cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is the variable-stiffness paediatric colonoscope more effective than a standard adult colonoscope for outpatient adult colonoscopy? A randomised controlled trial.

Abstract Background. Trials with variable-stiffness colonoscopes have yielded conflicting results regarding efficacy and patient tolerance. Aim: We compared a variable-stiffness paediatric colonoscope with a standard adult colonoscope. Methods. Two hundred and forty consecutive adult outpatients presenting for colonoscopy were randomised to either a variable-stiffness paediatric colonoscope or an adult colonoscope. If there was difficulty in performing colonoscopy with the assigned scope, the endoscopist was given the option of switching to the alternative instrument. In the condition of a severely fixed, angulated sigmoid colon, a final ‘salvage’ (backup) option was that of switching to an even thinner diameter paediatric colonoscope. Results. The initial frequency of total colonoscopy was similar with the variable-stiffness paediatric colonoscope and adult colonoscope (95.8% versus 96.6%, p = 1.0). Factoring in scope changes, the final frequency was 98.3% versus 99.2% (p = 1.0). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of insertion time, doses of sedative medications, scales of procedure difficulty, or patient satisfaction. Conclusions. Adult colonoscope and variable-stiffness paediatric colonoscope are both effective instruments for routine colonoscopy. In cases when the use of the initial scope is unsuccessful, switching to the alternative scope may permit passage to the caecum. There are occasional patients with fixed, angulated sigmoid colons in whom use of an even thinner diameter paediatric colonoscope can be helpful.
A 10-b 40-Msample/s BiCMOS A/D converter

A fully-differential, 10-b, 40-Msample/s pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has been developed and tested. The converter exhibits a signal-to-(noise+distortion) ratio (SNDR) of 57.1 dB and consumes 250 MHz is made possible with the open-loop sampling scheme.
Editorial: Authors, Members, and Readers

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Authors, Members, and Readers” for OE Vol. 33 Issue 11
Composition of cosmic-ray nuclei from boron to nickel for 1200 to 2400 MeV per nucleon

Balloon-borne measurements of cosmic-ray nuclear abundances for Z = 5-28 and energies 1.2-1.4 GeV/nucleon, obtained using the scintillation/Cerenkov-counter telescope and multiwire proportional counter described by Dwyer et al. (1984) on four flights from Texas and Oklahoma during 1973-1975, are reported. The data are presented in tables and graphs and compared with published observations. Charge separation (sigma = 0.2 units for Fe) and exposure factor (38 sq m sr h) are attained, and the findings are found to be in good agreement with the predictions of a simple leaky-box model of the Galaxy and a pure exponential path-length distribution, although a nested-leaky-box model with some truncation is possible. The delay between e-process nucleosynthesis and cosmic-ray acceleration is estimated on the basis of the Co abundance at greater than 100 d and probably greater than 100,000 yr.
Relationship between Na:K and Na:Na exchange by the sodium pump of skeletal muscle

THE sodium pump can catalyse several modes of cation exchange (for example Na:K, Na:Na, and K:K), which have been characterised mainly in human red blood cells1–3, squid giant axon4–6, and frog skeletal muscle7–9. In all three tissues it seems that intracellular ADP levels determine the extent to which the pump can engage in Na:Na exchange2,6,9,10. Yet, despite its obvious kinetic implications, the basic question of how the ‘normal’ Na:K exchange is affected by the appearance of ADP-induced Na:Na exchange, has not been answered. Here we present evidence that, in frog skeletal muscle, elevated intracellular ADP levels have little effect on pre-existing electrogenic Na:K exchange, but cause Na:Na exchange to appear in addition to ongoing Na:K exchange.
An Analysis of Children with Tracheomalacia Treated With Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)

Results: Complete data was available for 52 children diagnosed with tracheomalacia and treated with ipratropium bromide after having been referred for specialist care for symptoms that were severe enough to warrant bronchoscopy or for symptoms that were refractory to prior medical therapy. Mild tracheomalacia was diagnosed in 34 (65.3%) children while moderate tracheomalacia was seen in 18 (34.7%). Overall 32 (61.5%) children had improvement in their symptoms following treatment with ipratropium bromide.
Safe & sound: a wireless leash

Safe & Sound uses location-aware mobile phones to create a "virtual leash"; a secure zone beyond which a child may not travel. If the child leaves this zone, both child and parent receive audible alerts, and the parent can communicate with the child by voice over the phone. The peer-to-peer transmission of location, and the accepted role of responsibility by care-givers, reduce the privacy concerns which often arise with location-aware systems.
Impediments to recovery in New Orleans' Upper and Lower Ninth Ward: one year after Hurricane Katrina

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a rapid succession of plans put forward a host of recovery options for the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. Much of the debate focused on catastrophic damage to residential structures and discussions of the capacity of low-income residents to repair their neighbourhoods. This article examines impediments to the current recovery process of the Upper and Lower Ninth Ward, reporting results of an October 2006 survey of 3,211 plots for structural damage, flood damage and post-storm recovery. By examining recovery one year after Hurricane Katrina, and by doing so in the light of flood and structural damage, it is possible to identify impediments to recovery that may disproportionately affect these neighbourhoods. This paper concludes with a discussion of how pre- and post-disaster inequalities have slowed recovery in the Lower Ninth Ward and of the implications this has for post-disaster recovery planning there and elsewhere.
Effect of electroconvulsive shock on adrenal cortex of the rat.

