cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diverse Beliefs, Survival and the Market Price of Risk*

We study prices and allocations in a complete-markets, pure-exchange economy in which there are two types of agents with different priors over infinite sequences of the aggregate endowment. Aggregate consumption growth evolves exogenously according to a two-state Markov process. The economy has two types of agents, one that learns about transition probabilities and another that knows them. We examine allocations, the market price of risk and the rate at which asset prices converge to values that would be computed under the assumption that all agents know the transition probabilities. Cogley and Sargent (2008) showed that market prices of risk would be high in an economy with a risk-neutral Bayesian representative agent who learns about the parameters of a transition matrix for aggregate consumption growth starting with a pessimistic prior in 1933.1 This article studies the robustness of that finding to a per turbation that adds a small fraction of agents who know the parameters of the trans ition matrix. Traders participate in a Walrasian equilibrium in which they do not infer information from prices (Grossman, 1981).23 Under what we assume to be the true data-generating mechanism, the survival-of-the-fittest force analysed by Blume and Easley (2006) causes the more knowledgeable agents' influence on equilibrium prices to grow over time along with their wealth. We study how quickly that dissipates the effects of the initial pessimism of the less informed agents on equilibrium prices.4 To give the survival mechanism a large scope to moderate the effects of initial pessim ism, we assume complete markets that allow agents to make trades of claims to wealth that are motivated solely by the different subjective probabilities they put on future states. That gives the agents many opportunities to place bets that over time stochastically increase the share of wealth of the traders who know transition probabilities. We solve a Pareto problem to compute competitive equilibrium prices and alloca tions, thereby implicitly defining an initial allocation of wealth. We study how the market price of risk evolves as a function of the relative Pareto weight on the better informed agent. Among other things, we want to know how large the Pareto weight on
How does object structure influence saccade targeting within an object

How is attention distributed within a spatially extended object? Some evidence suggests, with multiple seconds of viewing, attention comes to be peaked at the center of an object, even when the end of this object is cued (Alvarez & Scholl, 2005; Doran et al., 2009). In addition, eye movements to objects often land at the center of the object (the center of gravity effect, e.g., Denisova, et al., 2006; Kowler & Blaser, 1995; Melcher & Kowler, 1995; Vishwanath & Kowler, 2003), consistent with the idea that covert attention (prior to the saccade) comes to be concentrated at the center of the object. In the latter case, however, center of gravity effects have been observed for goal-directed saccades at relatively long latencies, thus, they might not reflect the automatic spread of attention through an object (Hollingworth et al., in press). In the present study, we examined the extent to which rapidly-generated saccades to a part of an object are biased toward the center of the object.
Instability of solitary waves for generalized Boussinesq equations

An equation of Boussinesq-type of the formu tt -u xx +(f(u)+uxx)xx=0 is considered. It is shown that a traveling wave may be stable or unstable, depending on the range of the wave's speed of propagation and on the nonlinearity. Sharp conditions to that effect are given.
Testicular Pain Associated With Minocycline Use

Two males ages 16 and 23 years presented with new testicular pain while taking minocycline. Both patients experienced resolution of their symptoms only after minocycline discontinuation. Testicular pain with minocycline use has been previously described, however only in the setting of systemic autoimmune reactions (which were absent here). These cases represent probable rare adverse reactions to minocycline. For patients taking minocycline who experience otherwise unexplained testicular pain, a trial discontinuation of this medication should be considered.
Imaging findings in pleuropulmonary blastoma

Background: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare tumor of the chest seen in young children and recently recognized as distinct from the pulmonary blastoma typically encountered in adults. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review and describe the findings of PPB on radiography and CT in four patients. Methods: Radiographs and CT findings were reviewed in four patients with pathologically proven PPB. Results: All four cases demonstrated large masses in the right hemithorax with heterogeneous low attenuation, pleural effusion, contralateral mediastinal shift, and lack of chest wall invasion. Conclusion: When a large pleural-based mass is identified in a young child, PPB should be considered. Suggestive findings include absence of chest wall invasion, presence of pleural fluid, right-sided location, and heterogeneous low attenuation.
On the velocity dependence of the L/D effect for long-rod penetrators

Abstract At ordnance velocities (1.0 – 1.9 km/s), there is a pronounced decrease in penetration efficiency, as measured by P/L, when projectiles of larger L/D are used. The influence of L/D on penetration is referred to as the L/D effectd. We numerically examine the L/D effect at higher velocities, from 2.0 km/s to 4.5 km/s. It is found that as the velocity increases, there is a change in mechanism for the L/D effect. At ordnance velocities the L/D effect is mostly due to the decay in penetration velocity during the “steady-state” region of penetration. At higher velocities, the steady-state region of penetration shows no L/D dependence, and the L/D effect is due primarily to the penetration of the residual (non-eroding) rod at the end of the penetration event. This change in mechanism is related to the change in slope of the penetration-versus-impact velocity “S-shaped” curve for eroding projectiles.
Subclinical Left Ventricular Abnormalities in Young Diabetics

