cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Internet-Based Communication Systems on Supply Chain Management: An Application of Transaction Cost Analysis

New communication technology1 brought high expectations and a great deal of frustration into the business world. Business managers were thrilled by promises of efficiency, effectiveness and innovation that would overcome barriers in time and geography. At the same time, however, many early adopters of electronic market systems experienced bitter failures. By using transaction cost analysis, this paper closely examines the effect of new communication technology on supply chain management. In particular, it looks at three major sources of transaction costs: transaction asset specificity, behavioral uncertainty and environmental uncertainty. Consequently, we propose that transaction asset specificity is the major factor to be considered in the adoption of new communication technology to supply chain management.
Mechanical properties of petroleum residua in boundary layers

The properties of multicomponent disperse systems such as petroleum residua in boundary layers have received very little attention. Experiments were performed in an instrument with planeparallel disks using a specified procedure to define the thickness of the boundary layer, the changes in viscosity with respect to the layer thickness, the pressure gradient, and the yield stress, among other parameters. The results lead to an hypothesis as to the structure of the boundary layer of petroleum residua on a steel surface in which adsorbed surfactant molecules proportional to surface activity determines the thickness of the boundary layer. By adjusting the composition of the dispersion medium of petroleum residua, the thickness and structure of the boundary layer can be regulated.
Asset Substitution: A Note on the Factors That Influence Both Money Supply and Demand

The money market paradigm typically presented in classrooms is enhanced by making the money multiplier endogenous.
Gas-Liquid Radiochromatography of Intact Labeled Cholesterol Esters.

SummaryGas-liquid radiochromatography has been successfully applied to the simultaneous analysis of mass and radioactivity of labeled intact cholesterol esters. Representative curves are presented for labeled cholesterol esters isolated from rat serum, liver, and adrenal gland. Quantitative mass and radioactive measurements were carried out on the labeled cholesterol esters isolated from the liver of rats given cholesterol-4-C14 and cholesterol- 7α-H3. The results indicate that gas-liquid radiochromatography coupled with thin-layer chromatography affords an excellent means for determining the specific radioactivity of labeled cholesterol ester classes.
Isolation and identification of the carcinogen N-hydroxy-2-fluorenylacetamide and related compounds by liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method utilizing high-performance liquid-liquid chromatography has been developed for the separation of the carcinogen N-hydroxy-2-fluorenylacetamide from N-2-fluorenylacetamide and N-(7-hydroxy-2-fluorenyl) acetamide. The height of the peak traced by the recording device is proportional to the amount of hydroxamic acid applied to the column and serves as a measure of the amount of compound. As little as 0.1 μg of hydroxamic acid can readily be detected. Because of its sensitivity, power of resolution, and speed, liquid-liquid chromatography appears to be superior to previous methods employed in the separation and analysis of the carcinogen. The method was used to separate N-hydroxy-2-fluorenylacetamide produced in the N-hydroxylation of N-2-fluorenylacetamide by rat-liver microsomes and NADPH. The separation of N-(7-hydroxy-2-fluorenyl) acetamide and N-(5-hydroxy-2-fluorenyl) acetamide, the two major C-hydroxylated metabolites in this reaction, was accomplished by liquid-solid chromatography.
On Hierarchies of Reading Skills and Text Types.

to describe the target language performance abilities of foreign language learners.' The proficiency movement is spearheaded by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) which over the last several years has promoted the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, proficiency-based curricula, syllabi, and, in general, are behind proficiency-based teaching. In the proficiency context, foreign language professionals are probably most familiar with the Oral Proficiency Interview, especially with the large scale training undertaken and the widespread implementation of oral proficiency requirements. Now gaining increasing attention is reading proficiency, which is the concern of the present paper. The ACTFL definition of reading proficiency is given in terms of a trisection between content, function, and accuracy which translate more specifically to reading as: text type, reading skill, and task-based performance (Galloway). The proficiency construct, as shown in Figure I, is characterized by two parallel hierarchies, one of text types and the other of reading skills, which are cross-sectioned to define developmental levels. In other words, a specific developmental level is associated with a particular text type and particular reading skills. By the definition of hierarchy, high level skills and text types subsume low ones so that readers demonstrating high levels of reading proficiency should be able to interact with texts and be able to demonstrate the reading skills characteristic of low levels of reading proficiency. Conversely, readers at low levels of the proficiency scale should neither be able to demonstrate high level skills nor interact with high level texts.
Growth Hormone Induction of Hepatic Serine Protease Inhibitor 2.1 Transcription Is Mediated by a Stat5-related Factor Binding Synergistically to Two γ-Activated Sites (∗)

