cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of non-contiguous vertebral fractures.

Non-contiguous vertebral fractures are not common. In 78 consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures, we found that 13 patients (16.7%) had noncontiguous spinal injuries. Five patients had a combination of cervical and thoracolumbar injuries and eight had a combination of thoracic and lumbar injuries. Four of the eight patients in the thoracic and lumbar group had posterior surgical stabilisation procedures. Two patients had instrumentation of all injured, noncontiguous vertebrae and healing occurred uneventfully, and two patients had instrumentation of only the major fracture and a progressive deformity occurred at the site of the minor fracture. We concluded that: (1) patients with a spinal fracture should have radiographic evaluation of their entire spine to rule out non-contiguous fractures; (2) if non-contiguous fractures are evident on standard radiographs, all levels of injury should be evaluated with computerised tomography; and (3) all unstable or potentially unstable injuries should be reduced, stabilised, and fused.
Complications of carotid artery stenting at a high-volume teaching center: experience of University at Buffalo endovascular fellows from 2004 to 2006.

OBJECTIVE: Among neurosurgeons, cardiologists, neuroradiologists, vascular surgeons, and peripheral vascular radiologists, the metric of clinical competency in carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS) continues to be debated. This review of fellowship experience with more than 200 CAS cases was undertaken to ascertain the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates at a high-volume endovascular training center with a well-established system for teaching CAS. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of more than 8000 endovascular cases was culled for all patients undergoing CAS from July 2004 through February 2006, in which the primary operator was one of the current senior fellows (RDE, ES). The operative reports, hospital charts, and office notes were then reviewed for morbidity and mortality within 30 days. RESULTS: At 30 days, the combined rates of morbidity and mortality for each fellow were nearly identical at 4.9 and 5.9%, respectively. There were two deaths, one of which resulted from reperfusion hemorrhage and one after cardiac surgery. During the study period, six strokes and two myocardial infarctions occurred; one of the patients who had a myocardial infarction underwent coronary stenting on an emergency basis. One patient had a femoral artery occlusion requiring operative repair. CONCLUSION: At a high-volume endovascular training center with a well-established teaching pathway for CAS, morbidity and mortality rates comparable to those reported in previously published series of carotid endarterectomy were obtained.
School-Based Overweight Preventive Intervention Lowers Incidence of Disordered Weight-Control Behaviors in Early Adolescent Girls

Objective To determine the effect of a school-based intervention to promote healthful nutrition and physical activity on disordered weight-control behaviors (self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diet pills to control weight) in early adolescent girls and boys. Design Using a group-randomized, controlled-trial design, we randomly assigned middle schools to an intervention or control condition. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of the intervention on the odds of reporting a new case of disordered weight-control behaviors at follow-up, adjusting for sex, school-level prevalence of disordered weight-control behaviors at baseline, and school clusters. Students reporting these behaviors at baseline were excluded from the analyses. Setting Thirteen middle schools. Participants At baseline, 749 girls and 702 boys in grades 6 and 7. Intervention The 5-2-1 Go! intervention (Planet Health obesity prevention curriculum plus School Health Index for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating: A Self-Assessment and Planning Guide, Middle/High School Version) was implemented during 2 school years, from November 2002 through May 2004. Main Outcome Measure Self-reported disordered weight-control behaviors in last 30 days at follow-up. Results At follow-up in girls, 3.6% (15 of 422) in control schools compared with 1.2% (4 of 327) in intervention schools reported engaging in disordered weight-control behaviors ( P = .04). Multivariate analyses indicated that the odds of these behaviors in girls in intervention schools were reduced by two thirds compared with girls in control schools (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.97). No intervention effect was observed in boys. Conclusions Results add compelling support for the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, school-based obesity prevention intervention to prevent disordered weight-control behaviors in early adolescent girls.
Evaluating Q-learning based stateful round trip time estimation over high-data-rate wireless sensor networks

Diversified applications of wireless sensor networks demand reliable data transmission, which generally experiences limited performance owing to the inherent resource constraints of sensor nodes. Estimated round trip time is one of the prominent aspects of reliable transmissions that possesses a potential to enhance the performance sustaining the resource constraints. Therefore, we have already proposed an efficient technique for estimating round trip time over wireless sensor networks. We have evaluated the proposed technique over low-data-rate networks, consisting low-bandwidth radios, considering classical deployments of sensor networks. However, recent deployments of wireless sensor networks have started to exploit high-bandwidth radios as they are now experiencing high-data-rate transmission. Therefore, in this paper, we evaluate the proposed estimation technique over high-data-rate wireless sensor networks consisting high-bandwidth radios. Our evaluation through both real testbed experiments and ns-2 simulation reveals significant performance improvement using the proposed technique compared to that using other existing techniques.
Carbamazepine is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases.

