cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral rehabilitation of a 12-year-old patient diagnosed with a central giant cell granuloma using a fibula graft and an implant-supported prosthesis: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 12-year-old boy with a central giant cell granuloma of the mandible. He underwent en bloc resection of a central giant cell granuloma, free vascularized fibula reconstruction, implant placement, and prosthesis fabrication. The multidisciplinary approach successfully restored function and esthetics. Considerations regarding the extensive surgical and prosthetic rehabilitation of a young adult with remaining growth are discussed. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;99:257-262)
A comparison of the Michigan checklane and periodic motor vehicle inspections

A two-year study evaluated the Michigan checklane motor vehicle inspection system as a trial substitute for a periodic motor vehicle inspection program. Two counties served as test areas. One county had a checklane inspection of 15% of its cars per year; the other county had a simulated periodic motor vehicle inspection. Random checklanes were used in 1975 and 1976 to estimate the condition of the cars in each county, with minimum sample sizes of 2000 cars in each group. The rates of mechanical outages were found to depend strongly on the age of the cars. Cars involved in the simulated PMVI had to have the same owner over a two year period and proved to be a self-selected group. The PMVI vehicles were in somewhat better mechanical condition than the general population even before being subject to the PMVI. After adjusting for this and the age of the vehicle, no significant differences were found in the rates of vehicles passing the inspection, even though the design had a power of at least 90% of detecting a difference of 0.05 in the rate of passing the inspection. Estimates of repair for several components were also developed and are presented.
Risk Aversion Or Myopia? Choices in Repeated Gambles and Retirement Investments

We study how decision makers choose when faced with multiple plays of a gamble or investment. When evaluating multiple plays of a simple mixed gamble, a chance to win x or lose y, subjects show a sensitivity to the amount to lose on a single trial, holding the distribution of returns for the portfolio constant; that is, they display "myopic loss aversion." Many subjects who decline multiple plays of such a gamble will accept it when shown the resulting distribution. This analysis is applied to the problem of retirement investing. We show that workers invest more of their retirement savings in stocks if they are shown long-term (rather than one-year) rates of return.
Statistical characterization of radar sea scatter for breaking wave detection

Radar backscatter data are collected using a coherent, dual-polarized radar from a fixed tower in the ocean. Statistical analysis is performed to investigate the 1D and 2D probability density functions of backscatter intensity, Doppler frequency, coherence function and polarization ratio. The fraction of sea spike coverage generally increases with wind speed but the trend of increase is modified by the intensity of background swell condition. Parameterizations of sea spike coverage combining both wind and wave factors show some apparent advantage than parameterizations with wind or wave factors alone.
Review of Sire-Proving Methods in New Zealand, Great Britain, and New York State

Summary A significant change in the methods of progeny-testing dairy sires in recent years has been the discarding of daughter-dam comparisons in favor of comparing daughters with their herd-mates. These involve comparing records of daughters with those of their herd-mates made in the same year, and as such are often referred to as contemporary comparisons, or sometimes as stable-mate comparisons. They were first used on a widespread scale in New Zealand in 1950, with refinements added in 1957. They were introduced in Great Britain in 1954 and were also being used in New York State at about the same time. This paper discusses some of the underlying principles of progeny-testing based on such contemporary comparisons, and presents details of the methods used in these places, all three of which have large sire-proving routines in regular operation.
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of Human Cytomegalovirus UL84 Is Essential for Virus Growth

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL84 is a multifunctional protein that is the proposed initiator for lytic viral DNA synthesis. Recently it was shown that UL84 displays nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. The role of shuttling in lytic DNA replication and virus growth is unknown. We now show that expression of the nonshuttling UL84 mutant failed to complement oriLyt-dependent DNA replication in the transient assay under conditions where core replication and ancillary proteins were expressed under the control of their native promoters. However, constitutive expression of the core replication proteins, along with the nonshuttling UL84 mutant, resulted in efficient oriLyt amplification, suggesting that shuttling may contribute to the activity of one of the auxiliary replication proteins. A recombinant HCMV bacterial artificial chromosome plasmid (BACmid) expressing the nonshuttling UL84 mutant (NS84 BAC) was defective for production of infectious virus. Quantitative PCR showed that NS84 BAC had decreased accumulation of viral DNA in both cellular and supernatant samples. Analysis of the accumulation of select viral mRNAs showed no difference in total cellular mRNA accumulation for IE2, IRS1, TRS1, UL102, UL105, and UL75 in cells transfected with the NS84 BAC. However, examination of cytoplasmic RNA and subcellular localization of IRS1 revealed a decrease in IRS1 mRNA accumulation and displaced protein localization, strongly suggesting that UL84 facilitated the localization of IRS1 mRNA to the cytoplasm. RNA pulldown assays showed that UL84 interacted with IRS1 mRNA. These results indicate that nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is essential for virus growth and strongly suggest that UL84 is responsible for localization of at least one virus-encoded transcript, IRS1 mRNA.
Valley Chern numbers and boundary modes in gapped bilayer graphene

