cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Assessment of the Ripening of Cobalt Clusters and Mixing between Co and Ru Promoter via Oxidation-Reduction-Cycles over Lower Co-Loaded Ru-Co/Al2O3 Catalysts

A 2% Ru-promoted 15% Co/Al2O3 catalyst was tested after reduction and after being subjected to oxidation−reduction cycles. The catalysts were characterized over four oxidation−reduction cycles by XANES/EXAFS, TPR, HRTEM, and EDS elemental mapping. The oxidation−reduction treatments were found to assist in sintering the metallic clusters to a larger size, and to promote mixing on at least the order of the nanoscale. The larger crystallites in closer proximity to the Ru promoter led to a more facile reduction of the cobalt crystallites. In addition, a catalyst exposed to two oxidation−reduction cycles resulted in slightly higher conversion, higher α-value product, slightly lower methane selectivity, and greater stability over a reduced freshly calcined catalyst.
Controlling Charge on Levitating Drops

Levitation technologies are used in containerless processing of materials, as microscale manipulators and reactors, and in the study of single drops and particles. Presented here is a method for controlling the amount and polarity of charge on a levitating drop. The method uses single-axis acoustic levitation to trap and levitate a single, initially neutral drop with a diameter between 400 microm and 2 mm. This drop is then charged in a controllable manner using discrete packets of charge in the form of charged drops produced by a piezoelectric drop-on-demand dispenser equipped with a charging electrode. The magnitude of the charge on the dispensed drops can be adjusted by varying the voltage applied to the charging electrode. The polarity of the charge on the added drops can be changed allowing removal of charge from the trapped drop (by neutralization) and polarity reversal. The maximum amount of added charge is limited by repulsion of like charges between the drops in the trap. This charging scheme can aid in micromanipulation and the study of charged drops and particles using levitation.
Serum creatinine ratio: a novel predictor of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with normal and abnormal renal function.

The occurrence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased mortality after percutaneous revascularization procedures. However, the exact correlation between various levels of creatinine elevation relative to the baseline and subsequent mortality in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is not well established. In addition, the relationship between elevated postprocedural creatinine and ensuing mortality in patients with normal baseline renal function needs to be investigated. Methods: All percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients (n = 12,997) were analyzed for any rise in serum creatinine (SCr): CRI group (BSC ≥ 1.5 mg/dl) (n = 1,853) and normal baseline renal function (NBR BSC 1.5. The overall incidence of CIN (defined as an increment of 25% over baseline creatinine) was 5.9%: 11.3% in the CRI group versus 5.1% in normal BSC group (P 1.5 correlated with increased mortality in both CRI group as well as normal BSC group. Conclusions: SCrR > 1.5 predicts mortality at 1 year after PCI. The association between SCrR > 1.5 and increased mortality at follow-up is observed in patients with CRI as well as normal baseline renal function. SCrR may thus serve as a useful clinical tool for risk stratification and prognostication of patients after PCI. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrical field effects on crushed nerve regeneration

The delivery of an electrical field to a transected nerve has been shown to enhance the regeneration. This study examined the effects of such fields on the regeneration of crushed rat sciatic nerve during the first postoperative month. The treated (T) nerve group received a battery implant delivering 10 microA with the cathode at the distal stump. The recovery was compared to an untreated (UT) group and unoperated controls (C). The loss of locomotion behavior and partial recovery (SFI) was identical for the T and UT groups. The index of motor recovery (twitch tension) was also similar (T/C = 48%, UT/C = 53%), but a "window" of enhancement occurred 2-4 days earlier in the T group. Qualitative histology at 28 days suggested a more healthy and normal-appearing nerve in the T group. Morphometric analysis indicated that the nerve area, fiber density, and fiber number in the T group were more similar to those in the control group than to those in the UT group. There were no group differences in the number of HRP-labeled motoneurons, but the enlarged endoneurial space was significantly reduced in the T group compared to the UT group. In conclusion, electrical fields appeared to have a small effect on some aspects of nerve regeneration following crush injury.
Alterations of cerebral metabolism in probable Alzheimer's disease: A preliminary study

Previous in vitro and in vivo 31P MRS studies of Alzheimer's disease patients have revealed alterations in membrane phospholipid metabolism and PET studies have shown alterations in glucose and oxidative metabolism. This study of probable Alzheimer's disease patients demonstrates severity dependent alterations in measures of both high-energy phosphate and membrane phospholipid metabolism. Mildly demented Alzheimer's patients compared to the controls, have increases in the levels of phosphomonoesters, decreases in the levels of phosphocreatine and probably adenosine diphosphate, and an increased oxidative metabolic rate. As the dementia worsens, the levels of phosphocreatine and adenosine diphosphate increase, the levels of phosphomonoesters decrease, and the oxidative metabolic rate decreases. The phosphomonoester findings replicate previous findings and provide a new dimension to the molecular pathology of Alzheimer's disease, implicating basic defects in membrane metabolism. The changes in oxidative metabolic rate suggest the AD brain is under energetic stress. The changes in energy metabolites with increasing dementia could be a consequence of nerve terminal degeneration and are consistent with previous PET findings. 31P MRS provides new diagnostic and metabolic insights into this disease and would be a noninvasive method to follow the progression of the disease and the metabolic response to therapeutic interventions.
Gamma radiation induced damage effects in the transmission of barium fluoride and cesium fluoride fast crystal scintillators

