cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adapting Focus Groups to a Rural Context: Challenges and Strategies

Focus group research needs to be modified when the focus groups are to be conducted in a rural area or with a rural population. The authors argue for “seeing the rural”: for recognizing rurality as a social context that affects research. Based on experience with North American rural focus groups, the authors propose six aspects of the design of rural focus groups in which rurality should be taken into account: conceptualizing the rural place, identifying research participants, inviting residents to participate in a focus group, selecting a site for the focus group and scheduling it, conducting the focus group, and expressing appreciation. The article ends with an empirical investigation evaluating selected rural focus group recruitment strategies.
Possible States for a Three-Dimensional Electron Gas in a Strong Magnetic Field

If a three-dimensional semimetal or doped semiconductor is placed in a sufficiently strong magnetic field, then a change in its transport properties will occur. If the electron-impurity interaction is dominant, then the magnetic field will produce localization of the electron wavefunctions, sometimes described as magnetic freezeout. If the electron-electron interaction is more important, then some type of collective transition may occur. Spin-density waves, charge-density waves, valley-density waves, excitonic insulators, and Wigner crystallization have been proposed to occur under various circumstances. As a generalization to three-dimensions of the integral quantized Hall effect, we show that for electrons in periodic or quasiperiodic potential, when the Fermi level lies in an energy gap, the zero temperature conductivity tensor is given by σij=(e2/2πh)∑keijkGk, where \vecG is a reciprocal-lattice-vector of the potential. We discuss the effect of impurities and dislocations on this result.
A damage mechanics model for compression strength of composites

A compression strength model based on damage mechanics and a Gaussian distribution of fiber misalignment is presented. The model uses only three material parameters that can be measured by well established methodologies. The compression strength and all the parameters that enter in the model were measured for the same materials. Predicted values are compared to experimental data for eleven different E-glass reinforced pultruded composites. Theoretical arguments are provided to support the use of damage mechanics and very good correlation is found between theory and experiments.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND SCIENTIFIC IDEOLOGY IN PSYCHOLOGISTS: CONFLICTING OR COEXISTING SYSTEMS?

147 Members and Fellows of the American Psychological Association were surveyed to assess their endorsement of religion and science as sources of knowledge and their self-perceived conflict between...
Global imbalances: The new economy, the dark matter, the savvy investor, and the standard analysis

Abstract In this paper I review four perspectives on global imbalances: the standard analysis questioning their sustainability and three views skeptical of this conventional wisdom. I raise questions about the internal consistency, conformance with the facts, and predictive content of each of the arguments challenging the mainstream analysis of U.S. current account sustainability. Moreover, I show that several of these objections to standard sustainability arithmetic are incompatible with one another.
The conduction band of cerium sulfide Ce3−xS4

Abstract A study of cerium sulfide, Ce3−xS4, over most of the range of composition, 0 1 3 , has led to information about the conduction band. The compositions, determined by accurate density measurements, permitted evaluation of the electron concentration, n. The room temperature values of the electrical conductivity σ, the thermoelectric power α, and the Hall coefficient RH, were determined as a function of n over the range from 6 × 1020 cm−3 to 6 × 1021 cm−3. The mobility is relatively low ( 2–3 cm 2 V-sec ), but the thermoelectric power varies as n − 2 3 , as required by conventional theory for degenerate systems, and this permitted estimates of the effective mass and width of the conduction band. On the other hand, the Hall coefficient decreases below the value 1 ne as n is increased, indicating warping of the Fermi surface as the conduction band is filled. These results, and the analogy to transition metal oxides, suggest the possibility that the conduction band arises primarily from overlapping 5d orbitals of the cerium ions.
Three-Dimensional Near-Surface Turbulent Anisotropic Structure Function Measurements

A common assumption used in describing the turbulence structure present during atmospheric propagation is turbulent isotropy. Yet low frequency fluctuations obviously cannot exhibit this property since vertically oriented fluctuations are impacted by surface boundary conditions. To gain insight into the anisotropic nature of the surface boundary, a measurement campaign was carried out in the spring of 2008 at White Sands Missile Range, NM. A 2D array of 3D sonic anemometers was constructed. This array, a 14m wide by 10m high grid of sensors was used to sample wind and temperature fluctuations over a two-month period. More than 300 hours of data were collected that fit the criteria of sensor availability, mean winds directed from a desired sector, and steady wind speed. This paper describes the grid, the overall experiment, and considers aspects of correlations present in the temperature data fields that may be useful in characterizing an anisotropic refractive index structure function.
Frequency and adequacy of breast cancer screening among elderly hispanic women

