cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE LOGARITHMIC COUNT RATE METER.

Abstract The developed solid state, logarithmic, count rate meter, having eight decades of dynamic range (10 1 to 10 8 counts/min) and applicable in fast nuclear counting systems, incorporates a high-speed integrated circuit binary chain and provides a maximum deviation of ±16% of reading from the desired logarithmic characteristic over the entire range of the instrument.
Epidemiology of Twinning in Developed Countries

Twin births contribute disproportionately to the overall burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Twins constitute 2%-4% of all births, and the rate of twining has increased by 76% between 1980 and 2009. The rate of preterm birth (
Exosomes/miRNAs as mediating cell-based therapy of stroke.

Cell-based therapy, e.g., multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) treatment, shows promise for the treatment of various diseases. The strong paracrine capacity of these cells and not their differentiation capacity, is the principal mechanism of therapeutic action. MSCs robustly release exosomes, membrane vesicles (~30-100nm) originally derived in endosomes as intraluminal vesicles, which contain various molecular constituents including proteins and RNAs from maternal cells. Contained among these constituents, are small non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a key role in mediating biological function due to their prominent role in gene regulation. The release as well as the content of the MSC generated exosomes are modified by environmental conditions. Via exosomes, MSCs transfer their therapeutic factors, especially miRNAs, to recipient cells, and therein alter gene expression and thereby promote therapeutic response. The present review focuses on the paracrine mechanism of MSC exosomes, and the regulation and transfer of exosome content, especially the packaging and transfer of miRNAs which enhance tissue repair and functional recovery. Perspectives on the developing role of MSC mediated transfer of exosomes as a therapeutic approach will also be discussed.
Isotropic bicelles stabilize the functional form of a small multidrug-resistance pump for NMR structural studies.

Detergent micelles are commonly used as solubilization agents in biophysical and biochemical studies of membrane proteins, but they do not ideally reproduce the membrane environment and often fail to support the native protein conformation. Bicelles, which are a mixture of short- and long-chain lipids, have long been suggested as a more native-like solubilizing agent for the study of membrane proteins. We tested the use of isotropic bicelles as a system for solution NMR studies of membrane proteins on a small multidrug-resistance protein (Smr), a protein that has so far resisted unambiguous structural characterization by X-ray crystallography. We show that the protein can be reconstituted in its functional form and native oligomerization state in bicelles. With an NMR assignment strategy that makes use of sequential NOE information obtained from a NOESY−TROSY and amino-acid specific information from a TROSY-HNCA experiment, 55% of backbone HN, N, and Cα resonances could be assigned, showing that isotropic...
An ab initio LCAO-MO-SCF study of the electronic structure of phosphirane and thiirane

Wave functions have been determined for the C2H4PH and C2H4S cyclic molecules, using (951/52/3) and (95/52/3) uncontracted Gaussian basis sets for each molecule. From Mulliken population analyses and electron-density plots, it is shown that the valence orbitals of C2H4PH and C2H4S are closely related and that these are similar to the respective orbitals of cyclopropane.
Optical oscillator strengths for the sulphur isoelectric sequence

Abstract An analytic atomic independent-particle-model potential, adjusted to experimental energy levels, is used to calculate optical oscillator strengths for S, Cl+1, Ar+2, K+3, Ca+4 and Sc+5.
Transcriptional Regulation of FasL Expression and Participation of sTNF-α in Response to Sertoli Cell Injury

The Fas/FasL signaling pathway has previously been demonstrated to be critical for triggering germ cell apoptosis in response to mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP)-induced Sertoli cell injury. Although Sertoli cells ubiquitously express the FasL protein, MEHP-induced germ cell apoptosis appears to tightly correlate with increased levels of Sertoli cell FasL. Here we characterize the transcriptional regulation of the murine FasL gene in Sertoli cells after MEHP exposure. A serial deletion strategy for 1.5 kb of the 5'-upstream activating sequence of the FasL promoter was used to determine transcriptional activity in response to MEHP. Luciferase activity of the FasL promoter in the rat Sertoli cell line ASC-17D revealed that two regions, -500 to -324 and -1250 to -1000, were necessary to drive the inducible transcription of FasL. Sequence analysis of these two regions revealed two cis-regulatory elements, NF-kappaB and Sp-1. By site-directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, it was confirmed that MEHP-induced FasL expression is enhanced through the transcriptional regulation of both NF-kappaB and Sp-1. Experiments performed both in vitro and in vivo revealed that MEHP exposure results in an increased production of sTNF-alpha and that sTNF-alpha-mediated NF-kappaB activation causes robust increases in FasL levels in both the ASC-17D Sertoli cell line and in primary rat Sertoli cell/germ cell co-cultures. In the seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli cells express TNFR1, whereas germ cells produce TNF-alpha. Therefore, sTNF-alpha released by germ cells after MEHP-induced Sertoli cell injury acts upon Sertoli cell TNFR1 and activates NF-kappaB and Sp-1 that consequently causes a robust induction of FasL expression. These novel findings point to a potential "feed-forward" signaling mechanism by which germ cells prompt Sertoli cells to trigger their apoptotic elimination.
Sex differences in sensitivity to pentylenetetrazol but not in GABAA receptor binding.

