cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrolyte polarization effects on polyion diffusion in low oinic strength buffers

The apparent friction factor as determined from diffusion studies increases for polyelectrolyte systems as the ionic strength is lowered below 50 mM. Although the natural tendency is to interpret these obserbations as an expansion of the polyelectrolyte dimensions, the apparent Stokes radius in some systems is much too large for the amount of material present in the particle. It is the thesis of this report that electrolyte dissipation effects play an important role in the diffusive motions of polyelectrolytes in low ionic strength buffers such that λR′ < 1, where λ is the Debye—Huckel screening parameter and R′ is the apparent Stokes radius. Doppler-shift spectroscopic studies are reported for mononucleosomes and data on the mononucleosome, bovine serum albumin and poly-L-lysine systems are reanalyzed in the context of the electrolyte dissipation theory of Schurr.
The effect of sociopolitical instability on the flow of different types of foreign direct investment

Abstract We examine the effect of sociopolitical instability on the flow of U.S. manufacturing, mining, and petroleum foreign direct investment in 14 developing countries for the years 1950–1982. The analysis shows that sociopolitical instability does not have the same effect on the flow of these three forms of foreign direct investment. The findings support the belief that multinational corporations in different industries do not perceive the same degree of risk when political turmoil surfaces in a host country.
Rules and Roles in the Marketplace: Self-Organization of the Market

Supposedly, competition among sellers in the marketplace redounds to the benefit of customers, an outcome known as consumer sovereignty. Where such is not the case, governmental regulation of the market is thought to restore the desired outcome. Among the many presumptions in this expectation is the notion that the sellers focus on transactions and are individually and collectively unconcerned with the overall operation of the market or its mode of governance. The paper is skeptical of this notion and advances a more realistic alternative.
Penicillin-induced spinal seizures: Selective effects on synaptic transmission

Abstract We investigated possible alterations of synaptic transmission caused by penicillin in the generation of epileptiform activity in the mammalian central nervous system by observing postsynaptic potentials in spinal motor neurons before and after the topical application of penicillin to the spinal cord. We obtained intracellular recordings from 337 identified flexor and extensor motor neurons in 28 cats with intact neuraxis, maintained under light pentobarbital anesthesia. Monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from group Ia afferents and descending supraspinal fibers, and disynaptic Ia antagonist and Renshaw inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) were not significantly altered by convulsive doses of penicillin. In contrast, the EPSP components of mixed polysynaptic postsynaptic potentials from cutaneous afferents were markedly enhanced and often prolonged, and the IPSP components were smaller after penicillin. Cutaneous pathways alone appear to be instrumental in the initiation and synchronization of motor neuron bursting caused by penicillin. Within this pathway penicillin may be specifically altering afferent terminals, interneuron membranes, or synaptic transmission, but these elements appear to be unaffected in the monosynaptic and disynaptic linkages derived from muscle afferents.
Squeezed states of the parabolic index fiber

We define the squeezed states of a parabolic index fiber by analogy with the Schrodinger equation for the harmonic oscillator. The expectation values of x for a squeezed and coherent state shows that in paraxial approximation, both the squeezed states and the coherent states represent the rays.
Heats of formation of higher fullerenes from ab initio Hartree—Fock and correlation energy functional calculations

Abstract Standard enthalpies of formation of higher fullerenes are predicted from the corresponding HF/DZP and LYP/DZP total energies, calculated at the optimized MNDO geometries, using fullerene interconversion reactions. Without exception, the higher fullerenes are found to be more stable than C 60 on a per carbon atom basis. Inclusion of electron correlation through the approximate LYP density functional additionally stabilizes the higher fullerenes, but has very small effect on the relative energies of fullerenes of the same size. The calculated enthalpies of formation converge to the limit of 670–680 kcal/mol as the cluster sizes increase.
Probing the kinetics of SYTOX Orange stain binding to double-stranded DNA with implications for DNA analysis.

Rapid binding kinetics of SYTOX Orange stain with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) was revealed on the DNA fragment sizing flow cytometer. We demonstrated for the first time that the dye molecules could be adsorbed onto the capillary surface and native DNA fragments can be dynamically stained while passing through the capillary. High-quality burst size distribution histograms were obtained for DNA samples analyzed immediately after staining, dilution, or mixing. These observations indicated that rapid interactions exist between SYTOX Orange dye molecules and dsDNA. A stopped-flow fluorescence apparatus was set up to capture the fast association traces of intercalating dyes binding to dsDNA. Kinetic equations were derived to fit the association curves for determination of association rates and to model the dynamic staining, dilution, and mixing processes of DNA samples stained with intercalating dyes. The measured association rates for both SYTOX Orange and PicoGreen stains intercalating into dsDNA were on the ...
A Clinician's Guide to STAIR/MPE: Treatment for PTSD Related to Childhood Abuse.

