cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Public perceptions on robotic surgery, hospitals with robots, and surgeons that use them.

The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RS) has rapidly increased, but public perceptions about RS are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to gain insight into public perceptions about RS, hospitals that have robots, and surgeons that use them. A Web-based survey was distributed worldwide. Surveys were collected from July to September 2014, and those with 50 % or greater completion were used for analysis. There were 789 surveys, and 747 (95 %) were used for analysis. The mean age of respondents was 38.5 years. Most (94 %) were from the USA. Over half (53 %) had a background in health care, and 13 % were physicians. The majority of respondents (86 %) had previously heard of RS, but almost 25 % indicated that RS was like open, laser, or scarless surgery. Over 20 % of respondents indicated that the robot had some degree of autonomy during surgery. Most respondents (72 %) indicated that RS was safer, faster, and less painful or offered better results, but when asked if they would choose to have RS, 55 % would prefer to have conventional minimally invasive surgery. Hospitals with a robot were thought to be better hospitals by 53 % of the respondents. Fewer physicians perceived advantages to RS (30 % physicians vs 78 % non-physicians p < 0.001), and fewer physicians would prefer RS if they needed surgery (30 vs 49 % p = 0.001). One-half of respondents would prefer remote RS by a renowned expert they had never met over having RS by a local non-expert surgeon. Most respondents perceived benefits to RS, but still preferred conventional minimally invasive surgery if necessary. Misperceptions about the robot indicate a need for patient education prior to RS. Interest by 50 % of respondents in remote surgery might allow expert surgeons to do complex procedures without necessitating regionalization of care. Issues identified in this survey merit further exploration.
Stochastic Processes, Infinitesimal Generators and Function Theory

It is now well known that there is a close connection between Brownian motion and (classical) harmonic functions. This discovery started with Kakutani’s solution in 1944 [22 ] of the Dirichlet problem by using Brownian motion. Subsequently many other striking connections have been found and they have been extended to general Markov processes and associated harmonic spaces. See e.g. Constantinescu & Cornea [ 5 ] and Bliedtner & Hansen [ 3].
The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis utilizes mTOR signal transduction to promote angiogenesis (278.8)

Pathological angiogenesis, which occurs during chronic inflammation or tumor growth, results when positive and negative angiogenic regulators are disrupted. The chemokine stromal-cell derived facto...
An analysis of opportunistic forwarding for correlated wireless channels

A variety of forwarding strategies have been developed for multi-hop wireless networks, considering the broadcast nature of the wireless medium and the presence of fading channels that result in time-varying and unreliable transmission quality. One such strategy is opportunistic forwarding, which exploits relay diversity by opportunistically selecting an overhearing relay as a forwarder. Prior work has studied the performance of opportunistic forwarding for the simplified scenario of uncorrelated wireless channels. In this paper, we consider a more realistic scenario of temporally correlated wireless channels; the wireless channel is modeled as a Rayleigh fading channel and its temporal correlation as a modified Bessel function of the first kind and zeroth order. We use these models to develop a simple Markovian model to analyze the performance of opportunistic forwarding for correlated wireless channels for the case of linear networks. We then demonstrate via numerical evaluation the diminishing performance of opportunistic forwarding with increasing channel correlation.
Studies of monoamine oxidases: I. Purification and properties of the rabbit liver mitochondrial enzyme

1. 1. Rabbit liver mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (monoamine:O2 oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.4) was purified approx. 270 fold. The purification procedure included isolation of the mitochondrial fraction, solubilization by sonication in the presence of 0.4% isooctylphenoxypolyethyoxyethanol, and centrifugation at 12 000 × gmax for 30 min. The supernatant was then fractionated successively on DEALE-cellulose, Biogel P-300, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, and hydroxylapatite columns. 2. 2. Kynuramine was used both to measure enzyme activity in following the course of purification and to carry out kinetic studies. The Km value of kynuramine was 77 μM at pH 7.4. The pH optimum of the enzyme was about 8.4 with kynuramine and about 9.2 with another substrate, m-iodobenzylamine. 3. 3. Highly purified material was used to study some of its properties and the effect of chelating agents. The metal-chelating agents (o-phenanthroline and neocuproine) displayed a dual effect on the activity of purified monoamine oxidase after preincubation of the enzyme with chelating agent at 37°. At low concentrations of chelator (2–100 μM), the enzymic activity was greater than without chelators, whereas at higher concentrations of these agents (400 μM and greater), enzyme inhibition took place.
From Folksmentshn to Creative Individuals: Klezmer Transmission in the Twenty-First Century

During the mid-1970s, American Jewish musicians active in a variety of musical genres took an interest in eastern European Jewish roots music. This efflorescent enthusiasm for it came to be known as the klezmer revival. In 1985 Henry Sapoznik founded the first klezmer institute. Since then, numerous institutes have sprung up across North America and Europe. Despite their emergence as one of the most popular formats for the enactment of community and for learning Yiddish cultural expressions, klezmer transmission has rarely been the focus of scholarly attention. This article contends that revivalists and subsequent generations have created an ethos for a music culture through transmission processes, demonstrating veneration both for an “authentic” Jewish cultural heritage and for individualized cultural expressions.
Repetitive cycles of cyclophosphamide, thiotepa, and carboplatin intensification with peripheral-blood progenitor cells and filgrastim in advanced breast cancer patients.

