cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Findings from the NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA): Implications and applications for primary care providers.

In 1992, the National Institute of Mental Health and 6 teams of investigators began a multisite clinical trial, the Multimodal Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) study. Five hundred seventy-nine children were randomly assigned to either routine community care (CC) or one of three study-delivered treatments, all lasting 14 months. The three MTA treatments-monthly medication management (usually methylphenidate) following weekly titration (MedMgt), intensive behavioral treatment (Beh), and the combination (Comb)-were designed to reflect known best practices within each treatment approach. Children were assessed at four time points in multiple outcome. Results indicated that Comb and MedMgt interventions were substantially superior to Beh and CC interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. For other functioning domains (social skills, academics, parent-child relations, oppositional behavior, anxiety/depression), results suggested slight advantages of Comb over single treatments (MedMgt, Beh) and community care. High quality medication treatment characterized by careful yet adequate dosing, three times daily methylphenidate administration, monthly follow-up visits, and communication with schools conveyed substantial benefits to those children that received it. In contrast to the overall study findings that showed the largest benefits for high quality medication management (regardless of whether given in the MedMgt or Comb group), secondary analyses revealed that Comb had a significant incremental effect over MedMgt (with a small effect size for this comparison) when categorical indicators of excellent response and when composite outcome measures were used. In addition, children with parent-defined comorbid anxiety disorders, particularly those with overlapping disruptive disorder comorbidities, showed preferential benefits to the Beh and Comb interventions. Parental attitudes and disciplinary practices appeared to mediate improved response to the Beh and Comb interventions.
Gadolinium-Contrast Toxicity in Patients with Kidney Disease: Nephrotoxicity and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Gadolinium is widely employed as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has generally been considered to be safe. As with iodinated radiocontrast, concern for contrast-induced nephropathy existed with gadolinium-contrast as it possessed many similar qualities (hyperosmolar, renal excretion via glomerular filtration). Early studies in low risk patients suggested a benign renal profile, however, recent studies raise the possibility of nephrotoxicity. In addition, reports of a previously rare condition entitled nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have recently emerged in patients with advanced kidney disease and have been linked to exposure to gadolinium-contrast. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a debilitating disorder in which progressive and severe fibrosis of the skin and other systemic organs that leads to significant disability and is associated with increased mortality. Initially reported most commonly in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving dialysis, it is also described in patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) and advanced chronic kidney disease (stages 4 and 5) not requiring dialysis. In addition to underlying kidney disease, the risk of developing NSF is increased with larger doses of gadolinium (or multiple exposures), exposure to specific gadolinium chelates (non-ionic, linear), underlying pro-inflammatory states (in particular vascular endothelial dysfunction), and perhaps some currently unrecognized cofactors. No clearly effective therapies exist for NSF, although recovery from AKI and establishment of normal kidney function with renal transplantation appear to reverse or stabilize the disease in some cases. Avoidance of gadolinium exposure appears to be the best approach for patients who maintain risk factors. When gadolinium exposure occurs, aggressive hemodialysis following exposure may be useful as gadolinium is efficiently removed by this extracorporeal technique. Peritoneal dialysis clearance of gadolinium is poor, but aggressive peritoneal dialysis prescriptions have not been studied for gadolinium removal.
A prospective, randomized, crossover pilot study of inhaled nitric oxide versus inhaled prostacyclin in heart transplant and lung transplant recipients

Objective Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, but it is limited by toxicity, the need for special monitoring, and cost. Inhaled prostacyclin also decreases pulmonary artery pressure, is relatively free of toxicity, requires no specific monitoring, and is less expensive. The objective of this study was to compare nitric oxide and prostacyclin in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, refractory hypoxemia, and right ventricular dysfunction in thoracic transplant recipients in a prospective, randomized, crossover pilot trial. Methods Heart transplant and lung transplant recipients were randomized to nitric oxide or prostacyclin as initial treatment, followed by a crossover to the other agent after 6 hours. Pulmonary vasodilators were initiated in the operating room for pulmonary hypertension, refractory hypoxemia, or right ventricular dysfunction. Nitric oxide was administered at 20 ppm, and prostacyclin was administered at 20,000 ng/mL. Hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were recorded before and after initiation of pulmonary vasodilator therapy. At 6 hours, the hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were recorded again, just before discontinuing the initial agent. Crossover baseline parameters were measured 30 minutes after the initial agent had been stopped. The crossover agent was then started, and the hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters were measured again 30 minutes later. Results Heart transplant and lung transplant recipients (n = 25) were randomized by initial treatment (nitric oxide, n=14; prostacyclin, n=11). Nitric oxide and prostacyclin both reduced pulmonary artery pressure and central venous pressure, and improved cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation on initiation of therapy. More importantly, at the 6-hour crossover trial, there were no significant differences between nitric oxide and prostacyclin in the reduction of pulmonary artery pressures or central venous pressure, or in improvement in cardiac index or mixed venous oxygen saturation. Nitric oxide and prostacyclin did not affect the oxygenation index or systemic blood pressure. There were no complications associated with nitric oxide or prostacyclin. Conclusion In heart transplant and lung transplant recipients, nitric oxide and prostacyclin similarly reduce pulmonary artery pressures and central venous pressure, and improve cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation. Inhaled prostacyclin may offer an alternative to nitric oxide in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in thoracic transplantation.
Energy budgets, risk and foraging preferences in dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)

