cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyzing IT outsourcing relationships as alliances among multiple clients and vendors

As the business environment become more uncertain and competitive, many organizations are seeking ways to gain economic efficiency and share in business and technology risk. Despite wide differences in the reference disciplines applied to outsourcing research, the vast majority of it assumes a one-to-one relationship between the client and the outsourcing vendor. This paper examines the economic, strategic and organizational issues involved in IT outsourcing when more complex arrangements are considered-such as multi-vendor alliances, co-sourcing and complex multi-vendor, multi-client relationships. We identify a taxonomy of four classes of outsourcing relationships (based on how many clients and vendors are involved in the outsourcing relationship), and illustrate each with recent business examples. Grounded in this taxonomy, we develop a theoretical framework that identifies both enabling and constraining forces that may influence client firms in choosing among the four types of outsourcing relationships. This paper provides insights regarding how the variations in the nature of these outsourcing relationships may shape the benefits and risks be achieved from outsourcing, as well as the ongoing complexity of managing outsourcing relationships.
The diminishing cost-effectiveness of the newer glucose-lowering drug classes in the United States: 2010-2018.

Background The difference between the costs of the newer and older glucose-lowering drugs (GLMs) has been steadily increasing since 2010. In 2018, newer drugs cost 8-12 times more than older drugs (except for insulin). This study aimed to understand how the cost change influenced the cost-effectiveness of the newer GLMs. Methods Based on our previous literature review on US-based cost-effectiveness studies comparing newer (i.e., dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA), and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors) with older GLMs, we identified 12 studies that reported the cost-effectiveness of newer drugs based on drug costs estimated before 2010. We updated the corresponding cost-effectiveness of each study by replacing the old cost estimates with 2018 estimates from the 2018 IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Claims Databases. The time window and willingness to pay threshold were consistent with the original studies. Results Only 8% of the original studies suggested that the older drugs were cost-effective. However, 58% of studies were in favor of the older drugs after the cost update. Among the four studies comparing newer drugs with thiazolidinediones, all the original results favored newer drugs. However, all studies suggested thiazolidinedione to be cost-effective in the updated analysis. For the four studies comparing newer drugs with sulfonylureas, two studies suggested the sulfonylureas to be cost-effective after the cost update. All four studies suggested newer drugs to be cost-effective when compared with insulin in the original study. Only 1 flipped its conclusion when 2018 costs were used. Our sensitivity analysis shows that our results are robust under a 30% rebate. Conclusion Significant changes in the cost of GLMs have impacted the economic value of different GLM classes substantially. More cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted to support the drug choice in T2DM management.
The Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Both Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness

Prior research has established a connection between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTS) posits that an individual must possess both a desire and capability for suicide in order to engage in a lethal suicide attempt. The IPTS conceptualizes the role of NSSI in suicidal behavior as contributing to an individual’s acquired capability. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of engagement in NSSI and suicidal desire (thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness). In this study, undergraduate students (n = 999) completed various questionnaires online. Results revealed a significant, positive association between NSSI frequency and thwarted belongingness and a non-significant association between NSSI frequency and perceived burdensomeness. Additionally, results indicated a significant indirect effect of NSSI frequency on burdensomeness and belongingness through depression and borderline personality disorder symptoms. The direct effect of NSSI frequency on belongingness remained significant; however, the direct effect of NSSI frequency on burdensomeness did not. These findings suggest that the relationship between NSSI and suicide is not strictly limited to acquired capability, but rather includes a component of suicidal desire.
Dislike or Distrust? The Dynamics of Non-Cooperation Among Jewish and Arab Israelis

