cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and physical properties of zein/Pluronic F127 composite films.

Triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 has been used to form composites with zein, a corn protein and coproduct of the bioethanol industry, to alleviate its natural brittleness. At low F127 loadings (0–35%), the plasticizing effect was dominant, and the elongation at break of zein composite film containing 35% F127 was about 8-fold higher than that of the zein film with 10% F127. At high F127 loadings (50–100%), a large number of lamellae crystals were formed in the film matrix as verified by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The F127 crystallization surpassed its plasticizing effect, resulting in an increased brittleness of zein film with the further increase of F127 loading. Compared with the flat-on lamellae of pure F127, F127 chains folded into branch-like lamellar structures in the zein composite film containing 50% F127 due to the confinement of amorphous zein. Besides, the crystals in zein films were composed ...
Assessing medical students' knowledge of IR at two American medical schools.

Abstract Purpose To determine if there was a difference in the level of knowledge about interventional radiology (IR) between medical students in preclinical years of training compared with medical students in clinical years of training at two medical schools and to compare awareness of IR based on the curriculum at each school: one with required radiology education and one without such a requirement. Materials and Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to students at two medical schools; the survey assessed knowledge of IR, knowledge of training pathways, and preferred methods to increase exposure. Responses of the preclinical and clinical groups were compared, and responses from the clinical groups at each school were compared. Results "Poor" or "fair" knowledge of IR was reported by 84% (n = 217 of 259) of preclinical students compared with 62% of clinical students (n = 110 of 177; P P = .017). Conclusions There are significant differences in knowledge of IR between preclinical and clinical students. Required radiology education in the clinical years does increase awareness of IR.
Low-power compact laser-based nonlinear degenerate four-wave mixing detection for flowing liquids

Forward-scattering degenerate four-wave mixing is presented as a sensitive nonlinear laser-based absorbance detection method for room- temperature condensed-phase analytes using compact low-power lasers. In the liquid phase, the signal is generated mainly by the formation of spatial gratings due to thermally-induced refractive index change, resulting from constructive interference between the input beams. This nonlinear laser method offers convenient and efficient optical signal detection since the signal is a coherent beam and it can be collected and measured virtually against a dark background. Since only two input beams are used, the optical alignment is simple compared to other multiphoton methods. The use of a single lens for all the input beams provides tighter focusing and higher wave-mixing efficiency and maximizes photon density available at the sample cell. Hence, laser power requirements are unusually low (<10 mW), allowing the use of portable, low-cost lasers such as He-Ne lasers and diode lasers. Since only a single laser is required, the overall optical setup in this one- color one-laser method can fit in a simple compact package with minimum laser and optics requirements. The detection sensitivity approaches those of laser fluorescence methods, yet this compact nonlinear absorbance detector can detect both fluorescing and nonfluorescing analytes.
Detection of cytomegalovirus proteins by flow cytometry in the blood of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and associated diseases continue to be a major complication encountered by patients undergoing high-dose chemoradiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A number of studies revealed that identification of CMV in the blood of HSCT patients was a predictor of future CMV disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if CMV proteins detected by flow cytometry could be a rapid and more quantitative way to monitor CMV infections and CMV antigenemia in HSCT patients. Preliminary studies showed that CMV immediate early (IE), early (E), and late (L) tegument proteins were specifically identified in CMV-infected cell lines and not in uninfected cells. We evaluated CMV antigen detection by flow cytometry in blood samples collected before and after transplantation in 56 serially collected blood samples from 17 HSCT patients and CMV protein expression was compared to CMV isolation. CMV IE and E proteins were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. However, CMV L protein detection by flow cytometry correlated with virus isolation in serially collected blood samples. Samples from 14 patients were evaluated by both techniques, at the same time intervals. There was a 100% correlation (8/8) between the lack of CMV antigen detection by flow cytometry and the failure to isolate infectious virus. Moreover, 5 of 6 patients who were positive for CMV L antigen by flow cytometry also were positive by virus isolation techniques. When flow cytometry and virus isolation did not detect CMV antigen on the same day, CMV positivity was first detected by flow cytometry. Then, 1-2 weeks later, positive virus isolation was documented. This study indicates that flow cytometric identification of CMV antigenemia correlates with isolation of CMV in HSCT patients and may be a predictive test for the rapid detection of CMV in the blood.
Production and Absorption of Volatile Fatty Acids in the Perfused Rumen