Abstract Female rats have a higher threshold than males for seizures induced by the convulsant pentylenetetrazol, a GABA A receptor-chloride channel complex blocker. No sex difference was observed for the anticonvulsant activities of ethanol or diazepam to protect against pentylenetetrazol seizures. Ovariectomy reduces the pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold of females to that of males. In contrast, females have a lower threshold than males to electroshock seizures. Pentylenetetrazol receptors were compared in males and females and gonadectomized animals by binding of several radioligands to the GABA A receptor complex. No differences were found for these four groups of animals in the binding of [ 3 H]flunitrazepam to the benzodiazepine sites and [ 35 S ]t- butyl bicyclophosphorothionate ( 35 S]TBPS) to the cloride channel/convulsant sites in membrane homogenates, nor for allosteric modulation of binding by GABA, the steroid anesthetic alphaxalone, or the benzodiazepine Ro 5-4864. In tissue section autoradiography, no difference was observed for these same assays nor for the binding of [ 3 H]muscimol in the presence and absence of alphaxalone in several major regions. We conclude that circulating female sex hormones, possibly neurosteroid metabolites of progesterone, known to interact directly with the GABA A receptor complex, are involved in the sex differences in pentylenetetrazol seizure susceptibility.
Compensation and additivity of anthropogenic mortality: life-history effects and review of methods

Demographic compensation, the increase in average individual performance following a perturbation that reduces population size, and, its opposite, demographic overadditivity (or superadditivity) are central processes in both population ecology and wildlife management. A continuum of population responses to changes in cause-specific mortality exists, of which additivity and complete compensation constitute particular points. The position of a population on that continuum influences its ability to sustain exploitation and predation. Here I describe a method for quantifying where a population is on the continuum. Based on variance-covariance formulae, I describe a simple metric for the rate of compensation-additivity. I synthesize the results from 10 wildlife capture-recapture monitoring programmes from the literature and online databases, reviewing current statistical methods and the treatment of common sources of bias. These results are used to test hypotheses regarding the effects of life-history strategy, population density, average cause-specific mortality and age class on the rate of compensation-additivity. This comparative analysis highlights that long-lived species compensate less than short-lived species and that populations below their carrying capacity compensate less than those above.
Relationship Between the Optical Model and the Resonance Theory

The relationship between cross sections and the strength function is discussed. The usually used simple linear relation is shown to be an approximation to the more general theory of Wigner and Eisenbud. With this theory, a consistent and simple behavior of the strength function with respect to the energy and the atomic weight can be obtained. The problems of the proper choice of the boundary condition and the matching radius for the diffuse well are discussed. A quantitative estimate of the effect of the nonlinear terms in a typical nucleus ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{93}$ is presented.
Geographic differentiation of monoterpenes from Abies procera and Abies magnifica

Abstract Cortical oleoresins from 352 Abies magnifica and A. procera trees, collected in 35 localities, were analysed for composition of their monoterpene fractions. The monoterpenes were composed primarily of α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene and β-phellandrene, with camphene and 3-carene appearing only sporadically in larger amounts. Limonene, β-phellandrene, α-pinene and 3-cerene were used to study the transitional populations in northern California and southern and central Oregon and the transitional-like populations in southern Sierra Nevada. The populations segregated latitudinally into three related clusters—above 44° ( A.procera ), between 44° and 40° (transitional), and below 40° ( A.magnifica ). A.magnifica from southern Sierra Nevada and A.magnifica from Mtn. Shasta differed in a number of parameters, with southern Sierra Nevada populations being chemically much closer to typical A. magnifica from central and northern Sierra Nevada. While monoterpene and morphological data did not allow a clear Interpretation of the status of the transitional and southern populations, the paleobotanical evidence favored the recent evolution over introgression. The desirability of additional studies was indicated.
Using Hypermedia for Learning Complex Concepts in Chemistry: A Qualitative Study on the Relationship Between Prior Knowledge, Beliefs, and Motivation

This paper reports the results of a qualitative study on the process of learning complex concepts in chemistry by four students as they worked with FLiPS (Flexible Learning in the Periodic System), a cognitive flexibility multi-media hypertext for learning about the periodic system of elements. A wide range of probes (think-alouds; navigation logs; observational notes, interviews; pre- and post-tests; epistemic beliefs survey; and background questionnaire) produced a rich data set for analysis. This data was analyzed to construct rich narrative case- and cross-case narratives of the participants' process of working and learning in this complex hypertext environment. This multi-level analysis offers insight both into the fine-grained process of use as well as the larger issues of the pedagogical significance of FLiPS. Our analysis reveals a complex relationship between epistemic beliefs, student motivation, prior knowledge, and process of learning from hypertext. We offer implications for future research, design and the application of pedagogical hypertexts.
Existence results and numerical simulation of magnetohydrodynamic viscous flow over a shrinking sheet with suction

