cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The application of a dedicated device to acquire bidirectional reflectance factors over natural surfaces

A portable goniometric device was used in the field to observe four natural surfaces: one composed of a mixed herbaceous species, one of an Alpine pratum, one of a Colza crop and one snow covered. Under stable environmental conditions 66 bidirectional reflectance factors were collected for each target. These data allowed the anisotropic behaviour of each surface to be studied and the actual albedo to be predicted. The differences between the values of albedo and the Lambertian -assumed values were all positive, ranging from 7.1% for the white snow target to 3.3% for the grassy surfaces.
Integrating service-learning and humanitarian logistics education

Purpose – Humanitarian logistics is critical to providing relief to people in regions affected by hardship and disaster. This study examines literature on humanitarian logistics and service-learning and evaluates the integration of concepts. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory case study approach was used to understand the integration of service-learning and humanitarian logistics. This was achieved by exploring current literature, piloting courses, providing relief, and documenting factors that facilitate successful service-learning experiences. Findings – Findings from this information-oriented work demonstrate the applicability of service-learning methods in humanitarian logistics education and contributes to current research by addressing urgent global needs. Practical implications – This case has practical relevance for logistics educators, humanitarian agencies, and service-learning leaders as it outlines various challenges and steps to developing a humanitarian logistics course with potent...
Multichannel Algorithms for Simultaneous Equalization andInterference Suppression

This paper proposes techniques for simultaneous cancellation of intersymbol and interchannel or multi-access interference (ISI and ICI) that shows up in several multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) communication channels. Correlation and kurtosis based optimization criteria are derived for multi-channel decision feedback equalizers (MC-DFE) and compared with the popular Godard algorithm (CMA) and the minimum mean-square error in a decision directed mode (MMSE-DD). The proposed adaptive algorithms are easily extended to a scenario with more than two users with the computational complexity increasing linearly with the number of inputs. Simulation results show that the algorithms converge to the global minimum in a blind environment with channels that introduce moderate distortion.
Sites on phospholipase D2 phosphorylated by PKCα

The phosphorylation sites in phospholipase D2 (PLD2) induced by activation of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) in COS 7 cells were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Ser134, 146, and 243, and Thr72, 99/100, and 252 were identified. These sites were mutated to Ala and the double mutation of Ser243 and Thr252 eliminated the phosphorylation. However, the PLD2 activity, and the binding between PKCalpha and PLD2 were unaffected by the mutations. We conclude that phosphorylation of these residues is not required for PLD2 activation by PKCalpha, and that protein-protein interaction between PLD2 and PKCalpha is sufficient to activate PLD2.
Induced ClO vacuum ultraviolet fluorescence

Some vibronic transitions of ClO such as G(ν′=11)←X(ν″=10), G(ν′=5)←X(ν″=3) and H(ν′=4)←X(ν″=2), which promote overtones of X(^2Π^(3/2)) to bound Rydberg states, are nearly resonant with the 130.6 nm O-atom emission line and possess sizable Franck—Condon factors. On this basis broadband detection of “O atom” fluorescence in experiments involving vibrationally excited ClO(X) is ascribed to the radiative decay of ClO(G, H) rather than to the formation of O atoms; these observations raise the probability of monitoring ClO(X; ν=0) by VUV induced fluorescence.
Visual and refractive results of combined PTK/PRK in patients with corneal surface disease and refractive errors.

Purpose To investigate the changes in symptoms, refraction, and visual acuity (VA) in patients with corneal surface disease and refractive errors who had phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) combined with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting University-based referral practice. Methods Patients with myopia or astigmatism and map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy or recurrent erosions were treated. The corneal epithelium was removed with a 64 blade, and laser was performed using a Visx Star S3 laser. Results Nineteen eyes of 14 patients were treated. Preoperatively, mean myopia was −3.76 diopters (D) (range −7.50 to −0.75 D), mean astigmatism was +0.96 D (range 0.00 to +2.25 D), and mean UCVA was 20/400. At 3 months, mean myopia was −0.53 D (range −1.75 to +0.75 D) ( P P = .05), and mean uncorrected VA was 20/23 ( P P P = .05), and mean uncorrected VA was 20/23 ( P Conclusion Patients with myopia and astigmatism and symptomatic epithelial basement membrane disorders who had PTK/PRK had resolution of their symptoms and nearly achieved emmetropia. Therefore, this procedure is safe and effective for patients with corneal surface disease and myopia.
Semiconductor quantum dots as two-photon sensitizers.