PURPOSEAs an alternative to single-cycle cyclophosphamide, thiotepa, and carboplatin (CTCb) intensification, we evaluated the feasibility of administering one-quarter dose CTCb for four cycles with peripheral-blood progenitor-cell (PBPC) and filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF]) in advanced-stage breast cancer patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom June 1992 to August 1993, 20 stage IIIB (n = 7) and IV (n = 13) breast cancer patients received 78 cycles of induction with doxorubicin 90 mg/m2 by intravenous (IV) bolus with G-CSF 5 microg/kg/d by subcutaneous injection (SC) repeated every 14 to 21 days for four cycles. PBPC were collected by 2-hour single-blood volume leukapheresis on 2 consecutive days at the time of hematologic recovery from each cycle of doxorubicin. Eighteen patients received 61 cycles of intensification with cyclophosphamide 1,500 mg/m2, thiotepa 125 mg/m2, and carboplatin 200 mg/m2 by IV continuous infusion with G-CSF 10 microg/kg/d SC and PBPC support repeated every 21...
Virginia Tech Comprehensive Power-Based Fuel Consumption Model: Modeling Diesel and Hybrid Buses

Few models estimate fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission levels of diesel and hybrid buses. Models that are available either require the gathering of significant dynamometer data to calibrate the model parameters or produce a bang-bang control system, which results when optimal control entails use of maximum throttle and breaking use. This paper extends the Virginia Tech Comprehensive Power-Based Fuel Consumption Model (VT-CPFM) to model diesel and hybrid buses. The bus parameters are calibrated with publicly available data from the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The research presented in this paper analyzed 10 standard diesel buses and three hybrid buses. The VT-CPFM estimated fuel consumption levels on the Orange County bus cycle dynamometer test with an average error of 4.7%. The estimation error was less than 6% for all except two buses, with a maximum error of 10.66% for one hybrid bus. The VT-CPFM was also validated with on-road fuel consumption measurement...
Surface Structure of Intestinal Epithelium

Summary Specimens of human and rat small intestine were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Human specimens were examined intact, while rat specimens were studied after partial or complete dissociation of epithelium from the underlying villus core. The present technique confirms, in a simple, direct way, previous concepts of the three-dimensional structure of intestinal epithelium, concepts derived from reconstruction of serial sections studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Several features not readily discerned by these latter techniques but shown by this study were (1) the occurrence of epithelial cells in groups, (2) the presence in the epithelial surface of cavities or pores which probably represent the orifices of goblet cells, (3) the polygonal outline presented by the luminal surface of epithelial cells, (4) the pliable nature of microvilli, and (5) the presence of projections from the lateral walls of epithelial cells after their partial dissociation. The occasional finding of apparent connections between lateral surfaces of epithelial cells suggests that these latter projections represent broken intercellular bridges.
The role of task constraints in relating laboratory and clinical measures of balance.

This study tested the hypothesis that age-related postural control deficits are more clearly detected from force plate recordings when using postural control tasks with an explicitly defined goal as opposed to the frequently used quiet stance task. Eighteen older adults (over 65) and seventeen younger adults (under 30) stood on a force plate with visual feedback (VFB) of the center of pressure (COP) and without such visual feedback with eyes open (NVFB). In the VFB condition, online visual feedback about the COP was provided and participants maintained that feedback on a stationary visual target for 80 s. We hypothesized that age-related difference in COP variability (standard deviation of COP position and average absolute maximum COP velocity; AAMV) would be more pronounced in the VFB than in the NVFB condition. In addition, we hypothesized that Berg balance scale (BBS) scores for older adults would correlate more strongly with the COP measures in the VFB condition than in the NVFB condition. Results showed that VFB enhanced age-related differences only for AAMV in anterior–posterior direction. Both age groups decreased postural sway when using VFB. Older adults increased AAMV with VFB while young adults did not, indicating that the task modified their postural control strategy stronger than in younger adults. BBS scores were correlated with the AAMV in both feedback conditions, while COP position variability was more clearly correlated with BBS in the VFB condition. These results suggest that the quiet stance task is sufficient to index balance function if velocity-based COP variables are utilized in the analysis.
Computer-aided usage ‘Labeling’ in a dictionary

