the last 35 years is reviewed with special attention to the contributions of Silvio Weidmann and his colleagues. Special emphasis is placed on the need to prove that the cardiac impulse is transmitted electrically, even when it is conducted under very abnormal conditions.
Approximate matching of textual domain attributes for information source integration

A key problem in the integration of information sources is the identification of related attributes or objects across independent sources. Inferring such meta-information from source data (rather than a-priori available meta-data, such as attribute names) is sometimes possible. For example, existing algorithms attempt to integrate information sources by finding patterns such as Inclusion Dependencies (INDs) across them. However, INDs are based on exact set inclusion and are thus very strict patterns that rarely hold across independent real-world databases.We propose two error-tolerant measures, termed Similarity Score and Distribution Score, that help identify related attributes across two independent databases, based on similarities in their data. Those measures specifically address the problem of identifying semantic relationships between textual attributes of databases that have few or no equal values.We also present implementations of those measures and some experimental results.
Excited state dynamics in chlorophyll-based antennae: the role of transfer equilibrium

We present computer simulations of excited state dynamics in models of PS I and PS II which are based upon known structural and spectral properties of the antennae. In particular, these models constrain the pigment binding sites to three-dimensional volumes determined from molecular properties of the antenna complexes. The simulations demonstrate that within a 10–30 ps after light absorption, rapid energy transfer among coupled antenna chlorophylls leads to a quasiequilibrium state in which the fraction of the excited state on any antenna chlorophyll, normalized to the total excited state remaining on the model, remains constant with time. We describe this quasiequilibrium state as a "transfer equilibrium" (TE) state because of its dependence on the rates of processes that couple excited state motion and quenching in the antenna as well as on the individual antenna site energies and temperature. The TE state is not a true equilibrium in that loss of the excited state primarily due to photochemistry (but also due to fluorescence, thermal emission, and intersystem crossing) continues once TE is established. Depending on the dynamics of the system, the normalized distribution of excited state at TE may differ substantially from the Boltzmann distribution (the state of the model at infinite time in the absence of any avenues for decay of excited state). The models predict lifetimes, equilibration times, and photochemical yields that are in agreement with experimental data and affirm trap-limited dynamics in both photosystems. The rapid occurrence of TE states implies that any excited state dynamics that depends on antenna structure and excitation wavelength must occur before the TE state is established. We demonstrate that the excited state distribution of the TE state is central to determining the excited state lifetime and quantum efficiency of photochemistry.
Exercise in Valvular Heart Disease: Risks and Benefits

Valvular heart disease (VHD) carries documented risks for active individuals. At the same time, many individuals with intermediate degrees of valve disease can safely exercise and even participate in competitive athletics. Unfortunately for clinicians caring for these patients, data are scarce. Understanding the pathophysiology and natural history of VHD is key to applying consensus guidelines and making recommendations to individual patients. Careful physical examination and appropriate imaging studies will identify patients at risk; most will require serial evaluation but can exercise and participate in sports as desired. When symptoms develop, prompt treatment of severe, symptomatic disease and intensive cardiac rehabilitation as well as continued surveillance after surgical treatment will maximize the functional ability of active individuals with VHD.
Nortriptyline for treatment-resistant depression.

Background Up to 30% of patients with major depression fail to respond to an antidepressant trial, with most taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as initial treatment. While the tricyclic antidepressants might be effective for SSRI nonresponders, they have been relegated to third- and fourth-line treatment. This study assesses the efficacy of nortriptyline for patients with treatment-resistant major depression. Method 92 patients with treatment-resistant DSM-III-R major depression, with resistance defined by at least 1, but no more than 5, well-documented adequate trials of antidepressants during the current episode, were treated openly with nortriptyline for 6 weeks. Patients were titrated up to full target doses of nortriptyline within 1 week, with target blood levels of 100 ng/mL. Response was defined as a 50% or greater decrease of baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score. We performed an intent-to-treat analysis with the last observation carried forward. Results Approximately 40% of patients were responders (N = 39) and 12% were remitters (N = 11) after 6 weeks of nortriptyline. Over a third of patients were unable to complete the trial. Conclusion Nortriptyline was effective for over a third of patients with treatment-resistant depression, and nortriptyline should be considered as potential treatment if patients fail to respond to other antidepressants.
Educational systems for plant operators

Abstract Technicians engaged in programs concerned with environmental control need to continually upgrade themselves to keep abreast of the latest advences in technology. It is the duty of the professional educator to continually update the training materials both in technical content and in method of presentation. The behavioral objective approach appears to have the greatest potential for the development of systematic training systems and guidance materials for waste water treatment plants operators.
Detection of small ventricular septal defects. Comparison of selective left ventricular cineangiography with indicator-dilution techniques.