Twenty young asymptomatic diabetic patients were evaluated for left ventricular dysfunction by determining the radionuclide ejection fraction response to supine bicycle ergometry. The double product at peak exercise (28,743 ± 3,314 vs 29,007 ± 3,625, p>.05) was not significantly different between the two groups. Seven of 20 diabetics had either no change or a drop in their ejection fraction during exercise while 1 of 20 control subjects had no change in ejection fraction. There was no correlation between the FBS (r = .26) and HbAlc (r = .32) and ejection fraction change during exercise, although those diabetics with LV dysfunction tended to have a higher HbA1c level as compared to diabetics with a normal response (16.8 ± 3.1 percent vs 12.5 ± 3.8 percent respectively, p>.05). The LV systolic dysfunction in young asymptomatic diabetic subjects does not appear to correlate with the degree of acute or chronic hyperglycemia, and therefore, is not a direct function of the dynamic metabolic state of diabetes.
An Evaluation of the Effect of Ambient Conditions on the Integration of Inlet Conditioning Systems With Industrial Gas Turbine Engines

All industrial power systems are influenced by ambient parameters, and power plant output fluctuates significantly with changes in ambient conditions such as pressure, temperature, and humidity. The use of an inlet conditioning system is frequently proposed to lower the temperatures at the inlet of an industrial gas turbine engine, particularly in hot and arid regions. To evaluate such a system, a robust design methodology has been developed whereby ambient operating conditions and their impacts can be modeled easily and accurately. Ambient models are developed that are specific to a given locale and consider daily and annual variations in temperature and humidity. A robust design is one that has a high probability of meeting design goals, and at the same time, is insensitive to operational uncertainty. This paper addresses the possibility of enhancing the robustness of gas turbine engines by means of technology additions. The results of this study have been developed in part using the probabilistic analysis techniques developed at the Aerospace System Design Laboratory at Georgia Tech, and they demonstrate how differing ambient conditions can affect the decision to install an inlet conditioning system with the engine [1]. An industrial gas turbine power plant is modeled, and the ambient models are integrated with the engine model and used to predict the overall impact on power plant net revenue over a year-long period of operation. This is done at four specified locales each with widely different ambient characteristics.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Protection against anthrax toxin by vaccination with a DNA plasmid encoding anthrax protective antigen

Abstract A DNA vaccine encoding the immunogenic and biologically active portion of anthrax protective antigen (PA) was constructed. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized intramuscularly with this vaccine were stimulated to secrete IFNγ and IL-4 when exposed to PA in vitro. Immunized mice also mounted a humoral immune response dominated by IgG1 anti-PA antibody production, the subclass previously shown to confer protection against anthrax toxin. A 1:100 dilution of serum from these animals protected cells in vitro against cytotoxic concentrations of PA. Moreover, 7/8 mice immunized three times with the PA DNA vaccine were protected against lethal challenge with a combination of anthrax protective antigen plus lethal factor.
Cavity ring-down observation of Yb3+ optical absorption in room temperature solution

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy is used to probe the optical absorption of the optical pseudo-two level system [Xe]4f(13) Yb(3+) in room temperature solution, a situation where the two-color pump-probe luminescence approach commonly used to study the other [Xe]4f(n) (2 (4)F(9/2) [Xe]4f(5) Dy(3+) and the (7)F(0)-->(5)D(0) [Xe]4f(6) Eu(3+) transitions are presented and compared to the corresponding single pass absorption and two-color pump-probe luminescence spectra to obtain sensitivity estimates. Finally the spectrum for the (2)F(5/2)-->(2)F(7/2) [Xe]4f(13) Yb(3+) transition for a model Yb(3+) complex in room temperature solution is obtained using cavity ring-down spectroscopy for the first time.
On the porous structure of coals: Evidence for an interconnected but constricted micropore system and implications for coalbed methane recovery

An experimental and theoretical study of adsorption and diffusion of carbon dioxide and methane in coals of widely varying rank was carried out. Low pressures adsorption isotherms of CO2 were obtained and analyzed using Dubinin's theory of volume filling of micropores. High-pressure adsorption isotherms of CH4 were obtained and analyzed using tracer pulse chromatography in conjunction with an appropriate adsorption/diffusion model. A preliminary129Xe NMR analysis of chemical shifts experienced by xenon atoms in particles of different sizes is also reported.
A mixed Weibull model for size reduction of particulate and fibrous materials