Let me begin by explaining my title. 'Labeling' is put in quotation marks because the word is used here in a much broader sense than usual. The dictionary for which I have to make usage labels is the Dictionary of American Regional English, (DARE for short), now in progress at the University of Wisconsin. The relevance to Language Theory will, hopedly, appear as I go along. The general dictionary normally uses two kinds of labels, "field labels" such as geog. or bot. or psych. for scientific and technical terms, and "usage labels" such as rare, obs., arch. which have to do with currency, or slang, dial., colloq. which have to do with the context of discourse appropriate to the word or phrase labeled. Despite half a century of insistence by linguists, public tradition or expectation still takes usage labels to be menacing, like the label on cigarettes. One might safely paraphrase, "Warning: Good writers have determined that using these words may be dangerous to your stylistic and even social health." The scientific lexicographer rejects any such minatory purpose and seeks to render the usage label as disinterestedly descriptive as he can. But the brevity and impreciseness of traditional usage labels makes them inadequate. DARE will have to make far more complex statements about usage. The essential 'labels' or statements will have to indicate the geographic extent, small or large, of the area in which any entry form is in use. We do plan to have a map section showing some of the most interesting distribution patterns, but this will be an "extra." In the dictionary proper, facts about usage will be presented word by word in the conventional alphabetic sequence. Inclusion of words or phrases will depend in the first place on their being demonstrably of less than national extent; items found throughout the nation are by definition "standard" and will be excluded.
Dermatologic Features of the Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

• Background.— The superior vena cava syndrome occurs when extrinsic compression or intraluminal occlusion impedes blood flow through this vessel. The most common underlying cause is a malignant neoplasm, especially a bronchogenic carcinoma. This article describes the cutaneous findings of this disorder. Observations.— Among the earliest and most prominent features are numerous, dilated, vertically oriented, and tortuous cutaneous venules or veins above the rib cage margin. Recognition of this cutaneous sign allowed us to make a diagnosis of lung cancer in several patients. Other features include upper body edema and ruddiness or cyanosis, distended neck veins, proptosis, and conjunctival suffusion. Conclusions.— Detecting the characteristic cutaneous features can lead to an early diagnosis of the superior vena cava syndrome. These skin changes usually represent indirect dermatologic signs of an underlying malignant neoplasm; for most patients, this syndrome is the initial manifestation of their cancer. The most common cause is a bronchogenic carcinoma, especially the small-cell variety, but others include lymphomas, primary mediastinal tumors, and metastases to the mediastinal lymph nodes from extrathoracic primary tumors, especially breast cancer. Treatment of the underlying malignant neoplasm and relief of the obstruction produce prompt improvement in the dermatologic findings. (Arch Dermatol.1992;128:953-956)
Ion Beam Neutralization Processes for Electric Micropropulsion Applications

Abstract : While it is common knowledge that ion beams are easily neutralized using a variety of means, the precise process of neutralization remains unknown. With the increasing popularity of electric propulsion, and in particular micropropulsion systems, this question is of significant importance. Additionally, it has a bearing on thruster design, space instrument calibration, electrodynamic tethers, and ionospheric research. A review of the present state of knowledge on this topic is presented as well as results from ion beam simulations using 2D and 3D Particle-in-Cell codes. The grid generation methodology, adaptation, charged-particle transport, and field solver methodologies of the 3D code are reviewed. The simulations show electrons moving to neutralize the ion beam from background and neutralizer sources. The simulations show the dependence of neutralization on beam energy and the electron/ion velocity ratio. The results are compared favorably with previous computations and experimental observations.
Emerging collaborative frameworks for environmental governance in the Georgia basin‐Puget sound ecosystem

Abstract Much of the research on transboundary environmental relations between Canada and the United States has focused on formal institutional arrangements. Yet, recent research on transnational environmental governance points to the vital role played by collective action arrangements centered around ideas, identities and democratic discourse in facilitating progress in cross‐border environmental governance. This article argues that environmental governance in the Georgia Basin/Puget Sound ecosystem is best examined utilizing an analytical framework based on three modes of interaction that characterize cross‐border environmental activity. The first two modes of interaction—"crisis/reactive” and “state‐centered"—are agency centered perspectives emphasizing instrumental behavior. These modes are consistent with the rational choice paradigm. The third mode of interaction—"normative/constructivist"—focuses on norm creation and binational institutionalization processes. This mode emphasizes insights that soci...
Kinetic Bounds on Attainability in the Reactor Synthesis Problem

