Symmetric Skyrmions

We present candidates for the global minimum energy solitons of charge one to nine in the Skyrme model, generated using sophisticated numerical algorithms. Assuming the Skyrme model accurately represents the low energy limit of QCD, these configurations correspond to the classical nuclear ground states of the light elements. The solitons found are particularly symmetric, for example, the charge seven skyrmion has icosahedral symmetry, and the shapes are shown to fit a remarkable sequence defined by a geometric energy minimization (GEM) rule. We also calculate the energies and sizes to within at least a few percent accuracy. These calculations provide the basis for a future investigation of the low energy vibrational modes of skyrmions and hence the possibility of testing the Skyrme model against experiment.Comment: latex, 9 pages, 1 figure (fig1.gif

Complexity of Fetal Movement Detection Using a Single Doppler Ultrasound Transducer

The objective of this paper is to discuss the complexity of fetal movement detection encountered during development and implementation of an automated single Doppler ultrasonic transducer based instrument. The single transducer instrument was intended to better quantify the duration, velocity, and magnitude of fetal movements. A Corometrics Model 116 fetal heart rate monitor was modified, and a fetal movement detection algorithm (Russell Algorithm) was developed to detect fetal movements on one and two (data fusion) transducers. A Hewlett-Packard (HP) M-1350-A fetal monitor and the Russell Algorithm were used to detect and record fetal movements concurrently on sixty patients between the gestation ages of31 to 41 weeks. Using a computer-controlled SVHS PC-VCR, the instrumental detection of fetal movements was time-linked with real-time video ultrasound. This allowed the fetal movements to be scored by expert examiners on a second-per-second basis. A total of 52,478 seconds of fetal movements was scored using this system. Neither system could accurately define the entire duration, velocity, or magnitude of the fetal movements as detected by real-time ultrasound. The complexity of detecting fetal movements using only one transducer has many shortcomings, such as: the amplitude of the returning Doppler signal, the small area of the fetus monitored by a single transducer, the position of the fetus, the type and variety of fetal movements, and material size and shape

Complexity of Fetal Movement Detection Using a Single Doppler Ultrasound Transducer

The objective of this paper is to discuss the complexity of fetal movement detection encountered during development and implementation of an automated single Doppler ultrasonic transducer based instrument. The single transducer instrument was intended to better quantify the duration, velocity, and magnitude of fetal movements. A Corometrics Model 116 fetal heart rate monitor was modified, and a fetal movement detection algorithm (Russell Algorithm) was developed to detect fetal movements on one and two (data fusion) transducers. A Hewlett-Packard (HP) M-1350-A fetal monitor and the Russell Algorithm were used to detect and record fetal movements concurrently on sixty patients between the gestation ages of31 to 41 weeks. Using a computer-controlled SVHS PC-VCR, the instrumental detection of fetal movements was time-linked with real-time video ultrasound. This allowed the fetal movements to be scored by expert examiners on a second-per-second basis. A total of 52,478 seconds of fetal movements was scored using this system. Neither system could accurately define the entire duration, velocity, or magnitude of the fetal movements as detected by real-time ultrasound. The complexity of detecting fetal movements using only one transducer has many shortcomings, such as: the amplitude of the returning Doppler signal, the small area of the fetus monitored by a single transducer, the position of the fetus, the type and variety of fetal movements, and material size and shape

Health social movements and the hybridisation of ‘cause regimes’: an ethnography of a British childbirth organisation

This article reports on an ethnographic study of the UK’s largest health advocacy organisation dedicated to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, the National Childbirth Trust or NCT. Working from interview data, textual materials and fieldnotes, we articulate three key phases in the NCT’s historically shifting relationships to feminism, medicine, the state and neoliberal capitalism. The concept of folded cause regimes is introduced as we examine how these phases represent the hybridisation of the organisation’s original cause. We argue that for the NCT the resulting multiplicity of cause regimes poses significant challenges, but also future opportunities. The apparent contradictions between cause regimes offer important insights into contemporary debates in the sociology of health and illness and raises critical questions about the hybrid state of health advocacy today. Focussing on cause allows for a deeper understanding of the intense pressures of diversification, marketisation and the professionalization of dissent faced by third sector organisations under current social and economic conditions

