Decomposing morphologically complex words in a nonlinear morphology.

Most Hebrew words are composed of 2 intertwined morphemes: a triconsonantal root and a phonological word pattern. Previous research with conjugated verb forms has shown consistent priming from the verbal patterns, suggesting that verbal forms are automatically parsed by native speakers into their morphemic constituents. The authors investigated the decomposition process, focusing on the structural properties of verbal forms that are perceived and extracted during word recognition. The manipulations consisted of using verbal forms derived from "weak" roots that have one consonant missing in some of the forms. The results demonstrated that if 1 consonant is missing, the parsing system collapses, and there is no evidence for morphological priming. In contrast, when a random consonant is inserted into the weak form, the verbal-pattern priming re-emerges. This outcome suggests that the constraint imposed on the decomposition process is primarily structural and abstract. Moreover, the all-or-none pattern of results is characteristic of rule-based behavior and not of simple correlational systems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Calculation and Measurement of Scattering Coefficients for Surface-Breaking Cracks Sonified by a Focused Array

A simulation of a focused beam of surface wave motion generated by a line array of surface wave transducers is used to calculate the field scattered back from a surface-breaking crack. The backscattered field is expressed in terms of a scattering coefficient, which is derived from the reciprocal identity for elastodynamic states, and which is calculated numerically by using the Kirchhoff approximation. In an earlier work the validity of the focused beam simulation has been verified. In this paper, the theoretical results for the backscattered field are compared with measurements for two crack sizes, one of which is used for calibration.     

Pulsed photothermal radiometry of human artery

Pulsed photothermal radiometry (PPTR) has been used to measure, in vitro, the optical attenuation coefficients of normal and diseased human artery at four wavelengths (308, 351, 488, 532 nm) in the near UV and visible spectrum. The advantages and limitations of this noncontact method of measuring the optical properties of biological material, as well as other potential applications, are discussed.     

Aufklärung der Molekülstruktur von Rohölinhaltstoffen durch NMR-Spektroskopie. I. Struktur der Isoparaffine des Rohöls

Elucidation of the Molecular Structure of Petroleum Constituents by NMR Spectroscopy. I. Structure of Branched Paraffins in Petroleum Crude A correlation between the ¹³C resonance peaks and possible structural elements of branched paraffins of petroleum fractions is given. New information concerning the structure of branched paraffins of petroleum crude is provided.     

The principles and prototyping of a knowledge-based diabetes management system

This paper describes the principles and prototyping of a computer-based system being developed to assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. Unlike other approaches based upon mathematical modelling or the use of computer algorithms, this system adopts one derived from artificial intelligence, seeking to incorporate the dynamics of glucose and insulin in a manner which reflects their clinical importance. The resultant logical model (qualitative algebra) defines the relationships between changes in insulin dose and site and time of injection and glycaemic response. In this manner the computer-based system, implemented in Prolog, can be used to provide advice concerning insulin therapy by means of making qualitative predictions of patient outcome of blood glucose profile resulting from alternative insulin regimens.     

Telemetry System for Stimulation and Monitoring of Freely Moving Patients

A telemetry system is described in which the patient carries small stimulator and monitor units. Typically, the wrist is stimulated with 0.5 ms alternating pulses whose frequency and current (up to 10 mA peak) are remotely controlled by the neurophysiologist via a 20 MHz carrier. At the same time, the synchronized EEG-somatosensory evoked potential is transmitted from C2 via a 100 MHz carrier. The stimulus unit transmits a 100 MHz " flag" signal to the neurophysiologist to indicate that the patient is actually receiving a stimulus signal. Several examples are given in which latencies and amplitudes of the EEG-SEP are recorded.     

Lasers and optics in health care

Lasers and optics have affected health care in a myriad of ways. This paper surveys their impact on three aspects of health care: (1) surgery and medicine, (2) biology, and (3) biotechnology. In surgery, fiber optics have enabled the development of endoscopes, which allow access to most sites within the body. Endoscopes have, in turn, led to the development of minimally invasive therapy, which is changing the practice of surgery. Optics contributes to biology via new techniques for visualization, measurement and analysis, and manipulation. In biotechnology, broadly defined as the measurement, manipulation, and manufacture of large biologically significant molecules such as proteins and DNA, optical methods have become important in genetic sequencing and pharmaceutical development     

Fracture strengths of three core restorative materials supported with or without a prefabricated split-shank post

BACKGROUND: Conventional anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is thought to require postoperative neck immobilization for the promotion of bony fusion. Rigid internal fixation with anterior cervical plates may decrease graft-related complications and provide immediate stability. This stability may obviate postoperative external immobilization. METHODS: This report reviews one surgeon's experience with the use of rigid internal fixation for two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for radiculopathy to promote early mobilization without external bracing. It compares outcomes and costs with a similar population of patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion who did not undergo rigid internal fixation. We compared patients who underwent two-level allograft anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with or without rigid internal fixation between 1989 and 1994 performed by a single surgeon (FJP) to evaluate the cost advantages and outcome of each procedure. All patients had clinical evidence of cervical radiculopathy unresponsive to medical therapy with magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of the appropriate nerve root impingement. Thirty-nine patients underwent two-level Cloward allograft fusion using Synthes anterior cervical locking plates, 25 underwent identical fusion without plating. Follow-up was 6 months to 4 years (mean, 31 months). RESULTS: Twenty-three of 25 patients in the nonplated group and 36 of 39 patients in the plated group achieved excellent or good outcomes using the Odom criteria. There were six complications (two major and four minor) in each group. Patients who underwent plating returned to light activities (mean, 17 vs. 29 days), driving (28 vs. 57 days), and unrestricted work (66 vs. 136 days) sooner than non-plated patients (p < 0.05, paired t test). No patient with plates was given external immobilization. CONCLUSIONS: Two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with anterior plating for radiculopathy is safe, effective, and seems to provide shorter convalescence compared with conventional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Patients returned to unrestricted work sooner, thus reducing short-term disability. Rigid internal fixation may provide cost advantages to patients and insurance disability providers. The authors conclude that the increased cost of treatment for rigid internal fixation is more than offset by the benefits of earlier mobilization.