cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Ankle to Computer Virtual Reality System for Improving Gait and Function in a Person 9 Months Poststroke

AbstractBackground and Purpose: Repetitive practice improves function and facilitates cortical plasticity after stroke. Virtual reality (VR) systems have the potential to provide motivating and safe repetitive practice with minimal supervision. The purpose of this case study is to look at the effect of a VR system, activated by surface electromyography of dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, on gait velocity, function, and kinematics. Method: The first person randomized to the treatment group of a larger study was chosen for this case. She was 51 years old and 9 months poststroke. She received treatment 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Each 60-minute session consisted of both structured lower extremity exercise and VR ankle activities. Results: After intervention, the subject demonstrated increased gait speed and decreased time to perform the modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. Gait kinematics demonstrated improved ankle motion and plantarflexion moments at push off. Discussion: The improved gait speed...
Laparoscopic Restorative Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis: A Comparative Observational Study on Long-term Functional Results

Long-term results after laparoscopic ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) have not been thoroughly evaluated. Our study prospectively compares short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open IPAA. Between October 2002 and November 2007, 73 laparoscopic and 106 open IPAA patients were enrolled. Patient- and disease-specific characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes were prospectively collected. There were no differences in demographics, treatment, indication, duration of surgery, and diversion between groups. Laparoscopic patients had faster return of flatus (p = 0.008), faster assumption of a liquid diet (p < 0.001), and less blood loss (p = 0.026). While complications were similar, the incidence of incisional hernias was lower in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.011). Mean follow-up was 24.8 months. Average number of bowel movements was 6.8 ± 2.8/day for laparoscopy and 6.3 ± 1.7 for open (p = 0.058). Overall, 68.4% of patients were fully continent at 1 year, up to 83.7% long term without differences between groups. Other indicators of defecatory function and quality of life remain similar overtime. Laparoscopic IPAA confers excellent functional results. Most patients are fully continent and have an average of six bowel movements/day. When present, minor incontinence improves over time. Laparoscopy mirrors the results of open IPAA and is a valuable alternative to open surgery.
Isolation, Characterization of an Intermediate in an Oxygen Atom-Transfer Reaction, and the Determination of the Bond Dissociation Energy

The synthesis and structure of a phosphine oxide-bound intermediate molecule originating from a dioxo−molybdenum(VI) complex is described. The loss of phosphine oxide has been followed by surface-induced dissociation mass spectrometry that gave the bond dissociation energy of 29.5 (± 3.5) kcal/mol. Considering the bond dissociation energy for a MoO bond to be 100 kcal/mol, this value suggests that the primary driving force for the reaction is the formation of the intermediate complex.
Analysis of surface pressure distributions on two elliptic missile configurations

The state-of-the-art methods for predicting missile aerodynamic characteristics do not accurately predict the loads of missile configurations with bodies of elliptic cross section. An investigation of this problem found significant nonlinear flow disturbance on the windward surface of a 3:1 elliptic body at Mach 2.50 in addition to the nonlinear vortical flows which develop on the leeside. A nonlinear full-potential flow method (NCOREL) was found to provide extremely accurate pressure estimates for attached-flow conditions and the vortex prediction method contained in the state-of-the-art method (NOSEVTX) was shown to accurately calculate body vortices and leeside pressures.
A Nation's Readers: Cultural Integration and the Schoolbook Canon in Wilhelmine Germany

This article compares the contents of reading books used in the elementary schools ("Volksschulen") of different regions of Imperial Germany around the turn-of-the-century to ask how regionally controlled schools could have contributed to building German national identity. During the decades preceding World War I, children throughout the recently unified "Kaiserreich" read from a shared canon of poems and stories which emphasized themes of community, self-sacrifice, and death, and encouraged emotional ties to the hometown or. region. The most frequently appearing texts in the historical sections of the reading books invoked the medieval empire and featured more Swabians and Saxons than Hohenzollerns, but many geographical and historical reading selections in each book described the locality or region. Reading books for young Germans promoted a national identity based on shared values and loyalty to homeland while acknowledging the varied backgrounds of children in different parts of the nation.
The Effects of Unconsciously Derived Affect on Task Satisfaction and Performance

Purpose Theoretical and empirical evidence from basic psychological research suggests that much of affective processing occurs outside of conscious awareness and that this unconscious processing can have profound impacts on attitudes and behaviors. However, research in the management domain examining unconscious affective processing is almost completely absent. To address this void, we examined the role of unconsciously derived affect in work-related judgments and behaviors.
Urinary Fibrinopeptide a in Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Prospective Pilot Study

