cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The endocytic pathway for human immunodeficiency virus infection.

In this review, the pathway for infectious entry of HIV will be examined. Particular attention will be payed to analyzing the rates and efficiency of HIV binding, internalization, and uncoating. These kinetic parameters define the pathway for HIV penetration of T cells and monocytes and can be used to distinguish among the proposed routes for infectious entry of this virus. It is of practical significance to define the rate-limiting steps in the entry mechanism, as these reactions will be the most suitable targets for antiviral agents designed to interfere with HIV infection. These rate-limiting steps for infection of T cells and monocytes are compared in light of the kinetic analyses of virus entry discussed here.
Pyrolysis/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry with Metastable Peak Monitoring Applied to the Analysis of Green River Shale Kerogen

High resolution mass spectra of products resulting from the temperature programmed pyrolysis of Green River shale kerogen in the ion source of a mass spectrometer showed mass peaks to m/z 700. Elemental composition and linked metastable scans, particularly of components containing heteroatoms, were obtained at five second intervals during pyrolysis. This showed that nitrogen and oxygen containing compounds are present in greater abundance than those containing sulfur, and that sulfur always appears in combination with one of the other heteroatoms. Nitrogen is found primarily as a part of stable aromatic ring systems; quinoline and isoquinoline structures appear to be most probable. Oxygen containing species were associated principally with aliphatic hydrocarbon skeletons.
Antigenic Phenotype of Rodent Follicular Dendritic Cells in Vitro and in Situ

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) were first described at the transmission electron microscopic level in the lymph node by Nossal et al. (1968) and in the spleen by Szaka1 and Hanna (1968). Until recently, the study of FDCs was limited to in situ investigations due to the lack of adequate isolation and enrichment techniques. In 1982, Schnizlein et al. developed a procedure in our laboratory which produced a single cell suspension specifically enriched for FDCs from lymph nodes of mice. This procedure provided an opportunity to establish diagnostic morphological features of intact FDCs in vitro, using Nomarski optics, scanning EM (SEM) and transmission EM (TEM). The SEM of isolated FDCs revealed cells with a “sunburst-like” appearance due to numerous long thin dendrites emanating from a spherical or ovoid cell body. Nomarski optics and TEM confirmed the presence of immune complexes on the processes of FDCs by using the histochemically detectable antigen (Ag), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and revealed features consistent with those observed in lymphoid sections. The cytological evaluation of FDCs in vitro provided functionally supported morphological criteria by which these cells could be distinguished from leukocytes and other dendritic cells (Szakal, Gieringer, Kosco and Tew, 1984).
Quality function deployment in management information systems

This paper utilizes QFD concepts as a structured approach in integrating the customer's voice in the development of software and hardware products. QFD's emphasis is a team ap­ proach to problem solving by various functional areas of a company to develop information technology tools by improving communication, product development, and measurements of end products. INTRODUCTION The total quality management (TQM) movement, in the last decade or so, has targeted production and manufacturing processes as areas requiring competitive quality output and lately, the service sector as well. Management Information Systems (MIS) falls under the rubric of the service sector, and little is known on the impact of TQM in this increasingly important function of most organizations. This paper will expound on the impact of TQM in organizations using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the functional area of information technology of organi­ zations. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT The definition of TQM as endorsed by CEOs of major corporations, deans of schools of business, as well as deans of schools of engineering, as reported in Procter & Gamble publication (1992), among others is: Total Quality (TQ) is a people focused management system that aims at continual increase in customer satisfaction at continual lower real cost. TQ is a total system approach (not a separate area or program) and an integral part of high level strat­ egy; it works horizontally across functions and departments, involves all employ­ ees, top to bottom, and extends backward and forward to include the supply chain and the customer chain. TQ stresses learning and adaptation to continual change as
Customer Prejudice & Salience: The Effect of the 2016 Election on Employment Discrimination

We examine if employment discrimination increased after the 2016 election. We submitted fictitious applications to publicly advertised positions using resumes that are manipulated on perceived race and ethnicity (Somali American, African American, and white American). Prior to the 2016 election, employers contacted Somali American applicants slightly less than white applicants but more than African American applicants. After the election, the difference between white and Somali American applicants increased by 10 percentage points. The increased discrimination predominantly occurred in occupations involving interaction with customers. We use 2017 as a placebo election; there was no increase in discrimination after the 2017 election.
Strange Goings on in Quark Matter

We review recent work on how the superfluid state of three flavor quark matter is affected by non-zero quark masses and chemical potentials.
Hierarchical Bandwidth Modulation for Ultra-Broadband Terahertz Communications