Women who have PTSD related to childhood abuse have significant deficits in the areas of emotion regulation and interpersonal skills. These problems are associated with impaired functioning in social, work, and home life. In addition, there is substantial clinical concern that limited emotion-regulation skills puts this population at risk for early dropout and symptom exacerbation in treatment focusing on emotional processing of traumatic memories. Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation plus Modified Prolonged Exposure (STAIR/MPE) is an evidence-based, 2-phase cognitive behavioral treatment designed to address these concerns. Specifically, this treatment targets PTSD symptoms, emotion-regulation deficits, and interpersonal difficulties. The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale for and clinical application of STAIR/MPE, detailing the essential clinical components and presenting relevant case examples.
Primary endothelial cells isolated from the yolk sac and para-aortic splanchnopleura support the expansion of adult marrow stem cells in vitro

The embryonic origin and development of hematopoietic and endothelial cells is highly interdependent. We hypothesized that primary endothelial cells from murine yolk sac and para-aortic splanchnopleura (P-Sp) may possess the capacity to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitor cells ex vivo. Using Tie2-GFP transgenic mice in combination with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (Flk1) and CD41, we have successfully isolated pure populations of primary endothelial cells from 9.5-days after coitus (dpc) yolk sac and P-Sp. Adult murine bone marrow Sca-1+c-Kit+lin- cells were cocultured with yolk sac or P-Sp Tie2-GFP+Flk-1+CD41- endothelial cell monolayers for 7 days and the total number of nonadherent cells increased 47- and 295-fold, respectively, and hematopoietic progenitor counts increased 9.4- and 11.4-fold, respectively. Both the yolk sac and P-Sp endothelial cell cocultures facilitated long-term (> 6 months) HSC competitive repopulating ability (2.8- to 9.8-fold increases, respectively). These data suggest that 9.5-dpc yolk sac- and P-Sp-derived primary Tie2-GFP+Flk-1+CD41- endothelial cells possess the capacity to expand adult bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cell and HSC repopulating ability ex vivo. (Blood. 2003;102:4345-4353)
Probabilistic inference of object identifications for event stream analytics

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of real-time object monitoring applications driven by the explosion of small inexpensive sensors. In many real-world applications, not all sensed events carry the identification of the object whose action they report on, so called "non-ID-ed" events. Reasons range from heterogeneous sensing devices to human's choosing to conceal their identifications. Such non-ID-ed events prevent us from performing object-based analytics, such as tracking, alerting and pattern matching. We propose a probabilistic inference framework, called FISS, to tackle this problem by inferring the missing object identification associated with an event. Specifically, as a foundation we design a time-varying graphic model to capture correspondences between sensed events and objects. Upon this formal model, we elaborate how to adapt the Forward-backward (FB) inference algorithm to continuously infer probabilistic identifications for non-ID-ed events. However, we demonstrate that FB is neither scalable nor efficient over event streams. To overcome this deficiency, we propose a suite of strategies for optimizing its performance, including the selective smoothing technique that significantly reduces the number of random variables that need to be smoothed, and the finish-flag mechanism that enables early termination of backward computations. Our experimental results, using large-volume streams of a real-world healthcare application, demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of FISS. Especially FISS achieves on average 15x higher throughput than our basic FB inference.
Investigation of soybean oil as a diesel fuel extender: Endurance tests

Engine performance and crankcase lubricant viscosity were followed with 1∶2 and 1∶1 fuel mixtures of degummed soybean oil in No. 2 diesel fuel in tests with a John Deere 6-cylinder, 404 cubic in. displacement, direct-injection, turbocharged engine for a total of 600 running hours. A crankcase oil contamination problem resulting in an unacceptable thickening and a potential for gelling did exist with a 50/50 blend or a greater concentration of soybean oil, but it did not occur with the 1∶2 blend. The data accumulated during the initial 600 hr running time indicates that a fuel blend of one-third degummed soybean oil and two-thirds No. 2 diesel (1∶2 blend) may be a suitable fuel for agricultural equipment during periods of diesel fuel shortages or allocations. Additional data are being accumulated and will be analyzed in the future.
Class-Numbers of Complex Quadratic Fields

Let E be an elliptic curve $$ y^2 = 4x^3 - g_2 x - g_3 ,\Delta = g_2^3 - 27g_3^2 \ne 0, $$ in Weierstrass normal form. The curve may be parametrized by the Weierstrass ℘-function, x = ℘(z), y = ℘′(z). The function ℘(z) is a doubly periodic function whose periods form a lattice $$ \Lambda = \{ \omega _1 ,\omega _2 \} = \{ a\omega _1 + b\omega _2 |a,b \in \mathbb{Z}\} $$ where ω1/ω2 ∉ ℝ and for convenience we assume that ω1 and ω2 are so ordered that Im(ω1/ω2) > 0. We then have the relations $$ g_2 = 60\sum\limits_\omega {'\omega ^{ - 4} } ,g_3 = 140\sum\limits_\omega {'\omega ^{ - 6} } , $$ (1) where the summations are over all ω ∈ Λ other than ω = 0, and $$ \wp (z) = \frac{1} {{z^2 }} + \frac{{g_2 }} {{20}}z^2 + \frac{{g_3 }} {{28}}z^4 + \frac{{g_2^2 }} {{1200}}z^6 + .... $$ (2) .
Host resistance and influence of tuber surface on larval performance of potato tuberworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