This pilot study assessed the urinary fibrinopeptide A (uFPA) levels and the combination of uFPA test plus ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan in the diagnostic evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). One hundred consecutive patients were studied prospectively. Twenty-nine patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria defined in this study (seven with and 22 without PE). The uFPA concentration was significantly higher in patients with than without PE (41.1 +/- 2.6 vs 4.8 +/- 2.5 ng/mg of creatinine, p less than 0.0001). In all patients with PE, the uFPA levels were higher than threshold value derived by adding 2 standard deviations to the mean uFPA concentration of patients without PE. In patients without PE, the V/Q scan was negative in 16, the uFPA test was negative in 18, and at least one of the tests was negative in 21. These preliminary data suggest that a negative uFPA test may be helpful in excluding PE and that uFPA in combination with V/Q lung scans may correctly exclude PE in more patients than either test alone. Further studies in a large unselected population are needed to confirm these results.
Chemistry and microstructures: Fabrication at the molecular size level

Abstract The case for the interdisciplinary fabrication of small structures is made using molecular and atomic forces in a building-up approach as a complimentary alternative to the semiconductor carving-out mode. Not only does this approach permit the modular chemical fabrication of molecular conductors but also gives rise to new forms of “lithography” at the molecular size level. Several chemical sensors responding to femto quantities or less of reagents are proposed, as are new active molecular moieties for non-linear optical nano-composite structures fabricated via Langmuir-Blodgett techniques.
Stellar models and the brightening of P Cygni

P Cygni is currently in the transition phase between core hydrogen and helium burning. The behavior of the stellar envelope in this phase is strongly affected by the intermittant dominance of hydrogen shell burning. We perform detailed stellar evolution calculations of this rapid transition phase using the most recent Livermore opacities. We find that observations and stellar evolution models agree very well if the initial main-sequence mass of P Cygni was about 60 +/- 5 solar masses. Depending on the mass-loss rate, P Cygni's current mass could be as low as 50 solar masses, which is still about a factor of 2 higher than that predicted by the radiation driven wind theory. Our calculations seem to favor the Schwarzschild criterion for convection over the Ledoux criterion in conjunction with semiconvection.
Irony, Embodiment, and the ‘critical Attitude’: Engaging Saba Mahmood's Critique of Secular Morality

At the intersection of feminism, postcolonial studies, and religious studies, this essay engages Saba Mahmood's critique of universalistic ethics and post-structural feminism. It contrasts Mahmood's ‘ethical embodiment’ with a concept of ‘ethical irony’, offering examples of the latter from literature (Brecht, Baudelaire) and cultural theory (Carolyn Steedman, Judith Butler, Michel Foucault). Its thesis is that ethical irony signifies modes of critical engagement that are not premised on notions of metaphysical subjectivity or abstract rules, but may nonetheless be cross-culturally translatable. One specific formulation of ethical irony considered concerns the figure of injurable bodies. At once material (bodily) and transcendental (unknown injuries from unknown sources, or the possibility of injury), injurable bodies the irreducibility of ethics to the purely abstract and the purely empirical. Finally, the defence of ethical irony speaks to the viability of upholding what Foucault called the ‘critical at...
The Upside of Videogame Playing

Abstract In our research on the relationship between videogame playing and cognitive outcomes we found that children (n=481, 12 year olds) who played videogames more were more creative than those who played them less. Here we summarize these findings and propose new research to identify mediating cognitive factors influenced by videogame playing.
Origins of microstructures resulting from precipitation

Abstract The nature of the microstructures developed during precipitation is reviewed from a generalized mechanistic point of view. Two fundamental factors are considered to govern the atomic mechanisms, and thus the kinetics and morphology of precipitation: the nature of the site at which nucleation takes place, and the structure of the interphase boundary. Although the details of the operation of these factors are often quite complex, the overall approach to precipitate microstructures which they represent is applicable to precipitation from the solid solutions of a very wide range of alloy systems.
Demographic foundations of political empowerment in multiminority cities

As U.S. cities accommodate increasing ethnic and racial diversity, political choices may unify or divide their local populations. Those choices pull communities toward two different modes of pluralism: traditional "melting pot" assimilation or a complex mosaic of racial and ethnic assertiveness. Central to this issue is equity and empowerment, which may be accentuated by minority populations' size, structure, and spatial concentration. We examine two potential modes of local empowerment: "dominance," whereby each group is the majority of voters in single election districts (reinforcing separative tendencies), and "influence," whereby a group gains "influential minority" status in several districts (reinforcing unifying tendencies).
The neurosteroid pregnanolone prevents the anxiogenic-like effect of inescapable shock in the rat

Rationale and objectives: The ability of progesterone (P4) and its neurosteroid metabolite, 3α-OH-5β-pregnan-20-one (pregnanolone) in protecting against the anxiogenic-like effect of inescapable shock (IS) in male rats was examined, as these steroids exert anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and ataxic effects similar to the benzodiazepines (BZ), drugs shown to prevent IS-induced anxiogenesis. Methods: Adult male rats were injected with pregnanolone (8 mg/kg, SC), P4 (4 mg/rat) or its appropriate vehicle before exposure to IS. Twenty-four hours later, animals were injected with the steroid or its vehicle and then tested in the elevated plus-maze. In a control experiment, animals were injected with chlordiazepoxide (CDP, 15 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle before IS, and tested in the plus-maze 24 h later. Results: Whereas CDP or pregnanolone before IS resulted in the loss of the anxiogenic-like response seen 24 h after IS, P4 before IS did not protect against the anxiogenic-like effect of IS. The acute anxiolytic-like effect of pregnanolone and P4 was lost in animals that were injected with vehicle before the IS, but was observed in animals that were injected with the steroids before IS. Moreover, P4 injection in non-shocked animals was associated with an anxiogenic-like response observed 24 h after steroid administration. Conclusion: The protection against the effect of IS afforded by a GABAergic neurosteroid is comparable to that observed with BZs, and thus provides further evidence of an allosteric relationship between the neurosteroid and BZ binding site on the GABAA receptor complex.
Bridge to transplant experience: factors influencing survival to and after cardiac transplant.