Terahertz (THz)-band (0.1&#x2013;10 THz) communication has been envisioned as a key technology to enable wireless Terabit-per-second (Tbps) links. At THz frequencies, the path-loss is governed by the spreading loss and the molecular absorption loss. The latter also determines the available transmission bandwidth, which drastically shrinks with distance. New physical layer solutions that capture this behavior are needed to maximally utilize the THz band. In this paper, the concept of hierarchical bandwidth modulation is introduced for single-transmitter multiple-receiver communication in the THz band. In the proposed modulation scheme, multiple flows of information aimed at users at different distances are transmitted at the same time and over the same frequency, by simultaneously adapting both the modulation order and, more importantly, the symbol time. Details for the modulator and the demodulator implementations are provided. The performance of the proposed modulation is analytically derived, both in terms of the achievable data rate as well as symbol error rate. Extensive numerical results based on analytical channel models that capture the peculiarities of the THz band are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed scheme. The results show that the proposed modulation scheme can maximize the utilization of the distance-dependent bandwidth of the THz channel, turning molecular absorption into an advantage.
Task-specific compressive optical system design through genetic algorithms

Alternative architectures for imaging devices which fuse the optical design with an algorithmic component enable inexpensive sensing systems optimized for specific classification tasks. Leveraging past work in task-specific compressive devices, this work seeks to improve upon previous designs of optical and algorithmic elements. We achieve this through use of genetic algorithms to enforce conditions upon the optimization phase of a computational imaging system. Through enforcement of binary sampling or discrete-valued outputs of a system measurement matrix, it is possible to simplify optical hardware design while achieving high task-specific performance.
High-Low Promotion Policies for Peak-End Demand Models

In-store promotions are a highly effective marketing tool that can have a significant impact on revenue. In this research, we study the question of dynamic promotion planning in the face of Bounded-Memory Peak-End demand models. In order to determine promotion strategies, we establish that a High-Low pricing policy is optimal under diagonal dominance conditions (so that the current period price dominates both past period price effects and competitive product price effects on the demand). We show that finding the optimal High-Low dynamic promotion policy is NP-hard in the strong sense. Nevertheless, for the special case of promotion planning for a single item, we propose a compact Dynamic Programming (DP) approach that can find the optimal promotion plan that follows a High-Low policy in polynomial time. When the diagonal dominance conditions do not hold, and hence, a High-Low policy is not necessarily optimal, we show that the optimal High-Low policy that is found by our proposed DP can find a provably near-optimal solution. Using the proposed DP as a sub-routine, for the case of multiple items, we propose a Polynomial-Time-Approximation-Scheme (PTAS) that can find a solution that can capture at least $1-\epsilon$ of the optimal revenue and runs in time that is exponential only in $\frac{1}{\epsilon}$. Finally, we test our approach on data from large retailers and demonstrate an average of $5.1-15.6\%$ increase in revenue relative to the retailer's current practices.
Finely tuned eye movements enhance visual acuity

High visual acuity is essential for many tasks, from recognizing distant friends to driving a car. While much is known about how the eye’s optics and anatomy contribute to spatial resolution, possible influences from eye movements are rarely considered. Yet humans incessantly move their eyes, and it has long been suggested that oculomotor activity enhances fine pattern vision. Here we examine the role of eye movements in the most common assessment of visual acuity, the Snellen eye chart. By precisely localizing gaze and actively controlling retinal stimulation, we show that fixational behavior improves acuity by more than 0.15 logMAR, at least 2 lines of the Snellen chart. This improvement is achieved by adapting both microsaccades and ocular drifts to precisely position the image on the retina and adjust its motion. These findings show that humans finely tune their fixational eye movements so that they greatly contribute to normal visual acuity. Humans are normally not aware that their eyes are always in motion, even when attempting to maintain steady gaze on a point. Here the authors show that these small eye movements are finely controlled and contribute more than two lines in a standard eye-chart test of visual acuity.
Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Older Adults With Low Vision.

