cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the pressure fluctuations generated in turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces

Experiments were carried out in high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces of diverse geometries. Roughness configurations varied in element height, distribution (random versus ordered), shape and spacing. Rough surfaces comprising of two superposed element geometries were also tested. All flows were free of transitional effects with upwards of 40 000 and ratios above 73. The wall-pressure spectrum and turbulent velocity profiles revealed that the roughness element spacing has the greatest impact on the turbulent structures in the boundary layer. The high-frequency scaling on shear friction velocity, , (Meyers et al.J. Fluid Mech., vol. 768, 2015, pp. 261–293) was validated and was shown to be the viscous contribution to the overall surface drag. An empirical formula for the pressure drag on roughness elements was developed to reflect the finding that the pressure drag is a function of only two variables: sparseness ratio and roughness Reynolds number . Results also suggest that the viscous contribution to drag approaches a constant non-zero value at high Reynolds numbers, and ‘fully rough-wall flow’ may occur at higher than previously thought.
Preservice teachers perspectives and experiences teaching personal and social responsibility

Background: Pedagogical models have become an established component of physical education over the past several decades. One such model, the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility model, has g...
Development of Combined Pile-CPT Methods for Estimating the Ultimate Axial Capacity of PPC Piles Driven in Different Soil Categories in Louisiana:

The cone and piezocone penetration tests (CPT, PCPT) have been widely acknowledged as useful in-situ testing tools for subsurface investigation, characterization of soil type, and evaluation of dif...
Waves of Information, Suffocated Understanding, and the Place for Narrative Inquiry in the “Post-Truth” Era

Psychologists working in the field of narrative inquiry draw from multiple scholarly traditions, ground their work in differing epistemological positions, embrace a plurality of interpretive framew...
Error-probability noise benefits in threshold neural signal detection

Five new theorems and a stochastic learning algorithm show that noise can benefit threshold neural signal detection by reducing the probability of detection error. The first theorem gives a necessary and sufficient condition for such a noise benefit when a threshold neuron performs discrete binary signal detection in the presence of additive scale-family noise. The theorem allows the user to find the optimal noise probability density for several closed-form noise types that include generalized Gaussian noise. The second theorem gives a noise-benefit condition for more general threshold signal detection when the signals have continuous probability densities. The third and fourth theorems reduce this noise benefit to a weighted-derivative comparison of signal probability densities at the detection threshold when the signal densities are continuously differentiable and when the noise is symmetric and comes from a scale family. The fifth theorem shows how collective noise benefits can occur in a parallel array of threshold neurons even when an individual threshold neuron does not itself produce a noise benefit. The stochastic gradient-ascent learning algorithm can find the optimal noise value for noise probability densities that do not have a closed form.
Incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism events after different routes of pelvic organ prolapse repairs

Background Venous thromboembolism events, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the most common cause of preventable deaths in hospitalized patients in the United States. Although the risk of venous thromboembolism events in benign gynecologic surgery is generally low, the potential for venous thromboembolism events in urogynecologic population is significant because most patients undergoing the pelvic organ prolapse surgery have increased surgical risk factors. Objective This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism events within 30 days after different routes of the pelvic organ prolapse surgery in a large cohort population using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Study Design This retrospective cohort study used Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify pelvic organ prolapse repairs with and without concurrent hysterectomy performed during 2011–2017 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographics, preoperative length of hospital stay, operative time, preoperative comorbidities, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification system scores, along with other variables were collected. Postoperative 30-day complications, including readmission, reoperation, and mortality, were collected. The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism, as defined by American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, were compared among different surgical routes. Descriptive statistics were used, and logistic regression was performed to identify associations. Results Among 91,480 pelvic organ prolapse surgeries identified, 63,108 were analyzed: 43,279 (68.6%) were performed vaginally, 16,518 (26.2%) laparoscopically, and 3311 (5.2%) abdominally. A total of 34,698 (55.0%) underwent a concurrent hysterectomy. Of 63,108 subjects, 133 developed venous thromboembolism within 30 days after surgery (0.21%; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.25; P Table 1 ). The incidence of venous thromboembolism was highest in abdominal repairs (0.72%), followed by laparoscopic repairs (0.25%) and vaginal repairs (0.16%). After adjusting for confounders, abdominal compared with vaginal approach (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.93–5.41; P Conclusion The overall incidence of venous thromboembolism after pelvic organ prolapse repairs based on a recent, large cohort database was very low, confirming the finding in previous smaller cohort studies. The highest venous thromboembolism risk was associated with abdominal route, and more than 60% of venous thromboembolism events occurred within 10 days after surgery. Thus, focus should be placed on risk-reducing strategies in the immediate postoperative period, with greater emphasis on patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Effectiveness of an Opt-Out Electronic Heath Record-Based Tobacco Treatment Consult Service at an Urban Safety Net Hospital

