cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the mouse Tcra-V22 gene subfamily.

T-cell receptors (Tcrs) of higher organisms play a key role in the specific recognition of self and non-self molecules in the immune system. The large number ofTcr variable (V) genes have been organized intoV gene subfamilies according to their sequence similarity at the nucleotide and amino acid level. We cloned and characterized four new members of theTcra-V22 gene subfamily at the genomic level using a simple and sensitive technique that can rapidly clone members of any multi-member gene family. Sequence analysis reveals that the fourTcra-V22 gene subfamily members have more than 98% sequence similarity in their coding regions, at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. However, the intron between the leader and the coding region varies up to 7% between members of theTcra-V22 gene subfamily. Comparison of the multimemberTcra-V22 gene subfamily with other multi-memberTcra-V gene subfamilies (V2, V8, andV11), shows thatTcra-V22 is unique in that it has multiple members with nearly identical amino acid sequence and which are not inherently pseudogenes. Sequence similarity analysis of theTcra-V22 subfamily with the prototypes of all otherTcra-V subfamilies revealed that theTcra-V22 subfamily has the closest sequence similarity to that ofTcra-V18 (77% at the nucleotide level and 71% at the amino acid level).
On the Obliquity of the Ecliptic

This study was originally motivated from the discussion of the obliquity of the ecliptic, e, in the work of (1959) and his collaborators, and the article, “An 8-th Century Meridian Line,” by (1961). A search in the historical records yields values of e in addition to the published values in the literatures.
Building Orthopedic Journal Collections: Analyzing Use and Bibliometrics in a Teaching Hospital Library

This article presents a collection development tool that identifies a list of key orthopedic journals to retain in print or license electronically in an academic or teaching hospital library. The authors developed an assessment tool comparing five measures of importance and use, including journal impact factor, cited half-life, interlibrary loan lending, electronic archival access, and library usage. This study assists medical librarians and orthopedic surgeons by identifying the titles in this subject area that may be of most enduring value for professional reading and for hospital library collections.
The impact of allergic rhinitis on bronchial asthma

During the past century, practicing clinicians have frequently observed that allergic rhinitis and asthma coexist in the same patients. Despite a wealth of data supporting an association between rhinitis and asthma, it has remained controversial whether the presence of rhinitis predisposes an individual to the development of asthma and whether nasal dysfunction causes asthma to worsen. Despite these uncertainties, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that appropriate treatment of allergic rhinitis results in improvements in asthma symptoms and lower airway function. In this review, data from a variety of clinical and laboratory studies will be highlighted to help clarify our understanding of this complex and important relation.
Effects of dietary source and intake of energy on immune competence and the response to an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) challenge in cattle

Abstract Objectives were to evaluate how dietary energy intake and source affect immune competence and response to an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) challenge in cattle. Forty-eight crossbred beef steers were stratified by body weight within two periods and randomized to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (8 steers/treatment within period). Treatments were: a 70% concentrate diet fed ad libitum (70 AD); a 30% concentrate diet fed ad libitum (30 AD); and 70% concentrate diet restricted to the net energy for gain intake of 30AL (70RES). Ex vivo immune responses were evaluated after treatments were applied for 28 d, after which cattle were moved into individual pens (d 28 to 40) and intranasally challenged with IBRV on d 30. On d 34, all cattle were offered a 50% concentrate diet ad libitum until d 50. Both energy source ( P 0.02) and intake level( P 0.04) affected peripheral blood mononuclear cell synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α, with cell culture supernatant concentrations averaging 2264, 1887, and 1241 pg/mL for 70 AD, 70RES, and 30 AD, respectively. Neither whole blood killing of Mannheimia haemolytica nor neutrophil oxidative burst in response to M. haemolytica was affected by treatments. Serum neutralizing IBRV antibody titers were not different among treatments either before or after the IBRV challenge. Rectal temperature following IBRV peaked 3 d after the IBRV challenge and returned to baseline by d 6, but it was not affected by treatment. No differences were observed in dry matter intake among treatments while the cattle were individually penned and fed a 50% concentrate diet from d 34 to 40. When cattle were group-penned from d 40 to 50 of the study (d 10 to 20 after the IBRV challenge), the 70RES cattle had greater DMI ( P 0.04) than cattle in the other two groups. Following the IBRV challenge, serum glucose concentrations did not differ among treatments; however, the 70 AD cattle had greater blood urea N concentrations ( P P
Imagery effects on early visual processing

Three experiments were carried out to test the hypothesis that visual imagery activates patternprocessing mechanisms in the visual system. This hypothesis may be contrasted with one which posits that the effort required to maintain an image impairs performance on subsequent visual tasks. In Experiment 1, subjects imaged vertical, square-wave gratings confined to one quadrant of the imaginai visual field. This raised thresholds for detecting subsequently presented gratings in all four quadrants, relative to a control condition in which no imaging was required. The orientation specificity of this effect was tested in two further experiments by varying the orientation of adapting and test gratings orthogonally (vertical and horizontal orientations were used). In Experiment 2, a faint grating was present during adaptation to help subjects localize their images and a small fixation bar was scanned to prevent the formation of retinal afterimages. The presence of the faint grating itself produced orientation-specific and location-specific threshold elevation. However, imagining that this grating was of high contrast did not produce any further elevation of the thresholds. In Experiment 3, high-imagery subjects adapted to more easily imaged centrally located gratings. No threshold elevation was found. These results suggest that imagery affects detection thresholds as a result of the effort required rather than by adapting orientation-specific mechanisms in the visual cortex.
Regional pole placement method for discrete-time systems