Electronic states at domain walls in bilayer graphene are studied by analyzing their four- and two-band continuum models, by performing numerical calculations on the lattice, and by using quantum geometric arguments. The continuum theories explain the distinct electronic properties of boundary modes localized near domain walls formed by interlayer electric field reversal, by interlayer stacking reversal, and by simultaneous reversal of both quantities. Boundary mode properties are related to topological transitions and gap closures, which occur in the bulk Hamiltonian parameter space. The important role played by intervalley coupling effects not directly captured by the continuum model is addressed using lattice calculations for specific domain wall structures.
A Comparative Analysis of the Structural Architecture of ssDNA Viruses

Virus assembly, utilizing a limited number of viral coat protein (CP or VP) building blocks, is an excellent example of a directed macromolecular interaction occurring in nature. Two basic principles govern the assembly of spherical (icosahedral) viruses: (i) Genetic Economy – the encapsidated genome encodes a single or few CPs that assemble a protective shell (the viral capsid); and (ii) specificity – the CPs have to fold to recognize each other and form exact CP– CP interfacial interactions during the assembly pathway. Using a variety of biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, combined with homology model building, biochemistry and molecular biology, the nature of the interactions between protein– protein subunits and protein– nucleic acid that facilitate viral capsid assembly have been studied. This review discusses both the similarities and differences that have been elucidated for ssDNA Microviridae, Geminiviridae, and Parvoviridae virus families. The Microviridae represent a family of bacteriophages that utilize several CPs and scaffold proteins to assemble a T ¼ 1 icosahedral capsid, the Geminiviridae plant viruses assemble a unique twinned quasi-isometric (geminate) pseudo T ¼ 1 virion assembled from a single CP and the Parvoviridae represent animal viruses whose T ¼ 1 capsids are formed from the common overlapping region of two to four VPs that have unique N-terminal extensions. A survey of the three-dimensional (3D) data available for these viruses shows that they utilize structural commonalities, facilitated by disparate CP/VP amino acid sequences for the successful assembly of mature infectious virions.
Nonlinear feedback control of a class of nonlinear systems

A nonlinear feedback controller is designed on the basis of a truncated Volterra series representation of the process model, the necessary parameters of which can be obtained via suitable experiments. A simple example demonstrates the increased range and improved performance of the nonlinear controller compared to two linear controllers.
The unexpected link between infection‐induced apoptosis and a Th17 immune response

Microbial pathogens can initiate MOMP in host cells and as such, initiate the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Innate immune recognition of cells dying in this way by infection-induced apoptosis would involve recognition of ligands derived from the apoptotic host cell simultaneously with those derived from the infecting pathogen. The resultant signal transduction pathways engaged direct DCs to concomitantly synthesize TGF-β and IL-6, two cytokines that subsequently favor the differentiation of naive CD4 T cells into T(h)17 cells. Citrobacter rodentium is one rodent pathogen that targets mitochondria and induces apoptosis, and blockade of apoptosis during enteric Citrobacter infection impairs the characteristic T(h)17 response in the intestinal LP. Here, we review these original findings. We discuss microbial infections other than Citrobacter that have been shown to induce T(h)17 responses, and we examine what is known about the ability of those pathogens to induce apoptosis. We also consider types of cell death other than apoptosis that can be triggered by microbial infection, and we highlight how little we know about the impact of various forms of cell death on the ensuing adaptive immune response.
Incorporating Results of Avian Toxicity Tests into a Model of Annual Reproductive Success

Modeling the effects of pesticide exposure on avian populations requires knowledge of how the pesticide changes survival and fecundity rates for the population. Although avian reproduction tests are the primary source of information on reproductive effects in the pesticide risk assessment process, current tests cannot provide a direct estimate of the effects of a pesticide on fecundity rates. We present a mathematical model that integrates information on specific types of effects from reproduction tests with information on avian life history parameters, the timing of pesticide applications, and the temporal pattern of pesticide exposure levels to estimate pesticide effects on annual reproductive success. The model demonstration follows nesting success of females in no-pesticide or pesticide-exposed populations through a breeding season to estimate the mean number of successful broods per female. We demonstrate the model by simulating populations of a songbird exposed to 1 of 2 hypothetical pesticides during a breeding season. Finally, we discuss several issues for improving the quantitative estimation of annual reproductive success.
Automatic generation of accurate low-order models for magnetic devices