Abstract Radiation damage effects in the optical transmission of bulk material due to 60 Co gamma irradiations were measured in samples of barium fluoride (BaF 2 ) and cesium fluoride (CsF). While confirming the exceptional radiation resistance of barium fluoride in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the transmission spectrum, at least up to a gamma dose of a few times 10 7 rad, the results show that cesium fluoride, at least in the presently available samples, is very sensitive to radiation and that doses below 10 4 rad are sufficient to make it completely unusable.
Changes in α-macroglobulin during malaria in the duckling.

SummaryA plasma protein, identified as a high molecular weight α-globulin is shown to decrease strikingly during malarial infection in the duckling.The hospitality and laboratory facilities of Dr. A. G. Beam, Dr. Wm. Trager, and Dr. E. L. Tatum have made this work possible. I especially wish to state my gratitude to Dr. C. A. Williams for the many critical discussions from which this manuscript evolved.
Migraine Precipitated by Head Trauma in Athletes

Purpose To present the clinical features of a case of migraine precipitated by head trauma. Methods Detailed history was obtained and ophthalmic and neurologic examinations were performed. Results This patient's history of transient loss of vision followed by severe headache precipitated by a direct blow to the top of the head is character' istic of this phenomenon. Normal neurologic and ophthalmic examination findings, normal magnetic resonance imaging, and a history of similar episodes are all consistent with this diagnosis. Conclusions Familiarity with this entity can obviate an expensive examination for patients with these classic symptoms.
Surgical treatment of diaphragm disease correlates with improved survival in optimally debulked advanced stage ovarian cancer

Abstract Background. Diaphragm involvement by ovarian cancer is often considered to be a major obstacle to successful cytoreductive surgery. Lack of evidence of survival benefit, concerns over safety and lack of experience are common justifications for this belief. In this study, we sought to evaluate the therapeutic value of diaphragmatic surgery in advanced ovarian cancer. Methods. Relevant data from all consecutive patients with stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian cancer, primarily operated at Mayo Clinic from 1994 through 1998, were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using χ 2 test, Cox regression model and Kaplan–Meier curves including log rank test. For comparison of trends in performing procedures, an additional 91 consecutive patients undergoing surgery from August 1, 2002 and August 31, 2004 were analyzed. Results. 244 eligible patients were identified. Mean age was 64 years (range: 24–87), and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 31.5%. For the entire cohort, residual disease (RD) was the only independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis ( P N = 181), patients who underwent diaphragm surgery (stripping of the diaphragmatic peritoneum, full or partial thickness diaphragm resection, excision of nodules or CUSA) had improved 5-year OS relative to those that did not (53% vs. 15%; P P P = 0.0005). Over time, we noted a statistically significant increase in the rate of diaphragm procedures for patients with diaphragm involvement from 1994–98 relative to 2002–3 (22.5% vs. 40%: P = 0.022). Conclusions. Surgical procedures to treat diaphragm disease increase the rate of complete and optimal debulking and correlate with improved survival even compared to patients optimally debulked without diaphragm surgery performed.
Sliding-mode control design for a class of systems with non-matching nonlinearities and disturbances

A novel sliding-mode control design is proposed for the class of single-input nonlinear systems with non-matching nonlinearities and/or disturbances. This class of systems includes dual-spin spacecraft and rotational proof mass actuators that are used for suppressing translational oscillation. The sliding-mode control law is designed via an L2-norm bounding technique that ensures, under certain conditions, asymptotic stability of the system when the disturbances satisfy the matching condition or are zero; otherwise, it ensures system stability with an a priori bound on the transmission gain of the disturbances through the system for non-zero non-matching disturbances. Simulation results for a rotational proof mass actuator or dual-spin spacecraft example illustrate the excellent responses obtained by applying the control laws derived from this proposed design procedure.
Efficient nanostructure modified interfaces for array‐based sensing based on the novel application of hard/soft acid/base interactions

With a focus to develop array-based sensor systems, select micro/nanoporous porous silicon (PS) interfaces have been formed and treated with a variety of nanostructured oxides to create an array of sensor responses for a variety of gases. A general model for the highly active and varied sensitivity of these treated interfaces is presented. This model, which takes advantage of the playoff between chemical bonding and physical adsorption to the deposited nanostructured oxides, suggests a means to selectively enhance the response to basic analyte gases by enhancing the reversible resistance increase characteristic of the response of p-type silicon. The approach, counter to that used to promote strong interaction and chemical bond formation via hard and soft acid and base interactions (HSAB), promotes the enhancement of physisorption by applying an inverse concept. The focus, in applying the IHSAB model to the interaction of gaseous bases with the acidic nanostructure treated or untreated PS surface, is the minimization of chemical bonding and the maximization of electron transfer to the PS-based interface, thus increasing the resistance response. The model shows potential to create array-based devices. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Japanese police system today : an American perspective