This paper describes a simple alternative to the classical population balance breakage model, which characterizes and controls the size distribution of particles submitted to a reduction process. The new approach is based on cumulative distribution functions of mixed random variables. Results indicate that a Weibull mixture distribution function adequately models the size of particles submitted to various breakage processes. The model was further applied to experimental reduction processes with apparently random breakage probability and yielded good estimates of the unbroken particle and fragment distributions. Use of these results for direct and indirect prediction of the size alteration under dimensional reduction processes is discussed.
Occupational Chlorophenol Exposure and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Risk among Men Aged 30-60 Years

To evaluate the association of chlorophenol exposure with soft tissue sarcoma risk independent of phenoxyherbicide exposure, the authors analyzed data from the Selected Cancers Study, a population-based case-control study that included 295 male soft tissue sarcoma cases, aged 32-60 years, from eight population-based cancer registries and 1,908 male controls. Chlorophenol exposure was assigned using both an intensity and a confidence estimate by an industrial hygienist based on verbatim job descriptions. Seventeen percent of the jobs rated as high intensity involved wood preservation, while 82% involved cutting oils. Soft tissue sarcoma risk, modeled using conditional logistic regression, was significantly associated with ever having high-intensity chlorophenol exposure (odds ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.88). A duration-response trend was evident among more highly exposed subjects (p for trend < 0.0001). For subjects with 10 or more years of substantial exposure, the odds ratio was 7.78 (95% confidence interval 2.46-24.65). These results suggest that chlorophenol exposure independent of phenoxyherbicides may increase the risk of soft tissue sarcoma. Because of the large number of machinists in the exposed group and the complex composition of cutting fluids, it is possible that another exposure involved in machining is responsible for the observed excess risk.
Absorption of light by turbid materials

The transmission and absorption properties of turbid media have been examined with Kubelka and Munk’s theory of the optics of intensely scattering material. The equation for the optical density of such material as a function of thickness has been derived and examined experimentally. It is shown that the reflectivity and scattering coefficient can be determined absolutely without reference to a standard material from the optical-density measurements. The absorption spectra of pigments in scattering media and in clear solution have been compared. It is shown that light in passing through a turbid sample may traverse an optical path which is many times the sample thickness. The practical consequence of this increased path length is an intensification of the absorption bands of pigments in light-scattering media. The theoretical expression for this intensification has been derived and tested experimentally. Spectral effects due to the physical binding of pigment molecules to the scattering particles have also been examined.
Electrical devices for left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure: do we need revised guidelines?

Three recent trials have demonstrated the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II patients with heart failure (HF) with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy as well as in NYHA class I (asymptomatic) patients mostly with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Earlier intervention with CRT in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients improves survival and reduces HF hospitalizations. The reduction or the prevention of HF hospitalizations is of paramount importance because the HF episodes seem to alter the natural history of disease and are associated with deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function and a marked increase in mortality. The CRT benefit is greatest in patients with a QRS ≥150 ms. At this time, it would seem prudent to consider CRT-D (D = ICD) therapy for class I NYHA patients with a QRS ≥150 ms and an LV ejection fraction ≤30% regardless of etiology. Although the data for NYHA class I patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy are scanty, the recommendation for class I patients is justified because CRT achieves a much greater degree of LV reverse remodeling in nonischemic compared to ischemic patients. With regard to lone ICDs, there is no evidence that they prevent sudden cardiac death more efficiently in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients. Cardiomyopathy should be the primary target for device therapy regardless of symptoms for both CRT and lone ICD therapy. New guidelines are needed to address the role of CRT in hospitalized NYHA class IV HF patients or those who depend on inotropic therapy or an LV assist device because randomized CRT trials have not included these patients. CRT in these patients remains controversial. The mortality of such patients even with CRT is very high despite the occasional positive response. The role of CRT in patients waiting for cardiac transplantation also needs guidelines. With the expansion of CRT indications to minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic patients, the benefit of device therapy must be carefully weighed against the potential risk of lifelong device complications.
Attending Step Meetings As a Course Requirement: A Preliminary Investigation

Students in Drugs and Behavior courses evaluated their experiences of attending 12-step meetings (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous). We describe the parameters of this course requirement and offer suggestions for implementation. As hypothesized, students reported that attendance at 12-step meetings increased their understanding of addiction treatment and was relevant to the objectives of a Drugs and Behavior course. These 2 dimensions were also positively correlated with students' reports of comfort attending meetings. Students wrote reaction papers addressing positive and negative feelings and issues regarding 12-step meeting attendance. We provide examples of these comments, as well as students' suggestions for increasing comfort when attending meetings, to guide instructors who might want to assign a similar activity.
A contribution from collective rotation to ΔI=±1 transitions in the cranking model

Abstract The contribution of the orientational polarization of the core to quasiparticle transition amplitudes in deformed nuclei is derived. In the cranked mean-field model, these contributions arise from the coupling of rotational RPA excitations to the quasiparticles. They reduced to the usual core contribution (gR) for M1 transitions, and give a collective and possibly oscillatory contribution to E2 transitions with ΔI=±1.
Fluorescence-activated cell sorting-derived clones of Babesia bigemina show karyotype polymorphism.

