cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response to Korpimäki et al.: vole cycles and predation

1491–1496 4 Henttonen, H. et al. (1987) How much do weasels shape microtine cycles in the northern Fennoscandian taiga? Oikos 50, 353–365 5 Huitu, O. et al. (2003) Landscape effects on temporal and spatial properties of vole population fluctuations. Oecologia 135, 209–220 6 Hanski, I. and Henttonen, H. (1996) Predation on competing rodent species: a simple explanation of complex patterns. J. Anim. Ecol. 65, 220–232 7 Hanski, I. et al. (2001) Small-rodent dynamics and predation. Ecology 82, 1505–1520 8 Jedrzejewski, W. et al. (1995) Weasel population response, home range, and predation on rodents in a deciduous forest in Poland. Ecology 76, 179–195 9 Lambin, X. et al. (2000) Cyclic dynamics in field vole populations and generalist predation. J. Anim. Ecol. 69, 106–118 10 Korpimaki, E. and Norrdahl, K. (1998) Experimental reduction of predators reverses the crash phase of small-rodent cycles. Ecology 76, 2448–2455 11 Korpimaki, E. et al. (2002) Dynamic effects of predators on cyclic voles: field experimentation and model extrapolation. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. B 269, 991–997 12 Tkadlec, E. and Stenseth, N.C. (2001) A new geographical gradient in vole population dynamics. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. B 268, 1547–1552
Ultraviolet two‐photon spectroscopy of benzene: A new gerade Rydberg series and evidence for the 1 1E2g valence state

In the first application of continuously tunable ultraviolet two‐photon absorption spectroscopy to a study of the higher excited states of a polyatomic molecule, we have obtained the two‐photon absorption spectrum of jet‐cooled benzene in the energy region from 55 000 to 75 000 cm−1. The strongest features of this spectrum, seen as two‐photon resonance structure in three‐photon ionization, are assigned to members of a new Rydberg series. Vibronic elements of these Rydberg states show evidence of dynamical effects associated with a Jahn–Teller instability in the 2E1g ionic core toward which the series converges. Notably, the magnitude of vibronic coupling terms in these states appears quite comparable to that present in C6H6+ and the sym‐halobenzene cation ground states, while differing significantly from theoretical calculations predicting ν8 (ring stretch) as the major distorting mode. In addition, we observe two other new band systems: The first, with an origin at 60 800 cm−1, has vibronic structure, is...
Magnetic susceptibility of polyaniline in solution in non-polar organic solvents and in polyblends in poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract We report electron spin resonance measurements of the magnetic susceptibility (χ) of the protonated conducting form of polyaniline (PANI) in solution in non-polar or weakly polar organic solvents and as thin films cast from such solutions. At room temperature, χ = 3 × 10 −5 e.m.u./mol (two rings) for PANI films with camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) and dodecylsulfonic acid (DBSA) as counter-ions. In both cases, the concentration of localized Curie-Law spins is about 1% (per two rings of PANI). In solution, χ = 2.8 × 10 −5 e.m.u./mol (two rings) for PANI-CSA in m -cresol and χ = 3.8 × 10 −5 e.m.u./mol (two rings) for PANI-DBSA in xylene, and they are found to be temperature independent. In polyblends with PMMA, χ = 3 × 10 −5 e.m.u./mol (two rings) at room temperature, independent of the volume fraction of PANI-CSA. The temperature independence implies a metallic state with Pauli spin susceptibility, χ P , resulting from a density of states at the Fermi level of about 1 state per eV per two rings. The small Curie-law contribution demonstrates that the DBSA and CSA surfactant counter-ions (S −1 ) lead to higher quality material with reduced disorder. The concentration independence of χ P in blends implies that the PANI complex is phase separated in the PMMA matrix, consistent with a network-like microstructure. Since the Pauli susceptibility indicates the existence of a true metallic state, the PANI-S − complexes are the first examples of metallic polymers in solution, i.e. stable ‘liquid metals’.
Correction to "The application of the conjugate gradient method for the solution of electromagnetic scattering from arbitrarily oriented wire antennas"

The method of conjugate gradients is applied to the analysis of radiation from thin-wire antennas. With this iterative technique, it is possible to solve electrically large arbitrarily oriented wire structures without storing any matrices as is conventionally done in the method of moments. The basic difference between the proposed method and Galerkin's method, for the same expansion functions, is that for the iterative technique we are solving a least squares problem. Hence, as the order of the approximation is increased, the proposed technique guarantees a monotonic decrease of the least squared error ( \parallel AI - Y\parallel^{2} ), whereas Galerkin's method does not. Even though the method converges for any initial guess, a good one may significantly reduce the time of computation. Also, explicit error formulas are given for the rate of convergence of this method. Hence, any problem can be solved to a prespecified degree of accuracy. It is shown that the method has the advantage of a direct solution as the final solution is obtained in a finite number of steps. The method is also suitable for solving singular operator equations in which case the method monotonically converges to the least squares solution with minimum norm. Numerical results are presented for the thin-wire antennas and are compared with the solution obtained by the method of moments.
Invited Commentary: Disaggregating Preterm Birth to Determine Etiology