This paper presents an analysis and a semi-analytical study of the boundary value problem resulting from a self-similar transformation of the partial differential equations governing the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscous flow due to a shrinking sheet with suction. Existence of a solution is shown using the fixed point argument and the boundary value problem is solved. Galerkin-Legendre spectral method with domain truncation is used to obtain approximate analytical solutions. The approximate solutions computed confirm the theoretical analysis.
THE MEASUREMENT OF THE DIAMETER OF ERYTHROCYTES. IV.—THE EFFECT OF ANTICOAGUI, ANTS AND OF VARIATIONS IN DRYING AND FIXING

1. It is shown that the mean diameter of cells in plasma is the same whether hirudin, heparin, or oxalate is used as an anticoagulant. The mean diameter in serum is the same as in plasma. 2. The statement of several observers that human red cells do not shrink on drying is shown to rest upon a technical error. 3. The mean diameter of dried cells is not altered by variations in the manner of drying, nor by the use of fixatives after drying is complete.
Semianalytical Computation of Path Lines for Finite‐Difference Models

A semianalytical particle tracking method was developed for use with velocities generated from block centered finite-difference ground-water flow models. The method is based on the assumption that each directional velocity component varies linearly within a grid cell in its own coordinate directions. This assumption allows an analytical expression to be obtained describing the flow path within an individual grid cell. Given the initial position of a particle anywhere in a cell, the coordinates of any other point along its path line within the cell, and the time of travel between them, can be computed directly. For steady-state systems, the exit point for a particle entering a cell at any arbitrary location can be computed in a single step. By following the particle as it moves from cell to cell, this method can be used to trace the path of a particle through any multidimensional flow field generated from a block-centered finite-difference flow model.
Solving the sign problem in quantum Monte Carlo dynamics.

A method of solving the sign problem in the Monte Carlo path-integral simulations of quantum dynamics is presented. Our method is based on the distortion of integration contours in conjunction with a stationary-phase-filtering method. Using this importance sampling, correlation functions for the spin-boson model have been computed for real times much longer than \ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\Elzxh}.
Atypical manifestations of graft-versus-host disease

Background Cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is classically described as morbilliform when acute and lichen planus–like or sclerotic when chronic. In addition to these well-known clinical forms, there are many other presentations of GVHD that are important to recognize. As the number of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation increases and the survival after transplantation improves, the prevalence of GVHD is expected to rise, and its various presentations will be increasingly encountered in clinical practice. Objective We sought to report unusual manifestations of skin GVHD and provide a summary of typical and atypical presentations of GVHD reported in the literature. Methods Patients with stem cell transplantation who developed unusual eruptions after transplantation had biopsy specimens taken to evaluate for histopathologic evidence of GVHD. Results Six patients presented with unusual cases of biopsy-proven GVHD, including follicular hyperkeratosis, thick-appearing white tongue, inverse pityriasis rosea–like, and eczema craquele–like GVHD. Limitations This study is limited by case number. Conclusions Because of the high rate of cutaneous involvement with GVHD, the accessibility of the skin for diagnosis, and the morbidity associated with severe or long-standing skin involvement, it is important for dermatologists to recognize and accurately diagnose cutaneous GVHD in all its protean manifestations.
Time-frequency analysis of classical and quantum noise

We use the characteristic function method to obtain the probability distribution for the random force in the independent harmonic oscillator model. This model encompasses many important physical problems. The general characteristic function method is reviewed for the classical case and formulated for the quantum mechanical case. We obtain the probability distribution at one time and also the joint distribution of force for two different times.
Report on a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-sponsored workshop on the genetics of total immunoglobulin E levels in humans.

Abstract We present a report of a workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) on the genetics of basal serum IgE levels, which was held September 27 and 28, 1979, in Baltimore. Ten investigators including immunologists, geneticists, and statisticians met to discuss laboratory measurements of total serum IgE levels, environmental factors affecting basal IgE levels, methods of analysis of family data, results of recent studies, and the need for further studies. The main conclusions were that additional studies are needed to investigate environmental factors affecting IgE levels, confirm the presence of a locus regulating IgE levels, and map the locus to a specific chromosome in humans.
Projective customer competence: Projecting future customer needs that drive innovation performance

Abstract Projective customer competence is the ability of a product development organization to both understand as well as shape the future needs of customers. To conceptualize this competence and establish its antecedents and performance implications, we draw upon the literature on inter-organizational relationships and innovation. Based on survey data from managers involved with business to business product development, validated with secondary financial data and in-depth interviews, we establish measurement properties for projective customer competence and demonstrate that this competence develops through customer relationships characterized by relational embeddedness, knowledge redundancy and interactivity. Projective customer competence is also shown to have positive implications for both innovativeness and financial performance. Surprisingly, relational embeddedness is shown to be the strongest predictor of projective customer competence, and, while knowledge redundancy helps build projective customer competence, it also has a negative impact on innovativeness.
High Resolution AFM and Single-Cell Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Geobacter sulfurreducens Biofilms Early in Growth

