cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agent Orange Exposure and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance: An Operation Ranch Hand Veteran Cohort Study

Importance Multiple myeloma has been classified as exhibiting “limited or suggestive evidence” of an association with exposure to herbicides in Vietnam War veterans. Occupational studies have shown that other pesticides (ie, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) are associated with excess risk of multiple myeloma and its precursor state, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS); however, to our knowledge, no studies have uncovered such an association in Vietnam War veterans. Objective To examine the relationship between MGUS and exposure to Agent Orange, including its contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), in Vietnam War veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a prospective cohort study conducted in 2013 to 2014, testing for MGUS in serum specimens collected and stored in 2002 by the Air Force Health Study (AFHS). The relevant exposure data collected by the AFHS was also used. We tested all specimens in 2013 without knowledge of the exposure status. The AFHS included former US Air Force personnel who participated in Operation Ranch Hand (Ranch Hand veterans) and other US Air Force personnel who had similar duties in Southeast Asia during the same time period (1962 to 1971) but were not involved in herbicide spray missions (comparison veterans). Agent Orange was used by the US Air Force personnel who conducted aerial spray missions of herbicides (Operation Ranch Hand) in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. We included 479 Ranch Hand veterans and 479 comparison veterans who participated in the 2002 follow-up examination of AFHS. Exposures Agent Orange and TCDD. Serum TCDD levels were measured in 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002. Main Outcomes and Measures Risk of MGUS measured by prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% CIs. Results The 479 Ranch Hand veterans and 479 comparison veterans had similar demographic and lifestyle characteristics and medical histories. The crude prevalence of overall MGUS was 7.1% (34 of 479) in Ranch Hand veterans and 3.1% (15 of 479) in comparison veterans. This translated into a 2.4-fold increased risk for MGUS in Ranch Hand veterans than comparison veterans after adjusting for age, race, BMI in 2002, and the change in BMI between 2002 and the time of blood draw for TCDD measurement (adjusted OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.27-4.44; P = .007). Conclusions and Relevance Operation Ranch Hand veterans have a significantly increased risk of MGUS, supporting an association between Agent Orange exposure and multiple myeloma.
Issues in open access vs. infrastructure security [electricity markets]

Summary form only given, as follows. One of the premises underlying the move toward competitive markets has been the presumption that it requires "open access" to the transmission network, with widespread availability of data on the capabilities of that network. The electrical circuit characteristics of the transmission grid play an intimate role in determining the limits on transmission capability. Almost inevitably, therefore, it would appear that widespread availability of data regarding transmission capability will carry with it fairly detailed knowledge of the physical characteristics of the transmission grid, and more notably, its "Achilles heels," in the form of major transmission bottleneck points whose loss would render the system inoperable. While the inherent tension between the open data availability and privacy/security concerns has been recognized since the beginning of the move toward open access, revisiting the argument for strong attention to infrastructure security has become far more compelling in the wake of the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001.
Product development flexibility in a changing business environment

Increasing global competition has instilled a high degree of uncertainty into the business environment. A firm's capability to deal with uncertainty is increasingly important. While facing the business environmental change, each industry may face a distinctive rate of business evolution. The product life cycle in the electronic industry is much shorter than that in the utility industry. In the changing business environment, any firm that possesses a higher clock speed would enhance its product development flexibility to hedge against market uncertainty. This paper proposes a research model to depict the relationship among firm's clock speed, the supplier involvement, Concurrent Engineering (CE) practices and product development flexibility.
Inbreeding, kin selection, and primate social evolution

In this paper I argue (a) that the study of kin selection may be facilitated by looking for influences of inbreeding, which is an important aspect of a population's genetic structure; (b) that in nonhuman primates the level of inbreeding will be largely a function of the rate of migration by individuals, usually only of one sex, between social units or troops; (c) that many primate species live in relatively outbred groups, and that their social structure reflects this; and (d) that extensive social contrasts between bonnet and pigtail macaques reflect evolution by kin selection under different levels of inbreeding.
Multicomponent diffusion in MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 melts

Abstract The process of multicomponent diffusion in silicate melts has been explored through a series of diffusion experiments in MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 melts. Experiments were performed in a variety of compositional directions in both systems at temperatures close to 1773 K. These experiments demonstrate a variety of uphill diffusion effects. The first-order features of our composition profiles can be represented using a constant n−1 dimensional diffusion matrix, however, many secondorder features cannot. A more complex model, in which the melt is postulated to be made up of a number of diffusing melt species, is more successful at reproducing flux reversal features. Unfortunately, this scheme suffers from a surplus of unconstrainable parameters. Detailed compositional maps and computer simulations suggest that convective fingering processes are not responsible for the unusual features in our profiles. Best fit values for diffusion matrices are estimated for each of the two melt systems. All eigenvalues of diffusion matrices in both systems are on the order of 10−11 m2 sec−1. The uniformity of diffusion coefficients suggests that the rate of diffusion of all melt species in the melts considered may be governed by the same rate-limiting step.
Orion GNC Mitigation Efforts for Van Allen Radiation

