cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stair-climbing capabilities of USU's T3 ODV mobile robot

A six-wheeled autonomous omni-directional vehicle (ODV) called T3 has been developed at Utah State University's (USU) Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS). This paper focuses on T3's ability to climb stairs using its unique configuration of 6 independently driven and steered wheels and active suspension height control. The ability of T3, or any similar vehicle, to climb stairs is greatly dependent on the chassis orientation relative to the stairs. Stability criteria is developed for any vehicle dimensions and orientation, on any staircase. All possible yaw and pitch angles on various staircases are evaluated to find vehicle orientations that will allow T3 to climb with the largest margin of stability. Different controller types are investigated for controlling vertical wheel movement with the objective of keeping all wheels in contact with the stairs, providing smooth load transfer between loaded and unloaded wheels, and maintaining optimum chassis pitch and roll angles. A controller is presented that uses feedback from wheel loading, vertical wheel position, and chassis orientation sensors. The implementation of the controller is described, and T3's stair climbing performance is presented and evaluated.
Evidence that the Bacillus subtilis pyrimidine regulatory protein PyrR acts by binding to pyr mRNA at three sites in vivo

The Bacillus subtilis pyr operon is regulated by a transcriptional attenuation mechanism that requires the PyrR regulatory protein. Multicopy plasmids that could be transcribed to yield segments of RNA from the attenuation regions of the pyr operon induced derepression of chromosomal pyr genes, whereas plasmids that could not yield pyr RNA did not. We conclude that pyr RNA acts by titrating the PyrR protein and preventing it from regulating pyr attenuation.
Discrete transformations in the Thomson Problem

Abstract A significantly lower upper limit to minimum energy solutions of the electrostatic Thomson Problem is reported. A point charge is introduced to the origin of each N -charge solution. This raises the total energy by N as an upper limit to each ( N + 1)-charge solution. Minimization of energy to U ( N + 1) is well fit with − 0.5518 ( 3 / 2 ) N + 1 / 2 for up to N = 500. The energy distribution due to this displacement exhibits correspondences with shell-filling behavior in atomic systems. This work may aid development of more efficient and innovative numerical search algorithms to obtain N -charge configurations having global energy minima and yield new insights to atomic structure.
A novel cooling scheme for superconducting power cables

Long distance transmission of electrical power with superconducting cables is likely necessary for energy conservation and effective utilization of renewable energy sources. The performance and cost of such superconducting lines is as significantly influenced by cryogenic issues as by superconductor performance. One significant cryogenic issue is that in the usual method of cooling using sub-cooled cryogen flow there is a limited cable length before the cryogen needs to be re-cooled. This adds complexity and cost to the cable system. Here we address this problem by utilizing the latent heat of the cryogen without the complication of multi-phase flow. The cryogen is distributed to the superconducting components by spraying it through small holes in a pressurized line. The pressurized liquid exiting the holes turns into mixed liquid and vapor with a temperature near the boiling point of the cryogen at the pressure of the space surrounding the superconducting components. The pressure in the space surrounding the superconducting components is then kept near atmospheric by maintaining short distances to a vent. The sprayed liquid accumulates but rapidly vaporizes in response to the heat load, providing even cooling power at a fixed temperature for the entire length of the line. Our work indicates that it may be possible to implement a cooling system with much simplified cryogenic stations at the cable ends and allowing cable lengths of up to 100 km with no intermediate cooling stations.
EVALUATION OF RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY ORIGINATING FROM LEFT SINUS OF VALSALVA BY DIPYRIDAMOLE NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING

2012;59;E829 J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Francis Xavier Burt, Jason Litsky, Robert Hamburger, and Amit Pursnani TESTING LEFT SINUS OF VALSALVA BY DIPYRIDAMOLE NUCLEAR STRESS EVALUATION OF RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY ORIGINATING FROM This information is current as of May 4, 2012 http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/59/13_Suppl_S/E829 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
A Potassium-Steam Binary Vapor Cycle for Better Fuel Economy and Reduced Thermal Pollution

Both fuel supply and thermal pollution considerations that are becoming progressively more important strongly favor the development of a higher temperature, and more efficient, thermodynamic cycle for electric power plants. About 200,000 hr of operation of boiling potassium systems, including over 15,000 hr of potassium vapor turbine operation under the space power program, suggest that a potassium vapor topping cycle with a turbine inlet temperature of ∼1500 deg F merits consideration. A design study has been carried out to indicate the size, cost, and development problems of the new types of equipment required. The results indicate that a potassium vapor cycle superimposed on a conventional 1050 deg F steam cycle would give an overall thermal efficiency of about 54 percent as compared to only 40 percent from a conventional steam cycle. Thus the proposed system would have a fuel consumption only 75 percent and a heat rejection rate only 50 percent that of a conventional plant. Further, it appears possible that the capital charges for the proposed plant might be lower than those for a conventional plant. A high grade fuel oil or gas will be required, but this is likely to be necessary anyway to meet increasingly stringent limitations on SO2 , NOx , and ash emissions.
Licensing Tacit Knowledge: Intellectual Property Rights And The Market For Know-How

