cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of Alkaline Earth Halide Ions MX+ to Benzene and Mesitylene

The binding energies of M+ and MX+ ions to benzene and mesitylene were measured by the radiative association kinetics approach in the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) spectrometer, where M was Mg, Ca, or Sr and X was Cl or Br. MCl+ binds to the aromatic face roughly half again as strongly as the corresponding M+ ion. (For instance, 2.6 eV vs 1.6 eV for MgCl(benzene)+ vs Mg(benzene)+.) This is true for all three metals, although the absolute magnitude of the binding energy decreases sharply in going from Mg to Ca to Sr as a consequence of decreasing electrostatic interaction. Bromide has a smaller effect on the binding ability of the metal center than chloride, in keeping with its lower electron-withdrawing ability. Quantum chemical calculations for MgCl+ are in accord with the measured binding energy and also show the expected decrease of the metal−ring bond distance in going from Mg+ to MgCl+. The qualitative picture is presented that MX+ behaves as a metal ion center with the charge of...
Diaphragm resection for ovarian cancer: technique and short-term complications

Abstract Objective. Diaphragm resection (DR) is occasionally necessary to achieve optimal cytoreductive surgery in ovarian carcinoma (OC). In a recent survey of the SGO membership, bulky diaphragm disease was one of the most common justifications for suboptimal debulking (Gynecol. Oncol. 82 (2001) 489). The aim of this study was to assess postoperative complications of DR in OC. Methods. Retrospective chart review of all patients with OC who underwent DR from January 1988 through December 2001 at Mayo Clinic. Results. We identified 41 women who underwent DR for OC. DR was performed during debulking for recurrent disease in 85%. Most patients (95%) underwent associated radical debulking procedures including bowel resection (51%), hepatic resection (27%), and splenectomy (17%). Full-thickness diaphragmatic lesions were present in 85% of specimens. Residual disease was classified as no gross residual in 80% of cases and Conclusions. (1) DR as part of cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer carries comparable risks to other radical debulking procedures. (2) The majority of complications are expected outcomes after entrance into the pleural cavity and generally manageable with chest tube. (3) DR is a useful adjunct to other radical debulking procedures and can eliminate isolated bulky diaphragmatic disease as an obstacle to optimal cytoreductive surgery for patients with ovarian cancer.
An initial assessment of a mechanistic model, GRASS-SST, in U-Pu-Zr metallic alloy fuel fission-gas behavior simulations

Abstract A mechanistic kinetic rate theory model originally developed for the prediction of fission gas behavior in oxide nuclear fuels under steady-state and transient conditions has been assessed to investigate its applicability to model fission gas behavior in U–Pu–Zr metallic alloy fuel. In order to capture and validate the underlying physics for irradiated U–Pu–Zr fuels, the mechanistic model was applied to evaluate fission gas release, fission gas and fission product induced swelling, and detailed gas bubble size distributions in three different fuel zones: the outer α-U, the intermediate, and the inner γ-U zones. Due to its special microstructural features, the α-U zone in U–Pu–Zr fuels is believed to contribute the largest fraction of fission gas release among the different fuel zones. It is shown that with the use of small effective grain sizes, the mechanistic model can predict fission gas release that is in reasonable consistence with (though slightly lower than) experimentally measured data. These simulation results are comparable to the experimentally measured fission gas release since the mechanism of fission gas transport through the densely distributed laminar porosity in the α-U zone is analogous to the mechanism of fission gas transport through the interconnected gas bubble porosity utilized in the mechanistic model. Detailed gas bubble size distributions predicted with the mechanistic model in both the intermediate zone and the high temperature γ-U zone of U–Pu–Zr fuel are also compared to experimental measurements from available SEM micrographs. These comparisons show good agreement between the simulation results and experimental measurements, and therefore provide crucial guidelines for the selection of key physical parameters required for modeling these two zones. Material properties such as fuel grain size and thermal diffusivity of gas and model parameters such as di-atom nucleation probability and gas bubble re-solution constant are predicted by these comparisons. In addition, the results of parametric studies for several parameters are presented for both the intermediate zone and the γ-U zone simulations in order to clarify the sensitivities of simulation results on these parameters.
Shear localisation modelling of friction stir weld formation process

AbstractThis paper presents a shear localisation model for studying friction stir welding (FSW) formation process. With this model, shear band (SB) width, SB formation time, and SB propagation speed can be theoretically estimated. The SB propagation speed in this context serves as a theoretical estimate of the maximum welding speed possible for a given material and prescribed welding conditions, such as stir pin rotation speed and torque level. The model is shown to provide reasonable estimates of shear localisation parameters against a set of recent experimental data on FSW of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V. With this model, titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V, high strength low-alloy steel 4340, and aluminium alloy 2024 are compared in terms of shear localisation parameters, such as maximum SB propagation speeds (or welding speeds).
Autoreceptor-mediated changes in dopaminergic terminal excitability: effects of increases in impulse flow.

