cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing effective incentive-oriented outsourcing contracts for ERP systems

Information systems outsourcing has been viewed as an attractive option by many senior managers generally because of the belief that IS outsourcing vendors can achieve economies of scale and specialization because their only business is information processing. The challenge of implementing, operating and maintaining Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and the outsourcing service offered by ERP vendors have made ERP outsourcing an attractive option for some organizations. However, although information systems outsourcing is now a major industry, the outsourcing of ERP applications is still in its infancy. In this paper we explore ERP outsourcing in terms of the Application Service Provider (ASP) approach where a third party vendor hosts, manages and maintains various data and ERP applications on behalf of different clients. Critical to the management of the ERP outsourcing relationship is the outsourcing contract, which if improperly or incompletely written can have significant negative implications for the outsourcing firm. Contracts that encourage vendor performance and discourage under performance are therefore clearly of interest to managers. Although many articles have appeared on outsourcing, the issue of incentive contracts for ERP outsourcing has not been adequately addressed by researchers, partly because of the infancy of this area. In this paper, an approach to analyzing incentive schemes and structuring ERP outsourcing contracts for the mutual gain of the parties is presented.
Clinical and Microbiological Determinants of Infection After Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Background Increasing numbers of infections following transrectal prostate biopsy (TPB) at our hospital led us to investigate clinical and bacterial risk factors to determine if the colonizing rectal Escherichia coli population is the source. Methods We performed an observational cohort study of men undergoing TPB (1 January 2010-6 February 2014) at the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The primary outcome was clinically significant post-TPB infection. Rectal swabs were collected immediately before the biopsy and cultured selectively for fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli. Fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical and rectal E. coli isolates were compared using phylotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, sequence typing, and virulence gene profiling. Results Rectal colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant organisms (98% E. coli) was detected in 121 of 764 subjects (15.8%). Post-TPB infection was more common among fluoroquinolone-resistant-colonized subjects than noncolonized subjects (13/121 [10.7%] vs 8/649 [1.2%]; P .05). The rectal and clinical isolates of all 9 men with paired isolates had indistinguishable PFGE patterns and identical antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Conclusions The rectal colonizing E. coli population is the source for most fluoroquinolone-resistant post-TPB infections, regardless of clonal background or virulence traits. Screening cultures can identify nearly all patients at risk for fluoroquinolone-resistant post-TPB infection.
Pertussis in childhood.

1. John Snyder, MD* 2. Donna Fisher, MD† 1. *Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Associate Director, Pediatric Residency Program, Baystate Children’s Hospital, Springfield, MA. 2. †Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Interim Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baystate Children’s Hospital, Springfield, MA. * Abbreviations: CDC: : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DTP: : diphtheria, tetanus, and whole cell pertussis vaccine DTaP: : diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine PCR: : polymerase chain reaction PT: : pertussis toxin RSV: : respiratory syncytial virus Tdap: : diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (reduced diphtheria component) The incidence in the United States of pertussis, a potentially fatal disease, has increased during the past decade and new recommendations for vaccination have been made in recent years. After reading this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the pathophysiology of pertussis. 2. Describe the clinical presentation, natural history, and potential complications of pertussis infection. 3. Appreciate the changing epidemiology of pertussis. 4. Master the laboratory diagnosis and medical management of pertussis infection. 5. Describe the vaccination strategies for the prevention of pertussis infection. Pertussis, commonly known as “whooping cough,” is a respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . The classic clinical syndrome causes morbidity by affecting the upper respiratory tract in patients of all ages. The disease can be modified greatly and prevented by primary vaccination. An ongoing resurgence of clinical pertussis has been seen in the United States over the past decade, with increasing numbers of young infants affected despite the availability of effective vaccines. It is important to understand the biological properties of the bacterium, the clinical presentation, and the factors contributing to the continuing burden of this disease. B pertussis is a small Gram-negative coccobacillus that infects only humans. It is aerobic and grows best at 35°C to 37°C. Bordetella species, including B pertussis and B parapertussis , are fastidious and difficult to grow on media usually used in the laboratory to grow respiratory pathogens; B pertussis requires supplemental growth factors including charcoal, blood, and starch. Media such as Bordet-Gengou, which contains potato starch, and charcoal-based Regan-Lowe media typically are used in microbiology laboratories for culturing the organism. B pertussis causes irritation and inflammation by infecting the ciliated …
Plant life in the Rub' al-Khali (the Empty Quarter), south-central Arabia