Technology transfer involves more than just the permission to use knowledge covered by patents; the transfer of know-how is critical to the successful utilization of the transferred technology. However, know-how is typically difficult to codify, costly to transfer, and hence, difficult to contract upon. Using a principal-agent model I show that simple arms length contracts can accomplish the transfer know-how. The key to the success of arms length contracts is the complementarity between know-how and patents. The model explains why patents and know-how are bundled together in licensing contracts. It shows why licensing has limitations as a strategy for appropriating rents from innovation. The paper points to the key role that patent scope plays in determining the efficiency of know-how transfer and shows that broader patents can improve the efficiency of technology transfer, even when important components of the technology (know-how) are not protected by patents.
Malathion as a Protectant for Inshell Almonds During Storage

Malathion applied to 'Nonpareil' inshell almonds as a dust or spray protected stored almonds 1 year from Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), and merchant grain beetle, O. mercator (Fauvel). Initial residues of malathion to afford this protection were found to be 3.1, 7.4, and 16.1 ppm using a 5% dust and 3.03, 12.9, and 15.2 ppm for sprays. These malathion residues were confined to 96.5% (avg) on the shells and 3.5% (avg) on the nutmeats. Damage (% of nuts showing insect feeding) in the 4 treatments was 70% less than damage on untreated nuts. A taste panel found no detectable difference in odor or flavor between treated and untreated almonds.
Association of cutaneous and oral diseases in HIV-infected men.

OBJECTIVES: Mucocutaneous diseases are common in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To identify cutaneous diseases for which HIV-infected people are at high risk, we sought those that are strongly associated with specific HIV-related oral lesions and with progression of HIV disease. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of HIV-positive outpatients referred to a university stomatology clinic for diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. Each subject underwent both complete oral and cutaneous examinations. RESULTS: Among 55 men, with a median age of 41 years and a median CD4 cell count of 125/ju.l (range 0–950/pil), 93% had active oral diseases or conditions, including candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, ulcers, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and xerostomia, and 95% had skin conditions, including onychomycosis, dermatophytosis, seborrheic dermatitis, KS, folliculitis, xerosis, and molluscum contagiosum. Seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis, skin KS, and molluscum contagiosum were associated with oral HIV-sentinel lesions (oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, and KS), with low CD4 cell counts, and with AIDS. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that xerosis and seborrheic dermatitis may be early harbingers of HIV disease progression. Their roles as predictors warrant further study, based on their associations with low CD4 cell counts and AIDS and strong co-prevalence with one of the most common HIV-related oral lesions, oral candidiasis.
Sexual health behaviors and sexual orientation in a U.S. national sample of college students.

Many studies have examined differences in sexual behavior based on sexual orientation with results often indicating that those with same-sex partners engage in higher risk sexual behavior than people with opposite sex partners. However, few of these studies were large, national sample studies that also include those identifying as unsure. To address that gap, this study examined the relationship of sexual orientation and sexual health outcomes in a national sample of U.S. college students. The Fall 2009 American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment was used to examine sexual health related responses from heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students (N = 25,553). Responses related to sexual behavior, safer sex behaviors, prevention and screening behaviors, and diagnosis of sexual health related conditions were examined. The findings indicated that sexual orientation was significantly associated with engaging in sexual behavior in the last 30 days. Sexual orientation was also significantly associated with the number of sexual partners in the previous 12 months, with unsure men having significantly more partners than gay, bisexual and heterosexual men and heterosexual men having significantly less partners than gay, bisexual and unsure men. Bisexual women had significantly more partners than females reporting other sexual orientations. Results examining the associations between sexual orientation and safer sex, prevention behaviors, and screening behaviors were mixed. Implications for practice, including specific programmatic ideas, were discussed.
Sexist language in occupational information: Does it make a difference?

