cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agreement between patient self-report and clinician rating: Concurrence between the bsi and the gap among psychiatric inpatients

Two rating scales were compared for 200 adult psychiatric inpatients at admission to, and discharge from, the hospital. Patients rated their own psychological symptoms on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and clinicians rated patients' psychological, social, and occupational functioning on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. Analyses indicated no significant relationships between symptom distress reported by patients and global functioning rated by clinicians. These findings support previous research that has shown minimal congruence among criterion measures that differ in rating source.
Atomic flux divergence based current conversion scheme for signal line electromigration reliability assessment

In this paper, we study electromigration (EM) reliability of signal lines. We propose a general model for current conversion from pulsed DC to steady DC based on the consistency of maximal atomic flux divergence. Both long and short lead lines with high frequency current are considered. The calculated effective steady DC agrees with the measured results. Our conversion scheme can be applied also to signal lines with complex current paths.
Contact line slippage of fluid flow on a rotating disk

Abstract The slip near the solid/liquid/fluid contact line is described by a phenomenological model in which the slip coefficient is inversely proportional to the liquid film thickness. The proportionality constant is so small that there is practically no slip anywhere except near the contact line where the slip mechanism is adequately described. The evolution of the free surface and the slippage of the contact line can be computed. Results for the case of constant viscosity are presented. The slip rate at the contact line is given in terms of material parameters of density, viscosity, and the rotating speed of the disk as well as the empirical slip proportionality constant. Accordingly, the way to control the slippage of the contact line is clearly indicated.
Adjustment with IMF lending

Abstract Adjustment programs supported by the IMF are frequently criticized by creditor countries as involving conditions which are too lax or, once violated, too easily modified or pushed aside. At least as frequently, these same conditions are criticized by international debtors, or those adopting their interests, for being too harsh and rigid. Neither side has explained very well (1) how exactly the Fund impinges on the path of adjustment a country would choose unaided and what that path is, (2) why the Fund must be expected to accelerate adjustment to safeguard its objectives, and (3) what limits the Fund's ability to do so. This paper attempts a theoretical deduction showing how this two-sided conflict arises from the Fund's obligation to adjudicate benefits and costs in negotiating programs acceptable not only to its debtor, but also to its creditor countries.
Dynamic Simulation of Temperature Field in Hybrid Laser-GTAW Welding of Galvanized Steels in a Gap-Free Lap Joint Configuration

During hybrid laser-arc welding of galvanized dual phase steel 980 in a gap free lap joint configuration, the welding parameters have the significant influences on the weld quality, which is directly related to the temperature distribution of welds. In this paper, a 3D FEM model is used with the application of the double ellipsoidal moving heat source to simulate the transient temperature field and the dimensions of fusion zone and heat affected zone (HAZ) for hybrid laser-arc keyhole welding of galvanized steels in a gap-free lap joint configuration. Temperature-dependent thermophysical properties are used in the simulation. Effects of various welding parameters on the temperature distribution are studied. To validate the numerical results, a high-speed camera with the frame rate of 4000 fps is used to real-time capture the images of the molten pool. The numerical results show a good agreement with the experimental results.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Homogenization of culture in capitalist society

(1988). Homogenization of culture in capitalist society. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-16.
Blastocystis hominis: pathogenic potential in human patients and in gnotobiotes.

Abstract Germfree guinea pigs were inoculated orally, in some experiments, and intracecally, in others, with Blastocystis hominis and the enteric flora from symptomatic patients. Other germfree guinea pigs received the parasite from axenic culture and still others from monoxenic culture with Proteus vulgaris . Fourteen of 43 animals inoculated orally with B. hominis and patient's enteric flora developed B. hominis infections and those with particularly heavy infections developed watery diarrhea of more than 1 week's duration immediately prior to sacrifice. Similar results were obtained from intracecal inoculations in that 13 of 28 animals developed infections and those with the greatest numbers of B. hominis had watery diarrhea for more than 1 week prior to sacrifice. Gross pathologic changes in these animals were mostly unremarkable, with only a slight hyperemia observed in several of the symptomatic animals. Microscopic examination, however, revealed frequent penetration of intestinal epithelium by B. hominis and the parasites in significant numbers were observed within the epithelium. There was a slight increase in cellularity in the lamina propria but parasites were not observed therein and their presence in the epithelium did not provoke an inflammatory response. Only one of eight animals inoculated from monoxenic cultures developed B. hominis infection (asymptomatic), and infections were not produced in animals inoculated from axenic culture. As a result of our observations of diarrhea in patients with particularly heavy infections with B. hominis together with the demonstration of similar symptoms in animals heavily infected with this parasite, we believe B. hominis may occasionally be related causally to the production of such symptoms by a mechanism not completely understandable.
Years of life lost due to genetic disease