Describes the organization of crimefighting techniques of the Japanese police force and examines the role of the police in Japanese society.
TUNNELING SPECTROSCOPY IN DEGENERATE p-TYPE SILICON,

Tunneling in boron-doped $p$-type silicon metal-semiconductor (MS) and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) tunnel junctions has been studied at low temperatures by measuring the derivatives $\frac{\mathrm{dI}}{\mathrm{dV}}$ and $\frac{{d}^{2}I}{d{V}^{2}}$ of the current-voltage characteristics as functions of applied bias voltage $V$. The boron impurity concentration of the silicon crystals varied from 6.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{18}$ to 2.3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{20}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Junctions were prepared by evaporating metal contacts onto vacuum- or air-cleaved silicon surfaces. The general features of the tunneling conductance were found to be in qualitative agreement with existing theories of tunneling in semiconductors. Structure in the derivative data resulting from the interaction of tunneling electrons with silicon zone-center optical phonons and boron local-mode phonons has been observed. The optical-phonon line shapes in the most heavily doped MIS units are shown to compare well with the theoretical line shapes in which modifications in the bulk semiconductor states arising from electron---optical-phonon interactions in the semiconductor electrode have been included. The origin of the optical-phonon and local-mode-phonon structure in samples of lower doping is not fully understood.
A sensitive and rapid fluorimetric assay for monoamine oxidase utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract A rapid and sensitive assay for the measurement of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was developed. This method utilizes high pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence excitation at 280 nm and detection at 330 nm at pH 5.0 of indoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the deaminated products of two substrates for MAO, tryptamine, and serotonin, respectively. The assay allows for the complete separation of metabolites from either of the two substrates. The method has been used to determine MAO activity in the frontal cortex and caudate nucleus of rat brain using tryptamine and serotonin as substrates. The ease and rapidity of this assay make it suitable for use where routine enzyme determinations are required.
Muddling through successfully: Japan's post-war ocean policy and future prospects

Abstract Japan's national ocean policy in the post-war decades has been shaped by several factors: (1) the nation's heavy dependence on ocean space and resources for its economic survival and prosperity; (2) the historical context of the nation's post-war political life; (3) the need to balance the nation's domestic policy priorities and international policy needs; (4) the need to coordinate its developmental needs and environmental concerns; and (5) the policy-making structure and process. The paper describes how these factors have rendered the nation's post-war ocean policies incremental and often ad hoc. Illustrative examples are drawn from the fisheries, shipping, environment, maritime security, and science and technology sectors. The paper then argues that Japan must overcome its sectoral approach to policy making in order to meet successfully the three most critical challenges facing its ocean policy, namely balancing development and environmental needs, coordinating domestic and foreign policy priorities, and playing a leadership role by sharing its experience and expertise.
Solubilization of vitamin K epoxide reductase and vitamin K-dependent carboxylase from rat liver microsomes

Abstract Vitamin K epoxide reductase and vitamin K-dependent carboxylase have been solubilized by treatment of rat liver microsomes with potassium cholate. Both reactions required dithiothreitol, and were inhibited by warfarin. NADH did not replace the dithiothreitol requirement. Cytosol stimulated the rate of reduction of vitamin K epoxide four to five fold but was inactive alone. The carboxylation reaction proceeded equally well with vitamin K or vitamin K epoxide. The enzyme activities are stable when stored at −70°. Vitamin K epoxidase activity could not be detected.
Fatal anaphylaxis: postmortem findings and associated comorbid diseases

Background Anaphylaxis is an infrequent cause of sudden death. Death often results from circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest, or both. Objective To investigate the causes of death, anatomical findings, and comorbid diseases in cases of fatal anaphylaxis. Methods This is a retrospective case review of 25 unselected cases of documented fatal anaphylaxis. Each case report contained details of the fatal reaction, a review of the medical record, and laboratory and autopsy findings. Serum tryptase concentrations were measured in 7 cases. Results The anaphylactic deaths included 7 reactions to medications, 6 to radiocontrast material, 6 to Hymenoptera stings, and 4 to foods. The mean age was 59 years. The anaphylactic reaction began within 30 minutes of exposure in 21 of 25 cases, with death occurring within 60 minutes in 13 of 25 cases. Urticaria occurred in only 1 of 25 cases. Anatomical findings consistent with anaphylaxis were present in 18 of 23 patients undergoing autopsy. At least 1 significant comorbid disease was identified in 22 of 25 cases. Conclusions (1) Elderly patients with substantial comorbid conditions constituted a significant number of the anaphylactic fatalities; (2) the onset of severe anaphylaxis occurred in less than 30 minutes in nearly every case; (3) 18 of 23 cases were associated with specific anatomical findings of anaphylaxis; (4) self-administered epinephrine was used in just 1 of 5 cases; and (5) serum total tryptase concentrations were elevated markedly in 4 of 7 cases tested.
Defense allocations in eastern europe: Alliance politics and leadership change