Potato tuberworm (PTW), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most important pests of potatoes in tropic and subtropic regions. Previous studies suggested that tuber periderm may limit larval penetration and establishment of PTW. Short term influence of parental host plant acclimatization, influence of tuber dormancy and influence of tuber periderm (the outer cork layer of tubers) on aspects of PTW biology were investigated on tubers of a susceptible commercial potato cultivar, cv. Allegany (Solanum tuberosum L.), and a resistant hybrid potato clone, Q174-2 (S. tuberosum × S. berthaultii Hawkes). Short-term parental host plant acclimatization did not affect numbers of PTW larvae on resistant and susceptible tubers. Numbers of larvae produced on tubers of Q174-2, and Allegany, were similar although larval weight was less on Q174-2 than on Allegany. Larval production increased with tuber age on both susceptible and resistant potato clones, suggesting that bud sprouts may enhance fitness by providing food and shelter for first instars prior to tuber entry. Removal of tuber periderm led to a significant increase in larval survival on Allegany and Q174-2, although proportional survival on Allegany and Q174-2 was similar to that on intact tubers, suggesting the involvement of internal rather than external periderm factors in tuber resistance of Q174-2. Weights of larvae reared on Q174-2 were consistently less than those of larvae reared on susceptible potato tubers in both intact and peeled tuber assays. Although the expression of periderm-mediated tuber resistance declines with tuber age, such resistance could significantly reduce preharvest field infestations by PTW and constitute an important component of sustainable PTW management, particularly for fresh market crops and for those potato crops stored for several months or less in the absence of refrigeration.
Purification and partial characterization of inhibin from porcine follicular fluid.

Abstract Inhibin, a protein of gonadal origin that suppresses the basal secretion of follicle stimulating hormone by anterior pituitary cells has been purified from porcine follicular fluid. Using several RP-HPLC steps and gel filtration under denaturing conditions, we obtained a fraction approximately ten thousand fold purified which showed one band on SDS PAGE and in the same experiment two bands after reduction (MW ca 14K and ca 18K) suggesting a molecular weight of 32K for inhibin. Edman degradation of isolated inhibin and carboxymethylated chain A indicated that the first 6 residues were H-Ser-Thr-Ala-Pro-Leu-Pro-; by subtraction, the first 3 residues of chain B could be deduced to be H-Gly-Leu-Glu-. EC50 was ca 0.3 ng/ml or 10 pM in our in vitro pituitary cell culture assay. Antibodies to residues 1–6 were raised which could immunoneutralize purified inhibin activity in an in vitro assay.
Leveraging latency-insensitivity to ease multiple FPGA design

Traditionally, hardware designs partitioned across multiple FPGAs have had low performance due to the inefficiency of maintaining cycle-by-cycle timing among discrete FPGAs. In this paper, we present a mechanism by which complex designs may be efficiently and automatically partitioned among multiple FPGAs using explicitly programmed latency-insensitive links. We describe the automatic synthesis of an area efficient, high performance network for routing these inter-FPGA links. By mapping a diverse set of large research prototypes onto a multiple FPGA platform, we demonstrate that our tool obtains significant gains in design feasibility, compilation time, and even wall-clock performance.
Tracking and pattern recognition performance of a breadboard system using a nonlinear joint-transform correlator

The experimental performance of a breadboard system that included a nonlinear joint- transform correlator is described. This system was capable of rapid tracking and time- multiplexed optical pattern recognition.
now what? rethinking civic education in the Netherlands

The influx of Muslim immigrants in the Netherlands during the past 50 years and terrorist events in recent years have led to increased alienation. This case study, conducted at a culturally diverse...
High-resolution, high-speed three-dimensional shape measurement using projector defocusing

We present a high-resolution, high-speed three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement technique that can reach the speed limit of a digital fringe projection system without significantly increasing the sys- tem cost. Instead of generating sinusoidal fringe patterns by a computer directly, they are produced by defocusing binary ones. By this means, with a relatively inexpensive camera, the 3-D shape measurement sys- tem can double the previously maximum achievable speed and reach the refreshing rate of a digital-light-processing projector: 120 Hz. C 2011 Society With the advancement of computational geometry for shape analysis, high-resolution, high-speed three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement is increasingly important, with broad applications ranging from homeland security to great human health. However, it remains challenging to develop inexpensive systems. In this research, we are tackling this problem via an alternative route.
Strong approximation theorems for density dependent Markov chains