Importance: The aging of the population is generating increased demand for occupational therapy practitioners to address the occupational performance of those experiencing low vision. Objective: This Practice Guideline, which is informed by systematic reviews on interventions for older adults with low vision, is meant to serve as a reference for occupational therapy practitioners to guide best practice in service delivery, improve quality of care, enhance consumer satisfaction, and justify occupational therapy services to external stakeholders. Interventions included in this guideline address performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), reading, and leisure and social participation. Method: We examined, synthesized, and integrated the results of three systematic reviews into recommendations for practice, education, and research. Results: Thirty-eight articles were included in the systematic reviews, which served as the basis for clinical recommendations. A case study describes translation and application of the recommendations to clinical practice. Conclusions and Recommendations: Strong evidence supports the role of occupational therapy for older adults with low vision. On the basis of the evidence, we recommend routine use of low vision rehabilitation for ADL and IADL impairments, multicomponent interventions to improve ADL and IADL performance and leisure and social participation, stand-based electronic magnification to enhance reading, and visual skills training to enhance reading for clients with a central field impairment. We recommend using client-centered problem-solving training to enhance ADL and IADL performance, reading, and leisure and social participation. Mainstream technology may be considered for use on a case-by-case basis to enhance reading performance. Finally, adapted tango may be considered for use on a case-by-case basis to enhance ADL and IADL performance and leisure and social participation. What This Article Adds: This Practice Guideline provides a summary of the current evidence supporting occupational therapy intervention for older adults with low vision. It summarizes the emerging literature supporting the use of mainstream technology and provides additional support for the use of multicomponent intervention strategies.
Relationship between stress and weight management behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among those enrolled in an internet program

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandated stay-at-home orders, potentially resulting in changes in mental health (e g , stress, anxiety) and challenges maintaining healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors Objective: This study examined how stress was associated with mental well-being and weight loss behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults enrolled in an internet-based weight loss program Methods: Participants enrolled in a weight-loss program residing in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, USA, completed a brief survey on their mental health and current weight-loss behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic Surveys were completed between 14 April 2020 and 21 April 2020, approximately one month after stay-at-home orders were mandated Linear regression was used to examine associations between stress, mental health, and weight-loss behaviors Results: A total of 99 participants completed the survey (79% female, 91% white, 52 2 ± 9 8 years, 34 0 ± 5 2 kg/m2, 77% reported moderate to extreme stress) Greater stress was associated with higher BMI (p = 0 04), higher education (p = 0 04), working more hours (p = 0 003), and having school-age children at home (p = 0 002) Greater stress was also associated with higher levels of anxiety, worry, and concern regarding COVID-19 (p's < 0 001) and having less time to spend on weight-loss efforts (p < 0 001), after controlling for BMI and education Conclusions: Many individuals enrolled in a weight-loss program experienced more stress during COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic This stress was related to more mental health challenges as well as more difficulties finding time for weight management efforts
CT-based simulation of ultrasound propagation and cavitation in the human body for the assessment of acoustic therapy monitoring in high intensity focused ultrasound

In situ control of therapy parameters based on real time monitoring of ablation targets is a promising strategy to improve the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). In this work, we present an approach to evaluate the accuracy of acoustic monitoring techniques using computational fluid dynamics simulation. In the numerical setup, computed tomography images are used to model anatomical structures that can scatter and dissipate therapy waves in the body of the patient, including fat, bone, tissues, and organs. An in-house, compressible flow solver is used to simulate ultrasound generation from a transducer, nonlinear focusing of the wave toward therapy targets in the body, and backscattering toward the body surface. The simulation also captures excitation of cavitation bubbles in the focal region and their influence on the pressure fields in the body. Sensing and processing of the scattered signals provide for acoustic monitoring. For demonstration, we apply this approach to HIFU-based lithotripsy that uses burst waves with a focal pressure of O(1) MPa and frequency of O(100) kHz. Accuracies of acoustic monitoring are compared for various sensing and signal processing methods in quantifying the effects of anatomical structures and cavitation on ultrasound irradiation into targeted kidney stones. Finally, we discuss the use of these numerical experiments for control and optimization of therapy parameters. [Work supported by NIH P01-DK043881.]
Molecular Mechanisms in Early Diabetic Kidney Disease: Glomerular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with prevalence increasing at an alarming rate worldwide and today, there are no known cures. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, influenced by genetics and the environment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to DKD risk in about one-third of diabetics are still poorly understood. The early stage of DKD is characterized by glomerular hyperfiltration, hypertrophy, podocyte injury and depletion. Recent evidence of glomerular endothelial cell injury at the early stage of DKD has been suggested to be critical in the pathological process and has highlighted the importance of glomerular intercellular crosstalk. A potential mechanism may include reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a direct role in diabetes and its complications. In this review, we discuss different cellular sources of ROS in diabetes and a new emerging paradigm of endothelial cell dysfunction as a key event in the pathogenesis of DKD.
“Opening Pandora’s Box: Will the Return of Cultural Heritage Objects to Their Country of Origin Empty Western Museums?”