Summary The rumens from three mature goats were perfused with homologous heparinized blood to measure the rate of volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and absorption. An effort was made to maintain an active microbial population and fermentation during the perfusion by approximating normal conditions with respect to anaerobiosis, temperature, substrate, and removing the end products of fermentation. Volatile fatty acid absorption rates were much below expected values, which may be attributed to a slow rate of blood flow. The average blood flow rate for the three perfusions was 17 ml/min. The inability to remove the fatty acids from the rumen via absorption may have affected the production rates which were: acetic, 2.61 g/hr; propionic, 1.16 g/hr; and butyric, 0.89 g/hr. In contrast to reports in the literature, the relative proportions of VFA's in the rumen vein blood (A,51; P,26; B,23) were nearly identical to those in the rumen fluid (A,55; P,22; B,23). Glucose utilization by rumen tissue was demonstrated by arteriovenous differences of 6–10mg.%. Low levels of ketone bodies were observed in venous blood. Three other perfusions were conducted to study the effect of radical changes in the proportions of the VFA's in the rumen on the distribution of these acids in the perfusate. The addition of either propionic or butyric acids, which shifted the ratio of the acids in the rumen field, caused drastic changes in proportions of these acids in the rumen vein blood. Although blood VFA ratios did not show a linear relationship to the ratios observed in the rumen fluid, it was apparent that the acids were absorbed at rates depending on their concentration in the rumen. The addition of butyric acid to the perfused rumen brought about increases in ketone body levels in the venous blood. Ketone body production by the rumen tissue may be of importance under conditions where high levels of butyric acid are present in the rumen.
Report from the National Capital City Area

In a time when Washington, D.C. takes on the infamous images of Repub lican women in fur coats and wealthy politicians going to formal parties in limou sines, it is curious to observe at the same time what is happening in this city billed as the administrative center of trade unionism in this country?the site of the AFL CIO, the fifty-odd national offices of the International Unions, and the now his toric 400,000-plus Solidarity Day demonstration last September 19, 1981. To say the least, beneath the covers of high profile political conservatism lie the many labor-related activities sponsored by unions, coalition groups, and universities. Last July 18 through August 17 the highly successful Labor History Film Series at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, fea tured twenty-four different films under the title ". . . The Union Makes Us Strong." The series, organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Images of Labor," was significant in that it focussed attention culturally and historically on the American working class. Politically, it was pleasantly ironic that during the first summer of the Reagan administration a strongly pro-labor program was co-sponsored by the government's museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and a major labor union. Not surprisingly, the response was overwhelming. This success may pave the way for more cultural programs of this nature in the future. Along with the film series, the "Images of Labor"?an impressive exhibit of original art depicting labor's history and spirit, and organized by the Bread and Roses Cultural Project of District 1199?was featured at the Smithsonian the entire summer. For further information and posters, contact Lyn Goldfarb, Assistant Education Director of SEIU and co producer of the film "With Babies and Banners" (202-452-8750). A worthwhile project has been initiated through a D.C. Committee for the Humanities grant to study the local history of workers and unions in the District of Columbia. Researchers in the D.C. Labor History Project are presently unravelling the unique complexion of the working class in this area?the govern ment and administrative office workers, the services, building and trades, printers,
Modeling Software Piracy in Developed and Emerging Economies

The software industry loses billions of dollars annually to software piracy and has raised awareness of the high software piracy rates worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. We build a general model of software piracy that includes three economic and social factors suggested by the literature, including per capita GNI, the relative size of a country's IT market, and government corruption. We then test the model with respect to whether an economy is developed or emerging as designated by OECD membership and find no structural variation. However, a structural break did exist with respect to the relative size of a country's IT market. The analysis suggests that the classification of an economy as developed or emerging is not necessarily useful for understanding the causal mechanisms that give rise to software piracy. Our findings suggest more insight can be gained by formulating strategies that take into account the relative size of a country's IT market.
The experience of physicians who refer Latinos to hospice.

This study explores the referral experience of physicians who refer Latinos to end-of-life care and challenges associated with the referral process. Qualitative data were collected in New Jersey through semistructured, open-ended interviews. Six physicians participated in this study: 1 oncologist, 2 internists, 1 gerontologist, and 2 infectious disease specialists. The study reveals that language barriers, level of family involvement, and generational group of the patient and the family contribute to the complexity of the physician’s experience. Physicians’ comments evidence the importance of culturally competent training in medical school and continued education on this topic for physicians who did not receive such training. Bilingual bicultural hospice admissions’ staff available at the physician’s office could enhance the referral experience.
Glycation of plasma low density lipoproteins increases interaction with arterial proteoglycans

The increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis of diabetic individuals, may result from diabetes-associated modification in plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) which enhance their interaction with arterial extracellular matrix proteoglycans. Using a nonhuman primate model for human diabetes, studies were conducted to examine diabetes-induced changes in LDL. Plasma LDL were isolated from control (n = 4) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (n = 3) cynomolgus macaques by differential ultracentrifugation. An in vitro binding assay was used to measure LDL interaction with arterial proteoglycans. Significantly more diabetic LDL bound to proteoglycans than control LDL (12.9+/-0.7 microg LDL cholesterol/microg proteoglycan versus 8.9+/-0.5 microg LDL cholesterol/microg proteoglycan (mean +/- S.E.M.), P < 0.005). Glycation of LDL, determined by fructosamine content, was significantly enhanced in diabetic versus control animals (37+/-3.1 versus 20+/-1.5 micromol/l (mean +/- S.E.M.) P < 0.005). The correlation coefficient between fructosamine content of LDL and its binding to arterial proteoglycans was 0.95. No LDL compositional variables other than glycation correlated with proteoglycan binding. Removal of the glycated portion of LDL from diabetic animals returned LDL proteoglycan binding to normal. These data demonstrate that the diabetes induced glycation of LDL increases its proteoglycan binding properties: thus, a critical mechanism in atherosclerosis, enhanced LDL interaction with arterial proteoglycans, may be accelerated by the diabetic state.
Predictors of successful smoking cessation during pregnancy

HOFFMAN, LINDA DANIEL, Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware OBJECTIVE: Tobacco use has been firmly linked to many poor perinatal outcomes. With this knowledge, many women are able to stop smoking on their own. We sought to better understand what factors are associated with successful tobacco cessation by examining our own population. STUDY DESIGN: From October 2001 to April of 2004, patients were identified as pregnant smokers as part of an ongoing quality assessment project. Each trimester they were contacted and their smoking status was reassessed along with other factors that might influence their smoking status. Our primary outcome measure was self-reported non-smoking status. Univariate analysis was used to determine which factors predicted successful non-smokers. A P value of ! .05 was viewed statistically significant. RESULTS: A total or 718 women were recruited into the program. Thirty nine percent of prior smokers were successful in not smoking during their pregnancy. Women who were successful non-smokers had a lower parity (0.40 vs.0/81; P ! .001), had smoked for a shorter duration( 8.1 years vs. 10.4P ! .001),did not have other smokers at home(37.5% vs. 20%; P ! .001), felt highly motivated (87.7% vs. 26.5%; P ! .001). and felt highly self-confident (81.1% vs. 21.09%; P ! .001). Age and physician advice to quit smoking were not associated with smoking status. CONCLUSION: Successful smoking cessation is associated with lower parity, limited exposures to smokers, and feeling highly motivated and self-confident. Resources should target pregnant women who lack these qualities.
The electronic states of heavily doped crystals

Abstract In the present note, we derive an exact formal expression for the self energy of the electronic Green's function for a heavily doped crystal. Several approximations are discussed.
Network‐Based Approaches in Drug Discovery and Early Development

Identification of novel targets is a critical first step in the drug discovery and development process. Most diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders are complex, and their pathogenesis involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. Finding a viable drug target-drug combination with high potential for yielding clinical success within the efficacy-toxicity spectrum is extremely challenging. Many examples are now available in which network-based approaches show potential for the identification of novel targets and for the repositioning of established targets. The objective of this article is to highlight network approaches for identifying novel targets with greater chances of gaining approved drugs with maximal efficacy and minimal side effects. Further enhancement of these approaches may emerge from effectively integrating computational systems biology with pharmacodynamic systems analysis. Coupling genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics databases with systems pharmacology modeling may aid in the development of disease-specific networks that can be further used to build confidence in target identification.
The Role of Osteoblasts in the Hematopoietic Microenvironment

Hematopoietic stem cell differentiation occurs in direct proximity to osteoblasts within the bone marrow cavity. Despite this striking affiliation, surprisingly little is known about the precise cellular and molecular impact of osteoblasts on the bone marrow microenvironment. Recently, it has been proposed that human osteoblasts support the growth of primitive human hematopoietic cells in vitro and possibly in vivo. Evidence to support this hypothesis is reviewed as follows: the influence of osteoblasts on osteoclast development; the participation of osteoblasts in long-term bone marrow cultures; the production of positive hematopoietic regulatory molecules by osteoblasts; the production of cell-cycle inhibitory factors by osteoblasts, and cell-cell interactions between early hematopoietic cells and osteoblasts.
Hepatitis B virus promotes hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice

HBV is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HBV can directly cause HCC or only indirectly via the induction of chronic liver inflammation has been controversial. By using transgenic mice carrying the entire HBV genome as a model, we now demonstrate that HBV by itself is an inefficient carcinogen. However, it can efficiently promote hepatocarcinogenesis initiated by the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). This effect of HBV does not involve chronic liver inflammation, is apparently due to enhanced hepatocellular apoptosis and compensatory regeneration following DEN treatment, and does not require the HBV X protein. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a direct role of HBV in a hepatocarcinogenesis pathway that involves the interaction between this virus and a dietary carcinogen. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:16–21.)
The different faces of coupon elasticity