Ohtsuka, T., andFujii, H. A., "Nonlinear State Feedback Control of Space Vehicle Model Using a Real-Time Optimization Technique," Proceedings of the AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference (Scottsdale, AZ), AIAA, Washington, DC, 1994, pp. 1113-1121. Bryson, A. E., Jr., and Ho, Y.-C., Applied Optimal Control, Hemisphere, New York, 1975. Lasdon, L. S., Mitter, S. K., and Waren, A. D., "The Conjugate Gradient Method for Optimal Control Problems," IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, Vol. AC-12, April 1967, pp. 132-138. Wu, A. K., and Miele, A., "Sequential Conjugate Gradient-Restoration Algorithm for Optimal Control Problems with Non-Differential Constraints and General Boundary Conditions, Part 1," Optimal Control Applications and Methods, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1980, pp. 69-88. Gonzalez, S., and Rodriguez, S., "Modified Quasilinearization Algorithm for Optimal Control Problems with Nondifferential Constraints and General Boundary Conditions," Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 50, July 1986, pp. 109-128.
Simulations of Bluff Body Flow Interaction for Noise Source Modeling

The current study is a continuation of our effort to characterize the details of flow interaction between two cylinders in a tandem configuration. This configuration is viewed to possess many of the pertinent flow features of the highly interactive unsteady flow field associated with the main landing gear of large civil transports. The present effort extends our previous two-dimensional, unsteady, Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes computations to three dimensions using a quasilaminar, zonal approach, in conjunction with a two-equation turbulence model. Two distinct separation length-to-diameter ratios of L/D = 3.7 and 1.435, representing intermediate and short separation distances between the two cylinders, are simulated. The Mach 0.166 simulations are performed at a Reynolds number of Re = 1.66 105 to match the companion experiments at NASA Langley Research Center. Extensive comparisons with the measured steady and unsteady surface pressure and off-surface particle image velocimetry data show encouraging agreement. Both prominent and some of the more subtle trends in the mean and fluctuating flow fields are correctly predicted. Both computations and the measured data reveal a more robust and energetic shedding process at L/D = 3.7 in comparison with the weaker shedding in the shorter separation case of L/D = 1.435. The vortex shedding frequency based on the computed surface pressure spectra is in reasonable agreement with the measured Strouhal frequency.
Imaging needle for optical coherence tomography

We describe a miniature optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging needle that can be inserted into solid tissues and organs to permit interstitial imaging of their internal microstructures with micrometer scale resolution and minimal trauma. A novel rotational coupler with a glass capillary tube is also presented that couples light from a rotating single-mode fiber to a stationary one. A prototype needle with a 27-gauge ∼410‐µm outer diameter has been developed and is demonstrated for in vivo imaging. The OCT needle can be integrated with standard excisional biopsy devices and used for OCT-guided biopsy.
Nickel complexes of sepiapterin and 6-acetyldihydrohomopterin, a pyrimidodiazepine from Drosophila

Abstract The nonfluorescent pyrimidodiazepine in Drosophila melanogaster 6-acetyldihydrohomopterin (H 2 Ahp) was studied using ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. The H 2 Ahp was unstable in 3% NH 4 Cl whereas a related pteridine sepiapterin was stable. Since Ni 2+ stabilized H 2 Ahp completely, the structure of the H 2 Ahp · Ni complex was examined. Among 15 pterins, including sepiapterin, the spectral properties in the presence of Ni 2+ reflect the p K a 's and the reactive group on the side chain but for H 2 Ahp the spectral properties are rather different from the pteridines and they indicate that the seven-membered ring seemed to have the predominant influence. The Ni 2+ comples of H 2 Ahp resulted in a shift in the absorption maximum from 383 to 436 nm. The corresponding spectral shift of the pteridines due to Ni 2+ was much less. From the infrared spectra of H 2 Ahp and sepiapterin in the presence and absence of Ni 2+ , the sites of interaction of Ni 2+ with H 2 Ahp were shown to be the phenolic oxygen and N5 in the ring. In the absence of Ni 2+ an internal hydrogen bond in sepiapterin was indicated that may involve the carbonyl oxygen and the secondary alcoholic oxygen on the side chain. Other metal ions were tested (Cd 2+ , Zn 2+ ) but were not as effective as Ni 2+ in stabilizing H 2 Ahp.
Fat scoring : sources of variability

Fat scoring is a widely used nondestructive method of assessing total body fat in birds. This method has not been rigorously investigated. We investigated interand intraobserver variability in scoring as well as the predictive ability of fat scoring using five species of passerines. Between-observer variation in scoring was variable and great at times. Observers did not consistently score species higher or lower relative to other observers nor did they always score birds with more total body fat higher. We found that within-observer variation was acceptable but was dependent on the species being scored. The precision of fat scoring was species-specific and for most species, fat scores accounted for less than 50% of the variation in true total body fat. Overall, we would describe fat scoring as a fairly precise method of indexing total body fat but with limited reliability among observers.
Utilization of platelet count spleen diameter ratio in predicting the presence of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis

GoalsTo assess whether the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio is a useful noninvasive predictor of esophageal varices.BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend that all patients with cirrhosis undergo screening endoscopy for the presence of varices. Recent studies have focused on using noninvasive te
A radiometric microassay for ornithine decarboxylase.