The fear of setting a precedent is a much-rehearsed argument used by Western museums to refuse the return of cultural heritage objects to their country of origin. After proposing to consistently di...
The inconvenient generation: migrant youth on Shanghai's edge: By Minhua Ling, Stanford: Stanford University Press, 288 pages, 2019, ISBN-13: 978-1503610767, ISBN-10: 1503610764

In this thoroughly researched and concisely organized ethnography, Minhua Ling eloquently conveys the injustices of China's hereditary household registration (hukou) system by focusing on the frust...
Dynamic Modeling and Online Parameter Identification of a Coupled-Inductor-Based DC-DC Converter with Leakage Inductance Effect Consideration

In this paper, the dynamic modeling of a coupled-inductor-based DC-DC converter is investigated. Due to the time varying characteristics of converter parameters such as the output load and input voltage, the operating point of the converter changes within time. Therefore, traditional small signal modeling approaches are not accurate since the converter is linearized around a specific operating point. This paper seeks to address this problem by employing an online parameter identification technique to dynamically estimate the parameters. The identification is achieved through Kalman filtering. First, the small signal modeling of the converter is derived including the leakage inductance effect. Then, the Kalman filter is improved and applied to identify the control-to-output transfer function parameters. Extensive simulation results are provided to validate the robust and proper operation of presented modeling procedure.
Lawyers and the First Amendment: Conflicts between Former Clients and Personal Speech

This article explores the tension between a lawyer’s obligations under the rules of professional responsibility and her First Amendment right to speak on matters of public concern. It is fundamental to our system of justice that she owes loyalty and fidelity to her clients. But it is equally fundamental to our system of government that she should be free to speak matters of public concern.Part I begins by exploring the relevant law of professional responsibility. The relevant professional responsibility case law is far-ranging, sometimes circular, and often incoherent. One possible starting point, however, might be to ask whether the attorney in question could represent a second client with respect to the issues as to which he wishes to speak as a citizen. If the answer is yes, then presumably he should be allowed to represent himself in a similar matter and should therefore be permitted to speak as a citizen as well. In other words, professional responsibility law should define a sphere of presumptively unconstrained political or other expressive activity in which lawyers can engage notwithstanding possible conflicts with the wishes of former clients, wholly apart from First Amendment protections. The First Amendment, however, is obviously relevant and may permit lawyers to engage as citizens in political or other expressive activity even in circumstances in which they would not be able to represent new clients. At the very least, it may inform our interpretation and implementation of professional responsibility rules. Limitations on representation merely regulate the practice of law – a business. Limitations on political speech, by contrast, infringe on core First Amendment values. Lawyers are particularly well qualified to inform and enrich public debate. To require that they refrain from public discourse as a condition of practicing law would substantially impoverish our democracy and might ultimately discourage our most talented young people from entering the profession. As a matter of settled First Amendment jurisprudence, any such regulation of the content of political speech requires substantial justification. Part II of this article explores the extent, if any, to which the First Amendment protects political speech by an attorney on his or her own behalf even in circumstances in which he or she might not be able to represent a new client in a similar matter.The article concludes with a framework of analysis that in the future will allow courts to balance these competing interests.
Chapter 3 The Electrogenic Pump in the Plasma Membrane of Nitella

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the hypothesis that is emerging for the electrogenic pump in Nitellu that it transports hydrogen ions and is driven by ATP hydrolysis. Application of Rapoport's theory to the pump permits the pH sensitivity of the membrane potential to be attributed to the pump and requires that the pump channels contribute the major part of the membrane conductance. In this way the two main problems in describing the electrophysiology of Nitellu, the insensitivity of the membrane potential to the external concentrations of the major ions and the high value of the membrane conductance, are resolved. Attempts to account for the response of the membrane potential and conductance to conditions, which produce inhibition of the pump with or without an accompanying change in ATP level, led to the conclusion that there are at least two types of control sites. In one case, the change in potential can be accounted for by assuming that some factor is produced by the chloroplasts in the light which changes the pump from a nonconducting to a conducting state without any effect on the pump electromotive force (EMF). The chapter highlights that the most important consequence of the existence of a proton pump in the characeae is that it becomes possible to use it as the primary active transport process in a chemiosmotic scheme for transport across the plasma membrane.
Streamlined protocol for TCR sequencing, cloning, and in vivo functional analysis of islet antigen reactive human T cells (BA11P.131)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the selective destruction of insulin secreting beta cells present in the islets of Langerhans. A large body of evidence has implicated T cells as the predominant mediators of beta cell destruction leading to T1D development. The goal of our research is to develop a system for isolation and characterization of diabetogenic CD4+ T cells from the peripheral blood of early onset T1D patients. We were able to obtain a blood sample from a treatment-naive T1D patient at the time of diagnosis. Through a novel multiplex-nest PCR protocol, we cloned corresponding alpha and beta TCR chains from individual islet antigen-specific T cells and tested them in vitro for antigenic specificity and HLA restriction. Utilizing a humanized TCR/HLA retrogenic mouse system, we are testing human islet antigen reactive TCRs for their in vivo functionality and diabetogenic potential.
Partial resolution of the enzymes catalyzing oxidative phosphorylation. XXIV. A factor required for the binding of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase to the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Abstract 1. Submitochondrial particles have been sequentially treated with trypsin, urea, and sonic oscillation at an alkaline pH. These TUA particles required addition of a protein (Fc1) in order to render added ATPase (F1) sensitive to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Further resolution was obtained by exposure of TUA particles either to 2 m sodium thiocyanate or to 1.5% silicotungstate. These procedures removed a second soluble protein component (Fc2) which was also required for the sensitivity of ATPase to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. 2. Preparations of Fc2 purified from the sodium thiocyanate extract stimulated the 32Pi-ATP exchange reaction and oxidative phosphorylation in silicotungstate-treated submitochondrial particles. 3. Treatment of TUA particles with silicotungstate reduced their ability to bind ATPase (F1). Addition of Fc2 restored the ability to bind ATPase. It is therefore proposed that Fc2 is a component which links the mitochondrial ATP-ase to the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Composite material shear property measurement using the Iosipescu specimen

