cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of ethanol-induced vascular injury and gastric mucosal lesions by sucralfate and its components: possible role of endogenous sulfhydryls.

The authors tested the hypothesis that sucralfate, which contains eight sulfate and aluminum molecules on a sucrose and its other components might decrease ethanol-induced vascular injury and hemorrhagic mucosal lesions through a sulfhydryl (SH)-sensitive process. Experiments performed in rats revealed that the entire sucralfate molecule is not a prerequisite for protection against ethanol-induced mucosal vascular injury and erosions. It appears that sulfate and sucrose octasulfate are potent components of sucralfate, although an equimolar amount of sucralfate is at least twice as effective in gastroprotection than its components. The SH alkylator N-ethylmaleimide abolished the gastroprotection by sucralfate, suggesting SH-sensitive process in the mucosal protection which seems to be associated with the prevention of rapidly developing vascular injury in the stomach of rats given ethanol.
The effect of pyridoxal phosphate and its inhibition by carnosine on the ATPase activity and syneresis of myofibrils.

Abstract Pyridoxal phosphate inhibits the adenosinetriphosphatase activity of myofibrils. The inhibition is greatest at the optimal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. The inhibition does not depend on Mg++ concentration and increases with increasing pH. Carnosine antagonizes the inhibition. The ATP-induced syneresis of myofibrils is likewise inhibited by pyridoxal phosphate, and this effect, too, is reversed by carnosine. The bearing of the results on the relaxing factor system of muscle has been discussed.
Prolactin binding in normal human minor salivary gland tissue: an immunohistochemical study

The breast and salivary gland exhibit some similarities in the biochemical and cellular spheres. There are also some tumors that are common to both organs. The protein hormone prolactin seems to play a role in the health and disease of the mammary gland, and an investigation was launched to see if this hormone exhibited any binding activity in normal human minor salivary gland. With the use of immunohistochemical methods, dose-dependent staining for prolactin binding was demonstrated in the striated and collecting ducts in four of six specimens of normal human minor salivary gland (two males and two females). The hormone concentrations used ranged from 6.25 ng/ml to 500 ng/ml of highly purified rat prolactin. A review of known functions of prolactin in man and other animals is presented, and it was concluded that normal human minor salivary gland tissue possesses binding sites for prolactin, which suggests that prolactin may play a role in the metabolic functioning of the salivary duct cells.
Visual Information for Car Following by Drivers: Role of Scene Information

An important task during driving is the maintenance of headway during car following. The visual information available to a driver for successful car following was examined. A model of car following that used the visual angle and change in visual angle of a lead vehicle was developed. The study examined whether information from the surrounding scene (e.g., the roadway and buildings) influenced car-following performance. Licensed drivers were presented with a car-following task in a driving simulator. The simulator display consisted of a roadway scene with a lead vehicle that varied speed according to a sine wave. To evaluate the role of scene information, car-following performance was examined when the surrounding scene was present or absent. Two frequencies and three amplitudes of speed variation were also examined. The results indicated that control gain was greater when the scene was absent, with near unity gain when the scene was present. These findings indicated more accurate control during car follow...
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF POLYCYTHEMIA (P) AND HYPOXIA (H) ON PULMONARY VASCULAR RESISTANCE IN DOGS

While P commonly occurs in patients with H most hemodynamic studies of P have been done with normoxia. This study examined the combined effects of P and H. In 11 splenectomized, anesthetized dogs hematocrit was increased=42.6±1.2 to 65.5±0.6 (SEM)% by isovolumic exchanges with fresh canine packed RBC's. studies were done during normoxia (N) (PaO2 113.8±4.2 mmHg) and H (PaO2 40.5±1.6). P alone increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 112±5.4% (p<.05) and H alone increased PVR 90±6.2% (p<.05). Combined H and P increased PVR 300±8.2% (p<.005), an effect significantly greater than that of H or P alone (p<.005). In contrast, systemic vascular resistance (SVR) increased with P by 96±2.4% (p<.05) while H had no effect on SVR either separately or when combined with P. P decreased cardiac output 50±1.8% (p<.05) while H had no significant effect alone or when combined with P. Oxygen transport (O2T) was decreased by P 29±0.8% (p<.05)due to decreased cardiac output. H decreased O2T 28±0.9% (p<.05)due to a decrease in arterial oxygen content. Combined H and P decreased O2T 50±2.6% (p<.05) an effect greater than that of H or P alone. In 4 control dogs, exchange with whole blood produced no change in the variables studied. Synergistic effects of H and P on PVR probably reflect combined influences of increased blood viscosity and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Such a combination may contribute to the occurrence of cor pulmonale in patients with H and secondary P.
Studies on the structure of α1-acid glycoprotein V. The linkage between the polypeptide and carbohydrate moeity☆