Juncos' preferences for constant versus variable food rewards were tested in three series of aviary experiments. Deprivation and feeding rates were varied across the three treatments, but the mean of the variable reward equalled the constant reward in every experiment. When the birds gained energy faster than required to meet all 24-h costs, they preferred the constant reward. When the birds' energy intake was less than the minimally required rate, they preferred the variable reward. When energy intake just balanced average daily costs, the birds preferred the constant reward or were indifferent, and their response depended on the particular mean-variance combination presented.
Pentoxifylline-supplemented resuscitation attenuates both early and late mediators of hepatic inflammation after hemorrhagic shock

Objective. After hemorrhage, resuscitation with racemic Ringer's lactate (RL) results in hepatic injury and an increase in pro-inflammatory mediator synthesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of resuscitation including pentoxifylline (PTX) on mediators of hepatic inflammation after hypovolemic shock. Material and methods. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent 1 h of hypotension followed by resuscitation with RL or RL+PTX (25 mg/kg). Liver sections were scored for injury histologically. Nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) content were evaluated by means of Western blotting. Results. In the presence of PTX, histologic hepatic injury was markedly less than with RL resuscitation (p<0.05). Furthermore, the addition of PTX to RL significantly attenuated the hepatic concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, iNOS, NO and HMGB1 (p<...
Revisiting the laws of filtration: An assessment of their use in identifying particle retention mechanisms in filtration

Abstract An assessment of the validity of the laws of filtration and their applications in filtration studies was made. It shows that the assumptions used in formulating some of the filtration rate expressions are incorrect. Furthermore, the experimentally determined relationship between d 2 t / dV 2 and dV / dt was often found to be inconsistent or disagree with the laws of filtration. While applying the laws of filtration may provide information useful to develop empirical models of filtration performance, the same information can be readily obtained using alternative procedures and similar models may be developed with even greater ease independent of the laws of filtration.
A demographic analysis of male life history and social structure of mountain gorillas

Twenty-five years of demographic data on free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) from the Karisoke Research Center, Rwanda were used to assess male life histories and the variation within the age-graded social structure. Group types include lone silver-backs, one-male, multimale, and all-male groups. Although 60% of gorilla groups in the Virunga population are one-male, a multimale structure may increase chances of survival and future reproductive success for males at three stages of their lives. Infants born in one-male groups appear more likely to die from infanticide than those in multimale groups. Immature males in one-male groups may face decreased future reproductive opportunities compared to males in multimale groups. Adult males in one-male groups lack possible partners for coalition formation during intergroup encounters. Demographic constraints, such as length of time to male maturation, coupled with intense male-male competition for mates may limit the number and duration of groups with a multimale structure. Individuals are not restricted to one group type for their entire adult lives and males that attain maturity in each group type may eventually reproduce. Variation in male reproductive success is based both on length of reproductive tenure and on the number of mates.
The stress intensity factors of internal radial cracks in rotating disks by the method of caustics

Abstract A technique based on the method of caustics is used to evaluate the stress intensity factors of internal radial cracks in rotating disks. The measurement strategy, experimental procedures and results are presented. The accuracy of the technique is demonstrated by comparing experimental results to theory.
Epidural steroid injections: Complications and management

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a form of interventional therapy broadly used worldwide for the treatment of pain. Although generally considered a safe treatment, with a low incidence of complications, these may range from very mild and transient symptoms to truly catastrophic events, including brain damage, spinal cord injury and death. Even when proper technique is used, sufficient training in interventional pain medicine is obtained, and adequate safety measures are taken, fatal events can occur. The purpose of this review article is to examine the reported complications of ESIs and suggested negative outcome management.
The potential of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of sheep feces to determine diet botanical composition