The hyperarid climate of the Rub' al-Khali strongly conditions plant life in this subtropical hot desert. There is fossil evidence of a more humid climate here in late Tertiary and Pleistocene times and of a lakeforming phase as recent as 9000–6000 BP. Today rain may not occur for years in some parts, with annual means less than 25 mm, yet the extensive sands provide more scope for plant growth than do some rock and gravel tracts in less arid northern Arabia. The sand vegetation is characterised by very diffuse shrub communities led respectively by an endemic subspecies of Calligonum crinitum, the endemic saltbush Cornulaca arabica and, locally, by Haloxylon persicum. Cyperus conglomeratus, Dipterygium glaucum, Limeum arabicum, and Zygophyllum mandavillei are widespread associates. Sand-free gravel floors or salt flats, relatively small in extent, are nearly or entirely sterile. Tree forms are absent except for rare individuals on some borderlands. Floristic diversity is very restricted; only about 37 species (listed), of which hardly 10 are important in the vegetation, are recorded from an area of 500,000 km2. Annual plants are virtually absent, a situation contrasting sharply with that in Arabia to the N where more than half the desert species are therophytes.
Developing stable autoregressive models of terrain topology

It is desirable to evaluate vehicle models over a wide range of terrain types, but it is computationally impractical to simulate over measured terrain. A method to characterise terrain topology is developed in this work to group terrain into meaningful sets with similar physical characteristics. Specifically, measured terrain profiles are considered realisations of an underlying stochastic process; an autoregressive model provides the mathematical framework to describe this process. The autocorrelation of the spatial derivative of the terrain profile is examined to determine the form of the model. The required order for the model is determined from the partial autocorrelation of the spatial derivative of the profile. The stability of the model is evaluated and enforced by transforming the AR difference equation into an Infinite Impulse Response filter representation. Finally, the method is applied to a set of USA highway data and an optimal model order is determined for this application.
Teaching disaster preparedness via a mobile device: a study of Auckland Civil Defence's Smartphone Application

Abstract. This content analysis study examined whether a disaster preparedness education smartphone application created by a New Zealand city matches what experts say are effective ways of teaching disaster preparedness and teaching via an app. The app was assessed to ascertain if it excelled as a platform for learning, communicated effectively, addressed factors that can hinder people from preparing, and provided information for special needs populations. Results show that the app addressed most factors that hinder preparedness, provided information for some special needs populations, excelled as a platform for learning, and communicated effectively. The app's weaknesses include the fact that it lacked targeted information for low-income residents. The findings provide insight on how organizations can effectively use apps to teach disaster preparedness. The author passed away before the publication of this discussion paper. Therefore, a final revised paper is not foreseen.
ARMA Models over Orthonormal Wavelet Subbands

Multi-component signals may be separated according to the subspace in which they reside. System identification of signals in multiresolution subspaces requires an understanding of changes in a general white noise excited ARMA process as it is traversed through critically sampled wavelet filter banks. We show that at sufficiently high scale levels, an ARMA process becomes a special MA process given by the sum of b[k]epsivk[n] where b[k] are the numerator coefficients of the full band ARMA process and, epsivk[n] are white noise correlated to each other. We propose an algorithm to determine the ARMA coefficients at any desired level
Determinants of HIV/AIDS in armed conflict populations

More than 40 million people worldwide have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since it was first reported in 1981. Over 25 million of these have lost their lives to the disease. Most of the studies related to HIV/AIDS have been conducted in stable populations across the globe. Few of these studies have been devoted to displaced populations, particularly those in areas of conflict. Displaced populations that are forced to leave their homes in most cases find themselves in unfamiliar territories, often poor and hungry. Many of them become refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). The objective of this review was to address a number of different social determinants of HIV/AIDS in displaced populations in areas of conflict. A comprehensive review of peer reviewed literature published in English between 1990 and 2010 obtained through an open search of PUBMED database using key words such as HIV and war, HIV/AIDS and conflict, AIDS and security was conducted. Twelve different studies that looked at the implications of HIV/AIDS in conflict or displaced populations were retrieved. The review revealed that there were various factors influencing conflict and HIV/AIDS such as forced population displacement, breakdown of traditional sexual norms, lack of health infrastructure, and poverty and powerlessness of women and children. Social determinants of increased HIV/AIDS prevalence in displaced populations are scarcity of food, poverty, insecurity of displaced populations and gender power differentials.
Transmission constrained unit commitment based on Benders decomposition

