cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CXCR4 antagonism attenuates load‐induced periosteal bone formation in mice

Mechanical loading is a key anabolic regulator of bone mass. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a stem cell homing factor that is important in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and fracture healing, though its involvement in skeletal mechanoadaptation is virtually unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize skeletal expression patterns of SDF-1 and CXCR4, the receptor for SDF-1, and to determine the role of SDF-1 signaling in load-induced periosteal bone formation. Sixteen-week-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with PBS or AMD3100, an antagonist against CXCR4, and exposed to in vivo ulnar loading (2.8 N peak-to-peak, 2 Hz, 120 cycles). SDF-1 was expressed in cortical and trabecular osteocytes and marrow cells, and CXCR4 was primarily expressed in marrow cells. SDF-1 and CXCR4 expression was enhanced in response to mechanical stimulation. The CXCR4 receptor antagonist AMD3100 significantly attenuated load-induced bone formation and led to smaller adaptive changes in cortical geometric properties as determined by histomorphometric analysis. Our data suggest that SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling plays a critical role in skeletal mechanoadaptation, and may represent a unique therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of age-related and disuse bone loss. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1828–1838, 2013
Hesitation and Grammatical Encoding

The occurrence of filled and unfilled pauses was examined with respect to their location in phonemic clauses. Both types of hesitation were most frequent after the first word in the clause, regardl...
An analysis of copper surface roughness effects on signal propagation in PCB traces

Conductor loss due to the roughened metal foil surface has significant effects on high-speed signals propagation on backplane traces designed for 10+ Gbps network. A practical method to evaluate these effects, including the signal attenuation and the propagation phase velocity, is proposed in this paper. A periodic structure is used to model the morphology of the roughness profile. The equivalent surface impedance is extracted from the grating surface wave propagation constant to model the roughness. This modified surface impedance can hence be used in the traditional attenuation constant formula to calculate the actual conductor loss. This approach is validated using measurement, and is shown to be able to provide robust result within 0.2 dB/m relative error in attenuation constant.
Real‐time estimation of aerobic batch fermentation biomass concentration by component balancing

Real-time estimates of biomass concentration and growth rate in fermentation processes were obtained by performing a material balance on oxygen and employing a kinetic model for molecular oxygen utilization. A model containing yield and maintenance terms was satisfactory in fermentations where only the EMP and TCA pathways were utilized for glucose metabolism. However, model alterations based on metabolic energetics were required before accurate estimates were obtained for a metabolically complex fermentation producing bakers yeast.
Rapidly Rotating Bose-Einstein Condensates

How does a rapidly rotating condensed Bose gas carry extreme amounts of angular momentum? The energetically favored state of a not-too-rapidly rotating Bose condensed gas is, as observed, a triangular lattice of singly quantized vortices. This paper describes the fates of the vortex lattice in both harmonic and anharmonic traps when condensates are rotated extremely rapidly.
Laboratory procedure for determining substrate removal rate coefficients for biofilms

Abstract Although numerous techniques have been standardized for assessing the metabolic activities of free-living (suspendent) microorganisms, little corresponding methodoloty has been developed for attached microorganisms. Because attached microorganisms, such as those in biofilms, may dominate the microbiology of shallow aquatic ecosystem, methods designed specifically for measuring their activities are a much needed tool in environmental science. The following method gives detailed procedures for measuring the rates of biofilm removal of rapidly degraded hydrophilic organic substrates. Using replicate Teflon strips colonized in aquatic microcosms and a benchmark chemical (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid methyl ester), substrate removal rate coefficients were determined for a particular ratio of colonized surface area to container volume. These coefficients are applicable in mathematical models used to predict chemical removal rates under field conditions.
Sensitivity enhancement of plastic nuclear track detectors through photo-oxidation

Abstract A new method is presented for the sensitization of plastic track detectors. It has been found effective for cellulosics, polycarbonates, and polyesters. Most of the reported data deals with Lexan. The method consists of irradiating plastics with ultraviolet radiation, UV, in the presence of oxygen. The sensitivity enhancement is found to increase exponentially with decreasing UV wavelength and increasing particle restricted energy loss rate, REL. This technique can be used to provide a continuously variable sensitivity from sample to sample, within a given sample, or from one etch to the next of a given sample. Greater spatial resolution is possible because of the increase in the ratio rT/rB. Better charge resolution is possible because of the stronger dependence of the track etch rate, rT, on REL. Long term measurements show that samples stored in the dark in the O2 atmosphere show a small increase in rT with time. In inert atmospheres a negligible increase is observed, and in a vacuum rT decreases.
Parallel code clone detection using MapReduce

Code clone detection is an established topic in software engineering research. Many detection algorithms have been proposed and refined but very few exploit the inherent parallelism present in the problem, making large scale code clone detection difficult. To alleviate this shortcoming, we present a new technique to efficiently perform clone detection using the popular MapReduce paradigm. Preliminary experimental results demonstrates speed-up and scale-up of the proposed approach.
Semiconductor laser quantum noise limits