A growth hormone (GH)-inducible nuclear factor (GHINF) from rat liver has been purified to near homogeneity. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and UV-cross-linking, a major band of mass ∼93 kDa and a minor band of ∼70 kDa are detected in the purified fraction. DNase I footprinting using purified GHINF yields a protected region of −149/−115 on the rat serine protease inhibitor 2.1 (Spi 2.1) promoter encompassed within the growth hormone response element (GHRE). Mutational analysis demonstrated that GHINF binds synergistically to two γ-interferon-activated sites (GAS) within the GHRE, with the 3′ element being the pivotal binding domain. Functional assays show that both GAS elements are necessary for full GH response. GHINF has no immunoreactivity with either a C-terminal Stat1 antibody or an N-terminal Stat3 antibody, while cross-reacting with a C-terminal Stat5 monoclonal antibody. GHINF will bind to two GAS elements from the Stat5 binding region of the β-casein gene. These studies indicate that GHINF is a Stat5-related factor binding synergistically to two GAS elements to activate Spi 2.1 transcription.
Observations of altitudinal and latitudinal E-region neutral wind gradients near sunset at the magnetic equator

Sounding rocket chemical release measurements of the E-region neutral wind profiles were carried out at the magnetic equator at dusk on two consecutive days in September 1994 when a strong prereversal enhancement of the F-region vertical plasma drift was present. Wind profiles were obtained at the equator and ∼450–480 km further north. The profiles show wind speeds of 80–100 m s−1 in the lower E-region and reversals of the wind direction over vertical scales of 10–15 km. On both days, the wind direction in the lower E region changed consistently between the northern and equatorial releases, with a strong southward wind evident at the northern position and a stronger eastward wind at the equator.
HAADF study of Au-Pt core-shell bimetallic nanoparticles

Bimetallic Pt/Au nanoparticles have been synthesized by the polyol method, stabilized by poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The structure of the particles has been determined using transmission electron microscopy and a HAADF (High Angle Annular Dark Field) technique. Some particles present a core-shell structure, with a contrast not predicted by simple atomic number contrast (≈Z2). Strain fields present in the core-shell interface are thought to be the cause of this contrast, which depends on the orientation of the particle with respect to the electron beam. We propose HAADF as a useful technique to identified core-shell structures in nanoparticle systems.
Effects of SITS on urate transport by isolated, perfused snake renal tubules.

Effects of an inhibitor of membrane anion-exchange transport processes, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene (SITS), on urate transport by isolated, perfused snake (Thamnophis spp.) proximal renal tubules were studied. SITS (10−4 mol/l) in the luminal perfusate had absolutely no effect on net urate secretion (J urate net ) or on net fluid absorption (J v). This observation is compatible with other data that give no support to the concept of a mediated transport step for urate from the cells to the lumen. SITS (10−4 mol/l) in the bathing medium reversibly inhibitedJ urate net without affectingJ v. At the time of maximum inhibition ofJ urate net , the concentration of urate in the cell water was increased and the apparent permeability of the luminal membrane to urate was decreased, but the urate efflux across the peritubular membrane and the apparent permeability of the peritubular membrane to urate were unchanged. There was no evidence of significant intracellular binding or trapping of urate. Although an increase in the initial rate of urate transport into the cells across the peritubular membrane could not be demonstrated conclusively in nonperfused tubules, the results still suggest that SITS in the bathing medium may inhibitJ urate net by inhibiting urate movement from the cells to the lumen while actually enhancing transport from the bathing medium into the cells.
Nuclear Reactions Induced by the Nitrogen Bombardment of Sulfur

Thick targets of ZnS, containing natural sulfur, were bombarded with 28-Mev nitrogen ions in the ORNL 63-in. cyclotron. The compound nucleus resulting from bombardment of sulfur-32 with 28-Mev nitrogen ions is ${\mathrm{V}}^{46}$, with an excitation energy of 33.3 Mev. The following nuclear reactions were studied: (1) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}, p){\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}$; (2) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}, 2p){\mathrm{Sc}}^{44}$; (3) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}, 2p){\mathrm{Sc}}^{44m}$; (4) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}, 2pn){\mathrm{Sc}}^{43}$; (5) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}, 2\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{K}}^{38m}$; and (6) ${\mathrm{S}}^{32}$(${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$,${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$)${\mathrm{S}}^{33}$. The yields as a function of incident energy for these reactions were differentiated to obtain excitation functions. The cross sections for (1), (2 and 3), and (5) are compared with calculations based on the statistical theory of compound nucleus decay. Two values of the level density parameter, $a$, were employed, first considering and then ignoring de-excitation of a nucleus by gamma-ray emission. The value $a=\frac{A}{10.5}$ fits the $p$ and $2p$ emission cross sections when gamma emission is considered. The excitation function for reaction (6) agrees well with the systematics of previously studied nitrogen-induced transfer reactions.
Raft registration across bilayers in a molecularly detailed model