Abstract A variety of continuous parameter Markov chains arising in applied probability (e.g. epidemic and chemical reaction models) can be obtained as solutions of equations of the form X N (t)=x 0 +∑ 1 N lY 1 N ∫ t 0 f 1 (X N (s))ds where l∈ Z t , the Y1 are independent Poisson processes, and N is a parameter with a natural interpretation (e.g. total population size or volume of a reacting solution). The corresponding deterministic model, satisfies X(t)=x 0 + ∫ t 0 ∑ lf 1 (X(s))ds Under very general conditions limN→∞XN(t)=X(t) a.s. The process XN(t) is compared to the diffusion processes given by Z N (t)=x 0 +∑ 1 N lB 1 N∫ t 0 ft(Z N (s))ds and V(t)=∑ l∫ t 0 f 1 (X(s)) d W 1 +∫ t 0 ∂F(X(s))·V(s) ds. Under conditions satisfied by most of the applied probability models, it is shown that XN,ZN and V can be constructed on the same sample space in such a way that X N (t)=Z N (t)+O logN N and N (X N (t)−X(t))=V(t)+O log N N
Historic Preservation and Urban Revitalization in the Twenty-first Century

Historic preservation is largely an urban profession with strong ties to city planning and development. Advocates tout preservation as a key driver of urban revitalization, but there remains a dearth of empirical research that addresses this intersection. This article reviews the current state of affairs in preservation practice and scholarship and builds new connections with four leading discourses in urban revitalization: the New American City, place matters, anchor institutions, and legacy cities. We call for an expansive research agenda to address preservation’s role in revitalization and to rethink preservation policy in the twenty-first century.
GOES Satellite Data Maps Areas of Extreme Cold in Colorado

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) enhanced infrared (IR) imagery depicted very cold temperatures over Colorado on the morning of 8 December 1978. The situation was unusual because skies were clear and the cold temperatures were not associated with high cloud tops. Instead, satellite data mapped large areas that were experiencing extremely cold surface temperatures. The GOES data were also examined using the Colorado State University interactive data processing system and it was found that the cold IR readings corresponded well with early morning low temperatures over the state. GOES data can be of use in monitoring surface temperatures and can, in certain situations, provide detailed spatial and temporal information over regions experiencing extreme temperatures.
“Los Pastores” and the gifting of performance

This study of Los Pastores, a folk drama performed in San Antonio, Texas, argues that the struggle over the production and reproduction of culture is situated in the emergent social formation evoked through performance. As such, the interrelationship between gifting and labor constitutes a communicative dialectic upon which an analysis of expressive culture, one based on performance as production, is centered. [performance, cultural production, gifting, mexicano expressive culture]
A pilot study of acupuncture monotherapy in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract Background We have previously shown that a standardized acupuncture augmentation was effective for antidepressant partial responders with major depressive disorder (MDD). This pilot study examines the efficacy and safety of this protocol as monotherapy for MDD. Methods Thirty outpatients (73% female, mean age 47 ± 12 yrs) with SCID-diagnosed MDD were recruited and received 8 weeks of standardized 30-minute open acupuncture treatment using 5 specific body points on the arms and legs bilaterally, with manual stimulation every 10 min, and concurrent electroacupuncture (2 Hz current) at two points along the midline of the head. Subjects were assigned to once-weekly (n = 21) or twice-weekly (n = 9) treatment, depending on preference. Change in Hamilton-D-17 score was the primary outcome measure, and positive response to treatment (defined as ≥ 50% improvement in HAM-D-17 scores compared to baseline) was the secondary outcome measure. Results HAM-D-17 scores decreased from 19.1 ± 4.4 to 9.9 ± 6.3 (p Limitations Open design and small sample. Conclusions Standardized acupuncture treatment was safe, well-tolerated and effective, suggesting good feasibility in outpatient settings. Replication in controlled trials is warranted.
Variability in energy expenditure and its components.

Purpose of reviewTo review factors contributing to variation in total daily energy expenditure and its primary components: (1) resting metabolic rate; (2) diet-induced thermogenesis; and (3) activity thermogenesis, including exercise energy expenditure and nonexercise activity. For each component, t
Semidefinite programming for quadratically constrained quadratic programs

We consider the linear least squares problem subject to multiple quadratic constraints, which is motivated by a practical application in controller design. We use the techniques of convex optimization, in particluar, interior-point methods for semi-definite programming. We reduce a quasi-convex potential function. Each iteration requires calculating a primal and dual search direction and minimizing along the plane defined by these search directions. The primal search direction requires solving a least squares problem whose matrix is composed of a block- Toeplitz portion plus other structured matrices. We make use of Kronecker products and FFTs to greatly reduce the calculation. In addition, the matrix updates and matrix inverses in the plane search are actually low-rank updates to structured matrices so we are able to further reduce the flops required. Consequently, we can design controllers for problems of considerable size.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Radiative lifetimes for ultraviolet transitions in C, N and O ions by the pulse decay method

Abstract The pulse-decay method has been used to measure radiative lifetimes of several low-lying states of CI, CII, OI, NI and NII giving spectral lines between 916 and 1657 A. Measured lifetimes of these states ranged. from 1.2 to 8.2 nsec. Agreement with the results of others using different methods is reasonably good. In particular, comparison with lifetimes measured by Hutchison using the phase-shift method with the same basic experimental apparatus shows no systematic differences between the two methods.
Divergent syntheses of stereoisomers of swainsonine: (−)-8-epi-, (−)-8a-epi- and (−)-8,8a-diepi-swainsonine☆