AFM and confocal resonance Raman microscopy (CRRM) of single-cells were used to study the transition of anode-grown Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms from lag phase (initial period of low current) to exponential phase (subsequent period of rapidly increasing current). Results reveal that lag phase biofilms consist of lone cells and tightly packed single-cell thick clusters crisscrossed with extracellular linear structures that appear to be comprised of nodules approximately 20 nm in diameter aligned end to end. By early exponential phase cell clusters expand laterally and a second layer of closely packed cells begins to form on top of the first. Abundance of c-type cytochromes (c-Cyt) is > 3-fold greater in 2-cell thick regions than in 1-cell thick regions. The results indicate that early biofilm growth involves two transformations. The first is from lone cells to 2-dimensionally associated cells during lag phase when current remains low. This is accompanied by formation of extracellular linear structures. The second is from 2- to 3-dimensionally associated cells during early exponential phase when current begins to increases rapidly. This is accompanied by a dramatic increase in c-Cyt abundance.
High quality flame-deposited diamond films for IR optical windows

The IR absorption in polycrystalline diamond films deposited in oxygen-acetylene flames was characterized using the Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR). The one-phonon absorption coefficient in the region from 7 to 12 μm that is related to extrinsic defects in the diamond films shows a strong dependence on the flame conditions as well as the substrate temperature. A high degree of diamond crystalline perfection, as judged from the undetectable one-phonon absorption, is achieved under the optimized deposition conditions for our flame set-up. This is further supported by the sharp Raman peak at 1332 cm−1 as well as the high purity in crystal orientation according to the X-ray diffraction pattern measured for the high quality diamond films. Optimal deposition conditions produce diamond films with a lower degree of secondary nucleation than is found in the lower quality diamond deposits.
Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval involvement

Renal cell carcinoma extends into the lumen of the inferior vena cava in approximately 4% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Surgical removal of the intracaval tumor thrombus with radical nephrectomy is the preferred treatment for this malignancy. From January 1977 to June 1990, 31 such patients were examined for combined problems of renal carcinoma and intracaval tumor extension. Twenty-six of these patients underwent radical nephrectomy and vena caval thrombectomy. Ten patients had tumor thrombus confined to the infrahepatic vena cava, 11 had retrohepatic caval involvement, and 5 had extension to the level of the diaphragm or into the right atrium. Surgical approach was dictated by the level of caval involvement. Control of the suprahepatic vena cava plus temporary occlusion of hepatic arterial and portal venous inflow were necessary in some cases; cardiopulmonary bypass was required for transatrial removal of more extensive tumors. Five of the 26 patients had evidence before operation of distant metastatic disease; none of these survived beyond 12 months. The 5-year actuarial survival rate of the 21 patients without known preoperative metastatic disease was 57%. Complete surgical excision of all gross tumor appears to be critical for long-term survival in these patients.
Medical expulsive therapy

The objective of this review article is to present the current literature on medical expulsive therapy (MET) and help guide practitioners in the appropriate use of MET for treatment of stone disease. Kidney stones can be treated with multiple modalities including medical therapy, ureteroscopy, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrostolithotomy, open/laparoscopic stone removal, and/or combinations of these modalities. The choice of intervention depends on patient factors, anatomical considerations, surgeon preference, and stone location and characteristics. MET is an excellent treatment modality in the appropriately selected patient. The AUA/EAU guidelines suggest MET as a reasonable treatment choice in select patients. A review of the data suggests the use of alpha antagonist and calcium channel blockers can improve stone expulsion rates. Most data suggests alpha antagonists as superior to calcium channel blockers. There are numerous available alpha antagonists, all of which have supporting data for their use in MET. Evidence suggests that MET can decrease colic events, narcotic use, and hospital visits. MET may also reduce medical costs and prevent unnecessary surgeries and the associated risks. Further, there is a role for alpha antagonists and calcium channel blockers in improving stone passage and decreasing pain in those subjects treated with other modalities (i.e. SWL and ureteroscopy). Despite this evidence, MET remains underutilized as a treatment modality.
A mutation of the wobble nucleotide of a bacteriophage T4 transfer RNA.

We have shown previously that the psu2+ mutation in bacteriophage T4 represents a single nucleotide change in the anticodon of a T4 glutamine transfer RNA, that this mutation confers on the tRNA the ability to suppress UAG and UAA nonsense mutations, and that the activity of the suppressor tRNA is relatively weak (Comer et al., 1974; Seidman et al., 1974). In this paper we describe the effects of a second anticodon mutation in the glutamine tRNA. The new mutation is a change from N (a modified form of U) to C at the 34th nucleotide residue from the 5′ end of the molecule; hence, the mutation is designated C34. Whereas the wild-type glutamine tRNA had the anticodon NUG, and the Psu2+ single-mutant tRNA had the anticodon NUA, a psu2+-C34 double mutant has CUA. Several consequences of the C34 mutation are observed. There is a change in the nonsense condons that are suppressed; the psu2+-C34 strain can suppress UAG, but not UAA. The C34 mutation also increases the efficiency of suppression several-fold, as measured by the activity of lysozyme formed by suppression of a nonsense mutation in the lysozyme gene.
Intrafollicular mucin deposits in Pityrosporum folliculitis