Abstract A simple method for purifying [ 3 H] l -ornithine and incubation conditions suitable for estimating l -ornithine decarboxylase activity are described. Routine and recycled cation exchange procedures for separating putrescine from ornithine are outlined. Blanks using the routine cation exchange method average approx. 0.04% of the radioactivity contained in the substrate; product recovery is approx. 94%. The l -ornithine decarboxylase assay is proportional to time for at least 8 h. The relationship between substrate purity and the sensitivity of the cation exchange procedures is assessed. Radiochemical purity is the critical determinant of sensitivity for recycled assays. The cation exchange method is compared with the commonly used CO 2 -trapping method. The cation exchange method is more specific and approximately three orders of magnitude more sensitive than the CO 2 -trapping method. l -Ornithine decarboxylase activity can be measured reliably in samples of embryonic neural tissue having wet-weights of approx. 1 μg l -ornithine decarboxylase activity in the lumbar spinal cord of the chick embryo decreases 25–30 fold from day 5 to day 18 of embryonic development. A cation exchange procedure for estimating l -lysine decarboxylase activity is also described. Failure to detect l -lysine decarboxylase activity in the chick embryo lumbar spinal cord is contrasted with the previous report of high cadaverine levels in chick embryos.
Diagnosis and Management of Fungal Urinary Tract Infections

Fungal urinary infections are becoming more common, particularly in hospital settings with the vast majority caused by Candida species. The ability to differentiate colonization from infection is difficult and treatment decisions are far from straightforward. To date, there is no dependable method for distinguishing colonization from infection, as evidence of funguria does not automatically require treatment. Often, mere modification of predisposing factors is sufficient management. Following a standardized algorithm that categorizes patients with regard to symptoms and risk profiles can aid the clinician in proper workup and treatment and mitigate unnecessary antifungal usage.
EFFECT OF GRADED HYPOXIA ON THE NMDA RECEPTOR CPP BINDING SITE IN THE CEREBRAL CORTEX OF NEWBORN PIGLETS. ▴ 267

Previous studies have shown that the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is modified during hypoxia in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. The present study tests the hypothesis that the NMDA receptor 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) binding site is altered in response to the progressive decrease in cerebral cellular energy metabolism induced by hypoxia. Studies were conducted in 17 anesthetized, ventilated newborn piglets, 8 normoxic and 9 exposed to decreased FiO2 at different concentrations and durations to achieve varying phosphocreatine(PCr) levels. 3H-CPP binding was performed at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 1500 nM at 23°C for 40 minutes in P2 membrane fractions. Brain tissue ATP and PCr levels were determined biochemically. In the normoxic group the mean PCr value was 2.7 ± 0.3 μmol/g brain, Bmax (receptor number) 343 ± 80 fmoles/mg protein and Kd (dissociation constant) 130 ± 46 nM. For the group exposed to varying degrees of hypoxia, PCr (μmol/g brain), Bmax (fmoles/mg protein) and Kd (nM) were as follows: (0.04, 50, 58), (0.5, 166, 156), (0.8, 61, 65), (0.9, 59, 28), (0.9, 97, 47), (1.5, 142, 80), (2.7, 193, 188), (3.2, 261, 119), and (4.4, 326, 112). In contrast to PCr, tissue ATP levels decreased significantly only when PCr values were less than 1.0 μmol/g brain (4.8 ± 1.0 versus 1.5± 1.9 μmol/g brain, p<0.001). The results demonstrate that both the receptor Bmax (r = 0.9) and Kd (r = 0.83) decrease in a linear relationship as PCr decreases. The data show that there is not a critical hypoxic threshold for modification of the CPP binding site of the NMDA receptor, but that modification is coupled to a gradual decrease in brain cell energy metabolism as reflected by brain tissue PCr levels. We speculate that NMDA receptor modulation may be mediated by changes in phosphorylation of the receptor recognition site and may be initiated by subtle decreases in tissue oxygenation in the newborn brain. (Funded by NIH-HD-20337, MOD #6-FY94-0135, UCPR 506-93)
A missile adaptive roll autopilot with a new dither principle

The design, theory, and simulation are described for a new adaptive roll autopilot in a typical air-to-air cruciform interceptor missile with a range of 55.4 to 1 in aileron-moment effectiveness. The adaptive loop injects a sinusoidal dither signal (at 3.5 c/s) into the main roll loop, measures the in-phase component of the return signal (not its amplitude, as in the Smyth [1], [2] system), and adjusts the gain of a multiplier in the main roll loop. The system maintains unity loop gain of the roll loop at the dither frequency without cross-coupling effects, and is believed to have good inherent rejection of noise. The analysis of the system is satisfactory for preliminary design, but stability limits of the adaptive loop must be tested by simulation. Successful simulation results are presented for flights at three altitudes with different Mach histories. This type of system appears to be practical for the roll autopilot of an interceptor missile with tail control, particularly if ground-launched. The roll multiplier gain setting can be used to adjust analogous gains in the pitch and yaw autopliots. Further analysis of stability and noise rejection would be desirable.
Dietary fat types and 4-year cognitive change in community-dwelling older women.