An algorithm based on Benders decomposition is proposed for dealing with the transmission constrained unit commitment problem. Using Benders decomposition, the formulation of the unit commitment with transmission constraints is decomposed into a master problem and a subproblem. The master problem solves unit commitment without transmission constraints by augmented Lagrangian relaxation and the subproblem minimizes violations of transmission constraints by adjusting unit generation and phase shifter controls to test the feasibility of the unit commitment schedule. In the case of infeasibility in transmission flows, a proper constraint (Benders cut) is introduced based on violations in the subproblem for unit commitment rescheduling. The iterative process between the master problem and the subproblem provides a minimum production cost solution for generation scheduling while satisfying transmission constraints. A modified IEEE-30 bus system is presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Characterization of an ATP translocase identified in the destructive plant pathogen "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus".

ATP/ADP translocases transport ATP across a lipid bilayer, which is normally impermeable to this molecule due to its size and charge. These transport proteins appear to be unique to mitochondria, plant plastids, and obligate intracellular bacteria. All bacterial ATP/ADP translocases characterized thus far have been found in endosymbionts of protozoa or pathogens of higher-order animals, including humans. A putative ATP/ADP translocase was uncovered during the genomic sequencing of the intracellular plant pathogen “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,” the causal agent of citrus huanglongbing. Bioinformatic analysis of the protein revealed 12 transmembrane helices and predicted an isoelectric point of 9.4, both of which are characteristic of this family of proteins. The “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus” gene (nttA) encoding the translocase was subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to enable E. coli to import ATP directly into the cell. Competition assays with the heterologous E. coli system demonstrated that the translocase was highly specific for ATP and ADP but that other nucleotides, if present in high concentrations, could also be taken up and/or block the ability of the translocase to import ATP. In addition, a protein homologous to NttA was identified in “Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum,” the bacterium associated with potato zebra chip disease. This is the first reported characterization of an ATP translocase from “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus,” indicating that some intracellular bacteria of plants also have the potential to import ATP directly from their environment. Citrus huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a disease of citrus that was first reported in China in the early 20th century (33) and identified in the United States in August 2005 in South Florida (22). As it spread rapidly across Florida, HLB has caused substantial economic losses to the citrus industry, and now other citrus-producing states may be in danger as well. The effects of this disease range from mild to severe and include symptoms such as yellow shoots, blotchy mottles on leaves, vein yellowing and corking, lopsided fruit with aborted seeds, early fruit dropping, and limb dieback, which can ultimately lead to the total loss of the infected tree. The disease has been associated with three species of bacteria known as “Candidatus Liberibacter” species. Each of the three “Ca. Liberibacter” species was discovered and named based on its presumptive origin, with “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus” being found in Asia, “Ca. Liberibacter africanus” in Africa (13), and “Ca. Liberibacter americanus” in South America (24). A fourth species, known as “Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum,” is
A new nonlinear model predictive control algorithm using differential transformation with application to interplanetary low-thrust trajectory tracking

A nonlinear model predictive control algorithm (NMPC) is proposed that incorporates a novel differential transformation (DT) based algorithm for the repeated computation of the open-loop optimal control problem. This DT method converts the two-point boundary value problem from the indirect optimization approach into a set of algebraic equations, which is a less computationally expensive way of solving the open-loop problem. The new NMPC algorithm is applied to an interplanetary low-thrust trajectory tracking problem.
Developmental and Hormone-Induced Epigenetic Changes to Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Genes in Brain Are Dynamic across the Life Span

Sexual differentiation of the rodent brain occurs during a perinatal critical period when androgen production from the male testis is locally converted to estradiol in neurons, resulting in masculinization of adult sexual behavior. Adult brain responses to hormones are programmed developmentally by estradiol exposure, but the mechanism(s) by which these changes are permanently organized remains poorly understood. Activation of steroid receptors plays a major role in organization of the brain, and we hypothesized that estradiol-induced alteration of steroid-receptor gene methylation is a critical component to this process. Estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-β and progesterone receptor are expressed at high levels within the preoptic area (POA) and the mediobasal hypothalamus, two brain regions critical for the expression of male and female sexual behavior. The percent methylation on the ER-α promoter increased markedly across development. During the critical period of sexual differentiation, females had significantly increased methylation than males or females masculinized with estradiol at two CpG sites. By adulthood, the neonatal sex difference and hormonal modulation of methylation were replaced with a new pattern at a different CpG site on the ER-α promoter. In contrast, the percent methylation on the progesterone receptor and ER-β promoter did not change developmentally but was modulated by hormones and exhibited only late emerging transient sex differences. These data indicate that sex differences in the methylation pattern of genes important for sexual behavior are epigenetically modified during development, but the specific changes observed do not endure and are not necessarily temporally associated with neonatal hormone exposure.
The new F-tag 314: prevention and management of pressure ulcers.