To investigate the influence of international and domestic factors on the defense spending of the East European members of the Warsaw Pact, we evaluate competing hypotheses of 1) intra‐alliance dynamics and 2) the effect of changes in political leadership. We analyze data from 1965–1982, both pooled and for each state individually. We conclude that the defense spending of the Pact members does not go primarily toward the purchase of Pact‐wide deterrence and that models based upon the public‐goods approach have little explanatory power when applied to Eastern Europe. Additionally, we find that East European leadership changes produce only a small impact on military spending levels.
Structure in the Neutral Hydrogen Disk of the Spiral Galaxy IC 342

We present 38''resolution Very Large Array 21 cm continuum and H I line emission observations of the spiral galaxy IC 342, at an adopted distance of 2 Mpc. Kinematic evidence exists for a m = 2 spiral density wave in the inner disk with a corotation radius located at 4 kpc and a possible four-arm pattern in the outer disk. On smaller scales, outside of the central depression in H I column density, H I is organized into a complex pattern of relatively short (~2–5 kpc), interconnected, spiral arm segments. Numerous "holes" are distributed throughout the H I disk. By considering the effects of shear, structures that are not self-gravitating, such as holes and voids, cannot be long-term phenomena. The timescale, combined with the total energy required to evacuate holes, leads us to reject wind and supernovae origins for the large-scale pattern of H I holes in IC 342. Gravitational instabilities in the disk form on a timescale that is short compared with the rotation period of the disk. The pattern of H I spiral arm segments exists on a scale that is consistent with their being material arms that result from gravitational instabilities. The H I cavities are a natural remnant of the process.
Decoupling of a Two-Axis Robotic Manipulator Using Nonlinear State Feedback: A Case Study

A case study that illustrates the use of nonlinear state feed back to decouple the control of a two-axis polar-coordinate robotic manipulator is presented. One type of position cou pling and two types of velocity coupling are investigated. In each case, the application of decoupling compensation results in marked improvement in the performance of the robotic arm. The implementation difficulties associated with apply ing a nonlinear state-feedback control law to an inexpensive, indirect-drive robotic arm, using a microcomputer controller and low-resolution sensors, are examined.
On standardizing the determination of the plasma renin activity

Abstract Basically, the determination of the plasma renin activity (PRA) consists of the in vitro generation of angiotensin I and the radioimmunological determination of angiotensin I. Since both steps can be performed in several ways, the results from different laboratories can hardly be compared. In this paper we have described the results of our attempts to standardize both steps of the PRA determination currently in use in our laboratory, against Research Standard A for Angiotensin I and the International Reference Preparation of Human Renin, both obtained from the Medical Research Council.
Contribution of somatosensory cortex to responses in the rat cerebellar granule cell layer following peripheral tactile stimulation

The spatial coincidence of somatosensory cerebral cortex (SI) and trigeminal projections to the cerebellar hemisphere has been previously demonstrated. In this paper we describe the temporal relationship between tactilely-evoked responses in SI and in the granule cell layer of the cerebellar hemisphere, in anesthetized rats. We simultaneously recorded field potentials in areas of common receptive fields of SI and of the cerebellar folium crus IIa after peripheral tactile stimulation of the corresponding facial area. Response of the cerebellar granule cell layer to a brief tactile stimulation consisted of two components at different latencies. We found a strong correlation between the latency of the SI response and that of the second (long-latency) cerebellar component following facial stimulation. No such relationship was found between the latency of the SI response and that of the first (short-latency) cerebellar component, originating from a direct trigeminocerebellar pathway. In addition, lidocaine pressure injection in SI, cortical ablation, and decerebration all significantly affected the second cerebellar peak but not the first. Further, when tactile stimuli were presented 75 ms apart, the response in SI failed, as did the second cerebellar peak, while the short-latency cerebellar response still occurred. We found a wide spatial distribution of the upper lip response beyond the upper lip area in crus IIa for the long-latency component of the cerebellar response. Our results demonstrate that SI is the primary contributor to the cerebellar long-latency response to peripheral tactile stimulation. These results are discussed in the context of Purkinje cell responses to tactile input.
Investigating the Role of Self-Disgust in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Self-directed disgust, a component of self-criticism, may present an important, yet unexplored emotion in the context of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The aim of this study was to examine the role of self-disgust in NSSI, specifically as a potential mediator in the relations between depression and NSSI as well as sexual abuse and NSSI, and to also better understand characteristics that might differentiate recent and past self-injurers. A total of 549 college students completed measures assessing NSSI, self-disgust, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and physical and sexual abuse. Results indicated self-disgust fully mediated the relation between depressive symptoms and NSSI status and partially mediated the relation between sexual abuse and NSSI status. Additionally, compared to past self-injurers (4.6%; n = 25), recent self-injurers (6.4%; n = 35) endorsed significantly higher self-disgust and depressive symptoms. Self-disgust may be an important component in NSSI and should be addressed in treatment.
Temporal characteristics of aerodynamic segments in the speech of children and adults.