Given a chemical reaction network (with kinetics) and given a specified feed, we ask which product compositions are attainable from the feed by means of processes that employ only reaction and mixing. Although there has been considerable attention to this question recently, much of the “attainable region” research has focused on building the set of realizable compositions “from the inside”, that is, by attempting to extend a set of already realized compositions with further reaction and mixing. Here we seek to bound the set of attainable compositions “from the outside” by construction of a bounding polygon in composition space, within which all attainable compositions must reside. The polygon construction proceeds by what we call the method of bounding hyperplanes. When the number of hyperplanes employed becomes large, the resulting polygonal bound can, at least in some instances, approximate the actual attainable region sharply.
Consumer Innovativeness and the Adoption Process

Two conceptualizations of innovativeness are operationalized and related to the new product adoption process. Multi-item scales designed to measure consumer independent judgment making (i.e., the degree to which an individual makes innovation decisions independently of the communicated experience of others) and consumer novelty seeking (i.e., the desire to seek out new product information) are developed and tested on adult consumers. Tests of the hypothesized effects of these traits show that consumer novelty seeking is positively related to early stages of the adoption process (i.e., actualized novelty seeking and new product awareness), whereas consumer independent judgment making is only associated with later stages of the adoption process (i.e., new product trial). The implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
The coulomb force and the Ampère force

Abstract The paper presents a preliminary study of electrodynamics based on an equation for the force between moving but unaccelerated charges. It is proved that the unique equation for force between current elements, consistent with a summation of forces between charges and the Ampere experiments, is Ampere's original equation. The usual “Ampere equation” given in modern textbooks, however, is not the equation used by Ampere and cannot be derived from a force between moving charges. Since the modern treatment of the magnetic field stems from the so-called “Ampere equation,” the entire electromagnetic theory obtained by the customary procedure is open to question.
Meanfield approximation for field theories on the worldsheet revisited

Abstract This work is the continuation of the earlier efforts to apply the mean field approximation to the continuum worldsheet formulation of planar ϕ 3 theory. The previous attempts were either simple but without solid foundation or better founded but excessively complicated. In this article, we present an approach both simple, and also systematic and well founded. We are able to carry through the leading order mean field calculation analytically, and with a suitable tuning of the coupling constant, we find string formation.
Predicting the need for colectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis.

Abstract Total colectomy is curative for ulcerative colitis. However, many pediatric patients are medically managed and may not require surgery. There are currently no available criteria to identify children who will benefit from early colectomy. The purpose of this review was to identify criteria associated with the need for colectomy. A 15-year review of patients at a major pediatric center with biopsy-proved ulcerative colitis was conducted. Age at the time of the first symptom, diagnosis, and surgery were recorded as well as steroid dependence, site of disease, extraintestinal manifestations, and family history. Seventy-three patients ranging in age from 1 to 18 years were identified. Thirty-seven patients (50.1%) required total colectomy before the age of 18. The average patient age at the time of the first documented symptom was 11.3 ± 0.5 years. Among patients who were steroid dependent and had pancolitis, 73% required colectomy. Patients with these factors failed medical management 77% (27 of 35) of the time, and colectomy was performed within 3 years of diagnosis. The combination of steroid dependence and pancolitis was associated with an increased need for colectomy. In pediatric patients with these factors, early colectomy may limit the need to endure prolonged courses of medications and the disability allied with this disease.
Sites of synthesis of chromogranins A and B in the human brain

The sites of synthesis of the chromogranins A and B, and their potential processed peptides, were examined by quantitating the levels of chromogranin A and B mRNA in various regions of the human brain by Northern blot analysis. Chromogranin A and B mRNA expression in the brain is region-specific and confined to grey matter. In situ hybridization histochemistry detected chromogranin A and B mRNA in pyramidal neurons of human cerebral cortex. Cell-specific expression in subpopulations of cerebrocortical neurons suggest that chromogranin A and B gene products may play a role in central neuronal function.
Electromigration challenges for advanced on-chip Cu interconnects

Abstract As technology scales down, the gap between what circuit design needs and what technology allows is rapidly widening for maximum allowed current density in interconnects. This is the so-called EM crisis. This paper reviews the precautions and measures taken by the interconnect process development, circuit design and chip integration to overcome this challenge. While innovative process integration schemes, especially direct and indirect Cu/cap interface engineering, have proven effective to suppress Cu diffusion and enhance the EM performance, the strategies for circuit/chip designs to take advantage of specific layout and EM failure characteristics are equally important to ensure overall EM reliability and optimized performance. To enable future technology scaling, a co-optimization approach is essential including interconnect process development, circuit design and chip integration.
Deep-ocean sediment trap; design and function of PARFLUX Mark II