The quantum mechanical limits to the fundamental noise performance of semiconductor lasers are reviewed. Recent advances in pushing the laser noise below theses limits are then discussed with emphasis on pump suppression, electronic feedback, and correlation techniques such as optical feedback. It is found that narrow-linewidth semiconductor lasers with sub-shot- noise photon statistics are within the reach of current technology.
Metamorphic facies and tectonics in part of the Cascade Range and Puget Lowland of northwestern Washington

Metamorphic assemblages in pre-Tertiary rocks of northwestern Washington can be grouped into eight facies types which represent recrystallization under widely diverse P-T conditions. Consideration of these assemblages, together with their regional distribution and age, allows speculation concerning some aspects of the regional metamorphic and tectonic history: (1) high-pressure assemblages indicate that much of the metamorphosed rock has been affected by subduction; (2) two ages of subduction are represented, Carboniferous to Permian and Early Cretaceous; (3) during the Cretaceous event, rock masses of local to regional extent gained mutually distinctive metamorphic assemblages, indicating that the rock units acted as separate tectonic elements during the subduction process; (4) sea-floor metamorphism may be indicated by the occurrence of low-pressure assemblages in ophiolitic rocks; (5) in some rock units, low-pressure assemblages are overprinted by high-pressure minerals, suggesting a history of sea floor followed by subduction metamorphism; (6) some rock units contain only low-pressure assemblages and thus may have escaped subduction; (7) diverse origins of rock units and profound movement on unit-bounding faults are suggested by the disparity of ages and facies type.
Quantum confinement induced photoluminescence in porous silicon

Abstract An investigation of the red photoluminescence (PL) in uniform layers of porous silicon has revealed an inverse relationship between the PL peak energy and the nanoparticle diameter that is in accord with a quantum confinement mechanism. The PL energy lies below that of the optical absorption gap in such samples and the theoretical predictions for quantum dots. It appears that the light emission in porous Si is multiphoton assisted for even quite small nanoparticle sizes.
Does Production Labeling Stigmatize Conventional Milk

Production labeling is a common approach for differentiating otherwise similar products in the marketplace. While these labels may convey positive messages to consumers about the new product, they may simultaneously stigmatize the conventionally produced product by highlighting perceived problems. The net economic result for producers can be negative since consumers may decrease their willingness to pay for the conventional product that dominates the market, while the new product has a relatively small market share. This experimental research identifies this stigma effect in the case of milk, where the introduction of rBST-free and organic milk reduces consumers' willingness to purchase conventional milk. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.
Laminar flow in an annulus between two concentric rotating porous spheres

An analysis is presented for the steady laminar flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid in an annulus between two concentric porous spheres with injection/suction at their boundaries. The inner sphere rotates with constant angular velocity about its own fixed axis, while the outer sphere is stationary. A solution of the Navier-Stokes equations is obtained by employing a regular perturbation technique. The solution obtained is in the form of a power series expansion in terms of the rotational Reynolds number Re, and an injection/suction Reynolds number Rew, and is valid for small values of these parameters. Results for the velocity distributions, streamlines, and viscous torques for various values of the flow parameters Re, Rew, and radius ratios λ are presented. Viscous torques at the inner and outer spheres are compared with those obtained from the numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations, in order to find the range of Re and Rew for which this solution is accurate.
Accuracy and Precision of Visual Estimates and Photogrammetric Measurements of the Length of a Small‐bodied Fish

Abstract We assessed the accuracy and precision of visual estimates from two divers and photogrammetric measurements from a diver-operated stereo-video camera system for determining the length of Saratoga Springs pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis nevadensis (12–36 mm total length) under controlled conditions. Visual estimates by two divers differed significantly from true fish length (P < 0.001) but were not significantly different from each other (P = 0.42). Levels of accuracy and precision were similar to those previously reported for visual estimates by divers. On average, the two divers underestimated fish length by 2.74 mm (11%) and 2.93 mm (12%). The magnitude of underestimation error increased with fish length. Photogrammetric measurements from a stereo-video camera system were more accurate and precise than diver estimates of fish length. Little to no bias was evident (mean error = 0.05 mm), and the level of precision (coefficient of variation of the difference between observed length and true length)...
Pancreatectomy in the Eel: Effects on Serum Glucose and Cholesterol

Pancreatectomy in the eel causes a slight tendency toward hyperglycemia; total and partial pancreatectomies cause a drop of total serum cholesterol. Thus, complete removal of the islet tissue in this teleost is not followed by diabetes mellitus, and also the endocrine control of the cholesterol-containing serum components seems to differ from that in mammals.
Application of gas-liquid partition chromatography to the quantitative estimation of monoglycerides