This study presents the potential of quantum dots as two-photon sensitizers for attached energy acceptors. With two-photon absorption cross sections, which are orders of magnitudes higher than those of any molecule, quantum dots constitute outstanding NIR sensitizers. The successful energy transfer to conjugated phthalocyanines was demonstrated using two-photon excitation of the quantum dots with a 1100 nm wavelength and was monitored with femtosecond time-resolved pump−probe spectroscopy.
AFM, SEM and EDS characterization of manganese oxide coated ceramic water filtration membranes

Abstract Tubular ceramic membranes (molecular weight cut-off, 5 kDa) were coated with manganese oxide nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the coated membranes showed no statistically significant change in the surface roughness or maximum height of the surface features compared with the uncoated membrane. However, scanning electron microscopy imaging showed an increase in grain size with increasing number of coating layers. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping and line scanning showed manganese present throughout the membrane, indicating that either manganese oxide nanoparticles penetrated into the filter or residual Mn 2+ ions present in the suspension were sorbed onto the filter and oxidized, forming manganese oxide. The coated membranes were used to treat water containing natural organic matter (NOM) in a hybrid ozonation–membrane water filtration system. Treatment reduced the total organic carbon (TOC) in the water samples by 56%.
Structure-fluorescence correlations in a single tryptophan mutant of carp parvalbumin: solution structure, backbone and side-chain dynamics.

Abstract Heterogeneous fluorescence intensity decays of tryptophan in proteins are often rationalized using a model which proposes that different rotameric states of the indole alanyl side-chain are responsible for the observed fluorescence lifetime heterogeneity. We present here the study of a mutant of carp parvalbumin bearing a single tryptophan residue at position 102 (F102W) whose fluorescence intensity decay is heterogeneous and assess the applicability of a rotamer model to describe the fluorescence decay data. We have determined the solution structure of F102W in the calcium ligated state using multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and have used the minimum perturbation mapping technique to explore the possible existence of multiple conformations of the indole moiety of Trp102 of F102W and, for comparison, Trp48 of holo-azurin. The maps for parvalbumin suggest two potential conformations of the indole side-chain. The high energy barrier for rotational isomerization between these conformers implies that interwell rotation would occur on time-scales of milliseconds or greater and suggests a rotamer basis for the heterogeneous fluorescence. However, the absence of alternate Trp102 conformers in the NMR data (to within 3 % of the dominant species) suggests that the heterogeneous fluorescence of Trp102 may arise from mechanisms independent of rotameric states of the Trp side-chain. The map for holo-azurin has only one conformation, and suggests a rotamer model may not be required to explain its heterogeneous fluorescence intensity decay. The backbone and Trp102 side-chain dynamics at 30 °C of F102W has been characterized based on an analysis of 15 N NMR relaxation data which we have interpreted using the Lipari-Szabo formalism. High order parameter ( S 2 ) values were obtained for both the helical and loop regions. Additionally, the S 2 values imply that the calcium binding CD and EF loops are not strictly equivalent. The S 2 value for the indole side-chain of Trp102 obtained from the fluorescence, NMR relaxation and minimum perturbation data are consistent with a Trp moiety whose motion is restricted.
Thermal, Mechanical, and Adhesive Properties of HDPE/ Reactive Ethylene Terpolymer Blends

Blends of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and a reactive ethylene terpolymer (RET) were developed as a protective coating material for steel. A morphological study with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that blends of HDPE and RET are immiscible, while high interaction between these two phases was found. Crystalli- zation and thermomechanical behavior of the blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The crystallinity of HDPE decreased with the incorporation of RET slightly due to the disturbance of the highly viscous RET melt during crystallization. Tensile tests indicated that the addition of RET reduced both strength and modulus but increased the strain-to-break. Adhesion to steel substrates was improved with the incorporation of the RET compo- nent. An optimum composition of RET loading was detected to be in the range of 25-33 wt %, leading to the best adhesive performance, high tensile strength, and strain-to-failure of the blend material. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 331-338, 2007
RLIP76: A novel glutathione-conjugate and multi-drug transporter

Abstract RLIP76, a stress-responsive, multi-functional protein with multi-specific transport activity towards glutathione-conjugates (GS-E) and chemotherapeutic agents, is frequently over-expressed in malignant cells. Our recent studies suggest that it plays a prominent anti-apoptotic role selectively in cancer cells. We have previously shown that RLIP76 accounts for up to 80% of the transport of GS-E and blocking the RLIP76-mediated transport of GS-E in cells results in the accumulation of pro-apoptotic endogenous electrophiles and on-set of apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that when RLIP76 mediate transport of GS-E is abrogated either by anti-RLIP76 IgG or accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and its GSH-conjugate (GS-HNE) occurs and a massive apoptosis is observed in cells, indicate that the inhibition of RLIP76 transport activity at the cell surface is sufficient for observed anti-tumor activity. RLIP76 is linked with certain cellular functions including membrane plasticity and movement (as a primary ‘effector’ in the Ral pathway, perhaps functioning as a GTPase activating protein, or GAP), and as a component of clathrin-coated pit-mediated receptor-ligand endocytosis—a process that mediates movement of membrane vesicles.
Generating coherent broadband continuum soft-x-ray radiation by attosecond ionization gating

