cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent and future changes in the Asian monsoon‐ENSO relationship: Natural or forced?

The Asian monsoon-ENSO (El Nino–Southern Oscillation) relationship in the 20th and 21st centuries is examined using observations and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) model simulations. CMIP5 models can simulate the ENSO-monsoon spatial structure reasonably well when using the multimodel mean. Running correlations show prominent decadal variability of the ENSO-monsoon relationship in observations. The modeled ENSO-monsoon relation shows large intermodel spread, indicating large variations across the model ensemble. The anthropogenically forced component of ENSO-monsoon relationship is separated from the naturally varying component based on a signal-to-noise maximizing empirical orthogonal function analysis using global sea surface temperature (SST). Results show that natural variability plays a dominant role in the varied ENSO-monsoon relationship during the 20th century. In the 21st century, the forced component is dominated by enhanced monsoon rainfall associated with SST warming, which may contribute to a slightly weakened ENSO-monsoon relation in the future.
A variational derivation of the transverse vector wave equation for application to dielectric waveguide analysis

Abstract A variational derivation of the transverse vector wave equation for application to the analysis of translationally invariant dielectric waveguides is presented. The importance and implications of the vector wave equation and the transverse vector wave equation are discussed, and the general variational analysis method for waveguides is described.
Analytical solutions to a quasilinear differential equation related to the Lane–Emden equation of the second kind

We apply the δ-expansion method to a transformed Lane–Emden equation. The results are then transformed back, and we recover analytical solutions to the Lane–Emden equation of the second kind (which describes Bonnor–Ebert gas spheres) in a special case. The rapid convergence of the method results in qualitatively accurate solutions in relatively few iterations, as we see when we compare the obtained analytical solutions to numerical results.
Picturing the Transition-State Region and Understanding Vibrational Enhancement for the Cl + CH4 → HCl + CH3 Reaction

Comparison of state-to-state differential cross sections for methane in the ground vibrational state to methane with one quantum of asymmetric stretch excitation probes the effect of C−H stretch ex...
Clinical applications of the rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of serum cortisol

We report a rapid and specific analytical method for the measurement of serum cortisol by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method allows the diagnostic measurement of cortisol in emergency clinical circumstances of glucocorticoid deficiency or excess. Results obtained by HPLC are comparable to those by radioimmunoassay. The lower limit of sensitivity is 6 ng cortisol per ml of serum.
A simple method for measuring total calcium in small tissue samples

A simple and accurate method for determining total calcium in small tissue samples using aequorin is described. The method involves measuring the calcium-induced luminescence of aequorin with the tritium channel of a liquid scintillation counter. The sensitivity of the method and specificity of the method for calcium have been determined and, theoretically, this method could determine calcium in tissue samples weighing 3 mg or as little as 2 nmol of calcium could be measured.
Can a heterotopically placed segmental liver graft be life-supporting? An affirmative finding.

The feasibility of using a segmental auxiliary liver graft comprising some 40 per cent of the total liver mass fed by the renal vein rather than the portal vein is studied. An autotransplantation technique is described which has the advantage of excluding the problems associated with rejection. Two groups of dogs are investigated in one of which an orthotopically placed segment of liver is also retained. Data are presented which show that a heterotopically placed segment comprising only 40 per cent of the total liver mass can be transplanted heterotopically and in the absence of portal vein influence can maintain animals in good health for months. Furthermore, the presence of an orthotopically situated segment with a normal haemodynamic supply does not inhibit the function of a heterotopic one. The results suggest that in the absence or inhibition of the rejection mechanism heterotopically placed partial liver grafts can function well and be life-supporting.
5-HT6 antagonists as potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction

Among the potential therapeutic targets for the development of cognitive enhancers for AD and schizophrenia, the 5-HT6 receptor is of especial interest based on its localization, pharmacology, and recent behavioral data showing that 5-HT6 receptor blockade improves cognition in a number of rodent behavioral models. It is localized almost exclusively in the CNS, in areas important for learning and memory, while atypical antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants bind with high affinity to this target. 5-HT6 receptor antagonism enhances neurotransmission at cholinergic and glutamatergic neurons, as well as in other pathways. 5-HT6 antagonist medicinal chemistry and potential therapeutic applications for treatment of cognitive dysfunction is broadly reviewed. Drug Dev Res 70, 2009 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SERUM ZINC CONCENTRATIONS IN GROWING PREMATURE INFANTS

Serial serum zinc concentrations were measured in 31 relatively well, growing premature infants during the first 26 weeks of life. Zinc concentrations declined progressively from 17.9 mumol (1.17 mg/l) at birth (normal adult value) to 8.9 mumol (0.58 mg/l) at 6 weeks of age despite a zinc intake of greater than 13.7 mumol (900 micrograms)/kg/day after the second week of life. The serum zinc increased after 16 weeks of age to 10.7 mumol/dl (0.7 mg/l). No infant demonstrated clinical signs of zinc deficiency. This data may serve as a reference against which serum zinc concentrations in other premature infants may be compared in order to help define the deficiency state.
Saliency based control in random feature networks