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) peaks near 470 nm (‘blue’) and 650 nm (‘red’) from sheep feces treated with chloroform (CHCl3) displayed spectral signatures that varied with diet. Fecal samples were obtained rectally over 3 days in a replicated study consisting of four diets (treatments) fed to 16 Polypay and Polypay × Rambouillet lambs (four lambs per treatment). Basal diet consisted of tobosa (Pleuraphis mutica Buckley [formally Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth.] hay with 0% (control), 10%, 20% or 30% tarbush (Flourensia cernua D.C.) added on a dry matter basis. Feces were dried at 60 °C, treated with chloroform and the extract from both crushed and intact fecal material was then excited by laser input at 355 nm. Tarbush leaves gave LIF only in the blue region of the spectrum. However, tobosa hay and all fecal pellets produced a bimodal LIF spectral distribution with a lower, broader peak feature in the blue region and a narrower well defined taller feature in the red region of the spectrum. Chloroform did not exhibit fluorescence peaks between 400 nm and 800 nm. As tarbush in the diet increased, so did the magnitude of counts in the blue region of the spectrum. The LIF redblue intensity ratios appear to be more reliable than actual counts in differentiating feces of sheep fed tobosa diets containing differing amounts of tarbush. redblue ratios decreased (P < 0.05) linearly (P < 0.005) for both crushed and intact sheep fecal pellets as the tarbushtobosa ratio in the diet increased. Inconsistencies in count amplitudes and wavelengths in either one or both regions (red or blue) of the spectrum and in redblue ratios (especially on Day 3 for crushed fecal samples) are discussed in terms of sample preparation procedures and sampling days. Our results suggest that further testing of the LIF technique is warranted using diets consisting of several species.
Echocardiographic assessment of age-associated changes in systolic and diastolic function of the female F344 rat heart

Aging is associated with hypertrophy, dilatation, and fibrosis of the left ventricle (LV) of the heart. Advances in echocardiographic assessment have made it possible to follow changes in cardiac f...
70 Diagnostic value of serum B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with impaired renal function - do we need a higher cutoff?

regression, and t student test were performed. Results: LogBNP was useful in distinguishing patients with CHF from patients without CHF (AUC=73%, 95%CI, 60% to 87%, p<0.001) in patients with eGFR between 30-90 ml/min/1.73m 2 ; mean BNP was 1143pg/ml in the CHF group vs. 531pg/ml in no CHF (p=0.003). However, logBNP could not distinguish CHF patients from patients without CHF in the group with eGFR between 15-29 ml/min/1.73m 2 (AUC=52%, 95%CI, 6% to 98%, p=0.68). Conclusions: In patients with mild to moderate renal dysfunction, serum BNP may still provide useful diagnostic information if the cutoff is higher (500 pg/ml). In patients with severe renal dysfunction (eGFR <15), BNP is not able to differentiate patients with congestion.
Stable sinusoidal driver circuit for tuning fork choppers.

A circuit is presented which can drive tuning fork choppers, such as the Bulova L40 and L2 series. The advantages of this circuit over the factory‐supplied 5A‐type driver are better drive‐amplitude stability, freedom from drift due to line‐voltage variations, and a cleaner, transient‐free sinusoidal reference signal. Test results indicate an improvement in long‐term stability by as much as a factor of 4.
Defining the menopausal transition

Menopause signifies the permanent cessation of ovarian function and the end of a woman's reproductive potential. A universal experience in women's aging, it is the culmination of some 50 years of reproductive aging--a process that unfolds as a continuum from birth through ovarian senescence to the menopausal transition and the postmenopause. The menopausal transition is known to play a major role in the etiology of many symptoms common in middle age and may contribute to chronic conditions and disorders of aging such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying ovarian senescence and the occurrence of various short- and long-term biological and psychological sequelae are poorly understood. Progress in researching reproductive aging and the menopause has been impeded by the lack of a staging system based on meaningful, reliable, and objective criteria for staging reproductive aging and specifying menopause-related status. Current nomenclature is described and its limitations are discussed. Specifically, contemporary terminology lacks the sensitivity and specificity needed to operationally define a woman's reproductive status in the continuum of reproductive aging. A number of proposed staging systems are currently being evaluated for their suitability in identifying appropriate demarcations across the span of reproductive aging. Further research and a better understanding of the menopausal transition are necessary to establish the validity, practicality, and acceptability of these proposed staging systems.
Pressor responses to arachidonic acid in pump-perfused sheep lungs.

Abstract The reported actions of arachidonic acid in the adult pulmonary circulation are controversial. Some authors reported that arachidonic acid causes only pulmonary vasoconstriction; others have found decreases in pulmonary vascular resistance with low-dose infusions. We have previously reported that arachidonic acid causes only pulmonary vasoconstriction in perinatal lambs during both normoxia and hypoxia. The effects of arachidonic acid on pulmonary vascular resistance were determined in adult sheep using an in situ pump-perfused left lower lung preparation. Arachidonic acid infusions (10.5–31.9 μg/kg·min) resulted in pulmonary vasoconstriction. The pulmonary vascular response to arachidonic acid was not altered by hypoxia or by infusion of PGF 2α . However, the pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia was increased by concomitant arachidonate infusions. Infusions of arachidonic acid during hypoxia resulted in systemic hypotension. Thus, pulmonary arachidonate metabolism appears to be unaffected by hypoxia or PGF 2α ; however, hypoxia may enhance the formation of dilator PG's from the lung.
Genetics of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria produce a variety of bacteriocins that have recently come under detailed investigation. The biochemical and genetic characteristics of these antimicrobial proteins are reviewed and common elements are discussed between the different classes of bacteriocins produced by these Gram-positive bacteria.
Accelerated neuritogenesis and maturation of primary spinal motor neurons in response to nanofibers