The Orion Crew Module (CM) is NASA's next generation manned space vehicle, scheduled to return humans to lunar orbit in the coming decade. The Orion avionics and GN&C architectures have progressed through a number of project phases and are nearing completion of a major milestone. The first unmanned test mission, dubbed "Exploration Flight Test One" (EFT-1) is scheduled to launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center late next year and provides the first integrated test of all the vehicle systems, avionics and software. The EFT-1 mission will be an unmanned test flight that includes a high speed re-entry from an elliptical orbit, which will be launched on an expendable launch vehicle (ELV). The ELV will place CM and the ELV upper stage into a low Earth orbit (LEO) for one revolution. After the first LEO, the ELV upper stage will re-ignite and place the combined upper stage/CM into an elliptical orbit whose perigee results in a high energy entry to test CM response in a relatively high velocity, high heating environment. While not producing entry velocities as high as those experienced in returning from a lunar orbit, the trajectory was chosen to provide higher stresses on the thermal protection and guided entry systems, as compared against a lower energy LEO entry. However the required entry geometry with constraints on inclination and landing site result in a trajectory that lingers for many hours in the Van Allen radiation belts. This exposes the vehicle and avionics to much higher levels of high energy proton radiation than a typical LEO or lunar trajectory would encounter. As a result, Van Allen radiation poses a significant risk to the Orion avionics system, and particularly the Flight Control Module (FCM) computers that house the GN&C flight software. The measures taken by the Orion GN&C, Flight Software and Avionics teams to mitigate the risks associated with the Van Allen radiation on EFT-1 are covered in the paper. Background on the Orion avionics subsystem is provided, as well as an overview of the GN&C software architecture. The measures taken to handle radiation induced failure of the one or both of the FCM's are presented, and finally simulation and actual hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) results are shown confirming the validity of the implementation. The paper presents an overview of the Orion avionics architecture describing the GNC sensors, onboard data network as well as the flight control computers and their planned restart capabilities. GN&C sensors include two Orion Inertial Measurement Units (OIMU's), a Vision Processing Unit (VPU) to process camera images, three barometric altimeters and a single GPS receiver. All of the sensors communicate to one of two Power and Data Units (PDU's). The PDU's multiplex analog and serial data from the sensors and write the data to the Orion Data Network (ODN). The OIMU s write measurement messages directly as onto the ODN, but they are routed through PDU network switches.
Turnover of myeloma messenger RNA

The turnover of poly A + RNA in myeloma microsomes and postmicrosomal cytoplasm has been determined by analyzing the labeling kinetics of RNA in myeloma cells provided with a constant precursor pool of H3-uridine. The halflife of cytoplasmic poly A + RNA was found to be 12.2 hours, that of microsomal poly A + RNA 44.4 hours. Since the majority of the poly A + RNA in myeloma microsomes is immunoglobulin mRNA, the data suggest that immunoglobulin mRNA is turned over very slowly.
The ethics of medical education

Medical students and doctors in training need to hone their clinical skills on patients to make themselves better doctors, but patients may not benefit directly from such attention. Jagsi and Lehmann consider this ethical dilemma and suggest ways to minimise the potential harm to patients
Stress distribution of aligned short-fiber composites under axial load

The objective of this paper is to investigate the normal and interfacial shear stress distribution of short-fiber composites under a force either parallel to the fiber or mak ing some angle with the fiber. Different geometrical shapes of fiber end were taken into account. The geometrical shapes under investigations were: rectangular, semi-circular, V-shaped and wedge-shaped respectively.Analytical solutions of this problem were achieved by using finite-element numerical scheme. For the cases when the applied load is parallel to the fiber, very small triangular constant strain elements were used near the fiber tip and rectangular elements were used throughout the rest of the region. For the cases of off-axis loading parabolic-isoparametric elements were used throughout the entire domain. Depending upon the fiber volume fractions and fiber end geometry, the total time of calculation for each case is around 18 seconds.Numerical results of normalized normal stress σf and shear stress τ were plotted as a funct...
Near-threshold electron impact ionization of Ne and Xe

Doubly differential cross-sections for the single electron impact ionization of Ne and Xe have been measured at several energies below the second ionization energy. The results indicate that the ionization of Ne is strongly influenced by the polarization of the ionized 22P3/2,1/2 core, where as this influence is significantly reduced for Xe. Single differential cross-sections are derived from the doubly differential cross-sections and for Xenon these show profiles similar to Helium ("smile"), whereas for Neon they show a dissimilar profile ("frown").
James Webb Space Telescope: characterization of flight candidate NIR InSb arrays

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, will draw on recent improvements in infrared array technologies to achieve its goals and mission. In order to best meet the goals of JWST, NASA is funding a competition between two near infrared detector technologies: InSb detector arrays from Raytheon Vision Systems and HgCdTe detector arrays from Rockwell Scientific. The University of Rochester, in collaboration with Raytheon, is testing near infrared InSb detectors in a 2048 x 2048 array format to meet the stringent requirements for JWST. Results from characterization under top level requirements, such as noise, quantum efficiency, well capacity, pixel operability, etc., are discussed. Dark current and its contribution to the total noise are analyzed.
Crystal Structure of and Defects in the Pentacene Thin Film Phase