11. Kuo T-t. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis presenting as leg ulcers. J AM ACAD DERMATOL 1981;4 592-6. 12. Soga N, Sakai C, Shibata A, et al. An autopsy case of primary myelofibrosis with high value of circulating immune complexes, IgG (kappa) monoclonal gammopathy and extramedullary hematopoietic subcutaneous tumors. Rinsho Ketsueki 1982;23:1713-8. 13. Takashashi F, Ikeda A, Kohgo Y, et al. Primary myelofibrosis with skin nodules terminating in leukemic transformation: an autopsy case. Rinsho Ketsueki 1983;24: 1361-6. 14. Hocking WG, Lazar GS, Lipsett JA, et al. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis following splenectomy for idiopathic myelofibrosis. Am J Med 1984;76:956-8. 15. Levine LE, Pearson MG, Baron JM, et al. Extramedullary hematopoiesis [Letter]. Arch Dermatol 1984;12@1282. 16. Roupe G. Kutane extramedullare Hamatopoese bei myelofibrose. Hautarzt 1987;38:230-1. 17. Green LK, Klima M, Burns TR. Extramedullary hematopoiesis occurring in a hemangioma of the skin [Letter]. Arch Dermatol 1988;124:1720. 18. Albeda FW, Van Der Meer J, Vellenga E. Vascular proliferation as an unusual cause of hemorrhagic diathesis in myelofibrosis. Am J Clin Path01 1991;95:564-6. 19. Beckman EN, Oehrle JS. Fibrous hematopoietic tumors arising in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. Hum Path01 1982;13:804-10. 20. Pierard G-E. Hematopoiese cutanee et myelofibrose. Ann Path01 1987;7:73-5. 21. Puig L, Garcia MP, de Moragas JM. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with acute myelofibrosis [Letter]. Arch Dermatol 1988;124:329-30. 22. Schofield JK, Shun JLK, Cerio R, et al. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis with a preponderance of atypical megakaryocytes in myelofibrosis. J AM ACAD DERMATOL 1990;22:334-7. 23. Mizoguchi M, Kawa Y, Minami T, et al. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis in myelofibrosis. JAM ACAD DERMATOL 199&221351-5. 24. Del Forno C, Borroni G, Caresana G, et al. Cutaneous extramedullary hematopoiesis in idiopathic myelofibrosis: description of a case. G Ital Dermatol Venereal 1990; 125:205-9. 25. Brough AJ, Jones D, Page RH, et al, Dermal erythropoiesis in neonatal infants: a manifestion of intra-uterine viral disease. Pediatrics 1967;40:627-35. 26. Schwartz JL, Maniscalco WM, Lane AT, et al. Twin transfusion syndrome causing cutaneous erythropoiesis. Pediatrics 198$74:527-9. 27. Argyle JC!, Zone JJ. Dermal erythropoiesis in a neonate. Arch Dermatol 198 1; I 17:492-4. 28. Vakilzadeh F, Dominick HC, Bramswig J. Kutane erythropoese bei fetaler Rh-erythroblastose-blueberry-muffinbaby. Hautarzt 1982;33:440-2. 29. Popoff L, Popoff N. L’Hemope85:157-67. 30. Sarma DP. Extramedullary hematopoiesis of the skin. Arch Dermatol 1981;117:58-9. 3 I. Demory JL, Dupriez B, Fenaux P, et al. Cytogenetic studies and their prognostic significance in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: a report on 47 cases. Blood 1988;72:855-9.
Effects of extra-column band spreading, liquid chromatography system operating pressure, and column temperature on the performance of sub-2-μm porous particles

The effects of extra-column band spreading, LC system operating pressure, and separation temperature were investigated for sub-2-microm particle columns using both a conventional HPLC system as well as a UPLC system. The contributions of both volume- and time-based extra-column effects were analyzed in detail. In addition, the performance difference between columns containing 2.5 and 1.7-microm particles (same stationary phase) was studied. The performance of these columns was compared using a conventional HPLC system and a low dead volume UPLC system capable of routine operation up to 1000 bar. The system contribution to band spreading and the pressure limitations of the conventional HPLC system were found to be the main difficulties that prevented acceptable performance of the sub-2-microm particle columns. Finally, an increase in operating temperature needs to be accompanied by an increase in flow rate to prevent a loss of separation performance. Thus, at a fixed column length, an increase in temperature is not a substitute for the need for very high operating pressures.
The aerodynamic design and performance of the NASA/GE E3 low pressure turbine