This study examines the dynamics of non-cooperation in the context of an intractable ethnic conflict. Arab Israeli participants interacted with members of their own ethnicity or with Jewish Israeli participants in a mixed-motive decision task. In each case, participants were given a monetary incentive to not cooperate, but if both parties were non-cooperative, the total value of the outcome would be minimized. The experiment also varied the level of risk participants faced in low-risk conditions participants were informed that the other party had already chosen to cooperate, while in high-risk conditions they were told that neither party would know what the other had chosen before making their own decision. In addition, presenting some participants with a group-vs-group decision frame while others with an individual-vs-individual decision frame tested for the impact of making the inter-group nature of the underlying conflict salient. Finally, we tested whether a participant's attitudes regarding empathy, trust, and distrust towards members of the out-group predicted his/her behavior in the various risk and framing conditions. The paper discusses a number of interesting results of the study and suggests implications for conflict resolution and for better understanding existing theories of inter-group conflict.
On the original distribution of the asteroids II. Do stable orbits exists between Jupiter and Saturn

Abstract In our earlier integration of asteroidal-like orbits between Jupiter and Saturn, which extended for 500 Jupiter periods, most of the asteroids had close encounters with Jupiter and Saturn and were removed from the region. However, there were two bands,centered on 1.35 and 1.45 Jovian distances, where the asteroids remained. In our present integrations, which extend nearly 2000 times longer, all the asteroids are removed. Initially, the asteroids have eccentricities of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05; the high eccentricity asteroids are more stable. Asteroids are removed by crossing Saturn's orbit five times more frequently than by crossing Jupiter's orbit.
The Public Sphere and the Norms of Transactional Argument

An outsider to argument theory, should she look through the rich outpouring of our recent work, might be amused to find us theorists not following our own prescriptions. We propound our ideas, but we don't always interact with each other--we don't argue. The essays by William Rehg and Robert Asen make promising start on rectifying this difficulty. I want to discuss them, first, to show how they acknowledge in exemplary fashion a pair of challenges I think we should all be addressing; and next to consider their specific responses.
Gecko-Inspired Nanomaterials

“Gecko-inspired” – or perhaps more aptly named “bioinspired” – adhesives have attracted great interest during recent years that has not been limited to adhesion experts or biologists working in the field, but has also affected the general public. Whilst initially this might relate to the attraction of the gecko as an animal, a more convincing argument is that these adhesives hold great promise for general use. In the near future, they might be used on the desk, in the kitchen, or a robot might even explore other planets using a gecko-inspired adhesive to enable it to climb over rocks and gravel. These admittedly futuristic examples will not serve as the content of this chapter, however; rather, attention will be focused (after having discussed the physical origin of gecko adhesion and how to mimic its abilities) on applications in the life sciences, despite this field being in its very early stages and very few studies having been reported to date. This is also the reason why previous reviews have not focused on potential biomedical applications. Yet, this vibrant field of research continues to progress so rapidly that new reports are made weekly, and current reviews are most likely already out of date. In this chapter, the physical principles behind gecko adhesion will first be established, since a profound knowledge is required to understand the peculiarities of this animal's climbing abilities, and how these may be mimicked by man-made adhesives. The fabrication approaches selected to achieve this will form another major part of the text, and the different techniques used to quantify adhesion, its most common descriptors, and the main conclusions drawn to date will also be discussed. Finally, a brief summary will be provided, and some future perspectives proposed. Keywords: gecko; adhesion; design rules; biomaterials; bioinspiration; contact mechanics; patterned surfaces
Simultaneous optimization method for absorption spectroscopy postprocessing

A simultaneous optimization method is proposed for absorption spectroscopy postprocessing. This method is particularly useful for thermometry measurements based on congested spectra, as commonly encountered in combustion applications of H2O absorption spectroscopy. A comparison test demonstrated that the simultaneous optimization method had greater accuracy, greater precision, and was more user-independent than the common step-wise postprocessing method previously used by the authors. The simultaneous optimization method was also used to process experimental data from an environmental chamber and a constant volume combustion chamber, producing results with errors on the order of only 1%.
SOME CONSEQUENCES OF THE DECOMPOSITION OF ORGANIC MATTER IN LAKE NITINAT, AN ANOXIC FJORD1