Abstract A glycopeptide isolated from a proteolytic digest of α 1 -acid glycoprotein was shown to contain aspartic acid as the sole amino acid. From this finding it was concluded that the β-carboxyl group of the aspartic acid residues forms essentially the linkage from the polypeptide to the oligosaccharide chain units of this protein. The glycopeptide mixture from which the mentioned glycopeptide was isolated was further studied by periodate oxidation, iodine consumption and high-voltage electrophoresis. Moreover, it was demonstrated that l -leucine amino peptidase cleaved off threonine, indicating that the hydroxyl group of this amino acid is free and, thus, supporting the above conclusions concerning the polypeptide-carbohydrate linkage of α 1 -acid glycoprotein.
Arsenic speciation: HPLC followed by ICP-MS or INAA

Sensitivities for the measurement of four arsenic species, AsIII, AsV, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), in environmental waters and rice extracts by a new neutron activation analysis (NAA) method using pre-separation of the species by liquid chromatography were determined. A manual fraction collection was used to isolate the species, followed by instrumental neutron activation analysis procedures. The sensitivities determined for arsenic species in the samples varied from 1.21 to 1.47 ng per vial or about 30 μg·L−1 in sample solutions which translates to about 900 ng arsenic per gram of rice for our HPLC-NAA experiments.
Mechanics of the inelastic behavior of materials. Part II: inelastic response

Abstract This is the second of a two part paper dealing with the inelastic response of materials. Part I (see Rajagopal and Srinivasa, 1998 International Journal of Plasticity 14 , 945–967) dealt with the structure of the constitutive equations for the elastic response of a material with multiple natural configurations. We now focus attention on the evolution of the natural configurations. We introduce two functions-the Helmholtz potential and the rate of dissipation function—representing the rate of conversion of mechanical work into heat. Motivated by, and generalizing the work of Ziegler (1963) in Progress in Solid Mechanics , Vol. 4, North-Holland, Amsterdam/New York; (1983) An Introduction to Thermodynamics, North-Holland, Amsterdam/New York) we then assume that the evolution of the natural configurations occurs in such a way that the rate of dissipation is maximized. This maximization is subject to the constraint that the rate of dissipation is equal to the difference between the rate of mechanical working and the rate of increase of the Helmholtz potential per unit volume. This then allows us to derive the constitutive equations for the stress response and the evolution of the natural configurations from these two scalar functions. Of course, the maximum rate of dissipation criterion that is stated here is only an assumption that holds for a certain class of materials under consideration. Our quest is to see whether such an assumption gives reasonable results. In the process, we hope to gain insight into the nature of such materials. We demonstrate that the resulting constitutive equations allow for response with and without yielding behavior and obtain a generalization of the normality and convexity conditions. We also show that, in the limit of quasistatic deformations, if one considers materials that possess yielding behavior, then the constitutive equations reduce to those corresponding to the strain space formulation of the rate independent theory of plasticity (see e.g. Naghdi (1990) Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics A345 , 425–458.). Moreover, in this limit, the maximum rate of dissipation criterion, as stated here, is equivalent to the work inequality of Naghdi and Trapp (1975) Quartely Journal of Mechanics and Applied Mathematics 28 , 25–46). The main results together with an illustrative example are presented.
Acute Infection Induces a Metastatic Niche: A Double Menace for Cancer Patients

Tumor-derived factors can induce a pre-metastatic niche, yet little is known about how metastatic microenvironments are influenced by external insults, such as acute infections commonly seen in cancer patients. New findings reveal increased metastasis to lung after acute bacterial infection via the CXCR4/Ubiquitin axis, suggesting new targets for anti-metastasis therapeutics.
Break junction tunneling in high temperature superconductors

Abstract Mechanically adjustable junctions pere formed by breaking samples of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystalsat lop temperatures. The tunneling barrier is associated pith a spmmetrical Schottkptppe barrier arising naturally at the surface. Current-voltage and dpnamic conductance-voltage traces shop pell defined gap structure at voltages ± 2Δ/e and a resonant structure at subgap voltages. From the period of the observed oscillations and the lapered model of a high temperature superconductor, the Fermi velocity of the quasiparticles is estimated to be vf = 8 × 103 m/s. The behavior of the background conductance depends on the barrier parameters and local morphologp in the junction region.
Historic Research Methodologies for Discovering Black Contributions to the Building Trades and Decorative Arts

Because of a lack of historical information on Black artisans in the building trades and decorative arts, this paper was designed to stimulate research in the area of Black craftsmanship. Past and current research efforts, methodologies, and sources available for analysis are presented. Focus is given to two categories of historical evidence—verbal (oral and written) and artifacts. Research of this type is deemed essential to our understanding of the Black contribution to American artistic evolution.
Preliminary experience with hydrostatic balloon dilation of gastric outlet obstruction

