Progress in Lunar Laser Ranging Tests of Relativistic Gravity

Analyses of laser ranges to the Moon provide increasingly stringent limits on any violation of the Equivalence Principle (EP); they also enable several very accurate tests of relativistic gravity. We report the results of our recent analysis of Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) data giving an EP test of \Delta (M_G/M_I)_{EP} =(-1.0 +/- 1.4) x 10^{-13}. This result yields a Strong Equivalence Principle (SEP) test of \Delta (M_G/M_I)_{SEP} =(-2.0 +/- 2.0) x 10^{-13}. Also, the corresponding SEP violation parameter \eta is (4.4 +/- 4.5) x 10^{-4}, where \eta=4\beta-\gamma-3 and both \beta and \gamma are parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters. Using the recent Cassini result for the parameter \gamma, PPN parameter \beta is determined to be \beta-1=(1.2 +/- 1.1) x 10^{-4}. The geodetic precession test, expressed as a relative deviation from general relativity, is K_{gp}=-0.0019 +/- 0.0064. The search for a time variation in the gravitational constant results in \dot G/G=(4 +/- 9) x 10^{-13} yr^{-1}, consequently there is no evidence for local (~1AU) scale expansion of the solar system.Comment: 4 pages, revtex4, minor changes made for publicatio

Ornamental plants: annual reports and research summaries

The Ohio State University Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT) -- Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team (ENLTT) directory -- An evaluation of composts for landscape soil amendments / Mary Ann Rose and Hao Wang -- Aesthetic evaluation of crabapples at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio: 1994-1995 / James A. Chatfield, Erik A. Draper, Kenneth C. Cochran, Peter W. Bristol and Charles E. Tubesing -- Evaluation of crabapples for apple scab at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio: 1995 / Erik A. Draper, James A. Chatfield, Kenneth C. Cochran, Peter W. Bristol and Charles E. Tubesing -- Emergence, longevity, and aesthetic evaluations of flowers in ornamental crabapples at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio: 1995 / Erik A. Draper, James A. Chatfield and Kenneth C. Cochran -- Environmental and cultural ornamental plant problems in Ohio: 1995 / Pamela J. Bennett and Jane A. Martin -- 1995 -A Challenging Year for Ohio golf courses / Joseph W. Rimelspach, John R. Street, Karl Danneberger, William E. Pound, Barbara Bloetscher -- Plant insect pest problems in Ohio: 1995 / Joseph F. Boggs, David J. Shetlar, Gary Yu Gao, Daniel Balser, Douglas C. Caldwell, Randall H. Zondag and James A. Chatfield -- Gypsy moth in Ohio: 1995 / Allan Baumgard, David F. James and Randall H. Zondag -- Landscape ornamental disease problems in Ohio: 1995 / James A. Chatfield, Nancy Taylor, Randall H. Zondag, Mary Ann Rose, Gary Yu Gao, Daniel R. Balser and David J. Shetlar -- The Response of native and naturalized trees to construction activity / T. Davis Sydnor, Joseph F. Boggs and Mary Ann Ros

Localisation of citrullinated proteins in normal appearing white matter and lesions in the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease, considered to be autoimmune in origin. Post-translational modification of central nervous system proteins, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and myelin basic protein (MBP), through citrullination of arginine residues, may lead to exposure of neoepitopes, triggering autoimmunity. Here we investigated the expression of citrullinated proteins in active MS lesions, MS normal appearing white matter and control brain white matter. We demonstrate increased citrullinated GFAP and MBP by immunohistochemistry and western blotting in areas of ongoing demyelination, suggesting a pivotal role for deimination of GFAP and MBP in MS pathogenesis MS

A Comparison of Four Treatments for Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus

ABSTRACT Background and Methods Although generalized convulsive status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency, the best initial drug treatment is uncertain. We conducted a five-year randomized, doubleblind, multicenter trial of four intravenous regimens: diazepam (0.15 mg per kilogram of body weight) followed by phenytoin (18 mg per kilogram), lorazepam (0.1 mg per kilogram), phenobarbital (15 mg per kilogram), and phenytoin (18 mg per kilogram). Patients were classified as having either overt generalized status epilepticus (defined as easily visible generalized convulsions) or subtle status epilepticus (indicated by coma and ictal discharges on the electroencephalogram, with or without subtle convulsive movements such as rhythmic muscle twitches or tonic eye deviation). Treatment was considered successful when all motor and electroencephalographic seizure activity ceased within 20 minutes after the beginning of the drug infusion and there was no return of seizure activity during the next 40 minutes. Analyses were performed with data on only the 518 patients with verified generalized convulsive status epilepticus as well as with data on all 570 patients who were enrolled. Results Three hundred eighty-four patients had a verified diagnosis of overt generalized convulsive status epilepticus. In this group, lorazepam was successful in 64.9 percent of those assigned to receive it, phenobarbital in 58.2 percent, diazepam and phenytoin in 55.8 percent, and phenytoin in 43.6 percent (P=0.02 for the overall comparison among the four groups). Lorazepam was significantly superior to phenytoin in a pairwise comparison (P=0.002). Among the 134 patients with a verified diagnosis of subtle generalized convulsive status epilepticus, no significant differences among the treatments were detected (range of success rates, 7.7 to 24.2 percent). In an intention-to-treat analysis, the differences among treatment groups were not significant, either among the patients with overt status epilepticus (P=0.12) or among those with subtle status epilepticus (P=0.91). There were no differences among the treatments with respect to recurrence during the 12- hour study period, the incidence of adverse reactions, or the outcome at 30 days. Conclusions As initial intravenous treatment for overt generalized convulsive status epilepticus, lorazepam is more effective than phenytoin. Although lorazepam is no more efficacious than phenobarbital or diazepam and phenytoin, it is easier to use. (N Engl J Med 1998;339:792-8.