Oestradiol-17β plasma concentrations after intramuscular injection of oestradiol benzoate or oestradiol cypionate in llamas (Lama glama)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Llamas (<it>Lama glama</it>) are induced ovulators and the process of ovulation depends on dominant follicular size. In addition, a close relationship between behavioural estrus and ovulation is not registered in llamas. Therefore, the exogenous control of follicular development with hormones aims to predict the optimal time to mate. Oestradiol-17β (E₂) and its esters are currently used in domestic species, including camelids, in synchronization treatments. But, in llamas, there is no reports regarding the appropriate dosages to be used and most protocols have been designed by extrapolation from those recommended for other ruminants. The aim of the present study was to characterize plasma E₂concentrations in intact female llamas following a single intramuscular (i.m.) injection of two oestradiol esters: oestradiol benzoate (EB) and oestradiol cypionate (ECP).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twelve non pregnant and non lactating sexually mature llamas were i.m. injected on day 0 with 2.5 mg of EB (EB group, n = 6) or ECP (ECP group, n = 6). Blood samples were collected immediately before injection, at 1, 6, 12, 24 h after treatment and then daily until day 14 post injection. Changes in hormone concentrations with time were analyzed in each group by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a repeated measures (within-SS) design. Plasma E₂concentrations and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values were compared between groups by ANOVA. In all cases a Least-Significant Difference test (LSD) was used to determine differences between means. Hormonal and AUC data are expressed as mean ± S.E.M.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Peak plasma E₂concentrations were achieved earlier and were higher in EB group than in ECP group. Thereafter, E₂returned to physiological concentrations earlier in EB group (day 5) than in ECP group (day 9). Although plasma E₂profiles differed over time among groups there were no differences between them on AUC values.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The i.m. injection of a single dose of both oestradiol esters resulted in plasma E₂concentrations exceeding physiological values for a variable period. Moreover, the plasma E₂profiles observed depended on the derivative of oestradiol administered. This basic information becomes relevant at defining treatment protocols including oestrogens in llamas.</p

Tethered Balloon for Checkout of Computer-Controlled Antennas

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 18-20, 1977 / Hyatt House Hotel, Los Angeles, CaliforniaDuring operational tests of the U.S. Navy's Poseidon missile, an instrumented ship tracks every test missile launched by the nuclear subs. The key sensor aboard this launch-area support ship, the USNS RANGE SENTINEL, is its antenna system. Onboard computers switch the ship's four independent, main S-band antennas (Fig. 1) to capture up to four missiles fired in succession and to expedite command action (e.g., continued flight or destruct). This multi-antenna control by computer leads to a complex testing problem for the computer software, constrained by the need for cost effectively proving the software's operational capability without penalizing hardware development. Rigid control of hardware-caused variables, and a near-operational test environment, are vital Software test prerequisites. To this end, using a stable RF pointing source at altitude above the antennas (i.e., to reduce parallax distortion and multipath effects) is a preferred approach in testing antenna-management software. This paper describes two experiments* to (1) initially establish the feasibility of using an airborne S-band telemetry transmitter as an RF signal source for checking out the USNS RANGE SENTINEL's antenna control, and then (2) demonstrate the effectiveness of this RF source in verifying the ship's antenna alignment and validating the operational antenna software.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection

Influence of induced disease states on the disposition kinetic of imidocarb in dogs.

Disposition kinetics of imidocarb, an antiprotozoan drug, was studied in normal and febrile dogs. Fever was induced using E. coli endotoxin and Trypanosama evansi. The concentration of imidocarb in body fluids were measured by spectrophotometry. The disposition kinetics of imidocarb in normal and febrile dogs can be adequately described by a two-compartment open model. The result of the study indicate that fever of different etiologies affected the disposition kinetics of imidocarb differently. Plasma concentrations of imidocarb were higher than normal during endotoxin-induced fever and lower during trypanasoma-induced fever. The apparent volume of distribution, Vd (area), and the steady-state volume of distribution, Vd (ss), were significantly lowered in endotoxin induced febrile dogs than in normal dogs. However, the above kinetic parameters as well as volume of central compartment, V, and the body clearance, C1B, were significantly higher (P<0.01) in dogs during Trypanosoma induced fever than in normal animals, although the plasma concentrations were substantially reduced during the febrile reaction. The micro-constants were also affected differently by fever of different etiology. Nevertheless, half-life of imidocarb remained unaffected during the two febrile conditions. The present study also indicates that the influence of fever on pharmacokinetics should be considered beyond the plasma concentrations and half-like of the drug itself. The pathophysiology of the disease and not just the febrile state should be considered when evaluating the influence of disease conditions on the disposition kinetics of a drug

Influence of induced disease states on the disposition kinetics of imidocarb in goats

The influence of fever, induced by different agents, on the disposition kinetics of imidocarb was determined in goats. Escherichia coli endotoxin (0.2 microgram/kg), Trypanosoma evansi (10(7) in 1 ml sterile glucose citrate), and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis virus (10(6.5)TCID50) were the agents administered to induce the febrile state. In control and febrile animals the two-compartment model was used to describe the disposition kinetics of the drug. Fever caused significant changes to occur in the apparent volume of distribution and the body (systemic) clearance of imidocarb, but the half-life remained unchanged. The statistical significance of the changes in these pharmacokinetic parameters varied with the etiology of the febrile state. E. coli endotoxin and IBR virus caused corresponding decreases in apparent volume of distribution and clearance of imidocarb, while fever induced with T. evansi caused highly significant increases in both pharmacokinetic parameters. It was concluded that the alterations in the disposition kinetics of imidocarb that occurred in the febrile goats were related not only to the febrile reaction per se but also to the pathophysiology of the diseas