Abstract Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a common antiepileptic drug (AED) that acts through multiple mechanisms including blockade and potentiation of cation channels and modulation of neurotransmitter levels. Whether it affects any component of the gene transcription machinery is unknown. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are important in the regulation of gene expression and are currently considered a potential target for drug development. Using a high-throughput screening assay based on acetylation-dependent gene expression, we identified CBZ as a candidate and proceeded to characterize its effects on HDAC. CBZ induced acetylation of histone H4 in the HepG2 liver carcinoma cell line. CBZ inhibited HDAC 3 and HDAC 7, which are representatives of HDAC class I and II respectively. Quantitative testing in an in vitro assay demonstrated HDAC inhibition with an IC50 of 2 μM. The major active metabolite of CBZ, CBZ-10,11-epoxide, was found to have the same HDAC inhibitory activity. The IC50 is considerably lower than therapeutic plasma levels that are typically achieved in patients (25–51 μM). CBZ shares important clinical characteristics (teratogenicity, activity as a mood stabilizer) with valproic acid, another AED that was recently identified as an inhibitor of HDAC. These observations raise the possibility that HDAC inhibition may contribute to the pharmacological profile of CBZ.
Fast-Fourier-transform spectral enhancement techniques for γ-ray spectroscopy

Abstract The application of a discrete, fast-Fourier-transformation algorithm to multiply-gated γ-ray spectra enhances low intensity components, removes high-frequency noise, and increases the signal-to-background ratio. This method is preferable to a three-point smoothing technique for low- and medium-intensity peaks.
Simultaneous observations of E-region coherent backscatter and electric field amplitude at F-region heights with the Millstone Hill UHF Radar

A combined coherent backscatter-incoherent scatter experiment with the Millstone Hill UHF radar provided simultaneous observations of electric field magnitude and coherent backscatter parameters on the same L shell. A carefully-designed geometry used sidelobe coherent contamination from two-stream irregularities at 110 km altitude, appearing at ranges corresponding to F-region altitudes in the main beam, in conjunction with simultaneous uncontaminated F-region observations of the drift velocity in adjacent range gates. Both logarithmic coherent power and the magnitude of the coherent phase velocity Vph vary linearly with . With the assumption that the coherent phase velocity is approximately the perturbed ion sound speed in the heated E region, we find an excellent agreement between the electron temperature inferred from Vph and previous incoherent-scatter results relating E-region Te to E. A maximum value of ∼3100 K has been found for such wave-induced E-region heating.
Temas actuales en biología vascular: puesta al día para el siglo Xxi

Although taken for granted in the present day, the central role played by the blood vessels themselves in regulating the cardiovascular system under physiologic and pathologic conditions has only been understood in the last several decades. The field of vascular biology grew out of this appreciation of the primacy of the vasculature in cardiovascular pathologies. In this review, we come up to date on several topics of particular interest to the field of vascular biology as it enters the 21 st century: namely, the role of oxidative stress in vascular function and dysfunction; angiogenesis and angiogenic gene therapies; and emerging biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Each of these areas is likely to experience significant advances in the coming years that will directly impact clinical decision-making and care of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Investigation of the rsq mode of helium-3-B using non-resonant transducers

Abstract We present systematic measurements of the frequency of the real squashing mode (RSQ) in 3.5. Superfluid 3 He-B. The use of ultrasonic transducers with broadhand response enabled us to track RSQ frequency down to its zero temperature limit with the sample held at constant pressure.
Decoherence-driven cooling of a degenerate spinor bose gas

We investigate the relationship between the coherence of a partially Bose-condensed spinor gas and its temperature. We observe cooling of the normal component driven by decoherence as well as the effect of temperature on decoherence rates.
Effect of YBa2Cu3O7−x grain size on the nucleation of Y2BaCuO5 during melt texturing

Abstract The effect of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x grain size on the nucleation of Y 2 BaCuO 5 was investigated by melt texturing of pellets with varying 1-2-3 grain size. In the absence of more effective heterogeneous nucleation sites, it was found that the sintered 1-2-3 grain size affects the 2-1-1 particle size in subsequent melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x , with finer 1-2-3 grain sizes yielding finer 2-1-1.
Photosynthesis, Growth, and the Role of Chloride