Abstract While several guidelines for avoiding sexist language in career materials have been published, little empirical evidence exists to support the assumption that sexist language in career information has deleterious effects on clients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of sex-biased language in occupational information on subject interest and attitudes regarding gender appropriateness of occupations. Eighth-grade students read occupational briefs on two occupations presented in either neutral, female-biased, or male-biased language. Results showed a nonsignificant language effect and a significant sex difference in interest in the occupations. A significant three-way interaction (language by subject sex by occupation) was found for gender-appropriateness ratings. The findings, together with previous research, suggest that language may have little impact on specific occupational interests, but may affect other career attitudes related to interests.
Derivation of the classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation spectrum via a classical thermodynamic operation involving van der Waals forces.

A new fundamental thermodynamic property has been proved for classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation. Aside from a proportionality constant, classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation is shown here to possess the unique spectrum that is suitable for establishing a thermal equilibrium state with a set of fluctuating classical electric dipole harmonic oscillators at the temperature of absolute zero. As a consequence of this analysis, one can see that according to the fundamental thermodynamic definition of absolute zero temperature, the following traditional view in thermodynamics is an unnecessary thermodynamic restriction: namely, that all fluctuating motion and radiation must vanish at T=0 for classical physical systems. Indeed, as shown here, this restriction can violate the third law of thermodynamics if the spectrum reduces to zero by being proportional to T. The analysis in this article involves the calculation of (1) the change in internal energy, (2) the work done, and (3) the heat radiated for a quasistatic displacement of electric dipole nonrelativistic harmonic oscillators immersed in random classical electromagnetic radiation. The calculations include full nonperturbative evaluations of retarded van der Waals thermodynamic functions.
Barvinok's algorithm and the Todd class of a toric variety☆

Abstract In this paper we prove that the Todd class of a simplicial toric variety has a canonical expression as a power series in the torus-invariant divisors. Given a resolution of singularities corresponding to a nonsingular subdivision of the fan, we give an explicit formula for this power series which yields the Todd class. The computational feasibility of this procedure is implied by the additional fact that the above formula is compatible with Barvinok decompositions (virtual subdivisions) of the cones in the fan. In particular, this gives an algorithm for determining the coefficients of the Todd class in polynomial time for fixed dimension. We use this to give a polynomial-time algorithm for computing the number of lattice points in a simple lattice polytope of fixed dimension, a result first achieved by Barvinok.
Is a complete response in CLL now a realistic goal

When therapy is indicated for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who have symptomatic or advanced-stage disease, the standard therapies often provide improvement of blood counts and symptoms, but only a minority of patients achieve a complete response. Until recently, chlorambucil or other
A new method for the analysis of spatial pattern by random pairing of quadrats

For the detection and description of pattern in data from quadrats arranged in a grid or belt, an alternative is proposed to the usual hierarchical analysis of variance. Quadrats at specified spacings of interest are paired at random, and the variance between quadrats so paired is then related to the inter-quadrat distance Examples are given, and the advantages of this method compared with that hitherto employed are discussed.
Rotation-induced electric fields near metals

Abstract The electric field induced near a metal by rotation has been calculated using the method of a previous paper by Schiff and Barnhill and the “cranking model” of Inglis, omitting the “oinch effect” of Herring. While the expected field, sufficient to cause a force of mv 2 / R on an electron, is obtained, the corrections to the simple theory are potentially large.
Gravitational radiation from colliding vacuum bubbles.

In the linearized-gravity approximation we numerically compute the amount of gravitational radiation produced by the collision of two true-vacuum bubbles in Minkowski space. The bubbles are separated by distance d and we calculate the amount of gravitational radiation that is produced in a time \ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\sim}d (in a cosmological phase transition \ensuremath{\tau} corresponds to the duration of the transition, which is expected to be of the order of the mean bubble separation d). Our approximations are generally valid for \ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\lesssim}${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. We find that the amount of gravitational radiation produced depends only upon the grossest features of the collision: the time \ensuremath{\tau} and the energy density associated with the false-vacuum state, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{vac}}$. In particular, the spectrum ${\mathit{dE}}_{\mathrm{GW}}$/d\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{vac}}^{2}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{6}$ and peaks at a characteristic frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{max}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}3.8/\ensuremath{\tau}, and the fraction of the vacuum energy released into gravitational waves is about 1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$(\ensuremath{\tau}/${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$${)}^{2}$, where ${\mathit{H}}^{2}$=8\ensuremath{\pi}G${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\rho}}}_{\mathrm{vac}}$/3 (\ensuremath{\tau}/${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is expected to be of the order of a few percent). We address in some detail the important symmetry issues in the problem, and how the familiar ``quadrupole approximation'' breaks down in a most unusual way: it overestimates the amount of gravitational radiation produced in this highly relativistic situation by more than a factor of 50. Most of our results are for collisions of bubbles of equal size, though we briefly consider the collision of vacuum bubbles of unequal size. Our work implies that the vacuum-bubble collisions associated with strongly first-order phase transition are a very potent cosmological source of gravitational radiation.
Theory and Applicability of a Recrystallized Grain Size Paleopiezometer