A procedure has been developed for the quantitative estimation of monoglycerides in terms of their constituent fatty acids. The monoglyceride mixture is mesylated with mesyl chloride in the presence of pyridine, and the resulting dimesyl derivatives are converted to allyl esters of the constituent fatty acids by treatment with sodium iodide in anhydrous acetone at 100°C. The allyl esters are then analyzed quantitatively by gas-liquid partition chromatography at 240°C. on a column of Apiezon M—Celite. Both α- and β-monoglycerides are quantitatively converted to allyl esters by this procedure. β-Monoglycerides in a mixture of α- and β-isomers may be determined separately after removal of the α-isomers by oxidation with periodic acid. The analytical procedure is also applicable to monoglycerides in the presence of free fatty acids, diglycerides, and triglycerides.
Temperature‐influenced species competition in mass cultures of marine phytoplankton

Five marine phytoplankton species (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Skeletonema costatum, Monochrysis lutheri, and Dunaliella tertiolecta) were grown in enriched laboratory continuous cultures and natural populations were mass cultured outdoors for 16 months. Competition among the species was shown to be highly dependent on temperature, although the actual production of plant organic matter at the low growth rates used was relatively independent of this variable. Control of marine species in mass cultures does not appear economically feasible, but this drawback may be overcome by selecting herbivorous shellfish that are capable of assimilating those temperature-dependent phytoplankton species dominating in a particular locale.
The influence of color on the taste perception of carbonated water preparations

Tasteless food dyes were used to impart three different colors—red, yellow, and brown—to carbonated water and white (colorless) birch beer. Subjects were requested to taste the preparations and judge the flavor in order to assess the influence of the colors on taste perception. This influence was clearly in evidence when the subjects tasted the birch beer, but little effect was seen with the carbonated water.
Applications of Partitioned Data Sets in Nuclear Physics

The storage of spectral data from nuclear physics experiments and the processing of such data through analysis programs is found to be more convenient and flexible if the Partitioned Data Set (PDS) concept is used. A PDS structure is best imposed on a Word Addressable Data Set (WADS) where data are transferred to or from a random-access device by supplying a word address and word count to I/O routines. A package of programs is described that may be used to process such data. For theoretical applications, a PDS may be used to store amplitudes from reaction calculations or data generated by shell-model programs.
Gas Sorption in Polyaniline. 1. Emeraldine Base

Measurements of the sorption isotherms (at 298 K) for Ar, O2, and N2 in several polyaniline emeraldine base (PANi-EB) forms were made (as-cast film, powder, and fully undoped film) over the pressure range 100−1300 kPa. Model fits of the sorption isotherms were made using a modified Flory−Huggins equation (MFHE) and a dual mode sorption equation. In general, the variation of parameters for the MFHE was consistent with morphological interpretations from prior X-ray scattering studies. The ordering of gas sorption with respect to a particular PANi-EB form correlates with the relative sizes and condensabilities of the gas molecules. We see evidence that the morphological variations between different PANi-EB forms, as indicated by their He densities and X-ray scattering data, affects the ratio of O2/N2 solubilities primarily through restricted access to available free volume. From our current measurements of solubilities and prior results for the O2 and N2 permeabilities, we conclude that the O2/N2 ideal separ...
Sex differences in the use of coping strategies: predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms

This study examined sex differences in the use of coping strategies and their relationship to depression and anxiety-related psychopathology. Responses on measures of coping strategies, depression, and anxiety were obtained from a carefully screened nonclinical sample (N = 107). The results demonstrated that women who used less positive reframing had higher levels of depressive symptoms compared with women who used more positive reframing and to men irrespective of their use of more or less positive reframing. In addition, women who reported the use of more self-blame had elevated levels of trait anxiety, although a similar effect was not found for men. The observed sex differences in the use of coping strategies and their association with depression and anxiety-related problems underscores differences in the clinical presentation of anxiety and depression between women and men.
Cholecystokinin decreases food intake in rats. 1973.

Partially purified cholecystokinin (CCK) was injected intraperitoneally into fasted rats prior to food presentation. The hormone produced a large doserelated suppression of intake of solid and liquid diets. Identical doses of the synthetic terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin produced identical results. An effective dose of CCK did not suppress drinking after water deprivation. Treated animals did not appear ill and were not hyperthermic; neither CCK nor the octapeptide produced learning of a taste aversion in bait-shyness tests. The effect of CCK is not a property of all gut hormones, since injections of secretin did not affect feeding. These studies raise the possibility that CCK plays an inhibitory role in the short-term control of feeding behavior.
Sex differences in instigative aggression

Abstract The instigative aggression paradigm, in which male and female subjects instructed a female confederate which shock to set for an opponent in a competitive reaction time task, was employed. It was observed that males instigated more aggression than females and that both passive and assertive noncooperation effectively reduced instigative aggression, the assertive form of noncooperation being only slightly less effective. Questionnaire data suggested that females found the passive noncooperator most desirable while males found her least so. Results were discussed in terms of violation of task role and sex role expectations.
Megnetostriction and Terfenol-D