The aromatic hydrocarbon pentacene is currently under investigation for use as the active layer in electronic devices such as thin film field effect transistors. We have used X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Diffraction (ED), Low Voltage Electron Microscopy (LVEM), High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM) and molecular modeling to investigate the thin film phase of pentacene. We will report the orthorhombic symmetry and lattice parameters of the thin film phase measured experimentally from these techniques. The structure of extended defects such as dislocations and grain boundaries will influence the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the films. Here we show a direct image of an edge dislocation in the thin film phase and discuss the way in which the lattice accommodates the defect.
Density Measurements in a Supersonic Microjet Using Miniature Rainbow Schlieren Deflectometry

Understanding of the structure of complex supersonic flows requires high-resolution, nonintrusive measurements across the whole field. The measurement requirements are even more challenging when dealing with small-scale systems. In this study, we apply the miniature rainbow schlieren deflectometry system to measure the density field in underexpanded microjets from an orifice injector of 500 μm diameter. The injector is used to replicate the practical scenario of accidental leakage from a compressed gas storage facility. Experiments were conducted for a range of supply pressures P s , although the majority of the results are presented for P s = 860 kPa. Experimental schlieren images were analyzed to determine the density contours in an axisymmetric domain with a field of view of 1.5 mm radius and 7.5 mm length, at a spatial resolution of 25 μm. Pressure, temperature, and Mach number profiles (normalized by the values at the orifice) were also obtained along the jet centerline. Results show features similar to those observed in underexpanded macrojet from a sonic nozzle; multiple shock-cell structures with expansion and compression fans, freejet boundary, incident, normal, and reflected shock waves, subsonic slip strip, and outer shear layer. The miniature rainbow schlieren deflectometry technique is shown to provide high-quality quantitative data to explain the structural details of underexpanded microjets.
Optimal tool orientation control for 5-axis CNC milling with ball-end cutters

When a ball-end milling tool cuts a given path on a smooth surface, it is desirable to maintain a fixed angle @j between the tool axis a and the local surface normal n at each point, to ensure a constant speed of the tool cutting edge against the surface. This means that the tool axis a must lie on a cone of angle @j about the surface normal n at each point, but its azimuthal position on this cone remains indeterminate. To resolve this indeterminacy, while minimizing actuation of the rotary axes that orient the workpiece relative to the tool, the component of a in the surface tangent plane is specified through the parallel transport of a given initial state along the path. This amounts to the integration of coupled first-order differential equations that involve the Christoffel symbols for the given surface. Alternatively, the tangent plane component of the tool axis a is shown to be rotation-minimizing with respect to the surface normal n, and its orientation relative to the Darboux frame along the tool path can be determined by integrating the geodesic curvature along that path. The method is illustrated by closed-form solutions for simple analytic surfaces, and numerical integration using an object-oriented software implementation for free-form surfaces. The real-time implementation of such rotation-minimizing 5-axis tool motions for free-form surfaces is well within the scope of modern CNC systems.
Lifetime Improvement of Glucose Biosensor by Epoxy-Enhanced PVC Membrane

A new approach using epoxy resin to enhance the durability and adhesion of a diffusion-limiting membrane in amperometric biosensors is described. The polymer membrane was mainly composed of commercially available fast epoxy adhesive ATACS 5104, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and plasticizers such as isopropyl myristate (IMP) and Aliquat 336 (AL). It can be readily deposited on various substrates by using coating and other thin film fabrication methods. The effect of epoxy resin in the membrane composition was investigated using a coil-type glucose biosensor containing extra enzyme. The ideal membrane was found to include approximately 1/3 epoxy resin, 1/3 plasticizer and 1/3 PVC. Such a membrane was verified to be porous and permeable to small molecules like glucose and can tightly adhere to other beneath layers such as a Nafion membrane, which serves as the interference-eliminating layer. These epoxy-based glucose biosensors showed excellent electrochemical response properties including a long lifetime and can be used for microanalysis of solutions and biological fluids. With an additional PU outermost layer, the present glucose biosensors can potentially be used for in vivo measurements.
Ontogenetic Change in Temporal Bone Pneumatization in Humans