Coupling between the inner and outer leaflets of a bilayer plays an important role in biomembrane function, particularly in inducing and registering rafts across leaflets for various cellular signals. However, mechanisms of raft registration remain elusive and several alternatives have been proposed, ranging from electrostatic coupling to chain interdigitation, cholesterol flip-flop and composition-curvature coupling. A general mechanism has been suggested by recent experiments with mixtures of polymer amphiphiles that exhibit domain registration upon ligand-induced segregation. Here, using coarse grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations that are rooted in atomistics, we show that raft registration arises spontaneously in bilayers with a calcium- or ligand-crosslinked ordered phase segregating from a liquid disordered phase. When rafts are not registered, a thickness mismatch between phases induces a “bump” in the apposing liquid phase leaflet, and it appears that the associated localized curvature change guides rafts together and stabilizes the registered state. The absence of explicit charge in the model and the fact that domain size modulates the strength of transmembrane coupling demonstrate that collective interactions are sufficient for raft registration.
Fetal neurological assessment using noninvasive magnetoencephalography

SQUID Array for Reproductive Assessment is a unique magnetoencephalography device designed for the noninvasive recording of fetal brain activity. In this article, we provide a general overview of the technology and its potential application to fetal medicine. A large number of studies that have been conducted and published describing this device since it was brought into operation are referenced throughout the article.
Neuronal damage, glial response and cerebral metabolism after hypothermic forebrain ischemia in the rat.

We investigated the effect of 30°C whole body hypothermia on neuronal injury, astroglial reactivity and intracellular pH in rats subjected to 15 min of forebrain ischemia. Experimental groups included: (1) normothermic ischemia (n=8), ischemia induced under 37°C body temperature, (2) hypothermic ischemia (n=6), ischemia induced under 30°C body temperature. Cerebral intracellular pH was measured using in vivo 31P NMR spectroscopy over 7 days. Neuronal injury and astrocytic reactivity were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein, respectively. Normothermic animals revealed significant alkalosis (P<0.01) at 48 h after ischemia compared to the pre-ischemic value. No significant intracellular pH change was detected after ischemia in the hypothermic group. Ischemic neuronal injury was prevented in the hypothermic animals, compared to the severe neuronal injury found in the normothermic animals (P<0.01). The marked astrocytosis of normothermic animals was significantly inhibited in the hypothermic animals (P<0.01). Our data indicate, that hypothermia significantly inhibits neuronal injury as well as post-ischemic alkalois and astrocytosis, induced by 15 min of forebrain ischemia in the rat.
On the Local Cone Ẋ(x) of realizable state-velocities ẋ for controlled dynamical systems

The concept of the “cone X(x) of all realizable state-velocity values” x at each x in state-space, is used to characterize important geometric properties of state-trajectories x(t) for controlled dynamical systems. The results are useful in discovering invisible “barriers” in state-space across which controlled state-trajectories cannot pass. The new concept of hyper-controllability is introduced and its usefulness is explored for the case of time-invariant, linear dynamical systems.
Temperature-responsive properties of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) multilayer hydrogels in the presence of Hofmeister anions

We report on the effect of Hofmeister anions on the temperature-induced volume transitions and optical responses of ultrathin hydrogels of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL). The hydrogels were produced by glutaraldehyde-assisted cross-linking of hydrogen-bonded multilayers of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-co-(aminopropyl)methacrylamide) and poly(methacrylic acid). We found that swelling and temperature-induced shrinkage of PVCL hydrogels were suppressed in the order SO42?? >?H2PO4?? >?Cl?, following the Hofmeister series. In contrast, I? increased hydrogel swelling but suppressed thermal response. A layer of glutathione?stabilized gold nanoparticles was introduced within the PVCL hydrogel to initiate an optical response in the presence of anions. We found the signal intensity of (PVCL)81-Au hydrogels and the plasmon band position to be largely controlled by ion type and concentration when the temperature reversibly changed from 20 ?C to 50 ?C. The band consistently shifted to lower wavelengths with an increase in chloride concentration. In contrast, a red shift was observed in the iodide solutions with increasing salt concentration; an exception to this was for the 0.1 M solution which resulted in a blue shift. We believe that our findings provide new prospects for understanding the effect of Hofmeister anions on ultrathin non-ionic polymer networks. In addition, the (PVCL)81-Au hybrid hydrogels afford a clear and fast optical monitoring of hydrogel temperature-triggered response at varied ion concentrations.
Effects of chronic phenylpropanolamine infusion and termination on body weight, food consumption and water consumption in rats