SummaryHypertrophy of the rats adrenal glands has been shown to follow a series of electroconvulsive shocks administered under conditions known to disturb behavior. The adrenal enlargement was avoided by administering the series of shocks during anesthesia of the rat, a circumstance known to inhibit the behavioral disturbances following a series of electroconvulsive shocks. The coincident changes in adrenal size and in behavior suggest that the endocrine changes may mediate the effects of electroconvulsive shocks on the behavior of the rat.
Low-mass low-power ultraviolet telescope-imaging spectrograph for planetary atmospheric remote sensing

This paper describes a low-mass, (approximately 1.2 kg) low- power (approximately 1.5 watts) ultraviolet telescope- imaging spectrograph which covers the wavelength range 65 - 165 nm with a spectral resolution of 0.5 nm. The instrument is an evolution of the EUV channel of the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph for the Cassini mission in which the mechanical structure, detector electronics, and logic electronics were modified in order to significantly reduce mass and power. It has a novel combination of optical coatings which maximize its throughput for wavelengths greater than 115 nm but still provide significant sensitivity at the shorter wavelengths. The instrument design is optimized to meet the 1-A atmospheric science objectives of the Pluto Express fly-by mission, but it is also suitable for observing the outer atmospheres of other planets including earth.
Moving Toward Self-Acceptance A Course for Students with Learning Disabilities

We encourage our readers to submit ideas, suggestions, or manuscripts for Spotlight. This feature of Intervention focuses on a specific school program, clinic, camp, or individual concerned with sp...
RESOURCE-FOCUSED TOOLCHAIN FOR RAPID PROTOTYPING OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

This paper introduces the RaPTEX toolchain and its use for rapid prototyping and evaluation of embedded communication systems. This toolchain is unique for several reasons. First, by using static code analysis techniques, it is able to predict both the typical case and bounds for resource usage, such as computational, memory (both static and dynamic), and energy requirements. Second, it provides a graphical user interface with configurable software building blocks which allows easy creation and customization of protocol stacks. Third, it targets low-cost, low-energy hardware, allowing the creation of low-cost systems. We demonstrate the RaPTEX toolchain by evaluating different design options for an experimental ultrasonic communication system for biotelemetry in extremely shallow waters. The power, size, mass, and cost constraints of this application make it critical to pack as much processing into the available resources as possible. The RaPTEX toolchain analyzes resource use, enabling the system to safely operate closer to the edge of the resource envelope. The toolchain also helps users with the rapid prototyping of communication protocols by providing users with quick feedback on resource requirements. We demonstrate the use and output of the toolchain. We compare the accuracy of its predictions against measurements of the real hardware.
Radiometrically calibrated scene-based nonuniformity correction for infrared array sensors

This paper describes how a limited form of black-body-based calibration can be integrated into a recently developed algebraic scene-based algorithm for nonuniformity correction (NUC) in focal-plane arrays. The result of this integration is a scene-based NUC algorithm that is radiometrically accurate. By calibrating only those detectors that are on the array perimeter and relying on the scene-based algorithm to calibrate the interior detectors, using the perimeter detectors as a reference, radiometric accuracy can be achieved without disturbing the functionality of interior array elements. What makes this possible is the fact that the scene-based NUC algorithm used here is algebraic in nature and does not rely on any statistical assumptions on the scene irradiance in the image sequence. The algorithm utilizes knowledge of inter-frame motion to 'lock' the biases of the interior array elements to those on the boundary. Notably, this can be achieved regardless of the spatial diversity in the scene and with, typically, a minimal number of frames in an image sequence. The performance of the technique is demonstrated using real infrared data.
Job Attainment in Planning: Women Versus Men

This study demonstrates that women in public planning agencies have not been fully integrated into professional practice. Criteria for gaining access to higher job positions for women and men are similar. However, men tend to have more qualifications than women, and they have higher job positions. For women, centralization of management is particularly important for obtaining higher job positions. The criteria for obtaining more income are essentially the same for women and men despite the fact that women make less income. Because women have not been fully integrated into the planning profession, they do not fulfill job criteria as well as men.
Effects of information, education, and communication training about organ donation for gatekeepers: clerks at the Department of Motor Vehicles and organ donor registries.