‘Years of life lost’ is a quantity widely used in biostatistics to assess the importance of a cause of death. In its traditional meaning the phrase refers to the number of additional years that the average person in a specified reference group could expect to live if a given cause of death were eliminated. Recently the idea has been reformulated and applied to genetic conditions. The present paper begins with a description of the traditional calculation and goes on to present the reformulation, first for congenital diseases and then for diseases with delayed onset. A discussion follows of how different ages in a person's life should be weighted and the value considerations implicit in whatever decision one makes. The next topic is the way one eliminates a genetic disease, the concrete procedures used to do it, followed by morbidity due to genetic disease and the calculation of years of life lost due to nongenetic risk factors. The paper concludes with next steps in assessing the impact of genetic disease.
Cardiac perfusion changes in patients treated for breast cancer with radiation therapy and doxorubicin: preliminary results

Abstract Purpose: To determine the incidence and dose dependence of regional cardiac perfusion abnormalities in patients with left-sided breast cancer treated with radiation therapy (RT) with and without doxorubicin (Dox). Methods: Twenty patients with left-sided breast cancer underwent cardiac perfusion imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) prechemotherapy, pre-RT, and 6 months post-RT. SPECT perfusion images were registered onto 3-dimensional (3D) RT dose distributions. The volume of heart in the RT field was quantified, and the regional RT dose was calculated. A decrease in regional cardiac perfusion was assessed subjectively by visual inspection and objectively using image fusion software. Ten patients received Dox-based chemotherapy (total dose 120–300 mg/m 2 ), and 10 patients had no chemotherapy. RT was delivered by tangent beams in all patients to a total dose of 46–50 Gy. Results: Overall, 60% of the patients had new visible perfusion defects 6 months post-RT. A dose-dependent perfusion defect was seen at 6 months with minimal defect appreciated at 0–10 Gy, and a 20% decrease in regional perfusion at 41–50 Gy. One of 20 patients had a decrease in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of greater than 10% at 6 months; 2/20 patients had developed transient pericarditis. No instances of myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure (CHF) have occurred. Conclusions: RT causes cardiac perfusion defects 6 months post-RT in most patients. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess whether these perfusion changes are transient or permanent and to determine if these findings are associated with changes in overall cardiac function and clinical outcome.
Pine Mountain terrane, a complex window in the Georgia and Alabama Piedmont; evidence from the eastern termination

The Pine Mountain terrane is exposed in a complex window within the Piedmont of Georgia and Alabama. The eastern end of the terrane is framed by three ductile faults of demonstrably different ages. The polydeformed pre-thermal peak Box Ankle fault is truncated to the south by the younger pre-thermal peak Goat Rock fault, and to the north by the even younger post-thermal peak Towaliga fault. The three faults framing the eastern termination of the window are clearly neither (1) part of the same detachment nor (2) part of the Appalachian detachment.
NOTES ON POPULATIONS OF Bovicola jellisoni ON DALL'S SHEEP (Ovis dalli)1

This paper reports the first record of a mallophagan species on the Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli). The numbers and distribution of Bovicola jellisoni on two Dall's sheep collected on Crescent Mountain, Kenai Peninsula, Alasaka, is described.
Addition of Algenpantucel-L Immunotherapy to Standard Adjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase 2 Study

Background Despite continued investigation, limited progress has been made in the adjuvant treatment of resected pancreatic cancer. Novel or targeted therapies are needed.
Characterization of Antimicrobial-bearing Liposomes by ζ-Potential, Vesicle Size, and Encapsulation Efficiency

Liposome entrapment may improve activity of protein or polypeptide antimicrobials against a variety of microorganisms. In this study, ability of liposomes to withstand exposure to environmental and chemical stresses typically encountered in foods and food processing operations were tested. Liposomes consisting of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (PC) and distearoylphosphatidylglycerol (PG), with 0, 5, or 10 μg/ml of the antimicrobial peptide nisin entrapped, were exposed to elevated temperatures (25–75 °C) and a range of pH (5.5–11.0). Ability of liposomes to maintain integrity was assessed by measuring the encapsulation efficiency (EE), ζ-potential, and particle size distribution of liposomes. Distearoylphosphatidylcholine, PC/PG 8:2, and PC/PG 6:4 (mole fraction) liposomes retained between ~70–90% EE despite exposure to elevated temperature and alkaline or acidic pH. Particle size of liposomes averaged between 100 and 240 nm depending on liposome preparation. Liposomal surface charge depended primarily on phospholipid composition and changed little with inclusion of nisin. Surface charge was not affected by temperature for PC and PC/PG 8:2 but decreased for PC/PG 6:4 liposomes. Our results suggest that liposomes containing nisin may be suitable for use as antimicrobial-active ingredients in low- or high-pH foods subjected to moderate heat treatments.
Attachment Behavior of Children Adopted Internationally at Six Months Post Adoption