The present study determined the effect of chronic PPA infusion and withdrawal on weight regulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received PPA (0, 90 or 180 mg/kg) via miniosmotic pumps for 2 weeks. Body weight and food and water consumption were measured daily before, during, and for 2 weeks after PPA infusion. Additionally, body weight was measured once 6 weeks after the last day of drug administration. PPA infusion produced dose-dependent reductions in body weight and food consumption throughout drug administration. During the first week of PPA termination, food consumption returned to control levels; however, body weights of drug-treated animals remained below those of controls throughout the 6-week post-drug period. PPA depressed water intake during the first week of drug administration, but tolerance to this effect developed by the second week of administration. These results suggest chronic PPA infusion produces persistent appetite suppression and weight loss and that discontinuation of PPA does not result in hyperphagia or rapid weight gain. These findings may have clinical significance for the many individuals who wish to lose weight but have difficulty reducing intake without pharmacologic assistance.
Superfluid density of4He films adsorbed on slip-cast powder

Abstract The superfluid density of thin4He films adsorbed in slip-cast samples of 500A˚diameter Al2O3 powder has been measured using a torsion oscillator technique. Calibration of the data shows that the superfluid transition is controlled by the universal Kosterlitz-Thouless line, as found in previous third sound studies. There is no abrupt “jump” in the superfluid density at that point, but a smooth transition that is broadened by the finite grain size of the powder. The slip-cast sample is much more homogenous than previous packed powder samples, but near Tc there is still a rounded tail to the superfluid density of about 10–15 mK.
Theoretical properties of Omega-loops in the convective zone of the Sun. 1: Emerging bipolar magnetic regions

It is proposed that the observed 500 G intensity of the magnetic fields emerging through the surface of the Sun can be understood from the Bernoulli effect in the upwelling Omega-loops of magnetic field. It is also proposed that the inferred 10(exp 5) G azimuthal flux bundles below the base of the convective zone can be understood as a consequence of the large-scale buoyancy associated with the upwelling fluid in and around the rising Omega-loop. The process fits in naturally with the Babcock-Leighton form of the solar alpha-omega-dynamo. The emerging Omega-loop implies the coherence of the upwelling all the way from the bottom of the convective zone, enhancing the convective heat transport to account for the observed variation of the solar irradiance by about two parts in 10(exp 3).
Familial essential ('benign') chorea

A family is described with essential non-progressive chorea occurring in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern over four generations. A few families with an apparently similar disorder have been reported previously. This condition is characterized by early childhood onset of chorea which is not progressive and is compatible with a long life. It is not associated with dementia, seizures, rigidity, or ataxia. It is a socially embarrassing condition and may, sometimes, be associated with behavioural problems and learning difficulties. For genetic counselling, it is important to distinguish this disorder from Huntington's disease and other hereditary disorders associated with chorea.
Vibrations of crystallographic defects associated with a single chain in polyethylene

The vibrational behaviour of crystallographic defects associated with a single chain were investigated for a dispiration, disclination, and dislocation in polyethylene. An approximate longitudinal modulus for the defects was determined by using conformational calculations to estimate the energy changes associated with changes in the length of a defect. This modulus, combined with the mass per unit length of the defect, was used to estimate the lowest longitudinal frequency of the defect, which was found to be around 100 cm−1 for all the defects considered. Normal mode vibrational calculations for oligomers containing defects showed that the predicted lowest longitudinal modes could be identified by examination of the displacements associated with modes occurring in the estimated frequency range. It was shown that the defects could be considered as localized oscillators embedded in the crystal and coupled to the vibrational modes of the crystal. The presence of defects provides special mechanisms for coupling light waves and lattice vibrations in the crystal which may affect the Raman spectrum.
The natural life of policy indices: geographical problem areas in the U.S. and U.K.

In spite of many fundamental differences between the health systems in the U.S. and U.K., each has pursued a policy of identifying geographical small-areas believed to have inadequate primary care physicians given local health care needs. The magnitude of the problems in such areas differ in the U.S. and U.K. leading to idiosyncratic policy responses that are dictated by overall health system realities. However, there are several common themes identified in this comparative study: goals for remedial health policy are often unclear, making evaluation difficult; in the absence of conceptual clarity, a consensus-based approach of identifying existing and widely available variables to designate areas has been used to identify geographical problem areas; there are widespread concerns that the present indices used to implement policy are inappropriate, but no alternative index has been adopted. The paper concludes that clarifying goals for remedial health policy is key if the effectiveness of such policy is to be improved. Guidelines for assessing the usefulness of existing and future indices used to designate areas as eligible for resources as a part of this type of small-area remedial policy are developed from this U.S./U.K. comparison.
A randomized framework for discovery of heterogeneous mixtures

Mixture models are the term given to models that consist of a combination of independent functions creating the distribution of points within a set. We present a framework for automatically discovering and evaluating candidate models within unstructured data. Our abstraction of models enables us to seamlessly consider different types of functions as equally possible candidates. Our framework does not require an estimate of the number of underlying models, allows points to be probabilistically classified into multiple models or identified as outliers, and includes a few parameters that an analyst (not typically an expert in statistical methods) may use to adjust the output of the algorithm. We give results from our framework with synthetic data and classic data.
Politicizing Agency Spending Authority: Lessons from a Bush-era Scandal