Abstract The effect of spontaneous and stimulation-induced alterations in impulse flow on the antidromic excitability of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons were investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Terminal excitability was found to be inversely related to the rate of spontaneous activity of nigral neurons. Conditioning stimulation applied to dopaminergic axons in the medial forebrain bundle was found to decrease terminal excitability, but axonal conditioning stimulation was without effect on antidromic response evoked from the medial forebrain bundle. Decrease iin terminal excitability induced by medial forebrain bundle stimulation could be blocked by local infusions of haloperidol into the region of the terminal fields, suggestingthat the effect was receptor-mediated. These results are consistent with the proposal that nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons may modulate the impulse-dependent release of dopamine from striatal nerve terminals as a function of firing rate by autoreceptor-mediated alterations in the electrical properties of the terminal membrane.
Effects of Stocking Density and Feed on Pond Production Characteristics and Revenue of Harvested Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii Stocked as Size‐Graded Juveniles1

A nursery-reared population of juvenile freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) averaging 0.11 ± 0.058 g was size graded through a 4-mm bar grader producing a numerically 53% upper size population (0.25 ± 0.086 g). These were stocked into triplicate earthen ponds (0.04–0.07 ha each) at densities of 39,540, 59,300 and 79,100/ha, grown for 131 to 134 d, and fed a specially formulated diet. An additional three ponds were stocked at 39,540/ha and fed a commercial sinking catfish feed. Density had a significant effect on average whole body wet weight at harvest but no significant effect on either total yield, survival, or feed conversion. Mean wet weight was significantly higher for prawns stocked at 39,540/ha (34.3 g) than that for those stocked at either 59,300/ha (26.7 g) or 79,100/ha (263 g). The direct relationship between the percentage of small males and increasing density usually seen with ungraded populations was not evidenced in the size-graded populations. Average total yield ranged from 1,041 to 1,662 kg/ha for stocking densities from 39,540 to 79,100/ha. Differences in overall mean wet weight resulted from differences in mean wet weights for orange claw and no claw males and berried and open females, not from differences in morphotype distributions. These differences resulted in significantly higher percentages of tails within the larger count categories and higher revenues for prawns stocked at 39,540/ha. Feed type had no significant effect. Projected net revenues suggest that prawns need to be marketed and sold as a whole product.
Age-related differences in fat-free mass, skeletal muscle, body cell mass and fat mass between 18 and 94 years.

Age-related differences in fat-free mass, skeletal muscle, body cell mass and fat mass between 18 and 94 years
Skeleton-based image warping

Image warping refers to the 2D resampling of a source image onto a target image. Despite the variety of techniques proposed, a large class of image warping problems remains inadequately solved: mapping between two images which are delimited by arbitrary, closed, planar curves, e.g., handdrawn curves. This paper describes a novel algorithm to perform image warping among arbitrary planar shapes whose boundary correspondences are known. A generalized polar coordinate parameterization is introduced to facilitate an efficient mapping procedure. Images are treated as collections of interior layers, extracted via a thinning process. Mapping these layers between the source and target images generates the 2D resampling grid that defines the warping. The thinning operation extends the standard polar coordinate representation to deal with arbitrary shapes.
It’s all at the mall: exploring adolescent girls’ experiences

Abstract While overall mall patronage in the United States has been declining for several years, patronage among U.S. adolescents (especially girls) has risen sharply. We describe a qualitative study that examines in-depth the young girl’s mall experience. A theoretical model was developed from the findings that includes some factors that have been examined in previous research, such as mall atmosphere and utilitarian and hedonic shopping motives. In addition, several new factors specifically relevant to girl shoppers, aged 12–19, also emerged, including education cohort, trend consciousness, comfort, safety, mall companion, freedom as a mall-patronage motivation, and accessibility issues. This insight into young girls’ patronage behaviors and motivations will provide academics, mall developers and retailers a richer understanding of the various components that contribute to the female adolescent mall experience, and allow them to more effectively study and market to this segment.
The Molecular Basis of Nacre Formation

The mechanisms that determine the structural features of organisms are complex, and we are still far from predicting the structure of an organism by looking at its genetic makeup. An additional level of complexity exists for organisms that form body parts composed of mineralized structures such as sea shells, bone, and teeth. These organisms must also carefully control the interfaces between the soft body parts and the growing mineral. On page 1388 in this issue, Suzuki et al. ( 1 ) identify two novel proteins, Pif80 and Pif97, as key players in controlling the crystal structure of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the pearl-forming oyster Pinctada fucata . The work provides the most complete data set to date for the role of any known protein involved in mollusk biomineralization. The methods used in this study may be widely applied in future studies in this field.
Comparative analysis of cortical layering and supragranular layer enlargement in rodent carnivore and primate species