A detailed evaluation of the suitability of the Iosipescu specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture is presented. Finite element analysis and moire interferometry are used to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the test section of unidirectional and cross-ply graphite-epoxy composites. The nonuniformity of the strain field and the sensitivity of some fiber orientations to the specimen/fixture contact mechanics are discussed. The shear responses obtained for unidirectional and cross-ply graphite-epoxy composites are discussed and problems associated with anomalous behavior are addressed. An experimental determination of the shear response of a range of material systems using strain gage instrumentation and moire interferometry is performed.
Thermodynamics of structural stability and cooperative folding behavior in proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an insight that quantitative predictions of the stability and cooperative folding behavior of proteins are within reach. The problem of predicting the structure of a protein from its amino acid sequence constitutes the classical “protein folding problem.” The thermodynamic aspects of this problem constitute the focus of the chapter. Experimental thermodynamic values for the fundamental forces that determine protein stability are refined to a point in which accurate calculations of the free energy of stabilization are possible, provided that the protein structure is known. The chapter also (1) predicts the overall stability of proteins based on structural information, (2) predicts the cooperative folding/unfolding behavior of proteins, (3) predicts the magnitude of the interactions among structural domains in proteins, and (4) predicts the presence of specific partially folded intermediates. Estimation of the folding/unfolding partition function using a hierarchical approximation and subsequent prediction of cooperative behavior is also increasingly feasible, as demonstrated for myoglobin and yeast phosphoglycerate kinase. Thermodynamic stability and cooperative interactions in proteins can be determined by hierarchical approach to partition functions, thermodynamic dissection of cooperative interactions, and classification of cooperative forces and mechanisms. The strategy used to dissect specific fundamental interactions is to isolate first the hydrophobic effects and subsequently other interactions. Some future work will extend the capability to proteins exhibiting other than pure α-helical structural motifs.
The low-lying 2-sigma-minus states of OH

The configuration-interaction method is used to determine the electronic wave functions of the two lowest 2-sigma-minus states of OH using four different atomic orbital basis sets. Potential energy curves, transition moments, oscillator strengths, and photodissociation cross sections are obtained. Electronic transition dipole moments connecting the excited 1 2-sigma-minus and 2(D)2-sigma-minus states with each other and with the ground chi-2-pi state are presented as functions of internuclear distance. The theoretical absorption oscillator strengths for the D-2-sigma-minus(v prime = 0) from chi-2-pi(v double prime = 0) transition are in good agreement with the empirical value derived from astronomical measurement. The photodissociation cross sections for absorption from the v prime = 0, 1, and 2 levels of the ground state into the continuum of the 1 2-sigma-minus state are calculated, and the interstellar and cometary photodissociation rates are derived.
Phosphorylation of valyl-tRNA synthetase and elongation factor 1 in response to phorbol esters is associated with stimulation of both activities.