Context—Clerks at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) serve as gatekeepers in the quest to fill organ donor registries. Most people who join organ donor registries do so through their local driver's license bureau.Objective—To improve knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward organ donation among DMV clerks, and to improve strategies for communicating with the public about organ donation, resulting in more people joining DMV-based organ donor registries.Setting—DMV offices in 8 counties in a southern state.Participants—A general survey of 1504 participants in 8 counties was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors toward organ donation. All 76 DMV clerks in those counties participated in surveys before and after a training intervention.Interventions—DMV clerks received a 1-hour training intervention focused on the nature of the new organ donor registry, information about organ donation, and communication strategies for interacting with the public.Main Outcome Measures—Knowledge,...
Further notes on the cyperaceae of ceylon

Six species of Cyperaceae from Cyelon are taxonomically discussed. Described as new isCarex taprobanensis, an ally ofC. stramentitia. New combinations made areBulbostylis barbata ssp.pulchella, Cyperus, conglomeratus ssp.pachyrrhizus, andMachaerina rubiginosa ssp.crassa.
Deformation, temperature and strain rate sequence experiments on OFHC Cu

Abstract In this paper, we report a series of large strain deformation experiments on initially annealed oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) Cu involving sequences of deformation path, temperature, and strain rate (quasi-static to dynamic). Experiments were conducted to obtain a comprehensive data set for the development and evaluation of internal state variable (ISV) models and for the investigation of different functional forms for internal state variable evolution. These included: (a) constant true strain rate tests at various temperatures, (b) load–unload–hold–reload tests at several nominal temperatures, and (c) sequence tests, including strain rate changes, temperature changes and deformation path changes. OFHC Cu demonstrates sensitivity to strain rate and temperature, and exhibits significant history effects. Implications of these data are discussed for the evaluation and development of models which account for deformation path, temperature, and strain rate history effects.
Experiences with tutored video instruction for introductory programming courses

In this paper we describe our experiences of exporting our introductory programming courses to community colleges. We used Tutored Video Instruction (TVI) as the mode of instruction where recorded versions of our lectures were shown to groups of students with local instructors periodically stopping the lecture for questions and discussion. We have offered a total of 16 sections of TVI courses, 11 were of our first quarter programming course (CSE142), and 5 were of our second quarter programming course (CSE 143). The courses were offered at seven institutions. Approximately 180 students completed the courses.We identify factors which contributed positively and negatively to the use of TVI for introductory programming courses. The two most important changes to our TVI program based on these experiences will the use of studio produced lectures and the abandonment of centralized course administration.
Neurologia y cardiologia: puntos de contacto

Strokes resulting from cardiac diseases, and cardiac abnormalities associated with neuromuscular disorders are examples of the many points of contact between neurology and cardiology. Approximately 20-30% of strokes are related to cardiac diseases, including atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, bacterial endocarditis, rheumatic and nonrheumatic valvular diseases, acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular thrombus, and cardiomyopathies associated with muscular dystrophies, among others. Strokes can also occur in the setting of cardiac interventions such as cardiac catheterization and coronary artery bypass procedures. Treatment to prevent recurrent stroke in any of these settings depends on the underlying etiology. Whereas anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists is proven to be superior to acetylsalicylic acid for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, the superiority of anticoagulants has not been conclusively established for stroke associated with congestive heart failure and is contraindicated in those with infective endocarditis. Ongoing trials are evaluating management strategies in patients with atrial level shunts due to patent foramen ovale. Cardiomyopathies and conduction abnormalities are part of the spectrum of many neuromuscular disorders including mitochondrial disorders and muscular dystrophies. Cardiologists and neurologists share responsibility for caring for patients with or at risk for cardiogenic strokes, and for screening and managing the heart disease associated with neuromuscular disorders.
Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs)

Abstract Objective To pilot test the Text Reminders for Immunization Compliance in Kids (TRICKs) program to evaluate its feasibility and potential to increase immunization coverage. Design Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Setting Pediatric clinic. Participants Parents of newborns being discharged from a local hospital who intended to seek child health care at the University-sponsored pediatric resident and faculty clinic. Intervention Text message immunization reminders prior to immunization due dates. Main Outcome Measures Receipt and timeliness of immunizations at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Results Participants ( N = 90) were English (83%) or Spanish (17%) speaking. The majority were female (83%), on public insurance (59%), and had adequate health literacy (96%). Parents were married or a member of an unmarried couple (62%). Over 66% had a high school diploma or less. Greater numbers of intervention children received immunizations and were “on time” using per protocol analysis; though not statistically significance. Limitations include sample size, problematic text messaging software, and loss of phone service at 7 months for 40% of intervention parents. However, post-intervention interviews ( N = 18) indicated strong support for TRICKs; 83% found the text message reminders very helpful and 17% somewhat helpful. Discussion Pilot testing allowed us to assess processes, including recruitment, retention, and software, which will increase the success of an RCT. Software with built-in backup systems is needed for follow-up when mobile service is interrupted. However, in spite of limitations, immunization rates were higher in the text message reminder group, though not statistically significant. Parent support and interest was high. A fully powered RCT is needed with follow-up over the full 4-3-1-3-3-1 series. Based on our results, for 80% power where we expected 90% compliance in the intervention group and 80% in the control group we need 219 per group, plus increases to address drop out and loss of follow-up.
Semantic effects in encoding specificity: A levels of processing approach