The ability to rapidly focus attention and react to salient environmental features enables animals to move agilely through their habitats. To replicate this kind of high-performance control of movement in synthetic systems, we propose a new approach to feedback control that bases control actions on randomly perceived features. Connections will be made with recent work incorporating communication protocols into networked control systems. The concepts of random channel controllability and random channel observability for LTI control systems are introduced and studied.
Does Grassroots Lobbying Work? A Field Experiment Measuring the Effects of an e-Mail Lobbying Campaign on Legislative Behavior

There are few reliable estimates of the effect of grassroots lobbying on legislative behavior. The analysis in this article circumvents methodological problems that plague existing studies by randomly assigning legislators to be contacted by a grassroots e-mail lobbying campaign. The experiment was conducted in the context of a grassroots lobbying campaign through cooperation with a coalition of groups lobbying a state legislature. The results show that grassroots lobbying by e-mail has a substantial influence on legislative voting behavior. The article concludes with a number of possible extensions of the study's design to other forms of lobbying and other problems in political science.
Clinical pharmacology of oral intermediate-dose methotrexate with or without probenecid.

Serum methotrexate (MTX) levels were measured in 20 patients who received an oral, intermediatedose MTX regimen preceded by an IV loading dose, with or without probenecid. Plateau serum MTX levels were relatively modest (≤2x10-6M) during the 24 h of treatment. Pretreatment with probenecid (PBC) led to a doubling of the serum MTX level and a significant increase in the area under the concentration-time curve. Nevertheless, oral therapy is not a suitable means of producing sustained, high (10-5 molar) MTX levels, even with the addition of PBC.
Glitch analysis and reduction in register transfer level power optimization

We present design-for-low-power techniques based on glitch reduction for register-transfer level circuits. We analyze the generation and propagation of glitches in both the control and data path parts of the circuit. Based on the analysis, we develop techniques that attempt to reduce glitching power consumption by minimizing generation and propagation of glitches in the RTL circuit. Our techniques include restructuring multiplexer networks (to enhance data correlations, eliminate glitchy control signals, and reduce glitches on data signals), clocking control signals, and inserting selective rising/falling delays. Our techniques are suited to control-flow intensive designs,where glitches generated at control signals have a significant impact on the circuit's power consumption, and multiplexers and registers often account for a major portion of the total power. Application of the proposed techniques to several examples shows significant power savings, with negligible area and delay overheads.
Surface structure effects on direct reduction of iron oxides by Shewanella oneidensis

The atomic and electronic structure of mineral surfaces affects many environmentally important processes such as adsorption phenomena. They are however rarely considered relevant to dissimilatory bacterial reduction of iron and manganese minerals. In this regard, surface area and thermodynamics are more commonly considered. Here we take a first step towards understanding the nature of the influence of mineral surface structure upon the rate of electron transfer from Shewanella oneidensisstrain MR-1 outer membrane proteins to the mineral surface and the subsequent effect upon cell "activity." Cell accumulation has been used as a proxy for cell activity at three iron oxide single crystal faces; hematite (001), magnetite (111) and magnetite (100). Clear differences in cell accumulation at, and release from the surfaces are observed, with significantly more cells accumulating at hematite (001) compared to either magnetite face whilst relatively more cells are released into the overlying aqueous phase from the two magnetite faces than hematite. Modeling of the electron transfer process to the different mineral surfaces from a decaheme (protoporphyrin rings containing a central hexacoordinate iron atom), outer membrane-bound cytochrome of S. oneidensis has been accomplished by employing both Marcus and ab initio density functional theories. The resultant model of electron transfer to the three oxide faces predicts that over the entire range of expected electron transfer distances the highest electron transfer rates occur at the hematite (001) surface, mirroring the observed cell accumulation data. Electron transfer rates to either of the two magnetite surfaces are slower, with magnetite (111) slower than hematite (001) by approximately two orders of magnitude. A lack of knowledge regarding the structural details of the heme-mineral interface, especially in regards to atomic distances and relative orientations of hemes and surface iron atoms and the conformation of the protein envelope, precludes a more thorough analysis. However, the results of the modeling concur with the empirical observation that mineral surface structure has a clear influence on mineral surface-associated cell activity. Thus surface structure effects must be accounted for in future studies of cell-mineral interactions. Copyright © 2003 Elsevier Ltd
A prospective study of squamous head and neck carcinoma immunologic aberrations in patients who develop recurrent disease