The mammalian cerebral cortex is composed of individual layers characterized by the cell types they contain and their afferent and efferent connections. The current study examined the raw, and size-normalized, laminar thicknesses in three cortical regions (somatosensory, motor, and premotor) of fourteen species from three orders of mammals: primates, carnivores, and rodents. The proportional size of the pyramidal cell layers (supra- and infragranular) varied between orders but was similar within orders despite wide variance in absolute cortical thickness. Further, supragranular layer thickness was largest in primates (46 ± 3 percent), followed by carnivores (36 ± 3 percent), and then rodents (19 ± 4 percent), suggesting a distinct difference in the proportion of cortex devoted to corticocortical connectivity across these orders. Although measures of supragranular layer thickness are highly correlated with measures of overall brain size, such associations are not present when independent contrasts are used to control for phylogenetic inertia. Interestingly, neurogenesis time span remains strongly associated with supragranular layer thickness despite size normalization and controlling for phylogenetic inertia. Such layering differences between orders, and similarities amongst species within an order, suggest that supragranular layer expansion may have occurred early in mammalian evolution and may be related to ontogenetic variables such as neurogenesis time span rather than measures of overall size.
Telecommniatons Health & Safety - High-Tension Transmission-Line Exposure of Pregnant Dairy Heifers

The question of whether effects of 735 kV AC high-tension power-transmission-line exposure are associated with the electric-field (EF) or magnetic-field (MF) component remains uncertain, because the observed effects of electric fields and magnetic fields are inconsistent. The discordant results may have been confounded by differences in the age, production status, and reproduction condition of the cattle used, and the various light regimes employed in different experiments. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that exposure to only electric fields did not cause any change in body weight or weekly weight gain. However, animals increased in body weight and weekly body-weight gain when compared to control animals in similar experiments with lactating pregnant cows exposed to magnetic fields and electromagnetic fields. The consistency between body-weight gains of cattle exposed to magnetic fields and electromagnetic fields suggests a possible causal relationship between the magnetic-field exposure and the animal's weight gain.
Nondestructive evaluation of plates using eddy current methods

The problem of determining defects in structures using eddy current methods is investigated. The goal of this work is to assess the extent to which accurate quantitative information about damage can be extracted from the data. For simplicity, we consider the problem of inspecting a plate in two dimensions. Damage is modeled as a change in the plate's conductivity. Electromagnetic field is generated by a pair of wires, which also serves as a measurement probe. The resulting mathematical model is analyzed by first deriving an integral identity, and second, by linearizing the relation between the conductivity anomaly and the data. We show that the problem of reconstructing a conductivity anomaly from eddy current data is quite unstable, and a method based on least-squares principle would fail to detect conductivity anomalies in some situation. An alternate method, one that obtains gross properties of the anomaly (in this case an average) is proposed, and is shown to be quite robust. Several numerical experiments which illustrate our main ideas are presented.
Asymptotics of Nielsen-Olesen vortices.

We investigate analytically and numerically the asymptotic behavior of the Nielsen-Olesen vortex solutions and show that they approach their asymptotic values exponentially but with exponents that differ from the ones quoted in the literature. In particular, it is shown that for values of the Higgs self-coupling that are larger than a critical value, both the Higgs field and the gauge field approach exponentially their asymptotic values with equal exponents that are independent of the Higgs self-coupling.
Electrodeposition of bismuth telluride films from a nonaqueous solvent

Abstract The author examines Bi2Te3 deposition from a DMSO solution containing TeCl4 and Bi(NO3)3 × 5H2O by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). Accumulated charges and related mass changes for Bi2Te3 deposition on working electrodes are measured in situ. The deposit composition is more dependent on Te4+ concentrations in DMSO solution than on the potential. In a DMSO solution containing 0.01 M Te4+ and 0.0075 M Bi3+, Bi2Te3 deposits were obtained in the potential range between −0.2 and −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. In a DMSO solution containing 0.05 M Te4+ and 0.0375 M Bi3+, Te-rich deposits were formed from −0.2 to −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
Cell fate specification in the cereal endosperm.

While superficially simple, endosperm development is a complex, dynamic process. Cereal endosperms contain three major cell types: starchy endosperm, transfer cells and aleurone. The localized accumulation of the END1 transcript in the syncitial endosperm suggests that signals from the maternal placental tissue specify transfer cell type early. Aleurone fate is plastic and requires the continual input of positional cues to maintain cell identity. Starchy endosperm appears to be the default cell type. Mutant patterns suggest that a regulatory hierarchy integrates endosperm development. Requirements for gametic imprinting, maternal : paternal genome ratios and putative chromatin modeling factors indicate the importance of genomic control.
Platelet-rich plasma in tendon models: a systematic review of basic science literature.