Background To address the burden of tobacco use in underserved populations, our safety net hospital developed a tobacco treatment intervention consisting of an “opt-out” electronic health record-based best practice alert + order set, which triggers consultation to an inpatient tobacco treatment consult (TTC) service for all hospitalized smokers. Research Question We sought to understand if the intervention would increase patient-level outcomes (receipt of tobacco treatment during hospitalization and at discharge; 6-month smoking abstinence) and improve hospital-wide performance on tobacco treatment metrics. Design and Methods We conducted two retrospective quasi-experimental analyses to examine effectiveness of the TTC service. Using a pragmatic design and multivariable logistic regression, we compared patient-level outcomes of receipt of nicotine replacement therapy and 6-month quit rates between smokers seen by the service (n = 505) and eligible smokers not seen because of time constraints (n = 680) between July 2016 and December 2016. In addition, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis to examine the effect of the TTC service on hospital-level performance measures, comparing reported Joint Commission measure rates for inpatient (Tob-2) and postdischarge (Tob-3) tobacco treatment preimplementation (January 2015-June 2016) vs postimplementation (July 2016-December 2017) of the intervention. Results Compared with inpatient smokers not seen by the TTC service, smokers seen by the TTC service had higher odds of receiving nicotine replacement during hospitalization (260 of 505 [51.5%] vs 244 of 680 [35.9%]; adjusted ORs [AOR], 1.93 [95% CI, 1.5-2.45]) and at discharge (164 of 505 [32.5%] vs 84 of 680 [12.4%]; AOR, 3.41 [95% CI, 2.54-4.61]), as well as higher odds of 6-month smoking abstinence (75 of 505 [14.9%] vs 68 of 680 [10%]; AOR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.03-2.12]). Hospital-wide, the intervention was associated with a change in slope trends for Tob-3 (P Interpretation The “opt-out” electronic health record-based TTC service at our large safety net hospital was effective at improving both patient-level outcomes and hospital-level performance metrics, and could be implemented at other safety net hospitals that care for hard-to-reach smokers.
Enhanced Emission from Ultra-Thin Long Wavelength Infrared Superlattices on Epitaxial Plasmonic Materials

We demonstrate an order of magnitude enhancement of emission from mid-infrared emitters monolithically integrated with semiconductor designer metals relative to the same emitters on dielectric substrates and provide theoretical explanation of the observed phenomena.
Proteomic profile of bone "collagen" extracted for stable isotopes: implications for bulk and single amino acid analyses

RATIONALE Protein studies in archaeology and paleontology have been dominated by stable isotope studies to understand diet and trophic levels, but recent applications of proteomic techniques have resulted in a more complete understanding of protein diagenesis than stable isotopes alone. In stable isotope analyses, samples are retained or discarded based on their properties. Proteomics can directly determine what proteins are present within the sample and may be able to allow previously discarded samples to be analyzed. METHODS Protein samples that had been previously analyzed for stable isotopes, including those with marginal and poor sample quality, were characterized by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry using an LTQ Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer after separation on a Dionex Ultimate 3000 LC system. Data were analyzed using MetaMorpheus and custom R scripts. RESULTS We found a variety of proteins in addition to collagen, although collagen I was found in the majority of the samples (most samples >80%). We also found a positive correlation between total deamidation and wt% N, suggesting that deamidation may impact the overall nitrogen signal in bulk analyses. The amino acid profiles of samples, including those of marginal or poor stable isotope quality, reflect the expected collagen I percentages, allowing their use in single amino acid stable isotope analyses. CONCLUSIONS All the samples regardless of quality were found to have high concentrations of collagen I, making interpretations of dietary routing based on collagen I reasonably valid. The amino acid profiles on the marginal and poor samples reflect an expected collagen I profile and allow these samples to be recovered for single amino acid analyses.
Report on ExamSoft’s ExamID Feature (and a Method to Bypass It)