Abstract Studies have demonstrated that Hispanic (relative to Anglo) women are at greater risk for late-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Screening irregularity may be a factor contributing to late-stage diagnosis, yet virtually nothing is known about the breast cancer-screening behavior of Hispanic women. We interviewed 600 elderly Hispanic women residing in Los Angeles to collect information on frequency of physician breast examinations and mammography and on regularity and competence of breast self-examination. Predictors of screening were also examined. Fifty percent of our sample indicated that they had had a breast exam within the past year; 12.5% had had a mammogram within the past year (74% never had had a mammogram); and 47% reported that they had performed breast self-examination within the past month. Few of the women were able to demonstrate adequate breast self-examination technique on a foam breast model, and only 1% found all five lumps present. Thus, although the observed frequency of screening and self-examination is comparable to national norms, it is unlikely that our subjects' attempts at self-examination would lead to early breast cancer detection. Age, educational level, emotional reactions to screening, and media cues predicted screening behavior. Physician instruction in breast self-examination increased the frequency and adequacy of self-examination. Perceived susceptiblity to cancer, perceived benefits of early detection, and level of acculturation were not strong predictors. The extent to which our results generalize to other subpopulations of Hispanic women is discussed.
Biocompatibility and chemical reaction kinetics of injectable, settable polyurethane/allograft bone biocomposites.

Abstract Injectable and settable bone grafts offer significant advantages over pre-formed implants due to their ability to be administered using minimally invasive techniques and to conform to the shape of the defect. However, injectable biomaterials present biocompatibility challenges due to the potential toxicity and ultimate fate of reactive components that are not incorporated in the final cured product. In this study the effects of stoichiometry and triethylenediamine (TEDA) catalyst concentration on the reactivity, injectability, and biocompatibility of two component lysine-derived polyurethane (PUR) biocomposites were investigated. Rate constants were measured for the reactions of water (a blowing agent resulting in the generation of pores), polyester triol, dipropylene glycol (DPG), and allograft bone particles with the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer using an in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. Based on the measured rate constants, a kinetic model predicting the conversion of each component with time was developed. Despite the fact that TEDA is a well-known urethane gelling catalyst, it was found to preferentially catalyze the blowing reaction with water relative to the gelling reactions by a ratio >17:1. Thus the kinetic model predicted that the prepolymer and water proceeded to full conversion, while the conversions of polyester triol and DPG were
The therapeutic potential of κ-opioids for treatment of pain and addiction

When the κ-subtype of opioid receptor was first distinguished, there was tremendous interest in developing analgesics that would provide pain-relief without activating the reward pathways stimulated by morphine-like μ-opioids. A nonaddictive opioid has been a holy grail of medicinal chemistry ever since Friedrich Serturner isolated morphine from opium in 1804. Selective κ-agonists were developed, but quickly found to produce different problems including dysphoria, diuresis, and constipation. In addition, their maximal analgesic effects were weaker than μ-opioids in rodents. But interest in κ-opioids as therapeutic tools did not completely die; Shippenberg and colleagues found that κ-agonists reduced the rewarding effects of co-administered addictive drugs; κ-opioid analgesia using pentazocine was seen as an alternative for pain control in people with a risk of drug abuse; and κ-agonists entered clinical trials for the treatment of pain and itch (see Millan, 1990).
In Situ Lubrication with Boric Acid: Powder Delivery of an Environmentally Benign Solid Lubricant

In situ deposition of boric acid in dry powder form is investigated as a potential environmentally benign solid lubricant for sliding metal contacts. Boric acid is widely used in industrial processes and agriculture, is not classified as a pollutant by EPA, and produces no serious illnesses or carcinogenic effects from exposure to solutions or aerosols. In this study, boric acid powder is aerosolized and entrained in a low-velocity jet of nitrogen gas, which is directed at a self-mated 302 SS sliding contact in a rotating pin-on-disc tribometer. The effects of powder flow rate, sliding speed, normal load, and track diameter on coefficient of friction and wear rate are investigated. Friction coefficients below μ = 0.1 can be consistently reached and maintained as long as the powder flow continues. Wear rates are reduced over 2 orders of magnitude. Review led by Paul Bessette
Minimizing wavelength-conversion costs in WDM optical networks with p-cycle-based protection