Objective Balancing longer duration of mechanical circulatory support while awaiting functional recovery against the increased risk of adverse events with each day on support is difficult. Therefore, we investigated the complex interplay of duration of mechanical circulatory support and patient and device factors affecting survival on support, as well as survival after transplantation. Methods From December 21, 1991, to July 1, 2006, mechanical circulatory support was used in 375 patients as a bridge to transplantation, with 262 surviving to transplant. Implantable pulsatile devices were used in 321 patients, continuous flow was used in 11 patients, a total artificial heart was used in 5 patients, external pulsatile devices were used in 34 patients, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 68 patients. Two time-related models were developed: (1) a competing-risks multivariable model of death on mechanical circulatory support, with modulated renewal for each sequential support mode; and (2) a model of death after transplant in which patient factors and duration of mechanical circulatory support were investigated as risk factors. Results Survival after initiating mechanical circulatory support, irrespective of transplantation, was 86% at 30 days, 55% at 5 years, and 41% at 10 years; survival was 94%, 74%, and 58% at the same time intervals, respectively, after transplantation in those surviving the procedure. Risk factors for death included longer, but not shorter, duration of mechanical circulatory support, use of multiple devices, global sensitization, and poor renal function. Conclusion Initiating mechanical circulatory support early with a single definitive device may improve survival to and after cardiac transplantation. Early transplant, which avoids infection, sensitization, and neurologic complications, may improve bridge and transplant survival.
Evaluation of the biofragmentable anastomotic ring following preoperative irradiation to the rectosigmoid in dogs

An animal study was done to evaluate the safety of a sutureless colorectal anastomosis in irradiated bowel. Forty mongrel dogs received preoperative radiation with 5000 rads and then underwent a low anterior resection and anastomosis using either the EEA-31™ stapling device, a two-layer handsewn technique, or the biofragmentable anastomotic ring (BAR) 31–1.5 mm and BAR 31–2.0 mm devices. The anastomoses were then evaluated for early and late anastomotic healing and leaks. The results show four radiographic (three clinical) leaks (P<.05) in the BAR 31–1.5 mm group and one radiographic leak in the handsewn group. No leaks were detected in the EEA or BAR 31–2.0 mm groups. Results indicate that all three techniques can be done safely with this dose of radiation, and gap size (1.5 mmvs. 2.0 mm) is of critical importance when performing a BAR anastomosis in irradiated bowel.
Protein side-chain motion and hydration in proton-transfer pathways. Results for cytochrome p450cam

Proton-transfer reactions form an integral part of bioenergetics and enzymatic catalysis. The identification of proton-conducting pathways inside a protein is a key to understanding the mechanisms of biomolecular proton transfer. Proton pathways are modeled here as hydrogen bonded networks of proton-conducting groups, including proton-exchanging groups of amino acid side chains and bound water molecules. We focus on the identification of potential proton-conducting pathways inside a protein of known structure. However, consideration of the static structure alone is often not sufficient to detect suitable proton-transfer paths, leading, for example, from the protein surface to the active site buried inside the protein. We include dynamic fluctuations of amino acid side chains and water molecules into our analysis. To illustrate the method, proton transfer into the active site of cytochrome P450cam is studied. The cooperative rotation of amino acids and motion of water molecules are found to connect the pro...
Analysis of Hydrogen Permeation Through Sub-Micron-Thick Palladium Alloy Membranes

Separation of hydrogen from the reaction products stream leaving fuel processor is an essential step prior to its introduction to the fuel cell. To this end, we are developing micromachined Pd/Ag alloy membranes for in-situ hydrogen separation suitable for integration with catalytic fuel reforming microreactors. In this work, we report an analysis of mass transport and kinetics of hydrogen permeation through a non-porous palladium membrane for the case of the sub-micron membrane thickness. A simplified model has been developed which divides the permeation into seven distinct regimes; gas phase mass transport to the surface, adsorption onto the surface, transition into the bulk material, solid-phase diffusion through the bulk material, transition to the effluent surface, desorption into the gas phase and diffusion away from the surface. Historically, this permeation process is limited by the bulk diffusion step and therefore membrane thickness controls permissible flux. Based on the present model applied to the sub-micron membrane, and utilizing accepted values from the literature, desorption of hydrogen from the Pd surface back into the gas phase has been identified as the rate-limiting step for this process below a ‘critical’ temperature. This result indicates that careful consideration of membrane packaging is critical for maximizing hydrogen flux for the sub-micron membrane and that further efforts to increase flux via thinner membranes would be futile.© 2005 ASME
Analgesie drugs in breast milk and plasma