Previous studies with isolated chloroplasts have indicated that Cl − is an essential cofactor for photosynthesis. Considerable support for the postulated Cl − requirement in photosynthesis came from the observation that Cl − is essential for growth. Data are presented which show that a 60% reduction in growth which occurred in Cl − -deficient sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) was not due to an effect of Cl − on the rate of photosynthesis in vivo (net CO 2 uptake per unit area of attached leaves). The principal effect of Cl − deficiency was to lower cell multiplication rates in leaves, thus slowing down their growth and ultimately decreasing their area. The absence of an effect of Cl − on photosynthesis in vivo was unlikely to have been due to Cl − retention by the chloroplasts because their Cl − concentration (measured after nonaqueous isolation) decreased progressively with decrease in leaf Cl − . An effect of Cl − with isolated chloroplasts in vitro , however, was confirmed. Addition of Cl − to the reaction medium after washing chloroplasts in EDTA increased the rate of ferricyanide photoreduction 10-fold. This effect of Cl − did not appear to be related to the Cl − concentration of the chloroplasts since chloroplast Cl − was not decreased further by washing in EDTA. It is concluded that Cl − has not yet unequivocally been shown to be an essential cofactor for photosynthesis and that the response to Cl − in vitro probably does not have a physiological basis.
Microwave Induced Polymerization of Monomer Impregnated Hardened Cement

It is well known that when pores of hardened cement are filled with a suitable polymer, desirable properties are greatly enhanced. With microwave induced polymerization, significant increases in compressive strength are observed. Mortar samples with a sand cement ratio of 2.5 and water cement ratios, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5, were molded and hardened. After sufficient hydration, they were evacuated, filled with MMA and pressurized. The samples were then processed in a dynamic multimode applicator. Temperature was monitored and they were processed until the temperature exceeded 85°C. The principal result is the increase in compressive strength as compared to an untreated sample. For a W/C=0.5, and a sample hydrated for one day, the strength increased by a factor of6.0. In addition, the highly porous 1 day polymerized samples exhibited significantly greater strength than 28 day unpolymerized material.
Efficient Encoding Of Local Shape: Features For 3-D Object Recognition

To date, algorithms designed to recognize 3-d objects from intensity images have either employed global features or local features based on straight line segments. Global features limit recognition to objects that are completely visible and segmented from the background; these are often unrealistic conditions in machine vision domains. Local features based on line segments are somewhat more flexible since partially visible objects may be recognized, however, the requirement that objects will have sufficient straight lines to ensure robust recognition is also limiting. In this paper, we discuss a set of features, called scale-invariant critical point neighborhoods, or SICPN's, which are more generally applicable to 3-d object recognition. SICPN's efficiently encode the local shape of edge segments near points of high curvature. To within variations caused by image noise and discretization, SICPN's are invariant to image plane translations, rotations, and scaling. These invariant properties enhance the utility of these features in 3-d recognition algorithms. Furthermore, we show that SICPN's have many other desirable characteristics including informativeness, ease of detection, and compact representation. In addition, we empirically demonstrate that SICPN's are insensitive to noise. The above characteristics are essential if a feature is to be useful for 3-d object recognition.
Attitudes toward menopause: the influence of sociocultural paradigms

This research examined the influence of sociocultural paradigms of menopause on attitudes toward menopause. Five hundred eighty-one women and men, between the ages of 18 and 85, were assigned to one of three groups distinguished by the context within which they expressed their attitudes toward menopause. The contexts were designed to reflect particular paradigms: one group described their attitudes toward three medical problems, including menopause; a second group described their attitudes toward three life transitions, including menopause; and a third group described their attitudes toward three symbols of aging, including menopause. Positive and negative subscales of the attitude questionnaires for menopause were analyzed for context and age/experience. Results indicated that the medical context elicited significantly more negative and fewer positive attitudes than did the other two contexts, particularly among older participants. In general, women's attitudes were more positive than were men's, and att...
Nonlinear internal dynamics of the double-sine-Gordon soliton

We have investigated the nonlinear internal dynamics of the double-sine-Gordon soliton using the recently developed collective-variable Hamiltonian formalism. We have carried out this investigation in the approximation in which the continuum phonon field is neglected. In order to test the range of validity of this approximation, we carried out a similar study using molecular-dynamics simulations of the double-sine-Gordon equation. A detailed comparison of the results yields an excellent agreement of the frequencies, amplitudes, and spatial shapes of the internal modes between the simulations and the Hamiltonian calculations. This agreement holds over a wide range of amplitude, from small oscillations to the highly nonlinear large-oscillation regime. The agreement supports the view that the coupling of the internal oscillations of the double-sine-Gordon soliton to the phonon continuum is extremely weak and can be neglected, even when the internal oscillation is highly nonlinear.
Causal Attributions Effects of Self-Focused Attentiveness and Self-Esteem Feedback

The concept of objective self-awareness (Duval & Wicklund, 1973) has been found to affect the attributions regarding causality of an event. Another body of research has shown that attributions are affected by the need to protect or enhance one's self-esteem so that positive outcomes will be attributed internally and negative outcomes externally. The present research factorially combined these two factors (focus of attention and self-esteem) to ascertain their effects on the attribution process. The subjects, 119 undergraduates, were given feedback concerning their performance on a simulated intelligence test in the presence or absence of a mirror in the experimental room. After receiving the feedback, subjects were asked to respond to an attributional questionnaire assessing their perceptions of their performance as being caused by internal factors (effort, ability) or external factors (difficulty of questions, luck). Results indicated that the type of feedback (negative, none, or positive) interacted wit...
Mechanisms of heat and mass transport at gas-liquid interfaces