The aerodynamic design and scaled rig test results of the low pressure turbine (LPT) component for the NASA/General Electric Energy Efficient Engine (E3) are presented. The low pressure turbine is a highly loaded five-stage design featuring high outer wall slope, controlled vortex aerodynamics, low stage flow coefficient, and reduced clearances. An assessment of its performance has been made based on a series of scaled air turbine tests which were divided into two phases: Block I (March through August, 1979) and Block II (June through September, 1981). Results from the Block II five-stage test, summarized in the paper, indicate that the E3 LPT will attain an efficiency level of 91.5 percent at the Mach 0.8/35,000 ft. max. climb altitude design point. This is relative to program goals of 91.1 percent for the E3 demonstrator engine and 91.7 percent for a fully developed flight propulsion system LPT.
Occlusion reasoning for object detection under arbitrary viewpoint

We present a unified occlusion model for object instance detection under arbitrary viewpoint. Whereas previous approaches primarily modeled local coherency of occlusions or attempted to learn the structure of occlusions from data, we propose to explicitly model occlusions by reasoning about 3D interactions of objects. Our approach accurately represents occlusions under arbitrary viewpoint without requiring additional training data, which can often be difficult to obtain. We validate our model by extending the state-of-the-art LINE2D method for object instance detection and demonstrate significant improvement in recognizing textureless objects under severe occlusions.
Generalized anxiety disorder: diagnosis and treatment

#### Summary points Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is relatively common, with lifetime prevalence rates of 4-7%. It is a disorder of chronic uncontrollable worry, compounded by physiological symptoms such as disturbed sleep, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. The disorder is associated with seriously impaired social and occupational functioning, comorbidity with other disorders, and increased risk for suicide.1 GAD can go undiagnosed because of a focus on physical symptoms and because of the stigma of mental illness. However, the disorder can be treated. This article reviews current knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of GAD, including pharmacotherapy and psychosocial therapies. #### Sources and selection criteria We based this review on articles found by searching PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the terms “generalized anxiety disorder” and “generalised anxiety disorder”. Our search was limited to English language articles published between 2005 and 2012. Meta-analyses, reviews, and randomised controlled trials were prioritized. GAD is characterized by excessive worry and symptoms of physiological arousal such as restlessness, insomnia, and muscle tension (box). To meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria for the disorder, the patient must have excessive and difficult to control anxiety about several different events or activities.2 For example, anxiety confined to concern about personal safety would not qualify (but should elicit inquiries about symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or agoraphobia, for example). In addition to worry, patients must have at least three of the six physiological arousal symptoms listed in the box. …
Influenza virus coinfection with Bordetella bronchiseptica enhances bacterial colonization and host responses exacerbating pulmonary lesions.

Influenza virus (Flu) infection and secondary complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The increasing number of annual Flu cases, coupled with the recent Flu pandemic, has amplified concerns about the impact of Flu on human and animal health. Similar to humans, Flu is problematic in pigs, not only as a primary pathogen but as an agent in polymicrobial pneumonia. Bordetella species play a role in mixed infections and often colonize the respiratory tract without overt clinical signs. Pigs serve as a valuable animal model for several respiratory pathogens, including Bordetella (Bb) and Flu. To investigate Flu/Bb coinfection pathogenesis, a study was completed in which pigs were inoculated with Flu-only, Bb-only or both agents (Flu/Bb). Results indicate that Flu clearance is not altered by Bb infection, but Flu does enhance Bb colonization. Pulmonary lesions in the Flu/Bb group were more severe when compared to Flu-only or Bb-only groups and Bb did not cause significant lesions unless pigs were coinfected with Flu. The type I interferon response was elevated in coinfected pigs, but increased expression of antiviral genes Mx and PKR did not appear to enhance Flu clearance in coinfected pigs, as viral clearance was similar between Flu/Bb and Flu-only groups. IL-1β and IL-8 were elevated in lungs of coinfected pigs, correlating to the days enhanced lesions were observed. Overall, Flu infection increased Bb colonization and enhanced production of proinflammatory mediators that likely contribute to exacerbated pulmonary lesions.
Negotiating a Life Lived in the Middle Birth, Death, and Narrative

Through a series of asynchronous vignettes, I explore the experiences surrounding my wife’s and my decision to have a home birth. I sought to disrupt the heavy hand of narrative temporality and synchronous ordering through story. The disjointed vignettes speak to the narrative difficultly of trying to parse out an isolated event (a birth) that is fully wedded into a much larger sociobiological fabric. In addition, I anchored each vignette around Martin Buber’s concept of a “life in the middle” through the representation of a symbolic fulcrum. This idea of a fulcrum is predicated on the notion that our lives are difficult to narrate as they unfold and are inherently bound by a multitude of contexts. I suggest that our lives unfold in a sensuous pragmatic aesthetic of presence that is not neatly divided between beauty (birth) and depravity (death) but ripe with potential and meaning that denies duality of experience.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treatment of Spinal Metastases Recurring in Close Proximity to Previously Irradiated Spinal Cord