Objective To relate dietary fat types to cognitive change in healthy community-based elders.
Marginal utility and a criterion of performance for communication and radar systems

Since communication or radar systems, like all systems involving human activity, are subject to the laws of profit and loss, their performance may be evaluated on a scale of economic utility values. A utility evaluation may be conducted with the aid of D. Bernoulli's Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility.1
The vomero‐nasal apparatus in chrysemys punctata and rana catesbiana

In a previous communication the writer ('12) described the vomero-nasal apparatus in the opossum and other mammals. It was shown that the vomero-nasal organ, the vomero-nasal nerves and the accessory olfactory bulb are parts of a special olfactory mechanism the specific function of which still remains doubtful. It is with the idea that a careful comparative study of this apparatus in the different animals may lead to a more definite understanding of its function that this study was undertaken. The observations about to be reported were based in part on serial sections of the heads of turtles and frogs and in phrt on dissections of prepared specimens of the same species. Wax plate reconstructions of the olfactory apparatus were made to show, so far as possible, the form and comparative size of its component parts. Figures 7 , 8, 15 and 16 represent drawings of these reconstructions.
Spreads, flocks, and generalized quadrangles

A spread of PG(3,q), q an odd prime, recently constructed by R. Baker and G. Ebert, when generalized for q an odd prime power is isomorphic to a spread derived by J. A. Thas from a flock of a quadratic cone discovered by J. C. Fisher. The associated generalized quadrangle has an unusual colllneation.
Dissociation of Serum Triiodothyronine Concentration and Hepatic Nuclear Triiodothyronine-Binding Capacity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats*

To determine the relationship between the concentrations of serum T3 and hepatic nuclear T3 receptor in a reversible nonthyroidal disease, we studied these parameters in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, control rats, and rats that were weight-matched to the diabetic rats by food restriction. Results were similar either 1 or 9 weeks after the induction of diabetes. A significant decrease from control in mean serum T4, T3 and free T3 index was noted in the diabetic rats. However, mean serum TSH was not altered significantly. The hepatic nuclear T3-binding capacity in the diabetic rats was similar to that in the control at both time intervals, whereas the nuclear T3-binding capacity of fasted rats was decreased. The dissociation of serum T3 and hepatic nuclear receptor concentrations in diabetic rats suggests that receptor concentration is not modified by thyroid hormones in this nonthyroidal disease.
Nuclear magnetic resonance in AG: Mn alloys

Abstract The 109 Ag linewidth has been observed as a function of Mn concentration, applied magnetic field, temperature and annealing time for a series of dilute Ag: Mn alloys.
Impact of an invasive oak gall wasp on a native butterfly: a test of plant-mediated competition

Phytophagous insects commonly interact through shared host plants. These interactions, however, do not occur in accordance with traditional paradigms of competition, and competition in phytophagous insects is still being defined. It remains unclear, for example, if particular guilds of insects are superior competitors or important players in structuring insect communities. Gall-forming insects are likely candidates for such superior competitors because of their ability to manipulate host plants, but their role as competitors is understudied. We investigate the effect of invasive populations of an oak gall wasp, Neuroterus saltatorius, on a native specialist butterfly, Erynnis propertius, as mediated by their shared host plant, Quercus garryana. This gall wasp occurs at high densities in its introduced range, where we stocked enclosures with caterpillars on trees that varied in gall wasp density. Biomass production of butterflies was lower in enclosures on high-density than on low-density trees because overwintering caterpillars were smaller, and fewer of them eclosed into adults the following spring. To see if the gall wasp induced changes in foliar quality, we measured host plant quality before and after gall induction on 30 trees each at two sites. We found a positive relationship between gall wasp density and the percentage change in foliar C:N, a negative relationship between gall wasp density and the percentage change in foliar water at one site, and no relationship between the percentage change in protein-binding capacity (i.e., phenolics) and gall-wasp density. Additionally, there was a negative relationship between foliar quality and butterfly performance. Our results provide evidence for a plant-mediated impact of an invasive oak gall wasp on a native butterfly and suggest that gall wasps could act as superior competitors, especially when they occur at high densities.
Vaccinia Virus Infection Modulates the Hematopoietic Cell Compartments in the Bone Marrow