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe attachment behavior in children adopted internationally at 6 months post adoption. Twenty-two children and their adoptive mothers were observed at home for completion of an attachment measure. Mothers also completed a questionnaire on their child's preadoption care. Comparisons of children low and high in attachment security suggested that low secure children showed predominantly ambivalent attachment behavior or that they were still in the process of forming an attachment. Children having foster versus orphanage care prior to adoption differed in quality of preadoption care and in certain attachment behaviors, but not in overall attachment security.
Crippin’ Curriculum at the Intersections

On August 28, 2005, the city of New Orleans was transformed by Hurricane Katrina into a surging sea, with people stranded on rooftops, swimming through brackish churning streets amidst bloated bodi...
Structure of the Sydnones

THE fused-ring structure for the sydnones is as unacceptable to Prof. Wilson Baker and his colleague1 as to Mr. Eade and myself. They suggest that since a reasonable structure of the classical type cannot be assigned to these substances, they are probably hybrids of some of the possible extreme dipolar structures, but they give no experimental evidence. The subject having been raised, it might be as well to indicate the lines on which we have done further experimental work.
The Almena, Kansas, Tornadic Storm of 3 June 1999: A Long-Lived Supercell with Very Little Cloud-to-Ground Lightning

The visual, radar, and lightning characteristics of a severe thunderstorm that spawned a large F3 tornado near Almena, Kansas, on 3 June 1999 are documented. The storm is interesting in that it transitioned from a low-precipitation to classic supercell, then back to low-precipitation supercell again prior to dissipation after sunset. Remarkably, the storm produced only 17 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes during its 4.5 h lifetime, despite VIL values reaching 95 kg/sq m, reflectivities of 50 dBZ or greater at altitudes of 14 km, and baseball-size hail at the surface. In contrast, total lightning rates inferred from a portable lightning detector during the large tornado were very high, approximately 100/min as expected for a storm of this size and intensity.
Advancing the neurobiology of insomnia, a commentary on: "Functional imaging of the sleeping brain" by Drummond et al.

Drummond, Smith, Orff, Chengazi, and Perlis have made an important contribution to the field of insomnia research by reviewing functional neuroimaging studies of sleep and offering their insights into the manner in which functional neuroimaging may help to clarify the neurobiology of insomnia. This seems to be an important direction for the field to pursue for several reasons. First, traditional assessments of sleep, such as polysomnography, have had some difficulties in defining neurobiological alterations that may be specific to insomnia patients. Second, models of insomnia have relied on behavioral theories with unclear relationships to underlying neurobiological processes. Third, functional neuroimaging methods are now widely utilized for the study of brain function in humans and in clarifying the neurobiological alterations in many human disorders that affect the central nervous system. The field of sleep disorders medicine lags behind other areas of medical research in the utilization of these methods. Fourth, as they point out, functional neuroimaging studies offer the promise of assessment of function in brain structures that are not accessible to polysomnographic study and that may be abnormal in insomnia patients. I agree with these observations and see these points as the most important contributions that they have made in reviewing this area of research. The task of building a model of the neurobiology of insomnia based on existent findings from functional neuroimaging studies of sleep is a difficult one. The authors are to be commended for taking on this complex task, especially at a time when so little information on patients with insomnia is available. Several strategies for model building can be pursued. In their review, the authors rely heavily on a neurocognitive model of insomnia 4 that is based on behavioral theories and on electrophysiological studies, both of which have unclear relationships to function in specific brain structures. The resulting theory is a top-down theory in which an alteration in some unknown higher order cognitive process, such as rumination, or sensory processing, is driving the altered neurobiology in insomnia. The other approach utilized is a reverse structural model building that many functional neuroanatomic studies utilize. In this method, the first step is the identification of brain structures that have altered function in an experimental paradigm, in this case the manipulation of behavioral state. The second step is to define the usual function in the independent structures identified in these studies based on other imaging studies or on preclinical literature. The third step is to infer that the alterations observed across behavioral states is somehow related to some integration of the independent functioning of these structures identified in the imaging paradigms. A limitation of this approach is that it relies on prior observations of large regions
Real-time observation of the secretion of a nanocomposite adhesive from English ivy (Hedera helix)

Many advances have been made in the study of micro- to nano-scale attachment mechanisms in animals; however, little interest has been focused on identifying similar phenomenon in plants. In 2008, our group discovered that surfaces where ivy attached had uniform nanoparticles that were hypothesized to contribute to its amazing attaching strength. In this study, we visualized the secretion of adhesive from the root hairs of English ivy adventitious roots using a novel video microscopy apparatus. In addition, we were able to correlate the deposited adhesive with uniform nanoparticles through atomic force microscopy (AFM). This conclusively demonstrated that the nanoparticles were associated with the adhesive forming a natural nanocomposite. This discovery relays the importance of studying plant attachment for bio-inspiration of novel nano-scale attachment strategies.
Noradrenergic action of amphetamine following degeneration of descending monoaminergic fibers in the spinal cord.