Abstract Interfacial transport in turbulent liquid flows has been studied in a flume. Flow visualization experiments indicate that turbulence structure near boundaries (interface or wall) is governed by the shear rate. For low values of the interfacial shear rate, ‘patches’ are observed at the interfaces that are formed from the ejections generated near the wall. The ejections are seen to reach the interface, form renewed surface patches, return and mix into the bulk flow. For high values of the inlerfacial shear rate, the low-speed/high-speed streaks are formed at the interface that break down as ‘bursts’. The qualitative features of the streaks and bursts are similar to the ones observed near the wall, even though the boundary conditions are different. From these observations, it appears that the scalar transport at the interface is dominated by different mechanisms depending on the interfacial shear rate. For low shear rates that lead to patches, transport rates are related to parameters associated with these patches (patch area and patch residence time). For shear rates high enough to form streaks and bursts in the interface region, transport rates are obtained considering that the interfacial bursts/ejections govern the process. Both models show excellent predictions of the transport coefficients near the non-wavy gas-liquid interfaces.
On precipitation effects of aluminum, lanthanum, iron (III), and thorium phosphates

Typical precipitation curves of various metal phosphates have been obtained using the turbidimetric technique. The following systems have been investigated: Al(NO3)3-K3PO4, Al(NO3)3-KH2PO4, Al(NO3)3NaH2PO4, FeCl3-K3PO4, FeCl3-(NH4)2HPO4, FeCl3K2HPO4, FeCl3-KH2PO4, FeCl3-NaH2PO4, La(NO3)3K3PO4,La(NO3)3-K2HPO4,La(NO3)3-KH2PO4,La(NO3)3NaH2PO4 and Th(NO3)4-K2HPO4. Typical precipitation curves indicated concentration ranges of phosphate precipitation and of complex solubility.
Proteins Immobilized at the Galleries of Layered α-Zirconium Phosphate: Structure and Activity Studies

Facile immobilization of myoglobin (Mb), lysozyme (Lys), hemoglobin (Hb), chymotrypsin (CT), and glucose oxidase (GO) at the interlayer regions of layered α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) under ambient conditions (pH 7.2, room temperature) is described. The proteins retain their structure and activity after immobilization. The interlayer spacings of α-ZrP (observed in powder XRD experiments) increased from 7.6 A (for α-ZrP) to 53, 47, 66, 62, and 108 A when Mb, Lys, Hb, CT, and GO are bound to the matrix, respectively. These XRD data strongly suggest intercalation of the proteins in the galleries. The binding constants of the above proteins with α-ZrP, estimated from the centrifugation method, are in the range of 104−106 M-1. The α, β, and the soret absorption bands of Mb/Hb immobilized on α-ZrP were essentially superimposable with those of the native proteins in solution. The FTIR spectra of the enzyme−α-ZrP composites, measured with an attenuated total reflectance accessory, show that the amide I and amide...
New Layered Mixed Metal Phosphonates for High Dielectric−Polymer Composite Materials

New layered 1:1 mixed Ba2+/Ti4+ metal phosphonates, BaTi(O3PC6H5)3 and SrTi(O3PC6H5)3, have been prepared via a hydrothermal route, in which mixed metal oxides, BaTiO3 and SrTiO3, were reacted with phenyl phosphonic acid. The mixed-metal phosphonates were combined with polystyrene (PS) via a solution route and cast as thin films for dielectric permittivity measurements. The composites exhibit an enhancement in the dielectric permittivity as a function of weight loading relative to the parent mixed metal oxide−PS composites.
Nutrient concentrations in Maryland non-tidal streams

Using a spatially extensive database from the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS), we describe nutrient relationships of small-order, non-tidal streams to Maryland watershed basins, Maryland Tributary Strategy basins, and stream order. In addition, we estimate the number of stream km affected by nutrient loading, using derived nutrient criteria. Based on the MBSS spring water quality sampling, we determined several important factors relating to nutrient levels in non-tidal streams. There are strong linear relationships of nutrients to the percentage of agriculture and forested land present within MBSS sampling strata. Both mean total nitrogen (TN) and mean total phosphorus (TP) levels for watershed basins by stream order show exceedances of derived nutrient reference criteria for Maryland. Four Maryland basins have over 85% of their stream kilometers exceeding the TN criterion, with three basins over 90% of the TP criterion. To protect small stream integrity in Maryland, we recommend an upper stream TN criterion between 1.34 and 1.68 mg/L and an upper stream TP criterion between 0.025 and 0.037 mg/L, based on quantile analyses. Elevated levels of both TN and TP are present in non-tidal streams, with subsequent nutrient inputs into the upper freshwater tidal reaches of the Chesapeake Bay.
Respiratory and Laryngeal Function During Spontaneous Speaking in Teachers With Voice Disorders