Abstract Divergent stereoselective syntheses of three stereoisomers 2–4 of swainsonine (1) starting from the readily available common intermediates 5a,b are described. A moderate to good stereoselectivity has been achieved by an allylic oxygen substituent.
Subpixel smoothing finite-difference time-domain method for material interface between dielectric and dispersive media

In this Letter, we have shown that the subpixel smoothing technique that eliminates the staircasing error in the finite-difference time-domain method can be extended to material interface between dielectric and dispersive media by local coordinate rotation. First, we show our method is equivalent to the subpixel smoothing method for dielectric interface, then we extend it to a more general case where dispersive/dielectric interface is present. Finally, we provide a numerical example on a scattering problem to demonstrate that we were able to significantly improve the accuracy.
Attomolar Detection of a Cancer Biomarker Protein in Serum by Surface Plasmon Resonance Using Superparamagnetic Particle Labels

Methods to measure protein biomarkers with ultralow detection limit (DL) and high sensitivity promise to provide valuable tools for early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, and for monitoring therapy and post-surgical recurrence.[i, ii] Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) utilizing nanoparticle-antibody labels for signal amplification in immunoassays is an emerging approach for detecting proteins in biomedical samples.[iii–x] Herein, we show for the first time that clustering of superparamagnetic labels on SPR surfaces leads to unprecedented sensitivity and ultralow DL for protein biomarkers in serum. Specifically, antibody bioconjugates on 1 µm diameter superparamagnetic particles (MP) used for off-line antigen capture enabled SPR detection of cancer biomarker prostate specific antigen (PSA) in serum at an ultralow DL of 10 fg mL−1 (~300 aM). This approach opens doors for accurate diagnostics based on new protein biomarkers with inherently low concentrations.
Changes in competitive ability between a C4 crop and a C3 weed with elevated carbon dioxide

Abstract Using climate-controlled glasshouses, the growth of grain sorghum was evaluated with and without the presence of common cocklebur at current and projected future atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide [CO2]. Single-leaf photosynthetic rates declined for both species in competition; however, elevated CO2 reduced the percentage decline in common cocklebur and increased it in sorghum by 35 d after sowing (DAS) relative to ambient CO2. In monoculture, elevated CO2 significantly stimulated leaf photosynthetic rate, leaf area, and aboveground dry weight of common cocklebur more than that of sorghum. However, the stimulation of aboveground biomass or leaf area for monocultures of sorghum and common cocklebur at elevated CO2 did not adequately predict the CO2 response of aboveground biomass or leaf area for sorghum and common cocklebur grown in competitive mixtures. Overall, by 41 DAS, plant relative yield (PRY), in terms of aboveground biomass and leaf area, increased significantly for common cock...
Electric-field-controlled conductance of "metallic" polymers in a transistor structure

It was recently reported that use of a doped ``metallic'' polymer as the active channel in a field effect transistor structure results in unexpected ``normally on'' transistorlike behavior. We report here the role of ion migration in transistors based on metallic polymer [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS)]. The analysis of the ion flow into the active channel due to the gate voltage suggests that for the transistors studied compensating $\ensuremath{\sim}2$ counterions per 100 dopant molecules suppresses PEDOT conductance up to three orders of magnitude. We determine from the temperature dependence of the conductivity of the active channel that the change in conductance of the active channel is throughout the channel in contrast to confinement of gate field induced charge carriers to the channel/dielectric interface in conventional transistors. The decrease of channel conductance reflects an increase of activation energy of carriers. Therefore, we propose that removal of intermediate hopping sites in the disoriented PEDOT:PSS by a small fraction of ion charge compensation causes carriers to anisotropically hop over longer distance leading to a conductor-nonconductor transition.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are not associated with respiratory complications or mortality after noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND:General use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) is associated with upper-airway complications such as cough, angioedema, and bronchospasm; furthermore, preoperative use is associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Our primary goal in this study was thus to evaluate
Surface phonon polaritons on SiC substrate for surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy

We numerically investigate the optical field enhancement in metallic microstructures on the surface of polar dielectrics due to the excitation of surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs). The optical field enhancement at the edge of the microstructures is attributed to the contribution of two components: the resonant coupling of the conventional optical antenna and the excitation of SPhPs. By simulation, we found the amplitude of the local field enhancement is up to 106 times. The dependence of field enhancement on incident polarizations and angles is also investigated. The achieved strong field enhancement combined with easy fabrication can potentially lead to promising applications in optical bio-sensing such as surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy.
The Large Delta Antigen of Hepatitis Delta Virus Potently Inhibits Genomic but Not Antigenomic RNA Synthesis: a Mechanism Enabling Initiation of Viral Replication