Abstract Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the temporal characteristics of aerodynamic segments in the normal speech of children and adults without cleft palate. A secondary objective was to determine the within-speaker variability of the segments. Method: Speakers consisted of 46 children aged 6 to 8 years, 41 older children aged 11 to 12 years, and 41 adults aged 18 to 37 years (total n = 128) who repeated the word “hamper” during continuous utterances. The pressure-flow method was used to determine the duration of six segments of the oral air pressure and nasal airflow pulses associated with the /mp/ sequence. Descriptive statistics, including coefficients of variation (COV), were computed for each segment as a function of age and sex of the speakers. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures were used to determine the effects of age, sex, or both on the temporal variables. Results: ANOVAs indicated statistically significant main effects (p < .008) for age on five of the six ...
Asymmetrical converters with medium frequency transformer isolation to interface low voltage DC to a medium voltage three phase grid

This paper presents an asymmetrical converter topology with medium frequency transformer (MFT) isolation to interface a low voltage DC source with a 3-phase medium voltage grid. The topology consists of asymmetrical converters connected in parallel across the DC input, followed by a MFT for isolation and a diode bridge fed current source inverter (CSI) connected to the MFT secondary. The asymmetrical converters connected in parallel share the high input currents and are modulated so as to generate a multi-level stepped waveform across the transformer secondary. The asymmetry is introduced in the MFT turns ratio. The power flow in DC sources like PV being unidirectional, the transformer secondary side is connected to diode bridge and pulse-width modulated (PWM) CSI which interfaces a medium voltage grid. The stepped voltage across the transformer secondary and the use of diode bridge results in a trapezoidal current through the transformer windings eliminating the problem of leakage commutation. The paper also determines analytically the transformer voltages based on the DC link current requirement of the CSI based on the grid active power. The proposed topology is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink.
Risk of Seizures in Survivors of Newborn Heart Surgery Using Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Objective To identify pre- and intraoperative variables associated with postoperative acute neurologic events (ANEs), including seizures and coma, in newborn survivors of congenital heart surgery undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), and to risk-stratify this population on the basis of preoperative risk variables for the purpose of designing future neuroprotection trials. Methods Survivors of newborn heart surgery who were enrolled in a neuroprotection trial provided a comprehensive database for the evaluation of pre- and intraoperative variables that influence the postoperative occurrence of ANEs (seizures or coma). Patients with hypoplastic heart syndrome were excluded. After characterization of the study population, stepwise logistic regression, combined with clinical judgment, was used to identify variables that were most likely to be associated with an increased risk of seizures in the study sample and that were most likely to be generalized to other populations. Results Data were available on 164 nonhypoplastic left heart syndrome survivors who underwent newborn heart surgery using DHCA. ANEs occurred in 31 (18.9%) including "seizures alone" (n = 28), "coma alone" (n = 2) or "seizures and coma" (n = 1). A preoperative risk model was constructed demonstrating that infants with a genetic condition and aortic arch obstruction had a 47.8% risk of ANEs compared with all other remaining infants, who had a 9.9% risk. It was also found that prolonged DHCA time (>or=60 minutes) can be a significant risk for infants who have a preexisting genetic condition; however, infants who have genetic conditions and do not undergo prolonged DHCA time or have an aortic arch obstruction are not at increased risk of ANEs. Conclusions This study provides new information about the occurrence of ANEs after newborn heart surgery. Seizures or coma, which appeared in approximately 19% of all non-hypoplastic left heart syndrome survivors, were not random events but were significantly associated with specific types of congenital heart disease, the presence of genetic conditions, and prolonged DHCA time. The 3 identified variables permitted individual cases to be assigned to low-, intermediate-, or high-risk categories. Because neonatal seizures are a good surrogate marker of long-term neurologic outcome, these models provide useful information to stratify individual patients for risk of seizures in future neuroprotection trials.
Taking a male sexual history