In this talk, which is tutorial in nature, I present a review of the phenomenon of magmetostriction in magnetic materials. Magnetostriction has its origin in the spin-orbit coupling of the electrons responsible for the magnetization. Terfenol-D (Dy0.73Tb0.27Fe1.95) has such an enormous magnetostriction parameter that is has acquired smart material status. Suitably oriented crystals have strain changes of approximately equals 0.2% when the magnetization direction is rotated by 90 degree(s). Devices based on t his material include microphones, inch-worm motors, actuators, etc. On a fundamental level, magnetostriction provides an interation mechanism between photons and phonons. Calculations and experimental data for 17 GHz microwave reflection and transmission measurements are presented. Finally, possible experiments at optical frequencies are suggested.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Separation of neuronal and nonneuronal cells in monolayer cultures from chick embryo optic lobe.

Abstract Development and regeneration of neural components of the visual system have been the objects of intensive investigations in vivo. Also studied in several respects have been aggregate cultures and monolayer cultures of chick embryo neural retina cells. However, there is no description of optic lobe neurons in monolayer cultures, the availability of which could facilitate detailed investigations of (i) conditions and trophic influences required for neuronal survival; (ii) trophic or specifying interactions between retinal and tectal neurons, or between tectal neurons and their neighboring glia; and (iii) retinotectal adhesive specificity. We report here that defined manipulations of the environment in which optic lobe cells are grown make it possible to achieve cultures containing either: (i) an enriched population of neurons in the virtual absence of nonneuronal (“flat”) cells; (ii) a purified population of flat nonneuronal cells, free of neurons; or (iii) a combined culture containing both cell types. A combination of substrata of higher adhesiveness (polyornithine, unwashed collagen) with a horse serum-containing culture medium tends to produce sparser cultures in which no development of flat cells takes place. On the contrary, substrata of lower adhesiveness (washed collagen, plastic) together with the supplementation of the medium with fetal calf serum produce “clumped” cultures and promote extensive development of nonneuronal cells underlying the neurons. Mechanical removal of the latter makes it possible to obtain purified nonneuronal populations.
Low-profile, four-sector diversity antenna on high-impedance ground plane

A four-sector diversity antenna on a high-impedance ground plane has been built for use in vehicular communications. The high-impedance ground plane suppresses the propagation of surface currents, and allows the antenna to lie adjacent to the metal exterior of the vehicle. Switched-beam diversity is used to mitigate interference.
Putting Heart Block Back in the "Lyme Light"

Abstract We report a case of syncope in a young patient who presented with high-degree, variable atrioventricular heart block. Despite having no other classic manifestations of Lyme disease, she was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for Lyme carditis on high clinical suspicion due to geographic location. The heart block resolved within 24h of treatment. Although rare, we demonstrate the importance of considering Lyme carditis in patients who present with new-onset heart block and a history of living in an endemic area. Initiation of empiric antibiotic therapy can lead to rapid resolution of this condition. Learning objective: Although uncommon, Lyme carditis may present without any other classic signs or symptoms of Lyme disease. It should be considered in any patient who presents with new-onset atrioventricular heart block and a history of living in an endemic area. Prompt initiation of empiric antibiotic therapy can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.>
Clinical implementation of a novel wound assessment tool (Silhouette Star) for the accurate measurement and assessment of wound healing rates of DFUs with specific focus on the use of human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute (Dermagraft)

Purpose: To test the cost effectiveness and efficacy of Dermaraft in the treatment of non-healing DFUswithin a clinical setting. o assess the potential advantages of using a more advanced sysem of photographic record keeping and computer assisted wound easurement in a clinical setting, using the Silhouette Star Sysem, focusing on accuracy, reproducibility, reliability vs. standard ound measurement techniques. Method: Use of the Silhouette System, which includes the camra (Silhouette Star), the local software system (Silhouette connect) nd the external database (Silhouette central). The system calcuates wound area and depth and stores all wound photographs. It rackswoundhealing at each patient visit and creates a graphic and umerical representation of changes in the wound area and depth. he data is then automatically archived. Dermagraft was applied to ach wound at each patient visit. Preliminary results: The average healing ratewas 1.54 cm2/week ver the first 6 weeks of the study compared with 0.45 cm2/week ited for conventional care. Conclusion/discussion: The use of Dermagraft has thus far shown o be highly beneficial with wound healing rates noted at 6 weeks f 1.52 cm2/week. The photographic record and calculations of the ound healing rates using reduction in area can be viewed and valuated by any practitioner given access to the record. The clear ictures, graphs and numerical calculations are an advantage to the linician in evaluating wound healing. There isnoquestion thata ruleror tapemeasure ishighly inaccuate and unreliable as the standard practice of measuring wounds hen those wounds are not a perfect or near perfect geometric hape. Measurements of length and width in these cases cannot ccurately determine thewound area and changes in area to assess ound progress on a week to week basis. There are many advantages to the Silhouette System. It allows or access of the information obtained at any remote site. Multiple ameras and multiple sites can share information. Patient treatent can be greatly enhanced with this information being shared f a patient moves or is seen at another institution. The stored data analsobeused formulti-site researchprojects, CMSorother insurnce audits or payment requests, and for home care agencies. Other otential uses could be in areas such as child abuse, domestic abuse nd crime victim documentation in hospitals, for law enforcement nd for other local, state and federal agencies.
Simulating Internet-based collaboration: A cost-benefit case study using a multi-agent model