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many academic institutions have been forced to move their courses online. This has necessitated schools to implement new technologies to remotely administer examinations. One of the most prominent vendors offering software to allow for this is ExamSoft. Some institutions have implemented an additional authentication feature from ExamSoft called ExamID. To confirm students’ identities, ExamID uses a form of artificial intelligence - facial recognition technology - to match an image of a student in its database to an image the student takes immediately before an exam. In theory, ExamID then matches the stored image with a second image as a means to confirm that the correct person is taking the exam. Unfortunately, just as has been the case with other efforts to use facial recognition technology, ExamID has been alleged to be error-prone for students of color attempting to use it. ExamSoft contests these claims. Regardless of the accuracy of the public allegations against this software, it still puts academic institutions in a position where responding is important. Irrespective of whether ExamID negatively impacts an individual student of color directly, it is vital to students’ well-being and sense of inclusion that the entire community can trust that their school is assuring vendor products treat all students equitably.
Development of a Novel Intervention (Mindful Steps) to Promote Long-Term Walking Behavior in Chronic Cardiopulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Despite current rehabilitation programs, long-term engagement in physical activity remains a significant challenge for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF). Novel strategies to promote physical activity in these populations are greatly needed. Emerging literature on the benefits of both mind–body interventions and web-based interventions provide the rationale for the development of the Mindful Steps intervention for increasing walking behavior. Objective: This study aims to develop a novel multimodal mind–body exercise intervention through adaptation of an existing web-based physical activity intervention and incorporation of mind–body exercise, and to pilot test the delivery of the new intervention, Mindful Steps, in a randomized controlled feasibility trial in older adults with COPD and/or HF. Methods: In phase 1, guided by a theoretical conceptual model and review of the literature on facilitators and barriers of physical activity in COPD and HF, we convened an expert panel of researchers, mind–body practitioners, and clinicians to inform development of the novel, multimodal intervention. In phase 2, we are conducting a pilot randomized controlled feasibility trial of the Mindful Steps intervention that includes in-person mind–body exercise classes, an educational website, online mind–body videos, and a pedometer with step-count feedback and goals to increase walking behavior in patients with COPD and/or HF. Outcomes include feasibility measures as well as patient-centered measures. Results: The study is currently ongoing. Phase 1 intervention development was completed in March 2019, and phase 2 data collection began in April 2019. Conclusions: Through the integration of components from a web-based physical activity intervention and mind–body exercise, we created a novel, multimodal program to impact long-term physical activity engagement for individuals with COPD and HF. This developmental work and pilot study will provide valuable information needed to design a future clinical trial assessing efficacy of this multimodal approach. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03003780; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03003780
Addiction peer recovery coach training pilot: assessment of confidence levels

Background Peer recovery coaches (PRCs) have become a critical tool in addiction treatment in many areas of the world. Despite this fact, no identified research has examined the process or impact of PRC training. Furthermore, no scales were identified to measure trainee confidence in various PRC techniques. The goal of this article is to analyze the process and immediate impact of PRC training of twelve American Indians (AIs) in a culturally-specific program. We focus most specifically on trainee confidence levels. Methods No written consent was obtained and completion of the assessment was considered consent. Trainees completed self-assessments before and after the training. The self-assessment examined nine areas ranging from understanding the role of PRCs to knowledge of effective PRC techniques. Paired t-tests were used to assess for changes in individual trainee responses between the pre- and post-assessments. Results Pre-training responses ranged from moderate to high. Questions with the lowest average confidence levels address PRC activities or specific techniques to facilitate recovery. All nine questions showed statistically significant mean improvements in the post-training self-assessments. Questions regarding specific PRC activities and techniques showed the greatest improvement. Questions relating to helping people more generally showed the smallest improvement. Average post-training responses fell within a very narrow range indicating relatively consistent confidence levels across skills. Analysis indicates participants were possibly over-confident in certain areas (i.e., maintaining boundaries). This small pilot represents an initial attempt to measure confidence levels of PRC trainees. The findings may inform future training by identifying certain areas where emphasis might be most helpful for trainees. In addition, it is hoped that this work will encourage more systematic analysis of the impact of PRC training on individuals.
Rationally designed immunogens enable immune focusing to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding motif

ABSTRACT Eliciting antibodies to surface-exposed viral glycoproteins can lead to protective responses that ultimately control and prevent future infections. Targeting functionally conserved epitopes may help reduce the likelihood of viral escape and aid in preventing the spread of related viruses with pandemic potential. One such functionally conserved viral epitope is the site to which a receptor must bind to facilitate viral entry. Here, we leveraged rational immunogen design strategies to focus humoral responses to the receptor binding motif (RBM) on the SARS-CoV-2 spike. Using glycan engineering and epitope scaffolding, we find an improved targeting of the serum response to the RBM in context of SARS-CoV-2 spike imprinting. Furthermore, we observed a robust SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing serum response with increased potency against related sarbecoviruses, SARS-CoV, WIV1-CoV, RaTG13-CoV, and SHC014-CoV. Thus, RBM focusing is a promising strategy to elicit breadth across emerging sarbecoviruses and represents an adaptable design approach for targeting conserved epitopes on other viral glycoproteins. One Sentence Summary SARS-CoV-2 immune focusing with engineered immunogens
Blind channel equalization with colored source based on constrained optimization methods