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) contains two types of hepatitis delta antigens (HDAg) in the virion. The small form (S-HDAg) is required for HDV RNA replication, whereas the large form (L-HDAg) potently inhibits it by a dominant-negative inhibitory mechanism. The sequential appearance of these two forms in the infected cells regulates HDV RNA synthesis during the viral life cycle. However, the presence of almost equal amounts of S-HDAg and L-HDAg in the virion raised a puzzling question concerning how HDV can escape the inhibitory effects of L-HDAg and initiate RNA replication after infection. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of L-HDAg on the synthesis of various HDV RNA species. Using an HDV RNA-based transfection approach devoid of any artificial DNA intermediates, we showed that a small amount of L-HDAg is sufficient to inhibit HDV genomic RNA synthesis from the antigenomic RNA template. However, the synthesis of antigenomic RNA, including both the 1.7-kb HDV RNA and the 0.8-kb HDAg mRNA, from the genomic-sense RNA was surprisingly resistant to inhibition by L-HDAg. The synthesis of these RNAs was inhibited only when L-HDAg was in vast excess over S-HDAg. These results explain why HDV genomic RNA can initiate replication after infection even though the incoming viral genome is complexed with equal amounts of L-HDAg and S-HDAg. These results also suggest that the mechanisms of synthesis of genomic versus antigenomic RNA are different. This study thus resolves a puzzling question about the early events of the HDV life cycle.
Predator–Prey Model Estimates of the Cyclical Profit Squeeze

This paper extends the empirical literature on the cyclical profit squeeze (CPS) theory of crisis by developing a multivariate model with superior decomposition methods. A structural time series (unobserved components) model with trend and structural VAR components is employed. The VAR captures the dynamic cyclical interaction between unemployment and profit's share of income and is interpreted as a linear version of Goodwin's (1967) predator-prey model. Model extensions incorporate the accumulation process and structural shifts. Estimation results for the US economy are used to sort out the controversial relevance of the CPS in the post-1970 period. It is concluded that the CPS is relevant during the period from 1949 to 1985, but is moderately weakened in the post-1970 period. Inconclusive statistical support for the CPS is found for the post-1985 era.
Restructuring an electric Machinery course with an integrative approach and computer-assisted teaching methodology

The course of Electric Machinery has been one of the core courses in the Electrical Engineering (EE) curriculum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). In the past, the course was designed to focus mainly on topics of transformers and electric machines and was typically presented under the assumption of steady-state conditions. Unfortunately, many students considered the course old-fashioned and unexciting, and this lack of interest, in turn, seriously limited their ability to understand and appreciate the wide-ranging applications of electric machines. More important, electric machines today have become widely integrated with power electronics, digital signal processing (DSP), and digital control technology. However, these technological changes were not adequately reflected in the traditional teaching structure of the course. This paper presents a new approach that, by integrating computer-assisted teaching methodology in classroom presentation, substantially restructures the course so that it provides a comprehensive treatment of electric-drive systems with discussions covering electric machines, power electronic converters, feedback controls, power supply systems, and mechanical systems.
The Real Deal: How Each Child is First in Education

Traditionally, educators have looked within the child for causes of learning difficulty and lack of compliance with social or cultural rules. We often do not ask ourselves whether what and how we teach and the way in which we organize and manage schools or community environments can be a major cause of a child's inability to acquire the same values and ethics as the wider community. The author presents numerous assumptions about the child and life – facts or realities that one instinctively knows as reliable and true – those that do not need to be validated, like breathing. And as part of the writer's basic assumption definition, there is minimal reliance on citations or references. The author's intent in this article is to discuss the obvious and the necessary when it comes to educating each child and not rehash the stipulated realities of life and education. Further, the role for the educator as a professional solely responsible for teaching in the classroom is questioned. Maybe educators should be call...
Non-peptide αvβ3 antagonists. Part 7: 3-Substituted tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives

Abstract A series of 3-substituted tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridine containing α v β 3 antagonists was prepared. A comparison of their in vitro IC 50 values to the electron properties of the 3-substituents revealed a good linear Hammett correlation (ρ=−1.96, R 2 =0.959). Electron-withdrawing groups at the 3-position of the tetrahydro-[1,8]naphthyridine decreased potency while electron-donating groups enhanced potency.
Effects of Disturbance and Age of Invasion on the Impact of the Invasive Sand Sedge, Carex kobomugi, on Native Dune Plant Populations in New Jersey's Coastal Dunes

Abstract Because invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity, understanding the factors influencing the invasibility of native communities and documenting effects of invasive species on native communities is important. In this study, we assessed the role of disturbance in mediating the invasion of Asiatic sand sedge, Carex kobomugi Ohwi (Cyperaceae), in New Jersey's coastal dune ecosystems. Stem densities and species richness of native plants were significantly lower within areas invaded by C. kobomugi than in surrounding areas. Species diversity and species richness inside invaded areas at two highly disturbed sites were similar to one another and significantly lower than those in a less-disturbed site (two-way analysis of variance, Wilks' λ F = 8.4, degrees of freedom [df] = 78, p < 0.001), suggesting that disturbance enhances the ability of C. kobomugi to outcompete native plant species. A significant correlation between native plant stem densities inside invaded areas and those in s...
Internal evidence for final vowel lowering in Hausa