The disposition of salicylic acid, phenacetin, caffeine, and codeine, and two metabolites, acetaminophen and morphine, was studied in breast milk and plasma of two lactating mothers after single oral doses of a compound analgesic. Salicylic acid penetrated poorly into milk, with peak levels of only 1.12 to 1.60 micrograms/ml, whereas peak plasma levels were 33 to 43.4 micrograms/ml. The drug was also eliminated more slowly from milk than plasma. In contrast, caffeine and phenacetin kinetics in breast milk and plasma were similar, but milk levels were somewhat lower than plasma levels in both subjects. Metabolically produced acetaminophen levels in both fluids were much higher than those of the parent drug, phenacetin, in one subject, but early plasma and milk phenacetin levels exceeded those of acetaminophen in the other subject, thereafter dropping sharply to assume the pattern of the first subject. Elimination of the metabolite, acetaminophen, from milk was slower than from plasma (subject 1, half-life (t1/2) of drug in milk, 4.7 hr; t1/2 in plasma, 2.9 hr). In both subjects codeine concentrations in milk were 1.5 to 2.4 times as high as in plasma at the same times after drug. Metabolically produced morphine levels in milk from both mothers were low but exceeded those in plasma after 1 hr. Calculations based on average milk concentrations over the 12 hr after drug in subject 1 revealed milk excretion of 0.7% or less of the ingested dose of each drug. Similar calculations based on predicted steady-state milk drug concentrations in subject 2 indicated maximum milk excretion of 2.7% of the dose. In each case caffeine was excreted in the milk in the greatest amount.
Valence-Alternation Model for Localized Gap States in Lone-Pair Semiconductors

A model is presented for the structure and properties of active centers in lone-pair semiconductors, based on the possibility of unique bonding configurations which can arise from the presence of nonbonding orbitals. It is shown that the lowest-energy neutral center is unstable towards the creation of different positively and negatively charged centers, thus resulting in a negative effective correlation energy. These centers yield gap states which explain the unusual properties of lone-pair semiconductors.
THE EFFECT OF ACADEMIC FACTORS ON TRANSFER STUDENT PERSISTENCE AND GRADUATION: A COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE CASE STUDY

Critics contend that enrollment in a community college lessens the likelihood that a student will complete a bachelor's degree (S. Brint & J. Karabel, 1989). A number of studies have examined perso...
Spatial vector analysis of early right ventricular preponderance.

Abstract 1. 1. A group of sixteen subjects with severe pulmonary emphysema was studied. 2. 2. Thirty-four precordial and six limb leads were taken in each of these subjects and a control group. 3. 3. Stereovectorcardiograms were obtained in twelve of the subjects with chronic pulmonary emphysema. Stereovectorcardiograms were also obtained in the control subjects. 4. 4. The subjects exhibited a transition from no electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular preponderance to right ventricular strain. This transition of changes was discussed and the changes of early right ventricular preponderance were stressed as was the application of the routine electrocardiogram.
Treatment of hypersaline wastewater in the sequencing batch reactor

Abstract Hypersaline wastes are generated during industrial activities that include chemical manufacturing, oil and gas production and waste minimization practices. These wastes which contain organic compounds and high concentrations of salt (>3.5%), are difficult to treat using conventional microorganisms typically found in wastewater facilities. Biological treatment to remove organics without dilution will require the use of halophilic organisms which have special adaptations for survival at high salinities. In this paper, studies were conducted with a moderate halophile isolated from the Great Salt Lake, Utah, U.S.A. The organism was able to degrade phenol in a simulated oil field produced water containing 15% salt if iron, nitrogen and phosphorus were added to the medium. This organism was used to develop a halophilic sludge in a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) operated at 15% salt during a 7 month study period. An average phenol removal of over 99.5% was achieved with this reactor and specific substrate removal rates were similar to those reported for more conventional treatment cultures.
Monte Carlo solution of structural dynamics

Abstract The recent advent of high speed digital computers has made it not only possible but also highly practical to apply the Monte Carlo techniques to a large variety of engineering problems. In this paper a technique of digital simulation of multivariate and/or multidimensional Gaussian random processes (homogeneous or nonhomogeneous) which can represent physical processes germane to structural engineering is presented. The paper also describes a method of digital simulation of envelope functions. Such simulations are accomplished in terms of a sum of cosine functions with random phase angles and used as the basic tool in a general Monte Carlo method of solution of a wide class of problems in structural engineering. Most important problems for which the method is found extremely useful includes (a) numerical analysis of dynamic response of nonlinear structures to random excitations, (b) time domain analysis of linear structures under random excitations performed for the purpose of obtaining a kind of information, such as first excursion probability and time history of a sample function, that is not obtainable from the standard frequency domain analysis, (c) numerical solution of structural problems involving randomly nonhomogeneous material property such as wave propagation through random medium, and (d) dynamic analysis of extremely complex systems such as those involving structure-fluid interaction. Numerical examples of some of these problems are presented.
Management of the mildly abnormal Pap smear: a conservative approach.