In treating a group of 15 patients with gastric outlet obstruction, 12 (80%) had good to excellent relief of symptoms. Two patients required surgical intervention. One patient has symptoms that were persistent but mild enough to forego surgery. Balloon dilation offers an alternative to the surgical management of gastric outlet obstruction.
Gate sizing to radiation harden combinational logic

A gate-level radiation hardening technique for cost-effective reduction of the soft error failure rate in combinational logic circuits is described. The key idea is to exploit the asymmetric logical masking probabilities of gates, hardening gates that have the lowest logical masking probability to achieve cost-effective tradeoffs between overhead and soft error failure rate reduction. The asymmetry in the logical masking probabilities at a gate is leveraged by decoupling the physical from the logical (Boolean) aspects of soft error susceptibility of the gate. Gates are hardened to single-event upsets (SEUs) with specified worst case characteristics in increasing order of their logical masking probability, thereby maximizing the reduction in the soft error failure rate for specified overhead costs (area, power, and delay). Gate sizing for radiation hardening uses a novel gate (transistor) sizing technique that is both efficient and accurate. A full set of experimental results for process technologies ranging from 180 to 70 nm demonstrates the cost-effective tradeoffs that can be achieved. On average, the proposed technique has a radiation hardening overhead of 38.3%, 27.1%, and 3.8% in area, power, and delay for worst case SEUs across the four process technologies.
Tracer Applications for the Study of Organic Reactions

Tracer applications for the study of organic reactions , Tracer applications for the study of organic reactions , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Dynamic mechanical properties of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene ether)‐polystyrene blends

Blends of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (PPO) and atactic polystyrene (PS) have been prepared by mechanically mixing powders of the two polymers and subjecting the mixtures to three different thermal treatments. Three different compositions were studied by the dynamic mechanical and DSC techniques. The weight fractions of PPO in the mixtures were 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75. The dynamic mechanical measurements indicate that partial mixing took place but that two distinct phases, one rich in PS and the other in PPO, exist in all the mixtures studied. Each phase exhibits a characteristic relaxation peak associated with the glass transition of that phase. DSC measurements, on the other hand, reveal only a single glass transition apparently characteristic of the PS rich phase in each case. The results indicate that a given type of experiment will indicate compatibility or incompatibility depending upon the size of the molecular process it represents.
Assessment and Management of Right Ventricular Failure in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

Mechanical circulatory support devices, including ventricular assist devices (VADs) and the total artificial heart, have evolved to become accepted therapeutic options for patients with severe congestive heart failure. Continuous-flow left VADs are the most prevalent option for mechanical circulatory assistance and reliably provide years of support. However, problems related to acute and chronic right heart failure in patients with left VADs continue to cause important mortality and morbidity. This review discusses the assessment and management of right ventricular failure in left VAD patients. The goal is to summarize current knowledge and suggest new approaches to managing this problem.
Sulfolobus : A new genus of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria living at low pH and high temperature

Sulfolobus is a new genus of bacteria characterized as follows: 1. generally spherical cells producing frequent lobes; 2. facultative autotrophy with growth on sulfur or on a variety of simple organic compounds; 3. unusual cell wall structure devoid of peptidoglycan; 4. acidophilic, pH optimum of 2–3 and range from 0.9–5.8; 5. thermophilic with temperature optimum of 70–75°C and range from 55–80°C (one strain grew at 85°C). The DNA base composition of five strains was determined by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation and found to be 60–68% guanine plus cytosine. Sulfolobus apparently has no close relationship with any previously described bacteria, either heterotrophic or autrotrophic. Techniques are presented for distinguishing Sulfolobus from Thermoplasma, another genus of acidophilic thermophilic spherically shaped organisms. Sulfolobus has been isolated from a variety of natural acidic thermal habitats, both terrestrial and aquatic. Most isolations have been from habitats in Yellowstone National Park, but strains were also isolated from Italy, Dominica and El Salvador. It is suggested that Sulfolobus may be an important geochemical agent in the production of sulfuric acid from sulfur in high temperature hydrothermal systems.
Defining progressive stages in the commitment process leading to embryonic lens formation

The commitment of regions of the embryo to form particular tissues or organs is a central concept in development, but the mechanisms controlling this process remain elusive. The well-studied model of lens induction is ideal for dissecting key phases of the commitment process. We find in Xenopus tropicalis, at the time of specification of the lens, i.e. when presumptive lens ectoderm (PLE) can be isolated, cultured and will differentiate into a lens, that the PLE is not yet irreversibly committed, or determined, to form a lens. When transplanted into the posterior of a host embryo lens development is prevented at this stage, while approximately 3 hr later, using the same assay, determination is complete. Interestingly, we find that specified lens ectoderm, when cultured, acquires the ability to become determined without further tissue interactions. Further, we show that specified PLE has a different gene expression pattern than determined PLE, and that determined PLE can maintain expression of essential regulatory genes (e.g. foxe3, mafB) in an ectopic environment while specified PLE cannot. These observations set the stage for a detailed mechanistic study of the genes and signals controlling tissue commitment.
Every surface is a leaf