Use of the fluorescence-activated cell sorter proved to be an accurate and highly efficient means for cloningBabesia parasites. These qualities were examined by separating a mixed population ofBabesia-infected bovine erythrocytes composed of two isolates with different karyotypes. Direct evidence of polymorphism was detected during comparison of the resultant clones.
Temperature dependence of thermal conductance between aluminum and water

Abstract We present a method to obtain temperature dependence of thermal conductance between aluminum and water. The temperature dependence of thermal boundary conductance (TBC) including phonon–phonon interactions and electron–phonon interactions is predicted. The contribution from phonon–phonon interactions is calculated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. With time-domain thermo-reflectance experiments, the thermal conductance of electron–phonon interactions is extracted. The temperature dependence of total thermal conductance is calculated by combining the thermal conductance contributed by phonon–phonon interactions and electron–phonon interactions. Thermal boundary conductance increases as temperature increases from 273 K to 373 K.
Common fixed point theorems for compatible self-maps of Hausdorff topological spaces

The concept of proper orbits of a map is introduced and results of the following type are obtained. If a continuous self-map of a Hausdorff topological space has relatively compact proper orbits, then has a fixed point. In fact, has a common fixed point with every continuous self-map of which is nontrivially compatible with . A collection of metric and semimetric space fixed point theorems follows as a consequence. Specifically, a theorem by Kirk regarding diminishing orbital diameters is generalized, and a fixed point theorem for maps with no recurrent points is proved.
Intensity of motion sickness symptoms as a function of apparent autonomic balance.

Abstract Twenty volunteer male college students were exposed to motion picture films which reliably elicit symptoms of motion sickness. Those Ss with relatively higher apparent sympathetic nervous system dominance showed significantly smaller autonomic reactions to the film. It was concluded that increased sympathetic tone tended to reduce autonomic reactions to motion sickness stimuli. It was suggested that the sympathetic nervous system symptoms that usually occur in motion sickness are actually defensive reactions rather than symptoms of nausea.
Creative Potential and Practised Creativity: Identifying Untapped Creativity in Organizations

This study examines the construct validity of creative potential and practised creativity, two overlooked aspects of creativity that may be useful for identifying untapped creative resources in organizations. Results of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) utilizing structural equation modelling techniques provide some initial evidence in support of the construct validity of these concepts. These findings appear to have important managerial implications for increasing creativity and overall organizational effectiveness. The results presented here also suggest some directions for future research aimed at examining the relationships between creative potential, practised creativity and other variables of interest.
Spatio-temporal composition of distributed multimedia objects for value-added networks

The overall process necessary to perform spatial and temporal data composition for a distributed multimedia information system is addressed. With respect to delays introduced through the network, it is found that temporal composition can be most suitably achieved at the workstation. Spatial composition is most effectively performed in a hierarchical fashion as dictated by the availability of system resources. The subsequent composition methodology combines spatial and temporal composition as a network service. Database organizations and data distributions are also investigated, and spatial and temporal composition functions and their composition into the network architecture are discussed. The issue of mapping the composition process onto the network resources as a value-added service is also addressed. >
Nondestructive Compositional and Defect Characterization of CdZnTe Alloys Using Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

Results from high resolution helium temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy have been correlated to precision lattice constant and transport measurements and to theoretical band gap versus composition behavior. It is found that low temperature PL spectra provide precise determination (+/− 0.02%) of ZnTe mole fraction as well as carrier type, relative impurity concentration and point defect properties of these substrates. In addition helium and room temperature PL results are correlated to determine the accuracy of room temperature measurements for composition determination.
Some experimental studies of vortex rings

A series of experiments designed to reveal the properties of high Reynolds number vortex rings, using flow-visualization and laser-Doppler techniques, has uncovered several interesting and unexpected results. Starting at the beginning of the motion, at a nozzle, and proceeding downstream, these include the following. A formation process that is strongly Reynolds number dependent.The amount of vorticity that appears downstream is very close to that predicted by a simple ‘slug’ model. However flow-visualization studies show that such a model is an oversimplification and that an excess of ring vorticity is probably cancelled by the ingestion of vorticity of opposite sign at the nozzle lip.(iii) A new, bimodal form of vortex-core instability has been observed at moderate but not high Reynolds numbers.Azimuthal inhomogeneities in the breaking of these, and the normal instability waves, create an ‘axial’ flow along the vortex core in the turbulent ring. This axial flow takes the form of a propagating wave that has many characteristics of a solitary wave. It is hypothesized that this axial flow prevents further ring instability.The long-term behaviour of the turbulent ring is marked by dramatic changes in its growth rate, which are probably related to changes in the ‘organization’ of the vortex core. The descriptive turbulent-ring model developed in Maxworthy (1974) is substantially confirmed by these experiments and by observation of ring propagation through a stratified ambient fluid.
Duration Models for Repeated Events