Valyl-tRNA synthetase from mammalian cells is isolated in a high Mr complex with elongation factor 1 (EF-1). This complex, which represents all of the valyl-tRNA synthetase activity and a significant portion of the EF-1 activity in rabbit reticulocytes, contains five polypeptides identified as valyl-tRNA synthetase and the four subunits of EF-1. In this study, we have examined the potential for regulation of the complex by phosphorylation of these components. The valyl-tRNA synthetase.EF-1 complex has been purified by gel filtration and tRNA-Sepharose chromatography from 32P-labeled rabbit reticulocytes stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and compared to the complex purified from control cells. One- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography show that valyl-tRNA synthetase and the alpha, beta and delta subunits of EF-1 are phosphorylated in vivo. Phosphorylation of each of the four proteins is increased 2-4-fold in response to PMA. Phosphorylation of valyl-tRNA synthetase in response to PMA is reproducibly accompanied by a 1.7-fold increase in aminoacylation activity, whereas phosphorylation of EF-1 is associated with a 2.0-2.2-fold stimulation of activity, as measured by poly(U)-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis. These data suggest that stimulation of translational rates in response to PMA is mediated, at least in part, by phosphorylation of valyl-tRNA synthetase and EF-1.
Strength Decay in R.C. Beams under Load Reversals

An experimental investigation to determine the effectiveness of intermediate longitudinal reinforcement in limiting shear strength decay of reinforced concrete members is presented. Test specimens consisted of fourteen exterior beam-column subassemblies. Variables included shear stress, percentage of beam transverse reinforcement, percentage of longitudinal reinforcement and shear span to depth ratio in addition to the presence of two layers of intermediate longitudinal reinforcement in half the specimens. Test results indicated that intermediate longitudinal reinforcement provided significant and useable improvement in shear strength retention for members with maximum shear stresses between three and six times the square root of the specified compression strength of concrete.
Psychometrics Of Hotel Service Quality: Comparative Factor Structures Of Alternative Market Segments

When different market segments are encountered, can the same instrument be used to understand and predict the determinants of customer perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and retention? This paper analyzes a national sample of over 18,000 U.S. customer surveys regarding hotel experiences in a range of properties from budget to near-luxury accommodations. Its purpose is to examine the dimensionality of customer satisfaction for business vs. pleasure travelers, and male vs. female guests, in order to determine the appropriateness of conceptualizing and measuring service quality with the same instrument for these potentially divergent segments. Our findings provide good evidence of factor stability across these segments, using the multi-item scales that are employed by one of the largest privately held hotel chains in the United States. Within the common factor structure, modest but intuitively reasonable differences in the importance of service attributes in determining customer loyalty for different segments do emerge.
Information technology innovations: a classification by IT locus of impact and research approach

Research based on diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory investigates the evaluation, adoption, and implementation of innovations. Gaining understanding is difficult when tracing results on a study-by-study basis. To remove some of the barriers to comparison of results, we distinguish between innovations according to their locus of impact (IS unit, intra- or inter-organizational) and between studies according to research approach (factor or stage).A representative sample of 70 information technology (IT) related DOI research studies published by IT researchers over the last decade is evaluated using this classification scheme. From the analysis, it appears that the classification scheme may be used to provide a clearer understanding of IT innovation diffusion.Traditional DOI theory appears to be most applicable to ITs which have an intra-organizational locus of impact. ITs with an information system (IS) unit locus of impact appear to require less organizational support, and their extent of implementation appears to be related to nontraditional innovation characteristics such as functionality and efficiency. Inter-organizational locus of impact IT innovations, however, appear to be more affected by contextual and environmental variables, and their differences may be better explained by economic influence or critical mass theories.
Workshop on state-space exploration for automated testing (SSEAT 2008)

SSEAT 2008 is a workshop that focuses on the recent research approaches to automated testing using state-space exploration techniques. The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers from both industry and academia to informally discuss the latest successes and remaining challenges in this domain. One important aspect of the workshop is to discuss techniques that were tried but did not work well in certain contexts. Another important aspect is to try to identify a set of programs that can be used for comparing various tools and techniques. There will be no proceedings, but a brief summary of the workshop will appear at the workshop web page.
Childhood acute leukemia: A search for occult extramedullary disease prior to discontinuation of chemotherapy