FOR EACH integer n≥3, there are open, connected n-manifolds that cannot be realized as leaves in any compact, C0-foliated (n+1)-manifold [8] (for the C2 case, cf. [10]). For n=2, the corresponding question has been thought to be hard. Here we give a proof, announced in [7], that all open surfaces are realizable. This answers a basic question posed in [14]. In the following, L denotes an open, connected 2-manifold, M a closed, connected 3-manifold.
A free-surface hydrodynamic model for density-stratified flow in the weakly to strongly non-hydrostatic regime

A non-hydrostatic density-stratified hydrodynamic model with a free surface has been developed from the vorticity equations rather than the usual momentum equations. This approach has enabled the model to be obtained in two different forms, weakly non-hydrostatic and fully non-hydrostatic, with the computationally efficient weakly nonhydrostatic form applicable to motions having horizontal scales greater than the local water depth. The hydrodynamic model in both its weakly and fully non-hydrostatic forms is validated numerically using exact nonlinear nonhydrostatic solutions given by the Dubriel-Jacotin-Long equation for periodic internal gravity waves, internal solitary waves, and flow over a ridge. The numerical code is developed based on a semi-Lagrangian scheme and higher order finite-difference spatial differentiation and interpolation. To demonstrate the applicability of the model to coastal ocean situations, the problem of tidal generation of internal solitary waves at a shelf-break is considered. Simulations carried out with the model obtain the evolution of solitary wave generation and propagation consistent with past results. Moreover, the weakly non-hydrostatic simulation is shown to compare favorably with the fully non-hydrostatic simulation. The capability of the present model to simulate efficiently relatively large scale non-hydrostatic motions suggests that the weakly non-hydrostatic form of the model may be suitable for application in a large-area domain while the computationally intensive fully non-hydrostatic form of the model may be used in an embedded sub-domain where higher resolution is needed.
Semianalytical Solution of Wave-Controlled Impact on Composite Laminates

Based on a structural model for wave-controlled impact, a modified Hertzian contact law was used to investigate the impact responses of composite laminates. The original nonlinear governing equation was transformed into two linear equations using asymptotic expansion. Closed-form solution can be derived for the first linear homogeneous equation, which is the equation of motion for single degree of freedom system with viscous damping. The second linear nonhomogeneous equation was solved numerically. The overall impact responses for wave-controlled impacts can be obtained semianalytically and agree well with the numerical solutions of nonlinear governing equations. The proposed methodology is useful for providing guidance to numerical simulation of impact on complex composite structures with contact laws fitting from experimental data.
Considerations for automatic testing of complex shipboard systems

Abstract An approach for automatically testing complex shipboard systems is developed. After first considering the general system requirements of such a system, the paper considers the advantages and disadvantages associated with automatic testing. Based on these tradeoffs, a technique is developed for automatically testing large complex systems such as that found aboard a ship. The concept considers both hardware and software requirements which will minimize uncertainties associated with automatic testing. The paper concludes with an example of a recent Navy development in the area of centralized shipboard, general-purpose, on-line systems for monitoring and fault isolation—the Test Evaluation and Monitoring System (TEAMS).
Comparison of Minithoracotomy versus Sternotomy in 304 Consecutive Tricuspid Valve Operations.

ObjectiveThe relative outcomes of sternotomy versus thoracotomy for tricuspid valve operation were examined over a 22-year period.MethodsThree hundred four consecutive patients undergoing tricuspid...
Partial Pulmonary-Right Heart Oxygenator (PROxy) Support System: A Novel Strategy for Management of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

s S341 hypertension (CPC-PH) portends highest risk of mortality in patients with WHO group II PH. Echo indicators of CPC-PH in systolic heart failure are unknown. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 109 patients with systolic heart failure who were referred to our center for heart failure advanced therapies. Laboratory and hemodynamic data (acquired during right heart catheterization) were obtained within a 5 ±7 days (median 4 days) of the echocardiogram. Patients were grouped based on their Diastolic Pressure Gradient (DPD) of 7 4.75cm and RVES areas > 24 cm2. Conclusion: We have identified RV basal dimension, RVES area and LA volume index as potential echo discriminators of the presence of CPC-PH in a population of systolic heart failure with WHO group II PH.
The Development of Children's Knowledge of the Times of Future Events