Successful proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells in bone marrow (BM) is essential to generate all mature blood cell types, including those involved in the immune response. Although vaccinia virus (VV) is known to induce a strong immune response, the effect of VV infection on hematopoiesis remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that in vivo VV infection results in the expansion of c-Kit(hi)Sca-1+Lin- (KSL) hematopoietic stem cells. The in vivo expansion of the KSL population requires MyD88 that is a critical adaptor for Toll-like receptor-mediated signaling. Moreover, in BM of VV-infected mice, common myeloid progenitors (CMP) was decreased because of the rapid differentiation of CMP to more mature cells. However, the CMP compartment was not affected by VV infection in the absence of MyD88. The common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) cell population was increased regardless of MyD88 status, suggesting the independent regulation of CMP and CLP compartments by VV infection. VV infection also enhanced the potential of progenitors that preferentially induce the programming of dendritic cell (DC) development toward plasmacytoid DC. Therefore, the host immune response is gearing toward antiviral responses as early as at the precursor level upon VV infection.
SURVIVAL TIME OF TRICHINIZED MICE TREATED WITH CORTISONE ACETATE, ACTH, SUGAR SOLUTIONS, OR WATER.

Abstract Each of 246 5-week-old male mice divided into 8 groups was inoculated with 6400 Trichinella spiralis larvae and subsequently with intraperitoneal injections of either cortisone acetate, ACTH, distilled water, or sugar solution in varying dosages. All of the animals died. With one exception [the median death time of those mice receiving the lowest amount of ACTH (Group VI)], the mean and median survival times of cortisone- or ACTH-treated animals were less than those for water- or sugar-treated controls. Mean survival times of the mice were significantly shortened by injection with the larger doses of ACTH and cortisone. Nothing in the data suggested that ACTH or cortisone was beneficial to heavily trichinized mice.
Comparison of the activity of selamectin, fipronil, and imidacloprid against flea larvae (Ctenocephalides felis felis) in vitro.

Abstract The activity of selamectin, fipronil and imidacloprid against larval cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) was evaluated in an in vitro potency assay system. One hundred microliters of each compound at various concentrations in acetone were added to glass vials (1.5 by 3 cm) to which had been previously added 20 mg of sand and 10 mg of flea feces. Vials were then ball milled to allow the acetone to evaporate. Selamectin and fipronil were tested at 0.001, 0.003, 0.005, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.11, 0.3, and 0.5 μg of active compound per tube. Imidacloprid was tested at 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 μg of active compound per tube. Thirty first instar C. felis larvae were added to each vial. The number of larvae remaining alive in each vial was determined once daily for 72 h. With selamectin, reductions of ≥93.5% were achieved at 24 h after exposure at doses of ≥0.3 μg. In contrast, at 24 h neither fipronil nor imidacloprid reached 90% reduction, even at the highest doses tested (0.5 μg for fipronil and 5.0 μg for imidacloprid). Selamectin was significantly (P≤0.05) more potent than imidacloprid and fipronil at levels ≥0.03 μg. A similar pattern of activity was observed at both 48 and 72 h, but higher percentages of larvae were killed for each of the compounds as the incubation time increased. At 72 h selamectin was significantly (P≤0.05) more potent than imidacloprid at levels of 0.01–0.1 μg and significantly (P≤0.05) more potent than fipronil at levels of 0.003–0.01 μg. Therefore, selamectin was more potent than either fipronil or imidacloprid in killing flea larvae in this in vitro assay system.
Pre-2014 mudslides at Oso revealed by InSAR and multi-source DEM analysis

The March 22, 2014 Oso mudslide at Washington was an extreme event costing nearly 40 deaths and damaging civilian properties. Historic record indicates that there have been serial events in decades. In our study, the combination of multi-source digital elevation models (DEMs), interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), and time-series InSAR analysis allowed us to characterize the Oso mudslide. The difference of shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) and 2003 light detection and ranging (LiDAR) DEM indicated the topographic changes before 2006 mudslide, and the combination of time-series InSAR analysis and old-dated DEM (2000 SRTM, 2003 LiDAR DEM) revealed topographic changes associated with the 2006 sliding event. InSAR results from advanced land observing satellite (ALOS) phased array type L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR) and LiDAR DEMs show that there were no significant topographic changes between 2007 and 2013 before the 2014 mudslide. The lasting toe erosion and logging near the lands...
Chandra Observations of Associates of η Carinae. I. Luminosities

The region around the η Carinae Nebula has three OB associations, which contain a Wolf-Rayet star and several massive O3 stars. An early Chandra ACIS-I image was centered on η Car and includes Trumpler 16 and part of Trumpler 14. The Chandra image confirms the well-known result that O and very early B stars are X-ray sources with LX 10-7Lbol over an X-ray luminosity range of about 100. Two new, anomalously strong X-ray sources have been found among the hot star population: Tr 16-244, a heavily reddened O3 I star, and Tr 16-22, a heavily reddened O8.5 V star. Two stars have an unusually large LX/Lbol: HD 93162, a Wolf-Rayet star (and possible binary), and Tr 16-22, a possible colliding-wind binary. In addition, a population of sources associated with cool stars is detected. In the color-magnitude diagram, these X-ray sources sit above the sequence of field stars in the Carina arm. The OB stars are on average more X-ray-luminous than the cool star X-ray sources. X-ray sources among A stars have X-ray luminosities similar to those of cooler stars and may be due to cooler companions. Upper limits are presented for B stars that are not detected in X-rays. These upper limits are also the upper limits for any cool companions that the hot stars may have. Hardness ratios are presented for the most luminous sources in bands 0.5-0.9, 0.9-1.5, and 1.5-2.04 keV. The available information on the binary nature of the hot stars is discussed, but binarity does not correlate with X-ray strength in a simple way.
Ductility enhancement in unreacted internal-Sn Nb/sub 3/Sn through low-temperature anneals