Abstract Coupons account for over two-thirds of all consumer promotional efforts initiated by the manufacturers of consumer goods. In this study, the impact of coupons on brand sales is investigated and how that impact decays over the life of the coupon is demonstrated. Specifically, we present an econometric model that can capture coupon effects in terms of equivalent price reduction, account for coupon effects over time, allow inference of coupon effects when retailers decide to double or triple the coupon value, and provide both self-coupon and cross-coupon elasticities at different levels of aggregation. A widely used sales response model is adapted, and an analytical model is proposed to estimate both the self-coupon and cross-coupon (face value) elasticities of sales at the store level. From the store-level elasticity estimates for a given week, the authors analytically derive the coupon elasticities for the chain level by aggregating across stores, and over the life of the coupon by aggregating over time. The proposed sales response model is estimated with the data obtained from three markets for various product categories, and the coupon elasticities are computed. The proposed framework allows one to demonstrate the hypothetical equivalence of a shelf-price reduction for a given coupon face value in each week. Also, the effect of doubling the face value of a coupon results in more than a proportionate increase in elasticity. The authors find that both self and cross-coupon elasticities are much smaller in magnitude than the average self and cross-price elasticity measures reported in the literature.
Interleaved hop-by-hop authentication against false data injection attacks in sensor networks

Sensor networks are often deployed in unattended environments, thus leaving these networks vulnerable to false data injection attacks in which an adversary injects false data into the network with the goal of deceiving the base station or depleting the resources of the relaying nodes. Standard authentication mechanisms cannot prevent this attack if the adversary has compromised one or a small number of sensor nodes. We present three interleaved hop-by-hop authentication schemes that guarantee that the base station can detect injected false data immediately when no more than t nodes are compromised, where t is a system design parameter. Moreover, these schemes enable an intermediate forwarding node to detect and discard false data packets as early as possible. Our performance analysis shows that our scheme is efficient with respect to the security it provides, and it also allows a tradeoff between security and performance. A prototype implementation of our scheme indicates that our scheme is practical and can be deployed on the current generation of sensor nodes.
CMA-HT: a crowd motion analysis framework based on heat-transfer analog model

Crowd motion analysis covers the detection, tracking, recognition, and behavior interpretation of target group from persistent surveillance video data. This project is dedicated to investigating a crowd motion analysis system based on a heat-transfer-analog model (denoted as CMA-HT for simplicity), and a generic modeling and simulation framework describing crowd motion behavior. CMA-HT is formulated by coupling the statistical analysis of crowd's historical behavior at a given location, geographic information system, and crowd motion dynamics. The mathematical derivation of the CMA-HT model and the innovative methods involved in the framework's implementation will be discussed in detail. Using the sample video data collected by Central Florida University as benchmark, CMA-HT is employed to measure and identify anomalous personnel or group responses in the video.
Thin GSO scintillator for neutron detection

Abstract The new scintillator cerium-doped gadolinium orthosilicate (GSO-Gd2SiO5:Ce) has a light output that is about 20% that of NaI(Tl). The enormous cross section of Gd for capture of thermal neutrons makes GSO a candidate for novel types of neutron detectors. The characteristic radiations from neutron capture in Gd can be stopped in about 75 μm of GSO. Data obtained from a GSO detector that was about 0.6-mm thick demonstrated that thermal neutrons could easily be detected and that higher energy gamma rays caused minimal interference.
Genes affecting the major outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli K-12: mutations at nmpA and nmpB.

Strains of Escherichia coli K-12 carrying mutations at either of two distinct loci (nmpA and nmpB) produce a new outer membrane pore protein which is not present in wild type cells. Mutations at either of these loci result in sensitivity to phage TC45, which can use this new protein as its receptor, and the new protein (the NmpAB protein) appears to be identical in both NmpA and NmpB mutants. In order to determine whether both of these loci contain structural genes for the NmpAB protein, strains carrying secondary mutations at either of these loci which produced altered proteins were sought by selecting for resistance to phage TC45. Mutants which produced proteins with altered electrophoretic mobility and altered peptide maps were isolated from strains carrying both nmpA and nmpB mutations, and these secondary mutations mapped at the same sites as the original mutations leading to production of the NmpAB protein. This suggests that both loci contain structural genes. Strains mutant at nmpB which can no longer produce the protein can mutate at the nmpA locus to produce the new protein, indicating that both genes can exist in the same cell. Since the altered proteins of mutant strains could be distinguished from one another, we attempted to construct strains in which both nmpA and nmpB were expressed. In all cases only the protein produced by the nmpB mutation was produced, indicating some form of cooperative regulation of the two genes.
“I Saw it in the Movies”: Exploring the Link between Product Placement Beliefs and Reported Usage Behavior