A method to automatically create low order state-space models for magnetic devices is set forth. The method begins with geometrical and materials data from which the finite element analysis (FEA) is used to build a high order state-space model. It is shown that this model contains far more state variables than are necessary to achieve the nearly the same results in the frequency band of interest. It is shown that the full-order model can be reduced methodically without additional physical assumptions. The reduction method is applicable directly to magnetically linear systems, but applies to a wide range of power electronics applications and can be a basis for future nonlinear device modeling. The method reduced an example inductor model from 882 state variables to two. To confirm correct model derivation, the full-order model is checked against and agrees with experimental data to the extent that the FEA and materials data are accurate. The reduced-order model agrees very well with the full-order model, particularly in computing impedance.
Analytics driven master planning for Mecca: increasing the capacity while maintaining the spiritual context of Hajj pilgrimage

Approximately 3 million pilgrims visit Mecca in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year to fulfill a religious obligation and perform rituals concentrated around few iconic Muslim landmarks, including Kaaba. Mecca is unarguably the most congested public space in the world with densities often exceeding 6 people per square meter causing comfort, safety and security issues. This dense concentration of people in a short time period calls for careful design and operational planning to ensure safe, secure and efficient pilgrim movements. We used queuing theory to determine the feasibility of options, discrete-event simulation to mimic the pilgrim movements, traffic flow theory to understand macro movements across town, and vehicular simulation models to test the concepts for mechanized movement solutions for elderly and handicapped. The master plan analytics formed the basis for architectural design and alterations. The overall design is able to provide a safer and more efficient journey for pilgrims.
Behavioral partitioning in the synthesis of mixed analog-digital systems

Synthesis of mixed-signal designs from behavioral specifications must address analog-digital partitioning. In this paper, we investigate the issues in mixed-signal behavioral partitioning and design space exploration for signal-processing systems. We begin with the system behavior specified in an intermediate format called the Mixed Signal Flow Graph, based on the time-amplitude characterization of signals. We present techniques for analog-digital behavioral partitioning of the MSFG, and performance estimation of the technology-mapped analog and digital circuits. The partitioned solution must satisfy constrants on imposed by the target field programmable mixed-signal architecture on avaialable configurable resources, available data converters, their resolution and speed, and IO pins. The quality of the solution is evaluated based on two metrics, namely feasibility and performance. The former is a measure of the validity of the solution with respect to the architectural constraints. The latter measures the performance of the system based on bandwidth/speed and noise.
Automorphisms of incidence algebras

(1993). Automorphisms of incidence algebras. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 21, No. 8, pp. 2973-2981.
Psychological distress in long-term survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The prevalence of psychological distress is higher in cancers with poorer prognoses and speculated as higher in those receiving more aversive treatments. Since hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is one of the most taxing cancer treatments to endure and is therefore likely to have more long-term sequelae, this study examined psychological distress symptoms in long-term HSCT survivors who were at least 1 year post-transplant. Participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited from urban medical centers as part of a larger study of HSCT survivors. The sample comprised 236 adults who were on average 3.4 years since transplant. Psychological distress was measured by a commonly used self-report questionnaire, the Brief Symptom Inventory. Clinically elevated psychological distress caseness was present in 43% of long-term HSCT survivors. Elevations were highest on clinical subscales of obsessive-compulsiveness, somatization, and psychoticism. However, item-level analyses revealed that the content of the most frequently reported symptoms included trouble with memory and feelings of loneliness. Results of this study suggest that HSCT survivors may experience memory and existential concerns and that such symptoms may not represent psychiatric sequelae. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reachability graph-based test sequence generation for concurrent programs

One common approach to test sequence generation for structurally testing concurrent programs involves constructing a reachability graph (RG) and selecting a set of paths from the graph to satisfy some coverage criterion. It is often suggested that test sequence generation methods for testing sequential programs based on a control flow graph (CFG) can also be used to select paths from an RG for testing concurrent programs. However, there is a major difference between these two, as the former suffers from a feasibility problem (i.e., some paths in a CFG may not be feasible at run-time) and the latter does not. As a result, even though test sequence generation methods for sequential programs can be applied to concurrent programs, they may not be efficient. We propose four methods — two based on hot spot prioritization and two based on topological sort — to effectively generate a small set of test sequences that covers all the nodes in an RG. The same methods are also applied to the corresponding dual graph for generating test sequences to cover all the edges. A case study was conducted to demonstrate the use of our methods.
New information on Saturn and its rings from multi-frequency VLA data

High resolution radio data of Saturn have been obtained at 1.3, 2, 6, and 21 cm, at different inclination angles of the ring plane. Preliminary results of limb darkening curves on the planet and optical depth measurements in the rings are described.
GamePod: Persistent Gaming Sessions on Pocketable Storage Devices