Amphetamine and methoxamine facilitated the flexor reflex in chronic spinal rats whose descending monoaminergic nerve endings were degenerated. Methoxamine, but not amphetamine, facilitated the flexor reflex in the chronic spinal rat 16–20 h after IV 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. These data indicate that amphetamine's spinal cord facilitative effects are mediated through two noradrenergic mechanisms. In the acute spinal rat, its facilitative effects in these experiments seem to be independent of the sympathetic nervous system and are probably dependent on the presence of the terminal axons of the long-descending noradrenergic pathways. In the chronic spinal rat, amphetamine's facilitative actions require the integrity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Detectability of inflation-produced gravitational waves

Introduction Inflation addresses most of the fundamental problems in cosmology – the origin of the flatness, large-scale smoothness, and small density inhomogeneities needed to seed all the structure seen in the Universe today. If correct, it would extend our understanding of the Universe to as early as 10 −32 sec and open a window on physics at energies of order 10 15 GeV. However, at the moment there is little evidence to confirm or to contradict inflation and no standard model of inflation. The key to testing inflation is to focus on its three basic predictions [1]: spatially flat Universe (total energy density equal to the critical energy density); almost scaleinvariant spectrum of gaussian density perturbations [2]; and almost scale-invariant spectrum of stochastic gravitational waves [3]. The first two predictions have important implications: the existence of nonbaryonic dark matter, as big-bang nucleosynthesis precludes baryons from contribution more than about 10% of the critical density [4], and the cold dark matter scenario for structure formation, based upon the idea that the nonbaryonic dark matter is slowly moving elementary particles left over from the earliest moments [5,6]. A host of cosmological observations are now beginning to sharply test the first two predictions [6]. Gravity waves are a telling test and probe of inflation: They provide a consistency check (see below); they are essential to learning about the scalar potential that drives inflation [7]; and they are a compelling signature of inflation – both a flat Universe and scale-invariant density perturbations were advocated before inflation. Detecting inflation-produced gravity waves presents a great experimental challenge [8]. In this Letter we discuss the potential of CBR anisotropy or polarization and of direct detection by the laser-interferometers to test this key prediction of inflation. Quantum Fluctuations The (Fourier) spectra of metric fluctuations excited during inflation are characterized by power laws in wavenumber k, k n for density perturbations (scalar metric fluctuations) and k nT −3 for gravity waves (tensor metric fluctuations). Scale invariance for density perturbations (n = 1) corresponds to fluctuations in the Newtonian potential that are independent of wavenumber; scale invariance for gravity waves (nT = 0) corresponds to dimensionless horizon-crossing strain amplitudes that are independent of wavenumber. The power-law indices are related to the scalar field potential, V (�), that drives inflation: n − 1 = − m 2
Simulation analysis: applications of discrete event simulation modeling to military problems

The military is a big user of discrete event simulation models. The use of these models range from training and wargaming their constructive use in important military analyses. In this paper we discuss the uses of military simulation, the issues associated with military simulation to include categorizations of various types of military simulation. We then discuss three particular simulation studies undertaken with the Air Force Institute of Technology's Department of Operational Science focused on important Air Force and Army issues.
Physiopathology of Cushing's Disease

HARVEY CUSHING first described a patient with the disease bearing his name in 1912 (1). The patient manifested rapidly acquired central obesity, hypertrichosis, amenorrhea, and muscle weakness; on physical examination, “her round face was dusky and cyanoid,” supraclavicular and posterior cervical fat pads were present, and it was also noted that the skin was rough and dry, with considerable pigmentation, and with numerous ecchymoses and purplish striae. At that time, Cushing was uncertain as to whether the symptoms were attributable to pituitary “or adrenal, pineal, or ovarian influences,” involvement of these regions having previously been reported in association with similar clinical findings. There was apparently an even earlier report of a similar clinical syndrome by Osier in 1899 (2), which was described, however, as “An acute myxoedematous condition, with tachycardia, glycosuria, melaena, mania, and death” (the latter occurring within 6 months of onset). Between 1923 and 1926, in addition to other ...
Human Splanchnic and Forearm Vasoconstrictor Responses to Reductions of Right Atrial and Aortic Pressures

Regional vascular responses to gradual reductions in right atrial pressure and aortic pressure were investigated in nine men. In each study, lower body negative pressure was applied in a ramp of -1 mm Hg/min for 40-50 minutes. During the range from control to -20 mm Hg, right atrial pressure (4 studies) fell from 4.2 mm Hg to -0.6 mm Hg; heart rate was slightly reduced (2 beats/min), and aortic mean pressure and pulse pressure (6 studies) were unchanged. The maximal rate of rise of aortic pressure showed no consistent trends. Forearm blood flow (30 studies) fell with the onset of lower body negative pressure and reached 67% of the control value by -20 mm Hg. Splanchnic blood flow (14 studies) was significantly reduced by -7 mm Hg and fell to 89% of control by -20 mm Hg. During the range from -20 to -50 mm Hg, right atrial pressure continued to fall. Aortic mean pressure fell slightly or was unchanged in four subjects and fell dramatically at -35 mm Hg in two subjects. Aortic pulse pressure began to fall at about -20 mm Hg and fell linearly thereafter. Heart rate paralleled aortic pulse pressure ( r = -0.86 to -0.93). Forearm blood flow fell to 55% and splanchnic blood flow fell to 65% of control at -50 mm Hg. Thus, significant vasoconstriction occurred without measurable change in arterial blood pressure. We concluded that low-pressure baroreceptors, presumably in the cardiopulmonary region, initiate splanchnic and forearm vasoconstriction with more pronounced vasoconstriction occurring in the forearm.
Equilibrium Turbulent Boundary Layers