Purpose To perform a systematic review of the basic science literature on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in tendon models. Methods We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases in June 2012 using the following parameters: ((tenocytes OR tendon OR tendinitis OR tendinosis OR tendinopathy) AND (platelet rich plasma OR PRP OR autologous conditioned plasma OR ACP)). The inclusion criteria for full-text review were in vivo and in vitro studies examining the effects of PRP on tendons and/or tenocytes. Clinical studies were excluded. Only studies published in peer-reviewed journals that compared PRP directly with a control were included. Data were extracted based on a predefined data sheet, which included information on PRP preparation, study methods, and results. Studies were analyzed for trends, comparing and contrasting the reported effects of PRP. Results The search yielded 31 articles for inclusion in our review. Of the studies, 22 (71%) reported platelet concentrations in the PRP; 6 (19%) reported cytology. Eight in vivo studies found decreased tendon repair time, increased fiber organization, or both with PRP treatment. Eight in vitro studies reported that PRP treatment increased cell proliferation; 7 reported an increase in growth factor expression. Three in vivo studies found increased vascularity, and 4 found increased tensile strength with PRP treatment. Conclusions In the basic science studies evaluated, it appears that PRP confers several potential effects on tendon models compared with a control. However, the literature is inconsistent with regard to reporting the methods of preparation of PRP and in reporting platelet concentrations and cytology. Clinical Relevance Establishing proof of concept for PRP may lead to further high-quality clinical studies in which the appropriate indications can be defined.
Rate of Decline in Oxygen Saturation at Various Pulse Oximetry Values with Prehospital Rapid Sequence Intubation

Background. A high incidence of desaturations has been observed during prehospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI). The rate of decline in oxygen saturation (SpO2) at various pulse oximetry values has not been defined with emergency RSI. Objective. To define the rate of SpO2 decline at various pulse oximetry values andidentify a threshold below which active BVM should be performed during prehospital RSI. Methods. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients undergoing RSI by prehospital providers were included in this analysis. The time period from the highest to the lowest preintubation SpO2 value was selected for review. The mean rate of SpO2 decline was calculated for each SpO2 value andthen used to define a theoretical SpO2 desaturation curve. The rate of desaturation to hypoxemia (SpO2 ≤ 90%) was defined for intubation attempts initiated at each SpO2 value. Results. A total of 684 SpO2 values from 87 patients were included. Lower SpO2 values were associated with a faster rate of SpO2 decline, with an inflec...
Evolution of carfilzomib dose and schedule in patients with multiple myeloma: A historical overview

Abstract Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor that binds selectively and irreversibly to its target. In July 2012, carfilzomib received accelerated approval in the United States for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Based on emerging preclinical data and clinical results, the total dose, infusion time, and administration schedule of carfilzomib have evolved during phase I and phase II clinical studies, with the aim of optimizing the risk-benefit profile of the agent. Based on in vitro and in vivo findings and encouraging phase I tolerability data, a consecutive-day, twice-weekly dosing schedule was implemented early in the development program. Other phase II studies have led to further refinements in the dosing schedule of carfilzomib, resulting in the current approved schedule for carfilzomib to be administered intravenously over 2–10 min on 2 consecutive days each week for 3 weeks of a 28-day cycle. Prolonged infusion over 30 min has also been assessed in clinical studies to enable the use of higher carfilzomib doses with the aim of improving drug tolerability and efficacy. These data collectively informed the dosing and scheduling schemas for carfilzomib in ongoing trials, including phase I and II studies of combination regimens, and the randomized phase III trials ASPIRE, FOCUS, ENDEAVOR, and CLARION. Additional studies are underway to examine alternative dosing schedules (e.g., once-weekly dosing [CHAMPION-1]).
Derivation of Zero-Gravity Structural Control Models from Analysis and Ground Experimentation

The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) is a Space Shuttle flight experiment that flew on STS-67 in March 1995, to demonstrate high-authority active structural control in microgravity conditions. Because no experimental on-orbit data were available before flight, the model used to derive these controllers was obtained from a combination of analysis and openand closed-loop ground testing. A modeling approach to obtain this 0-g model is presented along with its application to the MACE test article. This approach starts with a 1-g model, which includes gravity and suspension effects. This 1-g model is improved using ground test results in a process called updating. Once updated, it is verified through a combination of structural perturbation and closed-loop control. Finally, the gravity and suspension effects are removed to arrive at a prediction of the 0-g behavior of the structure. Flight data are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Nucleus accumbens dopamine mediates amphetamine-induced impairment of social bonding in a monogamous rodent species