Four studies with 261 children were conducted to describe 4- through 10-year-olds' ability to differentiate the future distances of events. Distances ranged from later the same day through nearly a year in the future. Judgment methods included pointing to parts of a spatial scale representing future distances and answering open-ended questions. Although 4-year-olds failed to differentiate future distances, 5-year-olds were able to distinguish events that would occur in the coming weeks and months from those that would not occur for many months. However, like young children in earlier studies of memory for time, they confused the near future with the recent past. Children 6 through 8 years of age made more differentiated judgments but collapsed the distances of events more than a few months in the future. By 8 to 10 years of age, children accurately judged distances by using mental representations of the times of events in the annual cycle.
Superior dye adsorption capacity of amorphous WO3 sub-micrometer rods fabricated by glancing angle deposition

Porous, amorphous tungsten trioxide (WO3) sub-micrometer rods (SMRs), fabricated by the glancing angle deposition technique, were observed to exhibit superior methylene blue (MB) adsorption capability in aqueous solution due to their large specific surface area and active surface functionality. The adsorption of MB on the surface of WO3 SMRs is well-described by Langmuir isotherm behavior.
Quantization in black hole backgrounds

Quantum field theory in a semiclassical background can be derived as an approximation to quantum gravity from a weak-coupling expansion in the inverse Planck mass. Such an expansion is studied for evolution on ``nice slices'' in the spacetime describing a black hole of mass $M$. Arguments for a breakdown of this expansion are presented, due to significant gravitational coupling between fluctuations, which is consistent with the statement that existing calculations of information loss in black holes are not reliable. For a given fluctuation, the coupling to subsequent fluctuations becomes of order unity by a time of order ${M}^{3}$. Lack of a systematic derivation of the weakly coupled/semiclassical approximation would indicate a role for the nonperturbative dynamics of gravity, and possibly for the proposal that such dynamics has an essentially nonlocal quality.
A historical perspective of informed consent in clinical practice and research

Objectives : To review the historical perspective of informed consent in clinical practice and research as it pertains to human subjects. Data Sources : Published professional journals, books, case law, and the internet pertaining to the historical development of informed consent. Conclusions : The history of informed consent is complex. Informed consent as a fundamental principle of clinical ethics has developed within the past 50 years. Full disclosure and shared decision making have not come naturally to clinicians. Consequently, respecting the autonomy of patients and research subjects requires a conscious, sustained effort by clinicians. Implications for Nursing Practice : Knowledge of the history of informed consent is important for practicing cancer nurses to ensure they understand the significance of preserving patient autonomy and advocate for the patient and research subject.
Integral solution for diffraction problems involving conducting surfaces with complex geometries. I. Theory

For an arbitrary conducting surface Z(x, y) we obtained an analytical expression for the local refractive index ν as a function of Z, ∂Z/∂x, ∂Z/∂y, and the Drude conductivity σ by using the complex ray-tracing method. The Fresnel coefficients of reflectance and transmittance are then employed, and the value of ν is obtained to determine the scattered and refracted fields. The proposed method has advantages over the methods of solution by the Debye potential, the Laplace transform, and the vector-wave equation in the computation of the scattering and absorption parameters of a wide range of complex surface and wave-front geometries. The surface integrals obtained in the present study include the surface function in an explicit and concise form.
The Materiality of Individuality at Fort St. Joseph: An Eighteenth-Century Mission-Garrison-Trading Post Complex on the Edge of Empire

Anthropological archaeologists have long recognized that material remains can inform on various scales of human activity as well as the identities of the people who lived in the past (Brumfiel, 1992; Diaz-Andreu et al., 2005; Hodder, 1986; Marquardt, 1992; Wobst, 1977). Many conceive of the archaeological record as a multivalent text – both a product of and precedent for human action – that individuals as members of groups use to create, reproduce, and transform their social relations. This perspective marks a shift in focus from culture to society and its constituent parts (Hodder, 2004:23–29). Early acknowledgement of the multidimensionality of artifacts based on their technomic, sociotechnic, and ideotechnic functions by processual archaeologists came in tandem with the recognition that social groups are not homogeneous cultural entities but consist of individuals with specific interests based on their age, status, gender, ethnicity, and a multitude of intersections among these axes (Binford, 1962, 1965). Yet the dominance of systems theory thinking deflected attention away from the individual as the locus of analysis and thwarted methodological attempts to illuminate social identity (but see Hill and Gunn, 1977). More recent concern with the implications of social diversity has led investigators of the past to probe the archaeological record with full awareness that it embodies the dreams, aspirations, motivations, perceptions, and realities of individual agents whose actions were admittedly constrained by structures they often took for granted (Brumfiel, 1992; Dobres and Robb, 2000).
Multifunctional Topology Design of Cellular Material Structures