Identifying the causes of preterm birth has been problematic, in part because of heterogeneous pathways leading to the same event, early delivery. If a risk factor affects only a subset of cases, then studies that address the aggregate outcome will generate diluted measures of association. McElrath et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2008;168(9):980-989) examined an array of potential influences on very early preterm birth (<28 weeks' gestation) and divided cases on the basis of proximal causes. Through factor analysis, they found empirical support for dividing preterm cases into 2 groups: intrauterine inflammation (preterm labor, preterm membrane rupture, placental abruption, and cervical insufficiency) and abnormal placentation (preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction). Replication of this classification in less extreme preterm births is needed, requiring large numbers of preterm births that have been characterized in detail. Nonetheless, this division is worthy of study by using previously collected data to determine whether, in fact, stronger associations are found for these subsets than for preterm birth in the aggregate. Ultimately, the test of the approach is in improving our understanding of etiology, ideally generating stronger, more consistent associations with preterm birth subsets than have been found for preterm birth in the aggregate.
Electric utility conservation programs and the decision to abandon partially completed supply projects

Abstract Electric utility conservation programs are examined in the context of a decision to terminate partially completed supply projects, using the case of Philadelphia Electric Company's Limerick generating station. A cost-effectiveness criterion is developed for such utility programs. Methodology for determining the cost of various loan and grant programs is outlined, and particular programs are evaluated. It is found that 1. (1) utility financial incentives for end-use conservation are usually cost-effective; 2. (2) in the case study,conservation programs could replace one of the two units under construction; 3. (3) except for the lowest cost-programs, conservation competes with continued construction.
Policy Advocacy for Public Health Practitioners: Workshops on Policy Change

This article describes two workshops on health-promoting policy change, developed and delivered to more than 1,000 public and community health practitioners across one Canadian province. The workshops were designed to increase knowledge about the process of policy change and provide opportunities for skill development. Three basic instructional methods--minilectures, individual pen-and-paper exercises, and small-group activities--were used. Workshops were delivered using a host organization arrangement, meaning organizations willing to host workshops could do so if they provided the venue and invited members of other organizations in the community. Initial evaluations indicate that practitioners find the workshops useful and that many have integrated the information into their day-to-day work. To the author's knowledge, no other workshops of this nature have been delivered in this systematic way.
Information and the decision to recycle: results from a survey of US households

This paper relies on a unique dataset collected during a national survey of US households to explore how different sources of information (print, television, radio, family/friends, work/school and others) influence the decision to start recycling. Although print media are influential, it is found that face-to-face communication (through family/friends or work/school) is the most effective medium to get people to start recycling. However, it is even better to provide households with recycling information from multiple sources. The respondents in this study identify concerns about storage space, time and the safety of recycling as the main obstacles to start recycling. In addition, age and ethnicity are statistically significant but not income or education. These findings should be useful for crafting information campaigns designed to boost recycling, although to be successful these campaigns need to incorporate findings from environmental psychology and knowledge of specific communities.
Size reduction of the Log-Periodic Dipole Array

A method to reduce the size of a conventional LPDA is discussed. T-top loaded dipoles are implemented in the array instead of λ/2 dipole elements to achieve a reduced size and maintain co-planar geometry. Each dipole in the array is reduced in size by 50 % (kr = 0.8). The simulated S11 of the size-reduced LPDA is maintained below -10 dB across the conventional LPDA's bandwidth from 35 MHz to 60 MHz. The size-reduced LPDA has directive realized gain reaching 9.5 dBi.
Low-Cost High-Precision PIAA Optics for High Contrast Imaging with Exo-Planet Coronagraphs

PIAA optics for high contrast imaging present challenges in manufacturing and testing due to their large surface departures from aspheric profiles at the aperture edges. With smaller form factors and consequent smaller surface deformations (<50 microns), fabrication of these mirrors with diamond turning followed by electron beam lithographic techniques becomes feasible. Though such a design reduces the system throughput to approx.50%, it still provides good performance down to 2 lambda/D inner working angle. With new achromatic focal plane mask designs, the system performance can be further improved. We report on the design, expected performance, fabrication challenges, and initial assessment of such novel PIAA optics.
Multi-sensor data integration for personal navigation