It is shown that a lack of tensile ductility in as-drawn superconducting wires at room temperature can lead to damage during magnet fabrication steps such as cabling and coil winding. The tensile elongation of 0.42 mm internal-Sn Nb/sub 3/Sn conductor in the as-drawn unreacted condition is limited to less than 3% at room temperature. The tensile elongation is substantially enhanced through low-temperature annealing treatments at 200 degrees C, increasing to as high as 10% after 24 h at 200 degrees C. This effect is attributed to increased work hardening capacity from softening, which reduces yield strengths up to 50% while maintaining 90% of the tensile strength. Fracture surfaces of annealed wires reveal increased adhesion between the Sn cores and the surrounding Cu as well as an increase in ductile void coalescence as the failure mechanism within the Cu. Preliminary results on the prereaction strain sensitivity of reacted wire critical currents confirm the increased strain tolerance in annealed wires. >
Neurobehavioral effects of interferon-α in patients with hepatitis-C: symptom dimensions and responsiveness to paroxetine.

In patients at high risk for recurrence of malignant melanoma, interferon-α (IFN-α), a stimulator of innate immunity, appears to induce distinct neurobehavioral symptom dimensions: a mood and anxiety syndrome, and a neurovegetative syndrome, of which the former is responsive to prophylactic administration of paroxetine. We sought to determine whether symptom dimensions (and treatment responsiveness) arise in patients with hepatitis C administered IFN-α and ribavirin. In a randomized, double-blind, 6-month study, 61 patients with hepatitis C eligible for therapy with IFN-α and ribavirin received the antidepressant paroxetine (n=28) or a placebo (n=33). Study medication began 2 weeks before IFN-α/ribavirin therapy. Neuropsychiatric assessments included the 10-item Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The items of the MADRS were grouped into depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and neurovegetative symptom dimensions, and analyzed using a mixed model. By 2 weeks of IFN-α/ribavirin therapy, all four dimensions increased, with the symptom dimensions of anxiety and cognitive dysfunction fluctuating and worsening, respectively, in both groups over time. The depression symptom dimension was significantly lower in the paroxetine treatment group (p=0.04); severity of the neurovegetative symptom dimension was similar in both groups. Similar to patients with malignant melanoma receiving high-dose IFN-α, the depression symptom dimension is more responsive to paroxetine treatment in individuals undergoing concomitant IFN-α/ribavirin therapy. However, the anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and neurovegetative symptom dimensions appear less responsive to prophylactic paroxetine administration. Different neurobiologic pathways may contribute to the responsiveness of IFN-α-induced symptom dimensions to antidepressant treatment, requiring relevant psychopharmacologic strategies.
Simple cost-sharing contracts

We extend Rogerson’s (2003) intriguing analysis of the performance of simple procurement contracts to consider settings where the supplier’s innate production cost is not necessarily distributed uniformly. Although the simple contract that Rogerson analyzes performs remarkably well when the smaller cost realizations are relatively likely, it can perform poorly when the larger cost realizations are relatively likely. We show that in all settings under consideration, though, a fairly simple pair of contracts – one that involves linear cost sharing and one that involves full cost reimbursement – can always secure more than 73% of the gain achieved with a fully optimal contract.
Hypotheses and Methods in Second Language Acquisition: Testing the Noun Phrase Accessibility Hierarchy on Relative Clauses

The purpose of this commentary is to discuss some of the findings and claims of the five articles contained in this special issue that deals with the relationship between the noun phrase accessibility hierarchy (NPAH), first proposed by Keenan and Comrie (1977), and the acquisition of relative clauses (RCs) in three Asian languages—Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean. This topic is of interest to SLA theory for at least two reasons. First, as Ozeki and Shirai (this issue) pointed out, there is significant literature proposing to explain facts about the SLA of RCs involving European languages. This raises the question of whether the NPAH has the same explanatory value for languages that are genetically unrelated and geographically separated. The second reason is that Comrie (1998, 2002) recently proposed that nominal-attributive clauses in some Asian languages differ from RCs in European languages in important ways that might have an impact on whether the NPAH holds true for the acquisition of RCs in these languages.
A Combined Algorithm for Stability and Phase Equilibrium by Gibbs Free Energy Minimization

A new algorithm is presented for the calculation of multiphase equilibrium conditions at fixed temperature, pressure, and overall composition. The method enables the simultaneous analysis of phase stability and equilibrium compositions for coexisting phases by the minimization of the Gibbs free energy of the system. The Lagrange multipliers for the test phases, which are provided by the optimization routines utilized, are additional variables indicating the feasibility and potential for the formation of the phases. The approach of this study is illustrated for the phase behavior of several systems.
Surveying New Frontiers: Palliative Care in the Trauma ICU (417-A)