The current paradigm of isolated attosecond pulse production requires a few-cycle pulse as the driver for high-harmonic generation that has a cosine-like electric field stabilized with respect to the peak of the pulse envelope. Here, we present simulations and experimental evidence that the production of high-harmonic light can be restricted to one or a few cycles on the leading edge of a laser pulse by a gating mechanism that employs time-dependent ionization of the conversion medium. This scheme enables the generation of broadband and tunable attosecond pulses. Instead of fixing the carrier-envelope phase to produce a cosine driver pulse, the phase becomes a control parameter for the center frequency of the attosecond pulse. A method to assess the multiplicity of attosecond pulses in the pulse train is also presented. The results of our study suggest an avenue towards relaxing the requirement of few-cycle pulses for isolated attosecond pulse generation.
Lower Bound Methods and Separation Results for On-Line Learning Models

We consider the complexity of concept learning in various common models for on-line learning, focusing on methods for proving lower bounds to the learning complexity of a concept class. Among others, we consider the model for learning with equivalence and membership queries. For this model we give lower bounds on the number of queries that are needed to learn a concept class {\cal C} in terms of the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension of {\cal C}, and in terms of the complexity of learning {\cal C} with arbitrary equivalence queries. Furthermore, we survey other known lower bound methods and we exhibit all known relationships between learning complexities in the models considered and some relevant combinatorial parameters. As it turns out, the picture is almost complete. This paper has been written so that it can be read without previous knowledge of Computational Learning Theory.
The iron catalyzed oxidation of SO2 to acid sulphate mist in dispersing plumes

Abstract This paper describes the development of a model which depicts the catalytic oxidation of SO2 to sulfuric acid in dispersing stack plumes. It describes the oxidation quantitatively as a function of dispersion parameters, emission composition, and different atmospheric conditions of humidity, temperature, stability, etc. The model estimates the dispersion by means of a bivariate normal distribution whose vertical and horizontal variances are functions of downwind distance depending upon the magnitudes of tabulated dispersion coefficients. A second-order reaction rate expression for the iron catalyzed oxidation of SO2 was combined with the conservation equation for the expanding volume reactor that was written for the dispersing plume. The model predicts the existence of a peak in sulfate concentration and where the peak is located. It also predicts the fractional conversion of SO2 to H2SO4. This is obtained as an asymptotic limit which is dependent on the input variables. The model shows quantitatively that relative humidity strongly influences the SO2 oxidation, a fact observed qualitatively in many measurements. Additionally, the roles of temperature, the initial SO2 concentration, catalyst concentration and atmospheric ammonia concentration are studied.
Cellulose polymorphy, crystallite size, and the Segal Crystallinity Index

The X-ray diffraction-based Segal Crystallinity Index (CI) was calculated for simulated different sizes of crystallites for cellulose Iβ and II. The Mercury software was used, and different crystallite sizes were based on different input peak widths at half of the maximum peak intensity (pwhm). The two cellulose polymorphs, Iβ and II, gave different CIs despite having the same pwhm values and perfect periodicity. The higher CIs for cellulose II were attributed to a greater distance between the major peaks that are closest to the recommended 2-θ value for assessing the amorphous content. That results in less peak overlap at the recommended 2-θ value. Patterns calculated with simulated preferred orientation had somewhat higher CIs for cellulose Iβ, whereas there was very little effect on the CIs for cellulose II.
The eyes of the Asp.

I knew who she was—an ASP, an Auditor for the Special Program. We had a different rendition of the acronym: A Spy Patient.
Characterization of rat somatotroph and mammotroph secretory granules. Presence of sulfated molecules.

Abstract The contents of a purified somatotioph and mammotroph secretory granule fraction isolated from rat anterior pituitaries were solubilized in 4 M urea and analyzed by PAGE. In gels electrophoresed under a variety of conditions and stained with Coomassie Blue only two major bands, identified as GH and PRL, were present. In gels stained with Stains-All (which stains anionic substances), several additional bands were detected. When quarter pituitaries were labeled with a [ 3 H]amino acid mixture, GH and PRL accounted for > 95% of the radioactivity incorporated into the granules. After labeling with [ 35 S]sulfate, two classes of radiolabeled sulfated components were detected in the granules: a class of trypsin-sensitive macromolecular components which were coincident with two of the bands seen after Stains-All, and a class of low molecular weight components. In order to examine the distribution of the two classes of sulfated components within somatotroph and mammotroph granules, granules were suspended in 0.4% (w/v) Lubrol PX at pH 4.0, a treatment which has been shown to selectively solubilize somatotroph granule contents leaving mammotroph granule cores intact. This treatment was found to solubilize > 95% of the GH and > 99% of the radiolabeled, low molecular weight sulfated components; in contrast, there was virtually no solubilization of either PRL or macromolecular sulfated components. The findings indicate (a) that [ 35 S]sulfate is incorporated into both somatotroph and mammotroph granules, and (b) that the low molecular weight sulfated components are associated with somatotroph granules whereas the macromolecular sulfated components are associated with mammotroph granules.
Copper-catalyzed [18F]fluorination of (mesityl)(aryl)iodonium salts.