The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is a socially monogamous rodent species that forms pair bonds after mating, a behavior in which central dopamine (DA) has been implicated. Here, we used male prairie voles to examine the effects of drug exposure on pair bonding and related neural circuitry. In our first experiment, amphetamine (AMPH) motivated behavior was examined using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and was shown to be mediated by activation of D1-like DA receptors. Next, we examined the effects of repeated AMPH exposure on pair bonding. Intact and saline pretreated control males displayed mating-induced partner preferences, whereas males pretreated with AMPH at the doses effective to induce CPP failed to show mating-induced partner preferences. Such AMPH treatment also enhanced D1, but not D2, DA receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of D1-like DA receptors in the NAcc rescued mating-induced partner preferences in AMPH-treated males. Together, our data indicate that repeated AMPH exposure may narrow the behavioral repertoire of male prairie voles via a DA receptor-specific mechanism in the NAcc, resulting in the impairment of pair bond formation.
An explication of the radiometric method for size and albedo determination

A radiometric model for determination of diameters, albedos, and temperatures of asteroids and other airless planets is presented. Integrated photometry of planets is reviewed, and attention is given to problems of stellar calibration, monochromatic corrections, and corrections for the temperature variations across the planetary sphere. A previous model, which assumes that an asteroid emits infrared radiation as a smooth sphere, is modified to account for observed sunward beaming of infrared emissions, apparently due to craters. In contrast to some studies of the lunar emission, the observable flux ratio between a cratered sphere and a smooth sphere is calculated for large ranges of wavelength, temperature, and phase angle. Revised diameters based on the crater model are given for 84 asteroids. The systematic discrepancy between radiometrically- and polarimetrically-obtained albedos is accounted for; further areas of disagreement between radiometry and polarimetry are discussed, and research to resolve them is suggested.
Optokinetic nystagmus thresholds of dark-adapted RCS rats.

Abstract The thresholds of dark adapted RCS rats and controls were estimated from optokinetic responses to blue stimuli, and compared to thresholds derived from b-wave stimulus/response functions. The rats were tested at ages 25, 30 and 35 days, a period during which the RCS degeneration is evolving and normal retinal development is proceeding. At all ages the OKN thresholds of control rats were lower than those of the RCS rats, but only by age 30 days did b-wave thresholds discriminate RCS from controls. As the RCS disease progressed b-wave thresholds increased, but OKN thresholds did not change significantly. The discrepancy between the OKN and b-wave results may be due largely to the smaller OKN stimulus field, which probably stimulates mainly the posterior retina where the RCS degeneration is most advanced.
Speech and the “new” philosophies

Speech philosophy, in the face of the current anti‐intellectualism, deals with the place of rational‐logical elements in discourse. The author argues for the supremacy of reason in communication, and calls for neo‐classical communicative logic fused with the social direction of thought. Such a goal inevitably incorporates value judgments. Thus the intellectual, logical, and ethical components are an unbroken continuum in their expression and effect.
PEDIATRIC CONTINENT RESERVOIRS AND COLOCYSTOPLASTY CREATED WITH ABSORBABLE STAPLES

AbstractPurpose: For patients undergoing continent urinary diversion or bladder augmentation the process of detubularization and refashioning bowel into a spherical configuration is often tedious and time-consuming, and may cause undesirable blood loss. We sought to determine whether using absorbable staples in a pediatric population was safe, effective and economical.Materials and Methods: We performed our technique of rapid right colon pouch construction in 18 children (average age 12.3 years) undergoing continent urinary diversion (8) or colocystoplasty (10). We evaluated the cost of performing the procedure relative to conventional suturing as well as the results of up to 3 years of followup.Results: In all cases pouch construction using absorbable staples was performed easily and rapidly, and resulted in minimal blood loss. Using the staples decreased operative time by approximately 1 hour and saved nearly $350 per case. Only 1 significant complication requiring surgical intervention developed during...
Completion mucosectomy for retained rectal mucosa following restorative proctocolectomy with double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Colectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis has become widely accepted and is now considered the procedure of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) as well as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The clear patient advantage of functional continence has pushed this procedure to the forefront in treating both UC and FAP. As a result, the procedure continues to evolve with recent debate centering on the question of whether to perform a double-stapled technique without rectal mucosectomy or a handsewn anastomosis following transanal mucosectomy. Although continence and complication rates continue to be hotly debated, it is understood that performing the stapled procedure does leave a rectal cuff, which carries with it the possibility of disease persistence or recurrence. As such, if the rectal cuff becomes symptomatic or dysplastic, it must be removed. This is accomplished by performing a transanal completion mucosectomy and reconstructing the ileal pouch–anal anastomosis.
Feminisation of Poverty in America