Surveying New Frontiers: Palliative Care in the Trauma ICU (417-A) Lori Olson, MD, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Bryan Collier, Mohana Karlekar, MD, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. (All authors listed above for this session have disclosed no relevant financial relationships with the following exception: Karlekar is on the advisory board and speakers’ bureau for Inspiris Advisory Board for Hospice Compassus and receives consulting fees and honoraria.)
Sedative, Stimulant, and Other Subjective Effects of Marijuana: Relationships to Smoking Techniques

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed subjective effects of smoking marijuana with either a long or short breath-holding duration. During eight test sessions, 55 male volunteers made repeated ratings of subjective "high," sedation, and stimulation, as well as rating their perceptions of motivation and performance on cognitive tests. The major finding of the study was that the long, relative to the short, breath-holding duration increased "high" ratings after smoking marijuana, but not placebo. Marijuana smoking increased sedation and a perception of worsened test performance, and decreased motivation with respect to test performance. Paradoxical subjective effects were observed in that subjects reported some stimulation as well as sedation after smoking marijuana, particularly with the long breath-holding duration. Breath-holding duration did not produce any subjective effects that were independent of the drug treatment, i.e.. occurred equally after smoking of marijuana and placebo, such as we previously observed with respect to test performance.
Heterosis and outbreeding depression: a multi-locus model and an application to salmon production

Abstract Both artificial propagation and efforts to preserve or augment natural populations sometimes involve, wittingly or unwittingly, the mixing of different gene pools. The advantages of such mixing vis-a-vis the alleviation of inbreeding depression are well known. Acknowledged, but less well understood, are the complications posed by outbreeding depression. This paper derives a simple model of outbreeding depression and demonstrates that it is reasonably possible to predict the generation-to-generation fitness course of hybrids derived from parents from different origins. Genetic difference, or distance between parental types, is defined by the drop in fitness experienced by one type reared at the site to which the other is locally adapted. For situations where decisions involving stock mixing must be made in the absence of complete information, a sensitivity analysis-based conflict resolution method (the Good-Bad-Ugly model) is described.
Routine vaginal Pap test is not useful in women status‐post hysterectomy for benign disease

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) has recommended that routine vaginal Pap (V-Pap) screening is unnecessary for women status-post (S/P) total hysterectomy (T-Hyst) for benign disease (Guide to Clinical Preventive Services. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1996. p 105-118). However, many US women continue to have V-Pap despite no risk for cervical cancer and minimal risk for primary vaginal cancer (JAMA 2004;291:2990). Herein, we report our experience with such patients. Computerized data of patients S/P T-Hyst for benign conditions over a 6-yr-period were retrospectively evaluated. Pap diagnoses of epithelial abnormalities (Ep Abnl), negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy with/without nonneoplastic findings (NILM-NN and NILM), were reviewed based on three age groups: group A, 18-44 yr; group B, 45-64 yr; and group C, > or =65 yr (JAMA 2004;291:2990). A control group was used.Of 1,860 T-Hyst 1,303 (70%) were for benign disease. Of these 581/1303 (44.5%) patients had 819 current V-Paps (range, 1-5; mean, 1.4). The 581 patients were group A, 288 (49.5%); group B, 272 (46.8%); and group C, 21 (3.6%). Overall, the 819 V-Paps showed Ep Abnl, 28 (3.4%); NILM-NN, 252 (30.7%); and NILM, 539 (65.8%). Of the 28 Ep Abnl, 19 (67.8%) were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), and 9 (32%) were low-grade vaginal intraepithelial lesions (LG-VAIN). The NILM-NN findings included organisms, atrophy, and endometriosis. On the basis of individual age groups, Ep Abnl were only seen in V-Paps of 7/288 (2%) of group A and 21/272 (8%) of group B patients. In 23 control patients, 7/71 (9.8%) current V-Paps showed Ep Abnl (ASCUS, 4 (57%); LG-VAIN, 3 (43%)). Continued V-Pap in women S/P T-Hyst for benign disease does not appear to be useful, particularly in those aged > or =65 yr.
Astronomy: heartbeats of a neutron star.

Different oscillations in the flux of X-rays emitted from a neutron star now seem to be linked to the frequency at which the star is spinning. That spin rate in turn hints at what the interior of such a star is made of.
Familial Relationship between Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Speech Disorders, and Stuttering