Abstract To assess fluxes of particles sinking through the deep open ocean, a large sediment trap has been developed. The trap opening is 1.5 m 2 and contains 94 hexagonal baffle cells. Sediment particles are collected in the receiving cup at the bottom of the trap, which is open at both ends as it sinks to the designated depth. The receiving cup moves into alignment with the funnel automatically to collect the sediment. At the end of deployment an electrical signal again moves the receiving cup to seal the sample and leave the funnel open at both ends while the trap is recovered. Sodium azidesodium chloride solutions diffuses through a series of membrane filters into the sample to poison it. We have deployed and recovered 18 traps for as long as 110 days at depths up to 5600 m.
Low-lying$$qq\overline {qq} $$ states in a relativistic model based on the Bethe-Salpeter equationstates in a relativistic model based on the Bethe-Salpeter equation

Low-lying\(qq\overline {qq} \) states are analysed in a previously given relativistic model based on the Bethe-Salpeter equation. We do not get M-diquonia, P-mesonia, or meson molecules; but we do get T-diquonia.
The two-color urn model: recursions for the moments

For the two-color reinforcement-depletion urn model, with balancing reinforcement and depletion held constant over cycles, a recursive formula is given from which all factorial moments (for white balls, for example) can be determined. When the reinforcement of each color is positive, the stationary distribution of white balls (infinite number of cycles) turns out to be determined by three parameters. namely (i) the total number of balls in the urn, (ii) the richness of the reinforcement, or ratio of white ball reinforcement to total reinforcement, and (iii) the size of the white ball reinforcement. In addition, the distribution mimics the binomial (with less variance and skewness (√β1:) ) and from formulas for the exact first four moments rapidly approaches normality. On the basis of the few cases studied, an approximating Gram-Charlier distribution with a binomial nucleus is only moderately successful
Ivan Magill: Forceps for intratracheal anesthesia

Abstract Nasal tracheal intubation is a standard airway management technique in emergency medicine. Although possessing a number of advantages, this procedure, when performed under laryngoscopic visualization, possesses all the complications of oral endotracheal intubation. In addition, a number of complications are specific to this airway technique, including epistaxis, perforation of the posterior pharyngeal wall, trauma to the adenoids, rupture of the endotracheal tube balloon, and transient bacteremia. The procedure was first described in 1920 by two anesthesiologists, Stanley Rowbotham and Ivan Magill. Each developed a device to aid the insertion of the tip of the endotracheal tube into the glottis. Magill's forceps are still the instrument of choice for nasal tracheal intubation carried out under laryngoscopic visualization.
A PHARMACOLOGIC STUDY OF SOME NUCLEOSIDES AND NUCLEOTIDES

Adenosine, adenosine-5′-phosphoric acid (AMP), adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP), guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP), uridine, uridine-5′-triphosphate (UTP), and cytidine diphosphate-5′-choline (CDPCh) were studied in vitro and in vivo. The intraventricular injection of high doses of adenosine, ATP, and methacholine into rats elicited clonic-tonic convulsions or an akinetic state, or both. Perfusion of frog hearts in situ with equimolar concentrations of the “high-energy” compounds, with the exception of ATP, failed to exert any positive inotropic effects, ATP did not potentiate the inotropic actions of (—)-adrenaline or (—)-noradrenaline. The cholinergic-like properties of adenosine and ATP were partially antagonised by concomitant perfusion with methylene blue, ATP, but not adenosine, obliterated transitorily, the cardio-toxicity of pilocarpine. The inhibition of the isolated clam heart by AMP and ATP qualitatively resembled the effects of acetylcholine (Ach). Antagonism of the cardio-depressant properties of AMP and ATP by benzoquinonium and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) also supports previous evidence that the adenyl compounds act similarly to the cholinergic mediator, ATP produced marked contractions and a tonotropic effect on the oestrogenised, isolated, quiescent rat uterus; these effects were destroyed by low concentrations of (—)-adrenaline and papaverine. Adenosine, AMP, and CDPCh in equimolarities elicited no response from this test preparation.
On higher-order-accuracy points in isoparametric finite element analysis and an application to error assessment

Abstract We consider the systematic calculation of higher-order-accuracy points in finite element analysis. The cases of varying material properties and distortion of elements are included. The results obtained are used to establish an error estimator that is element-based and applicable to varying material properties. Some example problems are solved and show the applicability of the error estimator. While one-dimensional problems are studied in detail, the extension to two- and three-dimensional analysis is indicated.
Market Power in US Broadband Services

The US residential broadband market is commonly characterized as a duopoly consisting of telephone carriers (digital subscriber lines) and cable TV operators (cable modems). The implication is drawn that market power obtains; this, in turn, drives recommendations for new competition policy remedies. Yet, market power cannot be directly deduced from market shares or price-cost margins. We develop an economic analysis that examines both static and dynamic factors in considering market power, finding that fixed broadband providers do not appear to generate supra-competitive returns. Public policies to regulate broadband providers should be informed by these marketplace conditions.
The effect of computer self-efficacy on security training effectiveness