Purpose To determine if respiratory and laryngeal function during spontaneous speaking were different for teachers with voice disorders compared with teachers without voice problems. Method Eighteen teachers, 9 with and 9 without voice disorders, were included in this study. Respiratory function was measured with magnetometry, and laryngeal function was measured with electroglottography during 3 spontaneous speaking tasks: a simulated teaching task at a typical loudness level, a simulated teaching task at an increased loudness level, and a conversational speaking task. Electroglottography measures were also obtained for 3 structured speaking tasks: a paragraph reading task, a sustained vowel, and a maximum phonation time vowel. Results Teachers with voice disorders started and ended their breath groups at significantly smaller lung volumes than teachers without voice problems during teaching-related speaking tasks; however, there were no between-group differences in laryngeal measures. Task-related differ...
Sampling DTI fibers in the human brain based on DWI forward modeling

We present a forward-modeling-based sampling of diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) integral curves. This work has the potential to generate accurate brain neural fiber models that fit the data well with an economic number of curves. DTI integral curves are integrated from the first eigenvector field of the DTI field. Usually the seed points are generated randomly or from a regular grid in the data volume. The resulting set of integral curves are dense around the long and skinny neural fiber structures and sparse around the short and fat structures. There is currently a lack of quantitative indication of how well various models fit the data. We build a forward model that simulates diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) from the DTI integral curves based on a multi- tensor model. We employ the sum of the difference between the simulated DWIs and the acquired DWIs as the goal function and optimize the placement of the DTI integral curves with a greedy algorithm and a simulated annealing algorithm. The results show that with the same number of curves, the optimized set of DTI integral curves fit better to the data than randomly seeded integral curves. We extend the idea of image-guided streamline place- ment (9) to the DTI integral curves. We develop a forward model that generates DWIs from the integral curves with a multi-tensor model. We then use the difference between the simulated DWIs and acquired DWIs to guide the placement of the integral curves. A greedy algorithm and simulated annealing are used to optimize the configuration of the curves.
The band marches on... but with fewer resources

Consumers have split preferences for education between the types of education services that they would like to experience and the types of educational services that they want for others using the system. The primary or secondary educational institution acts as a complete agent to provide services in an environment where a smaller group of taxpayers actually funds the institution. The taxpaying group has split preferences for the funding of these services. The budget is endogenous and depends on the choices of educational services offered by the institution. The focus is, therefore, on the division of the budget of the institution between knowledge-based activities and spillover activities. Educational institutions emphasize the knowledge-based activities and the spillover activities are left underfunded.
Histopathologic and immunopathologic study of pyoderma gangrenosum

Sixty-three patients with pyoderma gangrenosum were seen and studied at the Mayo Clinic from 1971 to 1980. Biopsies from the erythematous border or necrotic edge of the pyoderma gangrenosum lesions usually demonstrated a characteristic pathogenic morphologic evolution. The early lesions revealed mild to moderate perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate associated with endothelial swelling. The fully developed lesions demonstrated necrosis in addition to a dense lymphocytic infiltration surrounding as well as involving the blood vessels. Extravasation of erythrocytes and thrombosis sometimes were seen. Ulceration, infarction, and abscess formation were found in the later stages of evolution. Direct immunofluorescence results were positive in the blood vessels of 36 of 65 (55%) specimens. IgM, C3, and fibrin were found in the papillary and reticular dermal vessels. IgG and IgA were only occasionally present. Pyoderma gangrenosum appears to be a reactive process that is manifested as a vasculitis. Biopsy material from the advancing active erythematous border has early characteristic dermatopathologic findings of lymphocytic vasculitis. Cutaneous vascular immune deposits suggest an immune pathogenesis of either an immune complex disease or lymphocytotoxic reaction.
Dynamic Balance and Stepping Versus Tai Chi Training to Improve Balance and Stepping in At‐Risk Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of two 10-week balance training programs, Combined Balance and Step Training (CBST) versus tai chi (TC), on balance and stepping measures. DESIGN: Prospective intervention trial. SETTING: Local senior centers and congregate housing facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Aged 65 and older with at least mild impairment in the ability to perform unipedal stance and tandem walk. INTERVENTION: Participants were allocated to TC (n 5 107, mean age 78) or CBST, an intervention focused on improving dynamic balance and stepping (n 5106, mean age 78). MEASUREMENTS: At baseline and 10 weeks, participants were tested in their static balance (Unipedal Stance and Tandem Stance (TS)), stepping (MaximumStep Length, Rapid Step Test), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). RESULTS: Performance improved more with CBST than TC, ranging from 5% to 10% for the stepping tests (Maximum Step Length and Rapid Step Test) and 9% for TUG. The improvement in TUG represented an improvement of more than 1 second. Greater improvements were also seen in static balance ability (in TS) with CBST than TC. CONCLUSION: Of the two training programs, in which variants of each program have been proven to reduce falls, CBSTresults in modest improvements in balance, stepping, and functional mobility versus TC over a 10-week period. Future research should include a prospective comparison of fall rates in response to these two balance training programs. J Am Geriatr Soc 54:1825–1831, 2006.
Effect of Milk Products on pH of Intestinal Contents of Domestic Fowl