In a prospective study of squamous head and neck cancer, the pretreatment peripheral blood of 125 patients was examined for lymphocyte subclass and in vitro immunologic function. After 4 years of followup, 49 recurrences of disease were observed. Lymphocytes from patients with recurrent disease showed elevated interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and a tendency towards increased response to mitogens in comparison to those without recurrence. When disease-free survival is analyzed on the basis of IL-2 levels, patients with high relative IL-2 synthesis (21) had a 40% poorer prognosis than patients with low relative IL-2 levels (4). The difference is significant at a P value of 0.02. Since IL-2 synthesis occurs with antigenic stimulation, it is postulated that patients who have a high IL-2 synthesis in their pretreatment lymphocytes may have had prior stimulation by circulating tumor antigen. Such immune response by the host may be successful in destroying the antigenic tumor cells but may leave the undifferentiated, less antigenic tumor cells to grow and metastasize. Thus, elevated IL-2 synthesis in pretreatment lymphocytes predicts a poorer prognosis. S solid tumors, usually has a predictable biologic and clinical behavior. This carcinoma presumably begins with a precancerous condition and progresses to an invasive state manifested by local and regional involvement, followed subsequently by dissemination to distant organs.' In the initial stages of disease, surgery and/or radiation are curative methods of treatment. For advanced stages, these two modalities of treatment are insufficient to control the disease. The role of adjunctive chemotherapy is presently under close investigation. Many important factors have been observed to affect the outcome of treatment, namely, anatomic origin of the cancer, extent of the disease as determined by staging, biologic behaviors expressed either by the tempo of disease progression clinically, or invasiveness and metastatic potential as determined by resectability and early recurrence, age of the
Illuminating NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Illuminations Project provides electronic resources to illuminate the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. This paper describes the types of resources that are available and discusses how the Principles and Standards document has guided work on the project. Organized around the six principles, this paper provides a vehicle for further discussion of the vision put forth in the Principles and Standards.
Neuraminidase inhibitors: assessment of limitations to greater therapeutic use

Abstract Available evidence indicates that the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), particularly oseltamivir, are the preferred antiviral agents for treatment of influenza, although more data are needed from elderly and high-risk populations. Although widely available, amantadine has a narrower antiviral spectrum and therapeutic margin, greater need for individual dosing, and much higher risk for emergence of drug-resistant variants compared with NAIs. Despite documented efficacy and reasonable cost-effectiveness, the NAIs are under-utilized for treatment of acute influenza in most countries of the world. Cost and rapid access to care are major hurdles to broader application. Both of these country- or health care system-related impediments require solution, if patients are to benefit from available drugs. In addition to addressing these problems, stockpiling of antiviral agents will be essential to mount an effective antiviral response to the next major epidemic or pandemic.
Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of thuringiensin in potato

The absorption, translocation, and metabolism of the bacterial insecticide,14C-thuringiensin in potato (Solarium tuberosum L.) was investigated. Under controlled-environment conditions (21/18 C, 70/95% day/night), the insecticide was applied to potato leaves at tuber initiation. Potato plants absorbed 19 and 20% of the applied insecticide after 3 and 7 days after treatment. Approximately 79 and 72% of the applied radioactivity was washed from the treated leaf 3 and 7 days after treatment. Of the applied14C-thuringiensin, less than 5% was translocated both at 3 and 7 days after treatment. About 15% of the applied, which was equivalent to 70% of the absorbed remained in the treated leaf. There were no significant differences in the concentration of thuringiensin in different parts of potato at both periods of exposures. The insecticide was not metabolized by potato disks after 24 and 48 hr of exposure. Adequate leaf coverage and frequent application may be necessary to obtain effective control of insects with this compound.
Infections by hepatitis B surface antigen gene mutants in Europe and North America

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants have usually been studied in patients in Asia because of the wider use of HBV immunization there and the resultant emergence of viral mutants. Nevertheless, HBV surface antigen (S) gene mutants also are found in Europe and North America. In Europe and North America, HBV with mutations in the portion of the S gene coding the "a" determinant of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been documented in small numbers of infants born to HBV-infected mothers following post-natal HBV vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) prophylaxis and in many liver transplant recipients who develop HBV re-infection despite HBIG prophylaxis. In some cases, these mutations have included a glycine to arginine substitution at position 145 (G145R), which results in a conformational change and different reactivity to monoclonal antibody reagents than that of the wild-type virus. Mutations in the a determinant (but not G145R) also have been reported in European patients with chronic HBV infection who have not received HBV vaccine or HBIG. However, it appears that such mutations are only responsible for a small proportion of "occult" or "silent" HBV infections, which are characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in serum in the absence of detectable HBsAg. However, some of these mutant forms of HBV in cases of occult HBV may theoretically escape detection and could present a risk to blood safety.
Higher conductivity Sm3+ and Nd3+ co-doped ceria-based electrolyte materials