Neuritogenesis, neuronal polarity formation, and maturation of axons and dendrites are strongly influenced by both biochemical and topographical extracellular components. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of polylactic acid electrospun fiber topography on primary motor neuron development, because regeneration of motor axons is extremely limited in the central nervous system and could potentially benefit from the implementation of a synthetic scaffold to encourage regrowth. In this analysis, we found that both aligned and randomly oriented submicron fibers significantly accelerated the processes of neuritogenesis and polarity formation of individual cultured motor neurons compared to flat polymer films and glass controls, likely due to restricted lamellipodia formation observed on fibers. In contrast, dendritic maturation and soma spreading were inhibited on fiber substrates after 2 days in vitro. This study is the first to examine the effects of electrospun fiber topography on motor neuron neuritogenesis and polarity formation. Aligned nanofibers were shown to affect the directionality and timing of motor neuron development, providing further evidence for the effective use of electrospun scaffolds in neural regeneration applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 589–603, 2010
Classification of seizures and epilepsy

The management of seizures and epilepsy begins with forming a differential diagnosis, making the diagnosis, and then classifying seizure type and epileptic syndrome. Classification guides treatment, including ancillary testing, management, prognosis, and if needed, selection of the appropriate antiepileptic drug (AED). Many AEDs are available, and certain seizure types or epilepsy syndromes respond to specific AEDs. The identification of the genetics, molecular basis, and pathophysiologic mechanisms of epilepsy has resulted from classification of specific epileptic syndromes. The classification system used by the International League Against Epilepsy is periodically revised. The proposed revision changes the classification emphasis from the anatomic origin of seizures (focal vs generalized) to seizure semiology (ie, the signs or clinical manifestations). Modified systems have been developed for specific circumstances (eg, neonatal seizures, infantile seizures, status epilepticus, and epilepsy surgery). This article reviews seizure and epilepsy classification, emphasizing new data.
3-Ketosphingolipids: application to the determination of sphingolipids which contain 4-sphingenine.

Abstract 1. 1. Ceramides and cerebrosides, both with 2-hydroxy or non-hydroxy fatty acids, and sphingomyelins were converted quantitatively to the corresponding 3-keto derivatives with the oxidative reagent 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone. Sulfatides were converted to 3-ketocerebrosides. 2. 2. The conversion of these sphingolipids to the α,β-unsaturated ketone permits three methods of quantitation: in 'Method I, the absorption of the reaction product is measured at 230 nm; Method II utilizes high performance liquid chromatography and an ultraviolet light detector; in Method III, the product is reduced with NaB 3 H 4 and the radioactivity of the reduced products is determined. All three methods can be used to measure sphingolipids in nanomole quantities. 3. 3. Methods I and II have been applied to the determination of cerebroside and sulfatide content of normal and metachromatic leukodystrophy brains. In the white matter of the pathological brains, there was a greater accumulation of sulfatides containing non-hydroxy fatty acids than of those containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The ceramide levels of the cerebellum in a Farber's disease patient and a control were determined by Method II. Method III was used to determine the content of free ceramides in human sera.
Omega-exonuclease activity in basophils of certain animal species

Blood films of dogs, cats, cattle, horses, goats, pigs, rhesus monkeys, gibbon and alpaca and bone marrow smears of pigs, dogs and cats were stained to demonstrate omega-exonuclease, a marker enzyme for basophils in humans. Omega-exonuclease activity was found only in basophils of the dog, cat, rhesus monkey and gibbon. Positively stained basophils were readily discerned even when rare.
MOAST and USARSim: a combined framework for the development and testing of autonomous systems