Abstract THE beneficial effects of milk feeding upon the growth and mortality rate of chicks has been demonstrated by Rettger, Kirkpatrick, and Jones (1914), Rettger, Kirkpatrick, and Card (1915), and Rettger (1915). The work of Beach and Davis (1925) and Beach and Corl (1925), indicates that milk is efficient in the control of avian coccidiosis. Beach (1925) reported that feeding adult birds a 20 percent lactose ration lowered the pH of the cecal contents from a normal of about pH 6.2 to approximately pH 5.2. Sanford (1930, unpublished results) in similar experiments on 10 to 12 week-old chicks, found a decrease in pH of a much smaller magnitude than that reported by Beach. Sanford believes that the beneficial effects of feeding milk products to chicks is not due to an increased acidity of the intestinal contents, but to some other property of milk. McClendon, Myers, Culligan, and Gydesen (1919) feeding cats . . .
Pinniped behavior, foraging theory, and the depression of metapopulations and nondepression of a local population on the southern Northwest Coast of North America

Models derived from foraging theory suggest that high-value prey will be depressed (encounter rates will decrease) relative to low-value prey as human predation intensifies. Numerous case studies in ethnographic and zooarchaeological settings indicate depression of prey is very common. Exceptions to depression are few and have been cited as evidence of conservation and resource management. Reanalysis of pinniped and ungulate data from sites on the Oregon coast indicates that the metapopulation (entire population in the region) of otariids was depressed but a single local population of Steller sea lions exploited over a span of 600 years reached an equilibrium with human predation and was not subsequently depressed. This local population was not historically documented, and thus must have been extirpated by commercial sealing in the late nineteenth century. This singular case of prehistoric epiphenomenal conservation was an unintentional result of human predation that took advantage of the lack of escape behaviors among breeding male Steller sea lions.
VHSIC Hardware Description (VHDL) Development Program

The VHSIC Program has realized the importance of a standard hardware description language to facilitate the design and documentation of future military digital systems incorporating VHSIC technology. To that end, the VHSIC Hardware Description Language Development Program has been organized to generate a language and an associated hierarchical simulator. The paper briefly covers some back-ground information and then outlines the general structure of the program. The latter is explained with respect to the requirements of the VHSIC Hardware Description Language effort and how the tasks have been designed to meet the requirements.
Large signal substrate modeling in RF SOI technologies

This paper describes a large signal Silicon on Insulator (SOI) substrate modeling methodology for high power circuit applications such as RF Switches. It is shown that the use of a varactor in place of a linear capacitor representing the buried oxide (BOX) improves the harmonic predictions of the circuit. The new substrate model is validated against 2nd and 3rd harmonics of an RF SOI switch operating at 890 MHz.
Attention bias toward threat is associated with exaggerated fear expression and impaired extinction in PTSD

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in a minority of traumatized individuals. Attention biases to threat and abnormalities in fear learning and extinction are processes likely to play a critical role in the creation and/or maintenance of PTSD symptomatology. However, the relationship between these processes has not been established, particularly in highly traumatized populations; understanding their interaction can help inform neural network models and treatments for PTSD.MethodAttention biases were measured using a dot probe task modified for use with our population; task stimuli included photographs of angry facial expressions, which are emotionally salient threat signals. A fear-potentiated startle paradigm was employed to measure atypical physiological response during acquisition and extinction phases of fear learning. These measures were administered to a sample of 64 minority (largely African American), highly traumatized individuals with and without PTSD. RESULTS: Participants with PTSD demonstrated attention biases toward threat; this attentional style was associated with exaggerated startle response during fear learning and early and middle phases of extinction, even after accounting for the effects of trauma exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that an attentional bias toward threat is associated with abnormalities in 'fear load' in PTSD, providing seminal evidence for an interaction between these two processes. Future research combining these behavioral and psychophysiological techniques with neuroimaging will be useful toward addressing how one process may modulate the other and understanding whether these phenomena are manifestations of dysfunction within a shared neural network. Ultimately, this may serve to inform PTSD treatments specifically designed to correct these atypical processes. Language: en
Distribution of Armillaria ostoyae genets in a Pinus resinosa – Pinus banksiana forest