Abstract A co-doping strategy is used to enhance the ionic conductivity of doped ceria. Recent density functional theory has suggested that Pm with atomic number 61, is the ideal dopant exhibiting low activation energy for oxygen diffusion, and consequently high ionic conductivity. Taking the atomic number of Pm3+ into account, Sm3+ and Nd3+ are selected as co-dopants for ceria to test this hypothesis. Different compositions of Smx / 2Ndx / 2Ce1 − xO2 − δ(x = 0.01–0.20) are synthesized using conventional solid state route. The lattice parameters are estimated after the detailed analysis of X-ray diffraction data using least-squares extrapolation technique. The lattice parameter in Smx / 2Ndx / 2Ce1 − xO2 − δ system obeys Vegard's law, even at higher dopant concentration, indicating that short-range oxygen vacancy ordering is comparatively lower than in other systems. The ionic conductivity of the samples is measured in the temperature range of 250 °C to 700 °C, using two-probe electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. The grain contribution to the ionic conductivity for Smx / 2Ndx / 2Ce1 − xO2 − δ is disc ussed in detail. The grain ionic conductivity of Sm0.075Nd0.075Ce0.85O2 − δ is found to be 30% higher than that of Gd0.10Ce0.90O2 − δ at 550 °C. It is shown that Smx / 2Ndx / 2Ce1 − xO2 − δ is an electrolyte that obeys the Meyer–Neldel rule. In the high temperature (> 475 °C) region, the activation energy shows a minima at 5mol% dopant concentration with the value of 0.62 eV.
Assertiveness and Attributions of Blame toward Victims of Sexual Assault

This study investigated the influence of assertiveness on women's attributions of blame toward a victim of sexual assault. Women (N = 211) completed questionnaires assessing general and sexual assertiveness, viewed a video vignette of an acquaintance rape, and were asked to rate the degree of the woman's responsibility for the assault at three points during the video. Results indicated that the rater's level of assertiveness predicted the amount of blame she assigned to the victim of a sexual assault when the victim engaged in unassertive nonverbal resistance and assertive verbal resistance. Implications for prevention programming and forensic psychology (e.g., jury selection) are discussed.
Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with c-ANCA (h-lamp-2).

An 18-year-old African–American woman presented with a 3-week history of painful ulcerations on her legs and trunk; she linked their onset to a fall and injury to the ankle. Well-circumscribed hemorrhagic ulcerations with ragged borders were noted on the legs, thighs, hands, and breasts. A skin biopsy demonstrated abscess formation and focal dermal necrosis compatible with a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. A laboratory work-up disclosed the following: white blood cells (WBC) 9.5 cells/mm3, hemoglobin 10.5 g/dL; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 33 mm/h (0–20); c-ANCA (ANCA, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody) titer 1 : 320. Further testing revealed that the ANCA targeted both human lysosomal-associated membrane protein-2 (h-lamp-2) (> 200 EIA units [< 10]) and bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI) (21 EIA units [< 10]), but neither proteinase-3 (PR3) nor myeloperoxidase (MPO). The ANCA isotypes were both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA. Urinalysis, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antiphospholipid antibodies, serum protein immunofixation electrophoreses, and chest X-ray were unremarkable. Therapy with minocycline was initiated pending biopsy results, with a favorable but incomplete response. Oral prednisone was added at 0.6 mg/kg/day, resulting in closure of all lesions except those on the lower legs. These lesions resisted subsequent trials of topical nitroglycerine and clofazimine. During questioning the patient acknowledged having three loose stools daily. She also reported an isolated episode of blood in her stool. A colonoscopy was performed, ulcerative colitis was diagnosed, and therapy with mesalamine was begun. At the family's request, the prednisone was stopped, notwithstanding the persistence of ankle ulcerations, and oral tacrolimus was administered at 0.2/mg/kg/day, leading to further improvement. Tacrolimus-induced hypomagnesemia and paresthesias precluded the use of higher doses, and this agent was discontinued. Reinstitution of prednisone combined with dapsone ultimately led to complete healing.
Short- and long-term outcomes of canalith repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo☆

This is a prospective, nonrandomized study of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). CRP was used to treat 168 patients with BPPV. Patient data were gathered by yearly telephone interviews to determine whether symptoms of position-induced vertigo had returned. After 1 or 2 treatment sessions 91.3% of patients reported complete symptom resolution. Average follow-up for the study population after the initial treatment was 26 months. A recurrence rate of 26.8% was found among those patients who initially reported resolution of symptoms after CRP. Application of recurrence data to a Kaplan-Meier estimation suggests a 15% recurrence rate per year of BPPV, with a 50% recurrence rate of BPPV at 40 months after treatment. There was no significant association between cure or recurrence rate and sex, age, duration of symptoms, presumed cause, or treating physician.
Electroencephalogram characteristics of autonomic arousals during sleep in healthy men