An approximate theoretical relation is derived which relates stress during steady state creep to both subgrain size and dynamically recrystallized grain size. The relation results from equating the dislocation strain energy in the grain boundary to that in the enclosed volume. Available data on metals and silicates are in excellent agreement with the theory. For paleopiezometry, the recrystallized grain size must be preserved by quenching, by cooling under stress, or by inhibition of grain growth by intimate mixture of two or more phases. In general, stress may be underestimated using rocks in which grain size has been reduced by dynamic recrystallization, especially if the grain size is very small. Stress may be overestimated using coarse grained rocks in which the grain size has increased toward the steady state value. Quantitative limits remain to be established. The theoretical relation can in principle be applied to any metal or mineral if only the effective isotropic elastic moduli and the Burgers vector are known. When used as a paleopiezometer, the technique indicates that high stresses on the order of 100 MPa are not infrequently associated with mantle diapirism and with large scale thrust faulting. Consideration of the Mt. Albert ultramafic body suggests that texturally inferred stresses from peridotite massifs and from ultramafic xenoliths in alkali olivine basalts might reflect either horizontal variations in stress across a rising diapir or else a vertical variation in stress as defined by the pyroxene geobarometer (Mercier et al. 1977). In either case the stresses are probably characteristic of local diapirism. Stresses characteristic of global upper mantle flow might be inferred from xenoliths originating from above kimberlite-producing diapirs.
Imagination and the science-based aesthetic appreciation of unscenic nature

The popularity of the Grand Canyon, the Cliffs of Dover, and the Matterhorn (and the correlative unpopularity of marshes, bogs, and prairies) reveals in us a strong liking for scenic naturewe aesthetically value those parts of nature that are visually striking and that we would most expect to find captured in photographs. While an appreciation of scenic nature is not in itself bad, an overemphasis on it can lead to our not aesthetically appreciating other, unscenic parts of nature. This, in turn, has ecological (and perhaps even moral) implications, as our lack of appreciation can lead to our mistreating the unscenic. To rid us of too strong a bias for the scenic, a number of twentieth-century philosophers have suggested ways to develop an aesthetic appreciation of unscenic nature.' While such an appreciation would presumably not focus exclusively (or even at all) on nature's visual properties, it is not obvious what else such an account would involve. One possibility is that our appreciation should be science-based; science can reveal to us heretofore overlooked properties of natural objects, providing new opportunities for aesthetic experience. Recently, however, Emily Brady has argued against this approach, claiming instead that our appreciation should arise out of imaginative activity. In what follows, I argue that these two approaches are not only not mutually exclusive, but that the imagination is most effective in helping us develop an aesthetic appreciation of unscenic nature, precisely when it employs, and is guided by, scientific knowledge.
Efficacy of Platelets Collected by Semi‐continuous Flow Centrifugation (Haemonetics Model 30)

The viability of both autologous and donor platelets collected by means of a semi-continuous flow centrifuge (Haemonetics Model 30) was measured. Radiochromium labelled pooled platelets harvested from six passes and reinfused into their normal donors showed recoveries and survivals of 58% +/- 8 and 9.6 d +/- 0.8 compared with normal values of 65% and 9.5 d +/- 0.6, respectively. When the viability in aplastic thrombocytopenic recipients of platelets collected from normal donors by the Haemonetics Model 30 was compared with that of platelets collected from the same donors by multiple bag plateletpheresis the results were very similar: recoveries of 82% +/- 18 and 80% +/- 25 and survivals of 3.9 d +/- 2.0 and 3.8 d +/- 1.3, respectively. The in vitro function of the collected platelets in response to aggregating agents was normal when measured within 60 min of collection at pH 7.4. The relationship between bleeding time and post-transfusion platelet count in aplastic, thrombocytopenic patients showed that in vivo function was maintained.
A Twin-Rotor Broadcaster for the Application of Granulated Insecticides

Granular formulations of pesticides, due to ease of application, low residue hazard on food crops, and diminished hazard to applicators, are playing an increasingly important role in control programs for various insect pests. An applicator for the sheet distribution of granular materials has been tested, and its performance with various grades of attapulgite granules and granulated insecticides (under various types of field conditions) is described. This equipment has flexibility in that it may be adjusted to provide uniform deposits of the same material over various swath widths or to provide a range of swath widths with materials which vary greatly in particle density. This is accomplished primarily through the fact that delivery of the granules into the rotor blades may he adjusted over a 300-degree are, making possible the selection of a location of the feed orifice for a given granulated material which will result in a uniform deposit on the ground.
Chemical sterilization in the male part I: rats.