Diploid isolates of Armillaria ostoyae were obtained from 278 trees (including stumps, Pinus banksiana seedlings, and hardwood regeneration) and 78 solitary basidiomes on three 50 × 25 m plots (two clearcut and one uncut) in a Pinus resinosa – P. banksiana stand in northern Minnesota. Based on pairings among 439 isolates, 16 somatic incompatibility groups of A. ostoyae were distinguished on the three plots. Analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial markers suggests that many of the A. ostoyae genets are closely related and were possibly established by sib-related basidiospores. Analysis of molecular markers of 95 isolates representing the 16 somatic incompatibility groups delineated 16 nuclear and 8 mitochondrial haplotypes. All isolates tested within a somatic incompatibility group were identical for nuclear and mitochondrial haplotypes; a single exception consisted of a somatic incompatibility group with three different nuclear genotypes. The combination of somatic incompatibility and molecular data indicat...
Preeclampsia and risk for subsequent ESRD in populations of European ancestry.

Several recent studies reveal the link between preeclampsia and future development of ESRD, CKD, and microalbuminuria ([1][1]–[3][2]). Preeclampsia is also associated with the subsequent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) ([4][3]–[6][4]). Whether the pathogenesis of preeclampsia
Sequential Nucleation and Growth of Complex Nanostructured Films

Nanostructured films with controlled architectures are desirable for many applications in optics, electronics, biology, medicine, and energy/chemical conversions. Low-temperature, aqueous chemical routes have been widely investigated for the synthesis of continuous films, and arrays of oriented nanorods and nanotubes. More recently, aqueous-phase routes have been used to produce films composed of more complex crystal structures. In this paper, we discuss recent progress in the synthesis of complex nanostructures through sequential nucleation and growth processes. We first review the use of multistage, seeded-growth methods to synthesize a wide range of nanostructures, including oriented nanowires, nanotubes, and nanoneedles, as well as laminated films, columns, and multilayer heterostructures. We then describe more recent work on the application of sequential nucleation and growth to the systematic assembly of large arrays of hierarchical, complex, oriented, and ordered crystal architectures. The multistage aqueous chemical route is shown to be applicable to several technologically important materials, and therefore may play a key role in advancing complex nanomaterials into applications.
Evidence-based guideline update: Steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

Objective: To review evidence published since the 2001 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter regarding the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of steroids and antiviral agents for Bell palsy. Methods: We searched Medline and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Clinical Trials for studies published since January 2000 that compared facial functional outcomes in patients with Bell palsy receiving steroids/antivirals with patients not receiving these medications. We graded each study (Class I–IV) using the AAN therapeutic classification of evidence scheme. We compared the proportion of patients recovering facial function in the treated group with the proportion of patients recovering facial function in the control group. Results: Nine studies published since June 2000 on patients with Bell palsy receiving steroids/antiviral agents were identified. Two of these studies were rated Class I because of high methodologic quality. Conclusions and Recommendations: For patients with new-onset Bell palsy, steroids are highly likely to be effective and should be offered to increase the probability of recovery of facial nerve function (2 Class I studies, Level A) (risk difference 12.8%–15%). For patients with new-onset Bell palsy, antiviral agents in combination with steroids do not increase the probability of facial functional recovery by >7%. Because of the possibility of a modest increase in recovery, patients might be offered antivirals (in addition to steroids) (Level C). Patients offered antivirals should be counseled that a benefit from antivirals has not been established, and, if there is a benefit, it is likely that it is modest at best.
Design of electromagnetic and electrothermal launch test stands

The purpose of this research is to develop a test stand to characterize the various mechanisms for transition to arcing in solid armature railguns and to develop an electrothermal flyer plate launching system. Presented are the design considerations for producing a railgun test stand and the design and simulation results for a flyer plate launcher.
On dependability evaluation of mesh-connected processors

Analytical techniques for reliability and availability prediction of mesh-connected systems are proposed. The models are based on the submesh requirements. First, a reliability model is proposed assuming that a submesh can be always recognized if it exits. Analysis of the linear consecutive n-out-of-N system is extended using an expanding row/column technique to evaluate the submesh reliability. An alternative approach called row folding is also discussed. Due to the high complexity involved in computing the exact reliability, both of these techniques use approximation to estimate lower bounds. Next, the submesh reliability is computed based on two different allocation policies, known as the two-dimensional buddy system (TDBS), and the frame sliding (FS). The model with the TDBS is further extended to estimate the reliability of multiple working submeshes, which is useful in a multiuser environment. Availability analysis for a submesh of the required size is conducted using a Markov chain (MC). State truncation is used to reduce the computation time, and the MC is solved using a software package called HARP. Validation of the analytical models is done through extensive simulation. Issues, such as reliability comparison based on allocation policies, and methods for improving system reliability are addressed using the analytical models. >
LP 261-75/2MASSW J09510549+3558021: A Young, Wide M4.5/L6 Binary