Abstract Previous research in the area of product placement in movies has suggested that it may influence brand recognition, recall, attitudes, and acceptance of the placements in general. However, a limited number of studies have attempted to correlate audience beliefs toward product placements with subsequent purchase behaviors. This study presents an exploratory examination of the correlation between beliefs about product placement and reported product usage following exposure. The results suggest that a subset of beliefs may be useful in predicting product usage behavior. The discussion concludes with managerial implications for including consumer actions as a measure of product placement's effectiveness.
Periodontal disease associates with higher brain amyloid load in normal elderly

The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques is a central feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). First reported in animal models, it remains uncertain if peripheral inflammatory and/or infectious conditions in humans can promote Aβ brain accumulation. Periodontal disease, a common chronic infection, has been previously reported to be associated with AD. Thirty-eight cognitively normal, healthy, and community-residing elderly (mean age, 61 and 68% female) were examined in an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and a University-Based Dental School. Linear regression models (adjusted for age, apolipoprotein E, and smoking) were used to test the hypothesis that periodontal disease assessed by clinical attachment loss was associated with brain Aβ load using (11)C-Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) positron emission tomography imaging. After adjusting for confounders, clinical attachment loss (≥3 mm), representing a history of periodontal inflammatory/infectious burden, was associated with increased PIB uptake in Aβ vulnerable brain regions (p = 0.002). We show for the first time in humans an association between periodontal disease and brain Aβ load. These data are consistent with the previous animal studies showing that peripheral inflammation/infections are sufficient to produce brain Aβ accumulations.
Study of the placebo effect with a placebo test

Summary This paper briefly reviewed several methodological problems in studies of the placebo effect. The importance of finding appropriate measures of placebo effect was emphasized. This led to an attempt to develop a more valid and reliable test of placebo reactivity. Use of the placebo test led to the following tentative conclusions: Inferences made about placebo effects vary with the method of scoring placebo reactions. The placebo effect consists of a group of nonreactors to the placebo, and a second group of reactors but without regard to positive or negative direction. The reactive group is subdivided into predominantly positive or negative groups. Thus, comparing positive reactors with a combined group of nonreactors and negative reactors obscures important differences among groups. Patients with positive reactions to placebo tend to improve more rapidly and have a better prognosis than patients with neutral and negative reactions. Patients with absent and negative responses may respond to treatment eveually but not as predictably as positive reactors. Other confirmed predictions were that positive and negative placebo reactions would be unrelated to older age, lower intelligence, authoritarianism, duration and severity of illness, and diagnosis, and that placebo reaction would be related to anxiety and depression. The placebo test may combine the best features of a simple, standardized, quantitative, and reliable laboratory test of suggestibility with the clinical relevance and validity of the placebo effect. These conclusions are qualified by the limitations of the study, particularly the small sample. This paper should be considered a report of preliminary findings which should be investigated further.
Aggressive motivation in Betta splendens: Replication and extension

In two experiments with male Ss, mirrors were more effective than live male fish in eliciting aggressive displays; Ss displayed less frequently but spent more time viewing both stimuli during continued or repeated exposure to them. Presence of a female Betta decreased display frequency to mirror but did not affect display frequency to male. Responsiveness to live fish was more consistent than that to mirrors.
Infrared spectroscopy studies of the petroleum pitch carbon fiber—I. The raw materials, the stabilization, and carbonization processes

Abstract Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) was used for the characterization of the petroleum pitch, the green fiber, and the stabilization and carbonization processes of the petroleum pitch precursor carbon fiber. Various substituted aromatic ring structures, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, as well as small amounts of carbonyl and hydroxyl were detected in the green fiber. Both the saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons were gradually oxidized during the stabilization process. The oxidation products included alcohol/phenol, ketone/aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester and anhydride. Dehydration and elimination of carbonyls and hydrocarbons in the stabilized carbon fiber were detected in the carbonization process. The aromatic ring condensation started to take place when the temperature reached above 500°C. All the functional groups were eliminated at 900°C.
Optimization of Life-Cycle Maintenance of Deteriorating Bridges with Respect to Expected Annual System Failure Rate and Expected Cumulative Cost