Prismatic cellular or honeycomb materials exhibit favorable properties for multifunctional applications such as ultra-light load bearing combined with active cooling. Since these properties are strongly dependent on the underlying cellular structure, design methods are needed for tailoring cellular topologies with customized multifunctional properties that may be unattainable with standard cell designs. Topology optimization methods are available for synthesizing the form of a cellular structure—including the size, shape, and connectivity of cell walls and the number, shape, and arrangement of cell openings—rather than specifying these features a priori. To date, the application of these methods for cellular materials design has been limited primarily to elastic and thermo-elastic properties, however, and limitations of standard topology optimization methods prevent direct application to many other phenomena such as conjugate heat transfer with internal convection. In this paper, we introduce a practical, two-stage, flexibility-based, multifunctional topology design approach for applications that require customized multifunctional properties. As part of the approach, robust topology design methods are used to design flexible cellular topology with customized structural properties. Dimensional and topological flexibility is embodied in the form of robust ranges of cell wall dimensions and robust permutations of a nominal cellular topology. The flexibility is used to improve the heat transfer characteristics of the design via addition/removal of cell walls and adjustment of cellular dimensions, respectively, without degrading structural performance. We apply the method to design stiff, actively cooled prismatic cellular materials for the combustor liners of next-generation gas turbine engines.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Modular Control of Human Walking: A Simulation Study

Recent evidence suggests that performance of complex locomotor tasks such as walking may be accomplished using a simple underlying organization of co-active muscles, or "modules", which have been assumed to be structured to perform task-specific biomechanical functions. However, no study has explicitly tested whether the modules would actually produce the biomechanical functions associated with them or even produce a well-coordinated movement. In this study, we generated muscle-actuated forward dynamics simulations of normal walking using muscle activation modules (identified using non-negative matrix factorization) as the muscle control inputs to identify the contributions of each module to the biomechanical sub-tasks of walking (i.e., body support, forward propulsion, and leg swing). The simulation analysis showed that a simple neural control strategy involving five muscle activation modules was sufficient to perform the basic sub-tasks of walking. Module 1 (gluteus medius, vasti, and rectus femoris) primarily contributed to body support in early stance while Module 2 (soleus and gastrocnemius) contributed to both body support and propulsion in late stance. Module 3 (rectus femoris and tibialis anterior) acted to decelerate the leg in early and late swing while generating energy to the trunk throughout swing. Module 4 (hamstrings) acted to absorb leg energy (i.e., decelerate it) in late swing while increasing the leg energy in early stance. Post-hoc analysis revealed an additional module (Module 5: iliopsoas) acted to accelerate the leg forward in pre- and early swing. These results provide evidence that the identified modules can act as basic neural control elements that generate task-specific biomechanical functions to produce well-coordinated walking.
Multi-dimensional adaptation and multi-user scheduling techniques for wireless OFDM systems

This paper considers techniques to increase the performance of the broadband wireless OFDM system through adaptation in both the time and frequency domains. System throughput estimates are provided for frequency non-selective coding and frequency selective coding for single antenna, Alamouti, and selective closed-loop MIMO configurations. Additional gains from performing multi-user frequency-domain scheduling are achieved and determined using proportional fair and maximum C/I schedulers. The performance gains of multi-dimensional adaptation and scheduling techniques are contrasted with the amount of feedback required. Measured data from a 20 MHz experimental system and turbo coding simulations are used to estimate the size of each feedback report, and an accepted user speed distribution is used to estimate an appropriate feedback rate.
Register assignment for software pipelining with partitioned register banks

Many techniques for increasing the amount of instruction-level parallelism (ILP) put increased pressure on the registers inside a CPU. These techniques allow for more operations to occur simultaneously at the cost of requiring more registers to hold the operands and results of those operations, and importantly, more ports on the register banks to allow for concurrent access to the data. One approach of ameliorating the number of ports on a register bank (the cost of ports in gates varies as N/sup 2/ where N is the number of ports, and adding ports increases access time) is to have multiple register banks with fewer ports, each attached to a subset of the available functional units. This reduces the number of ports needed on a per-bank basis, but can slow operations if a necessary value is not in an attached register bank as copy operations must be inserted. Therefore, there is a circular dependence between assigning operations to functional units and assigning values to register banks. We describe an approach that produces good code by separating partitioning from scheduling and register assignment. Our method is independent of both the scheduling technique and register assignment method used.
Magnetoelastic Interactions at Surfaces and Interfaces

The contribution of strains to anomalous surface and interface magnetic anisotropies cannot be analyzed quantitatively without knowledge of the ME coupling coefficients there. We have measured the ME coupling coefficients B s near the surface (~0.5nm) of two amorphous alloys, Fe 77 Cr 6 B 17 (with bulk magnetostriction λ s = +7 × 10 −6 ) and Co 76 Cr 4 B 20 (λ s = -3.8 × 10 −6 ) and found them to differ significantly from the bulk values B b : Fe-base, B s = -1.7 × 10 5 J/m 3 (57% of B b ) and Co-base, B s = 5.8 × 10 5 J/m 3 (three times B b ).
Simulation studies of blood-glucose regulation: effect of intestinal glucose absorption.