Abstract : A particular form for an effective or eddy viscosity is hypothesized and considered in conjunction with the boundary layer equations for cases where the pressure gradient parameter is held constant. Precise solutions are obtained for accelerating and decelerating flows in the range, beta infinity; the solutions span the complete boundary layer profile with the exception of the small viscous sublayer region. Comparison of the calculated velocity profiles with zero pressure gradient data and Clauser's and Stratford's decelerating flow data is excellent. For large values of beta the influence of the pressure gradient dominates the influence of the wall shear stress; defect profiles should then be presented in the form, U sub p, instead of U sub tau where U sub p is a pressure velocity and U sub tau is the conventional skin function velocity. (Author)
Reconstructing sharp features of triangular meshes

We present a novel technique for reconstructing sharp features in surface models. The algorithm is designed to fit sharp features of low algebraic and combinatorial complexity in the gaps between smooth surface patches.
Solid-solid interactions—V Mixed halo complexes of copper(II) and cobalt(II)

Abstract Two complete series of the type [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [MX 4 ] were isolated using solid-solid interactions. Thus, [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CoCl 4 ], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CoCl 3 Br], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CoCl 2 Br 2 ] 2 , [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CoClBr 3 ] and [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CoBr 4 ] were prepared for Co(II), and [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuCl 4 ], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuCl 3 Br], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuCl 2 BNr 2 ], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuBr 3 Cl 2 ], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuBr 3 Cl], and [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [CuBr 4 ] for Cu(II). In addition, the hydrates [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [Cu(H 2 O) 2 Cl 3 Br], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [Cu(H 2 O) 2 Cl 2 Br 2 ], [Li(DA) 2 ] 2 [Cu(H 2 O) 2 Br 2 Cl 2 ] and [Li(DA) 2 ][Cu(H 2 O) 2 Br 3 Cl] were prepared. Tetrahedral coordination was shown for the Co(II) series, whereas the evidence indicates that Cu(II) is involved in either planar or octahedral complexation. Coordination of lithium with diacetamide presents a unique way of preparing and stabilizing mixed halo complexes of these transition metals.
Medical Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes

The primary goals of the medical management of acute coronary syndromes are to restore and to maintain coronary patency. Blood flow in totally occluded coronary arteries is restored by fibrinolysis with plasminogen activators. The ongoing thrombosis is controlled by inhibiting the coagulation cascade and platelet activity. The latter is of greater importance, as the formation of platelet-rich thrombi is the main pathophysiological mechanism leading to acute coronary syndromes. Several new classes of agents for the management of acute coronary syndromes have recently been introduced, including fibrin specific plasminogen activators, direct thrombin inhibitors, low molecular weight heparins, and inhibitors of the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa. Recent major trials indicate that the use of these new agents may lead to a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Row-by-Row Off-Design Performance Calculation Method for Turbines

The turbine component of a gas turbine engine is frequently subjected to extreme operation conditions associated with significant changes in mass flow, turbine inlet temperature, pressure and rotational speed. These off-design operation conditions significantly affect the flow deflection within the turbine stage, which consists of individual stator and rotor rows. As a result, the stage parameters representing the velocity diagram will change and affect the efficiency and performance of the stage and, thus, the turbine. A row-by-row calculation method is presented for predicting the performance behavior of turbines under extreme off-design conditions. The method is applied to a multistage turbine for which the off-design performance is calculated and compared with the measurement.
Imaging of Complications of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Iatrogenic complications of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery are relatively uncommon, but contribute to potentially significant patient morbidity and mortality. The incidence of iatrogenic disease reflects the complexity of surgical procedures, including lung resection, esophagectomy, coronary artery bypass grafting, thoracic aorta repair, and cardiac valve replacement. Some iatrogenic complications are minor and common to all procedures, whereas others can be potentially devastating and are associated with precise technical components of specific surgeries. Multimodality imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of operative thoracic and cardiovascular iatrogenic disease.
Unsaturated Linkages in Dioxythiophene−Benzothiadiazole Donor−Acceptor Electrochromic Polymers: The Key Role of Conformational Freedom