The relationship between the adoption of Internet-based communication technology (ICT) and coordination performance has not been explored in sufficient depth in the literature. We argue that the impact of ICT on a coordination system typically needs to be studied on a case-by-case basis. A case study utilizing multi-agent simulation to support decision-making is described. We built the simulation system based on a theoretical model and a real world case. Through a proper verification process, we demonstrate that a multi-agent simulation experiment is a valid decision support tool for IT investment decisions. From the particular context of our case, we observe that the adoption of ICT is not a determinant of productivity. To save time and to cut cost, decision makers should focus more on technology utilization and business process redesign.
Effect of diet on the lipid composition of the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis

Abstract 1. 1. Gas-liquid chromatographic analyses of Blaberus discoidalis fat bodies and diets indicate that fatty acids are biosynthesized by the insects, their occurrence being independent of diet. 2. 2. Palmitate and oleate are the predominant fat body fatty acids, with the palmitoleate, stearate, and linoleate being less abundant. This pattern holds even in insects reared on fat-free diet. 3. 3. Unusual lipid constituents in the diet may be incorporated directly into fat body fatty acids.
Integrin structures and conformational signaling

Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that play critical roles in development, wound healing, hemostasis, immunity and cancer. Advances in the past two years have shed light on the structural basis for integrin regulation and signaling, especially on how global conformational changes between bent and extended conformations relate to the inter-domain and intra-domain shape shifting that regulates affinity for ligand. The downward movements of the C-terminal helices of the α I and β I domains and the swing-out of the hybrid domain play pivotal roles in integrin conformational signaling. Experiments have also shown that integrins transmit bidirectional signals across the plasma membrane by coupling extracellular conformational change with an unclasping and separation of the α and β transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.
Between Ideal Type and Surrender: Field Research as Asymmetrical Relation

In this paper, sociology is viewed as an undertaking concerned with the rational and systematic study of social life in all its manifestations. This is a statement of methodological principle, that is, it pertains to the reasoning and the procedures of sociologists. It should be read neither as an ontological statement, asserting that social conduct is rational, nor as the claim that sociology is a science in the traditional sense. Both questions, here, are kept open. The definition of sociology as a field of rational investigation imposes the de? mand that sociologists proceed under the guidance of theoretical-methodological considerations and devices which allow one to approach a practically inexhausti? ble subject matter with purposive selectivity, that is, to gather 'data' which can be subjected to theoretical interpretation. This methodological demand is coun? terbalanced by a second demand which springs from the definition of sociology as a field of rational investigation. As such, it appears as an open field of inquiry. The tools of such inquiry have to be handled in such a way that they do not in? terfere with the discovery of hitherto unknown phenomena; they must allow for exploration. These two conditions are at variance with one another; yet, both must be satisfied for any kind of sociological approach which claims to be con? cerned with theory and research. If we prefer, with Max Weber and Alfred Schutz, an approach which aims primarily at the understanding of the persons under study, a further complication is introduced in the form of a third demand: the actual research procedures ('techniques') have to allow one to gain such an understanding.
Biased diffusion of radiation-produced point defects to interactive sinks

Abstract Under irradiation at elevated temperatures, point defects undergo various reactions including diffusion to extended sinks. Some of these sinks, notably dislocations, have a significant stress field which interacts with the point-defect strain fields to produce gradients of interaction energy which then affect the diffusional flow. Analysis of the partitioning of defects and the consequent phenomena of radiation creep, growth and swelling usually employs reaction-rate theory with smeared-out sinks whose strengths must then be determined by separate approximate analyses. We have developed an internally consistent procedure which accounts for the spatially dependent diffusion fields around sinks with their interactive fields. The technique requires effective radial fields and we shall discuss our procedure for obtaining them from the actual angularly dependent fields as well as an assessment of their expected accuracy. Finally, we present results for radiation creep and swelling and compare them with previous analyses as well as experimental results.
Answer to April 2015 Photo Quiz

Answer: Enteric fever. Manual and automated phenotypic methods identified the lactose-nonfermenting blood culture isolate as a Salmonella species. Subsequent serotyping of the isolate by use of O and Vi group D antisera definitively identified it as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi
Kinship Bereavement in Later Life: Understanding Variations in Cause, Course, and Consequence