We study the configuration of preconfigured protection cycles (p-cycles) in survivable WDM optical mesh networks with partial wavelength conversion with 100% restorability guaranteed against any single failures. We consider the general case in which a p-cycle is allowed to use converters partially on the path. We formulate the problem as two integer linear programs, one for nonjoint and one for joint optimization. In the nonjoint optimization case, working paths are known before the protection configuration is processed. Then, p-cycles and wavelength converters are optimally determined. In the joint optimization case, working paths, p-cycles, and wavelength converters are jointly determined. The objective in both cases is to minimize the total cost of link capacity used by the working paths and the p-cycles as well as the cost of wavelength converters required for accommodation of a set of traffic demands. The proposed p-cycle configuration architectures take full advantage of converter sharing that reduces the network cost by requiring as few converters as possible. Our numerical results indicate that the proposed approaches outperform existing ones in terms of total network cost, total number of converters required, and maximum number of converters required at a node.
Antigen-specific tolerance strategies for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease

The development of safe and effective antigen-specific therapies is needed to treat patients with autoimmune diseases. These therapies must allow for the specific tolerization of self-reactive immune cells without altering host immunity to infectious insults. Experimental models and clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune disease have identified putative mechanisms by which antigen-specific therapies induce tolerance. Although advances have been made in the development of efficient antigen-specific therapies, translating these therapies from bench to bedside has remained difficult. Here, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of antigen-specific therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Signal reconstruction from a periodic nonuniform set of samples using H∞ optimization

We study the problem of signal reconstruction from a periodical nonuniform set of samples. The considered system takes samples of delayed versions of a continuous signal at low sampling rate, with different fractional delays for different channels. We design IIR synthesis filters so that the overall system approximates a sampling system of high sampling rate using techniques from model-matching problem in control theory with available software (such as Matlab). Unlike traditional signal processing methods, our approach uses techniques from control theory which convert systems with fractional delays into H-norm-equivalent discrete-time systems. The synthesis filters are designed so that they minimize the H∞ norm of the error system. As a consequence, the induced error is uniformly small over all (band-limited and band-unlimited) input signals. The experiments are also run for synthesized images.
The vortex line density in nonuniform superfluid turbulence

Abstract We have measured the temperature drop as a function of heat current and position in a weakly divergent rectangular thermal counterflow channel. The data from laminar flow agree with a calculation using the viscous force in a uniform channel applied locally. When superfluid turbulence is present the situation is more complex. A calculation using the Schwarz theory for homogeneous superfluid turbulence applied locally fails to give the correct dependence on either position or heat current. The data severely constrain the modifications to the theory that may be considered. We have found an empirical form for the vortex line density in this nonuniform flow which is consistent with our data, although its meaning is unclear.
Measuring performance of Chinese joint ventures

Abstract A parent firm has many choices when it comes to selecting the indicators for measuring performance of its international joint ventures (IJVs). This paper identifies the indicators, discusses the reasons and factors that influence these choices. Semi-structured interviews with five US parent firms that have Chinese IJVs reveal that the parents use a range of internal and external indicators but these indicators differ from those they use for the parents themselves. This is due to different cultural and political emphases between the US and Chinese. However, there is no consistency on the weighting on the choices of the indicators, but the respondents reveal a need for a transparent and consistent evaluation process. These findings have implications to the managers of both the parent firms and IJVs, and stakeholders.
The effect of taurine on the pigmentation of the bullfrog tadpole.

Abstract 1. 1. Taurine in vivo causes pigmentary darkening in the tadpole Rana catesbeiana . This effect is not seen in vitro on the isolated skin. 2. 2. By a differential examination of chromatophores, it appears that the major mechanism of action is not by the production and/or release of MSH but by inhibiting the production and/or release of melatonin. 3. 3. A hypothesis has been formulated which might explain the high occurrence and physiological role of taurine in the pineal gland.
Feasibility of Gentamicin Measurement in Icteric Sera by the Syva EMIT System

Abstract Total serum bilirubin concentrations of up to 45 mg/dl did not have a significant effect on the accuracy of serum gentamicin measurements by the Syva EMIT system with gentamicin concentrations of up to 14 μg/ml.
On nonlinear convection in mushy layers Part 1. Oscillatory modes of convection

We consider the problem of nonlinear convection in horizontal mushy layers during the solidification of binary alloys. We analyse the oscillatory modes of convection in the form of two- and three-dimensional travelling and standing waves. Under a near-eutectic approximation and the limit of large far-field temperature, we determine the solutions to the nonlinear problem by using a perturbation technique, and the stability of two- and three-dimensional solutions in the form of simple travelling waves, general travelling waves and standing waves is investigated. The results of the stability and the nonlinear analyses indicate that supercritical simple travelling rolls are stable over most of the studied range of parameter values, while supercritical standing rolls can be stable only over some small range of parameter values, where the simple travelling rolls are unstable. The results of the investigation of the onset of plume convection and chimney formation leading to the occurrence of freckles in the alloy crystal indicate that the chimney of the plume can be generated internally or near the lower boundary of the mushy layer. The roles of a Stefan number, a permeability parameter and a concentration ratio on the flow instability in both linear and nonlinear regimes are also determined.
Fluctuation of crop evapotranspiration coefficients with weather: a sensitivity analysis