Abstract Follow-up and management of the mildly abnormal Pap smear has been the subject of controversy in the medical literature. At Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, patients with initial Pap smears reported as "inflammatory atypia" or mild dysplasia were treated with specific therapy for vaginitis and/or cervicitis. Follow-up smears were performed 6 to 8 weeks later. Of the above groups, 80 and 58%, respectively, were negative on repeat smear. A third group of patients with Pap smears reported as consistent with human papillomavirus (HPV) were not treated but had repeat smears performed at 6 to 8 weeks. Of these, 76.4% reverted to normal. The results of the colposcopically directed cervical biopsies obtained on patients with persistently abnormal smears are reported. These findings support a conservative plan for follow-up of mildly abnormal Pap smears.
Processing and secretion of a mutant yolk polypeptide in Drosophila

Flies homozygous for the female sterile mutation fs(1)1163 produce eggs deficient in YP1, one of the three major yolk polypeptides. Genetic studies showed that fs(1)1163 is cis acting on YP1 quantity, so that mutation does not control a diffusible substance regulating YP1 production. The sterility and YP1 quantity phenotypes were not genetically separated from each other or from the structural gene for YP1, indicating that the mutation is located in or near Yp1. The amount of translatable YP1 message in mutant and wild-type cells was approximately equal, but the primary translation products were different in size and, hence, different in structure. The signal peptide was cleaved normally from the mutant polypeptide, and phosphorylation and glycosylation of the mutant YP1 also occur. However, YP1 processing intermediates that are transient in wild-type cells become major species in fs(1)1163 cells. We conclude that fs(1)1163 alters the primary structure of YP1 in a way that does not block signal-peptide cleavage but does alter later processing steps and hence its rate of secretion, leading to the YP1 deficiency found in the hemolymph and eggs.
25 facts on sickle cell disease: a regional survey of public school nurses.

Public school nurses in four states with large percentages of African-American citizens were surveyed regarding their knowledge of sickle cell disease. The nurses had Limited knowledge of many of the facts on sickle cell, suggesting that educational workshops are needed.
Narcissism, identification, and longitudinal change in psychological health: Dynamic predictions

Abstract The narcissist has been described as “dependent on others to provide confirmation of the grandiose ego ideal” ( American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. ). The present study shows how the combination of dependent identification and unhealthy narcissism leads to decreasing psychological health across 42 years of adulthood. Change in psychological health is studied in 156 participants of the Intergenerational Studies, Institute of Human Development, University of California, Berkeley. We predicted that longitudinal decline in psychological health, as assessed by longitudinal hierarchical linear modeling analyses of the California Personality Inventory v3 scale [Gough, H. G., & Bradley, P. (1996). California Psychological Inventory . Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press], would be predicted by the joint presence in early adulthood of maladaptive narcissism [Wink, P. (1992). Three narcissism scales for the California Q-set. Journal of Personality Assessment, 58 , 51–66] and defensive identification [Cramer, P. (1991a). The development of defense mechanisms: Theory, research and assessment . New York: Springer-Verlag]. In contrast, we predicted healthy narcissism would be positively related to psychological health throughout adulthood. Predictions were confirmed via regression analyses including interaction terms, and are explained by the insoluble conflict that occurs when narcissistic gratification is dependent on the admiration of others, but the tie to others interferes with independent growth and accomplishment.
Pressure and flow in proximal tubules of rat kidneys.

An proximalen Harnkanalchen wurde die Stromungsgeschwindigkeit der Flussigkeit bestimmt. Es wurde die Durchgangszeit eines Oltropfens durch einzelne Kanalchen gemessen. Der Druckabfall im Kanalchen wurde aus Durchgangszeit und Dimension des Kanalchens berechnet. Die beobachtete Stromungsgeschwindigkeit variierte von 0.1 bis fast 2.0 mm3/Stunde, der berechnete Druckabfall ergab ungefahr 2.5 mm Hg/cm.
Fast restoration of real-time communication service from component failures in multi-hop networks

For many applications it is important to provide communication services with guaranteed timeliness and fault-tolerance at an acceptable level of overhead. In this paper, we present a scheme for restoring real-time channels, each with guaranteed timeliness, from component failures in multi-hop networks. To ensure fast/guaranteed recovery, backup channels are set up a priori in addition to each primary channel. That is, a dependable real-time connection consists of a primary channel and one or more backup channels. If a primary channel fails, one of its backup channels is activated to become a new primary channel. We describe a protocol which provides an integrated solution to the failure-recovery problem (i.e., channel switching, resource re-allocation, ...). We also present a resource sharing method that significantly reduces the overhead of backup channels. The simulation results show that good coverage (in recovering from failures) can be achieved with about 30% degradation in network utilization under a reasonable failure condition. Moreover, the fault-tolerance level of each dependable connection can be controlled, independently of other connections, to reflect its criticality.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF FLUTTER IN BENDING-TORSION COUPLED BEAMS, ROTATING BLADES, AND HARD DISK DRIVES