Urban Search and Rescue Simulation (USARSim) is an open source package that provides a high-resolution, physics based simulation of robotic platforms. The package provides models of several common robotic platforms and sensors as well as sample worlds and a socket interface into a commonly used commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) simulation package. Initially introduced to support the development of search and rescue robots, USARSim has proved to be a tool with a broader scope, from robot education to human robot interfaces, including cooperation, and more. During Robocup 2006, a new competition based on USARSim will be held in the context of the urban search and rescue competitions. The Mobility Open Architecture Simulation and Tools (MOAST) is a framework that builds upon the 4-D Real-time Control Systesm (4D/RCS) architecture to analyze the performance of autonomous vehicles and multiagent systems. MOAST provides controlled environments that allow for the transparent transference of data between a matrix of real and virtual components. This framework is glued together through well-defined interfaces and communications protocols, and detailed specifications on individual subsystem input/output (IO). This allows developers to freely swap components and analyze the effect on the overall system by means of comparison to baseline systems with a limited set of functionality. When taken together, the combined USARSim/MOAST system may be used to provide a comprehensive development and testing environment for complex robotic systems. This paper will provide an overview of each system and describe how the combined system may be used for stand-alone simulated development and test, or hardware-in-the-loop development and testing of autonomous mobile robot systems.
Fine structure of the lymphatic capillary and the adjoining connective tissue area.

The lymphatic capillaries possess salient morphological features which differentiate them from the blood capillaries. Instead of a definitive basement lamina surrounding the lymphatic wall, there are numerous fine filaments (about 60 A in diameter) that are attached to the lymphatic endothelia at areas of increased electron density that are similar to half desmosomes. The filaments extend for varying vessel to the surrounding connective tissue. Endothelial projections occur along both the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the cell. The intercellular junctions are varied in structure along the lymphatic wall. Terminal processes of adjacent endothelial apposed without overlapping. At various points along the intercellular junction the apposed surface membranes are held in close apposition by adhesion devices, (a) zonula occludens, (b) zonula adhaerens, and (c) macula adhaerens (desmosome). Frequently open junctions are observed along the lymphatic wall. It is suggested that the areas between apposing membrane surfaces which lack attachment devices may represent specialized regions along the lymphatic wall that are easily separated and would permit the passage of excess tissue fluids and large molecules into the lumen of the lymphatic vessel. The transport of colloidal carbon particles across the endothelium in vesicles of various sizes and via intercellular junctions is demonstrated.
Differential regulation of C3 gene expression in human astroglioma cells by interferon-γ and interleukin-1β

In this report, we examined interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-mediated regulation of the expression of C3, the third component of complement, in a human astroglioma cell line. Interleukin-1β induced C3 protein expression ten-fold more rapidly than IFN-γ. De novo protein synthesis was required for IFN-γ to stimulate C3 expression, while cycloheximide and IL-1β treatment of cells markedly increased C3 expression. Actinomycin D, inhibited C3 gene induction by IFN-γ and IL-1β suggesting that these cytokines act, in part, at the transcriptional level to enhance C3 expression. Understanding cytokine-mediated regulation of complement gene expression in the astrocyte is important in defining the role of these molecules in CNS inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Hubbard Model. I. Degeneracy in the Atomic Light

The atomic limit of the Hubbard Hamiltonian is extremely degenerate. The ground-state degeneracy, in particular, makes the zero-temperature Green's function for this limit ambiguous. The manifestations of the degeneracy in the one- and two-particle Green's functions are found. The degeneracy gives rise to nonlocal spatial correlation of physical significance which must be taken into account in narrow-band-regime perturbation schemes for the model.
Parathyroid adenoma in a cancer center patient population.

Abstract The association of parathyroid adenoma and antecedent events or relationships was examined retrospectively in 103 patients with parathyroid adenoma drawn from a cancer institute patient population. Patients were divided into two study groups by the referral pattern-intramural or community. The major contrast between the two groups was that the intramural patients had cancer diagnoses. The factors of advanced age, female gender, and prior regional irradiation appeared to be associated with the development of parathyroid adenoma. An interrelationship of incidental cancer and parathyroid adenoma, however, was not supported. Breast and differential thyroid cancers were most frequently associated with parathyroid adenoma, but age, gender, and irradiation were bias influences.
Testing news trustworthiness in an online public sphere: a case study of The Economist's news report covering the riots in Xinjiang, China

This paper explores the news trustworthiness and media credibility of The Economist's news report on 9 July 2009, and the communicative roles of 846 readers' responses. Theoretically guided by news translation and cultural resistance and the online public sphere, we applied online field observation and discourse analysis and achieved two main findings: First, although the news report covered the Xinjiang riots with comprehensive and attractive details, it violated the core journalism value of media credibility and journalistic objectivity by providing misleading pictures and significant unreliable and biased coverage. Second, the major communicative roles of the online readers' responses generally match Dahlberg's six conditions of an ideal online public sphere, which is still challenging but promising to realize.
Monte Carlo simulations of segregation at [001] twist boundaries in A Pt(Au) alloy. II : discussion

