Efficient up-conversion pumping at 800 nm of an erbium-doped fluoride fibre laser operating at 850 nm

An erbium-doped fluorozirconate fibre laser has been constructed which uses up-conversion pumping at 801 nm to excite a higher-level laser transition at 850 nm. A slope efficiency of 38% was measured.<>     

Comparison of the various electrocardiographic scoring codes for estimating anatomically documented sizes of single and multiple infarcts of the left ventricle

It is clinically important to estimate the size of a myocardial infarction (MI) to predict patient prognosis, to determine the ability of a therapy to limit its size, and to evaluate its effect on left ventricular function. Various electrocardiographic methods have been used for these purposes but their accuracies have not been compared with each other using an identical reference population of anatomically measured infarcts. The capability of 4 electrocardiographic scoring methods (the Selvester score, the Minnesota code, the Novacode, and the Cardiac Infarction Injury Score) to estimate MI size was compared using anatomic MI size in a group of 100 deceased patients. All patients had a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram of sufficient quality to perform manual waveform measurements and without confounding factors such as ventricular hypertrophy, fascicular block, or bundle branch block. The location and size of the left ventricular infarction was measured postmortem using the anatomic method of Ideker et al. All methods' size estimates correlated best with anatomic MI size in the anterior location (r = 0.65 to 0.89). The Selvester score was superior in estimating the sizes of inferior (r = 0.70) and posterolateral (r = 0.74) infarcts. For multiple infarcts all methods performed poorly (r = 0.18 to 0.44).     

Probabilistic risk assessment: A look at the role of artificial intelligence

A review of traditional Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) methods used in the nuclear power industry is presented. The shortcomings of the current PRA methods are pointed out. A method of performing a PRA is proposed and is computerized. The role of artificial intelligence in developing and performing the proposed PRA approach is discussed. The proposed PRA approach is verified by comparing the results to previously performed PRAs. The comparisons have supported the adequacy and completeness of the results of the proposed model. A discussion of how the proposed method can be used as an expert system to verify plant status following loss of plant hardware is also presented.     

Evaluation of pain following electrocautery tubal ligation and effect of intraoperative fentanyl

A new case of ring chromosome 9 in a 36-month-old child is presented. In addition to the pathognomonic features of this rare disorder (only 21 cases reported), our patient presents some peculiarities, such as corpus callosum hypoplasia and epileptic seizures (infantile periodic spasms). We also observed a reduced level of leukocyte interferon alpha whose synthesis is controlled by a gene on chromosome 9 and which could be responsible for the recurrent respiratory tract infections, typical and sometimes fatal in these patients.     

Transmission electron microscope in situ fatigue experiments: A computer-control approach

A computer-control procedure was developed to facilitate in situ fatigue experiments within an intermediate voltage transmission electron microscope using a goniometer-type straining holder. The procedure was designed to allow sine-wave tension-tension cyclic loading of a microfatigue specimen similar in geometry to a center-crack panel fatigue specimen. Computer control allows greater freedom for the operator to control the experiments while providing better reproducibility from one test to another. Further development of this procedure is possible by coupling this computer-control technique with computer-controlled stage motion and digitized TV imaging.     

Understanding Generation X employees

Understanding Generation X employees--those born between 1961 and 1981--is essential if they are to be recruited into and retained in nursing and their potential maximized. The author discusses the times, characteristics, and work values and demands of Generation X. Armed with an enhanced understanding, nurse administrators are better prepared to maximize the potential of Generation X employees.