Observations in Lake Nitinat, an anoxic fjord on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, indicate that the large accumulations of ammonia, carbonates, phosphates, silicates, and sulfides in the deep water are the result of oxidative and fermentative decomposition of organic matter of planktonic origin, the reduction of sulfate ions, hydrolytic or other non-oxidative release (in the case of silicates), and the solution of carbonates (which also increases the alkalinity). Ammonia, sulfides, and silicates accumulate in the sulfide zone in direct proportion to each other, but some of the phosphate is probably released from the organic matter earlier than the other components, and some of the phosphate may be precipitated onto the bottom. Methane was observed in the anoxic waters, suggesting that some decomposition takes place by anaerobic fermentation. The concentrations of ferrous and sulfide ions are probably controlled by the solubility of ferrous sulfide. The vertical distribution of sulfides can be described by a mathematical model that can be simplified to one dimension because horizontal advective and diffusive terms can be neglected.
Can an Empirical Psychology Be Drawn from Husserl’s Phenomenology?

This chapter will seek to explore some of Husserl’s ideas about consciousness that are helpful to contemporary research. A descriptive phenomenological psychological research method was founded by Amedeo Giorgi (Giorgi, 1985) which is based on Husserl’s philosophical method and which will serve as the framework for the discussion in this chapter. There are numerous publications already in existence that deal with many aspects involved in the method (Giorgi, 1970, 1981,1983, 1992, 1994, 2000), however, this chapter will attempt to cover the manner in which some of Husserl’s concepts are implicitly involved not all of which have received sufficient articulation elsewhere.
A corporate business excellence process

The paper traces the evolution of leadership through quality (the Xerox approach to TQM) and the development of a company-wide self-assessment and business results diagnosis methodology at Xerox. It also shows how quality assessment is linked to the annual operational planning and management process. It describes the structure and management process by which Xerox managers use facts and data to conduct a company wide assessment of TQM practices, and to diagnose and eliminate the root causes of gaps in business performance to produce process-based continuous quality improvement.
The Second Highly-Conserved Threonine Residue of the Potassium Channel Signature Sequence Mediates Activation-Coupled to C-Type Inactivation

In the amino-acid sequence of a K+ channel pore domain are encoded most of the structural elements necessary to 1) catalyze the permeation of K+ ions and 2) execute activation and C-type inactivation gating. In KcsA, a C-type inactivation process similar to that found in eukaryotic channels has been identified [1] and crystallographic evidences indicate that the collapse of the channel selectivity filter (SF) is responsible for it [2]. It was also established that an allosteric communication between the channel activation gate and the SF underlies activation coupled to C-type inactivation in KcsA and other K+ channels [3]. In KcsA, F103 seems to mediate this allosteric communication by interacting with T75 of the same subunit, the second highly conserved Threonine in the SF of K+ channels (TTXGYGD). In order to gain functional and structural insights regarding this allosteric communication, we have mutated KcsA-T75 to a Glycine or an Alanine and evaluated the functional consequences of severing this molecular interaction. The resulting phenotype for these perturbations was a non-inactivating one, albeit having altered conduction properties (smaller single-channel conductance). Additionally, a similar phenotype was observed for the Shaker K+ channel when the equivalent position T442 was mutated to either Gly or Ala, suggesting that a common mechanism underlies activation coupled to C-type inactivation in K+ channels. Finally, the X-ray solution structure for these KcsA mutants trapped in the open state, will be presented and discussed in the context of activation coupled to C-type inactivation in K+ channels.“DGG is supported by FRSQ and CIHR fellowships.”1)Cordero-Morales, J.F., et al. Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2006. 13(4): p. 311-8.2)Cuello, L.G., et al. Nature, 2010. 466(7303): p. 203-8.3)Cuello, L.G., et al.. Nature, 2010. 466(7303): p. 272-5.
Temporal changes in pulsed-field gel electrophoresis banding in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and implications for outbreak investigations.