A three dimensional plot of the density of Au atoms versus the position coordinates for the (002) planes, immediately adjacent to the interface, for a θ = 5° [001] twist boundary, suggests the presence of a hill-and-valley structure in the Au segregation behavior at 850 K. The valleys correspond to the regions of good atomic fit between the regions of misfit; the hills correspond to the cores of the pairs of orthogonal primary grain boundary dislocations. A model for the Monte Carlo simulations is developed that leads to a linear expression for Saver containing a core segregation factor (Score). For this model Score has a single value for all twist boundaries at a given T. All the Monte Carlo results can be plotted on a single Arrhenius plot and the Gibbs free binding energy of a Au atom to the cores of the primary grain boundary dislocations extracted; the binding enthalpy and entropy of segregation are 0.095 ± 0.01 eV and κB (0.49 ± 0.10) respectively.
Discrepancies between microscopic (TEM) and macroscopic (texture) observations in high temperature deformation of FeAl and Fe3Al-based alloys

Abstract Macroscopic texture measurements of Fe3Al-based alloys deformed at 925≤T≤1325 K in the B2 structure regime by rolling, forging and extrusion, at deformation rates of 10−4–101 s−1, agree well with the numerically predicted textures for the 〈111〉{110}+〈110〉{112} slip system activation 1 , 2 , for each of these deformation histories. These results appear to be in disagreement with prior transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, that overwhelmingly support the activation of 〈100〉{011} and 〈100〉{001} slip systems at high temperature 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . To reconcile this discrepancy, we revisit the issue of TEM observations within the framework of a deformation experiment in the Gleeble™ apparatus, where the high temperature deformation substructure is `quenched-in' by imposing cooling rates of about 103 K.sec−1. Thus the incidence of thermally induced dislocation reorganization is minimized. TEM examinations reveal that the `quenched-in' dislocation substructure is indeed dominated by 〈111〉 dislocations and not 〈100〉 dislocations.
New Directional Couplers for Multimode Circujlar Waveguides Applied to Intense Pulsed Microwave Systems

Three new types of directional couplers are described for use in overmoded circular waveguide operating in the TM0 1 mode. The types are (1) circular/rectangular waveguide multihole couplers, (2) circular waveguide/coaxial multihole couplers, and (3) circular waveguide loop couplers. These directional couplers are designed to diagnose intense pulsed microwave systems in the frequency range 3 - 18 GHz. Coupling coefficients vary between 50 dB and 70 dB with directivities between 13 dB and 20 dB. These devices have been used to measure the output powers of relativistic magnetrons and backward wave oscillators (BWOs) in the power range 100 MW to 300 MW.
The clinical effect of mixing different proportions of rocuronium and mivacurium.

Summary Background : A synergistic effect has been described when rocuronium (Roc) and mivacurium (Miv) are combined in equal (i.e. 1 : 1) ED95 proportions at various total doses. We have investigated the effect of Roc or Miv alone and four different ratios (1 : 4, 2 : 3, 3 : 2 and 4 : 1) of Roc and Miv mixed to a total dose of 1.33 × ED95. The primary outcome is the ratio producing the maximum enhancement of duration of clinical effect. Methods : Sixty-eight healthy children were anaesthetized with propofol, nitrous oxide and fentanyl. They then randomly received either Roc 0.4 (mg·kg−1), Miv 0.133 (mg·kg−1) or one of four Roc + Miv combinations (mg·kg−1): Roc 0.32 + Miv 0.027; Roc 0.24 + Miv 0.053; Roc 0.16 + Miv 0.08; and Roc 0.08 + Miv 0.106. The mechanical response of the adductor pollicis muscle to supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist was recorded. Results : Duration of effect was greater in the combination groups than that predicted from the duration of Roc or Miv used alone. Duration was maximally increased around a 1 : 1 ratio (2 : 3 and 3 : 2) of Roc and Miv. The likelihood of achieving 100% block was greater in combination groups compared with Roc or Miv used alone. Conclusions : Combinations of Roc and Miv show a synergistic effect, which appears maximal as the mixture approaches a 1 : 1 ratio of their ED95s. This combination acted as if a larger effective dose of a single (new) drug had been given, but did not offer the advantage of both rapid onset and short duration of effect.
Nitrogen and metabolic regulation of the expression of plastidic glutamine synthetase in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Abstract We have identified a single putative plastidic glutamine synthetase (GS 2 ), isolated from Medicago sativa (alfalfa) leaf. Analysis of organ/tissue specific expression of the GS 2 gene in this study has shown that it is expressed in all green tissues. We show that the alfalfa GS 2 gene is also expressed in nitrogen fixing root nodules where its expression is not regulated by fixed nitrogen. Treatment with nitrate (NO 3 − ) results in the induction of GS 2 in the roots and leaves of alfalfa, but the signaling mechanism in the two organs is different. In the roots NO 3 − appears to act as a direct signal for the induction of GS 2 whereas in the leaves secondary metabolites of NO 3 − probably act as the signal. We also demonstrate that 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG), in combination with NO 3 − , appears to significantly induce GS 2 expression, pointing to 2-OG as a potential primary metabolic inducer of alfalfa GS 2 . Treatment with glutamine or sucrose, in combination with NO 3 − , also appears to induce GS 2 in the roots, but there is a lag in the induction when compared to the 2-OG/NO 3 − combination. Our interest ultimately lies in dissecting how carbon:nitrogen status modulates the expression of GS at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
Epistemic motives moderate the effect of metaphoric framing on attitudes

