bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reverse multistar inequalities and vehicle routing problems with a lower bound on the number of customers per route
Authors: Gouveia Luis , Riera‐Ledesma Jorge , Salazar‐González Juan‐José 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article analyzes inequalities derived by projecting out the flow variables of a single‐commodity flow model for a vehicle routing problem. These inequalities are called reverse multistar (RMS) inequalities and are related to the MS inequalities analyzed and used in other articles. Although the MS RMS inequalities are irrelevant for some vehicle routing problems, in others they are fundamental. The article presents a vehicle routing problem in which the RMS are of interest. It is called the vehicle routing problem with lower and upper bound capacities (LU‐VRP). It concerns a vehicle routing problem with one depot and a homogeneous fleet of vehicles. All the customers have a unit demand, and there are upper and lower bounds on the demand covered by each vehicle. New families of inequalities are derived by strengthening the RMS inequalities. Computational experiments show that the new inequalities are useful when solving LU‐VRP instances. The experiments are based on variations of symmetric and asymmetric VRP library (VRPLIB) instances with up to 100 customers. The constraint on a minimum number of customers served in each route is implicit in the unit‐demand capacitated vehicle routing problem with a fixed number of vehicles. Therefore, the article also evaluates the impact of using the lower bound inequalities developed in the context of this variant. It is still unknown whether the new inequalities can help solve it or not. Our theoretical analysis suggests that one of the families of developed inequalities is not implied by other standard inequalities. This prompts us to pursue studies in the search for other families of lower bound based inequalities for this variant. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2013
Using simulation to improve the decision‐making process
Authors: Agatstein Kevin , Rieley James B. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAll organizations face the same problem of ensuring that their decision‐making process is as effective as possible. Decision‐making techniques range greatly—from a command‐and‐control hierarchical process to a totally diffused process reflected in self‐directed work teams. How can managers determine whether they are taking the right approach, or doing the right thing? Indeed, does the “right thing” refer to short‐term or long‐term results? In most organizations, there is no real process to explore the impact of decisions over either the short or long term. As this article explains, computer simulation models can be used to enhance an organization's decision‐making process and enable it to “see” the impact of its future choices over both the short and long term.
Conducting a readiness assessment: A foundation for solid teamwork
Authors: Recardo Ronald J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOne of the more surprising results of a survey on teams conducted by the Catalyst Consulting Group indicated that more than 70 percent of them are unsuccessful. One of the reasons for this low success rate is the lack of formal assessment to provide baseline data on the organization that can serve as a valuable input into the redesign process. This article discusses the objective of such a formal, or readiness, assessment, what to measure, how to collect the data, and how to feed the data back and use it as a first step in any work redesign effort.
Quality improvement and equal opportunity: Must they be at odds?
Authors: White Charles S. , Macomber James H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEssential to any business, quality improvement typically requires stringent selection and training procedures for newly hired employees. But strengthening an organization's selection criteria can leave a firm open to charges of disparate impact and discrimination. In this article, the authors discuss the conflict between quality improvement and equal opportunity efforts, and offer strategies for helping organizations meet both their quality improvement goals and their equal opportunity responsibilities.
Supply chain concepts applied to organizational expense management
Authors: Harris Bill 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTraditional organizational expense management, like traditional supply chain management, ignores so‐called pipeline inventory. For those who have ever played MIT's Beer Game, the problem is easy to recognize: people who are purchasing inventory don't have insight into what they've ordered but not yet received. They respond to current shortages by increased purchasing. After the pipeline delay passes, masses of inventory pour in. Then those purchasing inventory typically shut off further spending, to no further short‐term avail. Eventually the pipeline clears and the inventory excess turns into a shortage, at which time the cycle repeats. The correction is fairly simple: include the pipeline inventory in the calculation. Gaining that visibility is key to establishing a financial control system which responds stably to changes.
Cooperative advantage—A new measure of performance
Authors: Skrabec Quentin R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe industrial paradigm of this century focused on competitive advantage, but a new framework has emerged in the post‐industrial environment—cooperative advantage. This new approach, which focuses on cooperative advantage and capabilities, features an alignment of business organizations that stresses joint success among groupings of enterprises. This article explains that the new competitive arena will be based on cooperation in supply chains, shared resources, corporate infrastructure, and government legislation.
Building for success at karsten homes
Authors: Karsten Scott , Kossoff Leslie L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSoon after Karsten Homes, a New Mexico manufactured home builder, began start‐up operations, its management realized that an extensive turnaround effort was going to be required to secure the company's future. Amazingly, a successful turnaround was achieved in just six months. Beginning with top management and including all personnel, it focused on fine‐tuning the organization's culture, management and operating structure, and developmental training. Part of the importance of this turnaround case study lies in its revelation that old and established organizational systems and concepts can affect a new enterprise, even though the old organization no longer exists.