An important feature of most political events is their repeatability: nearly all political events reoccur, and theories of learning, path dependence, and institutional change all suggest that later events will differ from earlier ones. Yet, most models for event history analysis fail to account for repeated events, a fact that can yield misleading results in practice. We present a class of duration models for analyzing repeated events, discuss their properties and implementation, and offer recommendations for their use by applied researchers. We illustrate these methods through an application to widely used data on international conflict.
Potential model calculation of energetic photon production from heavy ion collisions

A simple parametrization has been developed for the proton-neutron bremsstrahlung amplitude which reproduces the results of a meson exchange potential model including the convection, magnetization, and the two-body current contributions. Our parametrization maintains the important role of exchange contributions at high photon energies. We apply the model to the description of energetic photon production in heavy ion induced reactions.
NK1.1+ Cells and IL-22 Regulate Vaccine-Induced Protective Immunity against Challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We previously found that human NK cells lyse Mycobacterium tuberculosis- infected monocytes and alveolar macrophages and upregulate CD8 + T cell responses. We also found that human NK cells produce IL-22, which inhibits intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis , and that NK cells lyse M. tuberculosis- expanded CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + T regulatory cells (Tregs). To determine the role of NK cells during the protective immune response to vaccination in vivo, we studied the NK cell and T cell responses in a mouse model of vaccination with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), followed by challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis H37Rv. BCG vaccination enhanced the number of IFN-γ–producing and IL-22–producing NK cells. Depletion of NK1.1 + cells at the time of BCG vaccination increased the number of immunosuppressive Tregs (CD4 + CD25 hi , 95% Foxp3 + ) after challenge with M. tuberculosis H37Rv, and NK1.1 + cells lysed expanded but not natural Tregs in BCG-vaccinated mice. Depletion of NK1.1 + cells at the time of BCG vaccination also increased the bacillary burden and reduced T cell responses after challenge with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. IL-22 at the time of vaccination reversed these effects and enhanced Ag-specific CD4 + cell responses in BCG-vaccinated mice after challenge with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Our study provides evidence that NK1.1 + cells and IL-22 contribute to the efficacy of vaccination against microbial challenge.
Synthesis and application of fluorescently labeled phthalic anhydride (PA) functionalized polymers by ATRP

Abstract Fluorescent PMMAs containing a phthalic anhydride (PA) group at the chain ends were prepared using the newly developed initiator 7 by atom transfer radical polymerization and subsequent pyrolysis. These polymers allowed for the detection of inter-macromolecular reaction in reactive polymer blends at a low concentration by the use of fluorescence-gel permeation chromatography. The PA–amine coupling reaction proved to be efficient in reactive blending studies for the compatibilization of PS–PMMA blends at low concentration (≤8%) giving a morphology where the average PMMA drop size is 0.6 μm. With 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) groups as the fluorescent label, the blend morphologies could be visualized in three dimensions by laser confocal microscopy.
Lamination core loss measurements in machines operating with PWM or nonsinusoidal excitation

Variable speed drives (VSDs) are becoming standard supplies for motors in industries because of their benefits in increased process control and energy savings. The benefits of employing a VSD are derived at a cost of increased core losses and motor temperature rise. Core loss measurements with sinusoidal supplies are guided by international standards. However, there are currently no international standards for the fast growing variable frequency supplies and the associated core losses. In this paper, a test bench for core loss measurements under variable frequency supplies proposed by A. Boglietti et al. (1997) is adopted. Work reported in this paper serves to validate the proposal and extends the test bench proposal to switched reluctance motor (SRM) lamination core loss measurements. An Epstein frame was used for direct core loss measurements. The methods and test bench used are detailed in the paper, along with test results.
Mining rule semantics to understand legislative compliance

Organizations in privacy-regulated industries (e.g. healthcare and financial institutions) face significant challenges when developing policies and systems that are properly aligned with relevant privacy legislation. We analyze privacy regulations derived from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that affect information sharing practices and consumer privacy in healthcare systems. Our analysis shows specific natural language semantics that formally characterize rights, obligations, and the meaningful relationships between them required to build value into systems. Furthermore, we evaluate semantics for rules and constraints necessary to develop machine-enforceable policies that bridge between laws, policies, practices, and system requirements. We believe the results of our analysis will benefit legislators, regulators and policy and system developers by focusing their attention on natural language policy semantics that are implementable in software systems.
Wellness and College Type in African American Male College Students: An Examination of Differences

African American male students (N = 203) attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) and a predominantly White institution (PWI) participated in a study to determine differences in wellness. HBCU students scored significantly higher than did PWI students on Friendship, Love, Sense of Control, and Gender Identity. PWI students scored significantly higher than did HBCU students on Sense of Worth. Implications and future research directions are suggested.
Recombinant Leishmania Hsp90 and Hsp70 are recognized by sera from visceral leishmaniasis patients but not Chagas' disease patients.