We present GamePod, a portable system that enables mobile users to use the same persistent, gaming environment on any available computer. No matter what computer is being used, GamePod provides a consistent gaming environment, maintaining all of a user's games, including active game state. This is achieved by leveraging rapid improvements in capacity, cost, and size of portable storage devices. GamePod provides a middleware layer that enables virtualization and checkpoint/restart functionality that decouples the gaming environment from a host machine. This enables gaming sessions to be suspended to portable storage, carried around, and resumed from the storage device on another computer. GamePod's middleware layer also isolates gaming sessions from the host, protecting the host by preventing malicious executable content from damaging the host. We have implemented a Linux GamePod prototype and demonstrate its ability to quickly suspend and resume gaming sessions, enabling a seamless gaming experience for mobile users as they move among computers.
Computer aided modelling/compensator design for a flexible space antenna

Controller design algorithms are developed to produce simultaneously both a model of the plant and a compensator. The size of the model and properties of the compensator are driven by the performance requirements, the disturbance environment, and the location, number and type of sensors and actuators. The procedure is based on linear optimal control theory for distributed systems, and balanced realization theory is used to guide the development of the model and reduce the order of the compensator.
Pre-eclampsia in the first pregnancy and subsequent risk of stillbirth in black and white gravidas.

Abstract Objective To examine the association between prior pre-eclampsia and subsequent stillbirth in black women and white women. Study design This is a population-based retrospective study of Missouri maternally linked birth cohort files from 1989 to 2005. We analyzed singleton first and second births to mothers in the state of Missouri. The study population comprised women who experienced pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy and a comparison group consisting of women who did not. The two groups were followed to their second pregnancy to document stillbirth occurrence. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between prior pre-eclampsia and subsequent stillbirth were obtained from logistic regression models. Results Women who experienced prior pre-eclampsia had a 43% increased risk of subsequent stillbirth [OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.08–1.89]. Whereas women with a history of late-onset pre-eclampsia had no elevated risk for subsequent stillbirth, those whose first pregnancy resulted in early-onset pre-eclampsia had a more than 4-fold increased risk of stillbirth in their second pregnancy [OR = 4.07; 95% CI = 2.32–7.14]. When sub-analysis was performed on the two main racial groups in the State, we found that elevated risk for subsequent stillbirth in a second pregnancy was observed among black women with prior early-onset pre-eclampsia (OR = 8.21; 95% CI = 4.03–16.70) but not in whites (OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 0.72–5.26). Conclusion Initiation of pregnancy with pre-eclampsia elevates the risk for subsequent stillbirth. The risk elevation is most pronounced in black women with early-onset pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy. This information is valuable for inter-pregnancy counseling of affected women.
Structural Basis of Cytochrome c Presentation by IEk

The COOH-terminal peptides of pigeon and moth cytochrome c, bound to mouse IEk, are two of the most thoroughly studied T cell antigens. We have solved the crystal structures of the moth peptide and a weak agonist–antagonist variant of the pigeon peptide bound to IEk. The moth peptide and all other peptides whose structures have been solved bound to IEk, have a lysine filling the p9 pocket of IEk. However, the pigeon peptide has an alanine at p9 shifting the lysine to p10. Rather than kinking to place the lysine in the anchor pocket, the pigeon peptide takes the extended course through the binding groove, which is characteristic of all other peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Thus, unlike MHC class I, in which peptides often kink to place optimally anchoring side chains, MHC class II imposes an extended peptide conformation even at the cost of a highly conserved anchor residue. The substitution of Ser for Thr at p8 in the variant pigeon peptide induces no detectable surface change other than the loss of the side chain methyl group, despite the dramatic change in recognition by T cells. Finally, these structures can be used to interpret the many published mutational studies of these ligands and the T cell receptors that recognize them.
Hopper and Dijkstra: Crisis, Revolution, and the Future of Programming

In the late 1960s, tensions were erupting in corporate and academic computing cultures in the United States and abroad with competing views about the state of computer programming and possible future implications. A discourse of "software crisis" was ignited in 1968 when NATO hosted a conference on the topic of software engineering. The author examines the rhetoric of crisis, revolution, and promise in computer programming cultures by viewing it through the lens of two dissimilar leaders, Grace Hopper and Edsger Dijkstra, who articulated views through discourses about computer programming that reveal multiple ideals and tensions. As representatives and exemplars of different communities, they emphasized pragmatic versus theoretical stances, respectively. The historical context they operated in also highlights the cultural complexities of gender in computer programming, a durable phenomenon that continues today.
On oracle property and asymptotic validity of Bayesian generalized method of moments

Statistical inference based on moment conditions and estimating equations is of substantial interest when it is difficult to specify a full probabilistic model. We propose a Bayesian flavored model selection framework based on (quasi-)posterior probabilities from the Bayesian Generalized Method of Moments (BGMM), which allows us to incorporate two important advantages of a Bayesian approach: the expressiveness of posterior distributions and the convenient computational method of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Theoretically we show that BGMM can achieve the posterior consistency for selecting the unknown true model, and that it possesses a Bayesian version of the oracle property, i.e. the posterior distribution for the parameter of interest is asymptotically normal and is as informative as if the true model were known. In addition, we show that the proposed quasi-posterior is valid to be interpreted as an approximate posterior distribution given a data summary. Our applications include modeling of correlated data, quantile regression, and graphical models based on partial correlations. We demonstrate the implementation of the BGMM model selection through numerical examples.
Contribution of Individual Chemoreceptors to Sinorhizobium meliloti Chemotaxis Towards Amino Acids of Host and Nonhost Seed Exudates