GPS technology has made outdoor navigation ubiquitous and has led to consumers salivating at the idea of importing this capability indoors. Unfortunately, GPS is not reliable indoors. This presentation will discuss how multiple sensors of different modalities can be combined to achieve precise personal navigation over long periods of time. Our system is built with inertial sensing at its core as navigation signals from such sensors are inherently secure against tampering compared to WiFi or cellular radio fingerprinting. To overcome the accuracy challenges of inertial navigation, we first expand on a well known technique called zero velocity updates during the stance phase of walking with a pseudo-measurement that detects small, non-zero velocities from statistical analysis of the stance phase. While this reduces the time dependence of computed position error from cubic to linear, it is not effective in reducing heading gyro drift. So, secondly, we introduce the measurements of range between shoes using both ultrasonic and radio frequency sensors to enable observability of the heading gyro biases. Integrating the data from the velocity sensing, range sensing and inertial sensing leads to positioning accuracy of less than 3 m after 2 hours of a combination of sitting and walking.
Stress‐Induced Modulation of the Immune Response

The suggestion of and the evidence for an integration of the immune system with the central nervous system (CNS) and with the endocrine system has many roots as a result of both human’” and animal studies.Gg The complex interactions among these three systems have been the subject of many recent studies in the rapidly developing field of “psychoneuroimmunology”lo or more appropriately “psychoneuroendocrinimmunology” to account for the endocrine system’s known contribution in immune function modulation. Recent experimental evidence has suggested that the CNS-endocrine-immune axis (neuroendocrine-immune axis) proceeds in the direction of the immune response in that the immune system receives signals from the nervous system; in addition, the communication is bidirectional, since the immune system is capable of providing information to the nervous system. This intercellular communication is mediated by products of the immune system including cytokines, growth factors, and neuropeptides made by lymphocytes themselves. Therefore, the distinctions that have been made amonglymphokines, growth factors, hormones, and neuropeptides with respect to the organ system in which they function are no longer appropriate. Both surgical and exercise stress can promote the release of numerous pituitary and adrenal hormones. Thus, it has been suggested that stress can significantly modulate immune function via the endocrine system. Conflicting results have been obtained as to which hormones are secreted in response to stress; however, it is generally agreed upon that these results may be a function of the duration of stress applied along with frequency of the hormone sampling. Studies of the relationship between neuroendocrine peptides and regulation of the immune function have focused on those neuropeptides derived from the polyprotein proopiomelanocortin (POMC), particularly adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and Fendorphin. Other hormones such as cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, and the catecholam-
Solar wind plasma entry into the magnetosphere under northward IMF conditions

[1] This study examines how solar wind plasma enters the magnetosphere under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions, using the Open Geospace General Circulation Model (OpenGGCM) for various solar wind, IMF, and geomagnetic dipole conditions. We trace flow paths of individual fluid elements from the solar wind and study the variation of the topology of the magnetic field line along those flow paths. We find that there is an entry window through which the solar wind plasma can enter the magnetosphere as a result of double high-latitude reconnection under northward IMF conditions. We investigate how the entry window depends on solar wind, IMF, and geomagnetic dipole parameters, and we estimate the solar wind plasma entry rate for various conditions. We find that the effective entry rate under northward IMF conditions is of the order of 1026 to 1027 particles per second. We also estimate the conditions for which solar wind plasma entry is most efficient. The newly created flux tubes with closed-field topology are subsequently convected to the nightside and consequently cause magnetosheath plasma to be captured and enter the magnetosphere. Some captured dayside plasma takes about 90 min to convect along the magnetopause to a near tail flank region of the central plasma sheet, thus forming a cold dense plasma sheet. Double high-latitude reconnection can also release the captured plasma. Thus a balance of inflow and outflow of the captured plasma is eventually established under prolonged northward IMF conditions. We find that high-latitude reconnection is common under northward IMF conditions in our simulations. It occurs for IMF with any clock angle within [−90°, 90°], measured in front of the bow shock, and for any geomagnetic dipole tilt angle within [−30°, 30°]. An IMF field line with a zero x component usually first reconnects with a geomagnetic field line at the northern high-latitude boundary when the geomagnetic dipole tilts positive toward the Sun, and vice versa for negative dipole tilt. Our simulations also show that ionosphere conductance affects the convection of the newly closed field lines. Consequently, ionosphere conductance can change the solar wind plasma effective entry rate and can cause asymmetric effective entry rate with respect to positive and negative IMF clock angles.
Radioimmunoassay for mouse nerve growth factor (NGF). Effects of thyroxine administration on tissue NGF levels