The value of selective left ventricular cineangiography in the detection of small ventricular septal defects was assessed in 23 patients in whom no shunt was detected by blood oxygen saturation change. A comparison was made with selective indocyaninegreen indicator-dilution curves in 10 of these patients. A ventricular septal defect was demonstrated by both methods in 10. However, in one case, the indicator curve showed a left-to-right shunt whereas selective left ventricular cineangiography failed to demonstrate it. Conversely, in two other cases, selective left ventricular cineangiography demonstrated a small ventricular septal defect while a normal curve was obtained by indicator-dilution technique. Comparing our experience with cineangiography with that of others, using hydrogen ion and indocyanine-green indicator-dilution techniques for the detection of small left-to-right intracardiac shunts, it seems there is little difference in the sensitivity of the three methods. Each is capable of detecting ve...
Developing Complex Crash Warning Simulations for Human Factors Evaluations

In traditional vehicle warning experiments, each subject sees each warning once, and warning comparisons are between subjects, a very inefficient approach. Driving simulator experiments for the recent RDCW and IVBSS projects used within-subjects designs, with each subject responding to a warning about once per minute. That presentation rate and the scenarios developed seemed reasonable to independent human factors experts who experienced them and the simulations were often able to distinguish differences of interest.What made the simulations reasonable was (1) the use of real world crash data as a starting point for scenarios, (2) the large number of scenarios employed, each of which had both normal and crash-related outcomes, (3) the presence of three to five vehicles in the scene, each requiring the driver's attention, (4) the use of real on-road data to select gaps, closing rates, etc., and (5) work-arounds when scenarios did not go according to plan. For developing and communicating the plan, option t...
Photothermal characterization of optical thin film coatings

Photothermal techniques are widely used in thin film characterizations and are particularly useful in studying laser-induced damage in optical coatings. The specific applications include measuring weak absorption, characterizing thermal conductivity, detecting local defects, and monitoring laser-interaction dynamics and determining laser damage thresholds as well as thermal impedance at boundaries of multilayers. We take an overview of the principle of photothermal techniques, the various detection methods, and the progress made during the last decade in applying these techniques to optical thin films. The further potential and limitations of the techniques will also be discussed, with emphasis on {ital in situ} studies of laser interaction with thin films and local defects. {copyright} {ital 1997 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.}
A service-delivery paradigm for personality assessment.

This paper describes a human science approach to the delivery of the feedback component of assessment services. The feedback process is now central to a collaborative assessment that is integrated with intervention. Research has suggested that subject, situational, and assessor variables are relevant for feedback, but such research has been unsystematic. A servicedelivery paradigm for feedback of assessment findings is described that includes four levels of increasing client participation: information, emotional contingencies, transfer of power, and functioning of an assessment system. Communication of assessment findings has been incomplete historically because motivation for feedback, resource accessibility for feedback utilization, and criteria for adequate feedback have been considered as unrelated ingredients. The components of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence construct – meaningfulness, manageability and comprehensibility – provide one conceptualization for interaction of these ingredients. It is now...
Osteotomy for Clinodactyly

Clinodactyly, finger deviation in the coronal plane, affects the little finger most commonly. Patients typically tolerate clinodactyly without functional limitation, but with increasing deformity, they may have difficulties with specific tasks such as playing musical instruments. In those who do not tolerate the deformity, surgical options include physiolysis for young patients and osteotomy for older patients. An opening wedge osteotomy increases finger length while correcting the coronal deformity. Surgical results of the opening wedge osteotomy are satisfying and complications are rare, with stiffness of the distal interphalangeal joint noted in some patients.
Generating of 3D data during neurovascular interventions by using multi-projection imaging