Between January 1978 and September 1979, 29 children with acute leukemia in complete continuous remission for three or more years were examined for evidence of occult extramedullary disease immediately prior to discontinuation of chemotherapy. Bilateral open wedge testicular biopsy demonstrated the presence of bilateral leukemic infiltrates in 2/13 boys. Gallium scans prior to biopsy had identified unilateral infiltration in an enlarged testis in one patient but failed to identify microscopic disease in the opposite testis or in the testes of the second patient. Percutaneous kidney and liver biopsies, pelvic ultrasonography, intravenous pyelogram, skeletal survey, cranial computed axial tomography scan, electroencephalography, and ophthalmologic examinations failed to demonstrate evidence of occult disease. Except for testicular biopsy, this study does not support extensive clinical or invasive procedures to identify extramedullary disease prior to discontinuation of chemotherapy.
MR imaging for the detection of endoleaks in recipients of abdominal aortic stent-grafts with low magnetic susceptibility.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives This study was performed to assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the detection of endoleaks in recipients of abdominal aortic stent-grafts with low magnetic susceptibility. Materials and Methods A retrospective search was conducted in radiology department records for cases of patients with low-susceptibility stent-grafts who had been evaluated with MR imaging and either computed tomography (CT) or conventional angiography within a 1-month time frame. Any endoleaks previously confirmed and classified with the use of CT and/or conventional angiography were compared with findings from MR imaging. Results Nine patients fit the selection criteria. Images of five of those patients depicted six different endoleaks. Two endoleaks had been confirmed with CT, another two had been confirmed with CT and angiography, and two had been confirmed with angiography alone. All endoleaks visualized at CT and/or angiography were accurately detected and classified also with MR imaging. In some cases, the endoleak was more clearly visualized with MR imaging than with CT. In four patients in whom no endoleaks were found at CT, MR imaging also indicated no endoleaks. Conclusion MR imaging is a suitable modality for identifying endoleaks in patients with low-susceptibility stent-grafts. Moreover, MR imaging may be more sensitive than CT for the detection of small endoleaks.
Suprachiasmatic nucleus: role in circannual body mass and hibernation rhythms of ground squirrels

Female golden-mantled ground squirrels that sustained complete ablation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCNx) were housed pre- and post-operatively at 23 degrees C and then at 6.5 degrees C for 5-7 yr. SCNx and control animals held at the higher temperature manifested circannual rhythms (CARs) in body mass. In contrast, body mass CARs were not expressed in 50% of SCNx squirrels during cold exposure; rhythm amplitude was reduced to 25-40% of pre-operative values and the interval between successive peaks in body mass fell outside the circannual range. Unlike normal squirrels that hibernate for about 6 months during each circannual cycle, these SCNx squirrels expressed bouts of torpor nearly continuously throughout 2.5 yr of cold exposure. Body mass increases were often observed during hibernation--a phenomenon never observed in control animals. The remaining SCNx squirrels that did not hibernate continuously displayed CARs in body mass within the normal range. The effects of SCN ablation on body mass rhythms presumably are related to disrupted patterns of hibernation, food intake, and metabolism. The SCN, which sustains neural and metabolic activity at low tissue temperatures, may exert greater influence on thermoregulation and metabolism during the hibernation season than at other times of year, thereby accounting for the greater effect of SCN ablation in squirrels maintained at low ambient temperatures.
Intonational Meaning in English Discourse: A Study of Non-Native Speakers.

L'A. examine l'intonation chez des apprenants en anglais Langue seconde. Ces apprenants sont divises en trois groupes en fonction de leur L1: espagnol, japonais, thai. La question porte sur la maniere dont les locuteurs non-natifs utilisent l'intonation pour produire du sens dans la structure de leur discours. Les resultats sont compares avec ceux obtenus par des locuteurs natifs
Best practices to design hands-on activities for virtual computer laboratories

In this paper, we introduce a collaborative virtual computer laboratory and discuss best strategies to foster student learning using virtual computers, particularly in information security which requires substantial hands-on experimentation to master the subject matter. Unfortunately, information security topics are challenging to teach in traditional computer laboratories mainly due to restrictive information technology policies. In recent decades, virtual computing has become a promising solution to address the challenges of providing students with hands-on learning experiences in information security. While the literature mainly focuses on technical aspects of virtual computer laboratories and provides ample examples about how they can be used in information security courses, there is a lack of pedagogical studies. We introduce a framework based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle to design activities for virtual computer laboratories. We provide empirical evidence that if virtual computer activities are designed and conducted according to this framework, student learning can be enhanced even further.
Simultaneously determined, time-varying hedge ratios in the soybean complex

Time-varying hedge ratios are derived which account for the dynamic characteristics of prices in the soybean complex. A multivariate generalized autogressive heteroskedastic (MGARCH) model, along with other conditional models, is used to specify the relevant covariance matrix. While the time-varying representations of the variance matrix are statistically appropriateex anteand ex posthedging effectiveness indicate that they provide minimal gain to hedging in terms of mean return and reduction in variance over a constant conditional procedure. Whether similar findings arise from other applications of GARCH models to optimal hedging is a question for further research.
Sensitivity estimation within first and second order reliability methods