Despite a wave of public awareness of erectile dysfunction as a result of Viagra and its successor oral therapies, most men are not discussing issues related to sexuality with health care professionals. Epidemiologic surveys indicate that male sexual dysfunction (MSD) occupies an epidemiologically compelling position. Few doubt that sexual function is an important priority for men throughout their lifespan. The "therapeutic gap" between the frequency with which clinicians currently engage patients in discussions about sexual health and the optimal frequency of such discussions is substantial. Fortunately, readily applicable interviewing tools can allow health care professionals to obtain necessary fundamental information about sexual health and close this therapeutic gap.
T cell-dependent inducible nitric oxide synthase production and ultrastructural morphology in BALB/c mice infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract Euthymic BALB/c and athymic nude BALB/c mice aged 3–8 days were infected intraperitoneally with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (ATCC strain 19698). After euthanasia at 5 months post-inoculation, hepatic granulomas were evaluated by morphometric analysis of digital images captured from light microscopy sections, by electron microscopy and by immunohistochemical methods. Euthymic mice differed from athymic mice in that (1) their hepatic granulomas were smaller, contained fewer bacteria, and produced more inducible nitric oxide synthase, and (2) their hepatic macrophages contained fewer bacteria, a higher percentage of degraded bacteria, and increased numbers of primary lysosomes. The study showed that macrophage activation was markedly less in the T cell-deficient athymic mice than in the euthymic mice.
The stability of modes at rest in a chaotic system

Abstract The stability of modes at rest in non-linear mechanical systems which have one active mode undergoing chaotic oscillations is considered. A general formulation is developed for these systems. Results from the theory of almost sure stability (Infante [1]) for stochastic systems are briefly reviewed in order to determine the minimal statistical measures of the chaos which are required to determine the stability of the inactive modes. A specific non-linear two-degree-of-freedom system is then considered for which these measures can be explicitly estimated by using a method developed by Brunsden et al. [2, 3]. Analytical results for the almost sure stability of the inactive mode are obtained and compared with simulation results.
National Identity and Foreign Policy: Nationalism and Leadership in Poland, Russia and Ukraine

This book is based on the premise that the foreign policy of any country is heavily influenced by a society's evolving notions of itself. Applying his analysis to Russia, Poland, and Ukraine, the author argues that national identity is an ever-changing concept, influenced by internal and external events, and by the manipulation of a polity's collective memory. The interaction of the narrative of a society and its foreign policy is therefore paramount. This is especially the case in East-Central Europe, where political institutions are weak, and social coherence remains subject to the vagaries of the concept of nationhood. Ilya Prizel's study will be of interest to students of nationalism, as well as of foreign policy and politics in East-Central Europe.
Response functions for computing absorbed dose to skeletal tissues from neutron irradiation.

Spongiosa in the adult human skeleton consists of three tissues?active marrow (AM), inactive marrow (IM) and trabecularized mineral bone (TB). AM is considered to be the target tissue for assessment of both long-term leukemia risk and acute marrow toxicity following radiation exposure. The total shallow marrow (TM50), defined as all tissues lying within the first 50 ?m of the bone surfaces, is considered to be the radiation target tissue of relevance for radiogenic bone cancer induction. For irradiation by sources external to the body, kerma to homogeneous spongiosa has been used as a surrogate for absorbed dose to both of these tissues, as direct dose calculations are not possible using computational phantoms with homogenized spongiosa. Recent micro-CT imaging of a 40 year old male cadaver has allowed for the accurate modeling of the fine microscopic structure of spongiosa in many regions of the adult skeleton (Hough et al 2011 Phys. Med. Biol. 56 2309?46). This microstructure, along with associated masses and tissue compositions, was used to compute specific absorbed fraction (SAF) values for protons originating in axial and appendicular bone sites (Jokisch et al 2011 Phys. Med. Biol. 56 6857?72). These proton SAFs, bone masses, tissue compositions and proton production cross sections, were subsequently used to construct neutron dose-response functions (DRFs) for both AM and TM50 targets in each bone of the reference adult male. Kerma conditions were assumed for other resultant charged particles. For comparison, AM, TM50 and spongiosa kerma coefficients were also calculated. At low incident neutron energies, AM kerma coefficients for neutrons correlate well with values of the AM DRF, while total marrow (TM) kerma coefficients correlate well with values of the TM50 DRF. At high incident neutron energies, all kerma coefficients and DRFs tend to converge as charged-particle equilibrium is established across the bone site. In the range of 10 eV to 100 MeV, substantial differences are observed among the kerma coefficients and DRF. As a result, it is recommended that the AM kerma coefficient be used to estimate the AM DRF, and that the TM kerma coefficient be used to estimate the TM50 DRF below 10 eV. Between 10 eV and 100 MeV, the appropriate DRF should be used as presented in this study. Above 100 MeV, spongiosa kerma coefficients apply well for estimating skeletal tissue doses. DRF values for each bone site as a function of energy are provided in an electronic annex to this article available at http://stacks.iop.org/0031-9155/56/6873/mmedia.
Knowledge and Unity in Heraclitus