Background Patients are often screened with surveillance cultures to discern transmissions vs transformation of an isolate to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium . To determine the amount of time between which isolates could be considered genetically similar by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, isolate change over time within single patients was studied. Methods A minimum of 4 isolates per patient, separated by at least 2 months, were collected from previously frozen stores. Visual comparison of banding patterns was conducted, and percent relatedness was calculated. Results Twenty-eight isolates from 6 patients were studied. No isolate differed by more than 3 bands before 150 days, and the average percent difference per band was 3.7%. The isolates diverged genetically as a linear function of number of bands over time (good model fit intrapatient r 2 = 0.42; poor model fit interpatient r 2 = 0.0062). Conclusion Trajectory of genetic variation appears to be isolate/patient specific; however, commonalities exist and tested isolates were relatively stable out to 150 days.
Studies toward the total synthesis of hibarimicinone. Progress on the assembly of the AB- and GH-ring systems

Abstract Studies directed towards the synthesis of the AB- and GH-ring systems of hibarimicinone are described. The synthesis of tetralin 3 was accomplished in three steps (43% overall yield) from benzoquinone and resolved using a Lipase-mediated resolution to >92% ee. Key reactions developed en route to the AB/GH ring systems of hibarimicinone include a dimethyl dioxirane oxidation for stereocontrolled introduction of the C(14) and C(14′) hydroxyl groups and the stereoselective addition of a n -propylcerium dichloride to ketone 13 to give diol 15 .
Fuel spray measurements with an imaging-type spray analyzer

The application of an imaging-type, automated spray analysis system to measurements of fuel sprays requires consideration of a number of significant factors both in its use and in the interpretation of the data. These factors are reviewed and a procedure developed for one such instrument is described. The procedure involves optical scans along the optic axis of the system and an appropriate mathematical inversion scheme for interpretation of the results. The system is nominally capable of yielding the local size distribution function and the total number density at points along the optic axis for droplets from about 10 to 500 microns. No assumptions regarding the form of the size distribution function or the symmetry of the spray are required.
On the geometry of homotopy invariants of links

One of the central problems in higher-dimensional knot theory is the classification of links up to concordance. In 14, Le Dimet constructed a universal model for (disk) link complements, which allowed him to formulate this problem in the framework of surgery theory by applying the Cappell-Shaneson program for studying codimension two embeddings of manifolds 1. The concordance classification was reduced to questions in L -theory (-groups 1) and homotopy theory (of Vogel local spaces 14). While recent results of Cochran and Orr2 (see also 18) provide rich information on the -theoretic part of the problem (in particular, they settle the question of the existence of links not concordant to boundary links), little is known about Le Dimet's homotopy invariant of links; for example, it is not known whether it may ever be non-trivial, or phrasing it more geometrically (according to 19), whether there are links that are not concordant to sublinks of homology boundary links. This motivated us to look at simpler classes of links, for which a more direct geometric approach to the problem is also possible, in an attempt to get some insight on the geometry carried by the homotopy invariants.
Physico-chemical Speciation of Lead in South San Francisco Bay