Abstract People frequently encounter messages framing abstract sociopolitical issues (e.g., drug law enforcement) metaphorically in terms of superficially unrelated, more concrete concepts (e.g., military combat). These metaphoric framings are not mere figures of speech; instead, they prompt observers to interpret the target issue using their knowledge of the concrete concept, despite their surface differences. In this paper we examine how this effect is moderated by observers' motivation to think about the target issue. Integrating conceptual metaphor and lay epistemology theories, we propose that metaphor can satisfy three epistemic motives: to be certain, consistent, and accurate. Studies 1a–b provide preliminary evidence that participants exposed to a metaphoric framing transfer knowledge of a concrete concept (vehicle operation) to interpret a target issue (system failure). Studies 2 to 4 show that this effect holds only when the metaphoric framing serves an epistemic motive. Findings illuminate when and why people rely on metaphor to think.
A specific enzyme electrode for L-phenylalanine

Abstract A specific enzyme electrode procedure is described for the rapid assay of L-phenyl- alanine. The enzyme L-phenylalanine ammonia lyase is used, which cleaves L-phenyl-alanine to ammonia. The ammonia liberated is measured with an air-gap electrode. The procedure is specific; L-tyrosine and other amino acids do not interfere, nor do Na + or K + ions. As little as 5 · 10 -5 M L-phenylalanine can be determined.
Comparison of Whole Organ Pancreas and Isolated Islet Transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an important disease that afflicts more than 18million Americans. Almost 2million of them have the type 1 form of the disease, in which the insulin producing cells of pancreatic islets are completely destroyed by a selective autoimmune process. This disrupts glucose homeostasis and renders the victims dependent on exogenous insulin for effective glucose utilization. Insulin therapy is lifesaving, but it fails to prevent a spectrum of microvascular and macrovascular complications that result from the imperfect glycemic control provided by even the most meticulous insulinmanagement. The resultingmorbidity andmortality account for a substantial percentage of US health care expenditures. Although significant advances have beenmade in understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes, this has not led to a cure, and very little progress has beenmade in its prevention. Trials of immunosuppres-
Planning and Implementation in the Informal SectorEvidence from Oaxaca, Mexico

Case Studies of Women in the informal sector in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, lead to the idea that individuals in the informal sector utilize planning strategies appropriate to their situation. Regulative, goal-centered, or morphostatic planning strategies—strategies focused on maintaining the system in its current state of equilibrium—are appropriate when a market has been developed and the desire is to maintain it under current conditions. Generative, resource- centered or morphogenic planning strategies—strategies that promote change in the current equilibrium—are used when markets are being developed, or when there are changes in the environment that require adjustment or adaptation, [women, planning, Oaxaca, Mexico]
On chronic rhinosinusitis and the prevalence of fungal sinus disease: problems of diagnostic accuracy and a proposed classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

There is considerable controversy in the diagnosis and classification of the type of inflammation that is attributed to various forms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Specimens obtained during surgical treatment of CRS have been invaluable resources for identifying the underlying inflammatory process. The classification of sinus inflammation is based on histopathologic examination of these surgical specimens. Accurate identification of the pathology and standardized reporting are invaluable for postsurgical treatment options and our understanding of CRS. In a large multispecialty referral hospital where multiple surgeons and pathologists are involved in clinical practice, the lack of standardization in specimen collection, specimen processing, and reporting introduce several variables that make it extremely difficult for retrospective analysis. This report focuses on consecutive endoscopic sinus surgical procedures performed by 4 different sinus surgeons over a period of 4 years in a Central Texas multispecialty hospital. This is an analysis of the reality of clinical practice without intervention. At the core of this analysis are pathology reporting practices for fungal sinus disease and the undesirable variables introduced by nonstandardized reporting. A practical classification of CRS based on pathology is proposed.
Extensional model for the subsidence of the northern United States Atlantic continental margin

The simple extensional model for the subsidence of the northern United States Atlantic continental margin attributes subsidence, which results in sedimentary-basin formation, to extension and thinning of continental lithosphere. The model is used to predict the tectonic subsidence histories that would be associated with various amounts of extension. Actual tectonic subsidence history curves are calculated from data collected in the Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test (COST) wells B-2, B-3, G-1, and G-2 and are found to be consistent with the predictions.
Effect of determining initial conditions by four-dimensional variational data assimilation on storm surge forecasting