ABSTRACT We present new observations of the LP 261‐75/2MASSW J09510549+3558021 M4.5/L6 wide, common‐proper‐motion binary system. Optical spectroscopy of LP 261‐75 shows strong Hα emission, and the star may also be associated with the ROSAT FSC source 1RXS J095102.7+355824. The derived chromospheric and coronal activity levels are consistent with those of Pleiades stars of the same spectral type, and we infer an age of 100–200 Myr for the system. In that case, theoretical models suggest that the L6 dwarf 2MASSW J09510549+3558021 is a low‐mass brown dwarf, with \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr...
Approximate inference in gaussian graphical models

The focus of this thesis is approximate inference in Gaussian graphical models. A graphical model is a family of probability distributions in which the structure of interactions among the random variables is captured by a graph. Graphical models have become a powerful tool to describe complex high-dimensional systems specified through local interactions. While such models are extremely rich and can represent a diverse range of phenomena, inference in general graphical models is a hard problem. In this thesis we study Gaussian graphical models, in which the joint distribution of all the random variables is Gaussian, and the graphical structure is exposed in the inverse of the covariance matrix. Such models are commonly used in a variety of fields, including remote sensing, computer vision, biology and sensor networks. Inference in Gaussian models reduces to matrix inversion, but for very large-scale models and for models requiring distributed inference, matrix inversion is not feasible. We first study a representation of inference in Gaussian graphical models in terms of computing sums of weights of walks in the graph—where means, variances and correlations can be represented as such walk-sums. This representation holds in a wide class of Gaussian models that we call walk-summable. We develop a walk-sum interpretation for a popular distributed approximate inference algorithm called loopy belief propagation (LBP), and establish conditions for its convergence. We also extend the walk-sum framework to analyze more powerful versions of LBP that trade off convergence and accuracy for computational complexity, and establish conditions for their convergence. Next we consider an efficient approach to find approximate variances in large scale Gaussian graphical models. Our approach relies on constructing a low-rank aliasing matrix with respect to the Markov graph of the model which can be used to compute an approximation to the inverse of the information matrix for the model. By designing this matrix such that only the weakly correlated terms are aliased, we are able to give provably accurate variance approximations. We describe a construction of such a low-rank aliasing matrix for models with short-range correlations, and a wavelet-based construction for models with smooth long-range correlations. We also establish accuracy guarantees for the resulting variance approximations. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Determination of plutonium in spent nuclear fuel using high resolution X-ray

Abstract Characterization of Pu is an essential aspect of safeguards operations at nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities. A novel analysis technique called hiRX (high resolution X-ray) has been developed for the direct measurement of Pu in spent nuclear fuel dissolver solutions. hiRX is based on monochromatic wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (MWDXRF), which provides enhanced sensitivity and specificity compared with conventional XRF techniques. A breadboard setup of the hiRX instrument was calibrated using spiked surrogate spent fuel (SSF) standards prepared as dried residues. Samples of actual spent fuel were utilized to evaluate the performance of the hiRX. The direct detection of just 39 ng of Pu is demonstrated. Initial quantitative results, with error of 4–27% and precision of 2% relative standard deviation (RSD), were obtained for spent fuel samples. The limit of detection for Pu (100 s) within an excitation spot of 200 μm diameter was 375 pg. This study demonstrates the potential for the hiRX technique to be utilized for the rapid, accurate, and precise determination of Pu. The results highlight the analytical capability of hiRX for other applications requiring sensitive and selective nondestructive analyses.
The Effect of SFAS NO. 141 on the Transparency of Business Combination Reporting: Evidence from the Initial Year of Implementation

This study examines the impact of SFAS No.141 on business combination reporting. Specifically, I predict smaller analysts' earnings forecast errors as a result of elimination of pooling and more informative disclosures for merging firms after the adoption of SFAS No. 141. I restrict my post-SFAS 141 sample to the initial year of SFAS 141 implementation. Such research design provides the unique opportunity to disentangle effects of SFAS No. 141 from simultaneously adopted SFAS No. 142 due to specific accounting treatment for goodwill impairment during this period. Overall, results from this study are consistent with expectations and provide evidence that SFAS No. 141 increased financial reporting transparency after mergers. However, this improvement in financial reporting transparency more likely follows from the extended disclosure requirements and the other required changes in purchase method than from the longly debated elimination of pooling.