The constrained minimum output variance method (CMOV), which is also known as the constrained minimum output energy method (CMOE), has been applied to directly blind equalize a linear channel and proven effective with white inputs (Tsaisanis et al. (1999)). It is believed that the method introduced in Tsaisanis can work for a linear system with colored source. In this paper, we correct this misunderstanding, and prove that a colored input will cause the equalizer to incorrectly converge. Consequently, we introduce a new blind channel equalizer algorithm based on the CMOV, but with different constraints. Our proposed algorithm works for channels with either white or colored input, and performs equivalently to the trained minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) equalizer under high SNR. Our proposed algorithm may be regarded as a generalized version of the CMOV in Tsaisanis. However, unlike CMOV, the proposed method exploits the input sequence statistics. As a result, the proposed method performs better than the original CMOV even when the input is white.
A TE/sub 11/ K/sub a/-band gyro-TWT amplifier with high-average power compatible distributed loss

Current amplifier research at the Naval Research Laboratory Vacuum Electronics Branch emphasizes techniques to extend the bandwidth and average power capability of gyro devices for millimeter wave radar applications. This paper will discuss the implementation of a wideband high-gain gyro-traveling wave tube amplifier design, with a measured peak output power of 78 kW, gain /spl sim/60 dB, and a 3-dB bandwidth of 4.2 GHz (12%) at 52 kW in K/sub a/-band. The 3-dB saturated bandwidth at 70 kW is 6 GHz (17%), which is also the instantaneous bandwidth with appropriately tailored input power (e.g., gain equalizer). The amplifier operates in the TE/sub 11/ mode and for stabilization employs a high-average power compatible diffractive loading technique.
Differential effects of neonatal sustained hypoxia exposure on the acute hypoxic ventilatory response among different rat strains (1092.12)

Sustained hypoxia (SH) exposure during a vulnerable period of neonatal development (~11-15 days of postnatal (P) age) attenuates the acute hypoxic (HVR) ventilatory response in rats. In the current study, we investigated whether the effects of SH exposure on the acute HVR varies among different rat strains. Sprague-dawley (SD), Fisher (F), and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) rats were exposed to SH (11% O2, 5 days) starting at P11. The acute HVR and Dejours test were assessed using whole-body plethysmography the day after (P16) SH exposure ended. SH abolished the HVR in SHR, but not SD or F rats compared to normoxia raised animals. The transient ventilatory depression following brief (5 minutes) 100% O2 exposure (Dejours test) was also absent in SHR rats following SH treatment. These data indicate a strain difference in the vulnerability of the respiratory system to neonatal SH exposure; possible genetic determinants for this phenomenon requires further study.
Three-dimensional density measurements of ultra low density materials by X-ray scatter using confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

Targets used in high energy density physics experiments, such as those fielded at the National Ignition Facility, are typically made of multi-component systems that include metals, metal coatings, and very low density materials. These very low density materials with densities as low as ~10 mg/cm3 must have uniform density throughout. Characterizing their density in 3D is a very difficult problem. One technique used is confocal micro X-ray fluorescence. This technique, which uses a polycapillary optic to focus the X-rays from the X-ray source and another on the detector, measures the density of these materials based upon their X-ray scatter. In order to gain a complete picture of their X-ray scatter, the sample is rastered in 3D to generate a complete 3D density map. As proof of technique, the examination of very low density poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) foams, poly(methylpentene) foams, as well as silica aerogels were completed. Results for the polymer foam materials show a linear correlation (R2 = 0.99) between X-ray scatter intensity and bulk density. However, for higher atomic number materials (e.g. aerogels) the amount of X-ray scatter is very dependent upon the depth of data collection as a result of the absorption of the X-rays by the upper portions of the sample. This self-absorption reduces the ability of this technique to quantify the density of the material in full 3D. Self-absorption modeling will be required to compensate. Scans through the aerogel surface indicate an increased density at the surface due processing. Finally, a 3D image of a machined aerogel tube is presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory of Covalent Amorphous Semiconductors

Amorphous-semiconductor theory has undergone a continual evolution over the past 20 years. A modern view is briefly discussed.
Science in Environmental Conflicts

Science plays a major part in environmental conflict. How that role is defined is determined by the human actors engaged in the conflict and the legal and institutional constructs that structure di...
Design considerations for an engine-integral reciprocating natural gas compressor