Abstract Objective Many sleep disorders involve frequent, brief arousals, not appreciated during conventional sleep stage scoring due to lack of electroencephalogram (EEG) desynchronization. We evaluated the temporal relation between heart rate (HR) changes, an index of autonomic activation, and EEG in seven healthy subjects during sleep. Methods We identified bouts of tachycardia–bradycardia and performed spectral analysis of EEG during these. We also identified cortical arousals by the appearance of EEG alpha activity. This allowed us to dichotomize bouts of tachycardia–bradycardia by presence or absence of cortical arousal. Results During non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, bouts with or without cortical arousal occurred with approximately equal frequency. Those with cortical arousals usually preceded onset of EEG changes. Those without cortical arousals were followed by increases in delta but not alpha power. EEG did not change during bouts in REM sleep. Conclusions Capturing bouts of tachycardia–bradycardia is relatively easy via computerized algorithm. Bouts occur with cortical arousal or with slow wave synchronization suggestive of subcortical arousal. Thus, changes in HR may be useful index of arousal. Significance These brief bursts of tachycardia–bradycardia are consistent with autonomic arousal. Such a measure may be among the first in a continuum of arousal ending with frank awakening.
Lymphocyte GH-axis hormones in immunity

The production and utilization of common ligands and their receptors by cells of the immune and neuroendocrine systems constitutes a biochemical information circuit between and within the immune and neuroendocrine systems. The sharing of ligands and receptors allows the immune system to serve as the sixth sense notifying the nervous system of the presence of foreign entities. Within this framework, it is also clear that immune cell functions can be altered by neuroendocrine hormones and that cells of the immune system have the ability to produce neuroendocrine hormones. This review summarizes a part of this knowledge with particular emphasis on growth hormone (GH). The past two decades have uncovered a lot of detail about the actions of GH, acting through its receptor, at the molecular and cellular level and its influence on the immune system. The production and action of immune cell-derived GH is less well developed although its important role in immunity is also slowly emerging. Here we discuss the production of GH, GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and their cognate receptors on cells of the immune system and their influence via endocrine/autocrine/paracrine and intracrine pathways on immune function. The intracellular mechanisms of action of immune cell-derived GH are still largely unexplored, and it is anticipated that further work in this particular area will establish an important role for this source of GH in normal physiology and in pathologic situations.
Pargyline-induced increases in sensitivity to the effects of drugs on operant behavior in pigeons

Pigeons responded under a multiple fixedinterval 5-min, 30-response fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. Acute pargyline doses between 10.0 and 50.0 mg/kg (i.m.), given immediately prior to the session, decreased responding. Daily administration of 50 mg/kg pargyline (24 mg/kg, every 12 h) initially decreased responding. Tolerance developed so that after 4 days of daily pargyline, responding had returned to control values. Chronic pargyline resulted in an enhanced sensitivity to the effects of d-amphetamine, ephedrine, tyramine, and morphine on schedule-controlled responding. Both d-amphetamine and pentobarbital increased fixed-interval responding at relatively low doses, while higher doses decreased responding. Daily pargyline resulted in an increased sensitivity to both the increases and decreases in response rates produced by d-amphetamine. In contrast, sensitivity to pentobarbital was not changed after daily pargyline. Ephedrine, tyramine, and morphine only decreased fixed-interval responding. Chronic pargyline resulted in an increased sensitivity to the response-rate decreasing effects of ephedrine, tyramine, and morphine. In addition to the increased sensitivity of fixed-interval responding to the effects of tyramine, the dose-effect curve for fixed-ratio responding was also a shifted to the left. Daily pargyline did not result in changes in sensitivity of fixedratio responding to the effects of the other drugs tested.
Comparison of dexamethasone-induced embryotoxicity in vitro in mouse and rat embryos

Previous work demonstrated that rat embryos were more susceptible to the growth retardation effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) in vivo than were mouse embryos. The purpose of this study was to examine this species difference using an in vitro system. Embryos of CD rats and CD-1 mice were cultured in a whole embryo culture system with concentrations of DEX from 5 to 250 μg/ml. Rat embryos were explanted on day 9 of gestation (GD 9: plug day = GD 0), while mouse embryos were removed on GD 8. After 48 h in culture, each viable embryo was evaluated for morphological score, and the number of somite pairs, crown-rump, and head lengths, as well as DNA and protein concentrations were determined. A reduced morphological score was observed for mouse embryos at 5 μg DEX/ml, but a significant decrease in this parameter was only observed at DEX concentrations of ⩾ 100 μg/ml in rat embryos. Significant reductions in the number of somite pairs were observed at 25 μg/ml for mouse embryos and 100 μg/ml for rat embryos. Crown-rump and head lengths as well as DNA and protein concentrations were significantly decreased at 100 μg/ml in mouse embryos and 150 μg/ml in rat embryos. Therefore, in vitro mouse embryos were adversely affected by lower concentrations of DEX than were rat embryos for each of the six end points examined in this study. This species sensitivity in vitro could be due to inherent genetic differences or to the slightly different developmental stages evaluated using the culture system. The species sensitivity observed in vivo may be due to a maternal difference in the pharmacodynamics of the drug. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.1
Age at strabismus diagnosis in an incidence cohort of children.