AbstractCivil infrastructure systems are subjected to progressive deterioration resulting from multiple mechanical and environmental stressors. This deterioration process is developed under uncertainties related to load effects, structural resistance, and inspection outcomes, among others. In this context, life-cycle optimization techniques provide a rational approach to manage these systems considering uncertainties and several budgetary and safety constraints. This paper proposes a novel optimization procedure for life-cycle inspection and maintenance planning of aging structures. In this procedure, the structural system effects are accounted for by modeling the structure as a series, parallel, or a series-parallel system whose components are subjected to time-dependent deterioration phenomena. Different possible repair options are considered depending on the damage state and the outcomes of each inspection. For each component, essential or preventive maintenance aiming at reducing the system failure ra...
A typology of Hungarian time adverbs

Hungarian has a number of apparently synonymous time adverbs that can measure the duration of time intervals. The paper explores these adverbs in some detail, and argues that contrary to appearances, none ofthem are freely interchangeable. The starting point is a discussion of the property of homogeneity that time adverbs are sensitive to. The paper argues for a specific treatment of homogeneity and a preliminary adverb definition based on that treatment. It is proposed that some, but not all, Hungarian time adverbs share the default definition. The diverging adverbs may (a) contain a covert frequency predicate or (b) not measure the duration of the time interval directly, but by determining an endpoint of the interval. Hungarian time adverbs also differ in the range of time intervals they can measure; some, but not all adverbs can measure all available time intervals including the event, iterative, habitual and reference time. This variability in time adverb modification is arbitrary and needs to be expl...
Optical modulation and detection in slotted Silicon waveguides

We demonstrate a novel mechanism for low power optical detection and modulation in a slotted waveguide geometry filled with nonlinear electro-optic polymers. The nanoscale confinement of the optical mode, combined with its close proximity to electrical contacts, enables the direct conversion of optical energy to electrical energy, without external bias, via optical rectification, and also enhances electro-optic modulation. We demonstrate this process for power levels in the sub-milliwatt regime, as compared to the kilowatt regime in which optical nonlinear effects are typically observed at short length scales. Our results suggest that a new class of detectors based on nonlinear optics may be practical.
The potential economic value of a cutaneous leishmaniasis vaccine in seven endemic countries in the Americas

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and its associated complications, including mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) and diffuse CL (DCL) have emerged as important neglected tropical diseases in Latin America, especially in areas associated with human migration, conflict, and recent deforestation. Because of the limitations of current chemotherapeutic approaches to CL, MCL, and DCL, several prototype vaccines are in different states of product and clinical development. We constructed and utilized a Markov decision analytic computer model to evaluate the potential economic value of a preventative CL vaccine in seven countries in Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. The results indicated that even a vaccine with a relatively short duration of protection and modest efficacy could be recommended for use in targeted locations, as it could prevent a substantial number of cases at low-cost and potentially even result in cost savings. If the population in the seven countries were vaccinated using a vaccine that provides at least 10 years of protection, an estimated 41,000-144,784 CL cases could be averted, each at a cost less than the cost of current recommended treatments. Further, even a vaccine providing as little as five years duration of protection with as little as 50% efficacy remains cost-effective compared with chemotherapy; additional scenarios resembling epidemic settings such as the one that occurred in Chaparral, Colombia in 2004 demonstrate important economic benefits.
Remote Manipulation With a Stationary Computer-Controlled Magnetic Dipole Source

In this paper, we examine several magnetic control methods that utilize the fully controllable dipole field generated by the single stationary dipole source. Since the magnetic field generated by a dipole source is nonuniform, it applies both forces and torques to magnetic objects and can be used to manipulate magnetic tools. Recently, the Omnimagnet, a computer-controlled magnetic dipole source capable of varying both its dipole-moment direction and magnitude, was developed to perform magnetic manipulation. The equations and methods are developed generally; therefore, they can be applied to any omnidirectional dipole source, but their effectiveness is demonstrated using the Omnimagnet.
Local signals in the energy landscape of collapsed helical proteins

Abstract Using simple statistical mechanical models, we present a theory based on a free energy function that combines classical models of the helix-coil transition in polymers with approximate treatments of the effects of excluded volume, confinement, and helical packing. The theory includes “local signals” for folding in the form of stabilization energies for three types of local structure. Randomness in the energies of the conformational states is also considered. The thermal behavior of the model is presented for realistic estimates of the signal energies. Estimates of the relative contributions of local signals and specific tertiary interactions to the folding stability gap are obtained.
A time-varying Beurling-Lax theorem and a related interpolation problem