The perspective of generating new colors commonly difficult to attain such as cyan blue and greens of various tones and saturations has motivated the design of conjugated polymer finely tuned in their molecular structure to reassemble the optical features desired in the context of non-emissive electrochromic device (ECD) applications. Herein, we report on a series of soluble donor−acceptor (DA) conjugated polymers involving 3,4-dioxythiophenes (DOTs) and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) constructed in combination with unsaturated linkages, namely ethynylene and trans-ethylene, and compare these to their fully polyheterocyclic DA control analogues with careful emphasis on optical, electrochemical, and electrochromic (EC) properties. As confirmed by spectroelectrochemical analysis, ethynylene linkers hindered the formation of a defined bipolaronic transition in the near-IR and were thus found disruptive with respect to the EC potential of their subsequent alternating copolymers. On the other hand, the presence ...
How well can an idiotope peptide mimic replace its parent idiotype in a synthetic peptide vaccine

Purpose. To determine whether a vaccine consisting of an idiotope peptide mimic of the third complementarity-determining region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (CDR-H3) is an effective substitute for its parent idiotype. Such peptide vaccines could ultimately be used for targeting pathological B lymphocytes.
In Situ Wear Measuring Technique in Engine Cylinders

An in situ wear probe was developed to measure the rate of cylinder liner wear and its roughness at the top ring reversal point where severe wear can occur. The wear probe can be removed from the cylinder block and replaced without the need for engine disassembly. The wear probe is scanned at a laser stylus surface measuring station where its topography and wear are analyzed. The engine used is a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. A sample of the surface properties and analysis is given. Experimental data are given for the wear rate and different roughness parameters and their variation over the first few hours of the break-in period. Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996
Estimates of wintertime mixed layer nutrient concentrations in the North Atlantic

Abstract Nonlinear, time-dependent model sensitivity to initial conditions poses a challenging problem when attempting to initialize such a model. In order to intialize a chemical-physical model of the upper several hundred meters of the North Atlantic, we have calculated the initial concentrations of several chemical species from three estimation methods by a combination of the Climatological Atlas of the World Ocean ( Levitus , 1982) and the TTO north, and tropical, Atlantic study data bases. A 1° × 1° grid of the average initial concentrations over the mixed layer depth was generated for the method of preference and added to the inialization data base of the model. Contour maps of this calculated initial concentration set are presented and comparisons with the other methods and actual data are made.
Palladium diffusion and cluster nucleation on Ta(110).

The surface diffusion and initial stages of cluster nucleation of Pd adatoms on Ta(110) are investigated by field ion microscopy (FIM). The results indicate that Pd atoms become mobile on Ta(110) at 180 K and diffuse with an activation energy of 0.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 eV. The structure of small Pd clusters on the Ta(110) plane depends upon the number of Pd adatoms present on the plane. If fewer than nine Pd atoms are deposited on the plane, the stable configuration is a linear chain oriented along a close-packed direction of the substrate. Two-dimensional island clusters containing fewer than nine atoms are metastable. For nine or more adatoms, however, the stable configuration is a two-dimensional island cluster and the linear chain cluster is metastable. Field ion images of the two-dimensional island clusters indicate that the Pd overlayer is pseudomorphic up to, and including, approximate monolayer coverages. Two-dimensional Pd clusters migrate as a unit on Ta(110) at temperatures from \ensuremath{\sim}250 to 325 K. Above \ensuremath{\sim}350 K the clusters rapidly disappear from the plane. The results of this investigation are compared to other FIM data related to the nucleation of metal-adatom clusters.
Graceful degradation over packet erasure channels through forward error correction

We present an algorithm that assigns unequal amounts of forward error correction to progressive data so as to provide graceful degradation as packet losses increase. We use the SPIHT coder to compress images in this work, but our algorithm can protect any progressive compression scheme. The algorithm can also use almost any function as a model of packet loss conditions. We find that for an exponential packet loss model with a mean of 20% and a total rate of 0.2 bpp, good image quality can be obtained, even when 40% of transmitted packets are lost.
Family Outings: Disclosure Practices Among Adopted Youth With Gay and Lesbian Parents

This study uses qualitative data from 14 interviews with multicultural youth aged 13 to 20 to explore how they negotiate disclosures of their adoptive status and gay and lesbian parent–headed family structure within their schools and friendship networks. Findings reveal a continuum of disclosure practices ranging from not telling anyone that they have gay or lesbian parents to more open disclosure, with several participants being forced to “come out” often about their families. Participants described receiving positive responses from others about their adoptive status, but they were often apprehensive about disclosing that their parents were gay or lesbian. Findings suggest that parental preparation for dealing with adoptism, racism, and heterosexism/homophobia can facilitate an easier disclosure process for youth regarding their multicultural identities and family structure. Implications for research, policy, and adoption practice are discussed.
The comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and depression.