Purpose To compare the age at diagnosis of children with esotropia, exotropia, and hypertropia. Design Retrospective, population-based cohort study. Methods The medical records of all Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents Results The median age at diagnosis of esotropia (n = 380), exotropia (n = 205), and hypertropia (n = 42) was 3.1 years, 7.2 years, and 6.1 years, respectively (P = .001). In the first six years of life, esotropia had the highest incidence and was more likely to occur than either exotropia or hypertropia; exotropia predominated between age seven and 12 years; and each form was similarly likely to occur between 13 and 18 years of age (P = .001). Conclusions The age at diagnosis was significantly different for the various forms of strabismus in this population. Esotropia is the most common form in the first six years of life; beyond this age exotropia predominates until the teenage years when the three forms have a similar but decreased incidence.
Data, Methods, and Theoretical Implications.

Within the subfields of political psychology and the study of gender, the introduction of new data collection efforts, methodologies, and theoretical approaches are transforming our understandings of these two fields and the places at which they intersect. In this article we present an overview of the research that was presented at a National Science Foundation (NSF) (#SES-1014854) funded conference “New Research on Gender in Political Psychology” at Rutgers University in March 2011. This scholarship represents the expanding questions and approaches that enhance our understanding of gender within political psychology. As a result, we suggest that further innovation is needed with regard to theory and methods to understand better how gender shapes the political attitudes and actions of individuals. Our discussion here covers the use of data, interdisciplinary methods, and intersectionality to study gender. We conclude with thoughts about the theoretical implications of this recent scholarship and the future of political science research on gender.
RT cNews: An Analysis of News Agency Ego Networks in a Microblogging Environment

News agencies regularly use Twitter to publicize and increase readership of their articles. Although substantial research on the spread of news on Twitter exists, there hasn't been much focus on the study of the spread of news articles. In this study, we present an innovative methodology involving weighted ego networks to understand how news agencies propagate news articles using their Twitter handle. We propose a set of measures to compare the propagation process of different news agencies by studying important aspects such as volume, extent of spread, conversion rate, multiplier effect, lifespan, hourly response, and audience participation. Using a dataset of tweets collected over a period of 6 months, we apply our methodology and suggest a framework to help news agencies gauge their performance on social media and also provide critical insights into the phenomenon of news article propagation on Twitter.
Differential thermal analysis of synthetic fibers

The application of differential thermal analysis (DTA) for the characterization and the investigation of the thermal degradation of synthetic textile fibers, to include polyester, nylon 6, propropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, has been studied. The temperature range was from 50 to 650°C. using laboratory-built DTA apparatus. Experimental considerations and techniques are discussed and such variables as sample preparation, size, cell packing, atmosphere control, and heating rate have been investigated. The conventional technique of grinding or milling DTA samples is shown to cause significant changes in certain samples, particularly in undrawn fibers. The control of sample atmosphere by dynamic gas flow through the sample cell gave peaks that were generally sharper and larger than those found when control was by gas diffusion. Data are given on the various low temperature transitions found in such fibers. Significant differences in low temperature transitions were observed between polypropylene fiber and the bulk polymer as well as between drawn and undrawn nylon 6 fibers. The interpretation of the DTA curves for the decomposition and other reactions at elevated temperatures is discussed. Nylon 6 and polypropylene showed only endothermic reactions indicative of depolymerization processes whereas other fibers showed both endothermic and exothermic reactions in the decomposition range.
The Orlik–Solomon complex and Milnor fibre homology

Abstract Fix a real hyperplane arrangement, and let F be the Milnor fibre of its complexified defining polynomial. We consider a filtration of the homology of F that arises from the algebraic monodromy, using integer or Z /p Z coefficients. We compare it with the cohomology of the Orlik–Solomon algebra, over Z or Z /p Z , respectively, with respect to a suitable “Koszul” boundary map, and find isomorphisms in certain cases. This continues work by various authors in comparing the cohomology of certain local systems on a hyperplane complement with that of the Orlik–Solomon algebra.
A cardiac tissue-specific binding agent of troponin I

A fluorescently labeled, biphenylalanine-rich peptide was identified as a should be cardiac troponin I-specific binding agent with preferential staining affinity to myocardium tissues and extremely low staining to other stromal components. Fluorescence images demonstrate that this new peptide is an excellent contrast agent useful for examining troponin I structural distribution and expression density within heart tissue sections. It provides a clear contrast between myocardial cells and the surrounding collagen matrix.
Chimeric Antigen Receptors With Mutated IgG4 Fc Spacer Avoid Fc Receptor Binding and Improve T Cell Persistence and Antitumor Efficacy