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness different levels of instruction have on security tool usage for individuals at different levels of computer self-efficacy. This is accomplished by utilizing a quasi-experimental method to demonstrate the effect that computer self-efficacy has on people's usage of security tools as well as the affect that different levels of instruction have on computer self-efficacy and usage of security tools. Initial results support that a person's level of computer self-efficacy significantly impacts his or her use of security tools. Later data did not show that instruction was effective at increasing computer self-efficacy and use of security tools.
Electron microscopy of isolated dog brain

Abstract The ultrastructure of the isolated and perfused dog brain within the intact cranium appeared normal 1 hr after isolation. There was a slight increase of the vascular permeability in 2 hrs and, in addition, swelling of mitochondria in 3 hrs and 20 min. In each case, neither dilation of astrocytic processes nor enlargement of the intercellular space was observed. The enhanced permeability was indicated by changes in the capillary endothelial cells and the basement membrane. The mitochondrial abnormalities occurred only in certain nerve cells.
Turbofan engine cycle design selection - Year 2000

To define the optimum turbofan engine cycle for the year 2000, a parametric study was undertaken to define candidate engine thermodynamic cycles for advanced long range aircraft. Performance comparisons are based on uninstalled cruise specific fuel consumption (SFC). A base cycle design with current state-of-the-art technology was established as a reference. A parametric study was then conducted where component technologies projected for the year 2000 were included in the cycle design process. As bypass ratio increased, the transition from direct drive to geared fans was accounted for. Separate versus mixed flow exhaust systems were also studied. An uninstalled SFC improvement of approximately 18 percent was found for the year 2000 turbofan relative to the baseline engine.
Time delay study of a CT simulator in respiratory gated CT scanning

In respiratory-gated radiotherapy (RGRT), if the time delay in a computed tomography(CT) simulator and that in a linear accelerator(Linac) are different, the simulation and the treatment cannot be synchronized. In this study, we presented a technique to measure the time delay of the AcQSim CT simulator (Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, OH) using Varian’s Real-Time Positioning Management (RPM) system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). A respiratory gating platform (REF 91150, Standard Imaging, Inc., Middleton, MI) was first set at the position of amplitude maximum (phase 0). Then a ball of 1.3 cm diameter was put on the platform and set at the CT laser. A single axial scan was acquired across the center of the ball without motion. Then the motion was turned on and single axial scans gated at different phases were acquired with a very narrow gating window. The time between the phase giving a good estimate of the ball and phase 0 is the overall delay time. We found that for AcQSim CT, the overall delay for a single axial scan (with 1 s scan time) is 1.75 s . For multiple axial scans, the overall delay is 1.75 s for the first scan and 0.75 s for the subsequent ones. This demonstrated that the CT mechanical startup delay is 1 s . After the first axial scan, the overall delay per scan is less because CT gantry continuously spins and no mechanical delay exists. We call the overall delay without mechanical part the scanning delay, which basically equals half the scan time ( 0.5 s for 1 s scan time) plus the gating pulse triggering delay ( 250 ms ) . The delays were also verified using metal balls of 1.5 mm diameter set at the amplitude minimum (phase 180, initially). We note that it is the scanning delay rather than the triggering delay that should be compensated when doing motion-synchronized radiotherapy. The current interface between the RPM system and the AcQSim CT does not compensate for this scanning delay.
COMPUTATIONS OF DROP DYNAMICS WITH THE IMMERSED BOUNDARY METHOD, PART 1: NUMERICAL ALGORITHM AND BUOYANCY-INDUCED EFFECT

A computational capability based on the combined projection method for unsteady transport equations and the immersed boundary technique for interface tracking is presented for simulating multiphase flows with heat transfer. The approach employs a fixed Cartesian grid computation while tracking the moving interface between phases with Lagrangian particles. Special attention is paid to treat the physical situation that the transport properties such as density between liquid and vapor phases changes substantia lly, around O(1,000) under the atmospheric condition. Furthermore, the multigrid method is incorporated to help reduce the computational cost incurred in such flow computations. In the first of the two-part article, the basic elements of the computational technique are presented for general axisymmetric two-phase flow problems. To demonstrate the performa nce as well as validate the correctness of the technique, a single bubble under either a static equilibrium condition or influenced by buoyancy is in...
Dielectric dispersion in Barium Strontium Titanate thin film capacitors with iridium electrodes