Several factors, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and an aging population, contribute to epidemic rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Depression frequently occurs comorbidly with diabetes although it is unrecognized and untreated in approximately two thirds of patients with both conditions. The course of depression in patients with both diabetes and depression is chronic and severe. Up to 80% of patients with diabetes and depression will experience a relapse of depressive symptoms over a 5-year period. Depression is associated with nonadherence to diabetes self-care—including following dietary restrictions, medication compliance, and blood glucose monitoring—resulting in worse overall clinical outcomes. Due to potential negative health consequences associated with comorbid diabetes and depression, both conditions should be optimally treated to maximize patient outcomes.
Ovarian egg size and number in relation to female size in five species of parasitoid wasps

Within five species of parasitoid wasps of the families Pteromalidae (Morodora armata Gahan, Muscidifurax zaraptor K. & L., Nasonia vitripennis (Walker)), Bethylidae (Goniozus legneri Gordh), and Tiphiidae (Myzinum quinquecinctum (Fabricius)), we found significant positive correlations between female body size and both the number and the size of the mature oocytes present in the ovaries. These data are discussed with reference to current clutch size and egg size models and biological information available on these species.
Differential metabolic responses to tumor necrosis factor with increase in age.

Previous studies have shown varied responses to the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on glucose and lipid metabolism. To elucidate possible causes for this variation, the present study compared sequential changes in plasma glucose, lactic acid, triglyceride (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and plasma insulin levels in 1.5- and 16-month-old, normal, fed, male rats, 1 to 6 hours after different doses of intravenous (IV) TNF. In addition, assessment was made of TNF injected intraperitoneally (IP) in precannulated and intact young (1.5 months) rats and of the dose-response (0.25 to 50 micrograms/100 g rat) and the sensitivity to insulin in intact rats. Finally, the metabolic responses and changes in serum insulin and corticosterone concentration after IP TNF were compared in 1.5-, 5-, and 16-month-old rats. Data show that metabolic responses vary with increase in age and experimental conditions. Dose-dependent decreases in plasma glucose (1.4 to 3.9 mumol/mL) and elevations in lactic acid (0.8 to 3.0 mumol/mL) were greater in 1.5- versus 16-month-old rats, were delayed in cannulated rats, and were preceded by hyperglycemia following larger IV doses. Plasma TG levels were elevated after TNF in all groups except precannulated rats, and also showed differences with age. In young rats, the elevation in TG peaked 2 hours after IP injection with return to baseline and was preceded by an elevation in FFA levels. In older rats, which were hypertriglyceridemic at base line, the elevation in TG by TNF occurred by suppressing the decrease in TG of controls, was not accompanied by an increase in FFA levels, was sustained for 5 hours, and was of greater magnitude than in young rats. Significant changes in plasma insulin did not occur in young and older rats after IV TNF. However, young rats had a significant decrease (P less than .02) in plasma insulin and an elevation in corticosterone levels after IP TNF, whereas older rats exhibited an increase in plasma insulin (P less than .02) and a comparable elevation in plasma corticosterone. Young rats also showed an increase in plasma insulin following IP TNF when hypoglycemia was prevented by the infusion of glucose. However, when insulin levels were held comparable (2.4 ng/mL), glucose uptake was enhanced (P less than .05) compared with controls. These findings indicate that mobilization of energy substrates occurs during the initial exposure to TNF, which is altered by the nutritional state of the rats and the dose and route of administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Inner product for resonant states and shell-model applications

Abstract A generalization of the standard inner-product integral is developed, which allows one to treat resonant states on an equal footing with bound states. The resonant and bound states are shown to form an orthonormal set with respect to the generalized inner product. Near a complex resonance energy E s of the Hamiltonian H , the Green function ( E + ie − H ) −1 is shown to be approximately equal to | s )( s |/( E − E s ), where | s ) is the normalized (in terms of the new inner product) resonance state. This is exactly the same form as the leading term is the Green function expansion about a bound state pole. This feature can be exploited in a reformulation of the MacDonald or Weidenmuller shell-model theory of nuclear reactions. The new formalism also has possible applications to giant resonance problems, stripping to unstable final state or any other problem where resonances play an important part.
Dietary sodium regulation of blood pressure and renal α1- and α2- receptors in WKY and SH rats☆

Abstract We studied the effect of high (8%) versus normal (0.6%) sodium diet on renal α1 and α2-adrenergic receptors and on blood pressure in Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) “normotensive” rats. SH rats had higher renal α1 (p .01). Ingestion of the high salt diet for 5 weeks increased blood pressure from 130 mmHg to 174 mmHg (p
Of fertility, cystic fibrosis and the bicarbonate ion

Mammalian sperm require activation within the female reproductive tract to fertilize eggs, and bicarbonate is essential for this process in vitro. A recent study implicates the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) as a possible regulator for bicarbonate release in vivo.
Simulating student flow through a college of business for policy and structural change analysis

Under the pressure of sharp budget cuts and external demands for better performance, public institutions of higher education must examine how they can facilitate student graduation even as institutional resources diminish. This paper describes a computer model simulating the movement of undergraduates through a large, public college of business. The model allows changes in curriculum policy, prerequisite structure, and staffing capacity to be tested prior to implementation. Outcome measures focus primarily on the expected time to degree of two types of students who enter the university, first-time freshmen and upper division transfers, along with their respective 6-year and 4-year graduation rates. The validated model is used to experiment with both actual and potential scenarios facing the college and gauge their possible impact.
Two-year experience with tacrolimus in renal transplantation after late conversion from cyclosporine therapy.

