Numerical investigation of the separation of sulfur isotopes in a single gas centrifuge

Conclusions The method developed was used to analyze the separation of stable chromium isotopes (in the form CrO₂F₂) as well as some other elements in the type of centrifuge studied. It was determined that the efficiency as a function of the parameter studied in the present work is similar. Moreover, the results made it possible to determine the dependence of the separation capability on the molecular mass and physical properties of the working gases. Moscow Engineering Physics Institute. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 76, No. 6, pp. 491–495, June, 1994.     

Omeprazole improves peak expiratory flow rate and quality of life in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if omeprazole improves pulmonary function and quality of life in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. After a 4-wk lead-in period, nine patients with documented asthma and gastroesophageal reflux, were prescribed either omeprazole 20 mg, daily or placebo for 8 wk and then crossed over to the alternate treatment. Outcome measurements included: forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and responses on the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, a validated disease specific measure of functional status. RESULTS: After omeprazole treatment, compared with placebo, patients had higher mean morning and evening PEFR, mean absolute difference (95% CI): morning: 37.8 L/min. (10.9-64.6), evening: 31.2 (3.2-59.2). Omeprazole treatment led to higher mean overall scores on the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and on the subdomains of activity limitation, symptoms, and emotions (p = 0.039, 0.049, 0.024, 0.040). A trend toward higher FEV1 (mean: 15.6% difference) with omeprazole failed to reach statistical significance (p > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: After taking omeprazole for 8 wk, asthmatics with GER have better PEFR and quality of life than after placebo.     

Impaired awareness and employment outcome after traumatic brain injury

Inaccurate self-awareness is a common finding after traumatic brain injury. Such impaired awareness has been hypothesized to limit patients' eventual functional outcomes by decreasing motivation for treatment and resulting in selection of inappropriate long-term goals. Previous investigations of the association between impaired awareness and employment outcome have produced inconsistent results. The present article reviews these studies and presents the results of our new investigation of this issue. In addition, we studied the comparability of two methods of measuring impaired awareness. Results provided strong support for a positive relationship between accurate self-awareness and favorable employment outcome at follow-up.     

A proof technique for communicating sequential processes

Summary Proof rules are presented for an extension of Hoare's Communicating Sequential Processes. The rules deal with total correctness; all programs terminate in the absence of deadlock. The commands send and receive are treated symmetrically, simplifying the rules and allowing send to appear in guards. Also given are sufficient conditions for showing that a program is deadlock-free. An extended example illustrates the use of the technique.This research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grant MCS-7622360.