Pneumatization of the temporal bone is often included in descriptions of fossils and as a phylogenetic marker, but a number of questions about the evolution, growth, and development of the trait remain. Many studies have analyzed temporal bone pneumatization from a clinical perspective, but a systematic quantification of normal development of pneumatized spaces has not been conducted. In this study, ontogenetic change in the size and organization of temporal bone pneumatization is analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of humans. High resolution computed tomography scans of the temporal bone were acquired from a cross-sectional sample of humans (N ¼ 28). Bone volume fractions, anisotropy, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, surface area, and volume were analyzed to provide information about the organization and size of pneumatized spaces across ontogeny. The results indicate that there are general and region-specific patterns of ontogenetic changes in the organization of pneumatized spaces. These changes reflect the transition from nonpneumatized bone to pneumatized bone. It also demonstrates that those regions that are pneumatized early in ontogeny (such as the mastoid antrum) continue to remodel after the initial period of pneumatization. The dynamic nature of temporal bone pneumatization over ontogeny suggests that this character requires careful consideration when used as a character for phylogenetic analyses. These results demonstrate the importance of comparing individuals from similar developmental stages, especially when completing quantitative analyses of the extent of pneumatization or organization of the spaces. Anat Rec, 294:1103–1115, 2011. V V C 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Orbital order in Mott insulators of spinless p-band fermions.

A gas of strongly interacting single-species (spinless) $p$-orbital fermionic atoms in 2D optical lattices is proposed and studied. Several interesting new features are found. In the Mott limit on a square lattice, the gas is found to be described effectively by an orbital exchange Hamiltonian equivalent to a pseudospin-$1/2$ $XXZ$ model. For a triangular, honeycomb, or kagome lattice, the orbital exchange is geometrically frustrated and described by a new quantum 120\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} model. We determine the orbital ordering on the kagome lattice, and show how orbital wave fluctuations select ground states via the order by disorder mechanism for the honeycomb lattice. We discuss experimental signatures of various orbital ordering.
Extubating in the operating room after adult cardiac surgery safely improves outcomes and lowers costs

Objective Prolonged intubation has been implicated in the poor outcomes after adult cardiac surgery. Accelerated postoperative extubation has been a quality focus, but operating room (OR) extubation after cardiopulmonary bypass is rare. We examined the outcomes and direct costs of protocolized OR extubation versus early postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) extubation after nonemergency open cardiac surgery. Methods From January 2012 to June 2013, 652 consecutive patients who had undergone various cardiac operations, including redo and multivalve operations, were extubated within 12 hours, 165 in the OR. The OR extubation patients were propensity matched from multivariable logistic regression to derive 106 matched pairs for OR extubation versus extubation Results OR versus ICU extubation conveyed significant reductions in ICU hours (26.3, interquartile range [IQR], 22.0-31.0; vs 29.0, IQR, 25.0-51.0; P = .001, for group 1; 27.0, IQR, 22.0-32.0; vs 29.0, IQR, 25.0-54.0; P = .0002, for group 2) and postoperative length of stay (5 days, IQR, 4-6; vs 6 days, IQR, 5-7; P = .0008, for group 1; 5 days, IQR, 4-6; vs 6 days, IQR, 4-7; P = .0002, for group 2) but did not affect the reintubation rate (1.9% [2 of 106] vs 0.0% [0 of 106], P = .5, group 1; 3.1% [3 of 98] vs 2.0% [2 of 98], P = 1.0, group 2). OR versus ICU extubation conferred a >20% cost reduction from surgery completion to discharge ($3055, IQR, $2576-$3964; vs $3977, IQR, $3028-$4947; P = .0007, group 1; $3025, IQR, $2598-$3965, vs $3877, IQR, $2998-$5458; P = .007, group 2). Conclusions After cardiac surgery, OR extubation is safe and might provide improvement in length of stay and cost compared with early postoperative ICU extubation.
Chromosome complement of tenrecs,Centetes ecaudatus (Order Insectivora, Class Mammalia)

Dans les leucoyctes en culture de 7 TenrecsCentetes ecaudatus (4 mâles et 3 femelles) provenant de la Republique Malgache, l'auteur a compte 38 chromosomes et constate que les sexes ont un caryocyte distinct. C'est la premiere etude faite sur les chromosomes d'un representant de la famille des Tenrecidae (Insectivores).
Enhanced hepatic uptake of thallium-201 in patients with severe narrowing of the right coronary artery

Abstract To assess the hepatic uptake of thallium-201 after exercise treadmill testing and to investigate whether hepatic uptake of thallium-201 may be a useful marker of right coronary artery (RCA) disease, 43 patients were studied: 17 with RCA disease (9 with 1-vessel disease, 8 with multivessel disease including the RCA), 8 with left coronary system disease alone, and 18 with a low probability ( 2 SDs above the mean of the low-probability group; there was no significant difference in either ratio between those with and without inferior stress perfusion defects in patients with RCA disease. Thus, significant RCA disease is strongly associated with increased hepatic thallium-201 uptake during exercise, which is possibly related to inducible ischemic right ventricular dysfunction. These indexes have excellent ability to discriminate between the presence and absence of RCA disease.
Retardation of Tritium and Cesium in Brine-Saturated Mudstone, Halite, and Carbonate Porous Media