Abstract Preliminary studies had indicated the usefulness of a simplified model of the blood-glucose regulatory system in predicting the response to an oral load. Analog simulations have been performed to test inherent approximations and to determine the relative importance of some of the biological mechanisms involved in this regulation. The effect of the form used for intestinal glucose absorption was examined in this report. Three levels of approximation were simulated and evaluated in terms of physiological similarity and control system response. For some simulated conditions, absorptive parameters could be shown to mask intrinsic characteristics of the glucose-hormonal control system that might be reflected in the response to an oral glucose-tolerance test. However, for parameters in the normal range and appropriately sized glucose loads, a small (four to seven) number of measurements sufficiently characterized the glucose response.
A Proton-Dependent Zinc Uptake in PC12 Cells

Intracellular pH in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was manipulated by 'acid loading' the cells and the effect of such a change on radioactive zinc uptake was studied. It was found that zinc uptake was stimulated in cells loaded with protons without causing any measurable change in the intracellular pH. To confirm our assumption that the proton flux due to zinc entry is too small to be measured, we calculated the pH change that one would expect because of zinc influx. The intrinsic buffer capacity of PC12 cells was determined to be 8.03 mM/pH unit and was used in these calculations. It was found that at the five-minute incubation, zinc uptake occurring under our experimental conditions could cause a pH change of 0.000277 pH units per minute (assuming a 1:2 zinc:proton stoichiometry). This study adds a new dimension towards understanding the role played by intracellular pH in causing zinc entry into cells.
Error recovery in MPSG-based controllers for shop floor control

Generally an error recovery module performs three activities: error detection, identification, and diagnosis. This paper presents an approach for dealing with several critical issues that arise in performing these three activities: error classification, error knowledge representation, and generation of recovery procedures. Execution errors occurring in a manufacturing system are emphasized in this paper. A formal model called MPSG (Message-based Part State Graph), which represents the execution activities of the shop floor controller, is applied to develop this approach. The objective is to simplify, and generalize the error types and the parameters required by the error knowledge representation. The proposed method shows that this simplification and generalization provides a more convenient interaction with the subsequent diagnostic activity of generating recovery procedures. Moreover, it contributes to the integration of the error recovery module during the process of controller construction. >
Rates of 5 common antidepressant side effects among new adult and adolescent cases of depression: a retrospective US claims study.

Abstract Background Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for depression, yet medication-related side effects may be associated with antidepressant discontinuation before reaching a period of exposure believed to result in effectiveness. There is a gap in knowledge of the prevalence of side effects across commonly prescribed antidepressants and the effect of the type of antidepressant on the likelihood of side effects in real-world clinical practice. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the prevalence of headaches, nausea or vomiting, agitation, sedation, and sexual dysfunction among patients diagnosed with depression who initiated monotherapy across different classes of antidepressants and to estimate the effect of the type of antidepressant on the likelihood of each of the 5 side effects. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients aged ≥13 who were newly diagnosed with depression and began antidepressant monotherapy was created using LifeLink managed care claims from 1998 to 2008. Antidepressant groups included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), bupropion, phenylpiperazine, and tetracyclic antidepressants. Prevalence of headache, nausea or vomiting, agitation, sedation, and sexual dysfunction were compared across antidepressant groups. Propensity-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the likelihood of each of the 5 side effects for each antidepressant group compared with SSRIs, adjusted for demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics. Results The study cohort included 40,017 patients (3617 adolescents, aged 13–18 years, and 36,400 adults, aged ≥19 years; mean age = 45 years; 67% female) with a new episode of depression who were initiated on antidepressant monotherapy within 30 days of diagnosis (SSRI [66%], bupropion [14%], SNRI [12%], other [8%]). The most common side effects were headache (up to 17/1000 person-months of therapy in adults and adolescents) and nausea (up to 7.2/1000 in adults, 9.3/1000 in adolescents). Relative to adults receiving SSRIs, adults receiving SNRIs had a higher risk of nausea (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26; 95%CI,1.05–1.51). Adults (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.96) and adolescents (HR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21–0.87) taking bupropion were less likely to experience headaches compared with adults and adolescents, respectively, taking an SSRI. Adolescents receiving a tetracyclic were more likely to experience headaches than adolescents receiving an SSRI (HR = 3.16; 95%CI, 1.13–8.84). Conclusions Prevalence and risk of the 5 side effects varied across types of antidepressants for both adults and adolescents. Results from this study were consistent with prior clinical trials, suggesting that variation in side effect profiles exists in a more generalized managed care population.
The Relaxation Response: Psychophysiologic Aspects and Clinical Applications