The semantic characteristics of study and retrieval contexts were varied in a cued recall paradigm. In the first experiment, ambiguous words (homographs) were modified at input and output by identical adjectives or by different adjectives reflecting either the same meaning or a different meaning. The results supported the principle of encoding specificity (Thomson & Tulving, 1970), but only for identical input and output cues; the results showed no facilitation of similar semantic context on recall. The second experiment used a depth-of-processing manipulation to show that the results predicted by a semantic interpretation of encoding specificity are obtainable, but only when subjects are induced to process deeply. The implications of these data for the generality of encoding specificity are discussed.
Knowledge management and global cultures: elucidation through an institutional knowledge‐flow perspective

Knowledge—particularly tacit knowledge—is key to sustainable competitive advantage. This applies especially to the current competitive environment of increasing globalization. As global organizations engage in increasing levels of intercultural interaction—across continents, nations, organizations, races, religions, norms, and customs—intercultural differences can impede knowledge flows, and hence degrade competitive performance. Managing such knowledge flows—diagnosing and dissolving intercultural knowledge clumps and clots that impede healthy circulation—represents a critical priority in this competitive, global environment, but the sets of knowledge management (KM) theories and analytical lenses available to most leaders and managers remain limited in terms of managing intercultural knowledge flows. Alternatively, Institution Theory and institutional analysis offer excellent promise to elucidate important aspects of globalization, and can be very helpful with understanding cultural change. The problem is, Institution Theory does not address knowledge flows well at present; hence its elucidatory potential in this light remains opaque. In this expository article, we integrate emerging Knowledge-Flow Theory with established Institution Theory, and use this multidisciplinary perspective to develop new insight into how knowledge flows can be managed across global organizations and intercultural contexts. The use and utility of this new theoretical perspective are illustrated through examination of a current, global, engineering project that involves intercultural interaction. Results provide actionable guidance for the global manager, in addition to compelling topics for future research along these lines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time-skew Hebb rule in a nonisopotential neuron

In an isopotential neuron with rapid response, it has been shown that the receptive fields formed by Hebbian synaptic modulation depend on the principal eigenspace of Q (0), the input autocorrelation matrix, where Q ij ( τ ) = 〈ξ i ( τ ) ξ j ( t − T )〉 and ξ i ( t ) is the input to synapse i at time t (Oja 1982). We relax the assumption of isopotentiality, introduce a time-skewed Hebb rule, and find that the dynamics of synaptic evolution are determined by the principal eigenspace of . This matrix is defined by , where K ij ( τ ) is the neuron's voltage response to a unit current injection at synapse j as measured τ seconds later at synapse i , and ψ i ( τ ) is the time course of the opportunity for modulation of synapse i following the arrival of a presynaptic action potential.
Functional and Structural Roles of Critical Amino Acids within the“N”, “P”, and “A” Domains of the Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) Headpiece†

Twenty five amino acids within the “N”, “P”, and “A” domains of the Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA1) headpiece were subjected to site directed mutagenesis, taking advantage of a high yield expression system. Functional and conformational effects of mutations were interpreted systematically in the light of the high resolution WT structure, defining direct involvement in catalysis as well as in stabilization of various positions acquired by each domain upon substrate binding and utilization. Amino acids involved in binding of ATP (such as Phe487 and Arg560 in the N domain) or phosphate (such as Asp351, Thr625, Lys684, and Thr353 in the P domain) were characterized with respect to their binding mechanism. Further identified were “positional” roles of several amino acids that stabilize neighboring residues for optimal binding of substrate or Mg2+, or interface between headpiece domains as they change their relative positions in the course of the catalytic cycle. These include cross-linking of the “N” and “P” domains (e.g...
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulates dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmission in the striatum