In this study, the author presents a review of several research directions in the area of mathematical analysis of flutter phenomenon. Flutter is a structural dynamical instability that occurs in a solid elastic structure interacting with a flow of gas or fluid, and consists of violent vibrations of the structure with rapidly increasing amplitudes. The focus of this review is a collection of models of fluid-structure interaction, for which precise mathematical formulations are available. The main objects of interest are analytical results on such models, which can be used for flutter explanation, its qualitative, and even its quantitative treatments. This paper is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the enormous amount of engineering literature on analytical, computational, and experimental aspects of the flutter problem. A brief exposition of results obtained in several selected papers or groups of papers is offered on the following topics: 1) bending-torsion vibrations of coupled beams; 2) flutter in transmission lines; 3) flutter in rotating blades; 4) flutter in hard disk drives; 5) flutter in suspension bridges; and 6) flutter of blood vessel walls. Lastly, the paper looks at the most well-known case of flutter; flutter in aeroelasticity. The last 2 sections are devoted to precise analytical results from the author's several recent papers on a specific aircraft wing model in a subsonic, inviscid, incompressible airflow.
Propagation of Radiation in a Scattering and Absorbing Medium

It is assumed that collimated radiation i0 and diffuse radiation a0 are incident on the upper surface of a horizontal slab of a medium which scatters and absorbs the radiation. The slab is infinite in horizontal directions and of thickness t in the vertical direction; r is the reflectivity of the lower surface. Equations are derived for a and b, where at a distance x below the upper surface a and b are the streams of radiation flowing downward and upward, respectively. With appropriate assumptions the equations are reduced to relations that refer to the optics of the sea and the sky.
Analysis of Mid-Air Collisions in Civil Aviation

Mid Air Collisions (MAC) are tragic events, with the potential of multiple fatalities. Despite the improving trends in aviation safety, the rate of MAC has remained stable for the past few years. There is an absence of published literature on MAC and related human performance issues. Consequently, this study analyzed 79 mid air collisions in civil aviation in the United States from 1994 to 1999 in an attempt to further understand the causes of these accidents. Contextual data was analyzed in terms of accident location, phase of flight, type of aircraft operation, visibility conditions, and direction of aircraft trajectories (same vs. opposite direction). Pilot factors were also examined, including recent flying experience and medical certification. An attempt is made to interpret the results in terms of recent models of pilot vigilance and scan patterns. Recommendations are made for possible future research in the area.
Nonsymmetric gauge theory of gravitation

In this paper we give a nonsymmetric unified field theory, i.e., a gravitational gauge theory in which we take the group U(3,1)xSU(2) as the gauge group. The electromagnetic field and the Yang-Mills field are brought naturally into the geometric construction of the spacetime. According to this theory, the torsion, which is Hermitian antisymmetric and its every component is a 2 x 2 complex matrix, exists in the spacetime. In the special case or limit case, the U(3,1) gravitational gauge theory, the Lorentz gravitational gauge theory, the Einstein-Moffat-Boal theory, the Einstein-Maxwell theory, and general relativity are included in our theory.
A suppressor of a HIS4 transcriptional defect encodes a protein with homology to the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatases

Reversion analysis has identified four suppressor genes that permit transcription of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HIS4 gene in the absence of GCN4, BAS1, and BAS2, trans-acting proteins normally required for activation of HIS4 transcription. These suppressor genes encode factors that affect the transcription of many diverse genes. Two of these suppressors, SIT1 and SIT2, are encoded by RPB1 and RPB2, the genes for the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II. All strains containing suppressor mutations in RPB1 and RPB2 have reduced transcription of the INO1 gene and an inositol requirement. Mutations in SIT3 or high copy number SIT3 increase HIS4 transcription in the absence of GCN4, BAS1, and BAS2. This increase in HIS4 transcription by high copy number SIT3 or by sit3 alleles is largely independent of the HIS4 TATA sequence. The SIT4 protein is over 50% identical to the catalytic subunit of bovine type 2A protein phosphatase. sit4 mutations in combination with suppressor mutations in RPB1 or RPB2 (sit1, sit4 or sit2, sit4) are lethal, suggesting an interaction between SIT4 and RNA polymerase II.
Non‐peptide fibrinogen receptor antagonists. 41. The synthesis of [3H]L‐756,568

The synthesis of [3H]L-756,568, an orally active fibrinogen receptor antagonist, is described. Two synthetic pathways were developed using either bromoindoles 2a/2b or bromoaryl sufonamide 11 as the precursor. Use of the bromoaryl sulfonamide precursor led to [3H]L-756,568 with higher radiochemical purity, higher radiochemical yield, and slightly higher specific activity. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The motivated tactician's juggling act: compatible vs. incompatible impression goals.