This discussion directs itself to a review and synthesis of the chronicles of later life kinship loss as presented in this volume. Several efforts are aimed in this direction. First, four broad gen...
Dispersion Characteristics of Metamaterial Cloaking Structures

Abstract In this article, we analyze the dispersion features of cloaking structures formed by plasmonic materials and/or metamaterials. Following our recent proposal for realizing a cloaking metamaterial shell capable of drastically suppressing the total scattering of moderately-sized objects, we investigate the frequency response and dispersion behavior of this anomalous phenomenon. Insights into the scattering reduction and possibility of multi-frequency response are presented, considering the inherent dispersion constraints of passive materials.
Low-temperature specific heat anomalies in the group V transition metals

Anomalies previously reported in the specific heat curve of normal-state niobium at 3 and 9.5 K prompted new measurements on single crystals of niobium, tantalum, and vanadium from their superconductingT c 's up to 20 K. The upper anomaly was confirmed in Nb and found to occur at 10.3 K. At this temperature theC/T vs. T 2 curve changed abruptly from a line with constants γ 2 =7.67 mJ/K 2 mole and θ 2 =241 K to one with γ 3 =9.16 mJ/K 2 mole and θ 3 =250 K. The NbT c was 9.275 K. Anomalies similar to that occurring at 3 K in the niobium curve were discovered to exist in tantalum and vanadium as well, but at the higher temperatures of 7.19 and 7.47 K, respectively. The tantalum data yielded line constants of γ 1 =5.42 mJ/K mole, θ 1 =238 K, γ 2 =4.36 mJ/K 2 mole, and θ 2 =228 K and aT c of 4.475 K. For vanadium θ 1 =397 K is higher than previous specific heat values of θ 1 =382 K, and in agreement with that obtained from elastic constant measurements (399 K). The discontinuities in the slopes of the specific heat curves are analyzed in terms of anomalies in the electron and phonon spectra of the materials investigated.
Molecular changes in virulent mutants arising from avirulent avian influenza viruses during replication in 14-day-old embryonated eggs.

Abstract The emergence of virulent avian influenza viruses in poultry is unpredictable. To gain insight into the mechanism for thisevent, we sought to identify the molecular changes in virulent mutants that occur during replication in 14-day-old embryonated chicken eggs. After three passages in 14-day-old eggs, avirulent H5 viruses with the K/R-K-K/T-R sequence at the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site became virulent in chickens, concomitantly acquiring high HA cleavability, whereas those with the R-E-T-R sequence did not. None of the test viruses converted to a virulent phenotype when passaged in 10-day-old eggs. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the virulent mutants either lost a glycosylation site near the HA cleavage site or acquired an additional arginine at the latter. Avirulent viruses that became virulent after passage in older eggs included an H5N2 avian strain with the R-K-T-R sequence that was isolated in 1993, indicating that viruses with this sequence motif, which are currently circulating in bird populations, should be considered potentially virulent. Failure to generate virulent mutants from viruses with R-E-T-R at the HA cleavage site underscores the pathogenic heterogeneity among avian influenza viruses.
Postbuckling response and failure prediction of graphite-epoxy plates loaded in compression

A shear deformable (three-dimensional) shell element is used to analyze the panels. Two panels without boles and one with a bole are studied, and the resulting responses and failure modes comelated well with the experimental results.
Cerium(IV) catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of lactide.

A rare example of a cerium(IV) alkoxide catalyst for lactide polymerization is reported. The lactide polymerization activity of the new cerium(IV) complex supported by a ferrocene Schiff base ligan...
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Exposure to Risk: Methodology for Estimation in an Urban Environment

There is currently no commonly accepted or adopted measure of pedestrian and bicycle exposure to risk. Consequently, a large portion of the field of pedestrian and bicycle safety is lacking an adequate means to evaluate the effectiveness of its efforts. The current study presents a proposed metric for measuring pedestrian and bicycle exposure to risk: hundred million pedestrian or bicycle miles of roadway (or other motor vehicle shared facility) traveled. A method for implementing the proposed exposure metric is described for eight shared-facility types characteristic of the urban environment of Washington, D.C. These facilities include three types of intersections, midblock road segments, driveways, alleys, parking lots, parking garages, school areas, and areas with playing, dashing, and working in the roadway. The methodology is then used to calculate the annual pedestrian and bicycle exposure for the city for the calendar year 2007. The results of these calculations revealed 0.82 hundred million miles for pedestrian exposure and 0.37 hundred million miles for bicyclist exposure. In this way both the feasibility and scalability of the proposed metric were successfully demonstrated for a relatively large urban environment. Thus the proposed metric has the potential to eliminate one of the major obstacles in the pedestrian and bicycle safety field, the lack of adequate exposure data. Although further refinement and validation are still needed, the proposed metric provides a possible initial foundation to develop a national unit of risk exposure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Reversible, Temperature-Dependent Supramolecular Assembly of Aquaporin-4 Orthogonal Arrays in Live Cell Membranes