Adult male rats were injected intratesticularly with 3 mg and 6 mg zinc tannate (Kastrin) into each testis. Light microscopy and electron microscopy revealed that Kastrin is an effective irreversible chemical sterilant. Histological sections of testis indicated complete destruction of seminiferous tubules. Progeny testing of treated rats during a one-year period produced no pregnancy. No epididymitis or testicular teratoma were observed. Blood testosterone level of rats treated with 3 mg zinc tannate did not change significantly; however, in rats treated with 6 mg zinc tannate, blood testosterone level decreased significantly by 79% (p < 0.0001).
The impossible aneurysm Canalicular and orbital apex aneurysms of the ophthalmic artery

Aneurysms of the intracanalicular and intraorbital ophthalmic artery are rare but present as a mass lesion compressing the optic nerve and are in the differential diagnosis of the progressive unilateral optic neuropathy of unknown cause. A 44-year-old female presented an 18-month history of progressively worsening visual hallucinations followed by the sudden onset of decreased vision with impaired color vision and optic disc edema with segmental atrophy. Arteriography revealed an aneurysm of the ophthalmic artery at the orbital exit of the optic canal. Visual symptoms and signs fluctuated for six months before stabilizing with a mild residual optic neuropathy.
Ideological cohesion between congress and the president: Does the road to the white house matter?

This study examines the impact of US presidential nomination politics on congressional‐executive relations. In particular, we pose the critical question of whether nomination reforms have had any systematic effect on the inter‐branch ideological gap. Using an indicator of liberal voting in Congress and a derived liberalism score for presidents, we analyse the ideological disparity between the branches over a 40‐year period from 1949 to 1993. Results do not support the view offered by Polsby and others that a shift toward more open and participatory decision making in the post‐reform nomination process has increased the probability that presidents will be ideologically distant from their fellow partisans in Congress. Indeed, the situation is quite the opposite, with post‐reform presidents being closer to the ideological centre of gravity of their parties in Congress than are presidents who reached the White House in the pre‐reform era.
Loci of action of thyroid hormone on reproduction in the female guinea pig.

THE per cent of premature births is higher in strain 13 guinea pigs than in any other strains or stocks for which data are available (13, 23, 58). Analysis of the records at Kansas revealed that this high per cent of wastage occurred during the second half of pregnancy. The first loss was on day 35 but most was in the third trimester which begins day 47. This wastage toward the end of pregnancy in strain 13 females suggested that a study of these animals might lead to identification of a factor exerting its effect late in gestation. When the results from a preliminary study (27) revealed that the thyroid is involved, the desirability of looking into related problems became apparent. At what time in gestation, does the thyroid hormone become important for such an action? What are the effects of a more severe hypothyroidism than was produced in an earlier study of the thyroid and gestation (46)? How are the effects of the hypothyroid state on reproduction, such as the low per cent of vaginal openings and th...
Making longevity in an aging society: linking Medicare policy and the new ethical field.

An explosion in the varieties of life-extending interventions for older persons is changing the face of many medical specialties in the United States, altering the nature of end-stage disease, and reshaping societal expectations about normal old age, longevity, and the time for death. There is no doubt that the rapid growth of the over-85 age group and better health in late life for many people in the United States are redefining “old.” Robert Butler, founding director of the National Institute on Aging, has stated that “80 is the new 60,” adding to other popular remarks that signify a changed understanding of life course expectations, especially for those who can access all that medicine has to offer. Overall, practitioners and health-care consumers alike consider the body malleable, treatable at any age (President’s Council on Bioethics 2003). These developments are influencing patient, family, and medical responsibility in ways that could not have been predicted even a decade ago. The growing array of life-extending therapies, together with the ratcheting up of the age for treatments, has intensified the already recalcitrant and well-known tension between the desire and the ability to cure disease and extend life by any means on the one hand, and the widespread societal cry in the United States to resist interventions that prolong dying and suffering on the other. That tension is becoming more deeply entrenched, because when patients and their families are faced with life-threatening disease and told by their doctors that they may benefit from certain treatments (even if the chances are small), it is difficult to say “no.” And why would they? To reject therapies that are quickly becoming the standard of care would be to deny medicine’s progress in curing and preventing disease, the scientific context of clinical practice, and the assumption that doctors are considering what is best for this patient—an individual with a particular constellation of diseases, symptoms, and functional abilities.
Biologics and donor bone marrow cells for targeted immunomodulation in vascularized composite allotransplantation: a translational trial in swine.