Abstract Approximately 70% of the cDNA clones identified by immunoscreening Leishmania donovani expression libraries with serum from a patient with visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) were found to encode the highly conserved Hsp90 and Hsp70 members of the heat shock protein family. Recombinant fusion proteins containing the C-terminal portions of L. donovani Hsp90 and Hsp70 were used as target antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of various sera. Sera from four patients with visceral leishmaniasis recognized recombinant Leishmania Hsp90 and Hsp70, while sera from seven patients with Chagas' disease did not, despite the fact that Trypanosoma cruzi Hsp90 and Hsp70 share more than 80% amino acid identity with their counterparts in Leishmania spp. Thus, Leishmania Hsp90 and Hsp70 elicit strong humoral responses and are potential candidates for specific serodiagnostic assays capable of distinguishing between L. donovani and T. cruzi infections.
Superconvergence and time evolution of discontinuous Galerkin finite element solutions

In this paper, we study the convergence and time evolution of the error between the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element solution and the exact solution for conservation laws when upwind fluxes are used. We prove that if we apply piecewise linear polynomials to a linear scalar equation, the DG solution will be superconvergent towards a particular projection of the exact solution. Thus, the error of the DG scheme will not grow for fine grids over a long time period. We give numerical examples of P^k polynomials, with 1=
Invisible flow watermarks for channels with dependent substitution and deletion errors

Flow watermarking 1 is an efficient technique for linking packet flows that helps thwart various attacks in networks such as over the Internet. Current state-of-the-art water-marking schemes withstand packet losses at the expense of compromising invisibility. We present an invisible flow watermarking scheme that can endure large numbers of packet losses. To maintain invisibility, our scheme embeds quantization-index modulation watermarks into inter-packet delays (as opposed to intervals). As the watermark is injected within individual packets, packet losses may lead to water-mark desynchronization and substitution errors. To deal with this issue we propose a maximum likelihood decoding (ML) scheme based on a hidden-Markov model (HMM) of the channel. Experimental results demonstrate that our scheme is robust to both network jitters and packet deletions while remaining invisible to an attacker.
The Dorsal-related immunity factor (Dif) can define the dorsal-ventral axis of polarity in the Drosophila embryo

In Drosophila embryos, dorsal-ventral polarity is defined by a signal transduction pathway that regulates nuclear import of the Dorsal protein. Dorsal protein9s ability to act as a transcriptional activator of some zygotic genes and a repressor of others defines structure along the dorsal-ventral axis. Dorsal is a member of a group of proteins, the Rel-homologous proteins, whose activity is regulated at the level of nuclear localization. Dif, a more recently identified Drosophila Rel-homologue, has been proposed to act as a mediator of the immune response in Drosophila. In an effort to understand the function and regulation of Rel-homologous proteins in Drosophila, we have expressed Dif protein in Drosophila embryos derived from dorsal mutant mothers. We found that the Dif protein was capable of restoring embryonic dorsal-ventral pattern elements and was able to define polarity correctly with respect to the orientation of the egg shell. This, together with the observation that the ability of Dif to restore a dorsal-ventral axis depended on the signal transduction pathway that normally regulates Dorsal, suggests that Dif protein formed a nuclear concentration gradient similar to that seen for Dorsal. By studying the expression of Dorsal target genes we found that Dif could activate the zygotic genes that Dorsal activates and repress the genes repressed by Dorsal. Differences in the expression of these target genes, as well as the results from interaction studies carried out in yeast, suggest that Dif is not capable of synergizing with the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors with which Dorsal normally interacts, and thereby lacks an important component of Dorsal-mediated pattern formation.
Vagus nerve stimulation in 436 consecutive patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: long-term outcomes and predictors of response.