This article concerns linear time-varying interpretations of the Beurling-Lax-Ball-Helton theorem and of Sarason's interpolation problem. The former characterizes shift-invariantH2 (Krein) subspaces. Unilateral shift invariance reflects both causality and time invariance. Removing the stationarity requirement, a generalized theorem provides a characterization of certain causal subspace families Mt ⊂L2(t, ∞), t e ℝ. Sarason's interpolation problem is interpreted here as a search for a (close to) minimal induced norm system, given causal input-output specifications. The Beurling-Lax theorem helps in identifying admissible specification classes. The problem is then reduced to and solved in terms of a linear time-varying Nehari problem. Technically, developments are based on timedomain, state-space methods.
Exploring margin setting for good generalization in multiple class discrimination

In earlier publications, we showed that it is possible to achieve both low VC dimension and high accuracy, if we divide the given training set into a sequence of subsets each of which does admit such a solution. Here we explore in substantially more detail how the various steps in what was called ''Margin Setting'' impact false classification and indecision rates. A complex relationship exists between margin size, the number of steps in the process, and those two classification failures. After mapping those relationships, we offer a qualitative explanation of them.
Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: The Evolution of Ethics, Evidence, and Policy

Introduction The debate over use of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in terminal illness, including advanced dementia, remains contentious despite extensive ethical and empirical investigation.
The use of nonhuman primates in the study of bilirubin metabolism and bile secretion.

Close similarities exist in the chemical structure of fetal and adult bile pigments and mechanisms for hepatic bilirubin conjugation and transport in human and nonhuman primates. Newborn monkeys, unlike other animals, develop physiologic hyperbilirubinemia and are ideal animal models in which to investigate this developmental human disorder. Aberrations in bile pigment metabolism and compartmentalization which occur in hemolytic, hepatocellular, and obstructive diseases, closely resemble those reported in counterpart syndromes in man. Similarities also exist in the mechanisms responsible for the secretion of canalicular and ductular/ductal bile and the composition of bile. Nonhuman primates offer distinct advantages for comparative studies concerning bile pigment metabolism and the secretion of bile.
Baryons on the lattice

Abstract A detailed study of heavy baryons is performed via Monte Carlo lattice gauge theory. Studying the off-axis qq potential we assess the effect of discrete rotational symmetry on physical parameters such as the string tension. At β = 6.1 these are of order 15% but seem insignificant at β = 6.3. The baryonic potential is calculated and yields a string tension comparable to that observed in mesonic Monte Carlo calculations as well as that derived from Regge slopes and relativised hadronic models. It is suggested that the effects of string vibrations are small in the range x ⪅ 0.5 fm. The baryonic energy density is also studied and strongly supports the dual superconductor model of confinement as well as suggesting that the baryonic strings meet at a single central point rather than joining the quarks pairwise.
Evaluating Intensity Output of Curing Lights in Private Dental Offices

Unbeknownst to the operators, many curing lights evaluated in this study functioned at substandard levels. Dentists in private offices were using inadequate curing lights, according to these study results. Many were unaware that the output of the lights was inadequate to completely cure composite resins.
Consensus and the visual acuity of quark hunters — A response

In his essay on microphysical observation, Professor J. R. Albright claims: "When an experimenter presents enough evidence for a new particle, effect, or quantum number so that the community of physi cists believes the result, then it is said that the experimenter has seen the particle, effect, or quantum number" ([1], p. 148). Although the author is undoubtedly correct that physicists do not count something as an "observation" until it is accepted by the scientific community, there are some difficulties involved in defining observation in terms of consensus.
Theoretical radiative emission results for argon/copper thermal plasmas

Theoretically determined radiative properties for argon and argon/copper plasmas at one atmosphere, in the temperature range from 3000 to 25000 K, are presented. The spectrum from 0.03 to 25 μm is covered. The spectral emission coefficient, integrated emission coefficient, and net emission coefficient are the properties considered. To determine the limits of the optically thin regime, the intensity for a line-of-sight in an isothermal, homogeneous plasma versus pathlength is compared to the intensity calculated with the optically thin assumption. To obtain information on the dominating emission mechanisms, the fractional contributions of the bound bound (line), free-bound, and free-free emission are shown. To obtain information on the dominating species, plots of the fractional contributions of each of the atom and ion types is presented. Because it is of interest to know how much of the total radiation is in the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength region, fractional plots of this are presented too.
New Approach in Synthesis of Carbon Allotropes in Large Quantities

Abstract This work proposes a new method for mass production of carbon allotropes synthesis by arc‐plasma. In particular, carbon vapor is produced from graphite electrode by introducing a buffer gas into the electrode gap to generate an intense gas outflow and fast evacuation of the produced vapor from the hot plasma zone. Study of the influence of the gas flow dynamics differently supplied to the hot plasma zone during the fullerenes synthesis was studied and the relationships between different gas flow rates, applied power, diameters of used electrodes and fullerenes productivity and yield were established. The new proposed method allows a significant increase of fullerenes productivity.
Missing Data versus Missing Characters in Phylogenetic Analysis