Batch and column sorption/desorption experiments were conducted to quantify the retardation of tritium and cesium in brine-saturated mudstone, halite, and carbonate rocks from Palo Duro Basin, Texas, one of the three sites originally nominated by the U.S. Department of Energy for construction of a civilian nuclear waste repository. Retardation factors (R) were determined using six different methods, including batch sorption equilibrium, fitting of two transport models, breakthrough area integration, and pore volume displacement at C/C0= 0.5, for both the sorption and desorption parts of the breakthrough curves. The breakthrough area integration method resulted in R values consistently lower than the other methods, which were in reasonable agreement. The data indicated very small retardation for cesium in all the media, except mudstone, which exhibited moderate retardation (R < 3.5). It was shown that the small extent of cesium retardation was most possibly caused by the strong competition for sorption sites of the components of the saturated brine, which were several orders of magnitude higher in concentration than cesium. Tritium breakthrough curves for all media tested were accurately simulated by the local equilibrium advection-dispersion model (model I). With the exception of mudstone, cesium breakthrough curves were also adequately simulated by model I. The cesium breakthrough curve for mudstone exhibited considerable tailing on the desorption side of the curve, which was best described by the two-site kinetic sorption model II. This was attributed to chemical nonequilibrium (two types of sorption sites). Predicted breakthrough curves for cesium using model I were in good to reasonable agreement with measured breakthrough curves.
Severity of Helicobacter-induced gastric injury correlates with gastric juice ammonia.

We postulated that ammonia produced byHelicobacter pylori may contribute to gastric mucosal injury. This hypothesis was evaluated inHelicobacter-positive patients with chronic renal failure in whom a high urea concentration might amplify this phenomenon. Gastric urea and ammonia were measured, and the severity of gastritis was evaluated by counting mononuclear and polymorphonuclear, cells. High gastric ammonia and low urea inHelicobacter-positive patients, and the converse inHelicobacter-negative subjects, were observed. There was a significant correlation between gastric ammonia and interstitial polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration (P<0.05), suggesting a causal link. Eradication ofHelicobacter pylori was associated with a decrease of ammonia and an increase of urea (P<0.01). The significant correlation between the severity of gastric inflammation and the gastric juice ammonia concentration suggests that ammonia may play a pathogenic role inHelicobacter-associated gastric injury.
Chromosomal localization of ARSB, the gene for human N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase.

A deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (G4S, gene symbol ARSB), results in the accumulation of undegraded substrate and the lysosomal storage disorder, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type VI). In situ hybridization using an 3H-labelled human G4S genomic DNA fragment to human metaphase chromosomes localized ARSB to chromosome 5q13–5q14. This location is consistent with, an refines, previous chromosomal assignments based on the expression of human G4S in somatic cell hybrids.
Deformation of As-cast LiF-22mol.%CaF2 hypereutectic salt between 500 and 1015 K

Results are presented on compression tests conducted on as-cast LiF-22 mol pct CaF2 hypereutectic specimens at nominal strain rates between 1.8 x 10 to the -6th/sec and 0.25/sec over the temperature range 500-1015 K. In all instances, the stress-strain curves showed broad maxima, with negative strain-hardening rates after the peak stress sigma(max). It was found that, at low temperatures and high stresses, the CaF2 lamellae are rigid while the LiF matrix exhibits extensive transgranular cavitation, while at high temperatures and low stresses the CaF2 lamellae break down and spheroidize while the LiF matrix does not cavitate. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of the as-cast hypereutectic LiF-22 mol pct CaF2 are governed by the rate of deformation of the CaF2 phase. It is suggested that, for thermal energy storage applications, a spheroidal microstructure is more desirable than a lamellar structure.
Reactions of Laser-Ablated U and Th with CO2: Neon Matrix Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations of OUCO, OThCO, and Other Products

Laser-ablated U and Th atoms react with CO2 to give OUCO (1806.9, 823.2 cm-1) and OThCO (1778.4 cm-1) as major products, which are identified by isotopic substitution (13CO2, C18O2 and 12CO2 + 13CO2, C16O18O + C18O2 mixtures), doping with CCl4 as an electron trap, and comparison with frequencies from density functional calculations. The insertion reaction is spontaneous as these bands increase on annealing the neon matrix from 4 to 6 K. Further reaction of OAnCO (An = Th, U) with another CO2 molecule gives the O2An(CO)2 product, although much more so with uranium than thorium. Reaction of the metal cations with CO2 produces OUCO+ (2073.0, 881.2 cm-1) and OThCO+ (2009.9, 896.4 cm-1) with higher yield in thorium experiments. The O2An(CO)2- anions are observed for both metals again with higher yield in uranium investigations.
Determinants of social comparison choices

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to clarify previous, inconsistent findings regarding various hypothesized determinants of social comparison choices. A bogus personality trait scale was administered to subjects, and they were either informed of the range of scores in their group (R conditions) or not informed (NR conditions). Experiment 1 closely replicated support for a range-seeking hypothesis and for Festinger's theory of social comparison processes (1954), provided only minimal support for a positive instance hypothesis, and failed to obtain support for a desirability hypothesis. Experiment 2 was run to complement Experiment 1 in providing an unequivocal test of the positive instance and desirability hypotheses. The results suggested a multifactor model to account for comparison choices, the factors being whether or not a score was (a) an uncertain element (i.e., the highest score), (b) a positive instance, and/or (c) desirable.
Negative ENDOR: The direct evidence for negative enhancement and the phase shift☆