Plant seeds and roots exude a spectrum of molecules into the soil that attract bacteria to the spermosphere and rhizosphere, respectively. The alfalfa symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti utilizes eight chemoreceptors (McpT to McpZ and IcpA) to mediate chemotaxis. Using a modified hydrogel capillary chemotaxis assay that allows data quantification and larger throughput screening, we defined the role of S. meliloti chemoreceptors in sensing its host, Medicago sativa, and a closely related nonhost, Medicago arabica. S. meliloti wild type and most single-deletion strains displayed comparable chemotaxis responses to host or nonhost seed exudate. However, while the mcpZ mutant responded like wild type to M. sativa exudate, its reaction to M. arabica exudate was reduced by 80%. Even though the amino acid (AA) amounts released by both plant species were similar, synthetic AA mixtures that matched exudate profiles contributed differentially to the S. meliloti wild-type response to M. sativa (23%) and M. arabica (37%) exudates, with McpU identified as the most important chemoreceptor for AA. Our results show that S. meliloti is equally attracted to host and nonhost legumes; however, AA play a greater role in attraction to M. arabica than to M. sativa, with McpZ being specifically important in sensing M. arabica.
Causation and Prevention of Solely Estrogen- Induced Oncogenesis: Similarities to Human Ductal Breast Cancer

Estrogens are intimately involved in the causation of some of the most prevalent cancers afflicting women, particularly, breast, endometrial, cervico-vaginal, and possibly ovarian. Therefore, it has become particularly pertinent to elucidate the molecular changes and mechanisms whereby estrogens elicit their oncogenic actions so that better prevention strategies can be developed. The estrogen-induced Syrian hamster tumors of the kidney have emerged as one of the most intensively studied in-vivo models in solely estrogen-induced oncogenesis. An advantage of this model is that the tumors occur in the absence of any intervening morphologic changes, but rather they are the result of the continuous progression of a subset of interstitial stem cells in the kidney leading to tumor formation. Evidence is presented that the origin of these tumors is derived from ectopic "uterine" stem cells, which are responsive to estrogenic hormones. The other animal tumor model studied is the highly sensitive estrogen-induced mammary tumors of female ACI rats. Their steroid receptor and other gene alterations have been delineated. Importantly, a crucial early event in this solely estrogen-induced oncogenic process, common to both animal tumor models, is the overexpression and amplification of c-myc and its protein product. Chromosomal instability, in both early and large well-established frank tumors, is another important characteristic found during early E-induced oncogenesis. These features have been shown to be characteristic of human ductal carcinomas in-situ and in primary invasive ductal breast carcinomas. The molecular alterations seen are considered crucial in eliciting estrogen-induced oncogenesis and have established for the first time a direct causal link between estrogen and the induction of chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in these estrogen-associated neoplasms.
Ruminative subtypes and impulsivity in risk for suicidal behavior

Rumination has been previously linked to negative psychological outcomes, including depression and suicidal behavior. However, there has been conflicting research on whether or not two different subtypes of rumination - brooding and reflection - are more or less maladaptive. The present research sought to (1) examine whether individuals high in brooding but lower in reflection would show higher trait and behavioral impulsivity, relative to individuals low in brooding and low in reflection; and (2) examine impulsivity as a mediator of the relation between ruminative subtypes and suicidal ideation. In Study 1, participants (N=78) were recruited based on high, average, and low scores on a measure of brooding and reflective rumination. Individuals who scored high in brooding and average in reflection scored significantly higher in negative urgency, that is, in the tendency to act rashly in an attempt to reduce negative affect, than did those who scored low in brooding and low in reflection. Study 2 (N=1638) examined the relationship between ruminative subtypes, impulsivity, and suicide risk. We found an indirect relationship between brooding and suicide risk through lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance, independently of reflection. These findings are discussed in relation to cognitive risk for suicide.
Activation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor suppresses TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 via NF-кB: possible role of ACE2

This study demonstrates for the first time that ANG II type 2 receptor (AT2) activation enhances ANG I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and activity and prevents TNF-α-stimulated ICAM-1 expres...
Determination of the isotope effect of the enzymatic oxidation of (R)Carnitine by displacement of the equilibrium via mass action.