The striatum plays a crucial role in processing information related to motor function and reward- and goal-oriented behaviors. The striatum integrates dopaminergic inputs from midbrain nuclei and glutamatergic inputs from the neocortex and the thalamus (1). The pathophysiology of several psychiatric and neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction, arises from improper function of the striatum because of a loss of dopamine-producing neurons or an imbalance of dopamine and glutamate transmissions. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms that regulate dopamine/glutamate interactions in the striatum is likely to improve our understanding of the physiology of the striatum under normal and pathological conditions. Recent biochemical evidence showed that the Ser/Thr protein kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) inhibits postsynaptic dopaminergic signaling in the striatum. Indeed, by phosphorylating the striatal-enriched postsynaptic protein DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, molecular mass of 32 kDa) at Thr75 and thereby converting this protein into an inhibitor of cAMP-dependant protein kinase A (PKA), CDK5 counteracts dopamine D1 receptor/PKA-mediated signaling (2, 3). In addition, behavioral effects of cocaine are enhanced by striatal infusion of CDK5 inhibitors (4). Thus, CDK5 seems to play a major role in regulating postsynaptic dopamine signaling in the striatum. This study was therefore undertaken to address whether this protein kinase also regulates dopaminergic transmission at a presynaptic location and, moreover, to study the role of CDK5 in glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the striatum.
Age differences in spirituality, mystical experiences and wisdom

Although philosophical and contemplative traditions suggest that religiousness and spirituality are associated with wisdom, few empirical studies have examined the relationship. This paper investigates the associations between spirituality and mystical experiences and two types of wisdom: practical wisdom, primarily the ability to understand and resolve difficult life dilemmas (or an ‘expert’ knowledge system and the highest level of synthesised mental functioning), and transcendent wisdom, which goes beyond personal self-interests, biases and perceptions, and involves the ability to see things or others as they are directly. Two studies are reported. The first is of mostly older European-American and Vietnamese-American adults. It was found that mystical experiences promoted transcendent wisdom, but that the effect was moderated by self-enhancement values of power, status and achievement. The Vietnamese-American adults who reported mystical experiences and endorsed high self-enhancement values scored the lowest on transcendent wisdom. Being part of a religious or spiritual community positively associated with transcendent wisdom. On the other hand, religiousness, spirituality and mystical experiences did not relate to practical wisdom. The second study was of European-American and Vietnamese-American young adult students. It found that institutional and personal religious/spiritual practice was associated with two self-report measures of wisdom. Regardless of the mechanisms and processes associated with spirituality and mystical experiences, its fruits appear to be associated with transcendent wisdom.
Di-μ-iodo-bis[diiodo(1,10-phenanthroline)bismuth(III)]

The title bis­muth-iodide compound, [Bi2I6(C12H8N2)2], has been synthesized solvothermally by reacting BiI3, Mn(CH3COO)2·4H2O, and 1,10-phenanthroline in an ethanol/water solvent mixture. The compound contains two bis­muth centers that are each coordinated by a phenanthroline ligand and two terminal iodide ligands, and the bis­muth centers are bridged via two additional iodide ligands to form a mol­ecular dimer. The asymmetric unit of the compound consists of one half of a single dimer mol­ecule located on a crystallographic inversion center.
Adrenergic agonists during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A number of studies have suggested that following a prolonged cardiopulmonary arrest, large doses of alpha-adrenergic agonists that possess post-synaptic alpha-2 agonist properties, i.e. epinephrine and norepinephrine, may be required to enhance myocardial and cerebral hemodynamics. While initial human studies using large doses of epinephrine have shown improved hemodynamics over standard therapy, hospital discharge rates and neurological outcome have been discouraging. This probably reflects the fact that the administration of epinephrine was employed late in the resuscitation effort. Future studies using larger doses of epinephrine as the initial pharmacologic intervention during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will help to determine whether there is any therapeutic benefit. In addition, a number of questions still remain unanswered in delineating the specific alpha and beta adrenergic agonist components which will maximally enhance hemodynamics and resuscitation rates during CPR. This will help determine whether norepinephrine or a yet unsynthesized adrenergic agonist may be more beneficial for use during cardiac arrest.
TOLERANCE, SOCIABILITY, SEX, AND RACE: CORRELATES OF ATTITUDES TOWARD INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE

The relationship of sex and race to attitudes toward interracial marriage has been studied by Martelle (1970) and Vandewiele (1980). Their resulcs indicated that black subjects were more favorable than white ones toward interracial marriage, and men more than women. The Interracial Marriage Attitude Scale, devised by the first author, was a sevenpoint semantic differential scale consisting of 10 items, with responses ranging from 1 (totally unacceptable) to 7 (totally acceptable). It was used to measure attitudes toward the marriage of a ( 1 ) white male--Asian female, ( 2 ) Asian male-white female, ( 3 ) white male-Hispanic female, ( 4 ) Hispanic male-white female, ( 5 ) white malePolynesian female, (6) Polynesian m a l e w h i t e female, ( 7 ) white male-Iranian female. (8) Iranian male-white female, ( 9 ) white m a l e b l a c k female, (10 ) black m a l e w h i t e female. The Tolerance and Sociability Scales of the California Psychological Inventory were also given. Inventories were administered to 120 subjects, between the ages of 18 and 23 yr., from classes at a southern university to find out if tolerance. sociabiliry, sex, and race had any significant relation to attitudes toward interracial marriage. Following attrition, 31 white subjects ( 7 men, 24 women), 22 black subjects ( 2 men, 20 women), 43 Asians (25 men, 18 women), and 15 Hispanics ( 9 men, 6 women) participated. Using a downward, step-wise multiple regression procedure,' Tolerance scores alone appeared to give the best prediction of attitudes toward interracial marriage. The higher the scores, the more liberal the attitude toward interracial mariage. Significant ( p < .05) were attitudes of subjects toward marriages of white persons and Iranians and of white and black persons. Interracial Marriage Attitudes Scores seemed to indicate that white persons' intermarriage wirh black persons or Iranians still is not approved, perhaps related to current political issues and the geographical region from which the subjects were drawn. Before further research is undertaken, validation of the Interrac~d Marriage Attitude Scale and replication of this study are needed. The scale might be expanded to allow more detailed information in assessing the bases for subjects' attitudes. Additional studies should also seek equal representation of men and women.
Novel mucoadhesive polymer: Synthesis and mucoadhesion of poly[acrylic acid‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) monomethylether monomethacrylate‐co‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate]

This study was to design a mucoadhesive based on the biological and physicochemical properties of the buccal mucosa to achieve optimal mucoadhesion in the aqueous buccal environment. Since the buccal surface is negatively charged, a series of novel mucoadhesive poly[acrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol) monomethylether monomethacrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate] [poly (AA-PEGMM-DMEMA)] were synthesized by incorporating the cationic monomer DMEMA into poly(AA-PEGMM) to enhance the interactions between the mucohadhesive polymer and the buccal mucosa. The compositions of poly(AA-PEGMM-DMEMA) were varied by changing the content of DMEMA from 0 to 4.8 mol % while keeping the mole ratio of AA to PEGMM at a constant 9 : 1. It was found that the force of mucoadhesion of poly(AA-PEGMM-DMEMA) increased initially, as DMEMA content increased, and reached the maximum at 1% of DMEMA. Further increasing the content of DMEMA decreased the mucoadhesion. The polymers with 0.5 to 2.9% DMEMA appeared to have maximum mucoadhesion after prehydration for 5 min. An ATR–FTIR spectroscopy study revealed that intrapolymer interactions and intersurface interactions played opposite roles in the mucoadhesion performance of the polymers. Optimal mucoadhesion can be achieved by balancing these two interactions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94:2431–2437, 2004
A method of linearization for Painleve´ equations: Painleve´ IV, V

Abstract A method to linearize the initial value problem of the Painleve equations IV, V is given. The procedure involves formulating a Riemann-Hilbert boundary value problem on intersecting lines for the inverse monodromy problem. This boundary value problem is reduced to a sequence of standard problems on single lines in a certain range of parameter space. Schlesinger transformations allow one to completely cover the parameter space. Special solutions are constructed from special cases of the Riemann problem as well.
A variational method for numerical differentiation

A new method is given for effecting numerical differentiation by means of an optimization procedure. The method is shown to be effective for the differentiation of noisy functions, and stability and convergence results for a steepest descent implementation are proved.
Relative timing driven multi-synchronous design: enabling order-of-magnitude energy reduction

Energy efficient integrated circuit design largely stems from two very different disciplines: high level system architecture, and low level physical design. These two disciplines are tied together by the algorithms, methodologies, and related CAD which generate productivity and achieve consistency between these domains. Thus a "wine goblet model" aptly depicts energy efficient design. The architecture, which delivers the payload, is represented by the cup. Physical design is the goblet base, and the CAD and algorithms are represented by the goblet's stem. All three are essential components. Energy efficient designs often result from multi-synchronous architectures because the most efficient energy-delay point normally differs for each component in a system. The most energy-efficient circuits and physical design are based on asynchronous methodologies. Thus power optimized multi-synchronous architectures can result in an order of magnitude reduction in power at the same performance over traditional design approaches, if new algorithms and physical design are employed. The differentiating factor between traditional design and energy efficient systems is timing, since each component may operate at an independent frequency. A new method of representing timing for multi-synchronous systems is presented that is based on a relativistic and logical model rather than numeric based timing models. Employing relativistic timing constraints provides a significant improvement in energy efficiency, but also fundamentally changes the approach to timing driven physical design optimization. How the relative timing model results in a ten-fold improvement in power at the same performance will be demonstrated by example, as well has the challenges and opportunities it poses stem and base of the wine goblet: the algorithms, CAD, and physical design.
Visualization and three-dimensional measurements of traveling ionospheric disturbances with the Wallops Island Vipir/Dynasonde system