Abstract Direct evidence for negative enhancement, that is, reduction of the ESR absorption intensity by an intense rf field at nuclear resonance frequency, was obtained. It was also shown that application of the intense rf field shifts the phase of the ESR signal. This result was interpreted with the aid of the Bloch equation.
Biochemical characterization of chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram resistance in laboratory-selected obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Neonate larvae of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana, from a laboratory colony were exposed to two reduced-risk insecticides, chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram. After nine generations of selection, significant levels of resistance to each insecticide were observed. Biochemical assays were performed on third instars to determine potential resistance mechanisms. Enzyme assays indicated that esterase activity was significantly increased in the chlorantraniliprole-selected colony, whereas mixed-function oxidase levels were elevated in the spinetoram-selected colony as compared to the unselected colony. No difference in glutathione-S-transferase activity was seen in either of the insecticide-selected colonies. These results indicate the potential involvement of esterases and mixed-function oxidases as detoxification mechanisms responsible for resistance to chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram, respectively. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram are not detoxified by similar mechanisms and could therefore be incorporated into resistance management programs in tree fruit leading to sustainable management of C. rosaceana.
Deep inelastic sum rules in source theory

Abstract An earlier paper showed that Adler's neutrino sum rule was reasonably well satisfied by source theoretic structure functions, and a new derivation was produced that made no use of operator-valued currents. Here, we supply new derivations for the Gross-Llewellyn-Smith and Bjorken sum rules, with the intention of denying the assertion that they are consequences of, and constitute tests for the validity of speculative hypotheses concerning inner hadronic structure. The essential tool is the well-established technique of imbedding kinematic transformations in a dynamical framework. A previously proposed source theory structure function, incorporating a rather arbitrary diffraction factor, somewhat overstates the GLS integral; a simple modification designed to satisfy the sum rule improves the agreement with experiment of the structure function. Acceptance of the Bjorken sum rule implies a value of a structure function integral an order of magnitude larger than that provisionally assumed. The modifications required to satisfy the sum rule retain agreement with the recently announced deep inelastic polarization measurements.
E6 Exotic quark production in ep collisions

Abstract We examine the possibility of producing exotic quarks from E 6 theories via flavor changing couplings in high energy ep collisions at HERA and the proposed LEP × LHC. We find that the rate is rather small and very mixing angle dependent. Assuming maximal mixing, the production rates are ≌ 10−30 events per year at HERA (for masses up to 100 GeV) and ≌200 events per year at LEP × LHC (for masses up to 300 GeV).
Improved ultrasonic detection using the analytic signal magnitude

Abstract An alternative to rectification is proposed for detection of an ultrasonic signal for medical or non-destructive evaluation applications. With this technique the envelope of the ultrasonic waveform is obtained by calculation of the magnitude of the complex analytic signal. An implementation, particularly suited for digital data processing, is presented which utilizes a fast Fourier transform for computation of the quadrature component of the received signal using the Hilbert transform. An ordinary transducer, pulser, and receiver are used together with a digital data acquisition system. The results of this processing are compared with conventional rectification, both with and without smoothing. The superior resolvability of two closely spaced interfaces on the A-mode presentation is clearly evident. Similar improvement in B-mode quality will result when an image is required.
The role of Pitx2 in maintaining the phenotype of myogenic precursor cells in the extraocular muscles.

Many differences exist between extraocular muscles (EOM) and non-cranial skeletal muscles. One striking difference is the sparing of EOM in various muscular dystrophies compared to non-cranial skeletal muscles. EOM undergo continuous myonuclear remodeling in normal, uninjured adults, and distinct transcription factors are required for the early determination, development, and maintenance of EOM compared to limb skeletal muscle. Pitx2, a bicoid-like homeobox transcription factor, is required for the development of EOM and the maintenance of characteristic properties of the adult EOM phenotype, but is not required for the development of limb muscle. We hypothesize that these unique properties of EOM contribute to the constitutive differences between EOM and non-craniofacial skeletal muscles. Using flow cytometry, CD34+/Sca1−/CD45−/CD31− cells (EECD34 cells) were isolated from extraocular and limb skeletal muscle and in vitro, EOM EECD34 cells proliferated faster than limb muscle EECD34 cells. To further define these myogenic precursor cells from EOM and limb skeletal muscle, they were analyzed for their expression of Pitx2. Western blotting and immunohistochemical data demonstrated that EOM express higher levels of Pitx2 than limb muscle, and 80% of the EECD34 cells expressed Pitx2. siRNA knockdown of Pitx2 expression in EECD34 cells in vitro decreased proliferation rates and impaired the ability of EECD34 cells to fuse into multinucleated myotubes. High levels of Pitx2 were retained in dystrophic and aging mouse EOM and the EOM EECD34 cells compared to limb muscle. The differential expression of Pitx2 between EOM and limb skeletal muscle along with the functional changes in response to lower levels of Pitx2 expression in the myogenic precursor cells suggest a role for Pitx2 in the maintenance of constitutive differences between EOM and limb skeletal muscle that may contribute to the sparing of EOM in muscular dystrophies.
Fast solvent removal by mechanical twisting for gel spinning of ultrastrong fibers