“Being poor is a cardinal sin in our society,” one attorney notes in connection with an observation that women face an uphill battle in terms of the effects of poverty on child custody outcomes. Evidence from the same document quotes a Minnesota referee who is renowned for his usual statement to female AFDC recipients:’ How much of the taxpayers money are you currently receiving? (17,p.25)”.
World tourism cities: developing tourism off the beaten track

World tourism cities: developing tourism off the beaten track, edited by Robert Maitland and Peter Newman, New York, NY, Routledge, 2008, 176 pp., US$180.00 (hardback), ISBN: 978-0-415-45198-7 Rout...
Analyzing spatial clustering and the spatiotemporal nature and trends of HIV/AIDS prevalence using GIS: the case of Malawi, 1994-2010

Although local spatiotemporal analysis can improve understanding of geographic variation of the HIV epidemic, its drivers, and the search for targeted interventions, it is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent declines, Malawi’s estimated 10.0% HIV prevalence (2011) remained among the highest globally. Using data on pregnant women in Malawi, this study 1) examines spatiotemporal trends in HIV prevalence 1994-2010, and 2) for 2010, identifies and maps the spatial variation/clustering of factors associated with HIV prevalence at district level. Inverse distance weighting was used within ArcGIS Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to generate continuous surfaces of HIV prevalence from point data (1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010) obtained from surveillance antenatal clinics. From the surfaces prevalence estimates were extracted at district level and the results mapped nationally. Spatial dependency (autocorrelation) and clustering of HIV prevalence were also analyzed. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence for 2010 and their spatial variation/clustering mapped and compared to HIV clustering. Analysis revealed wide spatial variation in HIV prevalence at regional, urban/rural, district and sub-district levels. However, prevalence was spatially leveling out within and across ‘sub-epidemics’ while declining significantly after 1999. Prevalence exhibited statistically significant spatial dependence nationally following initial (1995-1999) localized, patchy low/high patterns as the epidemic spread rapidly. Locally, HIV “hotspots” clustered among eleven southern districts/cities while a “coldspot” captured configurations of six central region districts. Preliminary multiple regression of 2010 HIV prevalence produced a model with four significant explanatory factors (adjusted R2 = 0.688): mean distance to main roads, mean travel time to nearest transport, percentage that had taken an HIV test ever, and percentage attaining a senior primary education. Spatial clustering linked some factors to particular subsets of high HIV-prevalence districts. Spatial analysis enhanced understanding of local spatiotemporal variation in HIV prevalence, possible underlying factors, and potential for differentiated spatial targeting of interventions. Findings suggest that intervention strategies should also emphasize improved access to health/HIV services, basic education, and syphilis management, particularly in rural hotspot districts, as further research is done on drivers at finer scale.
The Infra-Red Emission Spectra of the Oxy-Hydrogen and Oxy-Deuterium Flames*

The infra-red emission spectra of the oxy-hydrogen and oxy-deuterium flames and of hot water vapor have been studied in the LiF, NaCl, and KBr regions. The principal features of the spectrum may be accounted for by emission of H2O molecules; no unequivocal evidence for radiation from OH radicals was found with the resolving power available.
Intrinsic Oscillatory Photoconductivity and the Band Structure of GaAs

Oscillations as a function of incident light energy are reported for the photoconductive response of high-purity epitaxial GaAs at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The original report of Nahory is supplemented in several ways: As many as 15 oscillations are observed at low electric fields, corresponding to electron states 550 meV into the conduction band. These are approximately periodic with a period of 41.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 meV, which yields a constant effective-mass ratio of $\frac{{m}_{e}}{{m}_{\mathrm{hh}}}=0.124\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010$, where ${m}_{e}$ and ${m}_{\mathrm{hh}}$ are the effective masses of the electron and heavy holes, respectively. As the field is raised above 0.5 V/cm, sample resistance gradually decreases owing to the growth of impact ionization of shallow donors. At the same time, the amplitude of the oscillations predominant at low field decreases while a longer-period oscillation remains relatively uneffected by the field increase. At 2 to 4 V/cm this oscillation dominates the photoresponse, displaying a period of approximately 82meV. It is argued that these oscillations are due to light holes. This interpretation yields a mass ratio $\frac{{m}_{\mathrm{lh}}}{{m}_{e}}=1.22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ near the zone center and an increasing light-hole mass as $k$ increases.
Toward a Theory of Public Relations Practitioners’ Own Conflict: Work Versus Life

This study took a first step to build a theory understanding public relations practitioners’ work–life balance. Through a national sample of Public Relations Society of America members, we examined what factors influence practitioners’ perceptions of work–life conflict and what kind of impact such perceived work–life conflict may have on their income and career path. Analysis of online survey data of 820 practitioners found that a more family–supportive organizational work environment overall would minimize practitioners’ reported work–life conflict. Gender did matter, especially in explaining strain-based conflict perceived by practitioners. Last, women whose career was interrupted earned significantly more than those whose career was not.
Adipokine gene expression in peripheral blood of adult and juvenile dermatomyositis patients and their relation to clinical parameters and disease activity measures.