It is hypothesized that situations requiring continous behavioral adjustment activate an integrated, hypothalamic response, the emergency reaction. The frequent elicitation of the physiologic changes associated with the emergency reaction has been implicated in the development of diseases such as hypertension. Prevention and treatment of these diseases may be through the use of the relaxation response, an integrated hypothalamic response whose physiologic changes appear to be the counterpart of the emergency reaction. This article describes the basic elements of techniques which elicit the relaxation response and discusses the results of clinical investigations which employ the relaxation response as a therapeutic intervention.
On-chip synthesis of circularly polarized emission of light with integrated photonic circuits

The helicity of circularly polarized (CP) light plays an important role in the light–matter interaction in magnetic and quantum material systems. Exploiting CP light in integrated photonic circuits could lead to on-chip integration of novel optical helicity-dependent devices for applications ranging from spintronics to quantum optics. In this Letter, we demonstrate a silicon photonic circuit coupled with a 2D grating emitter operating at a telecom wavelength to synthesize vertically emitting, CP light from a quasi-TE waveguide mode. Handedness of the emitted circular polarized light can be thermally controlled with an integrated microheater. The compact device footprint enables a small beam diameter, which is desirable for large-scale integration.
An Examination Of The Factor Structure Of The Computer Anxiety Rating Scale

This study updates prior research and examines the stability of the factors underlying computer anxiety across time and with a different population of subjects. A factor analysis revealed four distinct factors in the computer anxiety construct: general anxiety toward computer usage, confidence in learning ability, motivation to learn, and power or control of usage. These results validate prior research that found computer anxiety to be a multi-dimensional construct.
ICTs and the European Union's Evolving Border Surveillance Architecture: A Critical Assessment

Since the 1990s, ICT initiatives have been an increasingly central feature of the European Union’s border security policy. One set of initiatives has sought to fortify the EU’s external perimeter while another set creates new frontiers beyond this geopolitical boundary. Recently, the European Commission signaled its renewed commitment to this two-pronged approach with the release of its Border Package. This paper makes two arguments. First, this two-pronged approach has done little to deter identified border threats and the implementation of the Border Package would not rectify this situation. Second, the approach has contributed to a border management regime that is having an increasingly divergent impact on the mobility and life chances of different groups and populations. It is argued that the EU’s recent proposals would intensify this effect if implemented.
Results of Open and Laparoscopic Median Arcuate Ligament Release

The available peer-reviewed evidence demonstrates that division of the MAL in patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome may result in continued symptom relief in the majority of patients. The syndrome appears to have a female predominance and a wide array of presenting clinical symptoms. Arterial reconstruction has been reported to have a positive effect on clinical improvement following open MAL release; however, series reporting outcomes following the laparoscopic approach have demonstrated good results without the need for revascularization. The pathophysiology of this disorder is still not well understood and one of the biggest challenges for the vascular surgeon treating this condition is selecting the optimal patient and predicting successful outcomes. Because the majority of papers are small, single-institution studies, the likelihood that treatment failures and complications are underreported is high. Although there have been no deaths reported following laparoscopic MAL division, open conversion for bleeding from the perivisceral aorta is a potentially morbid and life-threatening complication that needs to be discussed with patients undergoing this procedure.
Denunciation as a subject of historical research

As Europe's new police and surveillance systems were introduced in the late 18th and early 19th century, an in tegral role in their everyday operation was played by the provision of information from the population at large. Mod ern surveillance societies came into being over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries as citizens for a whole host of reasons began to watch and listen, and then to inform the 'authorities' about deviations they witnessed. More authori tarian regimes require more, not less, social involvement in surveillance and control. For one thing they want to control more aspects of social life. Until recently, denunciations were at best considered mar ginal, even by most social historians. But historiography filled that gap in the last decade. It has moved this social phenomenon from the margin of the stories to the centre and produced quite different pictures, especially with regard to Nazi Germany.
Computer and IT Ethics: Perception of Computer Science Majors

The purpose of the current study, a survey of 115 students majoring in computer science, was to determine how they viewed the ethics of various behaviors such as spreading viruses and sending spam. In addition, we were interested in comparing students who had taken an ethics course with those who had not, in their perceptions of the ethics of these behaviors. Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of students. There was also no difference between males and females in ethical sensitivity.
Nanoscale imaging of defects in layered liquid crystals

Topological defects determine many static and dynamic properties of liquid crystals. They are mainly studied by optical microscopy, which cannot reveal the detailed structure of the defect core, where the deformations are too strong to sustain the usual type of order. The size of the core in most of liquid crystals is in the range of 1-10 nanometers, which calls for imaging techniques with resolution much higher than the optical one. Here we summarize and discuss results of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) nanoscale imaging of defects in several layered liquid crystals built of rod- and bent-shaped molecules. We will present and analyze structures of edge and screw dislocations, twist and tilt grain boundaries of smectic layers. Topological defects have large impact on optical properties of the LCs and understanding their nanoscale properties will help us structuring them for optical applications.