A practical, rapid, and highly regioselective Cu-catalyzed radiofluorination of (mesityl)(aryl)iodonium salts is described. This protocol utilizes [18F]KF to access 18F-labeled electron-rich, -neutral, and -deficient aryl fluorides under a single set of mild conditions. This methodology is applied to the synthesis of protected versions of two important radiotracers: 4-[18F]fluorophenylalanine and 6-[18F]fluoroDOPA.
Effect of 5′-methylthioadenosine on nucleolar morphology and RNA metabolism in cultured Xenopus laevis cells

Abstract In the presence of 5′-methylthioadenosine (MTA), nucleoli of cultured Xenopus laevis cells display a highly irregular morphology, which suggests that this naturally occurring nucleoside interferes with rRNA metabolism. In agreement with these cytological results a reduction in the amount of newly-synthesized rRNA was observed in cells incubated with 5′-methylthioadenosine.
Demonstration of high and low affinity complexes between protein A and rabbit immunoglobulin C antibodies depending on hapten density

Abstract Protein A of Staphylococcus , aureus forms high (KD = 3×10−11M) and low (KD = 1×10−9M) affinity complexes with rabbit immunoglobulin G antibodies that are involved in immune binding to the immobilized monovalent hapten methotrexate. Low affinity complexes are formed regardless of hapten density whereas high affinity complexes are formed only when there is a relatively high density of ligand. The high affinity complexes constitute 7–12% of the total and involve two antibody molecules separated by 40–45A and cross-linked by a single divalent protein A molecule. If more than one protein A can bind to each antibody molecule in the low affinity complexes, then binding at one site does not affect binding at the other.
CONFERENCE SUMMARY: STARBURSTS AND GALAXY EVOLUTION

Starbursts are extreme concentrations of star-forming activity with mass conversion surface densities reaching over 1000 times higher than normal for disk galaxies. They are responsible for a large fraction of all cosmic star formation. They have shaped the cosmic landscape not just in individual galaxies, but though the effects of “superwinds” that enrich the intergalactic gas, constrain supermassive black hole growth, and perhaps facilitate cosmic re-ionization. This conference provided vivid testimony to the importance of starbursts in galaxy evolution and to the speed with which our understanding of them is being transformed by a flood of new pan-spectral data, especially at high redshifts. A key result is that it appears possible to scale the physics of smaller star-forming events upward to encompass starbursts.
Lessons from GRACE: the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events

Several coronary heart disease registries have gathered data on specific aspects of heart disease, but none has looked at the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes. Since June 1999, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) has been collecting clinical data on patients with unstable angina, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. GRACE gathers data from 94 hospitals in 14 countries on current practices of care provided to patients with acute coronary syndromes. This report reviews the origins, values and limitations of disease registries; summarizes the objectives of GRACE; and presents preliminary data obtained in the first 13,000-plus patients enrolled in the registry.
Characterization of a synchronous wave nonlinear transmission line

Many aspects of Non Linear Transmission Lines (NLTL's) make them attractive sources for High Power Microwave (HPM) systems. This paper describes a test bed that is being used to investigate synchronous wave NLTL operations.
Sex Hormone–Dependent Regulation of Cilia Beat Frequency in Airway Epithelium

Previous studies have demonstrated a female disadvantage in airway diseases, such as asthma and bronchiectasis. The basis for this sex disparity is unknown. We hypothesized that the female sex hormone, progesterone (P4), inhibits functions of the normal airway mucociliary apparatus. P4 receptor (PR) expression was evaluated in human lung and cultured primary human airway epithelial cells isolated from male and female lung transplant donors. PR expression was restricted to the proximal region of the cilia of airway epithelia, and was similar in men and women. Expression of isoform PR-B was more abundant than PR-A in cells from both sexes. Airway epithelial cell exposure to P4 decreased cilia beat frequency (CBF) by 42.3% (±7.2). Inhibition of CBF was prevented by coadministration of P4 with the active form of estrogen, 17β-estradiol, or the PR antagonist, mifepristone. P4 inhibition was time and dose dependent, with a significant decrease by 8 hours and maximal effect at 24 hours, accompanied by translocation of PR from the cilia to the nucleus. Inhibition of cilia beat was also prevented by treatment of cells with actinomycin D, suggesting that CBF inhibition is a transcriptionally mediated event. Together, these findings indicate that sex hormones influence the function of a key component of the mucociliary apparatus. These mechanisms may contribute to the sex disparity present in airway diseases and provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of these debilitating airway diseases.
Tensile Behavior of Free-Standing Gold Films