Results of application of Dynasonde technique to studies of the wave activity in the Thermosphere-Ionosphere system are presented. Data for this study have been obtained with a Vertical Incidence Pulsed Ionospheric Radar (VIPIR) system at the NASA's Wallops Island Flight Facility in Virginia operating continuously with sounding session periodicity equal to 2 min. A component of Dynasonde data analysis software, the inversion procedure NeXtYZ has been used to attribute plasma density, tilts, and line-of-sight Doppler values to the altitudes in real space with 1 km resolution. The temporal and spatial resolution allow visualization of the phase fronts of the traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) and measuring full set of parameters (both vertical and horizontal) of TID activity in the upper atmosphere (between the base of the E layer and the maximum of F layer, where the radar's signal can be reflected by the ionospheric plasma). In addition, our time-domain analysis yields statistics of the directions of propagation of the prevailing TIDs over the Wallops location, and application of the Lomb-Scargle periodogram technique to the tilt data provides useful insight into the dynamics of spectral composition of the TIDs. Dynasondes will be a powerful tool for studying the sources of and propagation of waves in the upper atmosphere.
The μ-law CODEC

This paper describes how to use a CODEC (COder-DECoder) to encode, decode, synthesize and play AU-format audio data. The AU format use a μ -law (pronounced mu-law) compression technique improving dynamic range over the linear encoding of audio. The μ -law CODEC dates from 1965, yet is still in common use today.
Sintering of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials

The synthesis of multilayer membranes for solid oxide fuel cells by means of co-firing requires choice of compatible materials as well as a precise balance between densification rates of the various layers throughout the densification process. One attractive practical objective is the formation of dense electrolyte films on invariant, preformed electrode substrates, such as porous electrodes of either ceramic or metal conductors. The formation of dense 10-20 micrometer thick Ceria-based membranes on invariant substrates has been achieved by adjusting of the film sintering properties trough selection of particle size, initial density, and novel sintering additives. The accompanying theory pertaining to constrained sintering is examined, to determine the conditions under which fully dense electrolyte layers can be produced on invariant or minimally variant substrates.
On the tiku-balakrishnan tests for equality of covariance matrices

Tiku and Balakrishnan's (1985) method cannot be considered to be testing the equality of covariance matrices. A simple example shows that their T2 statistic can equal zero for data having unequal sample covariance matrices, but a nonsingular transformation of those same data can then render their statistic indefinitely large
An integrated study of thermal spray process–structure–property correlations: A case study for plasma sprayed molybdenum coatings

Abstract Thermal spray coatings exhibit a wide variety of hierarchial and multiscale microstructural characteristics that lead to variation in their functional properties and performance. The array of defect structures, orthotropic behaviour and process-induced attributes (e.g. quenching stresses) all add to complexity in understanding and predicting their performance. A complete understanding of the plasma spray process includes examination of the particle–jet interaction, particle impact (to form the splats) and the particle–substrate interaction during coating deposition. This link has been established by using diagnostic tools in conjunction with a splat collection shutter and an ‘in situ’ curvature measurement instrument. In this study, commercial grade spherical molybdenum (Mo) powder was plasma sprayed and the spray stream was characterized for resulting particle state. A ‘splat map’ was deposited through a ‘spray stream guillotine’ to capture the fingerprint of the plume cross-section. Subsequently, coatings were deposited at these spray conditions on a newly developed ‘in situ’ curvature measurement instrument to measure coating residual stresses and to estimate the coating modulus. Splats and coatings were subsequently characterized by microdiffraction (for splat residual stresses), nano and microindentation for elastic and elastic–plastic properties and by electron microscopy. This complete history of the process followed by splat and coating characterization provides insight into the correlation between processing parameters, resultant particle states and final coating properties. The role of particle temperature and velocity on the splat (and coating) morphology and residual stress is explained in the results.
Arthrodesis Should Be Strongly Considered After Failed Two-stage Reimplantation TKA

Background A two-stage reimplantation procedure is a well-accepted procedure for management of first-time infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment of subsequent reinfections.
Assessment of multiscale resolution for hybrid turbulence model in unsteady separated transonic flows

Abstract This paper presents results of a computational study conducted to assess the multi-scale resolution capabilities of a hybrid two-equation turbulence model in predicting unsteady separated high speed flows. Numerical solutions are obtained using a third order Roe scheme and the SST (shear-stress-transport) two-equation-based hybrid turbulence model for three-dimensional transonic flow over an open cavity. A detailed assessment of the effects of the computational grid and the hybrid turbulence model coefficient is presented for the unsteady flow field. Computed results are presented for both the resolved and the modeled turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and for the predicted sound pressure level (SPL) spectra, which are compared to available experimental data and large Eddy simulation (LES) results. The comparison shows that the predicted SPL spectra agree well with the experimental results over a frequency range up to 2500 Hz, and that hybrid turbulence effectively models the shorter wavelengths. The results demonstrate improved agreement with experimental SPL spectra with increased grid resolution and a reduced hybrid turbulence model coefficient. In addition, they show that energy dissipation of the unresolved scales is over-predicted at low resolutions and that the hybrid coefficient influences the grid resolution requirements.
The Utility of the Lambert Function W[a exp(a - bt)] in Chemical Kinetics.