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) vessel data from CTA or MRA are not always available prior to or during endovascular interventional procedures, whereas multiple 2D projection angiograms often are. Therefore, we are developing methods for combining vessel data from multiple 2D angiographic views obtained during interventional procedures to provide 3D vessel data during these procedures. Multiple projection views of vessel trees are obtained. Vessel regions to be analyzed are selected. One of the 2D images is selected as a common image. Initial pairwise imaging geometry relationships are calculated from the gantry information, and 3D vessel centerlines are calculated using pairwise epipolar constraints. The imaging geometries of each of the other views (relative to that of the common image) are then refined by using multidimensional optimization so as to minimize the differences between all pairwise calculated 3D vessel centerlines, and an average centerline is calculated. This final 3D centerline of the carotid vessel is used for calculation of the tortuousity, a quantity related to curvature. The centerlines calculated using the multiple projection approach are in better agreement (1.3 mm) than those calculated using the biplane technique (9.0 mm), and the tortuousity is more continuous along the vessel. Use of multiple projections improves 3D reconstruction of vessel centerlines and tortuousity reliability, which may facilitate image guided interventions.
ACOUSTIC INTERACTIONS OF THE VOICE SOURCE WITH THE LOWER VOCAL TRACT

The linear source-filter theory of speech production assumes that vocal fold vibration is independent of the vocal tract. The justification is that the glottis often behaves as a high-impedance (constant flow) source. Recent imaging of the vocal tract has demonstrated, however, that the epilarynx tube is quite narrow, making the input impedance to the vocal tract comparable to the glottal impedance. Strong interactions can exist, therefore. In particular, the inertance of the vocal tract facilitates vocal fold vibration by lowering the oscillation threshold pressure. This has a significant impact on singing. Not only does the epilarynx tube produce the desirable singer’s formant (vocal ring), but it acts like the mouthpiece of a trumpet to shape the flow and influence the mode of vibration. Effects of the piriform sinuses, pharynx expansion, and nasal coupling are also discussed.
Correlation of inflammation due to cardiac sarcoidosis by positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging and endocardial voltage mapping in a patient with recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

A 48-year-old man with cardiomyopathy and sarcoidosis presented with ventricular tachycardia (VT). He underwent an electrophysiology study with mapping which demonstrated low voltage ( red regions in panel A, left) along the mitral, tricuspid annulus and septum. Catheter ablation was performed at sites …
Speciation of antifoulant organotin compounds in water

The fate of several antifoulant organotin compounds, Ph3SnOH, Ph3SnCl, and Ph3SnOOOCH3 in water has been investigated using IR spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. Except for the residue resulting from the extract of aqueous Ph3SnOOOCH3 the IR spectrum of each residue was identical to that of the starting organotin compound. The IR spectrum of the residue obtained from the chloroform extract of aqueous Ph3Sn000CH3 which had been shaken for 7 days showed the presence of Ph3SnOH, as confirmed by the presence of a small doublet around 910 and 897 cm−1. Also, the pH measurement of each of the aqueous Ph3SnX solutions decreased with time. These results are interpreted to suggest that the organotin compounds studied ionize in aqueous media. Thin-layer chromatography results give further support to these findings. The study suggests that the X group in the compounds of the type Ph3SnX is labile in polar solvents and that Ph3SnOH, and/or Ph3SnX are the species formed in aqueous solution.
Development and Validation of a Finite Element Model of the Pelvis

An improved understanding of the stress distribution in and around the hip joint may provide important information regarding the relationship between altered pelvic and acetabular geometry and development of hip osteoarthritis, as well as point to improved diagnostic methods and analysis of surgical treatment. It is very difficult to accurately assess how changes in pelvic geometry affect the stress and strain distribution of the joint in an experimental setting. The finite element (FE) method provides an alternative approach for study of hip joint mechanics. Although FE models of the pelvis have been developed, validation by direct comparison with subject-specific experimental measurements has not been performed. In addition, previous models have utilized over-simplified bone geometry and homogeneous material properties. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop and validate a FE model of the pelvis using subject-specific measurements of bone geometry as well as location-dependent cortical thickness and trabecular bone elastic modulus, and 2) assess the sensitivity of the subject-specific FE model to changes in material properties and cortical thickness.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Simplified methods for the preparation and analysis of dietary fibre