When can presidents direct bureaucrats to allocate government expenditures for electoral purposes? To address this question, I exploit a scandal concerning the General Services Administration (GSA), an agency that contracts with private vendors to provide supplies and real estate to other agencies. Shortly after Republican losses in 2006, a White House deputy gave a presentation to GSA political appointees identifying potentially vulnerable congressional districts. I find that vendors in prioritized Republican districts experienced unusually large new contract actions from the GSA's Public Buildings Service following the presentation relative to unmentioned districts, a discrepancy that disappeared once the Washington Post broke the story. Contracts supervised by the agency's Federal Acquisition Service, by contrast, were largely unresponsive to the briefing and media scrutiny. My findings suggest that the extent to which executives succeed in politicizing discretionary allocation decisions depends upon key features of the implementing agency's tasks and its informational environment.
Reliability and validity of speech rating scales: Some error effects

Validity and reliability are important criteria in speech rating scale development and use. This investigation explores the effects of certain rater errors, compares a newly devloped scale to a widely used instrument, and suggests the existence of specific factors as crucial elements in evaluation.
Further development of the influence function method for store aerodynamic analysis

An innovative approach has been developed to predict the forces and moments acting on a store during separation from a parent aircraft. This technique, termed the Influence Function Method, was originally restricted to the prediction of store normal forces and pitching moments at supersonic speeds. It has now been shown to be equally valid at subsonic and transonic Mach numbers, for the prediction of loads in both the pitch and yaw plane. Furthermore, the utility of the method can be enhanced by combining it with existing codes that can determine aircraft flowfields.
Demonstration of D-xylose reductase and D-xylitol dehydrogenase in Pachysolen tannophilus

The yeast, Pachysolen tannophilus, can utilize the pentose D-xylose with accumulation of significant quantities of ethanol. Cell extracts of the organism contain NADPH-linked D-xylose reductase (aldose reductase EC 1.1.1.21) and NAD-dependent D-xylitol dehydrogenase (D-xylulose reductase EC 1.1.1.9). D-Xylose was required for induction of both the D-xylitol dehydrogenase and the D-xylose reductase. Neither enzyme was found in glucose grown cell-free extracts.
Variation in displacement along strike of the South Virgin–White Hills detachment fault: Perspective from the northern White Hills, northwestern Arizona

Three major low-angle normal faults in the eastern Lake Mead area, Nevada and Arizona, are parts of a 55-km-long, regional detachment fault that may form the principal breakaway for extensional allochthons at this latitude. This fault, herein named the South Virgin–White Hills detachment, comprises the Lakeside Mine, Salt Spring, and the Cyclopic Mine faults, and it extends from the South Virgin Mountains in southeastern Nevada to the central White Hills in northwestern Arizona. The previously unstudied central segment, the Salt Spring fault, is a 50-m-thick, gently west-dipping cataclastic fault zone that separates Proterozoic crystalline rocks in its footwall from northeast-dipping Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks, including footwall-derived megabreccia, in its hanging wall. The 40 Ar/ 39 Ar and K/Ar dates on volcanic rocks in the upper plate constrain the principal phase of extension to between 15.2 and 14.6 Ma, although lesser extension continued to about 11 Ma. Lower-plate crystalline rocks retrograded from granulite to greenschist facies and regional steep foliations were tilted to low dips as a result of Tertiary extension. All three segments of the regional detachment record top-to-the-west displacement and were active principally during the time interval between 16 and 14 Ma. Displacement on the South Virgin–White Hills detachment decreases from a maximum at the Gold Butte block in the north to a minimum at the Cyclopic Mine in the south. This along-strike, southward decrease in extensional strain along the South Virgin–White Hills detachment is accompanied by a change in fault and footwall rock type from mylonite along the Lakeside Mine fault (northern segment), to chlorite cataclasite along the Salt Spring fault (central segment), to unconsolidated fault breccia along the Cyclopic Mine fault (southern segment). Differences in footwall and fault rocks reflect decreasing exhumation of footwall rocks due to decreased extension from north to south.
Molecular mimicry and Chlamydia trachomatis infection of eukaryotic cells

A new experimental model for microbe-host-cell interaction is proposed in which a molecular mimic of heparan sulfate is used by Chlamydia to attach to the mammalian cell surface. A heparan-sulfate-like ligand, bound to the surface of Chlamydia, mediates infectivity by bridging the microorganism and mammalian cell receptors.
A Model for Improving Economic Performance of a Demanufacturing System for Reduced Product End-of-Life Environmental Impact