Internal factors involving phonotactic asymmetries and irregular morphological alternations suggest that final *Iuul in Hausa historically lowered to 1001 when the preceding syllable contained laal, e.g. *kwaaaoo 'frog' < *kwaaauu. (Note: L tone is indicated by a grave accent, H tone is left unmarked. Long vowels are indicated by double letters.) The aim of this paper is to present evidence supporting this proposal and to suggest implications of the historical vowel change for one of Hausa's many plural formations, the ablaut plural. (For background studies on the history of vowels in Hausa and Chadic, see Barreteau [1987], Frajzyngier [1986], Newman [1979b], Parsons [1970], Schuh [1984], and Wolff [1983].)
The Right to Reject: The First Amendment in a Media-Drenched Society

This Article addresses the First Amendment status of the one participant in the communications process who is the most vulnerable and least protected in today's media-saturated world - the unwilling recipient of offensive media entertainment speech. The Article argues that for the communicative process to be truly free and open, listeners should have as much right to be free from unwanted non-political speech as speakers do of not being thrown in jail for uttering unpopular ideas. The Article examines a side of communicative freedom (e.g., the right of listeners to reject) that for centuries was taken for granted and that in recent decades has been greatly eroded. Current First Amendment jurisprudence assumes that people can simply avert their eyes whenever confronted with violent or pornographic speech. But in reality, given the pervasiveness of the media, the ability to avoid repulsive or offensive speech has been greatly diminished. Despite the abundance of harmful media speech, the courts have placed all burden of avoiding it on the listener and the viewer, yet without providing any effective tools for doing so. Thus, an individual's right to reject unwanted non-political speech may need a boost if it is to be anything more than a convenient fiction. This Article articulates a new model of the Free Speech Clause that takes into account the realities of the media-saturated society that America has become. This model, while giving explicit recognition to the high status of political speech, places non-political media entertainment on a lower constitutional level. The model also addresses what has become a major shortcoming of the current marketplace theory of the First Amendment - the almost complete disregard of the rights and freedoms of besieged listeners and viewers in a culture of pervasive media.
The gene BRAF is underexpressed in bipolar subject olfactory neuroepithelial progenitor cells undergoing apoptosis.

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder is a devastating psychiatric condition that frequently results in various degrees of brain tissue loss, cognitive decline, and premature death. The documentation of brain tissue loss implicates apoptosis as the likely underlying degenerative process, but direct experimental demonstration is lacking. Methods Olfactory neuroepithelial biopsies from individuals with and without bipolar I disorder yielded olfactory neuroepithelial progenitor cells (ONPs), which spontaneously differentiate into neurons and glia. Glutamate, 0.1M, for 3 and 6h was used to induce apoptosis. Genes involved in the apoptotic pathway were interrogated with micro-array analysis before and after glutamate treatment for 6h. Confirmation was accomplished with real-time PCR. Total and phospho-B-Raf protein levels were measured using Western blot analysis. Results ONPs from bipolar individuals demonstrated significantly greater apoptosis than cells from non-bipolar subjects. Microarray results revealed 12 differentially expressed genes. Five genes were further examined. BRAF mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in bipolar ONPs. Conclusions ONPs with the genetic heritage of bipolar I disorder were more sensitive to glutamate induced apoptosis. Under expression of the BRAF gene and protein, which plays a role in regulating the pro-survival MEK/ERK signaling pathway, may contribute to this apoptotic sensitivity.
Megavoltage conebeam CT cine as final verification of treatment plan in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy

Introduction To analyse the clinical impact of megavoltage conebeam computed tomography (MV-CBCT) cine on internal target volume (ITV) coverage in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods One hundred and six patients received lung SBRT. All underwent 4D computed tomography simulation followed by treatment via image guided 3D conformal or intensity modulated radiation. Prior to SBRT, all patients underwent MV-CBCT cine, in which raw projections are displayed as beam's-eye-view fluoroscopic series with the planning target volume (PTV) projected onto each image, enabling verification of tumour motion relative to the PTV and assessment of adequacy of treatment margin. Results Megavoltage conebeam computed tomography cine was completed 1–2 days prior to SBRT. Four patients (3.8%) had insufficient ITV coverage inferiorly at cine review. All four plans were changed by adding 5 mm on the PTV margin inferiorly. The mean change in PTV volumes was 3.9 cubic centimetres (cc) (range 1.85–6.32 cc). Repeat cine was performed after plan modification to ensure adequate PTV coverage in the modified plans. Conclusions PTV margin was adequate in the majority of patients with this technique. MV-CBCT cine did show insufficient coverage in a small subset of patients. Insufficient PTV margins may be a function of 4D CT simulation inadequacies or deficiencies in visualizing the ITV inferior border in the full-inhale phase. MV-CBCT cine is a valuable tool for final verification of PTV margins.
The Effects of Accounting Contexts on Accounting Decisions: A Synthesis of Cognitive and Economic Perspectives in Accounting Experimentation