A critical study was made of the various factors which affect the quantitative removal of starch, by enzymic methods, from starch-rich products; the products examined include potatoes, potato powder, oats and rye biscuit. Disruption of product by ball-milling in aqueous ethanol, followed by gelatinisation, are essential to give maximum enzyme accessibility as shown by light microscopy and analytical studies. The enzyme preparations were checked for the presence of contaminating β-glucanase activity using suitable substrates. The recommended method for the removal of starch involves treatment with either a mixture of human salivary α-amylase and pullulanase or amyloglucosidase; the first method was found to be slightly better. Based on these studies simplified methods for the preparation of dietary fibre (DF) have been formulated. The neutral sugars released from the DF on 1m H2SO4- or Saeman-hydrolysis were estimated by the alditol acetate procedure, and a modified carbazole method has been used for the estimation of total uronic acid in the fibre. A set of determinations which gives an estimate of the main types of DF polymers, including the enzymically non-degradable starch of processed products, is given. Although the method is not suitable for preparing gram-quantities of relatively pure DF, it can be used for screening a range of products. Some of the problems associated with the use of Van Soest neutral detergent fibre for estimating DF content of food products are also described.
Enzymatic synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid. XXV. Purification and properties of deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase induced by infection with phage T4.

Abstract DNA polymerase induced in Escherichia coli by phage T4 am N82 has been prepared in a highly purified state. The molecular weight of about 112,000 for this enzyme compares with a value of 109,000 for the host (E.coli) DNA polymerase. The amino acid compositions of the two enzymes, however, are distinctive, especially the half-cystine value of 15 residues for the phage enzyme and 3 for the bacterial enzyme. The purified phage enzyme contains an exonuclease activity which is physically inseparable from the polymerase activity but is suppressed or obscured by conditions favorable for replication. The polymerase requires a single stranded template, with a free 3'-hydroxyl terminus, which is replicated to an extent that approaches but never exceeds the DNA input. The product is a helical structure in which the newly synthesized strand is covalently linked from its 5'-terminus to the 3'-terminus of the template. Various features of the replication process and the product suggest a mechanism in which the 3'-terminus of the template first loops back upon itself and then serves as the priming end for replication of the remainder of the template. The evidence indicates that the phage polymerase, unlike the E. coli enzyme, is unable to initiate new strands or utilize a fully helical DNA as template.
A Comparison of Techniques for Laboratory Propagation of a South-American Ladybeetle, Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract Techniques optimal for the mass culture of a lady-beetle, Eriopis connexa Mulsant, imported into the United States for biological control of the Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) were determined using three prey species and two temperature treatments. Also, survival of eggs and pupae after various periods of storage at 4°C was monitored. Conditions that favored production of large beetles (11.8 mg) were not the conditions providing the highest larval survival (91.7%), which in turn were not the conditions promoting the most rapid larval growth (6.3 days). An index based on larval developmental time, larval survival, and adult weight indicated that the most optimal rearing condition for beetle production was to use the Russian wheat aphid as prey at 34°C. The least favorable conditions involved feeding beetles the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) at 34°C. Eggs cannot be kept for more than 1 day at 4°C without incurring 30+% mortality; after 14 days mortality was 83%. Pupae were stored at 4°C for 3 weeks with no mortality but pupae stored longer than 7 weeks suffered 100% mortality.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the levator veli palatini muscle during speech.

Abstract Objective: To obtain detailed anatomic information on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Quantitative measures of the configuration of the LVP muscle at rest and during speech activities were obtained. Design: Prospective study using MRI of adult subjects with normal velopharyngeal mechanisms to determine anatomic and physiologic parameters of the levator muscle. The levator veli palatini muscle was imaged at rest and during speech activities consisting of nasal and nonnasal sounds mixed with vowels, consonants, or both (e.g., /ansa, asna, amfa, afma/). Participants: Ten normal healthy adults (five men, five women) between 21 and 53 years of age and free of oropharyngeal abnormalities. Main Outcome Measures: Two-dimensional spin echo static images and dynamic fast gradient echo images of the levator muscle in both the sagittal and oblique/coronal planes. Results: On average across female (F) and male (M) subjects: distance between LVP muscle origin point...
Technology forecasting: Planning: Toy or tool? Line managers frequently find little use for formal ¿forecasts.¿ Here are guidelines for planners who wish to rectify that situation

Electrical engineers have shown a steadily increasing interest in the methodology of technological forecasting, assessment, and planning. Therefore, as a practitioner of this widely heralded art, I believe the time has come to examine realistically why it plays such a minor role in the actual process by which real-life business decisions are made. For the truth of the matter is that forecasting is still not, by and large, used very effectively, and it is my intention to explore in this article why this is so and then to provide some specific guidelines for line managers who wish to obtain more usable inputs from their corporate planning staffs or consultants.