The success of adoptive therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–expressing T cells partly depends on optimal CAR design. CARs frequently incorporate a spacer/linker region based on the constant region of either IgG1 or IgG4 to connect extracellular ligand-binding with intracellular signaling domains. Here, we evaluated the potential for the IgG4-Fc linker to result in off-target interactions with Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). As proof-of-principle, we focused on a CD19-specific scFv-IgG4-CD28-zeta CAR and found that, in contrast to CAR-negative cells, CAR+ T cells bound soluble FcγRs in vitro and did not engraft in NSG mice. We hypothesized that mutations to avoid FcγR binding would improve CAR+ T cell engraftment and antitumor efficacy. Thus, we generated CD19-specific CARs with IgG4-Fc spacers that had either been mutated at two sites (L235E; N297Q) within the CH2 region (CD19R(EQ)) or incorporated a CH2 deletion (CD19Rch2Δ). These mutations reduced binding to soluble FcγRs without altering the ability of the CAR to mediate antigen-specific lysis. Importantly, CD19R(EQ) and CD19Rch2Δ T cells exhibited improved persistence and more potent CD19-specific antilymphoma efficacy in NSG mice. Together, these studies suggest that optimal CAR function may require the elimination of cellular FcγR interactions to improve T cell persistence and antitumor responses.
Lack of specificity of cell-surface protease targeting of a cytotoxic hyperfusogenic gibbon ape leukaemia virus envelope glycoprotein.

Background: In a strategy termed Protease Targeting, retroviral vectors carrying an EGF infectivity-blocking domain fused to the N-terminus of the envelope SU via a MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-cleavable linker were successfully used to target gene delivery to EGF receptor-(EGF-R-)positive tumour cells over-expressing MMPs. In the current study, we aimed to investigate whether this strategy could be applied to (a) limit the cytotoxic activity of a hyperfusogenic GALV therapeutic gene, and (b) enhance the immune-stimulatory properties of GALV via local, MMP-mediated release human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Methods: We generated GALV envelope expression constructs displaying EGF or GM-CSF blocking ligands at the N-terminus of GALV envelope SU via a non-cleavable, Factor Xa protease or MMP-cleavable linker and investigated their cytotoxicity on MMP-positive and negative cell lines. Results: The unmodified hyperfusogenic GALV envelope was cytotoxic to all cell lines tested. The non-cleavable linker GALV envelope constructs caused no cytotoxicity, demonstrating efficient inhibition by the displayed domains. Moderate activation of fusion of the protease-cleavable linker constructs was observed in all cell lines, regardless of their level of MMP expression and of the specificity of the linker. High levels of the blocking domain were detected in the cell supernatants due to dissociation of the surface unit (SU) from the transmembrane (TM) component of the GALV envelope glycoprotein TM. Conclusions: Unlike protease targeting in the context of retroviral vectors, protease activation of the cytotoxicity of GALV envelope by cleavage of a fusion blocking ligand at the cell surface does not appear to be specifically mediated by cell-surface MMPs. In addition, shedding of the SU-fusion protein from the TM limits the general applicability of this strategy for cancer gene therapy. Specificity of cell-cell fusion mediated by GALV envelope cannot be manipulated in the same fashion as virus-cell fusion.
The Pressure-Temperature Phase Diagram of Na-K Alloys and the Effect of Pressure on the Resistance of the Liquid Phase

By determining the pressures at which discontinuities occur in resistance isotherms of mixtures sodium and potassium in various proportions, it has been possible to map out the phase diagram of the binary system Na-K as a function of pressure, temperature and composition. The pressure range is 10,000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, and the temperature range from 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The results are presented in two diagrams. The composition of the eutectic in the subsystem (solid Na-solid ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$K-liquid) is almost independent of pressure over the range, whereas the composition of the eutectic (solid K-solid ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$K-liquid) moves from about 67 atomic percent K at atmospheric pressure to 59 percent at 10,000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. The rise of melting temperature with pressure is markedly less for the alloys than for the pure metals: the rise of melting temperature for the first eutectic mentioned above produced by 10,000 kg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ is 42\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, against 68\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for pure sodium. The corresponding figures for the second eutectic are 42\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} against 105\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for pure potassium. In addition to the phase data, some results are given for the relative resistance of the liquid alloys as a function of pressure.
Numerical Study of the Endwall Effects on Water Single-Phase Pressure Drop Across a Circular Micro-Pin-Fin Array

This paper presents a numerical study of pressure drop associated with water liquid single-phase flow across an array of staggered micro-pin-fins having circular cross-section. The numerical simulations were validated against previously obtained experimental results using an array of staggered circular micro-pin-fins having the following dimensions: 180 micron diameter and 683 micron height. The longitudinal pitch and transverse pitch of the micro-pin-fins are equal to 399 microns. The effects of endwalls on pressure drop characteristics were then explored numerically. Six different micro-pin-fin height to diameter ratios were studied with seven different Reynolds numbers. All simulations were performed at room temperature (23°C). It was seen that for any given Reynolds number, as the pin height to diameter ratio increased, the pressure drop and resulting non-dimensional friction factor decreased.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Parasitism of orangestriped oakworm (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs in the urban landscape

