Synchronization models for multimedia presentation with user participation

This paper addresses the key issue of providingflexible multimedia presentation with user participation and suggests synchronization models that can specify the user participation during the presentation. We study models like the Petrinet-based hypertext model and the object composition Petri nets (OCPN). We suggest adynamic timed Petri nets structure that can model pre-emptions and modifications to the temporal characteristics of the net. This structure can be adopted by the OCPN to facilitate modeling of multimedia synchronization characteristics with dynamic user participation. We show that the suggested enhancements for the dynamic timed Petri nets satisfy all the properties of the Petri net theory. We use the suggested enhancements to model typical scenarios in a multimedia presentation with user inputs.     

A comparison of crack-flank displacement fitting for estimating K with a path independent integral

Predicting crack growth under cyclic loading in applications usually requires the efficient extraction of stress intensity factors from finite element analyses of mixed mode situations. Two approaches to this end are examined: one, a competitive fitting procedure using crack-flank displacement data, the other, a path independent integral which can readily distinguish between modes. A protocol is established for comparing the two on a set of about forty test problems which have exact solutions. Analysis is via quarter point elements on a common sequence of three successively refined meshes for each problem. Results show that the path independent integral is more consistently accurate and reliably convergent, yet comparable in implementation effort.     

Porphyromonas-like gram-negative rods in naturally occurring periodontitis in dogs

A total of 259 Gram-negative Porphyromonas-like rods isolated from subgingival plaque samples of 16 family-owned dogs with naturally occurring periodontitis were characterized phenotypically by biochemical reactions, metabolic end products and enzymatic activities (API-ZYMTM, RoscoTM). Four distinct groups were found. Group A isolates (63) were asaccharolytic, lipase negative, trypsin positive and produced phenylacetic acid (PAA) from peptone-yeast extract glucose broth. Unlike P. gingivalis strains they were catalase positive. Group B isolates (42) differed from those of group A by a positive lipase reaction and from those of group D by failing to ferment sugars. Group C isolates (88) were asaccharolytic and did not produce PAA. They were alpha-fucosidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and trypsin negative, resembling P. endodontalis, but unlike human isolates, they were catalase positive. Subgroup C.1 isolates (6) differed from those of parent group C by producing minor amounts of PAA, and subgroup C.2 isolates (12) were beta-NAG positive. Group D isolates (46) were weakly fermentative, lipase, catalase and trypsin positive, and produced PAA. They resembled the B (P.) salivosus type strain which, in our hands, fermented weakly glucose, lactose and mannose. Two isolates could not be assigned to any of the previous groups.     

Installation for separating suspended particles from gas streams

Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftyanoe Mashinostroenie, No. 1, pp. 25–28, January, 1993.     

The spinal muscular atrophy gene region at 5q13.1 has a paralogous chromosomal region at 6p21.3

We have examined acetaminophen (paracetamol) dosing for outpatient management of posttonsillectomy pain in children. Forty children, 5-15 years of age, undergoing tonsillectomy and their parents were randomly assigned to use a scheduled administration of acetaminophen in weight appropriate doses, 60 mg.kg-1.24h-1 orally, 90 mg.kg-1.24h-1 rectally, or to use acetaminophen 'as needed' according to present standards (control group). Postoperative pain was assessed by the child using the poker chip tool for the first three days after discharge. The prevalence of pain amongst all the children was high. The second day after discharge 22%-64% of the children in the study group and 36%-73% of the children in the control group rated severe pain. Recommended dose ranges of acetaminophen do not provide sufficient pain relief in children following tonsillectomy. Further studies are required to determine, whether higher doses of acetaminophen or analgesics with different analgesic properties will lead to improved analgesia in children following tonsillectomy.     

Microfabricated liquid chromatography columns based on collocated monolith support structures

There is great interest today in massively parallel analytical strategies as a way to accelerate the rate of discovery in biological research; among them being 'biochips' and 'laboratories-on-a-chip'. The concept in the 'chip' approach is that minaturization will allow large numbers of operations to be performed in parallel in a small space, as in electronics. Proceeding with the semiconductor analogy, this paper demonstrates that in situ micromachining can be used to simultaneously fabricate millions of micrometer size, particle like structures in multiple liquid chromatography columns on a single wafer. Reduction of this widely used bioanalytical tool to the nanoliter volume, parallel processing, chip format is a significant step toward laboratories-on-a-chip.     

Preventing and managing board complaints: The downside risk of custody evaluation.

Data compiled by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that 7%–10% of ethics complaints filed were against custody evaluators. Comparative data from various state and provincial psychology boards remain too sketchy to permit an accurate appraisal of this problem at the local level. Nevertheless, vulnerability to ethics complaints remains an occupational hazard for the private practitioner who engages in custody assessment. This article offers practitioners who conduct custody evaluations suggestions for reducing their risk of incurring an ethics complaint and discusses variables to consider when responding to a review board inquiry. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychoanalytic considerations of right extremist orientation of male adolescents

Giving a case example of an male adolescent with radical right-wing attitudes, the lack of male identification as well as in unresolved dyadic fixation to the mother will be shown. Though the radical right-wing orientation the adolescent tries on the basis of a phallic narcissistic conflict to establish bordes against an unresolved dyadic fixation to his mother.