Two Congressional acts, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ‘87) and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA ‘97), contained regulations governing practices in the nursing home. OBRA ‘87 had a major impact on general nursing care, including the Minimum Data Set (MDS), requirements for a medical director, and reduction of physical and chemical restraints. Regulations based on BBA ‘97 initiated the Prospective Payment System and consolidated billing. These federal regulations have in effect created a standard of care in nursing facilities. The regulations resulting from OBRA ‘87 are divided into 2 parts. First, the regulation is stated. These statements are labeled by F-tags and a number. An F-tag is jargon for the actual regulation published in the Federal Register. The second part consists of an Interpretive Guideline. The Interpretive Guideline is derived by the agency responsible for enforcing the regulation. It consists of an explanation of the intent of the law, definitions of terms, and instructions on determining compliance with the law. The guideline is supplemented by an Investigative Protocol that is used to document compliance. The Center for Medicare Services continually produces revisions of the Interpretive Guidelines for Surveyors for use in nursing homes. New guidelines for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers were introduced in November 2004. State and federal surveys in nursing homes performed since then have used the new interpretive guidelines. The guidelines were produced by a consensus committee and thus will engender some disagreement over individual items. However, the new guidelines are much more evidence-based and an improvement over the previous versions. The original law published in the Federal Register is simple and unchanged: “Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that (1) A resident who enters the facility without pressure sores does not develop pressure sores unless the individual’s clinical condition demonstrates that they were unavoidable; and, (2) A resident having pressure sores receives necessary treatment and ser-
Analysis of neutron and photon detection position for the calibration of plastic (BC-420) and liquid (BC-501) scintillators

This report presents the results of the neutron and photon calibration of a Bicron BC-420 plastic scintillator and a BC-501 liquid scintillator using a set of reference gamma sources and a Cf-252 source. The position of neutron and photon detection inside the scintillators as a function of energy is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation.
Regulation of Axis Determinacy by the Arabidopsis PINHEAD Gene

Plants produce proximal-distal growth axes with two types of growth potential: they can be indeterminate, in which case growth continues indefinitely, or they can be determinate, in which case growth is limited to the production of a single organ or a discrete set of organs. The indeterminate shoot axes of Arabidopsis pinhead/zwille mutants frequently are transformed to a determinate state. PINHEAD (PNH) is expressed in the central domain of the developing plant: the provascular tissue, the shoot apical meristem, and the adaxial (upper) sides of lateral organ primordia. Here, we show that ectopic expression of PNH on the abaxial (lower) sides of lateral organs results in upward curling of leaf blades. This phenotype correlates with a loss of cell number coordination between the two surfaces of the blade, indicating that ectopic PNH can cause changes in cell division rates. More strikingly, moving PNH expression from the central to the peripheral domain of the embryo causes transformation of the determinate cotyledon axis to an indeterminate state. We propose that growth axes are specified as determinate versus indeterminate in a PNH-mediated step. Our results add to a growing body of evidence that radial positional information is important in meristem formation. These results also indicate that genes regulating cell division and axis determinacy are likely to be among PNH targets.
Dreams, visions, and values in fundamental business education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of a pedagogy of aspiration – a focus on dreams, visions, and values in fundamental business education. The paper focusses on issues of motivation and creativity in a global and multi-cultural milieu. Business education is often viewed as fundamentally about rational and analytical thinking, but creativity and innovation are also central. Due to information technology and globalization, they may be even more fundamental to business success than ever before. Both educators and managers can benefit from thinking about creativity and innovation in this context, since both are responding to the same business trends, and developing the same people. Design/methodology/approach – Since business fundamentals should reflect business realities, global trends in information and communications technology and mass migration brought on by information and communications technology are explored, and their relevance to the imagination and creativity is develope...
The International Criminal Court: What in the World is the Crime of Aggression and Who in the World is to Say?