Abstract A demanufacturing facility benefits the environment by removing end-of-life products from the disposal waste stream. The facility dismantles end-of-life products and then places salvaged components into inventory for subsequent sale to remanufacturers and other firms. Lack of profitability will cause a demanufacturing facility to abandon its mission, with the environment suffering as a result. A model is presented for a demanufacturing facility that describes the disassembly process activities, the accumulation of component inventories, component sale based on market price behavior, and inventory management costs. The effect of three selling policies on financial performance is investigated. Selling policy is seen to be the dominant factor in determining profitability, with transaction and holding costs also influencing the performance.
VISCOSITY DETERMINATION OF CONCENTRATED SUSPENSIONS USING CAPILLARY DIPOMETRY

A new viscosity–capillary dipometer was designed and used in this investigation. Comparing this piece of equipment with other viscometers, the capillary dipometer is accurate, easy to operate, and much less expensive. The viscosities for calcium hydrogen phosphate and calcium oxalate suspensions are determined using the capillary dipometer. The data shows that this method is suitable for suspensions. This method could also be applied to other liquid dosage forms (i.e., emulsions) to provide quick and accurate results.
10 GHz dual loop opto-electronic oscillator without RF-amplifiers

We report the first demonstration of a 10 GHz dual-fiber-loop Opto-Electronic Oscillator (OEO) without RF-amplifiers. Using a recently developed highly efficient RF-Photonic link with RF-to-RF gain facilitated by a high power laser, highly efficient optical modulator and high power phototectectors, we have built an amplifier-less OEO that eliminates the phase noise produced by the electronic amplifier. The dual-loop approach can provide additional gain and reduce unwanted multi-mode spurs. However, we have observed RF phase noise produced by the high power laser include relative intensity noise (RIN) and noise related to the laser's electronic control system. In addition, stimulated Brillouin scattering limits the fiber loop's length to ~2km at the 40mW laser power needed to provide the RF gain which limits the system's quality factor, Q. We have investigated several different methods for solving these problems. One promising technique is the use of a multi-longitudinal-mode laser to carry the RF signal, maintaining the total optical power but reducing the optical power of each mode to eliminate the Brillouin scattering in a longer fiber thereby reducing the phase noise of the RF signal produced by the OEO. This work shows that improvement in photonic components increases the potential for more RF system applications such as an OEO's with higher performance and new capabilities.
Genetic, environmental, and neighbor effects on the severity of stereotypies and feather picking in Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica): An epidemiological study

Abstract Stereotypies and psychogenic feather picking represent two distinct forms of abnormal behavior in parrots, with implications for welfare and owner relinquishment. While both behaviors are common in captive parrots, relatively little is known about the factors that may predispose a parrot to their development. To assess the effects of potential social, environmental, and genetic factors, we performed an epidemiological study of a colony of 64 Orange-winged Amazon parrots. We first used mixed model methods to assess the narrow heritability, or genetic determination, of stereotypy, which was −0.08 ± 0.14, and feather picking, which was 1.14 ± 0.27. We then focused our study on one room of 27 birds that had always been housed in the same cage location. We examined the effects of neighbor behavior, number of neighbors, sex, family, age, cage row (beside an aisle or beside a wall), and distance from the door, on each behavior. Stereotypy was negatively correlated with the number of neighbors, but was unaffected by any other factor. In contrast, feather picking was affected by family, was more severe in females, and was progressively more severe in birds housed closer to the door when they had a direct line of sight of the door. Feather picking was spatially clustered in the room, but siblings from particular families were also more likely to be housed as neighbors than were non-siblings. Given the strong effect of family on feather picking and the effect of proximity to the door, these factors together explained the spatial clustering of feather picking. In addition, the feather picking of neighbors was uncorrelated. Thus, there was no evidence for social transmission of feather picking. Our results indicate that cages should be located away from potential stressors, and suggest that there is a potential for breeding against feather picking behavior in parrots. Finally, the markedly different genetic and environmental effects on stereotypies versus feather picking emphasizes that these are two distinct classes of Abnormal Repetitive Behavior in parrots.
Defining Severe Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an important clinical and public health problem. Identification and prediction of severe pneumonia are significant concerns. Attempts to define severe pneumonia should recognize that different purposes are served by different definitions; no single definition meets all needs. At present, several prediction models have been proposed or validated. Biomarkers are not yet ready for routine use. The authors recommend careful consideration of the implications of any given definition of pneumonia severity. Outcome studies are needed to integrate human and health care system factors with the application of pneumonia severity definitions.
Respiratory tract infections: Goals for 1995