The mathematical Lambert function W[a exp(a − bt)] is used to find integrated rate laws for several examples, including simple enzyme and Lindemann−Christiansen−Hinshelwood (LCH) unimolecular decay kinetics. The results derived here for the well-known LCH mechanism as well as for a dimer−monomer reaction mechanism appear to be novel. A nonlinear fit of published enzyme kinetics data to a function of this type using Mathematica 7.0 is also shown. The prevalence of simple enzyme and LCH models in teaching and research makes the derivation of integrated rate laws for these cases of particular interest.
Detection of three-dimensional surfaces from optic flow: The effects of noise

Previous research (Andersen, 1989) has suggested that the recovery of 3-D shape from nonsmooth optic flow (motion transparency) can be performed by segregating surfaces according to the distributions of velocities present in the flow field. Five experiments were conducted to examine this hypothesis in a surface detection paradigm and to determine the limitations of human observers to detect 3-D surfaces in the presence of noise. Two display types were examined: a flow field that simulateda surface corrugated in depth and a flow field-that simulated a random volume. In addition, two types of noise were examined: a distribution of noise velocities that overlapped or did not overlap the velocity distribution that defined the -surface. Corrugation frequency and surface density were also examined. Detection performance increased with decreasing corrugation frequency, decreasing noise density, and decreasing surface density. Overall, the subjects demonstrated remarkable tolerance to the presence of noise and, for some conditions, could discriminate surface from random conditions when noise density was twice the-surface density. Discrimination accuracy was greater for the nonoverlapping than for the overlapping noise, providing support for an analysis based on the distribution of velocities.
A preliminary study of few-view image reconstruction of sparse objects in cone-beam micro-CT

Micro-CT enables convenient visualization and quantitative analysis of small animals and biological tissue samples. However, high-quality volume images in general require acquisition of cone-beam projection data from hundres of view angles. This prolonged imaging process limits system throughput and may cause potential radiation damage to the imaged objects. It is therefore desirable to have a technique which can generate volume images with satisfactory quality, but from a smaller amount of projection data. On the other hand, many objects subject to the micro-CT scans have sparse spatial distribution, and this sparcity could be exploited and incorporated as prior knowledge in innovative design of algorithms that are capable of reconstructuring images from few-view projection data. In this work we applied a new iterative algorithm based upon constrained total-variation minimization to reconstructing images from as few as five projections. Preliminary results suggest that the algorithm can yield potentially useful images from substantially less projection data than required by existing algorithms. This has practical implications of reducing scanning time and minimizing radiation damage to the imaged objects.
Characterizing biased cancer-related cognitive processing: relationships with BRCA1/2 genetic mutation status, personal cancer history, age, and prophylactic surgery.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated associations of cancer-related cognitive processing with BRCA1/2 mutation carrier status, personal cancer history, age, and election of prophylactic surgery in women at high risk for breast cancer. METHOD In a 2 (BRCA1/2 mutation carrier status) × 2 (personal cancer history) matched-control design, with age as an additional predictor, participants (N = 115) completed a computerized cancer Stroop task. Dependent variables were response latency to cancer-related stimuli (reaction time [RT]) and cancer-related cognitive interference (cancer RT minus neutral RT). RT and interference were tested as predictors of prophylactic surgery in the subsequent four years. RESULTS RT for cancer-related words was significantly slower than other word groups, indicating biased processing specific to cancer-related stimuli. Participants with a cancer history evidenced longer RT to cancer-related words than those without a history; moreover, a significant Cancer History × Age interaction indicated that, among participants with a cancer history, the typical advantage associated with younger age on Stroop tasks was absent. BRCA mutation carriers demonstrated more cancer-related cognitive interference than noncarriers. Again, the typical Stroop age advantage was absent among carriers. Exploratory analyses indicated that BRCA+ status and greater cognitive interference predicted greater likelihood of undergoing prophylactic surgery. Post hoc tests suggest that cancer-related distress does not account for these relationships. CONCLUSIONS In the genetic testing context, younger women with a personal cancer history or who are BRCA1/2 mutation carriers might be particularly vulnerable to biases in cancer-related cognitive processing. Biased processing was associated marginally with greater likelihood of prophylactic surgery.