An isotope effect of the dehydrogenation of (R) Carnitine [(R) 3-hydroxy-4-trimethylaminobutyric acid hydrochloride] catalyzed by (R) carnitine dehydrogenase [(R) carnitine: NAD oxidoreductase E.C. 1.1.1.108] from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was measured at different temperatures. It was found that k1H/k3H does not vary greatly with changes of temperature. The value of 3 for k1H/k3H measured at small initial conversions strongly indicated that the rate limiting step of the oxidation of (R) carnitine is the cleavage of the C-H bond at C3.
Viewing usage of counterfeit luxury goods: Social identity and social hierarchy effects on dilution and enhancement of genuine luxury brands

Abstract The use of counterfeit versions of luxury brands is a growing phenomenon. Viewing their use by others may lead consumers to change their perceptions of the genuine brand. In several experiments, female participants viewed (or imagined) a female of varying social classes using a counterfeit or genuine product and were subsequently asked about the genuine luxury brand. While people were drawn toward the genuine brand more when in-groups than out-groups used counterfeits, asymmetries occurred. Higher classes denigrated the brand when lower (versus higher) classes used counterfeit brands, but lower classes did not denigrate when higher classes used them. A conceptual account, based on asymmetries of social hierarchies and greater uncertainty of counterfeit (than genuine) product benefits, was supported, with feelings of connection to the luxury brand as mediator. Asymmetric effects were reduced among consumers highly familiar with the genuine brand. Implications for marketing and protection from brand dilution are discussed.
ACETONE IMAGING FOR MEASUREMENT OF ENHANCED MIXING FROM A FUEL INJECTOR

Issues relevant to acetone fluorescence imaging for mixing measurements in gas-gas and liquid-gas systems, such as the advantages of acetone, droplet detection and temperature dependence of acetone fluorescence, are discussed. Preliminary gas-gas mixing measurements, using a 384x576 pixel intensified CCD camera with excitation by a KrF excimer laser (248 nm) and a frequency-quad rupled Nd:YAG laser (266 nm), are presented. Preparations for two phase mixing measurements include extending an existing model to calculate the theoretical minimum pixel resolution required to distinguish vapor fluorescence from droplet fluorescence as a function of droplet cutoff size. Modeling results are shown for a nominal test case.
The role of bacterial spores in metal cycling and their potential application in metal contaminant bioremediation

Bacteria are one of the premier biological forces that, in combination with chemical and physical forces, drive metal availability in the environment. Bacterial spores, when found in the environment, are often considered to be dormant and metabolically inactive, in a resting state waiting for favorable conditions for them to germinate. However, this is a highly oversimplified view of spores in the environment. The surface of bacterial spores represents a potential site for chemical reactions to occur. Additionally, proteins in the outer layers (spore coats or exosporium) may also have more specific catalytic activity. As a consequence, bacterial spores can play a role in geochemical processes and may indeed find uses in various biotechnological applications. The aim of this review is to introduce the role of bacteria and bacterial spores in biogeochemical cycles and their potential use as toxic metal bioremediation agents.
Teaching More Effective Social Behaviors

Clients require appropriate preparation prior to instigation of train- ing. They should be given a thorough rationale for the procedures to be used and be in agreement with the objectives of training. The role of the trainer as a source of positive social reinforcement is also discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of conducting training in group versus individual formats are discussed. Training is presented as a four-step process consisting of: (1) pro- viding a description and rationale for learning new behaviors; (2) demonstrating new behaviors through modeling; (3) practic- ing learned responses through behavioral rehearsal; and (4) im- proving upon acquired responses through feedback. Guidelines for the format of training sessions (e.g., How many? How long?) are presented.
Why the Buffett-Gates Giving Pledge Requires Limitation of the Estate Tax Charitable Deduction

The Buffett-Gates Giving Pledge, under which wealthy individuals promise to leave a majority of their assets to charity, is an admirable effort to encourage philanthropy. However, the Pledge requires us to confront the paradox that the federal estate tax charitable deduction is unlimited while the federal income tax charitable deduction is capped. If a Giving Pledger leaves his wealth to charity, the federal fisc loses significant revenue since the Pledger thereby avoids federal estate taxation as charitable bequests are deductible without limit for federal estate tax purposes. Despite its laudable qualities, the Giving Pledge is a systematic (albeit inadvertent) threat to the estate tax base.The Giving Pledge requires the amendment of the federal estate tax to restrict an estate’s charitable deduction to a percentage of the estate, just as the income tax charitable deduction is limited to a percentage of the taxpayer’s income. In this fashion, the sensible compromise embedded in the income tax charitable deduction would be carried over to the federal estate tax to simultaneously encourage charitable giving while ensuring that all large estates pay some federal estate tax.The Giving Pledge need not be the death knell of the estate tax. It should instead be the catalyst to reform the tax by limiting the estate tax charitable deduction.
Advance in Diagnosis and Therapy of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