Abstract A tangent linear model and an adjoint model of the three-dimensional, time-dependent, nonlinear Princeton Ocean Model (POM) are developed to construct a four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) algorithm for coastal ocean prediction. To verify and evaluate the performance of this 4D-Var method, a suite of numerical experiments are conducted for a storm surge case using model-generated “pseudo-observations”. The pseudo-observations are generated by a nested-grid high-resolution numerical model which is coupled to an inundation/drying scheme that is not included in the original POM. The 4D-Var algorithm based on POM is tested thoroughly for both code accuracy and the potential application in storm surge forecasting. The assimilation cycles lead to effective convergence between the forecasts and the “observations”. Assimilating water level alone or together with surface currents both lead to significant improvements in storm surge forecasts within and several hours beyond the data assimilation window. It is worth noting that, assimilating water level alone produces improvements in storm surge forecasts that are comparable to those by assimilating both water level and surface currents, suggesting that optimizations of water level and surface currents are linked through the 4D-Var assimilation cycles. However, it is also worth noting that, the benefit resulting from the reduction of initial error in water level and/or surface currents through data assimilation decreases rapidly in time outside the assimilation window. This suggests that determining initial conditions of water level and/or surface currents via data assimilation is only effective within and a few hours beyond the assimilation window for storm surge forecasting. Thus, alternative data assimilation approaches are needed to improve the accuracy and lead time in operational storm surge forecasting.
Microwear on Canines and Killing Behavior in Large Carnivores: Saber Function in Smilodon fatalis

Canids and hyaenids display a high density of features of microwear on canine teeth that reflect their similarity in killing strategy. However, hyaenids tend to have a higher percentage of short and wide features (pits) because of the high percentage of bone in their diet. Canines of felids display relatively fewer features than canids and hyaenids, which suggest that felids apprehend prey by delivering deep, strong bites that result in less abrasion of the canines. I suggest that canids rely more heavily on their canines and incisors for feeding than do felids. Smilodon fatalis , a large saber-tooth cat from the Pleistocene of North America, is similar to living felids in having relatively few features of canines, but differs from cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) and African lions ( Panthern leo ) in having relatively more pits. S. fatalis showed no consistent similarity in features of microwear on canine teeth to six large carnivores (leopard, Panthera pardus ; cheetah; African lion; spotted hyaena, Crocuta crocuta ; African wild dog, Lycaon pictus ; gray wolf, Canis lupus ), which suggests that its killing behavior and possibly dietary preference differed from modern predators. S. fatalis may have avoided contact with bone during killing and feeding encounters, which caused fewer features to form on the upper canines.
Electromagnetic energy, momentum, and angular momentum in an inhomogeneous linear dielectric

Abstract In a previous work, Optics Communications 284 (2011) 2460–2465, we considered a dielectric medium with an anti-reflection coating and a spatially uniform index of refraction illuminated at normal incidence by a quasimonochromatic field. Using the continuity equations for the electromagnetic energy density and the Gordon momentum density, we constructed a traceless, symmetric energy–momentum tensor for the closed system. In this work, we relax the condition of a uniform index of refraction and consider a dielectric medium with a spatially varying index of refraction that is independent of time, which essentially represents a mechanically rigid dielectric medium due to external constraints. Using continuity equations for energy density and for Gordon momentum density, we construct a symmetric energy–momentum matrix, whose four-divergence is equal to a generalized Helmholtz force density four-vector. Assuming that the energy–momentum matrix has tensor transformation properties under a symmetry group of space–time coordinate transformations, we derive the global conservation laws for the total energy, momentum, and angular momentum.
Latent interface-trap buildup and its implications for hardness assurance (MOS transistors)

Long-term anneals at temperatures from 25 degrees C to 135 degrees C were performed on irradiated MOS transistors. Following the normal saturation of interface-trap density (within 10/sup 2/ to 10/sup 5/ s after irradiation), large increases in the number of interface traps were observed for both commercial and radiation-hardened transistors at very long times after irradiation (>10/sup 6/ s at 25 degrees ). This latent buildup of interface traps can be significant, up to a factor of four times larger than the normal saturation value. The latent buildup is thermally activated with an activation energy of 0.47+or-0.08 eV. As a natural consequence of the delay between the normal and the latent buildup, there is a window in time in which little or no interface-trap buildup occurs. Two possible mechanisms for the latent buildup are explored: (1) the direct conversion of oxide traps into interface traps or border traps and (2) the diffusion of molecular hydrogen into the gate oxide from adjacent structures. The latent buildup of interface traps can degrade the performance of ICs in space systems and may cause IC failure at long times. Recommendations are provided for characterizing latent interface-trap buildup. >