Abstract Conventionally, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are refueled using a high-cost, centralized, and sparse network of CNG fueling stations that has primarily been developed for the use of fleet customers. An engine-integral reciprocating natural gas (NG) compressor has the capability to disrupt the incumbent CNG market by enabling the use of NG for personal transportation, fueled at home, from the preexisting low-pressure NG infrastructure, at low parts count, using conventional components, and therefore at low incremental costs. The principal objective of this paper is therefore to describe and analyze the dynamic and thermal design considerations for an automotive engine-integral reciprocating NG compressor. The purpose of this compressor is to pressurize storage tanks in NG vehicles from a low-pressure NG source by using one of the engine cylinders as a multi-stage reciprocating compressor. The engine-integral compressor is developed by making changes to a 5.9 l displacement diesel-cycle automotive engine. In this novel design and implementation, a small tank and its requisite valving are added to the engine as an intermediate gas storage system to enable a single compressor cylinder to perform two-stage compression. The resulting maximum pressure in the storage tank is 250 MPa, equivalent to the storage and delivery pressure of conventional CNG delivery systems. Dynamic simulation results show that the high cylinder pressures required for the compression process create reaction torques on the crankshaft, but do not generate abnormal rotational speed oscillations. Thermal simulation results show that the temperature of the storage tank and engine increases over the safety temperature of the natural gas storage system unless an active thermal management system is developed to cool the NG before it is admitted to the storage tanks.
Adaption of kinetics to solid electrolyte interphase layer formation and application to electrolyte-soluble reaction products

Abstract During the electrochemical lithiation of a carbon electrode, carbonate-based electrolytes react with the electrode surface and undergo reductive decomposition to form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer that passivates the surface of the carbon electrode. In addition, reduction of the electrolyte also results in the generation of electrolyte-soluble products. Structural similarities between the soluble and insoluble products provide an opportunity to examine the formation kinetics of the SEI layer through an analysis of the kinetic behavior of the soluble products. In this work, the electrolyte-soluble products generated by reductive decomposition of a baseline electrolyte were analyzed at different stages and at different hold times during the initial lithiation of an amorphous carbon electrode. A statistical regression analysis of that data was used to produce a representative lithiation experiment from which was calculated the potential-dependent formation rates for the soluble decomposition products. The predicted formation rate data was fitted using an adapted rate equation that accounts for the effect of the SEI layer to obtain estimated formation rate constants and redox potentials.
Optical tomography with the equation of radiative transfer

Purpose – This paper sets out to give an overview about state‐of‐the‐art optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithms that are based on the equation of radiative transfer (ERT).Design/methodology/approach – An objective function, which describes the discrepancy between measured and numerically predicted light intensity data on the tissue surface, is iteratively minimized to find the unknown spatial distribution of the optical parameters or sources. At each iteration step, the predicted partial current is calculated by a forward model for light propagation based on the ERT. The equation of radiative is solved with either finite difference or finite volume methods.Findings – Tomographic reconstruction algorithms based on the ERT accurately recover the spatial distribution of optical tissue properties and light sources in biological tissue. These tissues either can have small geometries/large absorption coefficients, or can contain void‐like inclusions.Originality/value – These image reconstruction me...
Identification of peptides that bind to irradiated pancreatic tumor cells.

Purpose: Peptides targeting tumor vascular cells or tumor cells themselves have the potential to be used as vectors for delivering either DNA in gene therapy or antitumor agents in chemotherapy. We wished to determine if peptides identified by phage display could be used to target irradiated pancreatic cancer cells. Methods and Materials: Irradiated Capan-2 cells were incubated with 5 × 10 12 plaque-forming units of a phage display library. Internalized phage were recovered and absorbed against unirradiated cells. After five such cycles of enrichment, the recovered phage were subjected to DNA sequencing analysis and synthetic peptides made. The binding of both phage and synthetic peptides was evaluated by fluorescence staining and flow cytometry in vitro and in vivo . Results: We identified one 12-mer peptide (PA1) that binds to irradiated Capan-2 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells but not to unirradiated cells. The binding of peptide was significant after 48 h incubation with cells. In vivo experiments with Capan-2 xenografts in nude mice demonstrated that these small peptides are able to penetrate tumor tissue after intravenous injections and bind specifically to irradiated tumor cells. Conclusion: These data suggest that peptides can be identified that target tumors with radiation-induced cell markers and may be clinically useful.
Socioeconomic Distinction, Cultural Tastes, and Cigarette Smoking*

OBJECTIVES: The inverse relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking is typically seen in terms of the greater economic and social resources of advantaged groups, but it may also relate to cultural resources. This study aims to test theories of symbolic distinction by examining relationships between smoking and ostensibly unrelated cultural preferences. METHODS: Using the 1993 General Social Survey, ordinal logistic regression models, and a three-category dependent variable (never, former, and current smoker), the analysis estimates relationships of musical likes and dislikes with smoking while controlling for SES and social strain. RESULTS: Preferences for classical music are associated with lower smoking, while preferences for bluegrass, jazz, and heavy metal music are associated with higher smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that SES groups may use smoking, like other cultural tastes, to distinguish their lifestyles from those of others.
The Microwave Component Analyzer: A Novel Instrument for Measuring Pulsed or CW Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The Microwave Component Analyzer (MCA) is introduced as a novel instrument for making automated signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements in pulsed or CW mode. With an advanced vector demodulator, the MCA converts a microwave signal into error-corrected I (In-phase) and Q (Quadrature-phase) digitized signals. Utilizing a rotating phase reference technique, vector demodulator linear distortions are automatically error-corrected with an internal self-calibration. High-speed digital signal processing of the I and Q signals results in the ability to make real-time measurements of SNR. The noise behavior of a pulsed amplifier in compression is measured by the MCA and the results are compared to theory.
Classical Conditioning of Sexual Arousal in Women and Men: Effects of Varying Awareness and Biological Relevance of the Conditioned Stimulus