A new method for fast solvent removal in gel spinning was investigated. Instead of solvent evaporation or coagulation as conventionally used, the new method involves mechanically twisting the gel-fiber along the fiber axis. By removing the majority of solvent in the gel-fiber by mechanical twisting not only the emission of solvent vapor and the production of waste solvent mixture or coagulation byproducts are minimized but also the fiber production rate is significantly increased. The new solvent removal method was demonstrated through gel spinning of high-strength ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers using both volatile and nonvolatile spin solvents. Approximately 90% of the spin solvent was removed by a single-step twisting process and the resulting fiber retained the high mechanical properties conventionally obtained. A mechanistic model was developed for estimating the solvent removal as a function of twisting. With respect to the gel spinning industry, the new solvent removal method holds a promise of simplifying the solvent removal and recovery steps and improving the production rate, leading to more efficient and effective gel spinning processes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:745–752, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Inhibition of glucagon-stimulated cAMP accumulation and fatty acid oxidation by E-series prostaglandins in isolated rat hepatocytes.

E-series prostaglandins have been shown to inhibit hepatic glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis without inhibiting glycogenolysis stimulated by cAMP analogs. In the present studies, prostaglandin E2 and 16,16-dimethylprostaglandin E2 inhibited glucagon-stimulated cAMP accumulation in isolated rat hepatocytes by 25% and 46%, respectively, without affecting basal cAMP levels. Half-maximal inhibition of glucagon-stimulated cAMP accumulation occurred at approx. 10−7 M 16,16-dimethylprostaglandin E2. 16,16-Dimethylprostaglandin E2 inhibited glucagon-stimulated palmitate oxidation in intact hepatocytes without affecting basal rates of palmitate oxidation. 16,16-Dimethylprostaglandin E2 had no effect on palmitate oxidation in a liver homogenate system. These studies demonstrate that prostaglandin E antagonizes the effects of glucagon on hepatic metabolism by inhibiting glucagon-stimulated cAMP accumulation.
Construction of a GT polymorphism map of human 9q.

Abstract To construct a framework map of human chromosome 9 consisting of highly informative markers, we identified 36 cosmid clones from chromosome 9 that contained long GT repeat sequences. The cosmids were found to cluster on the long arm of the chromosome, particularly in the q32–34 region. Thirteen highly informative polymorphisms from 9q were identified, with median observed heterozygosity 0.75 and median calculated heterozygosity based upon allele frequencies of 0.75. These new GT repeat polymorphisms (D9S56, D9S58–67), as well as anchor GT polymorphisms for D9S15 (MCT112, 9q13), and ABL and ASS (both 9q34.1) were utilized to construct a linkage map of human 9q by the typing of the Venezuelan Reference Pedigree. Care was taken to avoid errors, including analysis of the data with CHROMLOOK and verification of all double crossover events detected within a 30 cM interval by repetition of the marker analysis. The map was generated using the MAPAKER program. All positions in the resulting map are favored by odds of > 104:1. The map has a sexaveraged length of 90 cM (Kosambi function) with a single maximum intermarker recombination fraction of 26%. All other intermarker recombination fractions are less than 15%. As D9S15 is known to be closely linked to markers on proximal 9p, and ASS ABL are in band 34.1, this set of GT polymorphisms spans the length of 9q and provides a useful panel for linkage analysis of disease genes to this region. The marker order was confirmed by in situ hybridization of the cosmid clones to metaphase spreads of normal human chromosomes, which indicated an excess of recombination in the telomeric region in comparison to centromeric 9q, in agreement with previous chiasmata distribution observations. Two spontaneous new mutations for these GT repeat markers were identified, giving an overall observed spontaneous mutation rate of 0.00045 per locus per gamete. Direct observation of new mutations has not been previously reported for dinucleotide polymorphisms, but the observed rate is consistent with frequencies observed for other VNTR polymorphisms.
Developmental changes in delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and blood reticulocyte percent in the developing rat. A brief note

Abstract A correlation between blood reticulocyte percent and the activity of erythrocytic delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) in the developing rat has been established during the progression from a state of macrocytic hypochromic anemia at birth to a normocytic normochromic state at puberty, and finally to a state just prior to adulthood at which the reticulocyte percent had stabilized. Both reticulocyte percent and erythrocytic ALAD activity were found to decrease with age, rapidly at first until a normocytic normochromic state was reached at puberty and then more slowly until just before adulthood when both plateaued. A direct, linear correlation between erythrocytic ALAD activity and blood reticulocyte percent was found with a P value of less than 0.001. These findings should be carefully considered when using the rat as a model for lead poisoning and possibly for other disorders of heme biosynthesis.
THE FILTERING CAPACITY OF LYMPH NODES