Abstract Introduction Bone marrow (BM) infusion following organ transplantation is a prerequisite for potential donor-antigen-specific tolerance induction. We developed a preclinical swine model to determine the optimal dose of BM cells to achieve microchimerism. Furthermore, induction therapy was optimized by augmenting the BM infusion with biologics in the form of costimulatory blockade: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig). Materials and Methods Yucatan miniature swine (n = 12) underwent total body and thymic irradiation for cytodepletion. Animal groups received 15, 30, or 60 million cells per kilogram of whole unmodified BM. The optimal dose of BM cell infusion (BMT) was then applied to subsequent experiments evaluating the addition of CTLA4lg. Group 1 (control) received no treatment. Group 2 received FK506 only; group 3 received irradiation, BMT, and FK506; group 4 received FK506 and CTLA4-lg. Results Microchimerism was established in all animals after BM cell infusion; at postoperative day 9, it was significantly increased for 60 million cells per kilogram (P = .0001). Transplanted animals in group 1 rejected the allograft 5 to 8 days after transplantation. Group 2 rejected the allograft (skin and muscle) 30 to 32 days after transplantation (2 days after cessation of immunosuppression). Group 3 rejected the skin portion of the allograft at 50, 52, and 53 days posttransplant. Remaining allograft components (muscle, bone, nerve, vessel) survived indefinitely. Group 4 animals demonstrated significantly prolonged muscle survival beyond 150 days posttransplant; the skin component survived past 150 days in two of three animals. Skin and muscle histology in all long-term surviving animals were normal. Conclusions BM cell infusion with 60 million cells per kilogram results in stable levels of microchimerism. The addition of costimulatory blockade (CTLA4lg) prolonged allograft skin survival and overall graft survival. Such targeted immunomodulatory protocols might facilitate immune tolerance and eliminate the need for multidrug immunosuppression to maintain graft survival after vascularized composite allotransplantation.
A Framework and Model for Studying the Repatriation Experiences of Expatriates from Developing Nations

ABSTRACT Why is the issue of repatriation relevant for Malaysian expatriates and Malaysian Multinational Enterprises as well as for expatriates from other developing nations? Repatriation is in need of further examination, as it pertains to people of all nations, not just to Westerners serving Western enterprises abroad. For example, Malaysian expatriates are in increasing demand by Malaysian enterprises which are growing into regional and global competitors. The focus here is on presenting a framework and model for future research into the study of repatriation's relevance to developing nations. Extensive interview and questionnaire data were gathered on six Malaysian expatriates, three academics who studied abroad, and three business people who were assigned overseas. These data were consolidated to form two composite Malaysian to present a framework and model of repatriation that is flexible enough to systematize research and be adapted for practical use in developing nations as well as for comparative...
Direct Collection of Aerosols by Electrostatic Classification for Size-Resolved Chemical Analysis

The performance of an inlet for the size-resolved collection of aerosols onto a heating filament for subsequent thermal desorption is presented. The device resembles a cylindrical Differential Mobility Analyzer (DMA) in that a sample flow is introduced around the periphery of the annulus between two concentric cylinders, and charged particles migrate inward towards the inner cylinder in the presence of a radial electric field. Instead of being transmitted to an outlet flow, the monodisperse sample is collected on a nichrome filament that is flush with the inner cylinder. The primary benefit of this mode of sampling, as opposed to sampling into a vacuum using inertial separation, is that chemical ionization of the vapor molecules is feasible. In this study, we present a model of the device that is similar to that used to characterize the DMA. A prototype was constructed and tested at atmospheric pressure and at 18 Torr. The collection efficiency was determined indirectly by counting particles not collected...
Social isolation affects partner-directed social behavior and cortisol during pair formation in marmosets, Callithrix geoffroyi

Pair-bonded relationships form during periods of close spatial proximity and high sociosexual contact. Like other monogamous species, marmosets form new social pairs after emigration or ejection from their natal group resulting in periods of social isolation. Thus, pair formation often occurs following a period of social instability and a concomitant elevation in stress physiology. Research is needed to assess the effects that prolonged social isolation has on the behavioral and cortisol response to the formation of a new social pair. We examined the sociosexual behavior and cortisol during the first 90-days of cohabitation in male and female Geoffroy's tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi) paired either directly from their natal group (Natal-P) or after a prolonged period of social isolation (ISO-P). Social isolation prior to pairing seemed to influence cortisol levels, social contact, and grooming behavior; however, sexual behavior was not affected. Cortisol levels were transiently elevated in all paired marmosets compared to natal-housed marmosets. However, ISO-P marmosets had higher cortisol levels throughout the observed pairing period compared to Natal-P marmoset. This suggests that the social instability of pair formation may lead to a transient increase in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity while isolation results in a prolonged HPA axis dysregulation. In addition, female social contact behavior was associated with higher cortisol levels at the onset of pairing; however, this was not observed in males. Thus, isolation-induced social contact with a new social partner may be enhanced by HPA axis activation, or a moderating factor.
Myotonic dystrophy in the neonate