In transferring crop coefficients (Kc) from one location to another, it has been assumed that basal Kc (minimal soil evaporation) and/or Kc during full-canopy cover will be universally valid if the variation in weather is accounted for by reference ET variations. The sensitivity of full-canopy-cover crop coefficients (Kc) to variations in solar radiation, air temperature, air vapor density and wind speed was investigated using an energy balance model. Interpretation of the sensitivity involved analyzing the components of the energy balance, which varied as a result of differences in aerodynamic and canopy resistance between the reference crop and the crop to be irrigated. Instability of crop coefficients was shown to increase with decreasing crop canopy resistance and with increasing crop height, indicating that the expectation of universal validity for basal or full-canopy-cover coefficients is not fulfilled. For crops taller and/or with lower canopy resistance than the short clipped grass (0.1 m) used as reference, the magnitude of Kc fluctuations with changes in weather elements suggests caution when using Kc values under environmental conditions different from those prevailing at the site where they were experimentally derived. Values of Kc derived for crops whose height and canopy resistance are not too different from the reference are more stable across environments. Thus, full-cover alfalfa (0.5-m height) would be a better reference crop choice than a short clipped grass (0.1 m) because its canopy resistance and roughness better approximate those of most crops. Research to develop operational methods for directly estimating crop ET, as an alternative to the two-step approach of calculating reference ET and determining site specific empirical crop coefficients, seems desirable.
In Memoriam: Michel K. Ochi

Dr. Michel K. Ochi, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering at the University of Florida, Gainesville, passed on April 13, 2013, at age 92. Born in Japan, he moved permanently to the United States in 1958. He acquired two doctorate degrees, one in naval architecture from Osaka Imperial University and another in mathematical statistics from American University in Washington, DC. Professor Ochi’s international academic renown had much to do with his superb work on the prediction of extreme waves critical to the design of ocean structures, including oil and gas facilities. He was the recipient of a number of scholastic awards, including the Davidson Medal and the Linnard Prize, both from the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), and the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award. He also received an honorary doctorate in engineering from the University of Genoa, was a Fellow of SNAME and the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, and a member of ASCE. During 1958–1979, Professor Ochi was a research scientist with the Naval Ship Research and Development Center near Washington, DC. In 1979, he joined the University of Florida as a professor in engineering and remained until his retirement. He was an excellent research guide and, most of all, greatly admired by students for his clear and precise teaching method in wave statistics and related subjects. An individual of upright character and professional honesty, his humor-filled companywill be sadlymissed by all who came to know him. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret Duke Ochi.
Hiram Johnson — orator of isolationism

(1958). Hiram Johnson — orator of isolationism. The Southern Speech Journal: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 94-104.
Reference architecture for DICOM-compliant PACS development

DICOM semantics refers to the specification of meaning of DICOM messages exchanged between two DICOM-compliant systems. DICOM-compliant PACS networks may fail to achieve interoperability due to different variations in allowable DICOM semantics used by different implementors. We have specified the beginnings of a DICOM reference architecture by designing a generic PACS network, selecting certain PACS functions commonly implemented in DICOM application entities and making explicit assignments of various DICOM service classes to carry out the selected application level functionality. A generic PACS based on the reference architecture presented here is being implemented with the intention off providing Internet access to it for interoperability testing.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Institutional Review Boards: A Crisis in Confidence

In this issue, Burman and coworkers identify the enormous increase in the number and complexity of multicenter randomized clinical trials as the root cause of the crisis in institutional review boa...
Diuretic use in black patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet treatment control rates in the United States are suboptimal. Racial disparities continue to exist, with hypertension having a greater effect in blacks with regard to prevalence, severity, organ damage, and mortality.1–3 Among hypertensive non-Hispanic blacks, rates of uncontrolled hypertension remain high, at 64.2% of men and 51.8% of women.4 Despite the reported efficacy for use of thiazide diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics in blacks,5,6 a recent study of treated black patients in an ambulatory clinic found that only 39% of patients reported taking a diuretic.7 Several large trials have reported that the cardiovascular outcome after treatment with “newer” classes of agents (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is not superior to that after treatment with the “older” diuretic agents.8 Furthermore, the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) reported that in black patients the outcome was better after treatment with diuretics than after treatment with ACEIs.9,10 Consequently, the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee for Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7) recommendation of a diuretic as the preferred first-line therapy for hypertension is particularly appropriate for the treatment of black patients.11 Evidence suggests that failure to follow guidelines for blood pressure targets and medication management contributes to high rates of uncontrolled hypertension.12,13 This study extends prior observations about the use of diuretics in blacks, examining their use among patients with uncontrolled hypertension drawn from a population of home care recipients.
Full Field Measurement of The Dynamic Response of AA6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy under High Strain Rate Compression and Torsion Loads