article i nfo Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation in a consecutive series of adults and children with treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). Methods: In this retrospective review of a prospectively created database of 436 consecutive patients who underwent vagus nerve stimulator implantation for TRE between November 1997 and April 2008, there were 220 (50.5%) females and 216 (49.5%) males ranging in age from 1 to 76 years at the time of implantation (mean: 29.0 ± 16.5). Thirty-three patients (7.6%) in the primary implantation group had inadequate follow- up (b 3 months from implantation) and three patients had early device removal because of infection and were excluded from seizure control outcome analyses. Results: Duration of vagus nerve stimulation treatment varied from 10 days to 11 years (mean: 4.94 years). Mean seizure frequency significantly improved following implantation (mean reduction: 55.8%, P b 0.0001). Seizure control ≥ 90% was achieved in 90 patients (22.5%), ≥ 75% seizure control in 162 patients (40.5%), ≥ 50% improvement in 255 patients (63.75%), and b50% improvement in 145 patients (36.25%). Permanent injury to the vagus nerve occurred in 2.8% of patients. Conclusion: Vagus nerve stimulation is a safe and effective palliative treatment option for focal and generalized TRE in adults and children. When used in conjunction with a multidisciplinary and multimodality treatment regimen including aggressive antiepileptic drug regimens and epilepsy surgery when appropriate, more than 60% of patients with TRE experienced at least a 50% reduction in seizure burden. Good results were seen in patients with non-U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved indications. Prospective, randomized trials are needed for patients with generalized epilepsies and for younger children to potentially expand the number of patients who may benefit from this palliative treatment.
Efficient and reliable data transmission for cellular-and-GPS-based mayday systems

As automotive mayday systems continue their momentum to reach the worldwide market, more and more people begin to be aware the benefit of these systems. A mayday system could significantly improve the safety of the vehicle and its occupants as well as provide a variety of valuable assistance to its users. Some popular systems integrate a cellular phone with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver as their in-vehicle equipment. When activated by a user or an emergency event, the system connects its user instantly to an operator in a 24-hour service center over the wireless cellular network. Meanwhile, the current vehicle position along with other important vehicle information are also transmitted to the center for immediate attention and further process. It becomes very important for mayday system designers to make sure that these data are transmitted efficiently and reliably. In the paper, we discuss a solution that provides such efficiency and reliability.
Layout considerations for ΣΔ modulators using data weighted averaging

We present an empirical study of the gradient and distance-dependent component mismatch effects in multi-bit SigmaDelta modulators. We provide suitable layout and addressing strategies that significantly improve the SFDR and SNDR of the modulator through reducing the INL of the feedback DAC. These techniques combined with the well-known dynamic element matching techniques, commonly used for oversampling data converters, enable us to address the mismatch and gradient issues for data converters.
Feasibility study of IEEE 802.15.4 for aerospace wireless sensor networks

Wireless communications has been a reliable data link means in many aerospace applications, including critical ones. The major concern for using wireless links for aerospace sensors is the feasibility of their in the aerospace setting; i.e., whether wireless links will negatively affect the overall reliability and safety of the aircrafts. In a previous paper, we studied the feasibility issue and concluded that with appropriate choice of wireless communication schemes and parameters, the wireless links can have reasonable immunity to interferences, low interference to other on-board wireless systems, and good security performance. In this paper, we consider the feasibility of adapting an existing technology, IEEE 802.15.4, to implement the wireless links for aerospace sensors, with focuses on immunity to interferences and data security. We conclude that a wireless network based on IEEE 802.15.4-compatible devices is appropriate for non-critical aerospace applications, at least from building a demo system's point of view.
Heat effects on drug delivery across human skin.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Exposure to heat can impact the clinical efficacy and/or safety of transdermal and topical drug products. Understanding these heat effects and designing meaningful in vitro and in vivo methods to study them are of significant value to the development and evaluation of drug products dosed to the skin.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the underlying mechanisms and the observed effects of heat on the skin and on transdermal/topical drug delivery, thermoregulation and heat tolerability. The designs of several in vitro and in vivo heat effect studies and their results are reviewed.Expert opinion: There is substantial evidence that elevated temperature can increase transdermal/topical drug delivery. However, in vitro and in vivo methods reported in the literature to study heat effects of transdermal/topical drug products have utilized inconsistent study conditions, and in vitro models require better characterization. Appropriate study designs and controls remain to be iden...
Population dynamics of T and B lymphocytes in the lymphoid organs, circulation, and granulomas of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract The T and B lymphocyte composition of the lymphoid organs, peripheral blood, and hepatic granulomas was determined in mice lightly infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Apart from an increase of circulating B cells, no change was seen in the distribution of lymphocytes prior to oviposition. Thereafter (8–20 weeks), a pronounced trend toward increased B and decreased T cell percentages occurred throughout the organs. This effect was largely due to marked increases in the B cell population which outweighed increases of T cells occurring at 8 and 16 weeks. By the late chronic period (32 weeks), an overall normalization of percentages was observed due to declining B and/or increasing T cell numbers. Hepatic granulomas also showed notable compositional changes. At the time of maximum granulomatous response (8 weeks), the lymphocyte population of these lesions consisted primarily of T cells. Subsequently, during the time of modulated granuloma formation (12–32 weeks), B-cells became a significant component, comprising 10% of the granuloma cell population. The appearance of B cells within granulomas may indicate that they play a role in modulating granulomatous hypersensitivity.
The transformation of the cytoplasmic oestradiol-receptor complex into the nuclear complex in a uterine cell-free system.