The diagnosis and therapy of H elicobacter pylori infection is very important to clinic.The advance in this respect is reviewed.
Investigation of an outbreak of acute respiratory infection caused by adenovirus among students in a school

Objective To make epidemiological investigation and pathogen detection for an outbreak of acute respiratory infection in a school,so as to confirm the diagnosis and to control the epidemic.Methods A field epidemiological investigation was conducted to search and verify the cases,and the characteristics of the epidemic was analyzed.The case-control study was made to analyze the risk factors.The throat swabs were collected and the RT-PCR was used to detect nucleic acids of the virus.Results Forty-three cases were found in the outbreak of acute respiratory infection,with the attack rate of 1.3%in the students.The cases came from 4 classes,which suggested a clear clustering.The case-control study showed the risk factor was the contact with the cases.The throat swabs from12 cases were collected and the detection of the nucleic acids showed that 8 swabs were positive for adenovirus.Conclusions The outbreak of acute respiratory infection among students in the school is caused by adenovirus.The main mode of transmission is close contact among the students.
Subclinical mastitis in ewes and its effect on lamb performance.

Two studies were conducted to 1) assess the effectiveness of the California mastitis test (CMT) relative to direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC) and(or) somatic cell count (SCC) procedures for detecting subclinical mastitis in ewes, 2) determine the incidence of subclinical mastitis based on repeated or single sample measures and organisms associated with the inflammation, and 3) assess the relationship between milk quality measures and lamb performance. The relationship between DMSCC and SCC scores was significant (P less than .01); 90% of the variation in DMSCC scores was accounted for by SCC scores. In contrast, CMT scores accounted for only 26% of the variation in DMSCC and 30 to 34% of the variation in SCC scores. Incidence of inflammation varied from 17 to 50% of ewes tested, depending on the study and the method of assessment. Staphylococcus species were cultured from 14/41 samples tested, with cultures of Streptococcus species (3/41) and Micrococcus species (1/41) also present. The effect of subclinical mastitis in ewes on lamb performance was minimal when assessed by regressing lamb weights on subclinical mastitis and milk quality scores. In conclusion, growth performance of lambs in a management system where they had access to supplemental feed was not influenced by the quality of milk produced by ewes, or by the degree of subclinical mastitic inflammation present when they suckled.
Influence of Poultry Litter Application Methods on the Longevity of Nutrient and E. coli in Runoff from Tall Fescue Pasture

Significant quantities of the broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter produced in the USA are being applied to pasture lands. The traditional surface- broadcast application of animal manure onto permanent pasture, however, may lead to high concentration of nutrients and pathogenic microorganisms near the soil surface that could be transported off site by runoff water. Subsurface banding of poultry litter has the potential to reduce nutrient and pathogen losses through runoff. However, this has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we used rainfall simulations to examine the effect of broiler litter application methods on the longevity of nutrient and Escherichia coli losses in runoff by successive runoff events. Runoff plots were constructed on Hartsells fine sandy loam (Typic Hapludults) soil with permanent Kentucky 31 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) pasture in Crossville, AL. Treatments included two methods of litter application (surface broadcast and subsurface banding), commercial fertilizer, and control (no litter or fertilizer applied). To evaluate the longevity of nutrient losses, simulated rainfall (110 mm h−1) was applied to each plot on days 1, 7, and 14 following litter and fertilizer applications. Total P (TP), inorganic N, and E. coli concentrations were all significantly greater in runoff from broadcast litter application than the subsurface litter banding treatments. The TP losses from broadcast litter applications averaged 6.5 times those from subsurface litter applications. About 81% of the runoff TP concentration was in the form of dissolved reactive phosphorus for both litter application methods. The average losses of NO3–N and total suspended solids from subsurface litter banding plots were 358 g ha−1 and 68 kg ha−1 compared to 462 and 60 kg ha−1 for the broadcast method, respectively. This study shows that subsurface banding of broiler litter into perennial grassland can substantially reduce nutrient and pathogen losses in runoff compared to the traditional surface-broadcast practice.
Extracellular Water Estimated by the Bromide Dilution Method from Samples of Urine, Saliva, And Plasma

Bromide (Br) dilution has been used by many investigators to estimate extracellular water (ECW) (Cheek et al., 1984; Brans et al., 1904; Schaffer et al., 1987). The use of this method in infants, however, is often limited by the need to take multiple blood samples. Our present studies were designed to 1) evaluate the accuracy and precision of Br measurements in micro-volumes of body fluids using ion chromatography, and 2) investigate urine and saliva as alternatives to plasma for the estimation of Br dilution space.
Differential expression of microRNAs in the brains of mice subjected to increasing grade of mild traumatic brain injury