Aluminum alloys exhibit an attractive combination of mechanical and physical properties such as high stiffness and low density, which favors their utilization in many structural applications. Thus, increasing the structural applications of aluminum alloy is the driving force for the need to adequately understand its deformation and failure mechanisms under various types of dynamic loading conditions. In this study, full field plastic deformation of AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy at high strain-rates under compressive and torsion loads are measured using split Hopkinson compression and torsion bars and a high speed digital image correlation system. The stress-strain curves obtained using the high speed digital cameras are compared with results obtained from the elastic waves in the compression and torsion bars. A post deformation analysis of the specimen also shows strain localization along narrow adiabatic shear bands in the AA6061-T6 alloy.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Comparative effect of epinephrine and aminophylline in the treatment of asthma.

Thirty-seven patients with severe asthma were randomized into three groups and treated double-blindly with either aminophylline, epinephrine, or a combination of these two for one hour and then with both drugs for an additional hour. All patients began with plasma theophylline levels less than 10 µg/ml and all achieved 17 µg/ml. Epinephrine produced 134% improvement in FEV1 in one hour compared to 38% improvement produced by aminophylline. Epinephrine and combination therapy produced the same amount of bronchodilatation in one hour. Patients whose initial PEFR was ≦100 l/min failed to improve with aminophylline alone. After two hours of treatment, there was no difference in FEV1 or PEFR among the three groups. Arrhythmias and vomiting occurred more frequently when aminophylline was used and these adverse responses did not correlate with plasma theophylline levels.
Communal conflict in viqueque and the 'charged' history of '59

This paper seeks to demystify the failed uprising against the colonial administration in 1959 in remote south-eastern Portuguese Timor, an event which later was ably used as propaganda by Indonesian revisionist historians and pro-integration Timorese during the Indonesian occupation. Providing a historical context for the rebellion and a narrative of events based on archival sources and interviews with local informants, the paper shows how to this day memories of the rebellion are linked to ongoing rivalries in Viqueque District and Uatolari subdistrict in particular.
Hydrology of hope : Farm dams, conservation, and whiteness in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, many whites have affiliated themselves with the land rather than with surrounding societies. Theories of settler culture—which emphasize ethnic conflict—often overlook this environmentalist form of identity. As conservationists, white, large-scale farmers sought to belong to the landscape, and they modified it in ways that facilitated that sense of belonging. On the semiarid highlands, they manipulated the most manipulable of environmental variables: water. In the 1990s, their new landscape of dams and reservoirs provided habitat for wildlife and irrigation for tobacco. Whites justified their land ownership on grounds of both conservation and development—a considerable rhetorical feat. Engineering, then, fostered an unstable, ephemeral feeling of entitlement and belonging.
Evaluation of the Effect of Different Fatty Acids on the Percutaneous Absorption of Metaproterenol Sulfate

The in vitro permeation rates of metaproterenol sulfate (MPS) across hairless mouse skin and TESTSKIN living skin equivalent were very low unless skin permeation enhancers were included in the vehicle. An optimum balance should be established between the chain length of the fatty acid and its molar ratio to MPS in order to enhance its penetration through the skin. Thus, the best flux values were shown by capric acid: MPS, 3:1 molar ratio, and lauric acid:MPS, 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratio, while myristic acid:MPS, 1:1 molar ratio, was the optimum under the experimental conditions used. The mechanism of the enhancing effect was examined by measuring 1H NMR spectra and the apparent partition coefficient of MPS, lauric acid, and the mixture. The apparent partition coefficient of MPS between n-octanol and water was higher for the mixture with lauric acid than for MPS alone. A 1:1 molar ratio formulation of MPS and lauric acid was selected for the in vivo permeation study. The data indicated that lauric acid increased the diffusivity of MPS in the skin by forming a complex and by affecting its partition coefficient between the skin and the delivery system.
Nuclear spin multiplets for five 13C78 fullerene isomers