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for beta-nerve growth factor (NGF) purified from the submaxillary gland of the adult male mouse. The RIA is sensitive to 13 pg/assay tube with an intra-assay coefficient of variation of 7% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 11.8%. Of the substances tested for immunological cross-reactivity in the RIA, only mouse epidermal growth factor caused significant displacement of the radiolabeled ligand; 11% at a dose of 10 microgram/ml. Mouse tissue extracts diluted out parallel to the standard curve. The effects of altered thyroid function on tissue NGF concentration in adult male mice were studied using the RIA. Thyroxine administration (25 microgram T4 i.p. daily for 12 days) caused significant increases in submaxilllary gland and liver NGF content and concentration (P less than 0.001) compared to controls but had no significant effect on heart and kidney NGF levels. Propylthiouracil treatment (0.05% PTU in the drinking water for 21 days) led to a marked increase in thyroid gland weight (550% of control) but had no significant effect on NGF concentration in any of the organs studied with the exception of kidney where a 75% reduction in NGF concentration was observed. These studies indicate that thyroid hormones increase NGF content and concentration in the submaxillary gland and liver of adult male mice and are suggestive of increased NGF synthesis. Thyroid hormones may therefore play an important regulatory role in NGF metabolism in peripheral tissues of the adult mouse.
V − A Elastic Scattering of Electrons by Fission Antineutrinos

The energy spectrum of electron antineutrinos from $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ fission products in secular equilibrium has been recalculated. Assuming the validity of $V\ensuremath{-}A$ theory, cross sections for the elastic scattering reaction ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, integrated over recoil electron energy for this antineutrino spectrum, are given for several values of minimum electron energy from 1 to 5.5 MeV. Theoretical error bars, which reflect the uncertainties in the input data, are given for the antineutrino spectrum and the cross sections.
Molecular Orientation and Two-Component Nature of the Crystalline Fraction of Spider Dragline Silk

The molecular origin of the exceptional mechanical properties of spider silk is unclear. This paper presents solid-state 2H nuclear magnetic resonance data from unoriented, oriented, and supercontracted fibers, indicating that the crystalline fraction of dragline silk consists of two types of alanine-rich regions, one that is highly oriented and one that is poorly oriented and less densely packed. A new model for the molecular-level structure of individual silk molecules and their arrangement in the fibers is proposed. These data suggest that it will be necessary to control the secondary structure of individual polymer molecules in order to obtain optimum properties in bio-inspired polymers.
Tenascin-C expression in ultrastructurally defined angiogenic and vasculogenic lesions.

Tenascin-C (TN) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein expressed during embryogenesis. Its distribution is restricted in normal adult tissues and is upregulated in tumors and inflammatory conditions. Twenty-five specimens were studied, including 7 reactive vascular lesions (6 cases of granulation tissue and 1 case of bacillary angiomatosis), and 18 vascular tumors (6 angiosarcomas, 7 hemangioendotheliomas, and 5 AIDS-related nodular type Kaposi's sarcomas). Formalin fixed-paraffin-embedded tissues were stained with monoclonal antibody to TN (DAKO) and with MIB-1 (AMAC). Heterogeneous expression of TN immunoreactivity was seen in all cases, with a diffuse pattern in bacillary angiomatosis and most granulation tissue cases and a focal pattern in angiosarcoma and most hemangioendothelioma cases. Kaposi's sarcoma cases showed both a focal and diffuse pattern of distribution. In most cases proliferation indices (PI) did not correlate with TN expression. Electron microscopy demonstrated active angiogenesis in ...
Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale: Reliability and Validity in Children Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation for Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract Objective To investigate the psychometric properties of the Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale (PAMS) in children receiving inpatient rehabilitation for acquired brain injury (ABI). Design Admission and discharge PAMS item and total scores were evaluated. The WeeFIM was used as the criterion standard. A case study was used to illustrate the complementary nature of the PAMS and WeeFIM. Setting A single, free-standing, academically affiliated pediatric rehabilitation hospital. Participants Children (N=107) aged 2 through 18 years receiving inpatient rehabilitation for ABI between March 2009 and March 2012. Forty-two additional children treated during this time were excluded because of missing PAMS data. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach alpha. Interrater reliability was evaluated through overall agreement, Pearson correlations, and intraclass correlations. Construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity was explored through correlations of PAMS overall and factor scores with WeeFIM total and subscale scores. Sensitivity to recovery was examined using paired t tests, examining differences between admission and discharge scores for each item and for the total score. Results Internal consistency and interrater reliability were high. Factor analysis revealed 2 factors: lower-level skills and higher-level mobility skills. Correlations with the WeeFIM ranged from moderate to very strong; total PAMS score most strongly correlated with the WeeFIM mobility subscore. Total PAMS score and each item score significantly increased between admission and discharge. Conclusions The PAMS is a reliable and valid measure of progress during inpatient rehabilitation for children with ABI. By capturing fine-grain progress toward both lower-level and higher-level mobility skills, the PAMS complements the WeeFIM in assessing functional gains during the rehabilitation stay.
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in bone marrow: a morphologic and immunophenotypic study