Classical conditioning of sexual arousal has previously been demonstrated in human males but not in females. This study explored the role of classical (Pavlovian) conditioning in the activation of genital sexual arousal in both women and men, and assessed the effects of varying conditioned stimulus (CS) duration (subliminal/conscious) and relevance (sexually relevant/irrelevant). Twenty-seven female and 29 male participants received either subliminal or conscious presentations of a photograph of either a sexually relevant (abdomen of the opposite sex) or irrelevant (gun) CS+, which was followed by the unconditioned stimulus (US-erotic film clip). A CS-, a stimulus not paired with the US, was also included in the 11 conditioning trials. Ten participants were assigned to a control group that received unpaired presentations of the CS+, CS-, and the US. Both women and men showed more evidence of conditioning to the abdomen than to the gun when the CS was presented subliminally. When consciously perceived CSs were used, however, gender differences emerged. Men again showed the expected cue-to-consequence specificity but women showed the opposite effect, that is, conditioned arousal to the sexually irrelevant rather than to the relevant CS. The latter finding may be due to increased autonomic nervous system arousal associated with the irrelevant CS (gun). Skin conductance responses indicated more general arousal to the gun than to the male abdomen in women. This is the first study to compare the effects of a subliminal and conscious CS and to find classical conditioning of sexual arousal in women.
Distinguishing among green businesses: Growth, green, and anomie

Environmental social scientists have yet to deal with the growing phenomenon of green businesses. In particular, we need to have some response to the notion that green businesses are significant enough to require a shift in public policy support for enhancing their proliferation. We cannot do this, however, unless we have a better sense of what constitutes a “green business. “ I argue that one way to do this is by dimensionalizing green businesses. One way to dimensionalize green businesses is by how they manage the anomie that arises as organizations attempt to meet ecological goals with market means. The strategies that businesses develop to deal with anomie reveals central issues about how green ideas have been embedded within the organization.
SPACE-CHARGE EFFECTS IN FIELD EMISSION

A progressive reduction of the observed field current below values expected from the empirical law for increasing values of the potential is attributed to space charge. The current density expected in the presence of space charge is calculated from the Fowler-Nordheim field emission theory using values of the cathode electric field obtained from a solution of Poisson's equation for plane electrodes with boundary conditions appropriate to field emission. The result is a generalization of Child's equation, and is asymptotic to it when the applied potential is large compared with the value required for appreciable field emission. Current densities predicted by the theory are compared with experimental values obtained for several values of the work function by use of the clean tungsten and the barium-on-tungsten emitting surfaces in high vacuum.The Fowler-Nordheim theory correctly predicts the observed average current density from clean tungsten for densities in the range from 2 amp/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ to 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ amp/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, thus extending a previous test of the theory which was limited to current densities less than 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ amp/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Significant features of the electron emission pattern observed at high current densities are explained as effects of space charge.
Production of trihydroxy derivatives of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid by lipoxygenase activity in trout gill tissue

Abstract The production of polyoxygenated derivatives of arachidonic acid as a consequence of nonenzymatic peroxidation of the immediate product of lipoxygenase activity occurs in animal tissues. This investigation was conducted to determine if n−3 docosahexaenoic acid was susceptible to similar reactions. Metabolism of arachidonic acid (20:4(n−6)) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6(n−3)) by the 12-lipoxygenase of trout gill was studied in a model system. Results showed that high levels of lipoxygenase activity led to the proliferation of comparable products from both fatty acids. Analyses of these compounds by GC-MS identified in addition to the 12- and 14-monohydroxy derivatives, respectively, mixtures of the 8,11,12- and 10,11,12-trihydroxy products of 20:4 and the 10,13,14- and 12,13,14-trihydroxy derivatives of 22:6.
WE-E-WAB-01: Solutions for Interconnectivity Issues in Radiation Oncology: Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise-Radiation Oncology (IHE-RO)

Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise in Radiation Oncology (IHE‐RO) is an ASTRO sponsored initiative, composed of vendors, physicists and clinicians dedicated to improving equipment and software integration issues related to radiation treatment. The objective of this initiative is to improve the way computer based systems in radiation oncology share information using well‐defined data exchange standards (DICOM / HL7). The Radiotherapy process requires integration of software and hardware from a variety of vendors using a multitude of systems. For this integration to be done successfully a series of data transfers must occur with 100% fidelity and reliability. Here there can be a significant problem of lack of interconnectivity and interoperability of electronic infrastructure. The follow‐up care of radiation oncology patients extends over time and multiple care facilities. Therefore, it is critical that all patients' healthcare data be readily available on demand to individuals and their changing healthcare providers. The IHE‐RO initiative has solved several interconnectivity and interoperability issues amongst Treatment Planning Systems, Treatment Management Systems and Treatment Delivery Systems. However, it is not easy for end users to discern the lack of interconnectivity amongst RT devices available in the market place. IHE‐RO testing events and test tools have enabled vendors to successfully test and demonstrate interoperability between their products. These solutions will improve patient safety in concordance to the ASTRO ‘Target Safely’ initiative in addition to improving workflow efficiency in the clinic.In 2004, ASTRO formed a multi‐society, multi‐national, and multi‐specialty IHE‐RO task force to address issues of interoperability and information sharing between various healthcare systems in radiation oncology and is working to resolve them in a systematic way using established industry standards. The IHE‐RO task force consists of a planning committee (PC) and a technical committee (TC). The membership of these committees along with schedules of activities, meeting agendas and minutes, and working documents can be found on the IHE Wiki at http://wiki.ihe.net.This lecture will provide an overview of the activities of IHE‐RO and how this initiative has helped the Radiation Oncology community to solve the interoperability issues of the clinic. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the history of IHE‐RO and the need behind it. 2. Review current IHE‐RO Profiles & user cases and how they help solve interoperability issues in the clinic. 3. Understand the future direction of IHE‐RO and how you can contribute to its success. Partial funding from ASTRO
Selection and characterization of human antibodies neutralizing Bacillus anthracis toxin

A less than adequate therapeutic plan for the treatment of anthrax in the 2001 bioterrorism attacks has highlighted the importance of developing alternative or complementary therapeutic approaches for biothreat agents. In these regards passive immunization possesses several important advantages over active vaccination and the use of antibiotics, as it can provide immediate protection against Bacillus anthracis. Herein, we report the selection and characterization of several human monoclonal neutralizing antibodies against the toxin of B. anthracis from a phage displayed human scFv library. In total 15 clones were selected with distinct sequences and high specificity to protective antigen and thus were the subject of a series of both biophysical and cell-based cytotoxicity assays. From this panel of antibodies a set of neutralizing antibodies were identified, of which clone A8 recognizes the lethal (and/or edema) factor binding domain, and clones F1, G11, and G12 recognize the cellular receptor binding domain found within the protective antigen. It was noted that all clones distinguish a conformational epitope existing on the protective antigen; this steric relationship was uncovered using a sequential epitope mapping approach. For each neutralizing antibody, the kinetic constants were determined by surface plasmon resonance, while the potency of protection was established using a two-tier macrophage cytotoxicity assay. Among the neutralizing antibodies identified, clone F1 possessed the highest affinity to protective antigen, and provided superior protection from lethal toxin in the cell cytotoxicity assay. The data presented provide the ever-growing arsenal of immunological and functional analysis of monoclonal antibodies to the exotoxins of anthrax. In addition it grants new candidates for the prophylaxis and therapeutic treatment against this toxin.
Onset of convection for autocatalytic reaction fronts: Laterally bounded systems

The linear stability of exothermic autocatalytic reaction fronts that convert unreacted fluid into a lighter reacted fluid is considered using the viscous thermohydrodynamic equations. For upward front propagation and a thin front, the discontinuous jump in density at the front is reminiscent of the Rayleigh-Taylor problem of an interface between two immiscible fluids, whereas the vertical thermal gradient near the front is reminiscent of the Rayleigh-B\'enard problem of a fluid layer heated from below. The problem is also similar to flame propagation, except that here the front propagation speed is limited by catalyst diffusion rather than by activation kinetics. For a thin ascending front and small density changes in a laterally unbounded system, the curvature dependence of the front speed stabilizes perturbations with short wavelengths \ensuremath{\lambda}${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{c}}$, whereas long wavelengths are unstable to convection, indicating that the density discontinuity dominates over thermal gradients. Simple analytical results for the critical wavelength ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{c}}$ for onset of convection, the growth rate near onset of convection, and the maximum growth rate are found. Agreement with experiments on iodate--arsenous acid solutions in vertical tubes motivates linear and nonlinear calculations in cylindrical geometries.
Phase Behavior of Neat Triblock Copolymers and Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends Near Network Phase Windows