Group theoretical analysis is carried out on nuclear spins of five isomers of 13C78 fullerene clusters, in view of recent experimental 13C NMR spectroscopy of stable C78 fullerene isomers. The nuclear spin statistical weights of the rovibronic levels of the five 13C78 isomers are presented. It is shown that the nuclear spin multiplets of the five 13C78 isomers differ.
Recipient CD4 T cells that survive irradiation regulate chronic graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an increasingly common cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Relative to acute GVHD (aGVHD), much less is understood about cGVHD. Using the B10.D2 --> BALB/c murine cGVHD model, which shares critical pathologic features with human cGVHD, we find that radiation-resistant host T cells regulate cGVHD. We initially observed that recipients lacking all lymphocytes developed accelerated and more severe cGVHD. Using genetically deficient recipients, we determined that alphabeta+CD4+ T cells were required to regulate cGVHD. Increased cGVHD severity was not due to the absence of T cells per se. Rather, the potency of regulation was proportional to host T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity. Only CD4+CD25+, and not CD4+CD25-, host T cells ameliorated cGVHD when added back, indicating that host T cells acted not via host-versus-graft activity or by reducing homeostatic proliferation but by an undefined regulatory mechanism. Thus, preparative regimens that spare host CD4+CD25+ T cells may reduce cGVHD. Donor CD4+CD25+ T cells also reduced cGVHD. Depletion of CD4+CD25+ cells from the inoculum exacerbated disease, whereas transplantation of additional CD4+CD25+ cells protected against severe cGVHD. Additional CD4+CD25+ cells also promoted healing of established lesions, suggesting that their effects persist during the evolution of cGVHD.
Logistics flexibility and its impact on customer satisfaction

Purpose – To succeed in an uncertain environment, firms must respond to changing customer needs, and logistics flexibility is an important part of the response. This paper defines logistics flexibility, creates a framework to understand it, and shows how it relates to customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a large sample survey (n=273) from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to develop valid and reliable instruments to measure logistics flexibility and to test the relationships among the variables using structural equation modeling.Findings – The results indicate strong, positive, and direct relationships between flexible logistics competence and capability, and between flexible logistics capability and customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – The dependent and independent variables were measured through a single respondent, which may introduce common‐method bias. The respondents were manufacturing executives, which provides only a single perspective.Practi...
The application of on-chip optofluidic microscopy for imaging Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts

The optofluidic microscope (OFM) is a lensless, low-cost and highly compact on-chip device that can enable high-resolution microscopy imaging. The OFM performs imaging by flowing/scanning the target objects across a slanted hole array; by measuring the time-varying light transmission changes through the holes, we can then render images of the target objects at a resolution that is comparable to the holes’ size. This paper reports the adaptation of the OFM for imaging Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts, a disease-causing parasite species that is commonly found in poor-quality water sources. We also describe our study of the impact of pressure-based flow and DC electrokinetic-based flow in controlling the flow motion of Giardia cysts—rotation-free translation of the parasite is important for good OFM image acquisition. Finally, we report the successful microscopy imaging of both Giardia trophozoites and cysts with an OFM that has a focal plane resolution of 0.8 microns.
Rat Parotid Gland Amylase: Evidence for Alterations in an Exocrine Protein with Increased Age

Abstract The content of α-amylase, the major exocrine secretory protein from rat parotid glands, was studied in young adult and aged rat tissue, α-Amylase protein was determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This employed antisera, produced against α-amylase purified from young adult rats, but which recognized and precipitated α-amylase enzyme activity equally well from both age groups. The parotid gland content of α-amylase was reduced about 50% in aged rats. Furthermore, the percentage of total gland protein which was α-amylase was decreased about 40% in aged animals. The data suggest that a somewhat specific alteration in α-amylase production (synthesis and/or degradation) occurs in parotid glands from aged rats. In addition, α-amylase functional activity was followed. The specific enzyme activity (U amylase activity per mg immunoreactive amylase) was about 35% higher in extracts from aged rat parotid glands compared to that of young adult glands.
A low-complexity tree-search algorithm to decode diversity-oriented block codes with inter-symbol interference

In order to contain a differential propagation delay in a block based cooperative Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) system, a guard interval can be inserted to mitigate the effect of inter-symbol interference. A larger block size could substantially increase the effective symbol rate, although at the expense of decoding complexity. In this paper, we propose a novel low-complexity breadth-adjustable tree-search algorithm, which, as an example, has been applied to decode Asynchronous Cooperative Liner Dispersion Codes (ACLDC). With simulation we demonstrate that when the blocksize is equivalent to 20, the complexity of the proposed algorithm is only a fraction of 108 of that of the Maximum Likelihood (ML) algorithm. This would allow us to practically enhance the effective symbol rate without any performance degradation.
Measurement and Improvement of Ability to Study

*Received for publication by C. P. Stone of the Editorial Board, May 6, 1929. 1Grateful acknowledgment is hereby made to Drs. C. P. Stone and W. R. Miles of the Department of Psychology and to Dr. Walter C. Eells of the Department of Education of Stanford University for suggestions and assistance.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eyes, Serum and Diet of Human Subjects