The shorter “M23” isoform of the glial cell water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) assembles into orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs) in cell plasma membranes, whereas the full-length “M1” isoform does not. N-terminal residues are responsible for OAP formation by AQP4-M23 and for blocking of OAP formation in AQP4-M1. In investigating differences in OAP formation by certain N-terminus mutants of AQP4, as measured by freeze-fracture electron microscopy versus live-cell imaging, we discovered reversible, temperature-dependent OAP assembly of certain weakly associating AQP4 mutants. Single-particle tracking of quantum-dot-labeled AQP4 in live cells and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy showed >80% of M23 in OAPs at 10–50°C compared to 70% at 10°C for the double mutant M1-C13A/C17A. OAP assembly by this mutant, but not by native M23, could also be modulated by reducing its membrane density. Exposure of native M1 and single cysteine mutants to 2-bromopalmitate confirmed the presence of regulated OAP assembly by S-palmitoylation. Kinetic studies showed rapid and reversible OAP formation during cooling and OAP disassembly during heating. Our results provide what to our knowledge is the first information on the energetics of AQP4 OAP assembly in plasma membranes.
Path Independent Integral for an Elliptical Hole in a Plate under Tension for Plane Stress Deformation Theory

An exact expression is derived for a path independent integral surrounding an elliptical hole in an infinite plate with tensile tractions at infinity for plane stress loading conditions. The plate is composed of a non-work-hardening material satisfying the Tresca yield condition under proportional loading and small strain assumptions. This problem may serve as a simple classroom example for the derivation of a relationship between crack opening displacement and path independent integral for a nonlinear elastic material satisfying the Tresca yield condition.
PARTHENOGENESIS IN THE FALL CANKERWORM, ALSOPHILA POMETARIA (LEPIDOPTERA, GEOMETRIDAE

Parthenogenesis is reported in populations of Alsophila pometaria from Long Island, New York. In breeding experiments using four polymorphic allozyme loci as markers, 21 of 22 crosses gave progeny with genotypes identical to that of the female parent; the remaining brood showed normal segregation. We suggest tentatively that this is a case of gynogenesis. The possible implications of parthenogenesis for the population dynamics of this pest species are discussed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG PARTHENOGENESE BEI ALSOPHILA POMETARIA (LEPIDOPTERA; GEOMETRIDAE) In Populationen von Alsophila pometaria von Long Island, New York, konnte Parthenogenese festgestellt werden. In Kreuzungsversuchen, bei denen vier elektrophoretisch ermittelte Enzym-Genorte als Marker benutzt wurden, erwiesen sich 21 von 22 Kreuzungen als genetisch identisch mit dem Muttertier und alle uberlebenden Puppen (insgesamt 29) waren weiblich. Die abweichende Kreuzung zeigte normale Mendelspaltung. Von einer Ausnahme abgesehen legten Weibchen, die beim Freilandfang nicht in Kopula waren und anschliessend ohne Mannchen gehalten wurden, entweder keine Eier oder nur solche, die nicht schlupften, obwohl derartige Weibchen im Labor gepaart werden konnten und dann lebensfahige Eier gelegt wurden. Es wird deshalb versuchsweise angenommen, dass es sich um einen Fall von Gynogenese (= Paarung ist zur Erzeugung von Nachkommen notwendig, aber das mannliche Genom wird nicht in die Zygote inkorporiert) handelt. Es ist noch unbestimmt, ob die parthenogenetischen Weibchen von A. pometaria polyploid sind. Es ist aber aus verschiedenen Grunden (u.a. wegen des hohen (2–3) Prozentsatzes von Intersexen im Freiland) anzunehmen, dass es sich um eine obligat parthenogenetische Rasse handelt. Es ist zu vermuten, dass die Parthenogenese wichtige (wenn auch komplizierte) Wirkungen auf die Populationsdynamik des Schadlings haben kann. Einige dafur sprechende Grunde werden diskutiert.
Insulin stimulates hormone-sensitive cyclic GMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in rat brown adipose cells

The presence and regulation of a hormone-sensitive cyclic GMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (cGI PDE) in rat brown adipose cells was investigated. cDNA clones for two cGI PDE isoforms, cGIP1 and cGIP2, have been isolated. Using a rat cGIP1 (RcGIP1) cDNA probe, RcGIP1 mRNA (∼5.3 kb) was detected in Northern blots of both brown and white adipose RNA. cGI PDE was detected in both microsomal and plasma membrane fractions of brown and white adipose cells by Western blotting using anti-RcGIP1 peptide antibody. When cells were incubated with insulin before membrane preparation, cGI PDE activity in the microsomal fraction was increased by 2- to 2.5-fold within 10 min. Isoproterenol also stimulated the activity of cGI PDE in the microsomal fraction by 1.5-fold. In cells incubated with both insulin and isoproterenol, microsomal cGI PDE activity was similar to that in microsomal fractions isolated from cells incubated with insulin alone. These results suggest that the hormonal regulation of cGI PDE, presumably a cGIP1 isoform, in rat brown adipose cells is similar to that in white adipose cells.
Echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging in neonates and infants with suspected hypoxic-ischemic injury: correlation with patient outcome.

Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of echoplanar diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in detecting CNS ischemia in neonates and infants and to determine how well the imaging findings using this technique correlate with short-term neurologic deficit.Echoplanar DW images, turbo T2-weighted images, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences were obtained in a clinically defined cohort of 26 consecutive neonates and infants with suspected hypoxic-ischemic injury. Echoplanar DW imaging was performed with the diffusion gradient in the slice-select direction: b value, 1200 sec/mm2; matrix, 128 x 128, interpolated to 256 x 256. Four scans (4 sec per scan) were obtained and averaged to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. Most patients were not sedated (n = 19). Abnormalities seen on DW imaging were correlated with clinical findings at short-term follow-up and compared with findings on FLAIR and turbo T2-weighted images.Short-term clinical follow-up showed neurologic deficit in 10 (83%) of 12 ...
A new classifier feature space for an improved Multiple Sclerosis lesion segmentation

Intensity based classification relies on contrast between tissue types adjacent in feature space and adequate signal compared to image noise. Contrast between brain tissue types in Multiple Sclerosis patients Magnetic Resonance Imaging is reduced due to the presence of lesions which intensity values overlap with healthy tissue, resulting in tissue misclassification. We propose a new, extended classifier feature space that is based in spatial locations, the intensity of which is abnormal when compared to the expected values in a healthy population in the same location. Segmentation results using our new extended feature space proves an improvement in both sensitivity and specificity in lesion classification.
Dislocation Vibration as a Possible Cure for High Temperature Void Formation in Metals under Fast Neutron Irradiation

EXTENSIVE void formation occurs in metals subjected to fast neutron irradiation in the temperature range of 0.3 Tm to 0.5 Tm where Tm is the melting temperature of the metal1–4. This phenomenon is a serious problem in reactor technology. In conditions of fast neutron irradiation large numbers of lattice vacancies and interstitial atoms are produced in equal amounts. Dislocation lines and voids (pre-existing ones or newly nucleated ones) act as sinks to these point defects. If a void is just as efficient a sink for an interstitial atom as for a lattice vacancy and if a dislocation line also is just as efficient a sink for each of these types of defect there can be no tendency for a void to grow2–4. Equal numbers of vacancies and interstitials will be destroyed in a void as well as at dislocation lines. But dislocation lines are probably a more efficient sink for interstitials than for vacancies. Thus more interstitials are destroyed at dislocation lines than are vacancies. The excess vacancies are destroyed at voids, causing them to grow. This very plausible explanation has been presented in the literature to account for growth of voids (see refs. 2–4 and the references cited there).
Pharmacokinetics and ovarian suppression during use of a contraceptive vaginal ring in normal-weight and obese women

Objective Many observational studies indicate higher oral contraceptive failure among obese women, but most clinical trials and physiologic studies do not support these differences. Limited data indicate higher failure rates among obese contraceptive patch users. Data regarding contraceptive vaginal ring performance in obese women are needed. Study design Twenty normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 19.0-24.9; median, 21.65) and 20 obese (BMI 30.0-39.9; median, 33.7) women enrolled in a prospective study of ethinyl estradiol (EE(2)) and etonorgestrel pharmacokinetics and of ovarian follicle development, endometrial thickness, and bleeding patterns, all measured biweekly during the second cycle of contraceptive vaginal ring use. Results Thirty-seven women completed follow-up. Mean day 0-21 EE(2) concentrations were lower among obese vs normal weight women (15.0 vs 22.0 pg/mL, respectively, P = .004), whereas etonorgestrel concentrations were similar (1138 vs 1256 pg/mL, respectively, P = .39). Follicular development was minimal in both groups, with only 5 women achieving a maximum follicle diameter >13 mm at any time during 3 weeks follow-up (3 normal weight and 2 obese women); these women had serum progesterone levels Conclusion Although obese women had lower EE(2) levels during contraceptive vaginal ring use, they had excellent suppression of ovarian follicle development, similar to normal weight women. This predicts that contraceptive vaginal ring effectiveness will be similar in women with a BMI up to 39.9. The lower serum EE(2) levels in the obese women may explain the greater reported bleeding or spotting days.
Quadrupolar interactions in Ho1-xYxCu and Ho1-xYxAg

Abstract Crystal-field analyses of magnetization data show that the negative quadrupolar coupling strengthens in Ho 1- x Y x Cu but stays constant in Ho 1- x Y x Ag as x rises to 0.9, while the bilinear exchange weakens in both. The quadrupolar results are ascribed to an instability of the CsCl structure, which in Ho 1- x Y x Cu transforms at x ⩾0.9 upon cooling.