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is known to frequently involve bone marrow. However, the histologic and immunophenotypic features of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma at this site are poorly defined. We assessed 27 bone marrow specimens involved by angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma from 20 patients. Histologically, bone marrow involvement was predominantly multifocal (74%) and exhibited a nodular pattern (78%), often associated with other patterns. Using immunohistochemistry, programed death-1 and CD10 were expressed by atypical lymphocytes in 17 (85%) of 20 and 5 (18.5%) of 27 specimens, respectively. CXCL13 was not expressed by atypical lymphocytes in all cases but did stain stromal cells consistent with follicular dendritic cells in 1 case. BCL-6 as a single antibody was difficult to interpret because many normal bone marrow cells are dimly positive, but BCL-6/CD3 dual staining highlighted BCL-6+ T-cells in all cases assessed. Antibodies specific for CD21 and CD35 did not highlight follicular dendritic cells in any biopsy specimens. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping revealed a CD3+CD10+ T-cell population in 2 (25%) of 8 cases assessed. We conclude that the recognition and classification of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in bone marrow are made difficult by the uncommon expression of CD10 (25%), rarity of follicular dendritic cells, and lack of CXCL13 expression at this site. This is most likely attributable to the very different microenvironment of the bone marrow relative to lymph nodes and, in particular, the absence of follicles in bone marrow. By contrast, programed death-1 immunohistochemical staining and double labeling using antibodies specific for BCL-6 and CD3 were helpful in appreciating the follicular T-helper cell immunophenotype of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
Temporary balloon protection as an adjunct to endosaccular coiling of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms: technical note.

Objective We present an endovascular technique for treating wide-necked cerebral aneurysms using Guglielmi detachable coils (Target Therapeutics, Fremont, CA) and simultaneous temporary balloon protection. The temporary balloon serves as a mechanical external force to mold the microcoils away from the parent artery. Methods Two illustrative cases of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils and a temporary balloon are presented. Emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of the approach, with several variations. The first case involves a left posterior cerebral artery aneurysm at the P1/P2 segment, and the second case involves a left paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. Both patients suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage, but neither was a candidate for craniotomy. In each case, the coils, when used alone, protruded into the parent artery and were therefore removed. Then a temporary balloon was inflated for mechanical protection during coil deployment. Results The use of simultaneous temporary balloon protection allowed more dense intra-aneurysmal coil packing, especially in the neck, without parent artery compromise, than did the use of Guglielmi detachable coils alone. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms can be facilitated by simultaneous temporary balloon protection.
Electric resistance monitoring as a method for controlling shape memory alloy characteristics during shape-setting treatments in the furnace

Abstract This paper proposes a method, based on electric resistance, for monitoring online the shape-setting of NiTi shape memory alloys during thermal treatments in the furnace. The experimental part includes straight-annealing experiments of 1 mm Ni-rich NiTi wires with different cold-working degrees (0%, 25%, 30% and - 40% CW series) or at various ageing temperatures (708 K, 748 K, 808 K, 853 K, and 893 K – T series). Furthermore shape-setting experiments of Ω springs at 708 K are reported. A test current was injected into each specimen during ageing and the resulting tension was measured continuously over a set length of material, initially for 1800 s. The resulting curves were repeatable and showed an initial drop in voltage, followed by a definite rise, a plateau and a long slow decrease. These epochs are connected to critical latencies that were used to set the durations of subsequent shape-setting experiments of separate samples in the CW and T series. Mechanical tensile tests, DSC, XRD measurements and FEG-SEM analyses were carried out on all specimens. Correlations were established between electric resistance curve latencies, mechanical performance and microstructural evolution in the material. In particular, the point at the end of the plateau region appears to mark optimal pseudoelastic behaviour. This method may improve the efficiency of parameter optimisation in shape memory alloys processing.
Methotrexate-induced Changes in Rat Parotid and Submandibular Gland Function

Methotrexate (MTX) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 15 mglkg into adult rats daily for three consecutive days. When compared with saline-injected, ad libitum-fed rats or pair-fed saline-injected rats, MTX decreased unstimulated parotid gland weight, RNA content, and amylase content. RNA content was also decreased in submandibular glands. The pqrotid and submandibular gland outputs of sodium and chloride, but not that of potassium, were decreased following MTX injection. Ductal perfusion demonstrated decreased net efflux of sodium and chloride from the excretory duct of the submandibular gland. The effects of MTX on unstimulated parotid gland weight, RNA content, and amylase content are consistent with its ability to inhibit protein synthesis through depletion of folate co-factors. However, the mechanism by which the alterations in ion transport occurred is not clear at this time.
Synthesis and characterization of a triazine dendrimer that sequesters iron(III) using 12 desferrioxamine B groups