Using competency assessments to support changing business goals
Authors: Barborek Susan , Brown Jeff 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOrganizations in the midst of pursuing a new business strategy often have trouble lining up employee performance and behaviors to support their new business goals. What can they do to better align people's skills to the jobs they do, or to transform the organizational culture? This article outlines how competency assessments can be a powerful transformational tool for companies to use as they change business strategies, undertake restructuring, or strive to align employee skill sets with emerging job requirements as part of process redesign efforts.
Loss ofmiR‐101expression promotes Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway activation and malignancy in colon cancer cells
Authors: Strillacci Antonio , Valerii Maria Chiara , Sansone Pasquale , Caggiano Cinzia , Sgromo Annamaria , Vittori Laura , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Poggioli Gilberto , Rizzello Fernando , Campieri Massimo , Spisni Enzo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in Western countries. Although the aberrant expression of severalmicroRNAs(oncomiRs) is associated withCRCprogression, the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon are still under investigation. Here we show thatmiR‐101expression is differentially impaired inCRCspecimens, depending on tumour grade.miR‐101re‐expression suppresses cell growth in3D, hypoxic survival and invasive potential inCRCcells showing low levels ofmiR‐101. Additionally, we provide molecular evidence of a bidirectional regulatory mechanism betweenmiR‐101expression and importantCRCpro‐malignant features, such as inflammation, activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). We then propose that up‐regulatedmiR‐101may function as a tumour suppressor inCRCand that its pharmacological restoration might hamper the aggressive behaviour ofCRCin vivo.MiR‐101expression may also represent a cancer biomarker forCRCdiagnosis and prognosis. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flatness and microstructure of a light guide plate fabricated by microinjection molding
Authors: Lin Yun‐Ho , Huang Chiung‐Fang , Cheng Hsin‐Chung , Lin Yi , Lee Jeou‐Long , Shen Yung‐Kang 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study photo‐etches micropatterns on mold inserts and manufactures a light guide plate with microstructures using microinjection molding. The single parameter method is used to investigate flatness and replication with different process parameters for microinjection molding. Mold temperature is the most important factor for plate flatness and microstructure replication of a light guide plate fabricated by microinjection molding. Low mold temperature increases the flatness of light guide plates, whereas a high mold temperature improves height replication of the microstructure of light guide plates. Optimal mold temperature to maintain flatness and increase microstructure replication of light guide plates is 60°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The investigation of novel non‐metallocene catalysts with phenoxy‐imine ligands for ethylene (co‐)polymerization
Authors: Zhang Xinli , Liu Zhi , Yi Jianjun , Huang Haibing , Dou Xiuli , Zhen Hongpeng , Huang Qigu , Gao Kejing , Zhang Mingge , Yang Wantai 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPhthaldialdehyde and phthaldiketone were treated with substituted phenols of 2‐amino‐4‐methylphenol, 2‐amino‐5‐methylphenol and 2‐amino‐4‐t‐butylphenol, respectively, and then treated with transition metal halides of TiCl4, ZrCl4 and YCl3. A series of novel non‐metallocene catalysts (1–12) with phenoxy‐imine ligands was obtained. The structures and properties of the catalysts were characterized by 1H NMR and elemental analysis. The catalysts (1–12) were used to promote ethylene (co‐)polymerization after activation by methylaluminoxane. The effects of the structures and center atoms (Ti, Zr and Y) of these catalysts, polymerization temperature, Al/M (M = Ti, Zr and Y) molar ratio, concentration of the catalysts and solvents on the polymerization performance were investigated. The results showed that the catalysts were favorable for ethylene homopolymerization and copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐hexene. Catalyst 10 is most favorable for catalyzing ethylene homopolymerization and copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐hexene, with catalytic activity up to 2.93 × 106 gPE (mol Y)−1 h−1 for polyethylene (PE) and 2.96 × 106 gPE (mol Y)−1 h−1 for copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐hexene under the following conditions: polymerization temperature 50 °C, Al/Y molar ratio 300, concentration of catalyst 1.0 × 10−4 L−1 and toluene as solvent. The structures and properties of the polymers obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C NMR, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, gel permeation chromatography and DSC. The results indicated that the obtained PE catalyzed by 4 had the highest melting point of 134.8 °C and the highest weight‐average molecular weight of 7.48 × 105 g mol−1. The copolymer catalyzed by 4 had the highest incorporation of 1‐hexene, up to 5.26 mol%, into the copolymer chain. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of benzoxazine monomers: thermal and mechanical properties of polybenzoxazines