The International Criminal Court (ICC), created by the Statute of Rome, is the first of its kind: a permanent international institution charged with the mandate of trying individuals for "the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole." Four crimes fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. The first three crimes are defined in Articles 5-8 of the Rome Statute. Although the Statute also recognizes the crime of aggression, it precludes the Court from exercising jurisdiction over the crime until a relevant provision has been adopted into the Statute, which: (1) defines the crime, and (2) sets forth the conditions under which the Court may exercise jurisdiction over individuals with respect thereto. To date, state parties to the ICC have put forth numerous proposals, both on defining the substantive crime of aggression, and on prescribing the conditions for the Court's exercise of jurisdiction. This Article examines some of these proposals, summarizes the arguments made with respect to each, and makes recommendations as to a preferred course of action.
Strain-dependent electrical resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polymer composite films

The strain-dependent electrical resistance characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polymer composite films were investigated. In this research, polyethylene oxide (PEO) is used as the polymer matrix. Two representative volume fractions of MWCNT/PEO composite films were selected: 0.56 vol% (near the percolation threshold) and 1.44 vol% (away from the percolation threshold) of MWCNT. An experimental setup which can measure electrical resistance and strain simultaneously and continuously has been developed. Unique and repeatable relationships in resistance versus strain were obtained for multiple specimens with different volume fractions of MWCNT. The overall pattern of electrical resistance change versus strain for the specimens tested consists of linear and nonlinear regions. A resistance change model to describe the combination of linear and nonlinear modes of electrical resistance change as a function of strain is suggested. The unique characteristics in electrical resistance change for different volume fractions imply that MWCNT/PEO composite films can be used as tunable strain sensors and for application into embedded sensor systems in structures. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Exploring the Generation Gap in Urban Schools: Generational Perspectives in Professional Learning Communities:

This article reports on the generational perspectives of two science teachers working in one urban school, a 38-year veteran and a second-year teacher. Despite numerous opportunities to work together, these teachers argued more than they collaborated. This research shows that at least some of the tension can be explained by the generational perspectives each brought with them to the classroom, perspectives that have been brought to the forefront by the recent demographic shift in the urban teacher workforce. Each teacher’s generational perspective is presented within a framework of technical culture, service ethic, and professional commitment. Implications for recruitment and retention are discussed.
Direct conversion of halogen-containing wastes to borosilicate glass

Glass has become a preferred waste form worldwide for radioactive wastes: however, there are limitations. Halogen-containing wastes can not be converted to glass because halogens form poor-quality waste glasses. Furthermore, halides in glass melters often form second phases that create operating problems. A new waste vitrification process, the Glass Material Oxidation and dissolution System (GMODS), removes these limitations by converting halogen-containing wastes into borosilicate glass and a secondary, clean, sodium-halide stream.
Calculation of the Anterograde Velocity of Varicella-Zoster Virions in a Human Sciatic Nerve during Shingles

Zoster of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body, is an uncommon event. We cared for a child with sciatic nerve zoster who had severe pain over the lower back 6 days before appearance of vesicular rash on the foot in the L4 dermatome. On the basis of the clinical data, we calculated an anterograde velocity for the varicella zoster virion of 5.55 mm/h or .0015 mm/s. Because there is no good animal model of varicella zoster virus reactivation from latency, this experiment of nature fills a notable gap in our knowledge about varicella zoster virus neuronal transportation.
The primary structure of an Entamoeba histolytica beta-hexosaminidase A subunit.

An Entamoeba histolytica gene (hex-A1) that encodes subunit A of the lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase has been cloned and sequenced. The inferred 59 kDa hex-A1 protein has the same molecular weight and 32% amino acid residue identity with the human and mouse proteins and 28% residue identity with the Dictyostelium protein. Northern blot analysis identified a mRNA of approximately 1.6 kb, which is in agreement with the expected size of a mRNA encoding the 522 amino acid hex-A1 protein. Southern blot analysis indicated the presence of at least two β-hexosaminidase A subunit genes.
Remittance receipts and allocation: a study of three African countries

Remittances may influence household expenditures, poverty rates, development and investments in the receiving country. Using World Bank survey data from Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, the influence of remitters’ and recipients’ characteristics on remittance amounts and allocation is examined. Effects of the remitter–receiver characteristics on remittance amounts are generally similar between countries. Such similarities imply a potential similar effect of policies in these countries. Age, household income, frequency of communication, family relations with remitter and country the recipient resided in influence remittance allocation. Recipients in Ethiopia and Uganda are more likely to allocate remittance towards savings than those in Kenya.
TARDIS: software-only system-level record and replay in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are plagued by the possibility of bugs manifesting only at deployment. However, debugging deployed WSNs is challenging for several reasons---the remote location of deployed sensor nodes, the non-determinism of execution that can make it difficult to replicate a buggy run, and the limited hardware resources available on a node. In particular, existing solutions to record and replay debugging in WSNs fail to capture the complete code execution, thus negating the possibility of a faithful replay and causing a large class of bugs to go unnoticed. In short, record and replay logs a trace of predefined events while a deployed application is executing, enabling replaying of events later using debugging tools. Existing recording methods fail due to the many sources of non-determinism and the scarcity of resources on nodes. In this paper we introduce Trace And Replay Debugging In Sensornets (Tardis), a software-only approach for deterministic record and replay of WSN nodes. Tardis is able to record all sources of non-determinism, based on the observation that such information is compressible using a combination of techniques specialized for respective sources. Despite their domain-specific nature, the techniques presented are applicable to the broader class of resource-constrained embedded systems. We empirically demonstrate the viability of our approach and its effectiveness in diagnosing a newly discovered bug in a widely used routing protocol.
A three-dimensional model of differentiation of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells

A therapeutic approach being investigated for a variety of pathologies is tissue regeneration using a patient's own cells. Such studies have been hampered due to the difficulty in growing epithelial cells for prolonged periods in culture. Replicative senescence due to short telomeres and p16 induced by culture stress work together to inhibit cell growth. Forced expression of telomerase (hTERT) can prevent replicative senescence, and expression of the cell cycle protein cdk4 can sequester p16, thereby immortalizing epithelial cells in culture. In the present study, we used this method to immortalize human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) to determine whether immortalized HBECs retain the ability to differentiate normally. HBECs were plated atop contracted collagen gels containing lung fibroblasts. This three-dimensional (3D) tissue model was cultured initially submerged, then raised to the air/liquid interface for up to 28 days. Normal differentiation was assessed by the presence of ciliated cells, goblet (mucin-producing) cells, and basal epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed both ciliated and non-ciliated cells in these 3D tissues. Histological examination revealed the presence of mucin-producing cells, and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against p63 and keratin 14 showed the presence of basal cells. These results demonstrate that immortalized HBECs retain the capacity to differentiate into each of three cell types: basal, mucin-producing, and columnar ciliated epithelial cells. Such cells will be useful cellular reagents for research in aging, cancer progression, as well as normal bronchial epithelial differentiation and will help progress the use of engineered cells to enhance tissue regeneration.
The Effect of Glutamine Supplementation in Patients Following Elective Surgery and Accidental Injury

The metabolic response to injury, whether a controlled elective surgical procedure or an accidental injury, is characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle protein and the translocation of the amino acids to visceral organs and the wound. At these sites, the substrate serves to enhance host defenses, and support vital organ function and wound repair. Glutamine (GLN) plays a major role in these processes, accounting for approximately one third of the translocated nitrogen. From available data, GLN-supplemented intravenous nutrition in patients undergoing elective surgery improves nitrogen balance, helps correct the decreased GLN concentration found in the free intracellular skeletal muscle amino acid pool and enhances net protein synthesis (particularly in skeletal muscle). Six randomized blind trials (two multicentered investigations) reported a decreased length in hospital stay in postoperative patients receiving GLN supplementation. After blunt trauma, GLN supplementation increased plasma concentrations, attenuated the immunosuppression commonly observed and decreased the rate of infection. Patients with burn injury have low GLN plasma and intramuscular concentrations; turnover and synthesis rate are accelerated, yet apparently inadequate to support normal concentrations. These data suggest that GLN supplementation has important effects in catabolic surgical patients, but the exact mechanisms to explain these events remain unknown, and more research is required to explain the apparent benefits of dietary GLN.
The Cox-Ross-Rubinstein Model

In this chapter, we discuss a specific discrete-time model known as the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein model because it was first described by these gentlemen in 1979. We will abbreviate Cox-Ross-Rubinstein by CRR. The CRR model is also referred to in the literature as the binomial model for reasons that will become apparent as we proceed.
The Economic Impact Of Sports And Sporting Events On The Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Economy

The sports economy in the Charlotte MSA has grown dramatically in the past twenty-five years. In 1980, attendance was less than 500,000 and total revenue was less than $15 million. In 2011, Charlotte hosted a National Basketball team, a National Football team, two major NASCAR Cup events, several college teams, and a number of other important events. This study calculated the economic impact of sports and sports events in the Charlotte MSA in 2011. NAICS data cannot be readily recast to isolate the sports industry, so this study used primary and secondary data. The data were divided into four categories:
Migration of CD8+ T Cells into the Central Nervous System Gives Rise to Highly Potent Anti-HIV CD4dimCD8bright T Cells in a Wnt Signaling–Dependent Manner