The synthesis of a third generation triazine dendrimer, 1, containing multiple, iron-sequestering desferrioxamine B (DFO) groups is described. Benzoylation of the hydroxamic acid groups of DFO and formation of a reactive dichlorotriazine provide the intermediate for reaction with the second generation dendrimer displaying twelve amines. This strategy further generalizes the 'functional monomer' approach to generate biologically active triazine dendrimers. Dendrimer 1 is prepared in seven steps in 35% overall yield and displays 12 DFO groups making it 56% drug by weight. Spectrophotometric titrations (UV-vis) show that 1 sequesters iron(III) atoms with neither cooperativity nor significant interference from the dendrimer backbone. Evidence from NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry reveals a limitation to this functional monomer approach: trace amounts of O-to-N acyl migration from the protected hydroxamic acids to the amine-terminated dendrimer occurs during the coupling step leading to N-benzoylated dendrimers displaying fewer than 12 DFO groups.
Shape classification of (projective m-space)-like continua

Abstract The Mardesic-Segal approach to shape classification of M-like continua (M a compact metric ANR) is reformulated in an algebraic setting. A functor Sh from the category of semigroups to the category of sets is defined which, when applied to [M, M], the semigroup of homotopy classes maps of M into itself, yields the shape classification of M-like continua. The shape classification of all (real projective m-space)-like continua is completely solved.
Quantification and characterization of antibody deamidation by peptide mapping with mass spectrometry

Abstract Capturing a complete assessment of deamidation in monoclonal antibodies is challenging due to the structural complexity of multiple potential deamidation sites and deamidation pathways. In this study, a peptide mapping approach has been developed to quantify the extent of deamidation of a therapeutic recombinant monoclonal antibody. To obtain an accurate measurement, a rapid sample preparation procedure was developed to minimize formation of deamidation during sample preparation and analysis. Ammonium formate mobile phase was used in the reversed phase separation to completely separate deamidated peptides from their native peptides. To improve detection sensitivity and prevent interference from chemical background noise and coeluting peptides, mass spectrometry (MS) was utilized to quantify the low levels of deamidation in the product. The method was subsequently qualified as a characterization test for comparability studies, forced degradation studies and for characterizing reference standards. The method demonstrated suitable linearity, precision and accuracy. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method for specific deamidation sites were estimated to be as low as 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively. The deamidation sites and the deamidation products were identified using several orthogonal methods including tandem MS, N-terminal sequencing and protein isoaspartate methyl transferase (PIMT) enzymatic reactions.
A modified cecostomy

Abstract A simple modification of the usual methods for performing cecostomy has been described. Although it can be utilized in any case, it is particularly indicated in those instances in which the cecum is distended and thin walled, when exposure is inadequate and when the cecum resists delivery. It consists of the utilization of a cuff of rubber cut from the distal end of a Pezzer catheter, slipped down over the catheter and brought up tightly against the first pursestring suture. This allows the tube and pursestring suture to be pushed in toward the lumen of the cecum while the second pursestring suture is tied over the first. It obviates the use of biting instruments and may be performed with the cecum undelivered from the abdominal cavity.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery: survey of maternal-fetal medicine physicians in the U.S.

Objective: To describe practices concerning antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians in the United States. Methods: A 10-item self-administered survey about their routine use of antibiotics for cesarean delivery was mailed once only to a random sample of 1000 US-based fellows of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in November 2009. Results: There were a total of 250 respondents from 40 US states between 10/09 and 4/2010, corresponding to a response rate of 25%. Among respondents, 95.5% reported routine use of a cephalosporin only (including 84.4% who reported use of cefazolin) as antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery; less than 3% reported use of an extended spectrum regimen such as cefazolin + azithromycin. Preoperative administration of antibiotic prophylaxis was reported by 84.6% compared to 15.0% who reported giving antibiotic prophylaxis after umbilical cord clamping. Administration of a single dose of antibiotic was reported by 96%. Conclu...
Understanding the Role of Technology in Adolescent Dating and Dating Violence

A significant part of an adolescent’s day includes the use of technology, such as cell phone calls, instant messaging, and posts to social networking sites. Although studies have documented the benefits of technology use, there are significant downsides as well. For example, recent studies have shown that adolescents use technology to harass and abuse others, including dating partners. However, questions remain on how technology use and dating violence intersect at different stages in the couple’s relationship and whether this intersection is different for boys and girls. This article begins to fill these gaps by presenting the findings from focus groups with 39 high school aged adolescents, all of whom had experienced a problematic relationship in the past year. Results showed that adolescents used technology to initiate and dissolve dating relationships, often with text messages or posts to social networking sites. Technology use also caused jealousy, and it was used to monitor and isolate partners from others. Gender differences in the use of technology are highlighted. Finally, recommendations for prevention programs for adolescents and parents are discussed.
Perturbative description of extra resonances in CARS