AbstractObjective: To investigate the effect of heterogeneity in mTBI on miRNA expression in mouse brain and to identify molecular pathways targeted by the modulated miRNAs.Methods: A weight drop device was used to induce four increasing grades of mTBI. MiRNA expression was evaluated using TaqMan rodent miRNA arrays. Bioinformatics analysis was done using the DIANA miRPath tool and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Histology of brain sections was evaluated using HE however, significant modulation in miRNA expression profile was observed. Global miRNA profiling indicated a trend of decrease in the number of modulated miRNAs from 24 hours to day 7 post-injury, except for the most severe grade of mTBI. Canonical pathways like calcium signalling, synaptic pathways and axon guidance pathway were the major targets of the modulated miRNAs. Network correlation analyses indicated an interaction between the modulated miRNAs and...
The Road to Soweto: Resistance and the Uprising of 16 June 1976

Julian Brown's thoughtful book is chock-full of insights while still under 200 pages of text. Brown convincingly argues that the notion of a so-called ‘quiet decade’, from the early 1960s until the...
Exploring the Reciprocal Effects of Substance Abuse Treatment Provision and Area Substance Abuse

This study examines the relationship between substance abuse treatment provision and substance abuse. Several questions serve as the basis for testing substance abuse reduction, treatment need-demand, and diffusion hypotheses: Does treatment provision reduce area rates of substance abuse; do area rates of substance abuse (i.e., treatment need-demand) foster increases in treatment provision; and, does spatial and temporal diffusion drive changes in both substance abuse and treatment provision? Analyses of spatial and panel data from 159 counties in Georgia revealed that provision of treatment services did not reduce area rates of substance abuse, in fact, greater density of service providers was related to increases in prevalence. Moreover, demand did not foster changes in service provision; only greater service provision at an earlier period. While temporal diffusion of substance abuse and treatment provision took place, there was little evidence of spatial clustering. Strategies to uncover mechanisms underlying these relationships and their implications for treatment policy are discussed.
General Problems of the Controlled Thermonuclear Process

Thermonuclear reactions under steady-state conditions are considered in order-of-magnitude terms. Energy loss by radiation and the transfer of energy between nuclei and electrons are also discussed...
Early Assessment of Tumor Response to Radiation Therapy using High-Resolution Quantitative Microvascular Ultrasound Imaging

Measuring changes in tumor volume using anatomical imaging weeks to months post radiation therapy (RT) is currently the clinical standard for indicating treatment response to RT. For patients whose tumors do not respond successfully to treatment, this approach is suboptimal as timely modification of the treatment approach may lead to better clinical outcomes. We propose to use tumor microvasculature as a biomarker for early assessment of tumor response to RT. Acoustic angiography is a novel contrast ultrasound imaging technique that enables high-resolution microvascular imaging and has been shown to detect changes in microvascular structure due to cancer growth. Data suggest that acoustic angiography can detect longitudinal changes in the tumor microvascular environment that correlate with RT response. Methods: Three cohorts of Fisher 344 rats were implanted with rat fibrosarcoma tumors and were treated with a single fraction of RT at three dose levels (15 Gy, 20 Gy, and 25 Gy) at a dose rate of 300 MU/min. A simple treatment condition was chosen for testing the feasibility of our imaging technique. All tumors were longitudinally imaged immediately prior to and after treatment and then every 3 days after treatment for a total of 30 days. Both acoustic angiography (using in-house produced microbubble contrast agents) and standard b-mode imaging was performed at each imaging time point using a pre-clinical Vevo770 scanner and a custom modified dual-frequency transducer. Results: Results show that all treated tumors in each dose group initially responded to treatment between days 3-15 as indicated by decreased tumor growth accompanied with decreased vascular density. Untreated tumors continued to increase in both volume and vascular density until they reached the maximum allowable size of 2 cm in diameter. Tumors that displayed complete control (no tumor recurrence) continued to decrease in size and vascular density, while tumors that progressed after the initial response presented an increase in tumor volume and volumetric vascular density. The increase in tumor volumetric vascular density in recurring tumors can be detected 10.25 ± 1.5 days, 6 ± 0 days, and 4 ± 1.4 days earlier than the measurable increase in tumor volume in the 15, 20, and 25 Gy dose groups, respectively. A dose-dependent growth rate for tumor recurrence was also observed. Conclusions: In this feasibility study we have demonstrated the ability of acoustic angiography to detect longitudinal changes in vascular density, which was shown to be a potential biomarker for tumor response to RT.
A Topological Approach to Representational Data Models

As data accumulate faster and bigger, building representational models has turned into an art form. Despite sharing common data types, each scientific discipline often takes a different approach. In this work, we propose representational models grounded in the mathematics of algebraic topology to understand foundational data types. We present hypergraphs for multi-relational data, point clouds for vector data, and sheaf models when both data types are present and interrelated. These three models use similar principles from algebraic topology and provide a domain-agnostic framework. We will discuss each method, provide references to their foundational mathematical papers, and give examples of their use.