A method for tensile testing thin gold films is presented. Free-standing tensile specimens were prepared by evaporating 0.8 μm of gold onto a patterned oxidized silicon wafer. Using common microelectronic fabrication techniques, free-standing thin film specimens were produced that span rectangular windows in the wafer. The wafer was diced into individual tensile specimens composed of a thin film surrounded by a silicon frame. The final step before testing was to cleave the silicon frame so that the load was completely carried by the metal film. The ultimate tensile strength of the films was found to be approximately 150% greater than that of annealed bulk gold. In contrast, the measured elastic modulus for the thin film specimens was approximately the same as that documented for bulk gold.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Access to Medical Care

The authors’ review of the health services literature since the release of the landmark Report of the Secretary’s Task Force Report of Black and Minority Health in 1985 revealed significant differences in access to medical care by race and ethnicity within certain disease categories and types of health services. The differences are not explained by such factors as socioeconomic status (SES), insurance coverage, stage or severity of disease, comorbidities, type and availability of health care services, and patient preferences. Under certain circumstances when important variables are controlled, racial and ethnic disparities in access are reduced and may disappear. Nonetheless, the literature shows that racial and ethnic disparities persist in significant measure for several disease categories and service types. The complex challenge facing current and future researchers is to understand the basis for such disparities and to determine why disparities are apparent in some but not other disease categories and service types.
Affective Education for the Health Professions Facilitating Appropriate Behavior

Courses emphasizing the affective domain are included in many allied health curricula. The objectives of these courses range from the development of appropriate dress and communication styles to solving complex ethical problems. This paper examines the distinction between affective and moral behavior and briefly discusses examples of teaching approaches.
The Effects of Personality Type on Engineering Student Performance and Attitudes

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ® (MBTI) was administered to a group of 116 students taking the introductory chemical engineering course at North Carolina State University. That course and four subsequent chemical engineering courses were taught in a manner that emphasized active and cooperative learning and inductive presentation of course material. Type differences in various academic performance measures and attitudes were noted as the students progressed through the curriculum. The observations were generally consistent with the predictions of type theory, and the experimental instructional approach appeared to improve the performance of MBTI types (extraverts, sensors, and feelers) found in previous studies to be disadvantaged in the engineering curriculum. The conclusion is that the MBTI is a useful tool for helping engineering instructors and advisors to understand their students and to design instruction that can benefit students of all types.
Teaching with graduate instructors: Tips for a successful partnership

Many librarians, especially those involved with reference and instruction, collaborate with instructors to teach information literacy. Sometimes those instructors are faculty members, and sometimes they are graduate students who get tuition and/or a stipend (usually not much) to teach classes while they publish a thesis, integrate themselves into an academic setting, and try not to go too deeply into debt. Often times, they teach general courses like first- and second
Optimum-Weighted RLS Channel Estimation for Time-Varying Fast Fading MIMO Channels

A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, where multiple antennas are used at both transmitter and receiver, has been a promising technique for realizing highspeed wireless communications. In mobile communications, we often experience a considerable signal fluctuation due to time- varying fading channels. In this paper, we derive an optimum- weighted least-squares channel estimation considering the spatial correlation as well as the channel dynamics, and propose an efficient recursive method for channel tracking.
Balancing sampling and specialization: an adaptationist model of incremental development

Development is typically a constructive process, in which phenotypes incrementally adapt to local ecologies. Here, we present a novel model in which natural selection shapes developmental systems based on the evolutionary ecology, and these systems adaptively guide phenotypic development. We assume that phenotypic construction is incremental and trades off with sampling cues to the environmental state. We computed the optimal developmental programmes across a range of evolutionary ecological conditions. Using these programmes, we simulated distributions of mature phenotypes. Our results show that organisms sample the environment most extensively when cues are moderately, not highly, informative. When the developmental programme relies heavily on sampling, individuals transition from sampling to specialization at different times in ontogeny, depending on the consistency of their sampled cue set; this finding suggests that stochastic sampling may result in individual differences in plasticity itself. In addition, we find that different selection pressures may favour similar developmental mechanisms, and that organisms may incorrectly calibrate development despite stable ontogenetic environments. We hope our model will stimulate adaptationist research on the constructive processes guiding development.
A Finite Time Blowup Result for Quadratic ODE’s

We show that typical ODE’s sharing the obvious algebraic property of Euler’s equation exhibit finite time blowup. In a subsequent paper (Sullivan, Topology, Algebra and Algebraic Topology of Incompressible, Frictionless 3D Fluid Motion in the Georgia International Topology Conference Proceedings (to appear in 2010)) we study other finite dimensional analogues of Euler’s equation which have no finite time blowup.
Organizational Frames for Professional Claims: Private Military Corporations and the Rise of the Military Paraprofessional

Corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and other organizational forms are major players in the social world. Recently, sociological scholarship on organizations has converged with research on the professions to discuss the ways in which professions are shaped or influenced by different organizational forms. In this article, I borrow from the notion of framing within social movement research to argue that organizational forms frame the bids of aspiring professionals. More specifically, I argue that certain organizational forms—such as that of the modern corporation—can aid would-be professionals in making their claims for professional recognition. Organizations do this, I argue, by providing aspiring professionals with a ready-made setting, rationale, and guarantees that make the newcomers more easily recognizable as professionals to outside audiences. I explore this argument by examining how the corporate form has facilitated private military contractors in their attempts to legitimate and develop this highly controversial new industry. The data are drawn from my interviews with private military contractors, state officials, and other interested parties surrounding private military corporations, as well as from archival data that detail the rise of the private military industry.
Multicenter laboratory evaluation of the bioMérieux Vitek antimicrobial susceptibility testing system with 11 antimicrobial agents versus members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A four-center study in which a total of 1,082 recent clinical isolates of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were examined versus 11 antimicrobial agents with the bioMerieux Vitek susceptibility test system (Hazelwood, Mo.) and the GNS-F6 card was conducted. In addition, a challenge set consisting of the same 200 organisms was examined in each of the four participating laboratories. Results obtained with the Vitek system were compared to MICs determined by a standardized broth microdilution method. For purposes of comparison, susceptibility categories (susceptible, intermediate, or resistant) were assigned on the basis of the results of both methods. The result of the broth microdilution test was considered definitive. The total category error rate with the Vitek system and the recent clinical isolates (11,902 organism-antimicrobial comparisons) was 4.5%, i.e., 1.7% very major errors, 0.9% major errors, and 1.9% minor errors. The total category error rate calculated from tests performed with the challenge set (i.e., 8,800 organism-antimicrobial comparisons) was 5.9%, i.e., 2.2% very major errors, 1.1% major errors, and 2.6% minor errors. Very major error rates higher than the totals were noted with Enterobacter cloacae versus ampicillin-sulbactam, aztreonam, ticarcillin, and ticarcillin-clavulanate and with P. aeruginosa versus mezlocillin, ticarcillin, and ticarcillin-clavulanate. Major error rates higher than the averages were observed with Proteus mirabilis versus imipenem and with Klebsiella pneumoniae versus ofloxacin. Excellent overall interlaboratory reproducibility was observed with the Vitek system. The importance of inoculum size as a primary determinant in the accuracy of susceptibility test results with the Vitek system was clearly demonstrated in this study. Specifically, when an inoculum density fourfold higher than that recommended by the manufacturer was used, high rates of false resistance results were obtained with cell wall-active antimicrobial agents versus both the Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa.
Velocity Discrimination and the Intensity-Time Relation

The visual discrimination of velocity is considered in terms of an observer’s response to its direction at different speeds. The hypothesis is advanced that the direct perception of motion in a middle range of speeds involves a single sensory event dependent on the intensity-time relation. To test this hypothesis, four subjects discriminated velocity at different speeds for each of eight durations of exposure. The minimal luminance required for correct judgements of direction was measured by the method of limits.The data indicate that velocity discrimination occurs at intermediate speeds when the energy of the stimulating flash is constant (It=C). The reciprocity relation does not hold for exposures longer than a critical duration of 0.1 sec. The luminance of the flash tends to be the sole limiting factor on velocity discriminations at longer durations of exposure (I=K). Implications of these results are discussed with reference to other experiments.
Labile variations of intraventricular conduction unrelated to rate changes.

An example of unstable intraventricular conduction is presented. Several unusual features of this type of conduction are described. These are: (1) variable intraventricular conduction which was sensitive to multiple stimuli but not clearly related to changes in heart rate, (2) mid and terminal QRS changes reflected only in the left lateral chest leads and in the mid and terminal QRS portions of the vectorcardiogram, (3) constant association of prolonged P-R interval suggesting that this is a variety of bilateral bundle-branch block, and (4) apparent persistence of the peculiar intraventricular conduction for at least 4 years. Multiple involvement of the conduction system is probably present, and functional variations in distal portions of the left ventricular conduction system account for these labile changes. Predictable QRS patterns can be produced by various stimuli which alter intraventricular conduction.
Reorganizing the General Clinical Research Center to Improve the Clinical and Translational Research Enterprise

In 2010, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was granted a Clinical and Translational Science Award which prompted reorganization and expansion of their clinical research infrastructure. A case study approach is used to describe the implementation of a business and cost recovery model for clinical and translational research and the transformation of VCU’s General Clinical Research Center and Clinical Trials Office to a combined Clinical Research Services entity. We outline the use of a Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle that facilitated a thoughtful transition process, which included the identification of required changes and cost recovery processes for implementation. Through this process, the VCU Center for Clinical and Translational Research improved efficiency, increased revenue recovered, reduced costs, and brought a high level of fiscal responsibility through financial reporting.
Cognitive Ecology of Food Hoarding: The Evolution of Spatial Memory and the Hippocampus