Purpose As the spinal cord tolerance often precludes reirradiation with conventional techniques, local recurrence within a previously irradiated field presents a treatment challenge. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed 51 lesions in 42 patients treated from 2002 to 2008 whose spinal metastases recurred in a previous radiation field (median previous spinal cord dose of 40 Gy) and were subsequently treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Results SRS was delivered to a median marginal dose of 20 Gy (range, 10–30 Gy) in 1–5 fractions (median, 2), targeting a median tumor volume of 10.3 cm 3 (range, 0.2–128.6 cm 3 ). Converting the SRS regimens with the linear quadratic model (α/β = 3), the median spinal cord maximum single-session equivalent dose (SSED) was 12.1 Gy 3 (range, 4.7–19.3 Gy 3 ). With a median follow-up of 7 months (range, 2–47 months), the Kaplan-Meier local control and overall survival rates at 6/12 months were 87%/73% and 81%/68%, respectively. A time to retreatment of ≤12 months and the combination of time to retreatment of ≤12 months with an SSED of 10 were significant predictors of local failure on univariate and multivariate analyses. In patients with a retreatment interval of 15 Gy 10 , compared to 45%/0% with 10 , respectively. One patient (2%) experienced Grade 4 neurotoxicity. Conclusion SRS is safe and effective in the treatment of spinal metastases recurring in previously irradiated fields. Tumor recurrence within 12 months may correlate with biologic aggressiveness and require higher SRS doses (SSED >15 Gy 10 ). Further research is needed to define the partial volume retreatment tolerance of the spinal cord and the optimal target dose.
Unexpected emergent behaviors from elementary swarms

Swarms are collections of loosely coupled distinct agents each following simple rules. Swarms do not use central coordination AND individual agents need not be aware of the swarm's overall function. As each agent performs its task, the swarm collective can display unusual and unexpected emergent behaviors. For those swarms defying analytic evaluation, simulation remains as the only method to reveal emergent behavior. A number of swarms are simulated each with no more than simple rules to follow. Each simulation reveals an interesting and often surprising emergent behavior. Termites clear areas and stack wood chips, gnats naturally confine themselves to swarm inside a circle of fixed area and sand piles develop instabilities and avalanche. Possibly the most interesting simulation is predator swarms pursuing swarms of prey in a game we dub bullies and dweebs. Individual bullies can be ineffective in killing dweebs, for example, whereas a mob of bullies can be highly effective. Addition of stochastic component to dweeb motion in a swarm is essential for prolonging dweeb life. The swarms are illustrated using screen shots of the swarm dynamics. More interesting and insightful videos of the swarming are available on NeoSwarm.com.
Effects of quaternary benzo(c)phenanthridine alkaloids on growth performance, shedding of organisms, and gastrointestinal tract integrity in pigs inoculated with multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp

Objective—To evaluate effects of quaternary benzo(c)phenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs) against Salmonella spp and determine effects on growth performance, organism shedding, and gastrointestinal tract integrity in pigs inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Sample—36 Salmonella isolates and twenty 5-week-old pigs. Procedures—Minimum inhibitory concentration of QBAs against the Salmonella isolates was determined. Pigs were allocated to 4 groups and inoculated with Salmonella organisms. Pigs received diets supplemented with 1.5 g of QBAs/1,000 kg of feed, 0.75 g of QBAs/1,000 kg of feed, or 59.4 g of chlortetracycline/1,000 kg of feed or a nonsupplemented (control) diet. Pigs were weighed on day 0 and then weekly for 40 days. Fecal samples were collected to quantify Salmonella organisms. Gastrointestinal tract integrity was evaluated by measuring transepithelial resistance. Results—In vitro, 9 of 36 (25%) Salmonella isolates were inhibited at 90 μg of QBAs/mL; all 36 were inhibited at 179 μg ...
Investigation of MHD flow structure and fluctuations by potassium lineshape fitting

Abstract Multiple Potassium D-line emission-absorption spectra from a high-temperature, coal-fired magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow have been fit to a radiative transfer, boundary layer flow model. The results provide information about the thickness and shape of the thermal boundary layer and the bulk potassium seed atom density in a simulated MHD channel flow. Sample distributions for an entire set of more than 6000 spectra clearly indicate the typical values and magnitude of fluctuations for the flow core temperature, near wall temperature, boundary layer width, and potassium seed atom density. Sample distributions for selected times during the 8 h of measurements indicate periods of unstable combustion. In addition, broadband particle parameters during the unstable start of the test may be related to differing particle and gas temperatures. The results clearly demonstrate the ability of lineshape fitting to provide valuable data for diagnosing the high-speed turbulent flow.
User Acceptance of HIV TIDES—Tailored Interventions for Management of Depressive Symptoms in Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