Introduction. Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with chronic allograft nephropathy. Protocols to reverse nephrotoxicity incorporate dosage reduction or withdrawal of these agents. Using ketoconazole as a sparing agent with mean cyclosporine doses of less than 50 mg/d, we have usually observed adverse cosmetic effects. One cohort of patients exhibited severe gingival hyperplasia that required gum resection; some also had hypertricosis. Objective. To evaluate the effects of conversion from cyclosporine (CsA) to a tacrolimus generic formulation (TAC) in patients with adverse cosmetic effects from CsA. Patients and Methods. Twenty-three patients were studied at a mean (SD) of 56 (48) months posttransplantation; serum creatinine concentration was 1.91 (0.68) mg/dL. All had eyebrow and facial hypertricosis, and 10 also had gum hyperplasia. Cyclosporine C0 or C2 levels and CsA dosage had previously been changed simultaneously with ketoconazole. The day after withdrawal of CsA, TAC therapy was started at a dose of 0.065 to 0.030 mg/kg/d. Patients were followed up for 18 months (12.76 [7.57]) with routine laboratory tests. Results. Twenty patients without proteinuria demonstrated improved renal function at 1-month follow-up; serum creatinine concentration was 1.76 (0.42) mg/dL vs 1.47 (0.37) mg/dL (P < .02). Levels of tacrolimus were 13.82 (7.95) ng/mL at 15 days and 7.3 (3.5) ng/mL at 2 months after the dosage was decreased to 0.042 mg/kg/d. Gum hypertrophy and hypertrichosis resolved in all patients. One patient died 18 months after conversion of cardiovascular disease and chronic allograft nephropathy. Neither diabetes nor dislipidemia were noted. Conclusion. Generic TAC is a good therapeutic alternative in renal transplant recipients with adverse reactions to CsA.
Survey of Ethical Issues in Dental Research

The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) surveyed its leaders to determine their perceptions of the prevalence of problematic research practices and the possible roles AADR should play in promoting scientific integrity. Seventy-six of the 98 program chairs and Association officers (1990-1995) surveyed responded. In general, these respondents did not think that serious misconduct or sloppy science occurred more often in AADR than in other scientific disciplines. Overall, respondents rated practices that undermine the trustworthiness of science (falsifying or fabrication of research data, retaliation, failure to present negative results, failure to disclose involvement with commercial enterprises, failure to maintain research records, etc.) as more serious, but less prevalent, than practices considered disrespectful of the work of others (gift authorship, citing sources without reading them, dividing a project into many small units, etc.). All respondents said that they had observed each of the l...
A New Printed Quasi-Landstorfer Antenna

A recently developed compact planar Quasi-Landstorfer antenna is presented here. For this design, the reflector element was removed from the original Landstorfer antenna and the ground plane was modified to have the same behavior as the removed reflector element. By using the ground plane as a reflector, the overall size of the planar Landstorfer antenna was reduced by 44%. The smaller prototype Quasi-Landstorfer antenna presented here had a measured return loss of -42.7 dBi and measured gain of 6.6 dBi at the resonant frequency of 2.44 GHz. Furthermore, a Quasi-Landstorfer antenna design with an extended ground plane was also investigated and is presented. Simulations and measurements of a prototype antenna have shown that by adding conducting strips to the end of the ground plane, approximately 1 dBi of gain could be added without changing the overall dimensions. Throughout this work, it is shown that the measured values agree well with simulations.
Rapid thermal oxygen annealing formation of nickel silicide nanocrystals for nonvolatile memory

Discrete NiSi nanocrystals were synthesized by rapid thermal oxygen annealing of very thin Si/Ni/Si films on a SiO2 tunneling layer. They were used to fabricate metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitor memory. Electrical properties of the memory device such as programming, erasing and retention were characterized and good performance was achieved.
Leader–Member Exchange and Work–Family Interactions: The Mediating Role of Self-Reported Challenge- and Hindrance-Related Stress

The authors examined the relations among 4 components of the leader-member exchange (LMX) relationship (i.e., contribution, affect, loyalty, and professional respect) and the level of work-family conflict and work-family facilitation that an employee experiences. Further, the authors examined the mediating role of challenge- and hindrance-related self-reported stress on relations. In doing this, the authors linked positive and negative aspects of LMX, stressors, work-family conflict, and work-family facilitation. Data from a sample of full-time employed individuals support some hypothesized relations between components of LMX and work-family interactions. Also, results support the mediating role of hindrance-related stress in the relation between (a) the affect and loyalty components of LMX and (b) work-family conflict. The authors discuss the implications and limitations of their findings.