Many animals cache food when it is abundant and later rely in part on spatial memory to retrieve those caches. The importance of memory for cache recovery and fitness in food-caching species has been hypothesized to result in selection favoring enhanced spatial memory and an enlarged hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in spatial memory. This review aims to provide an overview of research investigating adaptive variation in memory, the hippocampus, and food hoarding; to identify the pitfalls of previous approaches; and to provide suggestions for future directions. Given the relatively low phylogenetic diversity of scatter-hoarding taxa, we advocate using a single-species, multipopulation approach to track evolutionary changes related to dependence on food caching for survival as a function of differences in the environment. We conclude that existing evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that spatial memory and its underlying neural mechanisms respond to selection pressures associated with scatt...
Enrichment scale determines herbivore control of primary producers

Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment stimulates primary production and threatens natural communities worldwide. Herbivores may counteract deleterious effects of enrichment by increasing their consumption of primary producers. However, field tests of herbivore control are often done by adding nutrients at small (e.g., sub-meter) scales, while enrichment in real systems often occurs at much larger scales (e.g., kilometers). Therefore, experimental results may be driven by processes that are not relevant at larger scales. Using a mathematical model, we show that herbivores can control primary producer biomass in experiments by concentrating their foraging in small enriched plots; however, at larger, realistic scales, the same mechanism may not lead to herbivore control of primary producers. Instead, other demographic mechanisms are required, but these are not examined in most field studies (and may not operate in many systems). This mismatch between experiments and natural processes suggests that many ecosystems may be less resilient to degradation via enrichment than previously believed.
Influence of strong preformed particle gels on low permeable formations in mature reservoirs

In mature reservoirs, the success of preformed particle gel (PPG) treatment rests primarily on the ability of the PPG to reduce and/or plug the high permeable formations, but not damage the low permeable formations. Static test models (filtration test model and pressure test model) were used to determine the effect of PPG on low permeable formations. This work used a strong preformed particle gel, Daqing (DQ) gel made by a Chinese company. The particle gel sizes were ranged from 30 to 120 mesh for this work. PPGs are sized in a millimeter or micrometer, which can absorb over a hundred times their weight in liquids. The gel strength was approximately 6500 Pa for a completely swollen PPG with 1 % (weight percentage) NaCl solution (brine). 0.05 %, 1 %, and 10 % NaCl solutions were used in experiments. Sandstone core permeability was measured before and after PPG treatments. The relationship between cumulative filtration volumes versus filtration times was determined. The results indicate that DQ gels of a particle size of 30–80 mesh did not damage the cores of a low permeability of 3–25 mD. The DQ gels of a smaller particle size ranging from 100 to 120 mesh damaged the core and a cake was formed on the core surface. The results also indicate that more damage occurred when a high load pressure (400 psi) was applied on the high permeability cores (290–310 mD). The penetration of the particle gels into the low permeable formations can be decreased by the best selection of gel types, particle sizes, and brine concentrations.
Patients' Beliefs About Medications are Associated with Stated Preference for Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, or no Medication-Assisted Therapy Following Inpatient Opioid Detoxification

Subsequent to initial opioid detoxification, people with opioid use disorder are typically advised to engage in follow-up treatment to prevent relapse. Medication-assisted treatments (MATs) - i.e., the opioid agonist methadone (MMT) or partial agonist/antagonist, buprenorphine/naltrexone (BUP) -- are the maintenance treatment options with the best research support for positive outcomes. A third MAT, injectable extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX), was approved by the FDA for opioid dependence in 2010 and shows promise. However, relatively few eligible patients choose to initiate one of these MATs following initial detoxification treatment. Consistent with the health belief model, we hypothesized that beliefs about 1) efficacy of each MAT; 2) safety of each MAT; and 3) perceived consistency with being drug-free would predict stated patient preferences for a particular MAT or for no MAT. We also hypothesized that perceived structural barriers (e.g., time, transportation) would decrease the likelihood of stating a preference for a given MAT. To assess these hypotheses, we surveyed 372 people undergoing inpatient opioid detoxification treatment. Results supported hypotheses for all 3 sets of patient beliefs, with the patient group stating that they preferred a particular MAT having significantly more positive beliefs about that MAT relative to other groups (p<.001). The group that preferred "no MAT" had the most negative beliefs about all MATs. Perceived structural barriers were not related to stated preferences, except that people who preferred BUP were more likely to endorse barriers to MMT than any of the other 3 groups. Notably, a relatively high proportion (32%) of participants were most interested in XR-NTX despite a lack of prior experience with this medication. These results suggest that efforts to increase MAT enrollment following detoxification might benefit from including patient beliefs as one set of factors to assess and target for change.
Electronic and structural properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes

We calculate the potential energy surface, the low-frequency vibrational modes, and the electronic structure of a (5,5)@(10,10) double-wall carbon nanotube. We find that the weak interwall interaction and changing symmetry cause four pseudogaps to open and close periodically near the Fermi level during the soft librational motion at $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\lesssim}30{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}.$ This electron-libration coupling, absent in solids composed of fullerenes and single-wall nanotubes, may yield superconductivity in multiwall nanotubes.
Investigate and Control of the Outbreak of Dengue Fever in One Community in Guangzhou City

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of the outbreak of dengue fever in a community of Liwan district, Guangzhou city in 2006 and estimate the effect of prevention and control. Method Field epidemiology was used to analyze all the cases, and IFA was used to detect the anti-dengue virus antibodies. The mosquito larvae density at epidemic spot was measured with BI. Result The first incidence appeared on August 21st and the last incidence appeared on September 3rd . The epidemic period was 14 days. There were overall 74 cases and the attack rate was 3.48%. All the cases had the same latent period and with no secondary attack. Anti-dengue IgM and IgG virus antibodies were detected in 73 cases out of 74. Before the large-scale preventions taken, the BI reached as high as 93.4. The mosquito larvae density was dropped to standard level after the preventions taken. Conclusion Based on the epidemic investigation and the clinical and laboratory test results, it was confined to be an outbreak of dengue fever. After the control measures such as environment-cleaning, riddance of mosquito quickly, elimination of retained water and isolation of cases had been taken, the spread of the disease was quickly under control.
Reducing serial I/O power in error-tolerant applications by efficient lossy encoding

Transferring data between integrated circuits (ICs) accounts for an important fraction of the power dissipation in wearable and mobile systems. Reducing signal transitions reduces the dynamic power dissipated in the data transfer between ICs. Techniques such as Gray coding to reduce transitions between two parallel words cannot be applied when the signal transitions are between bits of a single serialized word. This paper introduces value-deviation-bounded serial encoding (VDBS encoding). VDBS encoding significantly reduces signal transitions between bits of a single serialized word, trading power efficiency for data accuracy. This tradeoff is worthwhile when the data are from signal sources such as sensors and destined for consumption by signal processing algorithms that are error-tolerant. We present analytic formulas for the Pareto-optimal VDBS encoders and introduce an efficient algorithm, Rake, that reduces transitions almost as much as the optimum transition-reducing encoder. We evaluate Rake by encoding data in a pedometer system and in a text-recognition system. For the pedometer, Rake reduces transitions by 54 % on average, in exchange for step count errors smaller than 5 %. For the text recognizer, Rake reduces transitions by 55 % on average, while maintaining OCR accuracy above 90 %.
Microbiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represents one of the most common healthcare problems in the United States, afflicting approximately 31 million Americans (National Center for Health Statistics. National ambulatory medical care survey 1990–1995. Hyattsville: US Public Health Service. Series 13 [CD-ROM], 1997). CRS is a clinical syndrome associated with persistent inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses for 12 weeks or longer (Fokkens et al, Rhinol Suppl 50:1–299, 2012; Meltzer and Hamilos, Mayo Clin Proc 86:427–443, 2011). It is known to cause significant physical impairment, adversely impacting patient quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Despite its prevalence, CRS remains a challenging and, at times, controversial disease entity. The etiologic mechanisms of CRS continue to be a source of much debate, and as such, different schools of thought exist on the optimal management strategy. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the different proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms of CRS, with a focus on the microbiology associated with CRS.
NURSING WORK, HOUSEKEEPING ISSUES, AND THE MORAL GEOGRAPHY OF HOME CARE

For millions of elderly people and in particular, elderly women, the home is a major place for health care delivery. In the United States in 1996, 7.2 million individuals received home care services and, of this number, 63% were over 65 and 65% were women (National Association of Home Care). While nurses, who are overwhelmingly women, are the largest professional providers, family members and other unpaid help perform the majority of care work. Not surprisingly, 75% of these informal caregivers are women and nearly one third are themselves over the age of 65 (National Association of Home Care). Thus, in home care, the elderly are caring for the elderly, and the majority of both recipients and providers of care work are women. With the baby boomers reaching retirement age and the fastest growing portion of the population are those over age 85, the issues of home care will only assume greater importance in health care.
Ab initio investigations of the hydrodesulfurization process

Given the tremendous literature available relating physical and chemical characteristics of Co- and/or Ni-promoted, alumina-supported MoS 2 hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts to the catalytic properties of these materials and even a fair amount of literature ragarding computational chamistry approximations to these catalysts, suprisingly little work has appeared in the open literature on the structures and energies of sulfur-containing aromatic molecules.