Testing gravitational-wave searches with numerical relativity waveforms: Results from the first Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project

The Numerical INJection Analysis (NINJA) project is a collaborative effort between members of the numerical relativity and gravitational-wave data analysis communities. The purpose of NINJA is to study the sensitivity of existing gravitational-wave search algorithms using numerically generated waveforms and to foster closer collaboration between the numerical relativity and data analysis communities. We describe the results of the first NINJA analysis which focused on gravitational waveforms from binary black hole coalescence. Ten numerical relativity groups contributed numerical data which were used to generate a set of gravitational-wave signals. These signals were injected into a simulated data set, designed to mimic the response of the Initial LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors. Nine groups analysed this data using search and parameter-estimation pipelines. Matched filter algorithms, un-modelled-burst searches and Bayesian parameter-estimation and model-selection algorithms were applied to the data. We report the efficiency of these search methods in detecting the numerical waveforms and measuring their parameters. We describe preliminary comparisons between the different search methods and suggest improvements for future NINJA analyses.Comment: 56 pages, 25 figures; various clarifications; accepted to CQ

Ornamental plants: annual reports and research reviews, 2002

Ohio State University Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team directory: 2003 / Jack Kerrigan -- Floriculture Industry Roundtable of Ohio: 2003 / Charles Behnke -- Ohio State University Extension 2002 Buckeye Yard and Garden Line evaluation survey / Amy K. Stone and James A. Chatfield -- Weather, environmental, and cultural problems of ornamental plants in Ohio: 2002 / Pamela J. Bennett -- Infectious disease problems of ornamental plants in Ohio: 2002 / James A. Chatfield, Nancy A. Taylor, Erik A. Draper, and Joseph F. Boggs -- A biological calendar for predicting pest activity: six years of plant and insect phenology in Secrest Arboretum / Daniel A. Herms -- Biological suppression of foliar diseases of ornamental plants with composted manures, biosolids, and Trichoderma hamatum 382 / Harry A. J. Hoitink, Carol A. Musselman, Terry L. Moore, Leona E. Horst, Charles R. Krause, Randy A. Zondag, and Hannah Mathers -- Growth and water use by four leguminous tree species in containers on a gravel surface or embedded in mulch / Michael Knee, Daniel K. Struve, Michael H. Bridgewater, and Joseph W. Phillips -- The effects of sprayer configuration on efficacy for the control of scab on crabapple / Charles R. Krause, Richard C. Derksen, Leona E. Horst, Randall Zondag, Ross D. Brazee, Michael G. Klein, and Michael E. Reding -- Update on honeylocust knot / Pierluigi Bonello, Maria Bellizzi, and Harry A. J. Hoitink -- Control of phytophthora and other major diseases of Ericaceous plants / Harry A. J. Hoitink, Steven T. Nameth, and James C. Locke -- Is your landscape mulch going up in smoke? / Larry G. Steward, T. Davis Sydnor, and Bert Bishop -- IR-4 ornamental trials conducted by USDA-ARS in Ohio: 2002 / Betsy A. Anderson, Michael E. Reding, Michael G. Klein, and Charles R. Krause -- Research on black vine weevil and white grubs in ornamental nurseries-in Ohio by USDA-ARS / Michael E. Reding, Michael G. Klein, Ross D. Brazee, and Charles R. Krause -- Herbaceous ornamental field trial results in Clark County, Ohio – 2002 / Pamela J. Bennett -- Results of annual trial gardens at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for 2002 / Dave Dyke -- Ohio State University Learning Garden annual cultivar trials / Monica M. Kmetz-Gonzalez and Claudio C. Pasian -- A collection of crabapple knowledge from Secrest Arboretum: 1993-2002 / Erik A. Draper, James A. Chatfield, and Kenneth D. Cochran -- Key results of the 2001 Ohio Green Industry Survey / Gary Y. Gao, John J. Smith, James A. Chatfield, Joseph F. Boggs, Erik A. Draper, and Hannah Mathers -- The USDA/Agricultural Research Service research weather network in Lake County, Ohio - 2002 update / R. D. Brazee, R. C. Derksen, C. R. Krause, K. A. Williams, D. Lohnes, M. G. Klein, M. Reding, R. Lyons, W. Hendricks, R. Zondag, R. D. Fox, and D. Herms -- The OSU Chadwick Arboretum Learning Gardens / Dr. Steven Still and Annette Duetz -- Choosing soil testing labs / Gary Y, Gao, Maurice E. Watson, Joseph F. Boggs, and James A. Chatfield -- Top horticultural references for a green industry professional's library / Gary Y. Gao and Pamela J. Bennett -- The maples of Secrest Arboretum / Gary W. Graham, James A. Chatfield, and Kenneth D. Cochran -- Deck the halls with boughs from Ollie! / Kenneth D. Cochran and James A. Chatfiel