Goals to be identified for 1995, a decade hence, in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of respiratory tract infections may conveniently be divided into diagnostic goals and goals in therapy and prophylaxis. Major diagnostic goals for bacterial, viral, and mycoplasmal infections of the respiratory tract focus on the development of systems to identify microbial components, such as specific antigens or segments of DNA, using monoclonal antibody techniques or DNA probes for hybridization. Sputum cultures, in the traditional sense, should ultimately become obsolete. Management goals include the development of algorithms to identify patients who should be hospitalized, in contrast to those who can safely be treated on an outpatient basis. New antibiotic drug development should include drugs active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci, broad-spectrum beta-lactam drugs that are orally active against gram-negative bacilli, and drugs that can be used parenterally on a once-daily basis in settings other than the acute care hospital. There are certainly needs to enhance the present spectrum of antiviral drugs and to develop therapeutically useful immunomodulators. There are promising prospects for vaccine development, including live attenuated influenza virus vaccine, parainfluenza virus vaccine, respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, and a Mycoplasma pneumoniae vaccine. With major research support, such vaccines could possibly be fully developed by 1995. Finally, of greatest importance is the need to achieve greater utilization of existing vaccines, that is, inactivated influenza vaccine and the current 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. A legitimate goal for 1995 would be to achieve 70 percent or greater utilization of these vaccines within the recommended target populations.
Measuring software reliability

The component concepts of the term 'reliability' are examined to clarify why its measurement is difficult. Two approaches to measuring the reliability of finished code are described. The first, a developer-based view, focuses on software faults; if the developer has grounds for believing that the system is relatively fault-free, then the system is assumed to be reliable. The second, a user-based view more in keeping with the standard IEEE/ANSI definition, emphasizes the functions of the system and how often they fail. The advantages of the failure-based approach are discussed, and various techniques are described. The issues that require further exploration and definition before reliability measurement becomes a straightforward for software as for hardware are identified. >
Evaluation of the Third Generation Photosensitiser SC102 in Two Animal Models

. SC102, a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-2000) derivative of the second generation photosensitiser temoporfin (Foscan), was evaluated for photodynamic activity utilising two standard animal models: the rabbit, inoculated with the cottontail rabbit papilloma virus (CRPV) and the healthy canine larynx. Optimal drug dose and drug–light interval (DLI) were determined in a series of pharmacokinetic experiments using SC102 administered intravenously at doses of 3 and 30 mg/kg in our standard CRPV rabbit model. Plasma pharmacokinetics in the rabbit showed an elimination half-life of 121±20 h. Peak tumour concentration occurred at 144 h for the 3 mg/kg group and at 240 h for the 30 mg/kg group. The disposition ratio of SC102 between tumour to healthy tissue, at peak tumour levels, was approximately 4 to 1 for both dose levels. Skin tolerance to increasing 652 nm wavelength fluences was excellent. Even in those rabbits given a 30 mg/kg SC102 dose, no significant damage to the skin was observed, even when a fluence of 160 J/cm2 was applied at the optimal drug–light interval of 10 days. Tumour efficacy of SC102 PDT was evaluated in rabbits previously inoculated with CRPV. One time photoactivation of a single 30 mg/kg dose of SC102 at a DLI of 10 days using a fluence of 100 J/cm2 achieved a complete tumour clearance rate of 35%. Two-time photoactivation on days 6 and 10 after single administration of the same dose in a separate group of rabbits, using a fluence of 75 J/cm2 on both occasions, yielded an improved cure rate of 58%. Evaluation of normal tissue tolerance to SC102 PDT was also investigated in the healthy dog larynx model 10 days after an intravenous dose of 30 mg/kg SC102. A fluence of 200 J was determined to be the maximum tolerated dose at which time there was a 4:1 ratio of SC102 between laryngeal mucosa and muscle. The photophysical and pharmacokinetic profiles of SC102 show significant differences from those of Foscan from which it is derived. In these preliminary in vivo experiments we have demonstrated the outstanding tolerance of normal tissues to SC102 PDT using high fluences. We have also shown tumour efficacy with light doses readily achievable in the clinical setting. Disposition of SC102 in the skin is low and photosensitivity risk may disappear within the drug–light interval. Based on these conclusions we believe SC102 PDT may have potential utility as an adjunct to surgical resection of tumours necessitating wide field exposure of normal tissue to activating light.
Targeting chaperones in transformed systems – a focus on Hsp90 and cancer

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 is a protein with important roles in maintaining the functional stability and viability of cells under a transforming pressure. Cancer cells harbour mutated oncogenic proteins or proteins with dysregulated function and the chaperone is required to maintain their folded and functionally active conformation. In addition, by chaperoning key proteins such as Raf-1, Akt, survivin and hTERT, Hsp90 regulates signalling pathways necessary for the growth, survival and limitless replicative potential of most tumours. Important elements of the apoptotic pathways are also regulated by Hsp90. Overall, these characteristics propose Hsp90 as an important target of whose inhibition may aim at a wide-range of oncogenic transformations. Several years into Hsp90 research have shed light into the feasibility, but also the limitations, of such an approach. In this review, the authors present the current understanding on the relevance and possibility of translating Hsp90 inhibitors into therapeuti...
Enhanced Accountability for Electronic Processes

This paper proposes that accountability in electronic processes is enhanced by sharing certified event data between the participants. Enhancing transparency of processes allows those with the contextual information to understand the process and interactions to spot mistakes or fraud that others may miss. Enabling the sharing of this information makes accountability more interactive and allows for both a more intelligent and faster response to problems. This paper describes an evidence store that supports this level of interactivity thereby enabling interactive and intelligent accountability.
Role of the C5b-9 complement complex in cell cycle and apoptosis.