Authors: Vengatesan Muthukumaraswamy Rangaraj , Devaraju Subramani , Kannaiyan Dinakaran , Song Jang Kun , Alagar Muthukaruppan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA series of benzoxazine monomers (P‐aea2–P‐aea8) were prepared from appropriate aromatic diamines containing linear aliphatic ether chains with phenol and formaldehyde through the Mannich reaction under ultrasonication and conventional methods. Based on the reaction performance, the ultrasonication method has been found to be more facile and convenient for the synthesis of benzoxazine monomer than the conventional method. The synthesized monomers undergo curing at a lower temperature than that of conventional benzoxazine (Ba‐A) monomer as evidenced from differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The presence of an aliphatic ether core in the benzoxazine monomer aids in lowering the curing temperature, which seems to vary linearly with chain length. Thermally polymerized benzoxazine (poly(P‐aeas)) shows an enhanced tensile and flexural strength. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Oxygen permeability, electron spin resonance, differential scanning calorimetry and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy studies of uniaxially deformed linear low‐density polyethylene film
Authors: Klepac Damir , Ščetar Mario , Kurek Mia , Mallon Peter E. , Luyt Adriaan S. , Galić Kata , Valić Srećko 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLinear low‐density polyethylene (PE‐LLD) films were mechanically deformed at room temperature in both parallel and perpendicular directions to their initial orientation obtained during the manufacturing process. The degree of deformation ${\lambda}$, defined as ${\lambda} = l/l_{0}, l$ and l0 being the length of the deformed and relaxed samples, respectively, was varied from 1.0 to 2.0. Oxygen transport was investigated by a manometric method and the results were correlated with differential scanning calorimetry and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements in order to investigate the contribution of various factors that influence the permeability of deformed PE‐LLD films. An electron spin resonance spin‐probe method was employed to determine the influence of uniaxial deformation on the chain segmental mobility in the amorphous phase. The results show that the deformation process reduces oxygen permeability and diffusion coefficients. It was found that the reduction is a combined effect of an increased crystallinity and reduced fractional free volume. The decrease of the chain segmental mobility with deformation plays an important role in the gas diffusion mechanism. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Tryptic peptide screening for primary immunodeficiency disease by LC/MS‐MS
Authors: Kerfoot Sandra A. , Jung Sunhee , Golob Karin , Torgerson Troy R. , Hahn Si Houn 
Published: August 2012

PurposeEarly diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDDs) is critical for maximizing patient survival and clinical outcomes. Consequently, there is significant interest in developing broad‐based, high‐throughput, screening approaches capable of utilizing small blood volumes to identify patients with PIDD.Experimental designWe developed a novel proteomic screening approach using tandem mass spectrometry to simultaneously identify specific signature peptides derived from the transmembrane protein cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3)ɛ and the intracellular proteins Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) as markers of three life‐threatening PIDDs; severe combined immunodeficiency, Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome, and X‐linked Agammaglobulinemia. Signature peptides were analyzed by LC/MS‐MS in proteolytically digested lysates from cell lines and white blood cells (WBCs). The amount of each peptide was determined by the ratio of the signature peptide peak area to that of a known amount of labeled standard peptide. Peptide concentrations were normalized to actin.ResultsWe show that signature peptides from CD3ɛ, WASP, and BTK were readily detected in proteolytically digested cell lysate and their absence could correctly identify PIDD patients.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis proof of concept study demonstrates the applicability of this approach to screen for PIDD and raises the possibility that it could be further multiplexed to identify additional PIDDs and potentially other disorders.