Abstract Inverse associations have been reported between the incidence of advanced, neovascular, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the combined lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) intake in the diet, and L and Z concentration in the blood serum. We suggest that persons with high levels of L and Z in either the diet or serum would probably have, in addition, relatively high densities of these carotenoids in the macula, the so-called ‘macular pigment’. Several lines of evidence point to a potential protective effect by the macular pigment against AMD. In this study we examined the relationship between dietary intake of L and Z using a food frequency questionnaire; concentration of L and Z in the serum, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and macular pigment optical density, obtained by flicker photometry. Nineteen subjects participated. We also analysed the serum and retinas, as autopsy samples, from 23 tissue donors in order to obtain the concentration of L and Z in these tissues. The results reveal positive, though weak, associations between dietary intake of L and Z and serum concentration of L and Z, and between serum concentration of L and Z and macular pigment density. We estimate that approximately half of the variability in the subjects' serum concentration of L and Z can be explained by their dietary intake of L and Z, and about one third of the variability in their macular pigment density can be attributed to their serum concentration of L and Z. These results, together with the reported associations between risk of AMD and dietary and serum L and Z, support the hypothesis that low concentrations of macular pigment may be associated with an increased risk of AMD.
Size-distance judgments with random letter stereoarams

Using random letter stereograms, the size-distance relationship was investigated in the absence of a number of distance cues that are typically present when objects and drawings are used as stimuli. With depth differences signaled only by differences in binocular disparity, Ss reported that the apparently farther of two equal-sized stereoscopic images appeared larger as predicted by the size-distance invariance hypothesis. However, distance judgments of equally displaced figures were largely independent of relative size variations. Order of report of relative size and relative distance, figure placement with respect to the ground, and relative matrix densities of figures and ground did not reliably affect judgments.
Quantum reservoir engineering and single qubit cooling

Abstract Stabilizing a quantum system in a desired state has important implications in quantum information science. In control engineering, stabilization is usually achieved by the use of feedback. The closed-loop control paradigm consists of measuring the system in a non-destructive manner, analyzing in real-time the measurement output to estimate the dynamical state and finally, calculating a feedback law to stabilize the desired state. However, the rather short dynamical time-scales of most quantum systems impose important limitations on the complexity of real-time output signal analysis and retroaction. An alternative control approach for quantum state stabilization, bypassing a real-time analysis of output signal, is called reservoir engineering. In this paper, we start with a general description of quantum reservoir engineering. We then apply this method to stabilize the ground state (lowest energy state) of a single two-level quantum system. Applying the averaging theorem and some simple Lyapunov techniques, we prove the convergence of our proposed scheme. This scheme has recently been successfully implemented on a superconducting qubit and has led to a fast and reliable reset protocol for these qubits.
Greenhouse effects due to man-made perturbations of trace gases

Nitrous oxide, methane, ammonia, and a number of other trace constituents in the earth's atmosphere have infrared absorption bands in the spectral region 7 to 14 µm and contribute to the atmospheric greenhouse effect. The concentrations of these trace gases may undergo substantial changes because of man's activities. Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and combustion of fossil fuels may perturb the nitrogen cycle, leading to increases in atmospheric N_2O, and the same perturbing processes may increase the amounts of atmospheric CH_4 and NH_3. We use a one-dimensional radiative-convective model for the atmospheric thermal structure to compute the change in the surface temperature of the earth for large assumed increases in the trace gas concentrations; doubling the N_2O, CH_4, and NH_3 concentrations is found to cause additive increases in the surface temperature of 0.7°, 0.3°, and 0.1°K, respectively. These systematic effects on the earth's radiation budget would have substantial climatic significance. It is therefore important that the abundances of these trace gases be accurately monitored to determine the actual trends of their concentrations.
Homing and long-term engraftment of long- and short-term renewal hematopoietic stem cells

Long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC) and short-term hematopoietic stem cells (ST-HSC) have been characterized as having markedly different in vivo repopulation, but similar in vitro growth in liquid culture. These differences could be due to differences in marrow homing. We evaluated this by comparing results when purified ST-HSC and LT-HSC were administered to irradiated mice by three different routes: intravenous, intraperitoneal, and directly into the femur. Purified stem cells derived from B6.SJL mice were competed with marrow cells from C57BL/6J mice into lethally irradiated C57BL/6J mice. Serial transplants into secondary recipients were also carried out. We found no advantage for ST-HSC engraftment when the cells were administered intraperitoneally or directly into femur. However, to our surprise, we found that the purified ST-HSC were not short-term in nature but rather gave long-term multilineage engraftment out to 387 days, albeit at a lower level than the LT-HSC. The ST-HSC also gave secondary engraftment. These observations challenge current models of the stem cell hierarchy and suggest that stem cells are in a continuum of change.
Contextualizing Information Literacy Enrichment Through a Common Reader in a First-Year Experience Seminar