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined the familial relationship between Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) and attention deficit disorder (ADD), learning problems, speech disorders, and stuttering. Method This family study consisted of 338 first degree relatives of 85 GTS probands and 113 controls. All available relatives were personally assessed using structured interviews, and family history information was collected from all family members. Best-estimate diagnoses were assigned for GTS, ADD, learning problems, speech disorders, and stuttering. Analyses examined whether ADD, learning problems, speech disorders, and stuttering by themselves represent genetically variant expressions of GTS. Results There was no evidence that ADD, learning problems, speech disorders, or stuttering represent variant expressions of GTS. However, relatives with GTS were at increased risk for ADD regardless of the ADD diagnosis of the GTS proband. Conclusions ADD, learning problems, stuttering, and speech problems by themselves are not variant forms of GTS. However, GTS and ADD may be etiologically related in some persons. There may be two types of individuals with GTS and ADD: ones in whom ADD is independent of GTS, and others in whom ADD is secondary to occurrence of GTS. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1993, 32, 5:1044–1050.
How might sea level change affect arthropod biodiversity in anchialine caves: a comparison of Remipedia and Atyidae taxa (Arthropoda: Altocrustacea)

Sea level change influences biodiversity of endemic cave fauna to varying degrees. In anchialine systems, a marine layer flows under less saline layers, each with differing associated fauna. We assess the role of present and historic (last glacial maximum – 18,000 years ago) distance from the ocean in determining species richness and phylogenetic diversity patterns for two groups of anchialine crustaceans: the marine-restricted Remipedia and a subset of groundwater-inhabiting atyid shrimp with greater tolerance for salinity variation. We calculated species richness and phylogenetic diversity per cave based on records of remipede and atyid diversity at 137 locations in the Yucatan Peninsula, Caribbean, Australia, and the Canary Islands. After calculating the distance of each cave’s surface opening from the past and present shoreline, we evaluated how species richness and phylogenetic diversity change with distance from the present and historic ocean. Remipede species richness and phylogenetic diversity declined rapidly with distance from the ocean. Ninety-five percent of the remipedes surveyed were located within 7 km of the present ocean and 18 km of the historic ocean. Atyid species richness and phylogenetic diversity declined more slowly with distance from the ocean than that of remipedes. Atyid shrimp were also distributed over a broader range: 95 % were located within 100 km of the present ocean and 240 km of the historic ocean. Our findings indicate that coastal geomorphology and salinity tolerance influence a clade’s distribution with respect to its distance from the ocean. We also report a possible latent response to sea level change.
Anterior–posterior mobility of the talus in subjects with chronic ankle instability

Abstract Objectives The effect of hypermobility or hypomobility of the talus in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the anterior–posterior mobility of the talus in subjects with CAI. Design Retrospective case–control study. Setting Athletic training research laboratory. Participants Fifteen subjects with unilateral CAI, and 15 subjects with no previous history of ankle injury participated in this study. Main outcomes measures Anterior talar laxity was assessed with manual anterior drawer test and anterior drawer stress radiographs. Posterior talar hypomobility was assessed with a series of two posterior talar glide manual tests. Comparisons were made between the CAI and control groups and within sides of both groups. Results The CAI group (mean=11.4±5.4mm) had significantly more anterior talar displacement on both their ankles as measured on the stress views than did the control group (mean=6.7±4.7mm). Interestingly, there was very little side to side difference between the involved and uninvolved ankles of the CAI group (11.5±5.6 vs. 11.3±5.4mm). There were no significant differences involving either of the posterior talar glide measures or of the manual anterior drawer test. Conclusions An increased amount of anterior talar mobility was demonstrated in the CAI group. Although all of our subjects reported unilateral CAI, increased laxity was present in both their unstable and healthy ankles.
Fuzzy Mediation as a Dynamic Extension to Information Fusion

This paper presents an innovative approach to the field of information fusion. Fuzzy mediation differentiates itself from other algorithms, as this approach is dynamic in nature. The experiments reported in this work analyze the interaction of two distinct controllers as they try to maneuver an artificial agent through a path. Fuzzy mediation functions as fusion engine to integrate the two inputs to produce a single output. Results show that fuzzy mediation is a valid method to mediate between two distinct controllers. The work reported in this article lays the foundation for the creation of an effective tool that uses positive feedback systems instead of negative ones to train human and non-human agents in the performance of control tasks.
The role of chemical composition on the oxidation performance of aluminide coatings

Abstract The durability of aluminide bond coatings is critical to the life of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). With service, the coating composition continues to change due to oxidation and interdiffusion. In order to better understand the effect of coating composition on its oxidation resistance, model alloys are being studied with various levels of Al, Pt and Hf. In hypostoichiometric β-NiAl, the formation of faster-growing Ni-rich oxide was observed, and this problem intensified at lower Al contents. Platinum additions were found to decrease this problem. With two-phase Ni–35Al–6Pt compositions, a phase transformation upon heating to 1100 °C caused macroscopic specimen deformation when the specimen was repeatedly cycled. The degradation of oxidation resistance with lower Al contents indicates that the loss of Al due to back-diffusion into the superalloy substrate is the critical performance-limiting problem for aluminide coatings. One strategy for improved coating performance suggested by Gleeson uses higher Pt and Hf contents and lower Al contents.
The Significance of Initial Conditions to Engineering Problems

The treatment of initial conditions in many textbooks and consequently in many courses on linear network analysis is not well systematized and, at best, is weakly presented. The purpose here is to discuss initial conditions in such a manner that it will not cause confusion when applied to linear system problems. Some ideas that are not widely known are presented, which are well suited for undergraduate engineering instruction.