In anesthetized dogs the popliteal lymph node alone, and the popliteal and iliac lymph nodes in series, have been perfused with solutions containing dog erythrocytes and streptococci. The perfusions have been carried out under conditions of lymph flow and pressure within the limits of those occurring in the actively moving dog, or after a severe degree of inflammatory swelling has developed. Figures for filtration are given, with protocols of typical experiments. They indicate that normal lymph nodes possess a high degree of filtering efficiency—an efficiency so great as to make it fairly certain that in a part kept at rest early in an infection, practically no microorganisms would escape the nodes in the line of drainage.
Some recent oceanographic surveys of the Gulf of Mexico

An apparently semi-permanent, large scale, anti-cyclonic eddy repeatedly observed on four earlier oceanographic surveys was investigated in greater detail during Cruise 54-10 of the A . A. Jakkula, August–September, 1954. Evidence from the five surveys made in the region in tne eddy indicates that the eddy is an integral part of the Gulf Stream system in the Gulf of Mexico. From the single ship survey of Cruise 54-10 an attempt was made (1) to locate and define the eddy and (2) to establish whether or not it was a temporary or permanent feature of the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Current or to determine whether or not it changed physically in space and time or both.
Port and maritime security: A research perspective

A systematic, coherent, and long-term research agenda for the enhancement of maritime security does not presently exist on either the global or the national (US) level. While significant and productive research in this area continues to be undertaken, the absence of an explicit methodology to prioritize research investment and to focus the efforts of investigators is problematic. This article briefly reviews key determinants of current maritime security research priorities; samples the views of industry, government, and academic experts on research needs; and discusses considerations in the development of a realistic agenda that would provide direction to future research efforts in the maritime security domain. The principal focus is on US policies and initiatives. The paper concludes that much work remains to be done to create a framework for maritime security research that is truly risk-based, that effectively engages stakeholders, that builds on the explicit measurement of outcomes, and that incorporates essential international cooperation.
Hypertension in renal transplant recipients

A 29-year-old black woman was evaluated at another hospital because of epistaxis and a blood pressure of 300/150mm Hg. At age 18 she was refused entrance to the military because of hypertension. Between the ages of 20 and 24 years, she had 3 pregnancies, each complicated by toxemia. Although hypertension was noted on occasion over the subsequent years, she did not take any antihypertensive medications. Her mother and 3 of her 7 siblings had hypertension. On physical examination, the optic fundi showed grade II hypertensive changes. Urinalysis revealed: specific gravity, 1.016; 1 + protein; negative glucose; 10 red blood cells/high-power field; and no casts. The serum creatinine was 2.0 mg/dl; endogenous creatinine clearance, 55 mI/mm; and 24-hour protein excretion, 1.2 g. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was within normal limits. Chest x-ray and electrocardiogram disclosed evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Tests for pheochromocytoma were negative. An excretory urogram revealed no evidence of refiux nephropathy; renal arteriogram showed bilateral intrarenal small-vessel disease, which was thought to be consistent with nephrosclerosis. The patient returned for only some of her scheduled followup visits and took the prescribed antihypertensive medications only intermittently. Renal function gradually deteriorated. At age 36, the serum creatinine was 9.5 mgldl and BUN 90 mg/dl, and she was referred for renal transplantation. At that time, she was taking hydralazine, 50 mg; propranolol, 80 mg; and furosernide, 40 mg, all twice daily; blood pressure ranged between 130—140/90—100 mm Hg. After completing a donor-specific blood transfusion protocol [11, but prior to hemodialysis, the patient received a renal allograft (one
Economic injury levels and economic thresholds for cereal aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) on spring-planted wheat

Foliar insecticide treatments were applied at various stages of plant growth to control natural infestations of two cereal aphids, the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.), and the rose-grass aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), in field plots of spring wheat. Yield increases of 2.7 t/ha (36.5%) and 1.2 t/ha (29.3%) were obtained when sprays were applied at flowering in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Lower but significant yield increases were also obtained when sprays were applied at the milky ripe and early dough stages. Depending on the cost of chemical treatment and price received per kilogram of wheat, the economic injury level was calculated to be 15 and 10 aphids per tiller in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Based on the plant growth stage and the rate of aphid population growth, economic thresholds were calculated to be 2–4 aphids per tiller at flowering, 6–10 aphids per tiller up to the milky ripe stage, and 10 or more aphids per tiller from the milky ripe to medium-dough stage. After the medium-dough stage, treatment cannot be justified.
Words to the wise

"Digital content is getting a lot of attention---but not at the board level, where it is urgently needed .... Media companies are focusing too much on encryption and other defensive technologies while failing to develop proactive strategies that recognize and leverage their intellectual property assets. Protection remains vital, but innovative business models are also needed to derive new revenue from digital content."