Abstract Resonance coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectra contain peaks that have been interpreted as originating from populated excited states induced by the applied field. Fifth-order perturbation theory is used here to show that the induced dipole contribution to these extra resonances exactly cancels that from induced excited-state populations in the absence of pure dephasing. The theory is also used to describe CARS line narrowing in inhomogeneously broadened systems and the experimentally observed extra resonances are interpreted as line narrowed vibronic transitions.
The Poetics of a Resurrection: Re‐Seeing 30 Years of Change in a Colombian Community and in the Anthropological Enterprise

Apres avoir presente un texte poetique ecrit a partir de ses sentiments nes de son experience de terrain en Colombie (a San Pedro et a Cali), l'A. expose les raisons d'une approche en ethnopoesie. En trente annees le contexte social et culturel de la communaute de San Pedro s'est profondement modifie : urbanisation, modernisation, planning familial, politisation du pouvoir, eradication des images des saints protecteurs, croissance de la violence, etc. Evoquer ces bouleversements, les rendre presents, visibles et vivants pour le lecteur ne pourrait passer que par une expression phenomenologique et une ecriture poetique.
Statistics-based endmember extraction algorithms for hyperspectral imagery

Endmember extraction has received considerable interest in recent years. Many algorithms have been developed for this purpose and most of them are designed based on convexity geometry such as vertex or endpoint projection and maximization of simplex volume. This paper develops statistics-based approaches to endmember extraction in the sense that different orders of statistics are used as criteria to extract endmembers. The idea behind the proposed statistics-based endmember extraction algorithms (EEAs) is to assume that a set of endmmembers constitute the most un-correlated sample pool among all the same number of signatures with correlation measured by statistics which include variance specified by 2nd order statistics, least squares error (LSE) also specified by 2nd order statistics (variance), 3rd order statistics (skewness), 4th order statistics (kurtosis), k th moment, entropy specified by infinite order of statistics and statistical independency measured by mutual information. Of particular interest are Independent Component Analysis-based EEAs which use statistics of various orders such as variance, skewness, kurtosis the kth moment and infinite orders including entropy and divergence. In order to substantiate proposed statistics-based EEAs, experiments using synthetic and real images are conducted in comparison with several popular and well-known EEAs such as Pixel Purity Index (PPI), N-finder algorithm (N-FINDR).© (2007) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The SNS Liquids Reflectometer

The SNS Liquids Reflectometer [1], installed as one of the first instruments at the Spallation Neutron Source, has now been functional for more than a year. This instrument is designed to view liquid and solid surfaces in specular, off specular, and near-surface small angle scattering geometries. The guide system supplies 2 A < λ < 16.5 A neutrons at vertical incident angles ranging from 0° < αi < 5.5° for free liquid surfaces and up to 45° for solid surfaces. Three bandwidth choppers, synchronized with the spallation source and operating at 15–60 Hz, provide neutrons in bandwidths ranging from 3.5–14 A at a fixed incident angle onto a sample. The sample stage enables all of the motions necessary for positioning liquid and solid surfaces, while the detector arm directs a position-sensitive detector to view the sample at specular or off specular angles up to 90° and can scan out of the specular plane by up to 30°.
The Mechanical Properties and Deformation of Shear-Induced Polymer Liquid Crystalline Fibers in an Engineering Thermoplastic

In this paper, through the morphological study of surface-treated samples and by using the well-known Halpin-Tsai equations, the aspect ratio and the elastic modulus of the shear-induced fibers from a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP, Vectra A950) in a polycarbonate (PC) matrix were determined. Based on Cox's classic theories about the development of disperse liquid drops in suspending medium, the deformation mechanism of the LCP phase in the thermoplastic matrix was quantitatively or semi-quantitatively studied. The relationships among the viscosity ratio of LCP and PC, Weber number and the fiber development are given.
Schistosoma mansoni: Measurement of Na+ ion activity in the tegument and the extracellular spaces using ion-selective microelectrodes

Abstract Ion-selective microelectrodes were used to measure sodium ion activity ( a Na ) in the tegument and interstitial spaces in adult male Schistosoma mansoni . In RPMI 1640, a Na averaged 31 ± 13 m M in the tegument, a value significantly less than that in the bathing medium. In the interstitial spaces, it averaged 72 ± 17 m M , a value nearly the same as that in the bathing medium. In hypo- or hyperosmotic media, a Na in the interstitial spaces varied by a value commensurate with change in a Na in the medium, but a Na in the tegument was changed by only a small amount. Monensin (10 μ M ), low temperature (20 C), and ouabain (0.3 to 10 μ M ) all caused significant increases in a Na in the tegument. Hypo- and hyperosmotic media produced initial weight changes followed by gradual recovery back toward original weights. It is concluded that the schistosome is a volume regulating osmoconformer with osmolality of the extracellular fluid approximating that of the bathing medium, but that within the tegument of the parasite, Na + concentration is controlled by active transport processes.
Neonatal herpes infection: diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Approximately 2000 neonates contract infection due to herpes simplex virus each year in the United States. Although herpes simplex virus type 2 is responsible for most neonatal infections, approximately 30% of infections are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Infections are categorized by extent of disease into skin/eye/mouth, central nervous system and disseminated disease categories. Each disease category is responsible for roughly one third of neonatal infections. Mortality is highest in disseminated disease. Morbidity is highest for survivors of central nervous system infection. Treatment with high dose parenteral acyclovir (60 mg/kg/day) for 14-21 days improves outcome. Since most neonatal infections are acquired from contact with infected maternal genital tract secretions, potential preventative strategies include: Caesarean delivery, serologic screening of pregnant women, prophylactic acyclovir and vaccination. The two strategies currently accepted by most obstetricians are Caesarean delivery for women with active lesions or prodromal symptoms and prophylactic acyclovir for women with gestational herpes.
Architectural implications of hardware-accelerated bucket rendering on the PC