Abstract Dielectric dispersion or relaxation results in a frequency dependent loss in capacitance. This reduces the charge storage capacity under DRAM operating conditions. In this work, the dielectric dispersion behavior of Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) thin films (compositions: Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 and Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3) deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on iridium bottom electrodes was investigated. Using capacitance-frequency measurements on BST films of various thicknesses, electrode-dielectric interface effects were separated from the bulk of the dielectric film. For the BST films used in this study, the dispersion in Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3 films was interface dominated while that in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 was bulk controlled. Various multi-layered BST capacitors with combinations of the above compositions and different individual layer thicknesses were studied to verify the accuracy of the model developed for the films of each composition.
Combined R2* and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Changes in the Substantia Nigra in Parkinson's Disease

Recent magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest an increased transverse relaxation rate and reduced diffusion tensor imaging fractional anisotropy values in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. The transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy changes may reflect different aspects of Parkinson's disease-related pathological processes (ie, tissue iron deposition and microstructure disorganization). This study investigated the combined changes of transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted, T2*, and diffusion tensor imaging) were obtained from 16 Parkinson's disease patients and 16 controls. Bilateral substantia nigras were delineated manually on T2-weighted images and coregistered to transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy maps. The mean transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy values in each substantia nigra were then calculated and compared between Parkinson's disease subjects and controls. Logistic regression, followed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was employed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the combined measures for differentiating Parkinson's disease subjects from controls. Compared with controls, Parkinson's disease subjects demonstrated increased transverse relaxation rate (P<.0001) and reduced fractional anisotropy (P=.0365) in the substantia nigra. There was no significant correlation between transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy values. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the combined use of transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy values provides excellent discrimination between Parkinson's disease subjects and controls (c-statistic=0.996) compared with transverse relaxation rate (c-statistic=0.930) or fractional anisotropy (c-statistic=0.742) alone. This study shows that the combined use of transverse relaxation rate and fractional anisotropy measures in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease enhances sensitivity and specificity in differentiating Parkinson's disease from controls. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the pathophysiological correlations of these magnetic resonance imaging measurements and their effectiveness in assisting in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and following its progression.
Using Pressure Map Sequences for Recognition of On Bed Rehabilitation Exercises

Physical rehabilitation is an important process for patients recovering after surgery. In this paper, we propose and develop a framework to monitor on-bed range of motion exercises that allows physical therapists to evaluate patient adherence to set exercise programs. Using a dense pressure sensitive bedsheet, a sequence of pressure maps are produced and analyzed using manifold learning techniques. We compare two methods, Local Linear Embedding and Isomap, to reduce the dimensionality of the pressure map data. Once the image sequences are converted into a low dimensional manifold, the manifolds can be compared to expected prior data for the rehabilitation exercises. Furthermore, a measure to compare the similarity of manifolds is presented along with experimental results for five on-bed rehabilitation exercises. The evaluation of this framework shows that exercise compliance can be tracked accurately according to prescribed treatment programs.
The long-term outcome in acute, subacute, and chronic forms of pigeon breeder's disease hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Background Pigeon breeder's disease (PBD) is an avian-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The limited data that exist on the long-term outcome for the disease are conflicting. Objective We sought to determine the long-term outcome of patients with PBD to evaluate the course of the disease. Methods Review a case series of 18 pigeon breeders that were followed from 4 to 26 years after initial diagnosis. Results Fourteen breeders reduced their bird contact significantly; four kept their birds. In eight patients with the acute form of the disease, pulmonary function either did not change from normal or improved to normal. Of five patients with subacute disease, four had persistent symptoms. All had mildly abnormal spirometry with either restrictive or obstructive changes which persisted. Five patients with chronic disease exhibited daily dyspnea. They had severe abnormalities of lung function at diagnosis. Of these patients, three improved and two deteriorated. Chest radiographs were of little value in predicting outcome. Conclusions Patients with the acute form of PBD have the best prognosis, compared with those with subacute and chronic forms. Although some improvement could be seen in most individuals, recovery may still not be complete. Those with the chronic form are at particular risk for morbidity.
Housing submarket classification: The role of spatial contiguity

Abstract Understanding housing submarket structure is of crucial importance to both public and private agencies. It can also help current and future homeowners make informed decisions on their residential choices. Current research on submarket focuses on comparative analyses of different classification techniques. Few studies, however, have examined the function of spatial contiguity on housing submarket classification. To address this issue, this paper developed a spatially constrained data-driven submarket classification methodology to obtain spatially integrated housing market segments. Specifically, a data-driven model based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis was developed for delineating housing submarkets. Within the model, a number of location attributes were used for principal component analysis, and the geographic locations of houses were also incorporated in the cluster analysis. The performance of this method was compared with other unconstrained data-driven techniques and a priori classifications using three measurements: substitutability, spatial integrity, and similarity. Results indicate that spatially contiguous submarkets can be obtained without compromising housing hedonic model accuracy and attribute homogeneity.
Statistical analysis of measured free-space laser signal intensity over a 2.33 km optical path.