First-year students typically lack adequate skills in using library resources and understanding basic information literacy. Due to the importance of information literacy skills for success in the first year, the California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Library has been an active partner with the campus First-Year Experience program. In order to respond to the challenges that students face in developing library-related academic skills, the authors developed nine information literacy modules embedded in a First-Year Experience course that is focused on a multicultural common reader.
Body composition changes after 12 months of FES cycling: case report of a 60-year-old female with paraplegia.

Single-subject (female, 60 years of age) case. The purpose of this case report is to document body composition changes in a 60-year-old female with chronic paraplegia after 12 months of home-based functional electrical stimulation lower extremities cycling (FES-LEC). Home-based FES-LEC with internet connection. Southeastern United States. FES-LEC three sessions per week for 12 months in participant’s home and monitored by the research staff via internet connection. Pre- and post-exercise program testing for body composition including percent body fat, fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM) and whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). There was a 7.7% increase in total body LM and a 4.1% increase in legs LM. There was a 1.2% decrease in total body FM and a 9.9% decrease in legs FM. Percent body fat decreased from 48.4 to 46.3 and whole-body BMD was increased from 0.934 to 1.023, which resulted in an improvement in the DXA T-score from −2.4 to −1.3. Positive body compositional changes during this study support the idea that long-term FES-LEC can help restore healthier ratios of LM and FM and possibly decrease the risk of associated diseases. Increased whole-body BMD provides hope that long-term FES-LEC may be beneficial regarding bone health.
Reprogramming of mesenchymal stem cells by the synovial sarcoma-associated oncogene SYT-SSX2.

Cell identity is determined by its gene expression programs. The ability of a cell to change its identity and produce cell types outside its lineage is achieved by the activity of transcription controllers capable of reprogramming differentiation gene networks. The synovial sarcoma (SS)-associated protein, SYT–SSX2, reprograms myogenic progenitors and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) by dictating their commitment to a pro-neural lineage. It fulfills this function by directly targeting an extensive array of neural-specific genes as well as genes of developmental pathway mediators. Concomitantly, the ability of both myoblasts and BMMSCs to differentiate into their normal myogenic and adipogenic lineages was compromised. SS is believed to arise in mesenchymal stem cells where formation of the t(X/18) translocation product, SYT–SSX, constitutes the primary event in the cancer. SYT–SSX is therefore believed to initiate tumorigenesis in its target stem cell. The data presented here allow a glimpse at the initial events that likely occur when SYT–SSX2 is first expressed, and its dominant function in subverting the nuclear program of the stem cell, leading to its aberrant differentiation, as a first step toward transformation. In addition, we identified the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene, Fgfr2, as one occupied and upregulated by SYT–SSX2. Knockdown of FGFR2 in both BMMSCs and SS cells abrogated their growth and attenuated their neural phenotype. These results support the notion that the SYT–SSX2 nuclear function and differentiation effects are conserved throughout sarcoma development and are required for its maintenance beyond the initial phase. They also provide the stem cell regulator, FGFR2, as a promising candidate target for future SS therapy.
CT AND MR IN PLEURAL DISEASE

A number of different imaging modalities can be used in the assessment of pleural disease. Although ultrasound has been the more traditional method, CT has found increasing utility for the assessment of the empyema and loculated pleural fluid collections prior to drainage and the evaluation of benign and malignant pleural tumors. MRI has a limited but important role particularly in the evaluation of focal pleural tumors such as lipomas and in determining the extent of malignant mesothelioma prior to therapy.
Development of a real-time PCR-based system targeting the 16S rRNA gene sequence for rapid detection of Alicyclobacillus spp. in juice products.

The thermophilic, aciduric Alicyclobacillus spp. are becoming an increasing spoilage concern in the beverage industry. Rapid methods to detect their presence in both raw materials and final products are desirable for industrial quality control. The objective of this study was to develop a real-time TaqMan®-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system for rapid and specific detection of thermophilic spoilage bacteria, mainly Alicyclobacillus spp., for food industry applications. Two primers and a fluorogenic probe targeting 16S rRNA encoding gene sequences, capable of detecting the genus Alicyclobacillus and a few other closely related thermophiles, were developed, and the efficiency of the detection system was evaluated in both bacterial medium and juice products. Using this system, the presence of less than 100 Alicyclobacillus cells could be detected without cross-reactivity with other common food-borne bacteria.