Abstract Orangestriped oakworm, Anisota senatoria (J. E. Smith), has caused widespread defoliation of oak trees in the urban landscape of southeastern Virginia since 1985. Egg masses were collected from 1988 to 1990 to determine the impact of native egg parasites on A. senatoria populations. The most abundant egg parasite was Aprostocetus new sp. and mean egg mass parasitism was 24.6%. The eupelmid Anastatus hirtus (Ashmead), a new host record, parasitized a mean of 11.7% of A. senatoria egg masses. The encyrtid Ooencytrus sp., a new host record, had a mean egg mass parasitism of 0.09%. Inundative releases of Trichogramma minutum (Riley) in 1989 and 1990 did not increase parasitism rates and mean egg mass parasitism was 2.3%. Parasitism of first generation A. senatoria egg masses was higher compared with second generation. The four egg parasites collected in this study parasitized 30% of A. senatoria egg masses and within egg mass parasitism was 7.9%. These relatively low parasitism rates may partially explain the presence of consistently high A. senatoria populations in southeastern Virginia.
A Note on the Cost of Crime to Victims

Hedonic pricing models have been used to infer the cost of crime by estimating property value differences in high versus low crime areas. However, previous studies have been unable to disentangle t...
Recloser and sectionalizer placement for reliability improvement using discrete event simulation

This paper presents a cost-effective strategy to place automatic reclosers and sectionalizers into electric distribution systems for reliability improvement using simulation and probability. Evaluation of reliability indices in the placement process is carried out via discrete event simulation that takes advantage of high performance parallel computing cluster. The requirements on probabilities evaluated from the empirical distributions of two reliability indices (SAIFI and CAIDI) are imposed as placement constraints or objectives, rather than the annual sample means used in the conventional placement problems. As a result, our placement solution is robust against the variability in model predicted SAIFI and CAIDI. The proposed placement strategy is illustrated through a Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS).
Concentrations and temporal variations of 210Po, 210Pb, and Al in the surf zone ecosystem of Copalis Beach, Washington

Abstract Surf diatoms monitored during a 21-month period at Copalis Beach, Washington, contained elevated concentrations of Al, 210Pb, and supported 210Po compared to net phytoplankton from Washington coastal waters and Puget Sound. Aluminum concentrations of several per cent dry weight found in the surf diatoms were not a reflection of contamination by discrete inorganic particulate matter but were the result of a natural coating of clay-sized particles on Chaetoceros armatum, the predominant diatom in the surf blooms. A high correlation between Al and 210Pb in the surf diatoms suggests 210Pb and supported 210Po were also associated with the clay-sized particles. During fall through spring, the unsupported 210Po concentrations in the surf diatoms were correlated with the input of 210Po by precipitation. A summer maximum in unsupported 210Po concentrations in the surf diatoms may reflect upwelling that causes higher dissolved 210Po concentrations in the summer surf relative to those of late spring and early fall. The consumers of the surf diatoms exhibited larger 210Po-activity-to-210Pb-activity ratios than their food, indicating 210Po was preferentially accumulated in the higher trophic level.
Brain 3-methoxytyramine varies inversely with blood glucose in decapitated rats

Abstract Concentrations of the dopamine metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine, were decreased significantly in the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens of rats 30 min after the IP injection of D-glucose (2 g/kg). Conversely, 90 min after the administration of regular insulin (6 U/kg), significant increases in the concentrations of 3-methoxytyramine were observed in these two brain regions. Brain levels of the major metabolites of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, did not correlate well with blood glucose concentration. The significant negative correlation of blood glucose with striatal and accumbens 3-methoxytyramine suggests an inverse relationship between dopamine metabolism and blood glucose concentration, that may be secondary to decapitation-induced anoxia.
Analysis of quaternary ammonium compounds in estuarine sediments by LC-ToF-MS: very high positive mass defects of alkylamine ions as powerful diagnostic tools for identification and structural elucidation.

A sensitive and robust method of analysis for quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in marine sediments is presented. Methods for extraction, sample purification, and HPLC−time-of-flight MS analysis were optimized, providing solutions to problems associated with analysis of QACs, such as dialkyldimethylammonium (DADMAC) and benzalkonium (BAC) compounds experienced previously. Recognized in this study are the exceptionally high positive mass defects characteristic of alkylammonium or protonated alkylamine ions. No alternative and chemically viable elemental formulas exist within 25.2 mDa when the number of double bond equivalents is low, effectively allowing facile discrimination of this compound class in complex mixtures. Accurate mass measurements of diagnostic collision-induced dissociation fragment ions and heavy isotope peaks were obtained and also seen to be uniquely heavy compared to other elemental formulas. The ability to resolve masses of alkylamine fragment ions is much greater than for the molec...
100G photonic integration challenges

Photonic integration is a key enabler for 100Gbit/sec deployments. In this talk, we will review the status of integrated components and modules for 40G and 100G, and also discuss the challenges for moving beyond 100G.