A male infant born at term to a mother with myotonic dystrophy had sufficient evidence of the disease to enable the diagnosis to be made on the first day of postnatal life. Clinical manifestations included profound hypotonia, feeble respiratory efforts, elevation of the right hemidiaphragm, decreased muscle mass in the lower extremities, hirsutism of the lower legs, thin and hypomineralized ribs and long bones, cryptorchidism, and talipes equinovarus. Death occurred at 90 hours of age from respiratory insufficiency. This case further demonstrates that features of myotonic dystrophy can be prenatal in onset.
The Association Between Residency Training and Internists' Ability to Practice Conservatively

Importance Growing concern about rising costs and potential harms of medical care has stimulated interest in assessing physicians’ ability to minimize the provision of unnecessary care. Objective To assess whether graduates of residency programs characterized by low-intensity practice patterns are more capable of managing patients’ care conservatively, when appropriate, and whether graduates of these programs are less capable of providing appropriately aggressive care. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional comparison of 6639 first-time takers of the 2007 American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination, aggregated by residency program (n = 357). Exposures Intensity of practice, measured using the End-of-Life Visit Index, which is the mean number of physician visits within the last 6 months of life among Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older in the residency program’s hospital referral region. Main Outcomes and Measures The mean score by program on the Appropriately Conservative Management (ACM) (and Appropriately Aggressive Management [AAM]) subscales, comprising all American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination questions for which the correct response represented the least (or most, respectively) aggressive management strategy. Mean scores on the remainder of the examination were used to stratify programs into 4 knowledge tiers. Data were analyzed by linear regression of ACM (or AAM) scores on the End-of-Life Visit Index, stratified by knowledge tier. Results Within each knowledge tier, the lower the intensity of health care practice in the hospital referral region, the better residency program graduates scored on the ACM subscale ( P Conclusions and Relevance Regardless of overall medical knowledge, internists trained at programs in hospital referral regions with lower-intensity medical practice are more likely to recognize when conservative management is appropriate. These internists remain capable of choosing an aggressive approach when indicated.
Active-fault-alarm enabled pre-protection scheme in 10G-EPON for smart power grid

Abstract The active-fault-alarm (AFA) has been developed to achieve fast recovery of various network services, but the false-alarm still exists when applied to 10 Gigabit ethernet positive optical network (10G-EPON) in power grid. To solve this problem, an active fault alarm based pre-protection (AFA-PP) scheme in 10G-EPON system for power grid is proposed in this paper. The AFA-PP scheme takes full advantage of the AFA technologies, and allows conducting pre-protection operation in advance. Analytical and experimental results suggest the better performances of the new mechanism and show that the AFA-PP can solve the false-alarm problem efficiently.
S-adenosylhomocysteine is a more sensitive indicator of renal insufficiency than homocysteine

Patients with decreased renal function have a very high incidence of cardiac disease and stroke and have very high levels of plasma homocysteine. We have shown that plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine is a more sensitive indicator of the risk for cardiovascular disease than is plasma homocysteine. We measured plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine and total homocysteine in 36 patients with renal insufficiency and in 17 control subjects. The mean (± SD) value of S-adenosylhomocysteine for renal patients was 90.4 ± 49.4 nmol/L, and the corresponding value for control subjects was 25.8 ± 6.0 nmol/L. The mean value of homocysteine for renal patients was 20.9 ± 7.2 μmol/L, and the corresponding value for control subjects was 10.9 ± 2.7 μmol/L. For S-adenosylhomocysteine, the values of four patients overlapped those of control subjects, whereas for homocysteine 10 patient values overlapped control values. S-adenosylhomocysteine is a more sensitive indicator than homocysteine for renal disease (89% v 72%, respectively, P = 0.034).
Dynamical estimation of neuron and network properties I: variational methods