The role of CD8(+) T cells in HIV control in the brain and the consequences of such control are unclear. Approximately 3% of peripheral CD8(+) T cells dimly express CD4 on their surface. This population is known as CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells. We evaluated the role of CD4(dim)CD8(bright) and CD8 single positive T cells in HIV-infected brain using NOD/SCID/IL-2rcγ(-/-) mice reconstituted with human PBMCs (NSG-huPBMC). All three T cell populations (CD4 single positive, CD8 single positive, and CD4(dim)CD8(bright)) were found in NSG-huPBMC mouse brain within 2 wk of infection. Wnts secreted from astrocytes induced CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells by 2-fold in vitro. Injection of highly purified CD8 single positive T cells into mouse brain induced CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells by 10-fold, which were proliferative and exhibited a terminally differentiated effector memory phenotype. Brain CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells from HIV-infected mice exhibited anti-HIV-specific responses, as demonstrated by induction of CD107ab post exposure to HIV peptide-loaded targets. Further, higher frequency of CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells (R = -0.62; p ≤ 0.001), but not CD8 single positive T cells (R = -0.24; p ≤ 0.27), negatively correlated with HIV gag mRNA transcripts in HIV-infected NSG-huPBMC brain. Together, these studies indicate that single positive CD8(+) T cells entering the CNS during HIV infection can give rise to CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells, likely through a Wnt signaling-dependent manner, and that these cells are associated with potent anti-HIV control in the CNS. Thus, CD4(dim)CD8(bright) T cells are capable of HIV control in the CNS and may offer protection against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
From LBJ's Great Society to Hurricane Katrina - Are We There Yet?: The Law as a Vehicle for Social Change

In the wake of the Hurricane Katrina fiasco and its aftermath, there were stark examples of the difference in the law between blacks and whites. LBJ's idea of a "Great Society" did not include mass media coverage including virtually identical photos of desperate whites "finding" what little food they could, while blacks were described as "looting." In this paper the issue of law as a vehicle for social change is explored, with an analysis of whether it can work to change hearts and minds as well.
The Wholesale Commission Business in the Alabama Black Belt, 1875–1917

N THE cotton states of the South, following the Civil War, the wholesale and commission business flourished. It was a part of the cotton credit system, which was the base of the economy in that region during the period 1875-1917. This study is concerned with the operation of that business in a part of Alabama known as "The Black Belt." It is an area of rich soil, which in earlier days had attracted planters and slaveholders. Although the Negro population is large, tending toward eighty percent, the name "Black Belt" is derived from the black limestone soil.1 The system of business in this section may well be considered typical of business in other old plantation areas of the South. A cotton farmer usually made credit arrangements with a general merchandise store, which extended credit for his household and farm supplies for a year's time. Security for the so-called "advances" was the farmer's cotton crop, and settlement was made at harvest time. The storekeepers themselves relied on long term credit. They bought supplies from the wholesale houses in the larger towns and cities, frequently selling their bales of cotton to the same dealers. Prior to the Civil War, Mobile was the chief cotton market and wholesale distributing center in Alabama,2 and after the war much of its trade was revived. In 1884-1885 Mobile had twenty-two cotton factors, eighteen cotton brokers and buyers, thirty-four commission merchants, eighteen wholesale grocers, three wholesale dry goods stores, four wholesale clothing houses, four wholesale dealers in cigars and tobacco, and five wholesale boot and shoe dealers.3 These merchants and traders
Vaccination of Gerbils with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 Concurrently or as a Fusion Protein Confers Consistent and Improved Protection against Brugia malayi Infection

Background The Brugia malayi Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 proteins are orthologous to Onchocerca volvulus Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2, and which were selected as the best candidates for the development of an O. volvulus vaccine. The B. malayi gerbil model was used to confirm the efficacy of these Ov vaccine candidates on adult worms and to determine whether their combination is more efficacious. Methodology and Principle Findings Vaccine efficacy of recombinant Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 administered individually, concurrently or as a fusion protein were tested in gerbils using alum as adjuvant. Vaccination with Bm-103 resulted in worm reductions of 39%, 34% and 22% on 42, 120 and 150 days post infection (dpi), respectively, and vaccination with Bm-RAL-2 resulted in worm reductions of 42%, 22% and 46% on 42, 120 and 150 dpi, respectively. Vaccination with a fusion protein comprised of Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 resulted in improved efficacy with significant reduction of worm burden of 51% and 49% at 90 dpi, as did the concurrent vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2, with worm reduction of 61% and 56% at 90 dpi. Vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 as a fusion protein or concurrently not only induced a significant worm reduction of 61% and 42%, respectively, at 150 dpi, but also significantly reduced the fecundity of female worms as determined by embryograms. Elevated levels of antigen-specific IgG were observed in all vaccinated gerbils. Serum from gerbils vaccinated with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 individually, concurrently or as a fusion protein killed third stage larvae in vitro when combined with peritoneal exudate cells. Conclusion Although vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 individually conferred protection against B. malayi infection in gerbils, a more consistent and enhanced protection was induced by vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 fusion protein and when they were used concurrently. Further characterization and optimization of these filarial vaccines are warranted.
TRANSITION TEMPERATURES OF THE HYDRATES OF Na//2SO//4, Na//2HPO//4, AND KF AS FIXED POINTS IN BIOMEDICAL THERMOMETRY.