In this paper I argue that the logos, the primary object of knowledge in Heraclitus' epistemology, is a unity both as an object of knowledge and as an instance of being rather than becoming. Section I begins with discussions of knowledge and Heraclitus' conception of logos', section II is concerned with knowledge and unity. The two later sections of the paper explore the consequences of the account I attribute to Heraclitus: section III considers being, unity, and change; and section IV discusses Heraclitus' views of knowledge and sense perception.
Prolongation of Survival of Tumour-bearing Animals by Transfer of “Immune” RNA with DEAE Dextran

RESTORATION of allograft immunity to a second set time is possible with “immune” RNA, even when there is Ehrlich ascites tumour in the recipient animal1,2. McCarthy showed that the presence of Ehrlich ascites tumour in mice delays the rejection of skin allografts3, and Mannick and Egdahl transferred adoptive allograft immunity in rabbits by spleen cell RNA using in vitro incubation with lymphoid cells4. This experimental model of Ehrlich ascites tumour in White Swiss recipient animals has also been studied in this laboratory in relation to tumour growth resisting factors and host immune status5,6.
Inequalities for higher order Ising spins and for continuum fluids

The recently derived Fortuin, Kasteleyn and Ginibre (FKG) inequalities for lattice gasses are investigated for higher order Ising spin systems and multi-component lattice gasses. Conditions are given for the validity of the FKG inequalities for higher order spin systems with Hamiltonians of the form used recently as models for various physical systems, e.g.He3−He4 mixtures. We also investigate various inequalities for binary lattice gases and show how these can be carried over to continuum systems.
Organization Theory: A Reassessment

In the previous decade the management paradigm was elaborated by systems theory. Presently, however, forces in the environment may shatter old values upon which this paradigm rests. New values may ...
CD200 Receptor Family Members Represent Novel DAP12-associated Activating Receptors on Basophils and Mast Cells *

Modulation by balancing activating and inhibitory receptors constitutes an important mechanism for regulating lymphocyte and myeloid cell effector responses. Using a microarray screen during parasitic helminth infection, we identified CD200 receptor-like 3 as a transcript highly expressed in basophils. Novel splice variants were present that generated proteins that differed in surface expression. The second immunoglobulin-like domain, encoded by exon 4, was required for cell surface expression and recruitment of DAP12 to the cell surface. Splice variants also generated unique cytoplasmic domains, which contributed to efficient pairing with DAP12. Despite expression on basophils and mast cells, which are integral components of allergic immunity, the absence of DAP12 did not alter effector cell recruitment or the host response elicited by helminth infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.
Platelet-derived Growth Factor D, Tissue-specific Expression in the Eye, and a Key Role in Control of Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation

Platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGF-D), also known as Iris-expressed growth factor, is a member of the PDGF/vascular endothelial growth factor family. The expression of PDGF-D in the eye is tissue-specific. In the anterior segment, it is localized to iris and ciliary body, whereas in the retina, PDGF-D is restricted to the outer plexiform layer. PDGF-D is present in aqueous humor but is not detectable in mature lens or in mouse lens-derived αTN4-1 cells. However, it is expressed in rabbit lens-derived N/N1003A cells. N/N1003A cell-conditioned medium stimulates proliferation in rat lens explants, and this is blocked by immunodepletion of PDGF-D. Immunopurified PDGF-D also stimulates cell proliferation in rat lens explants and in NIH 3T3 cells. In organ culture of rat eye anterior segments, anti-PDGF-D strongly inhibits lens epithelial cell proliferation. This finding suggests a major in vivo role for PDGF-D in the mechanisms of coordinated growth of eye tissues. Intervention in the PDGF-D pathway in the eye, perhaps by antibody or blocking peptide, could be useful in the treatment of certain cataracts, including post-operative secondary cataract.
An expert system for monitoring dynamic aspects of RCS

An expert system (ARC) based on the MIMIC(2) framework is being developed for assistance in monitoring the Space Shuttle reaction control system (RCS) and in training RCS mission controllers. ARC has four components: a hypothesis generator, a model-constructor, a model-simulator and a matcher. The hypothesis generator examines current readings of sensors to generate a set of hypotheses. The model constructor generates models from these hypotheses. The simulator predicts future behaviors of the system. The matcher validates hypotheses by testing the predicted states against real data. The hypothesis generator postulates faults using model-based reasoning (MBR), learned rules from real data, and expert-defined rules. The simulator uses a qualitative QSIM model of the RCS which can handle both nominal modes as well as a variety of fault models. This allows the simulator to simulate the system even when one or more components have degraded. Finally, the matcher is responsible for comparing readings against predictions and calculating confidence in a particular hypothesis.
Systems for the separation of metabolites of the carcinogen, N-2-fluorenylacetamide, by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Separation procedures for N-2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) and its metabolites have been hampered by the unusually strong adsorption of N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-2-FAA), the proximate carcinogenic metabolite, to chromatographic packings. Results of investigatious with C2, C3, C8, and C18 column packings are presented showing that N-OH-2-FAA could be eluted and the separation of 2-FAA and eight other metabolites achieved with acidic mobile phases on C2 and C8 columns after a period of column conditioning. Elution of C8 columns with mobile phases containing acetohydroxamic acid was less destructive to the columns while permitting the separation of 2-FAA and its metabolites with recovery yields of N-OH-2-FAA of 91.5%. Quantitation of these compounds was by integration of peaks detected by the spectroscopic method. Areas were linear for peaks representing from 5 to at least 50 ng of N-OH-2-FAA and of the eight other metabolites.
Assessment of functional outcomes in burned children after axillary contracture release