We present a method for using measurements of membrane voltage in individual neurons to estimate the parameters and states of the voltage-gated ion channels underlying the dynamics of the neuron’s behavior. Short injections of a complex time-varying current provide sufficient data to determine the reversal potentials, maximal conductances, and kinetic parameters of a diverse range of channels, representing tens of unknown parameters and many gating variables in a model of the neuron’s behavior. These estimates are used to predict the response of the model at times beyond the observation window. This method of $${{\tt data\, assimilation}}$$ extends to the general problem of determining model parameters and unobserved state variables from a sparse set of observations, and may be applicable to networks of neurons. We describe an exact formulation of the tasks in nonlinear data assimilation when one has noisy data, errors in the models, and incomplete information about the state of the system when observations commence. This is a high dimensional integral along the path of the model state through the observation window. In this article, a stationary path approximation to this integral, using a variational method, is described and tested employing data generated using neuronal models comprising several common channels with Hodgkin–Huxley dynamics. These numerical experiments reveal a number of practical considerations in designing stimulus currents and in determining model consistency. The tools explored here are computationally efficient and have paths to parallelization that should allow large individual neuron and network problems to be addressed.
Flail extremity resulting from constriction band syndrome: Neurovascular implications and surgical management.

Purpose: Constriction band syndrome afflicting in utero development can lead to devastating and possibly fatal outcomes. A lack of consensus regarding noninvasive testing and surgical modalities is likely secondary to the continued poorly understood pathology. Methods: We provide a case report of a 6-month-old boy who presented with a functional, nonsensate upper limb after surgical release of midhumeral banding at 3 months of age. Results: Exploration revealed intact, albeit atrophic, peripheral nerves with brachial artery disruption above the elbow. Sural nerve grafting was performed and 2-year follow-up demonstrated return of protective sensation in the median nerve distribution with minimal motor return. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that nerves present distal to the original soft tissue insult oppose the idea of failure of nerve formation. Early nerve grafting at the time of initial Z-plasty release may serve to improve long-term functional outcomes.
A factor analytic investigation of the use of the PPVT-R as a measure of general achievement

Validation du test d'aptitude generale Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test sur un echantillon de 208 enfants de 6 a 11 ans adresses dans un service de pedo-psychiatrie pour un bilan. Comparaison avec les scores au Test d'intelligence pour enfants de Wechsler et avec le Wide Range Achievement Test de Jastak
Estimation of Genetic Correlation: Interpretation of Experiments Using Selectively Bred and Inbred Animals

There is increasing interest in determining the extent to which multiple characters related to drug sensitivity are influenced by common genes. The principal method for testing for the existence of such genetic correlations has been examination of pairs of mouse or rat lines selectively bred for sensitivity or resistance to a single behavioral effect of a drug. When a pair of selected lines is found to differ significantly on some trait other than the one on which they were selected, it is commonly concluded that significant genetic correlation between the traits exists, implying the action of a common set of genes on the two responses. In addition, results from comparisons of lines of animals selected for trait X and tested for trait Y may be compared with results from lines selected for trait Y and tested for trait X. As the number of correlated responses in selected lines increases, it becomes more important to adhere to sensible, consensual guidelines for interpreting such line differences. The principles underlying phenotypic and genotypic correlational analyses with selected lines are discussed. A scheme is presented to allow standardization across laboratories of inferences about the relative strength of genetic association from experiments with selected lines. Statistical and practical experimental issues are addressed. Estimates of genetic correlations may also be derived from the correlation of mean trait values across a panel of inbred strains. Existing data have sometimes found estimates of genetic correlations made with one approach to be inconsistent with those estimated in other ways. Possible reasons for this are discussed. Finally, the relationship between phenotypic correlations and genetic correlations is discussed. Phenotypic and genetic correlations for a pair of traits may differ widely, and may even be opposite in sign. Both are characteristic of the population from which they are sampled. Phenotypic correlations estimated within selected lines may change over time, as the additive genetic variance in the selected trait is exhausted. A specific example of this phenomenon is given.
Evidence for Poorer Outcome in Patients With Severe Negative Trauma-Related Cognitions Receiving Prolonged Exposure Plus Cognitive Restructuring Implications for Treatment Matching in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

In the current article, we address the existing assumption in the literature on cognitive behavioral treatment of PTSD that patients with severe negative trauma-related cognitions would benefit more from a treatment package that includes exposure and cognitive techniques compared with a treatment that includes exposure only. To test this assumption, 54 PTSD patients were randomized to prolonged exposure therapy or prolonged exposure therapy plus cognitive restructuring. Contrary to expectations, findings revealed that patients characterized by more severe pretreatment trauma-related cognitions (and more severe pretreatment PTSD symptoms) fared slightly worse in treatment combining exposure and cognitive restructuring. However, there was no relationship between pre- and post-treatment measures of negative cognitions and PTSD symptoms in the exposure alone group. The implications of these findings for examining Person X Treatment interactions and the efficacy of combining treatments for PTSD are discussed.