Recently adipokines have been implicated in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in autoimmune disease. To investigate the role of adipokines in adult and pediatric patients with newly diagnosed dermatomyositis (DM), we analyzed peripheral blood and skeletal muscle gene expression of four adipokines: visfatin, leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected for 21 adult DM, 26 juvenile DM, 5 non-disease adult controls, and 6 non-disease pediatric controls at two time points: baseline and 6 months. Muscle biopsies from 5 adult DM patients and 5 non-disease adult controls were collected at baseline. Similarly, muscle biopsies from 7 juvenile DM patients and 5 non-disease pediatric controls were collected at baseline. The gene expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin and related inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF- α, and housekeeping genes GAPDH, B2M, and ACTB were generated using a custom RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Visfatin gene expression levels in peripheral blood were significantly higher in newly diagnosed adult DM cases compared to non-disease controls (P = 0.004) and these levels correlated with baseline clinical parameters such as age (r = 0.34, P = 0.020), male sex (r = −0.35, P = 0.017), prednisone use (r = −0.42, P = 0.006), and DMARD use (r = 0.35, P = 0.025). No significant association was found between change in visfatin gene expression levels and change in disease activity measures. While visfatin gene expression was significantly up-regulated in muscle tissue of juvenile DM patients (P = 0.028), in adult DM patients only a trend towards significance was observed (P = 0.08). Also, muscle gene expression levels of resistin were significantly elevated in both adult and juvenile DM patients compared respectively to non-disease adult and pediatric controls. Furthermore, an association between peripheral blood resistin gene expression and DM disease activity, including global, muscle, and extra-skeletal disease activity was also observed. Peripheral blood visfatin gene expression and muscle resistin gene expression are significantly increased in newly diagnosed adult DM patients. Further longitudinal studies should explore the possibility of using gene expression levels of adipokines such as visfatin and resistin as novel clinical diagnostic biomarkers in DM.
Far-field scintillation reduction utilizing Gaussian-Schell model beams

Using a controlled Gaussian-Schell Model beam to mitigate turbulence effects has been suggested as a means to improve the statistics of the received signal in long-range freespace optical communications. Specifically we have shown in simulation that by using this transmission method it is possible to decrease the scintillation index in the far-field, regardless of turbulence strength, when compared to the intensity of a fully coherent source in turbulence.
It Took a Village: Good's Syndrome

PRESENTATION A complex medical history became even more tangled when a 52-year-old man presented with a 4-week history of dry cough, dyspnea, weight loss, chills, subcutaneous nodules on his extremities, and fatigue. He had no fever. Initially, his primary care physician examined him and prescribed a course of clindamycin. Although the patient completed therapy, the nodules continued to progress, and they began to drain purulent material. He had been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis 7 years prior to this episode, and he was maintained on prednisone 20 mg daily and pyridostigmine. An associated thymoma had metastasized to his lung, and he had been treated with chemotherapy and radiation 2 years before this presentation. The course of his illness was further complicated by thymoma-associated pure red cell aplasia, which was successfully managed with cyclosporine.
World mental health: Problems and perspective

Although improved medical technologies, economic developments and social transformations have produced many positive health outcomes, they have also created troubling mental disorders such as depre...
Esthetic Considerations when Splinting with Fiber-Reinforced Composites

The primary reasons for splinting and stabilizing teeth are to connect them for the purpose of replacing missing teeth or as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. Although the restorations must be planned to withstand the functional requirements of occlusion and mastication, esthetic considerations must also be taken into account. The challenge in creating an esthetic result with fiber-reinforced composite splints is that there is limited space in the connector region to create the three-dimensional effect required to give teeth the appearance of individuality. Careful planning in the diagnosis and treatment of the fiber splint is essential to allow for adequate tooth preparation to give the illusion of nonsplinted teeth. When missing teeth are replaced with a fiber-reinforced, direct, fixed partial denture, the pontic must be created to achieve an esthetically pleasing result.
Direct and indirect effects of climate change on a prairie plant community.