Experiments performed with a cell-free system in tris–EDTA buffer, pH 7.4, indicate that the high-speed supernatant fraction of the rat uterus contains all the factors necessary to transform the 8S cytoplasmic oestradiol–receptor complex to the nuclear complex. The transformation is temperature-dependent. This nuclear complex was extracted in the form of a 5S particle with 0.4m-KCl from sediments of either uterine or heart nuclei that had been incubated together with the cytoplasmic soluble fraction of the uterus at 2°C for 30min. This complex can also be obtained similarly from the soluble fraction of the uterus, incubated in the absence of nuclei. Previous warming of the soluble fraction to 37°C for 7min was necessary for the successful extraction of the nuclear particle under these conditions of incubation. After an incubation of the transformed complex with the nuclear sediment at 37°C for 7min, the 5S complex was extractable from the uterine nuclear sediment but not from the heart nuclear sediment, which may indicate the tissue specificity of the nuclear acceptor sites for the transformed complex. The extracted uterine nuclear complex sediments in the 5S region, but whether it is the native complex or a subunit or other part of the native complex resulting from the extraction with salt is unknown.
Dedekind Sums, the Building Blocks of Lattice-Point Enumeration

We encountered Dedekind sums in our study of finite Fourier analysis in Chapter 7, and we became intimately acquainted with their siblings in our study of the coin-exchange problem in Chapter 1 They have one shortcoming, however (which we shall remove): the definition of s(a, b) requires us to sum over b terms, which is rather slow when b = 2100, for example. Luckily, there is a magical reciprocity law for the Dedekind sum s(a, b) that allows us to compute it in roughly \(\log _{2}(b) = 100\) steps in this example. This is the kind of magic that saves the day when we try to enumerate lattice points in integral polytopes of dimension d ≤ 4. In this chapter, we focus on the computational-complexity issues that arise when we try to compute Dedekind sums explicitly. In many ways, the Dedekind sums extend the notion of the greatest common divisor of two integers.
Welcome to the Inaugural Issue

Welcome to the inaugural issues. We wish to welcome our readers and provide some context to what they are about to experience as they engage with our site.
Microplasma-Based Growth of Biphasic NiFe2O4/NiO Nanogranular Films for Exchange Bias Applications

Biphasic, nanostructured NiFe2O4/NiO films exhibiting exchange bias were synthesized using high-pressure microplasma-based deposition. Organometallic Ni and Fe precursors were dissociated via electron impact in the hollow cathode region of a supersonic plasma jet with oxygen to form a directed flux of Ni and Fe oxide species that were subsequently spray-deposited on SiO2/Si substrates to form nanostructured thin films. Exchange bias (HE) and coercivity (HC) enhancement were observed for all films containing NiO after field cooling, indicating an exchange interaction between NiFe2O4 and NiO. HE and HC increased with NiO content, which may be explained by a concomitant increase in NiFe2O4/NiO interfacial density. Large HE (∼250 Oe) and HC (∼700 Oe) were measured at 20 K, and exchange bias persisted at high temperatures (305 K) where an HE and HC of 80 and 400 Oe were observed, respectively.
Neuronal NO promotes cerebral cortical hyperemia during cortical spreading depression in rabbits

Temporary elevations in cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) accompany cortical spreading depression (CSD) in anesthetized animals. We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) is an important pro...
On Hamilton's Nearly-Forgotten Early Work on the Relation between Rotations and Quaternions and on the Composition of Rotations

In 1844, barely a year after inventing quaternions, Hamilton presented a paper to the Royal Irish Academy in which he introduced the scalar and vector products as used today (except for the sign of...
Holocene cold storage practices on the eastern Snake River Plain: A risk-mitigation strategy for lean times

Abstract Previous archaeological research in southern Idaho has suggested that climate change over the past 8000 years was not dramatic enough to alter long-term subsistence practices in the region. However, recent isotopic analyses of bison remains from cold storage caves on the Snake River Plain contest this hypothesis. These results, when examined against an archaeoclimate model, suggest that cold storage episodes coincided with drier, warmer phases that likely reduced forage and water, and thus limited the availability of bison on the open steppe. Within this context we build a risk model to illustrate how environment might have motivated cold storage behaviors. Caching bison in cold lava tubes would have mitigated both intra-annual and inter-annual food shortages under these conditions. Our analysis also suggests that skeletal fat, more than meat, may have influenced the selection, transport and storage of bison carcass parts. Deciphering when and how cold storage caves were utilized can ultimately provide a more comprehensive understanding of foraging behaviors in a broad range of hunting-gathering economies.