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A theory is developed for the scattering of electromagnetic waves by a perfectly conducting axisymmetric body. It is illustrated by investigating the scatter due to a circular rod with tapered ends, the taper being conical. For a half-wavelength scatterer it is found that the maximum of the scattering coefficient is transferred to an appreciably higher frequency by an increase in taper. When the obstacle is long the pattern of back scatter indicates the presence of a travelling wave for a substantial range of cross-sections provided that the angle of taper is sharp enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the electromagnetic field produced by a magnetic dipole in the presence of a perfectly conducting cone of arbitrary cross-section. Electric intensity; Magnetic field; Reflection on a circular cone; Reflection coefficient; Cone behavior during its nearly flat plate condition.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by a prothrombotic state and the presence of β2 glycoprotein I (β 2-GPI)-dependent antiphospholipid antibodies. The feasibility of a B cell tolerance-based approach for specific reduction of anti-β2 -GPI antibodies was investigated. Anti- β2GPI antibodies isolated from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome were used to screen peptide libraries expressed in phage, resulting in the identification of a phage that specifically bound anti-β 2-GPI antibodies. The phage-displayed peptide was identified and chemically optimized to generate a synthetic 14-mer peptide with an internal thioether linkage (LJP 685) that retained the binding profile of the original phage. LJP 685 was conjugated to a defined, non-immunogenic organic platform to generate a tetravalent presentation of LJP 685 for use as a toleragen. Tetravalent LJP 685 induced a dose-dependent reduction in antibody levels in mice previously immunized and boosted with LJP 685 coupled to the carrier keyhole limpet hemocyanin. These experiments support the technical feasibility of a tolerance-based approach for reducing anti-β2GPI antibodies in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An exercise in ‘data archaeology’ at Ascension Island has provided an estimate of sea level change between 1955 and 2001.5 (the mid-point of a recent dataset spanning 1993–2009). That average trend of 0.93 mm y−1 (SE 0.69) compares to a larger rate during 1993–2009 itself of 2.55 (SE 0.13) and 2.07 (SE 0.30) mm y−1 from tide gauge and altimeter data respectively, suggesting a recent acceleration in sea level rise. An ocean model and steric height datasets have been used for comparison to the measurements, with the conclusion that the acceleration was probably at least partly due to a steric height increase. This exercise is based on only one month of historical tide gauge data and is admittedly on the useful limit for long-term sea level studies. In addition, it is unfortunate that the tide gauge benchmark installed in 1955 has disappeared, even if one can estimate its height relative to modern marks. Nevertheless, the study does provide information of interest to climate studies, enables limits to be inferred on the real changes, and provides background information for other coastal studies. Most importantly, it is intended as a demonstration of the value of similar exercises where short historical records exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field epidemiology training programs have been successful models to address a country's needs for a skilled public health workforce, partly due to their responsiveness to the countries' unique needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has partnered with ministries of health to strengthen their workforce through customized competency-based training programs. While desirable, emphasis on program flexibility can result in redundancy and inconsistency. To address this challenge, the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) of instructional design was used by a cross-functional team to guide completion of a standard curriculum based on 15 competencies. The standard curriculum has supported the development and expansion of programs while still allowing for adaptation. This article describes the process that was used to develop the curriculum, which, together with needs assessment and evaluation, is crucial for successful training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]