Wrcket rendering is a technique whereby a scene is sorted into screen-space tiles and each tile is rendered independently in turn, We expect hardware-accelerated bucket rendering to become available on the PC, and in this paper we explore the effect of such accelerators on main memory bandwidth, bus bandwidth to the accelerator, and on increased triangle set-up requirements. The most important impact is due to the fact that in general primitives overlap multiple buckets, which is a direct cnuse of overhead. In this paper we evaluate bucket rendering that uses the most common algorithm for bucket sorting, one based on screen-aligned primitive bounding boxes. We extend previous techniques for analytically evaluating bounding box overlap of buckets, and together with experimental results use these to evaluate accelerators that may support 32x32 pixel tiles, and those that may support 128x128 pixel tiles. We expect the former to be possible with dense SRAM, the latter to be possible with DRAM embedded in a logic process (embedded DRAM). Our results suggest that embedded DRAM implementations can support bucket rendering with bounding box bucket sorting, but that SRAM implementations will likely be at risk with respect to overall system performance when bounding box bucket sorting is employed. These results suggest the requirement for more precise but still low-overhead bucket sorting algorithms when bucket rendering hardware is constrained to 32 x 32 tiles. CR Cntcgorics and Subject Descriptors: 13.1 [Computer Graphics]: Nardwnre Architecture-raster display devices; 1.33 [Computer Graphics]: Picturn L3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism visible surfnce algorithms. Additional
Impact of Chinese Culture Values on Knowledge Sharing Through Online Communities of Practice

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how national (Chinese) cultural factors influence knowledge sharing behavior in virtual communities of practice at a large U.S.-based multinational organization. The data in this study come from interviews with the companyâ€™s employees in China, and managers who are involved in managing knowledge-sharing initiatives. The study results suggest that overall the influence of the national culture could be less pronounced in online knowledge sharing than what the literature has suggested. Although Chinese employeesâ€™ tendency to draw sharp distinctions between in-groups and out-groups, as well as the modesty requirements were barriers to knowledge sharing online, the issue of saving face was less important than expected, and attention paid to power and hierarchy seemed to be less critical than what the literature indicated. A surprising finding was that in the initially assumed collectivistic Chinese culture, the high degree of competitiveness among employees and job security concerns seem to override the collectivistic tendencies and are the main reasons for knowledge hoarding. The reasons for unexpected findings could be associated with differences between face-to-face and online knowledge sharing environments, the influence of the companyâ€™s organizational culture, and the recent rapid changes of the overall Chinese cultural patterns.
North Atlantic Storm Track Variability and Its Association to the North Atlantic Oscillation and Climate Variability of Northern Europe

Abstract The primary mode of North Atlantic storm track variability is identified using rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) on monthly fields of root-mean-squares of daily high-pass filtered (2–8-day periods) sea level pressures (SLP) for winters (December–February) 1900–92. It is examined in terms of its association with 1) monthly mean SLP fields, 2) regional low-frequency teleconnections, and 3) the seesaw in winter temperatures between Greenland and northern Europe. The principal storm track component is characterized by high synoptic variability preferring one of two areas at any given time. The northeastern Atlantic center (identified by positive RPCA scores) is characterized by deep cyclones in the area extending from Iceland northeastward to the Norwegian and Barents Seas, whereas the Bay of Biscay center (negative scores) is linked to cyclone activity around that area and into the Mediterranean basin. Combined principal component analysis is used to link the high-frequency storm track pre...
The Ke4 and Kμ4 modes of K-mesons decay

The characteristics of the Ke4 and Kμ4 modes of K-meson decay have been studied. Isotopic spin relationships following from the hypothesis of aT=1/2 strangeness-nonconserving current are discussed. The decay rates have been estimated in several ways, which agree in predicting a K e4 + /K e3 + branching ratio between 10−3 and 10−4, so that the observation of K e4 + events may be expected in the near future. The K μ4 + rate is expected to be at least an order of magnitude smaller than that for K e4 + mode of decay.