Towards the goal of merging psychological and economic insights in accounting experimentation, we categorize four ways that contextual richness in experimental materials can affect decisions. First, INFORMATION EFFECTS occur when context provides enhanced or clearer cues. Second, SALIENCE EFFECTS capture the potential for context to highlight certain cues over others. Third, MOTIVATION EFFECTS reflect the ability of context to reinforce the consequences of a decision. Fourth, MEMORY-CODING effects capture the interaction between context and the setting-specific expertise of the decision-maker. Several examples from the accounting literature are provided for each category, including studies that vary contextual richness as a separate treatment factor. Attuning to these sources of contextual sensitivity can help the accounting experimentalist to choose a level of contextual richness that is grounded more in case-specific theory than in the methodological dogma of either cognitive psychology or experimental economics.
Notes Upon Reviving Old Cultures

The mere mechanics of keeping living cultures in the laboratory for any considerable time entails so much labor that scientists, busy with research or teaching or both, are forced to make one of two choices, i.e., to turn over the work to an assistant or else allow the culture to die. Unfortunately, the first of these choices often brings about the same result as the second, for fungi vary considerably with regard to their ability to retain vitality in culture. On the one hand there are those exacting ones, like Sporodinia grandis Link, which require transferring about once in a fortnight; on the other, there are those fungi which may be neglected, as Aspergillus Oryzae (Ahlburg) Cohn, which can be allowed to go six months between transfers. Often the vagaries of a fungus are learned only by sad experience. Any means, therefore, of obviating transfers should be of assistance to many workers and thus the writer feels that this note may justify itself. About two years ago repeated transfers of mycelium and sclerotia from an old culture of Sclerotium Rolfsii Sacc. gave no growth. As a last resort, before discarding the culture, hot agar was poured into the test tube. Within a few seconds the old dried sclerotia began to swell and in less than a minute became normal in size. The tube was then slanted and after cooling was placed in an incubator at 28 degrees C. In forty-eight hours abundant mycelium had developed and new sclerotia were be? ginning to form. It has been found that better results are ob? tained when a slight amount of agar is added, as growth rarely starts on the deeply submerged part of the fungus. Since this first experiment the same procedure has been tried out on over a hundred cultures varying in age from three months to five years. In approximately forty per cent of these experi? ments growth has been resumed. By this method growth was obtained from a culture of Sporodinia grandis Link after five months, from a Mucor culture two years old and from a culture of 317
Fasting insulin and apolipoprotein B levels and low density lipoprotein particle size as risk factors for ischemic heart disease.

It is well accepted that there is a clear and direct relationship between the incidence of ischemic heart disease and elevations in both total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C). However, as physicians and in particular as insurance physicians, we have all seen cases in which there is a history of ischemic heart disease with normal or even low cholesterol readings. Some studies suggest that this could even be as high as 50% of all ischemic heart disease cases. So it stands to reason that cholesterol, while clearly the culprit in many patients, is not the complete answer to the etiology of ischemic heart disease.
Non-coherent PSK-based dual-function radar-communication systems

Dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) systems enable information embedding into the radar signal emission. Existing methods for non-coherent phase-modulation DFRC employ multiple pairs of orthogonal waveforms and embed one communication symbol into each pair. The total number of symbols is equal to one-half of the number of waveforms. In this paper, we propose a new signaling strategy for embedding a higher number of communication symbols. The proposed method implements non-coherent phase-shift keying (PSK) by employing one of the orthogonal waveforms as a common reference and modulating the information in terms of the phase differences between all other waveforms and the reference waveform. The number of communication symbols that can be embedded equals the total number of waveforms minus one. We introduce two schemes for achieving a desired phase constellation. The proposed approach is shown to achieve a two-fold increase in the data rate compared to existing methods for a large number of waveforms.
The Nature of our Contemporary Condition

It is still conventional in America political discourse to treat this country as exceptional and to understand the term “exceptional” as actually meaning “superior.” In the national anthem, for example, America is hailed as “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” and most Americans still treat that claim as a factually accurate one. As far as I can tell, it remains largely axiomatic among citizens of all ages, races, classes, and creeds that here in the United States, we enjoy better and larger freedoms than do people elsewhere; that we possess a stronger economy and a higher standard of living than others do; and that we uniquely experience a higher probability of individual economic advancement and upward social mobility. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave-everybody in America is above the global average, so the conventional wisdom runs-because this is the one country on the face of the earth in which we can all successfully live out the American Dream. Indeed, immigrants flock to these shores for precisely that reason, eager to become citizens in the one global power committed to the freedom and liberty of all peoples. My late father-in-law used to regularly ask his newly acquired British relative, “Is this a great country, or what?” “Great” was, of course, the only permitted answer. In fact, more than great-exemplary indeed-exemplary at home as a uniquely dynamic capitalist economy based on free-market principles, and exemplary abroad as a global power uniquely committed to the greater good of all.