Snow parameters from Nimbus-6 electrically scanned microwave radiometer

Two sites in Canada were selected for detailed analysis of the ESMR-6/ snow relationships. Data were analyzed for February 1976 for site 1 and January, February and March 1976 for site 2. Snowpack water equivalents were less than 4.5 inches for site 1 and, depending on the month, were between 2.9 and 14.5 inches for site 2. A statistically significant relationship was found between ESMR-6 measurements and snowpack water equivalents for the Site 2 February and March data. Associated analysis findings presented are the effects of random measurement errors, snow site physiolography, and weather conditions on the ESMR-6/snow relationship

Microwave radiometric studies and ground truth measurements of the NASA/USGS Southern California test site

The field measurement program conducted at the NASA/USGS Southern California Test Site is discussed. Ground truth data and multifrequency microwave brightness data were acquired by a mobile field laboratory operating in conjunction with airborne instruments. The ground based investigations were performed at a number of locales representing a variety of terrains including open desert, cultivated fields, barren fields, portions of the San Andreas Fault Zone, and the Salton Sea. The measurements acquired ground truth data and microwave brightness data at wavelengths of 0.8 cm, 2.2 cm, and 21 cm

Microwave radiometer data study, phase 2 Final technical report, 7 Oct. 1969 - 15 May 1970

Removing atmospheric and antenna pattern effects from multifrequency radiomete

Enhancing Nervous System Recovery through Neurobiologics, Neural Interface Training, and Neurorehabilitation.

After an initial period of recovery, human neurological injury has long been thought to be static. In order to improve quality of life for those suffering from stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury, researchers have been working to restore the nervous system and reduce neurological deficits through a number of mechanisms. For example, neurobiologists have been identifying and manipulating components of the intra- and extracellular milieu to alter the regenerative potential of neurons, neuro-engineers have been producing brain-machine and neural interfaces that circumvent lesions to restore functionality, and neurorehabilitation experts have been developing new ways to revitalize the nervous system even in chronic disease. While each of these areas holds promise, their individual paths to clinical relevance remain difficult. Nonetheless, these methods are now able to synergistically enhance recovery of native motor function to levels which were previously believed to be impossible. Furthermore, such recovery can even persist after training, and for the first time there is evidence of functional axonal regrowth and rewiring in the central nervous system of animal models. To attain this type of regeneration, rehabilitation paradigms that pair cortically-based intent with activation of affected circuits and positive neurofeedback appear to be required-a phenomenon which raises new and far reaching questions about the underlying relationship between conscious action and neural repair. For this reason, we argue that multi-modal therapy will be necessary to facilitate a truly robust recovery, and that the success of investigational microscopic techniques may depend on their integration into macroscopic frameworks that include task-based neurorehabilitation. We further identify critical components of future neural repair strategies and explore the most updated knowledge, progress, and challenges in the fields of cellular neuronal repair, neural interfacing, and neurorehabilitation, all with the goal of better understanding neurological injury and how to improve recovery

Radical Reconstruction of Complex Cranio-Orbito-Facial Abnormalities

Excellent cosmetic results can be obtained by early intervention in severe cranial-orbital-facial deformity. This intervention should take the form of a combined intracranial and extracranial approach. While the procedure is of great magnitude, the benefits to the patient and to the family seem worth the risk

Method and Composition for Safely Delaying Parturition and Synchronizing Farrowing in Swine

A method and composition are provided for extending the gestation period of a sow so as to increase the live birth and survival rates of a swine litter without adversely affecting the sow. The method includes the step of administering an effective dosage of estrogen to the sow 21/2-7 days prior to the end of the expected gestation period for the sow. The composition administered includes from 0.5-10 mg of an estrogen selected from a group consisting of estradiol benzoate, estradiol valerate, estrone, estradiol 17β and effective mixtures thereof. The composition is adapted for administration parenterally by including a carrier such as corn oil. A method is also provided for synchronizing farrowing in a herd of swine bred following synchronized weaning so as to shorten the target period during which all the sows of the herd begin farrowing. This method involves the administration of a farrowing delaying composition including estrogen as an active ingredient in combination with the administration of an effective dosage of a farrowing inducing composition that may include a prostaglandin as the active ingredient

What is the preferred treatment for a child with mild persistent asthma?

Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for children with mild persistent asthma because they demonstrate superior reduction in severity and frequency of asthma exacerbations compared with alternatives (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on multiple randomized controlled trials). As add-on therapy, nedocromil, theophylline, and cromolyn have all demonstrated a modest benefit in symptom control; leukotriene receptor antagonists are also recommended based on data from older children (SOR: B, cohort study). Unlike treatment of moderate or severe asthma, long-acting beta-agonists are not recommended (SOR: A, randomized trials)

Prevention and Management of Aquatic Invasive Plants in Texas

Determining which non-native aquatic plants have the greatest potential to invade a new area and prohibiting those species prior to their introduction is the key to preventing future injurious invasions. Once introduced however, prioritization and effective control is important to managing infestations. This study focused on identifying potential new aquatic invasive plant species and prioritizing existing infestations in Texas, via two aquatic plant models. An aquatic plant risk assessment was the first model. While other risk assessments of this type currently exist, a model suited to the varied environmental conditions in the State of Texas was not available. In addition, many existing models cover large geographic areas, leading to decreased accuracy on a more localized scale. This new model, referred to as the Texas Aquatic Plant Risk Assessment, was based on previous aquatic plant risk assessment and serves as a pre-entry screening tool for testing non-native plant species and identifying those which are likely to be invasive and should therefore be excluded. The model uses a series of weighted questions to give a score to each plant species tested; the higher the score, the more likely the plant is to be invasive in the State of Texas. We tested the model against 100 known non-native species within the state and subsequently ran a series of statistical tests on the results to determine the model’s accuracy and find the best threshold to separate major invaders from minor and non-invaders. When model results were compared to known species invasiveness and a threshold of 50 was set between high risk major invaders and non-invaders, 100%, 87%, and 94% accuracy was achieved in classifying major invaders, minor invaders, and non-invaders, respectively. Other, more precautionary thresholds were also explored during analysis. The second model, the Lake Conroe Invasion Model, simulates growth and senescence of hydrilla in Lake Conroe, and the plant’s response to control efforts using grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The model was developed using reported data from previous hydrilla infestations and control attempts at Lake Conroe, and serves as a prototype for future simulated invasion modeling. A series of simulations were run to calibrate the model, based on previously reported data, and to demonstrate the model’s use. Results from the simulations accurately reflected reported growth and senescence rates of hydrilla within the lake; growth rates for grass carp in the model were also comparable to rates reported in the literature. Simulations of various management strategies showed that increasing numbers of grass carp were needed to control a hydrilla infestation as the time lag between initial hydrilla invasion and stocking of grass carp increased. However, the number of grass carp needed to control an infestation decreased as the amount of time allowed for control increased. In addition grass carp mortality rates may be significantly impacted by grass carp stocking rates relative to the number of vegetated hectares. If smaller stocking rates are preferred in order to avoid removing all aquatic vegetation from the lake, higher mortality rates likely need to be accounted for as increased mortality due to a decreased predator to prey ratio may occur

Splash control of drop impacts with geometric targets

Drop impacts on solid and liquid surfaces exhibit complex dynamics due to the competition of inertial, viscous, and capillary forces. After impact, a liquid lamella develops and expands radially, and under certain conditions, the outer rim breaks up into an irregular arrangement of filaments and secondary droplets. We show experimentally that the lamella expansion and subsequent break up of the outer rim can be controlled by length scales that are of comparable dimension to the impacting drop diameter. Under identical impact parameters, ie. fluid properties and impact velocity, we observe unique splashing dynamics by varying the target cross-sectional geometry. These behaviors include: (i) geometrically-shaped lamellae and (ii) a transition in splashing stability, from regular to irregular splashing. We propose that regular splashes are controlled by the azimuthal perturbations imposed by the target cross-sectional geometry and that irregular splashes are governed by the fastest-growing unstable Plateau-Rayleigh mode

Factors Influencing Internet Gamblers’ Use of Offshore Online Gambling Sites: Policy Implications

Gambling is a heavily regulated activity, but policies are difficult to enforce in the online context. While governments may attempt to restrict access to licensed providers only, consumers can access offshore sites, creating a potential risk of harm and reducing taxation. This article examines how consumers select Internet gambling sites, and the characteristics of those who use offshore as opposed to domestic sites. Past‐month Australian Internet‐gamblers (N = 1,001, 57.2 percent male) completed an online survey. Participants responded to questions about their online gambling, including use of offshore sites, reasons for site selection, awareness of regulations, preferences for regulated sites, and gambling‐related problems. Offshore gamblers (52.7 percent) were a distinct demographic cohort, and were more highly involved in online gambling. Lack of awareness of gambling regulation did not sufficiently explain use of offshore gambling sites; rather, both groups had a relatively low concern for where a site was regulated, choosing sites instead based on ease of use, and cues that they were designed for gamblers in the advertised jurisdiction. Use of offshore gambling sites may be discouraged by focusing on the benefits of domestic sites and ensuring that these can provide a good consumer experience