The hydrate transition temperatures of Na2SO4·10H2O to Na2SO4, KF·2H2O to KF, and Na2HPO4·7H2O to Na2HPO4·2H2O were established using ACS grade salts as 32.374 °C, 41.422 °C, and 48.222 °C, respectively. A simple and reliable procedure involving inexpensive materials was used to realize these transitions as temperature fixed points. Each transition temperature was attained within 30 minutes of hydrate initiation and remained constant to within ±0.002 °C for more than 10 hours if the mixture was stirred. The established transition temperatures were sensitive at the 0.001 °C level to the amount of impurities, so the materials used should be of the highest quality available. These systems fill a gap in the existing spectrum of temperature standards and should be useful in biomedical laboratories for calibrating thermometers.
Detecting Areas of High Chloride Concentration in Bridge Decks

The presence of chloride ions in New England bridge decks has caused severe damage and has contributed greatly in reducing service life. The source of the chloride ions is mainly from deicing salts applied for snow and ice removal to enable safer driving during the winter. The chloride ion acts as an accelerator in the corrosion of reinforcing bars causing expansion and therefore deterioration of the bridge deck concrete. At present the method of determining the percentage of chloride present in bridge decks is a very time consuming, expensive and destructive process. The need for a fast nondestructive procedure to determine the amount of chloride in a concrete bridge deck is apparent. This paper introduces a means of utilizing ground penetrating radar as a viable nondestructive means of detecting areas of high chloride concentration in concrete bridge decks. The technique is based on the attenuation of a radar signal emitted from a radar unit in the presence of chloride.
Silver Sorption by Manganese Oxide

Silver-manganese oxide ores are present in western United States, Mexico, South America, and Sumatra. The amount of silver varies between a few parts per million (ppm) to thousands of ppm. However, these ores are not compatible with conventional metallurgical treatment for the extraction of silver. This research is the study of the nature of silver binding with one model manganese oxide phase, cryptomelane. Cryptomelane is widely present in the United States and in parts of Colorado, with silver-bearing cryptomelane ore bodies containing up to a maximum of 1 wt% of silver. In order to better understand the nature of silver binding in cryptomelane, synthetic samples of cryptomelane were prepared and characterized, and then used for silver sorption experiments. The silver uptake appears to be a function of the solution chemistry conditions, pH and potassium nitrate concentration. The sorption of silver was found to increase with decreasing pH and at a fixed pH value, the sorption density was higher at a lower potassium nitrate concentration. Kinetics and equilibrium sorption data from lithium and sodium nitrate background electrolyte demonstrates three main results: firstly, most of the uptake of silver is compensated by release of potassium; secondly, the exchange for silver with protons and potassium ions is almost stoichiometric; and lastly, the importance of tunnel sites for the sorption reaction in cryptomelane. An ion-exchange model for the uptake of silver onto cryptomelane will also be discussed.
CHAPTER 4 – Linear Filters—General Properties with Applications to Continuous-Time Processes

This chapter discusses the basic properties of linear filters. Linear filters provide an important class of models for physical transformations. For example, to a good degree of approximation, the earth behaves like a linear filter to seismic waves and the ocean to ocean waves. To a more restricted extent, phenomena, such as economic systems and biological systems, behave like linear filters for restricted lengths of time. Linear filters transform time series into new time series where the term time series can be interpreted in the broadest sense as meaning any numerical function of time whether continuous or discrete, random or non-random. Because of this feature, an important topic is the construction of special purpose linear filters to modify data to meet particular objectives or to display specific features of the data. The chapter discusses the methods for combining linear filters, by which a variety of special filters can be obtained. Moreover, it is presented in the chapter how high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters can be constructed from low-pass filters.