Stepwise isolation of human peripheral erythrocytes, T lymphocytes, and monocytes for blood cell proteomics
Authors: Brosseron Frederic , May Caroline , Schoenebeck Bodo , Tippler Bettina , Woitalla Dirk , Kauth Marion , Brockmann Kathrin , Meyer Helmut E. , Berg Daniela , Bufe Albrecht , Marcus Katrin 
Published: August 2012

PurposeDensity gradient centrifugation and magnetic‐ or fluorescence‐activated cell sorting are common and robust techniques for the isolation of different types of blood cells. In this article, we give detailed description of a stepwise application of these methods as one isolation strategy for enrichment of different cell types from one blood sample.Experimental designThe workflow targeted erythrocytes, monocytes, and T lymphocytes. Pancoll® density gradient centrifugation was used together with subsequent MACS™ isolation. Purity of monocytes and T lymphocytes was controlled by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis, and cells were used for carrier‐ampholine‐based 2D‐PAGE to confirm compatibility of the procedure to standard proteomic applications.ResultsGradient centrifugation resulted in an average of 125 μL of packed erythrocytes per milliliter blood. MACS™ sorting reached purities of 90 ± 2% (monocytes) and 93 ± 2% (T lymphocytes), with an average yield of 12 × 104 monocytes or T lymphocytes. 2D‐PAGE of isolated cells showed well‐separated spot patterns.Conclusions and clinical relevanceA combined isolation holds substantial advantages especially in clinical studies, as it allows for the comparison of findings not only between individuals, but also between different cell types derived from one donor. Our approach ensured high reproducibility, yields, and purities of cells as required for reliable proteome analysis.
Role of the ribosomal protein L27 revealed by single‐molecule FRET study
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Xiao Ming 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe ribosome is a ribozyme. However, in bacterial ribosomes, the N‐terminus of L27 is located within the peptidyl transfer center. The roles of this protein in real time remain unclear. We present single‐molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies of tRNA dynamics at the peptidyl transfer center in ribosomes containing either wild type (WT) L27, or L27 mutants with A2H3, A2H3K4 or nine N‐terminal residues removed. Removing L27's first three N‐terminal residues or mutating a single residue, K4, reduces the formation of a stable peptidyl tRNA after translocation. These results imply that L27 stabilizes the peptidyl tRNA and residue K4 contributes significantly to the stabilization.
DFT study of the physicochemical characteristics and spectral behavior of new 8‐substituted 1,3,7‐trimethylxanthines
Authors: Stanchev Stancho , Mitkov Javor , Georgieva Maya , Zlatkov Alexander 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNine biologically active theophylline derivatives were investigated using quantum chemical methods (density functional theory level). All calculations were performed at B3LYP/6‐31G** level of theory. The electrostatic potential charges, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, dipole moment, vibration frequencies, and electronic spectra were calculated. Log P was determined by Ghose‐Crippen method. All of the compounds under study are polar and negatively charged, which is necessary for their interaction with the receptors/enzymes. Majority of the compounds are lipophilic and they can easily diffuse through the cell membrane. The observed differences between the calculated and the experimental vibration frequencies in the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra are established to be mainly in NH and OH bands, due to hydrogen bonds formation. The discrepancies between theoretical and experimental electronic spectra may be due to vibration effects and H‐bonding with the solvent molecules. The obtained results show that this type of spectrum is formed mainly by the xanthine fragment of the molecule, especially in the fingerprint region. All calculated properties could be useful for future qualitative‐structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of cluster expansion on photoionization of iron pentacarbonyl doped inert gas clusters under gigawatt intensity laser irradiation
Authors: Badani Purav M. , Das Soumitra , Sharma Pramod , Vatsa Rajesh K. 
Published: August 2012

RATIONALEThe aim of the investigation was to understand the variation in ionization dynamics of inert gas clusters upon doping with species with lower ionization energy than the inert gas constituent. It was postulated that the use of dopant species having lower ionization energy would lead to facile ionization of doped inert gas clusters, resulting in enhancement of the charge state of atomic ions compared with those obtained for pure inert gas clusters.METHODSInert gas clusters (Arn, Krn or Xen) doped with iron pentacarbonyl were generated by supersonic expansion and subjected to gigawatt intensity laser pulses (266, 355, 532 and 1064 nm wavelengths) obtained from a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser. The ions generated upon laser‐cluster interaction were characterized using a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer.RESULTSUpon interaction of the laser with the doped inert gas clusters, the charge states of the atomic ions were found to increase with the laser wavelength. However, the highest observed charge states were found to be lower for doped inert gas clusters than for pure inert gas clusters, at all laser wavelengths.CONCLUSIONSWavelength‐dependent generation of multiply charged atomic ions has been explained based on the three stage model, i.e. multiphoton ionization ignited‐inverse bremsstrahlung heating, and electron ionization. This model explains enhancement in the charge state of atomic ions with increasing wavelength based on inverse bremsstrahlung heating of the inner ionized electron, which is a more efficient process at longer wavelengths. Inefficient coupling of laser energy in the case of doped inert gas clusters compared with pure inert gas clusters has been rationalized on the basis of accelerated disintegration of the cluster due to facile initial ionization of dopant molecules having low ionization energy. The results suggest that a longer laser wavelength and a slower rate of cluster expansion facilitate the efficient transfer of optical energy into cluster systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.