The phase behavior of poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (ISM) copolymers near the styrene-rich network phase window was examined through the use of neat triblock copolymers and copolymer/homopolymer blends. Both end-block and middle-block blending protocols were employed using poly(isoprene) (PI), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(styrene) (PS) homopolymers. Blended specimens exhibited phase transformations to well-ordered nanostructures (at homopolymer loadings up to 26 vol % of the total blend volume). Morphological consistency between neat and blended specimens was established at various locations in the ISM phase space. Copolymer/homopolymer blending permitted the refinement of lamellar, hexagonally packed cylinder, and disordered melt phase boundaries as well as the identification of double gyroid (Q230), alternating gyroid (Q214), and orthorhombic (O70) network regimes. Additionally, the experimental phase diagram exhibited similar trends to those found in a theoretical ABC tri...
Alveolar macrophage cell line is not activated by exposure to polymeric microspheres

Abstract An in vitro cell culture model based on a rat alveolar macrophage (AM) cell line, NR8383, was used to determine if poly( l -lactide) (PLA) microspheres prepared by the precipitation with a compressed antisolvent (PCA) method can be taken up by AMs and activate AMs. To examine cellular uptake of microspheres, microspheres were labeled with rhodamine 6G. Using fluorescence microscopy, the uptake of microspheres by NR8383 cells was followed as a function of time, microsphere concentration, and susceptibility to lysosomotropic agents. To determine if microspheres can activate NR8383 cells, the oxidative burst and production of TNF-α by NR8383 cells following microsphere treatment was measured. Uptake of microspheres by NR8383 cells was dependent on microsphere concentration and appeared to occur via endocytosis, as uptake was significantly inhibited by the putative lysosomotropic agents, ammonium chloride and chloroquine. Furthermore, the microspheres do not appear to activate NR8383 cells, since microsphere exposure results in negligible oxidative burst and TNF-α production in NR8383. Microspheres prepared by the PCA method hold great potential in targeting drugs to AMs and, therefore, may be of utility for the treatment of diseases in which AMs play an important role, such as tuberculosis (TB).
Agreement and Information in the Reliability of Coding

Coefficients that assess the reliability of data-making processes, that is, coding text, transcribing interviews, or categorizing observations into analyzable terms, are mostly conceptualized in terms of the agreement a set of coders, observers, judges, or measuring instruments exhibit. When variation is low, reliability coefficients reveal their dependency on an often neglected phenomenon, the amount of information that reliability data provide about the reliability of the coding process or the data it generates. This paper explores the concept of reliability, simple agreement, three conceptions of chance to correct that agreement, and sources of information deficiency, and it develops two measures of information about reliability, akin to the power of a statistical test, intended as a companion to traditional reliability coefficients, especially Krippendorff's (2004, pp. 221–250; Hayes & Krippendorff, 2007) alpha.
SageTools: an intelligent environment for sketching, browsing, and customizing data-graphics

Our approach views data-graphic design as two complementary processes: design as a constructive process of selecting and arranging graphical elements, and design as a process of browsing and customizing previous cases. We present three novel tools for supporting these processes. SageBrush assembles data-graphics from primitive elements like bars, lines, and axes. SageBook browses previously created data-graphics relevant to current needs. SAGE automatically designs data-graphics, interpreting the user's specifications as conveyed with the other tools. The combined environment, SageTools, enhances user-directed design by providing automatic presentation capabilities with styles of interaction that support data-graphic design.
Perspectives and Retrospectives in Mass Spectrometry: One View:

Mass spectrometry benefits from a flexible definition which equates it with many aspects of the science of matter in the ionized state. The field continues to expand rapidly, not only to encompass ...
Vital Statistics of a Michigan Fish Population, with Special Emphasis on the Effectiveness of Stocking 15-cm Walleye Fingerlings

Abstract Walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) stocked as 11- to 17-cm fingerlings in a 348-hectare lake (Manistee Lake, Kalkaska County, Michigan), from 1974 to 1977, had an average total mortality rate of 74% one year after planting. The mean total annual mortality rate for native and stocked walleyes of age-groups II-VIII was 56%. Mean total mortality rates of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus), pumpkinseeds (Lepomis gibbosus), and black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) were 60, 66, 72, and 58%, respectively; their respective mean exploitation rates were 13, 17, 8, and 19%. Growth rates of all species except yellow perch (Perca flavescens) exceeded the statewide average growth rates of fishes in Michigan. Fishing pressure was 35 angler hours per hectare in 1976, 16 in 1977, and 60 in 1978. For the same 3-year period, exploitation rate of all walleyes ranged from 3 to 35% with a mean of 17%. Eventually, an estimated 3.5% of the stocked walleyes might be harvested ...
A Brain Heater in the Swordfish

The brain and eye of swordfish are warmer than the water. Associated with one of the eye muscles is a tissue that heats the brain. This brain heater is rich in mitochondria and cytochrome c and is supplied with blood through a vascular heat exchanger. It protects the central nervous system from rapid cooling during daily vertical excursions which may take the swordfish through a wide temperature range.