This study examines how perceivers negotiate multiple, and sometimes incompatible, impression formation goals. Previous research typically presents perceivers with a single impression goal (e.g. accuracy, supporting preferred beliefs), and does not consider how perceivers juggle multiple goals. The processes of perceivers with multiple compatible goals should show uncomplicated impression formation processes, that is, strategic use of particular target attributes (e.g. negative) that suit their purposes. Perceivers with incompatible goals, in contrast, should be less selective, and form more complex impressions that reflect all types of attributes. In this experiment, perceivers with compatible goals paid less attention to target attributes, systematically biased their interpretation of those attributes, and ultimately formed less complex impressions than individuals with incompatible goals. How multiple impression goals are prioritized is discussed.
Learning the Craft of Organizational Research

This essay proposes that scholarly research is a craft and that significant research outcomes are associated with the mastery of craft elements in the research process. A tentative framework of the research craft is proposed, which includes error and surprise, storytelling, research poetry, nonlinear decision making, common sense, firsthand knowledge, and research colleagues.
Coping strategies in patients with interstitial cystitis: relationships with quality of life and depression.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Previous research has demonstrated that interstitial cystitis patients experience depressive symptoms and decrements to quality of life. However, to our knowledge the extent to which patients may be able to influence quality of life and depressive symptoms through coping strategies has not been investigated in this population. In a number of other chronic conditions specific coping strategies have been associated with the degree of impairment beyond disease severity. Therefore, the association of coping strategies with depressive symptoms, quality of life and self-reports of pain was assessed in patients with interstitial cystitis.Materials and Methods: A total of 64 females with interstitial cystitis were recruited from a urology clinic at a tertiary medical center. Questionnaires assessing depression, quality of life, coping and symptom severity were completed and returned at a clinic appointment. Depression was also measured through a standardized semi-structured interview (Hamilton Ra...
Phase I trial of intravenous carboplatin and cyclosporin A in refractory gynecologic cancer patients.

Our objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of cyclosporin A (CsA) delivered as a loading dose (LD) and continuous i.v. infusion (CI) in combination with carboplatin in patients with refractory gynecologic cancers. Twenty-nine heavily pretreated patients (25 ovarian epithelial, 2 cervical, and 2 endometrial carcinomas) received 113 cycles of CsA and carboplatin from September 1989 to September 1991. Twenty-four of these 29 carcinomas were strictly defined to be platinum resistant. CsA was administered as a LD escalated from 6 to 10 mg/kg followed by a 24-h CI from 2.5 to 14.5 mg/kg/day. Carboplatin was targeted to an area under the time versus concentration curve (AUC) of 6 mg/ml x min and was not dose escalated. Whole-blood CsA concentrations (fluorescence polarization immunoassay) at the maximum tolerated dose (10 mg/kg LD, 14.5 mg/kg/day CI) ranged from 2.4 to 3.0 microgram/ml over 12 h. Estimated median carboplatin AUC, based on calculated carboplatin clearance, was 7.9 mg/ml x min. The dose-limiting toxicity of the combination of CsA and carboplatin was grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 35% of the patients, which could be explained by the effects of carboplatin (AUC of 6 mg/ml x min) alone. Overall, neutropenia occurred in 24% of the patients and anemia in 17% of the patients. Grade 3 or 4 nausea or vomiting was noted in 10 and 14% of the patients, respectively. Grade 3 hypertension during CsA administration occurred in 14% of the patients. No grade 3 or 4 nephrotoxicity was seen in this trial. Three objective responses were noted: one complete response (11 months) and one partial response (5 months), both in potentially platinum-sensitive patients with platinum-free intervals of only 9 months each. One platinum-resistant patient had a partial response for 21 months. Five additional patients experienced >75% reduction of CA-125 or a return to a normal CA-125 titer. We concluded that whole-blood CsA concentrations of >3.0 microgram/ml (as seen when CsA is used as a modulator of multidrug resistance) were not achievable in this combination with carboplatin in this population of heavily pretreated gynecologic cancer patients. However, because CsA is used in this trial as a chemosensitizer in platinum-sensitive tumors and as a chemomodulator of platinum resistance, we targeted a CsA concentration of >1.0 microgram/ml, which was achieved. The CsA dose recommended for a Phase II trial of this combination is 10 mg/kg LD and 11.6 mg/kg/day CI, which results in blood CsA concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 1.3 microgram/ml over 12 h. Responses in this population of refractory gynecologic cancer patients are unusual, and these encouraging results form the basis for a Phase II trial of this combination.
Determination of Bioavailable Contaminants in the Lower Missouri River following the Flood of 1993

The semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) technology was employed to determine the presence of bioavailable organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water of the main stem of the lower Missouri River and three of its tributaries. The SPMDs were deployed in 1994 following the extensive flood of 1993. Specifically, the SPMDs were deployed for 28 days at Wilson State Park, IA; Nebraska City, NE; Parkville, MO; the Kansas River in Kansas City, KS; Napoleon, MO; the Grand River; Glasgow, MO; the Missouri River upstream from the confluence of the Gasconade River; the Gasconade River; and Hermann, MO. Contaminant residues were found at all sites and at higher concentrations than found in the earlier pre-flood sampling. For example, in the present study, dieldrin was found to range from a low of 110 ng/sample in the Gasconade River to a high of 2000 ng/sample at Glasgow, while in the pre-flood sampling, dieldrin ranged from a low of 64 ng/sample...
Developmental profiles from the Battelle developmental inventory: A comparison of toddlers diagnosed with Down Syndrome, global developmental delay and premature birth

Objective: Developmental profiles and milestone attainment have been examined for children suffering from various developmental disabilities. However, research comparing the same across numerous developmental disabilities is scant.Method: Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the developmental profiles of toddlers (i.e. aged 17–34 months) who were premature, diagnosed with Down Syndrome, or diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay. A total of 28 toddlers met inclusion criteria for the study.Results: Those diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay or Down Syndrome scored significantly lower on the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2), compared to those who were born premature. More specifically, differences emerged on the BDI-2 domains of personal-social and motor.Conclusion: Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Critical Evaluation of the LDA + U Approach for Band Gap Corrections in Point Defect Calculations: The Oxygen Vacancy in ZnO Case Study

The LDA + U approach can be used essentially as a shift potential to open up the band gap of a semiconductor. This approach was previously applied to the oxygen vacancy in ZnO by Paudel and Lambrecht (PL) [Phys. Rev. B 77, 205202 (2008)]. Here, we review the results of that approach and introduce additional refinements of the LDA + U model. Good agreement is obtained with recent hybrid functional calculations on the position of the e(2+/0) transition state. A comparison of various approaches on the oxygen vacancy in ZnO is provided. The relevance of the one-electron levels to the experiments is discussed.
Glycine Protects Hepatocytes from Injury Caused by Anoxia, Cold Ischemia and Mitochondrial Inhibitors, But Not Injury Caused by Calcium Ionophores or Oxidative Stress

Isolated hepatocytes, suspended in an organ preservation solution, can be preserved at 4 degrees C for up to 6 days. After preservation, normothermic-normoxic incubation causes loss of hepatocyte viability. The addition of 3 mmol/L glycine to the rewarming medium prevents the loss of viability. In this study we investigated the cytoprotective effects of glycine under many conditions known to cause hepatocellular injury to understand the mechanism of cold-induced injury in the liver. Hepatocytes were suspended in modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer with or without 3 mmol/L glycine and exposed to agents or conditions known to induce cell death. Hepatocyte viability was assessed by measuring the percentage of lactate dehydrogenase leakage from the cells and the concentration of ATP during incubation at 37 degrees C under room air for up to 90 min. Mitochondrial inhibitors (potassium cyanide and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone); calcium ionophores (ionomycin and A23187); an oxidizing agent, tert-butyl hydroperoxide; and anoxia were all used to cause cell injury. Hepatocytes were also isolated from fasted rats and hypothermically preserved as another model of cell death. Other amino acids were also tested in the hypothermic preservation model to study the specificity of the amino acid requirement for prevention of lactate dehydrogenase leakage. Of the amino acids tested, only alanine (10 mmol/L) and the combination of alanine (3 mmol/L) and serine (3 mmol/L) were as effective as glycine in preventing lactate dehydrogenase release in the hypothermic preservation model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Approximate direct-search minimax circuit optimization

A direct-search optimization strategy, involving pattern-searches, pattern-moves and a simplex algorithm, has been applied to a number of frequency-domain circuit problems. We show that an approximate minimax result can be obtained with our simple approach, which includes using a modified minimax error function. In the examples attempted, the method comes quite close to the accuracy, if not the efficiency, of true minimax optimizers, and yields an accuracy as good as or better than a least-pth (p = 10) gradient optimizer. The method is broadly appropriate wherever it is difficult or inconvenient to calculate the gradients required for conventional minimax optimization.
A novel integrated decoupling capacitor for MCM-L technology

This paper discuses the design, materials, fabrication and measurements of a novel integrated decoupling capacitor for MCM-L-based substrates. Based on modeling using the SLA Roadmap, it has been estimated that 13-72 nF/cm/sup 2/ of specific decoupling capacitance will be required for the next decade. The capacitor in this paper addresses this need. The fabrication of the capacitor has been achieved using filled polymer materials in thin film form, with via diameters of 100 um and below, through photodefinable processes. Dielectric constant as high as 65 with loss tangent below 0.05 and specific capacitance of 22 nF/cm/sup 2/ have been achieved. The scattering parameters were measured up to 20 GHz using a network analyzer for various capacitor structures to study input impedance and scaling of the devices. Input impedance of the capacitor is found to be low in the GHz range. The polymer-filled materials and capacitor structures are also scalable to a variety of sizes and values.