Experimental research is conducted to determine the characteristic behavior of high frequency laser signal intensity data collected over a 2.33 km optical path. Results focus mainly on calculated power spectra and frequency distributions. In addition, a model is 2 developed to calculate optical turbulence intensity (Cn2) as a function of receiving and transmitting aperture diameter, log-amplitude variance, and path length. Initial comparisons of calculated to measured Cn2 data are favorable. It is anticipated that this kind of signal data analysis will benefit laser communication systems development and testing at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and elsewhere.
An analysis of reaction diffusion in metal-non-metal systems

The formation of a single M x N y intermediate phase in a metal-non-metal system is governed by two parabolic growth regions if the metal side of the couple is finite in extent and initially unsaturated with non-metal. The first parabolic region is described by semi-infinite conditions on the metal side of the couple, while the second is according to saturated conditions. The intermediate phase reaction layer grows non-parabolically when conditions are such that the concentration profile cannot be described by either semi-infinite or saturated conditions on the metal side of the couple. Expressions have been obtained relating the growth constants to diffusion coefficients and information from an equilibrium phase diagram. The mathematical formulation of the problem was tested by application to the titanium-carbon system. The diffusion coefficient of carbon in titanium carbide was found to be in close agreement with values reported elsewhere in the literature.
The Teaching/Learning Process in Analytical Chemistry

Before teaching a course, the instructor must identify what she or he intends for the students to learn. For most analytical chemistry instructors, this usually involves an assessment of what methods and techniques to include and at what depth to cover them. There are many other skills, though, that will be important to students for their future success. Most college classes in analytical chemistry are taught in a lecture format. Techniques that can be used to improve the learning that can occur during a lecture are described. An alternative to lecturing is the use of cooperative learning. Cooperative learning offers the potential to develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that are more difficult to impart in a lecture format. The laboratory component of analytical chemistry courses is often an underutilized learning resource. More often than not, the lab is used to demonstrate fundamental wet and instrumental analysis techniques and develop rudimentary laboratory skills. The analytical lab should also be used to develop meaningful problem-solving skills and to demonstrate and have students participate in the entire analytical process. Ways of enhancing the analytical laboratory to include more global skills that are important to career success are described.
Quantifying spatial structure of volumetric neutral models

Neutral models in landscape ecology that have been used as a framework to analyze actual landscapes have been largely planar. However, the natural world is greater than two dimensions; hence, many ecological structures, e.g., forest canopies or coral reefs, are better represented by topographies or tomographies. Because pattern and process or structure and function are intertwined, it becomes necessary to develop methods to quantify these complex architectures. With the advent of remote sensing technologies such as lidars and sonars, that permit structural mapping of some of these systems, volumetric data are becoming more prevalent. In this study, we developed a suite of binary voxel-based neutral models that possessed random, anisotropic, and hierarchical properties. We then evaluated the extent to which fractal-derived measurements, i.e., lacunarity, the simple fractal dimension, and multifractal spectra, were able to discern among the constructed model types at two different densities (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05). Multifractal analysis, where spectra were defined by three parameters, was shown to be the most sensitive to the differences among the neutral structures. Lacunarity, defined by a single parameter, was shown to be fairly useful in discerning the structures. The simple fractal dimension was found to have limited capability. To more fully assess the ability of these and additional pattern recognition methods, better representations of natural morphologies need to be developed and analyzed. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Calculating "threeborate" ion mobilities at different ionic strengths and temperatures.

The mobilities of the “threeborate” ion at different temperatures and ionic strengths are calculated using previously published equations for calculating the mobilities of composed ions.
Estrogen action in anterior and ventromedial hypothalamus and the modulation of heterosexual behavior in female golden hamsters

Changes in heterosexual patterns of agonistic, marking, and sexual behavior were examined in female hamsters over a three day period following implantation of either estrogen or cholesterol in the hypothalamus. Animals were habituated to large arenas that permit the display of a wide range of behavior. Estrogen implants located in the ventromedial (VMH) but not the anterior (AH) portion of the hypothalamus were effective in facilitating the occurrence of vaginal marking, over a two day estrogen priming period. During this two day period, the exhibition of agonistic behavioral patterns declined significantly. Systemic administration of progesterone elicited sexual receptivity in 75% of the females in the VMH group, in contrast to only 25% in the AH group. Females with hypothalamic implants of cholesterol remained unreceptive following progesterone injections. The results provide important information on the estrogen sites of action at the hypothalamus in mediating heterosexual interactions.