Summary: Assembly of C5b-9 on cell membranes results in transmembrane channels and causes cell death. When the number of C5b-9 molecules is limited, nucleated cells are able to escape cell death by endocytosis and by shedding of membranes bearing C5b-9. Sublytic C5b-9 induces proto-oncogenes, activates the cell cycle, and enhances cell survival. In addition, C5b-9 reverses the differentiated phenotype of post-mitotic cells, such as oligodendrocytes and skeletal muscle cells. The signal transduction pathways responsible for cell cycle activation by C5b-9 include Gi-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). Cell survival enhanced by C5b-9 is mediated by the PI3-K/Akt pathway, which inhibits apoptosis through regulation of BAD. These findings indicate that complement activation and membrane assembly of sublytic C5b-9 play an important role in inflammation by promoting cell proliferation and by rescuing apoptotic cells. This work was supported by NIH grants NS36231 and NS15662 and by multiple sclerosis pilot award PP-696.
Measurement of wavefront distortions resulting from incidence of high-power 2 μm laser light

Wavefront distortions induced in various silica samples by a 2 μm thulium fiber laser were measured. Absorption of silica at 2 μm makes a full characterization of thermal lensing critical for high power applications.
Induction of Circadian Gene Expression in Human Subcutaneous Adipose‐derived Stem Cells

Objective: Genes encoding the circadian transcriptional apparatus exhibit robust oscillatory expression in murine adipose tissues. This study tests the hypothesis that human subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) provide an in vitro model in which to monitor the activity of the core circadian transcriptional apparatus. Research Methods and Procedures: Primary cultures of undifferentiated or adipocyte-differentiated ASCs were treated with dexamethasone, rosiglitazone, or 30% fetal bovine serum. The response of undifferentiated ASCs to dexamethasone was further evaluated in the presence of lithium chloride. Lithium inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3, a key component of the circadian apparatus. Total RNA was harvested at 4-hour intervals over 48 hours and examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Adipocyte-differentiated cells responded more rapidly to treatments than their donor-matched undifferentiated controls; however, the period of the circadian gene oscillation was longer in the adipocyte-differentiated cells. Dexamethasone generated circadian gene expression patterns with mean periods of 25.4 and 26.7 hours in undifferentiated and adipocyte-differentiated ASCs, respectively. Both rosiglitazone and serum shock generated a significantly longer period in adipocyte-differentiated ASCs relative to undifferentiated ASCs. The Bmal1 profile was phase-shifted by ∼8 to 12 hours relative to Per1, Per3, and Cry2, consistent with their expression in vivo. Lithium chloride inhibited adipogenesis and significantly lengthened the period of Per3 and Rev-erbα gene expression profiles by >5 hours in dexamethasone-activated undifferentiated ASCs. Discussion: These results support the initial hypothesis and validate ASCs as an in vitro model for the analysis of circadian biology in human adipose tissue.
A preliminary study of the redox behavior of tungstate and molybdate ions in Na2SO4 at 1203 K

Abstract The redox behavior of W and Mo ions on Pt electrodes in molten Na 2 SO 4 at 1203 K has been studied in an O 2 -SO 2 -SO 3 ambient. W and Mo were added as Na 2 MO 4 (M = W, Mo) to the Na 2 SO 4 melt. Cyclic voltammograms showed two reduction processes for both species within the Na 2 SO 4 stability range. The oxidation sequence for the tungstate ion showed one of the reduction reactions to be irreversible. For molybdate ions there are oxidation reactions corresponding to each of the reduction reactions. The characteristics of the cyclic voltammogram peaks are described.
Preexposure of resting B cells to interferon-γ enhances their proliferative response to subsequent activation signals

In this report we demonstrate that pretreatment of resting splenic B cells with IFN-gamma increases their mitogenic response to subsequent activating stimuli. This effect is completely blocked by neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibodies. By contrast, a similar effect induced by partially purified BCGF is not completely inhibited by anti-IFN-gamma antibody, inferring that as in the mouse, a B-cell-specific factor may also induce increased responsiveness to mitogens in resting B cells. The mechanism of this response was analyzed. Phenotypic and cell cycle analyses of the IFN-gamma-treated cells following activation were not significantly different from control cells with respect to kinetics, although as expected from thymidine uptake, more cells were actively cycling. Even when a very early manifestation of cell activation, Ca2+ flux was examined, no response to IFN-gamma alone was evoked, and the response to subsequent activation was identical to that of control cells. These data show that IFN-gamma did not directly activate B cells, but primed B cells in a manner which amplified subsequent mitogenesis.