As noted by Nixon and Davis (1991) and Platnick et al. (1991), this particular use of the missing data coding is but one of several. A missing data entry in a phyloge? ne data matrix might mean that (1) the taxon has some state in the character but it is not known which (the data are miss? ing), (2) the character is simply not appli? cable to the taxon (the character is "miss? ing"), or (3) the character is polymorphic in the taxon. (Doyle and Donoghue [1986] used the missing data coding in yet anoth? er way in their X-coding, which attempted to implement assumptions not then avail? able in common computer programs.) Nix? on and Davis (1991) pointed out problems that arise with the third of these usages, i. ., missing data for polymorphisms. My goal here is to describe problems that arise with the second of these usages, i.e., miss? ing ata for inapplicable characters. In the example above, those taxa with no tails were coded as having missing data in the tail color character because the character
"Active" T cells in guinea pig peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract The ability to form rosettes with rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) has been shown to be characteristic of T but not B cells from guinea pigs. In an attempt to devise an assay system to measure the guinea pig equivalent of human “active” T cells, we have investigated the effects of various conditions on RRBC binding by guinea pig lymphocytes, including incubation time, RRBC: lymphocyte ratio, presence or absence of guinea pig serum or fetal calf serum in the incubation medium, and pretreatment of RRBC with neuraminidase or 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET). Without incubation and at a 100:1 ratio of RRBC to guinea pig lymphocytes, about 35% of guinea pig peripheral blood lymphocytes bound RRBC, similar to the number of “active” T cells in human peripheral blood as measured by rosette formation with sheep red blood cells. Cold incubation increased the number of rosetting cells to over 80%, presumably the total number of T cells. A relative decrease in the number of RRBC diminished rosetting only at ratios of 10:1 or less. Pretreatment of RRBC with neuraminidase slighily increased, whereas AET pretreatment drastically reduced the number of rosettes. Increasing concentrations of guinea pig serum in the medium up to 100% slightly inhibited rosetting. These results suggest the presence of two T-cell populations in guinea pig peripheral blood, equivalent to the human “active” and “total” rosette-forming T-cell subpopulations.
The Relative Influences of Neutralizing Behavior and Subcultural Values on Academic Dishonesty.

The author examined the influence of neutralizing techniques and subcultural values on academic dishonesty using a sample of 327 ethnically diverse business majors. Findings suggest that both neutralizing behavior and subcultural norms are correlated with academic dishonesty; however, neutralization techniques have a stronger association. Findings suggest the importance of clearly communicating behavior standards to combat neutralizing behavior, and the importance of implementing measures to increase the ethicality of the overall subcultural group.
Antagonistic Interactions Between the cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase and Tor Signaling Pathways Modulate Cell Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Eukaryotic cells integrate information from multiple sources to respond appropriately to changes in the environment. Here, we examined the relationship between two signaling pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are essential for the coordination of cell growth with nutrient availability. These pathways involve the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Tor proteins, respectively. Although these pathways control a similar set of processes important for growth, it was not clear how their activities were integrated in vivo. The experiments here examined this coordination and, in particular, tested whether the PKA pathway was primarily a downstream effector of the TORC1 signaling complex. Using a number of reporters for the PKA pathway, we found that the inhibition of TORC1 did not result in diminished PKA signaling activity. To the contrary, decreased TORC1 signaling was generally associated with elevated levels of PKA activity. Similarly, TORC1 activity appeared to increase in response to lower levels of PKA signaling. Consistent with these observations, we found that diminished PKA signaling partially suppressed the growth defects associated with decreased TORC1 activity. In all, these data suggested that the PKA and TORC1 pathways were functioning in parallel to promote cell growth and that each pathway might restrain, either directly or indirectly, the activity of the other. The potential significance of this antagonism for the regulation of cell growth and overall fitness is discussed.
Negotiating gender, power, and spaces in masquerade performances in Nigeria

Egungun is a Yoruba ancestral masquerade ritual that has been practiced for centuries. Shifting coalitions of individuals and factions have vied for social and political influence through this practice. In the nineteenth century, when western missionaries, explorers, and colonial officials first documented this phenomenon, any individual who could sponsor an Egungun performance was a force to be reckoned with in Yoruba society. To this day, Egungun masquerades are understood as vehicles through which individuals and groups can assert influence in their communities. Western scholars have portrayed Egungun as a hegemonic masculine performance space through which men assert their dominance over women. In privileging the writings of English missionaries, explorers, and colonial officials, we have tended to neglect the oral traditions and histories of specific Egungun masquerades in which women feature prominently. I argue that scholars have oversimplified and misrepresented the complex ways in which these per...