Background Climate change directly affects species by altering their physical environment and indirectly affects species by altering interspecific interactions such as predation and competition. Recent studies have shown that the indirect effects of climate change may amplify or counteract the direct effects. However, little is known about the the relative strength of direct and indirect effects or their potential to impact population persistence. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied the effects of altered precipitation and interspecific interactions on the low-density tiller growth rates and biomass production of three perennial grass species in a Kansas, USA mixed prairie. We transplanted plugs of each species into local neighborhoods of heterospecific competitors and then exposed the plugs to a factorial manipulation of growing season precipitation and neighbor removal. Precipitation treatments had significant direct effects on two of the three species. Interspecific competition also had strong effects, reducing low-density tiller growth rates and aboveground biomass production for all three species. In fact, in the presence of competitors, (log) tiller growth rates were close to or below zero for all three species. However, we found no convincing evidence that per capita competitive effects changed with precipitation, as shown by a lack of significant precipitation × competition interactions. Conclusions/Significance We found little evidence that altered precipitation will influence per capita competitive effects. However, based on species' very low growth rates in the presence of competitors in some precipitation treatments, interspecific interactions appear strong enough to affect the balance between population persistence and local extinction. Therefore, ecological forecasting models should include the effect of interspecific interactions on population growth, even if such interaction coefficients are treated as constants.
Ahmed Valve Implantation with Adjunctive Mitomycin C and 5-Fluorouracil: Long-term Outcomes

Purpose To evaluate long-term outcomes after Ahmed valve implantation in patients with glaucoma when using adjunctive intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) and postoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Design Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Methods A consecutive series of eyes undergoing Ahmed valve implantation, either alone (AHMED eyes) or in combination with cataract surgery (AHMED+PHACO), using both intraoperative MMC and postoperative 5-FU were evaluated. Failure was defined as the first occurrence of any of the following: 1) the first of three consecutive visits where intraocular pressure (IOP) was >18 mm Hg or Results A total of 130 eyes underwent Ahmed valve implantation with intraoperative exposure to 0.5 mg/ml MMC (median time: eight minutes; range, four to 10) and postoperative subconjunctival injections of 5 mg of 5-FU (median: five injections; range, zero to nine). Kaplan-Meier estimates of the cumulative probability of valve success and confidence interval (CI) at the sixth follow-up year were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.82) for AHMED eyes (n = 88), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.93) for AHMED+PHACO eyes (n = 42). A median of two fewer medications were required relative to baseline for both AHMED and AHMED+PHACO eyes. Conclusions The adjunctive use of both intraoperative MMC and postoperative 5-FU with Ahmed valve implantation results in high success rates. IOP was well controlled in the majority of patients within the six-year postoperative period.
Higher order Ostrowski type inequalities over Euclidean domains

Abstract The classical Ostrowski inequality for functions on intervals estimates the value of the function minus its average in terms of the maximum of its first derivative. This result is extended to functions on general domains using the L ∞ norm of its n th partial derivatives. For radial functions on balls the inequality is sharp.
Thermally activated flux motion under a distribution of activation energies

Abstract We show that the model of collective pinning can be reconciled with a model of distribution of activation energies, in modeling thermally activated flux motion, in high- T c superconductors. If the fluctuations from “average” behavior are small as expected, the form of this distribution can be estimated.
Protein roles in group I intron RNA folding: The tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase CYT-18 stabilizes the native state relative to a long-lived misfolded structure without compromising folding kinetics

Abstract The Neurospora crassa CYT-18 protein is a mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase that also promotes self-splicing of group I intron RNAs by stabilizing the functional structure in the conserved core. CYT-18 binds the core along the same surface as a common peripheral element, P5abc, suggesting that CYT-18 can replace P5abc functionally. In addition to stabilizing structure generally, P5abc stabilizes the native conformation of the Tetrahymena group I intron relative to a globally similar misfolded conformation that has only local differences within the core and is populated significantly at equilibrium by a ribozyme variant lacking P5abc (EΔP5abc). Here, we show that CYT-18 specifically promotes formation of the native group I intron core from this misfolded conformation. Catalytic activity assays demonstrate that CYT-18 shifts the equilibrium of EΔP5abc toward the native state by at least 35-fold, and binding assays suggest an even larger effect. Thus, similar to P5abc, CYT-18 preferentially recognizes the native core, despite the global similarity of the misfolded core and despite forming crudely similar complexes, as revealed by dimethyl sulfate footprinting. Interestingly, the effects of CYT-18 and P5abc on folding kinetics differ. Whereas P5abc inhibits refolding of the misfolded conformation by forming peripheral contacts that must break during refolding, CYT-18 does not display analogous inhibition, most likely because it relies to a greater extent on direct interactions with the core. Although CYT-18 does not encounter this RNA in vivo, our results suggest that it stabilizes its cognate group I introns relative to analogous misfolded intermediates. By specifically recognizing native structural features, CYT-18 may also interact with earlier folding intermediates to avoid RNA misfolding or to trap native contacts as they form. More generally, our results highlight the ability of a protein cofactor to stabilize a functional RNA structure specifically without incurring associated costs in RNA folding kinetics.