Objective: The Tailored Interventions for management of DEpressive Symptoms (TIDES) program was designed based on social cognitive theory to provide tailored, computer-based education on key elements and self-care strategies for depressive symptoms in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Design and Measurement: Based on an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), a cross-sectional design was used to assess the acceptance of the HIV TIDES prototype and explore the relationships among system acceptance factors proposed in the conceptual model. Results: Thirty-two PLWHAs were recruited from HIV/AIDS clinics. The majority were African American (68.8%), male (65.6%), with high school or lower education (68.7%), and in their 40s (62.5%). Participants spent an average of 10.4 minutes (SD 5.6) using HIV TIDES. The PLWHAs rated the system as easy to use (Mean 9.61, SD 0.76) and useful (Mean 9.50, SD 1.16). The high ratings of behavior intention to use (Mean 9.47, SD 1.24) suggest that HIV TIDES has the potential to be accepted and used by PLWHAs. Four factors were positively correlated with behavioral intention to use: perceived usefulness (r 0.61), perceived ease of use (r 0.61), internal control (r 0.59), and external control (r 0.46). Computer anxiety (r 0.80), tailoring path (r 0.35) and depressive symptoms (r 0.49) were negatively correlated with behavioral intention to use. Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence of the acceptability of HIV TIDES by PLWHAs. Individuals are expected to be empowered through participating in the interactive process to generate their self- care plan. HIV TIDES enables information sharing about depression prevention and health promotion and has the potential to reframe the traditional patient-provider relationship.
Variability in thrombolytic practice in Oregon

Study objective: To examine current thrombolytic protocols in Oregon emergency departments with regard to variations in patient evaluation, inclusion and exclusion criteria, initiation of therapy, and available thrombolytic agents. Design: Telephone survey of ED head nurses. Setting: All acute-care hospital EDs in Oregon. Type of participants: Of 70 acute-care hospitals contacted, 67 (96%) were included; 61 (87%) have a written ED protocol for thrombolytic agent use. Methods: Telephone survey of written thrombolytic protocols, with comparison of groups using Kruskal-Wallis test ( P Measurements and main results: The primary modes of initiating thrombolytic therapy are at the emergency physician's discretion (32%), after private physician consultation (24%), through the use of an agreement developed by the emergency physicians in conjunction with cardiologists or internists (22%), or after cardiologist or internist consultation (22%). ECG interpretation before drug administration is most often performed by the emergency physician (41%), cardiologist or internist (28%), private physician (6%), or computer (10%). Both tissue plasminogen activator (tRA) and streptokinase are available at 50 hospitals (75%); tPA is used exclusively in ten (15%) and streptokinase in seven (10%) other hospitals. tPA and streptokinase are approved for ED use in 43 (72%) and 46 (81%), respectively, of the hospitals at which these agents are available. In these, the ED is the most frequent site of administration of tPA in only 28 (65%) and of streptokinase in 33 (72%) hospitals; tPA and streptokinase are kept in the ED in only 23 (53%) and 23 (50%) of these hospitals, respectively. There was a significant correlation between thrombolytic administration in the ED and the number of full-time emergency physicians and American Board of Emergency Medicine diplomates. Conclusion: Thrombolytic protocols are highly variable in Oregon EDs.
Millimetre wave spectrum of the weakly bound complex NH3-N2

The van der Waals complex NH3-N2 has been studied in the millimetre wave region, 76–106 GHz. Thirty-five lines were observed and assigned as pure rotational transitions, R(11) to R(15), belonging to six series involving all combinations of the parent molecule nuclear spin species, ortho/para-ammonia and ortho/para-nitrogen. Two of these series are continuations to higher J values of transitions observed previously in the microwave region, and the other four series were observed here for the first time. Predictions are given for a number of new NH3-N2 microwave transitions, and future observations of these should help to confirm the assignments given here. The time is ripe for theoretical investigations of NH3-N2 and the isoelectronic complex NH3-CO.
Sympathetic nerve activity and insulin sensitivity in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents

Insulin resistance and elevated sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) are observed in young borderline hypertensive humans. A positive family history of hypertension (FH) is a strong risk factor for developing hypertension. To assess whether insulin resistance and increased sympathetic tone precede the onset of hypertension, we studied 17 young adults with and 17 without a documented family history of hypertension. Subjects were matched for age (33 ± 0.4 years in FH positive and 32 ± 0.5 years in FH negative; mean ± SE) and body mass index (BMI, 25 ± 1 kg/m2 in both FH positive and FH negative subjects). We measured blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, microneurography), forearm blood flow, and insulin sensitivity (total glucose uptake determined by an euglycemic/hyperinsulinemic clamp using stable isotope tracer infusion), and calculated forearm vascular resistance (FVR). Mean BP and HR were similar in both groups (86 ± 3 mm Hg and 61 ± 2 beats/min, and 85 ± 2 mm Hg and 62 ± 2 beats/min, respectively, in FH positive and negative respectively, P = ns). Baseline MSNA (24 ± 3 bursts/min in FH positive v 20 ± 3 bursts/min in FH negative, P = ns) and total glucose uptake [0.104 ± 0.014 mg/(kg × min × μU insulin/mL) in FH positive v 0.095 ± 0.014 mg/(kg × min × μU insulin/mL) in FH negative, P = ns] did not differ between the groups. Sympathetic and vascular responses to insulin were also similar in both groups. The increase in MSNA was 10 ± 2 bursts/min in FH positive and 10 ± 1 bursts/min in FH negative, P = ns. Thus, age- and weight-matched offspring with and without a FH of hypertension did not vary in MSNA or insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that in the abscence of obesity and high arterial pressure, a FH of hypertension may not be accompanied by decreased insulin sensitivity or increased MSNA.