Abstract An efficient method to compute the sensitivity of failure probability estimates to changes in distribution parameters is proposed. The method is applicable to failure probability estimates obtained by first and second order reliability methods (FORM and SORM). It is based on the fact that current FORM and SORM approaches require transforming the problem into standard normal space and then numerically fitting first/second order approximations. To compute the change in failure probability due to a change in parameter, one can transform the points that were used to numerically fit the approximation into a new standard normal space corresponding to the changed parameter, fit a new approximation and use the new approximation to compute the changed failure probability. The proposed method is computationally efficient because it does not require any new structural response evaluations. In contrast to conventional methods that are accurate for FORM estimates of component problems, the proposed method is accurate for FORM and SORM estimates of both component and system problems.
Breastfeeding workshop attracts diverse group of providers.

Too often, breastfeeding educational events fail to attract or benefit individuals of diverse professional views. We are thus pleased to report on a recent day-long workshop by Miriam Labbok, MD, IBCLC. The impetus for the workshop was the training of IBCLC interventionists for 2 related NIH-funded trials of breastfeeding promotion interventions.1,2 Held at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York on January 30, 2008, the event drew 14 MDs, 3 MD/IBCLCs, 19 IBCLCs, 2 PhDs, 3 RNs, 7 RN/IBCLCs, and 9 others. The workshop’s success was in providing a forum for this diverse group to interact and share best practices, especially during breakout sessions on effective strategies for promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and tackling obstacles to EBF in the prenatal, hospital, and postpartum periods. Many novel strategies were presented. For example, a participating family physician said she helps mothers understand the importance of EBF by offering analogies that appeal to the particular patient’s religious beliefs. She said she compares choosing EBF to choosing only one God or husband. Her comments reflect the clinical challenges presented by the fact that although breastfeeding initiation rates have increased, the rate of EBF has not.3 Participants expressed above all the importance of women establishing support networks that include providers, partners, family, and friends to maintain EBF. Consensus on the need for support underscores Dr. Labbok’s discussion of breastfeeding from a human rights perspective. Dr. Labbok explains that when breastfeeding is understood within the human rights framework, the duties concomitant to a child’s right to be breastfed lie not only with the mother, but with society, government and family.4 One of the greatest frustrations expressed by participants was that the shift that removed breastfeeding from the scope of what was “normal” resulted in societal neglect of these duties and institutions that create obstacles to EBF. Participants cited hospital rooming policies, early cord clamping, and swaddling among these barriers. Several attendees, including Miriam Labbok, noted the rarity of having many physicians in attendance at a breastfeeding workshop. Research has shown that providers have an unparalleled positive impact upon breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity, supporting the importance of breastfeeding education for all clinicians.5–7 Attendance at this workshop shows that physicians are recognizing their role within the multidisciplinary approach to supporting breastfeeding that is essential to ensuring that mothers receive breastfeeding support and assistance at each point during their care.
Modeling of electric-field enhancement at nodular defects in dielectric mirror coatings

In dielectric multilayer optical coatings, laser induced damage is often associated with micrometers -scale surface defects such as the well known nodule defect. The interaction mechanism of the laser light with the coating defects is not understood, however. Historically, laser damage has been associated with peaks in the standing-wave electric-field distribution within the multilayer films. In the present work we use a finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic modeling code to study the influence of 3-D nodule defects on the E-field distribution. The coating studied is a dielectric multilayer HR consisting of alternating quarter- wave layers of HfO 2 and SiO 2 at 1.06 micrometers . The nodule is modeled as a parabolic defect initiated at a spherical seed. The modeling results show that E-field enhancements as large as a factor of 4 can be present at the defects. The enhancement shows a complex dependence on the size, depth, and dielectric constant of the seed material. In general, defects initiated by large, shallow seeds produce the largest E-fields. Voids at the nodule boundary influence the E-field distribution, but have a small effect on the peak field.
Compliance with Institutional Guidelines on the Use of Vancomycin in a Medical Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: The University of Michigan implemented guidelines and restrictions for the use of vancomycin in 1995, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This study evaluated vancomycin use in the University of Michigan’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), and assessed compliance with these institutional guidelines.Methods: The primary objective of the study was to assess compliance with institutional guidelines. All patients admitted to the MICU who received vancomycin during the period of October 2002 through January 2003 were included in the study. Patients were identified retrospectively, and patient medical records were accessed to gather pertinent information. Approval of the Institutional Review Board was obtained.Results: Fifty-one patients received a total of 71 courses of vancomycin therapy (55 empiric, 16 definitive). Fifty-five (77.5%) of the 71 total courses of vancomycin therapy met institutional criteria. All courses of definitive therapy met specific cri...