Abstract Introduction: Children with severe axillary burns frequently require surgical release of scar contractures to restore “normal” motion. Data on functional outcomes after this procedure is lacking. Our hypothesis is that children use compensatory motion patterns to accomplish functional tasks after axillary contracture formation and that successful contracture release normalizes those patterns. Methods: The functional movement of twelve children ≥5 years of age who underwent surgical axillary contracture release was studied prospectively prior to and 1 year after surgery. Movement of shoulder, neck, trunk, and arm were analyzed during five functional tasks: high reach, hand to head, hand to back pocket, receiving change, and waving. Patient motion was recorded, and 3D motion analyzed utilizing a previously validated computer model. Results: Twelve children, mean age of 8.4 years, completed the study. Functional shoulder and trunk range of motion are depicted in the table below. TABLE—ABSTRACT 11 . High reach Hand to head Hand to back pocket Preop 1 Year Preop 1 Year Preop 1 Year Sh Flex 64 125 ∗ 43 75 ∗ −38 −38 Sh Abd 34 31 34 45 ∗ 8.6 8.2 Sh ER −1 −35 ∗ −2 −19 ∗ −27 −21 Trunk Rot 2 0.5 3 0.4 4 −14 ∗ Neck Rot 0.3 11 ∗ −3 8 ∗ −3 9 ∗ ∗ Significantly different from preoperative (P Mean angular position in degrees with standard deviation is shown for burn patients pre and post release. Positive angular excursions represent joint motions of flexion, abduction, or external rotation. Negative angular excursions represent joint motions of extension, adduction, or internal rotation. Conclusions: Surgical correction of axillary contractures in children result in marked changes in movement patterns during functional tasks. Surgical release of the contracture results in significant normalization of movement and improves patient functional outcomes.
Optimizing assignment of Tomahawk cruise missile missions to firing units

© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 58: 281–295, 2011 The article of record as published may be located at http://dx.doi.org/DOI 10.1002/nav.20377
Prediction of rate constants in the CH2Cl2 reaction set

Abstract The serious problems concerning hazardous waste disposal have prompted recent studies in incineration, since this disposal strategy represents one of growing application. Clearly, there remain a number of unanswered questions relating to this waste control option. Several practical questions of interest include how to predict incinerator efficiencies, how to determine optimal operating conditions, how to design optimal future generation units, and how to predict off-design operation. Modeling strategies, at various levels, will play an important part in answering these and other pertinent questions. Any realistic modeling activity in the incineration area must include the flame-mode chemistry involved. Unfortunately, for many of the compounds of interest, flame-mode chemical kinetic data are not available for use in incinerator models. The work to be presented in this poster session has focussed upon obtaining this chemical kinetic information for a select group of hazardous wastes. A method for predicting reaction rate constants for the oxidation of chlorinated methanes will be presented, with emphasis on the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) set. These reactions are then used to simulate two premixed CH2Cl2/CH4/air flat flames at a Cl/H ratio of 0.33. Simulations are made for a fuel rich flame (O = 1.10), and a fuel lean flame (O = 0.77). The model uses a reaction set with 347 reactions and 71 species, and includes chemistry for hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons up to the C2's. The calculated species profiles are given for each flame, and are then compared to experimental results. These profiles include the major species and ten important stable intermediates, including the chlorinated methanes. A reaction rate analysis is performed for each flame. This allows for the identification of the important reactions in the destruction of the chlorinated species, and provides insight into the role of chlorine in hydrocarbon flames. The important reaction pathways for the CH2Cl2/CH4/air flames will also be shown.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Wear Resistance of Various Tool Materials in Friction Stir Welding of Metal Matrix Composites

Friction stir welding (FSW) is the preferred joining method for metal-matrix composites (MMCs). As a solid-state process, it precludes formation of the intermetallic precipitates responsible for degradation of mechanical properties in fusion welds of MMCs. The major barrier to FSW of MMCs is the rapid and severe wear of the welding pin tool, a consequence of prolonged contact between the tool and the harder reinforcements which give the material its enhanced strength. This study evaluates the effectiveness of harder tool materials to combat wear in the FSW of MMCs. The tool materials considered are O1 steel, cemented carbide (WC-Co) of the micrograin and submicrograin varieties, and WC-Co coated with diamond. The challenges which accompany the application of harder tool materials and diamond coatings in FSW are also discussed. This study represents the first use of diamond-coated tools in FSW and the first comparative evaluation of tool materials for this application.