The speciation of lead at a site in the South San Francisco Bay was determined using a combination of physical size fractionation and electrochemical analyses. The ‘ total dissolvable ’ Pb was 8·1 nM from analysis of an acidified unfiltered sample. The ‘ dissolved ’ Pb was equal to 0·20 nM (41 ng l−1), only 2·5% of the ‘ total dissolvable ’ Pb. The difference yielded the ‘ particulate ’ Pb equal to 7·9 nM (1·6 μg l−1). Results from crossflow ultrafiltration indicated that almost all (0·19 nM) of the dissolved Pb was ‘ in solution ’ [<10K nominal molecular weight (MW)] and that colloidal Pb (10K MW to 0·2 μm)accounted for onlyc. 1% of the dissolved Pb at this station. This small concentration (0·01 nM) of colloidal Pb may be attributed to the low amount of organic carbon associated with colloid size fraction as determined by dissolved organic carbon analyses. The chemical speciation of lead was determined in the dissolved sample and ultrafiltered sub-sample. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) on a thin mercury film (TMF) rotating glassy carbon disk electrode (RGCDE) was used to distinguish the kinetically labile inorganic species (Pb′) from the Pb-chelated by organic ligands (PbLi). Lead titration results were similar for both samples revealing that Pb′, PbLiand excess unbound ligands were present primarily in the ultrafiltrate, rather than in the colloidal phase. The titration data can be interpreted as dissolved Pb being influenced by two classes of Pb-binding ligands. In the dissolved sample, the concentration of the stronger class of ligands was [L1]=0·89±0·35 nM, with a conditional stability constant ofKcondL1,Pb′=3±1×1010M−1. The weaker class was [L2]=12·8±1·9 nM, withKcondL1,Pb′=4±1×108 M−1. The presence of these ligands, in excess of the dissolved Pb, resulted in [Pb′]=7±2 pM and [Pb2+]=0·3 pM (62 pg l−1). While less than 2·4% of the ambient Pb was ‘ in solution ’, it existed chiefly in the form of organic complexes with [PbL1]=0·15 nM and [PbL2]=0·03 nM. More significantly, there were large concentrations of unchelated Pb-binding ligands, (Li′), available to buffer the free Pb2+concentration in the event of perturbations in dissolved Pb.
Interstitial thermoradiotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer.

From 1985 to 1987, 22 head and neck sites in 20 patients with recurrent tumors were treated with interstitial thermoradiotherapy (ITRT). The sites treated were 15 neck (68%), four tongue (18%), two parotid (9%), and one buccal mucosa (4%). Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 21 sites and adenocarcinoma in the other. All patients had prior radiotherapy (RT), including 15 who underwent a combination of RT and surgery. Interstitial RT with iridium 192 (mean dose, 40 Gy) was combined with interstitial microwave hyperthermia (mean thermal dose, 90 units). Complete response (CR) was obtained in 15 (68%) sites and partial response (PR) in seven (32%) sites. There were no local recurrences in the 15 CR patients during a period of observation of up to 30 months. Of the seven PR patients, one had radical neck dissection and is free of tumor after 28 months. Tumor volume was an important factor influencing CR (P < .001), whereas RT and thermal dose were not (P = .3). Of the 20 patients treated, 19 experienced major subjective benefit. Serious complications occurred in two patients: one had localized soft tissue necrosis, the other had aspiration pneumonia. ITRT was well-tolerated by patients despite prior aggressive therapy. High objective response rate and low toxicity demonstrate the value of this treatment combination in the management of patients with postradiation recurrence of head and neck tumors.
A survey of two-way television horse management seminars

Summary Decreasing travel funds and increasing demands on extension specialists' time have limited contact with horse owners at educational conferences at the county level. By using a form of distance education, an attempt was made to educate more clientele while conserving travel funds and extension specialists' time. Two different series of horse management seminars were broadcast over a two-way interactive television network managed by The Microelec- tronic Center of North Carolina. Clients evaluated the acceptability of distance learning technology as a means of delivering training. In 1993, eight two-hour seminars were broadcast to 1,162 horse owners at seven sites. Topics included nutri- tion, exercise physiology, behavior, training, evaluation, health care, body condition scoring, and breeding. Partic- ipants reported on evaluation forms (77% return rate) that distance education was an acceptable form of training (93%) that permitted adequate audience interaction (89%), was appropriate in length (84%) and technical quality (82%), and provided for the use of visuals which were helpful (89%).
Chlorophenol dechlorination and subsequent degradation in denitrifying microcosms fed low concentrations of nitrate

The potential of using nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor to stimulate anaerobic degradation of mixtures of monochlorophenols (MCPs) or dichlorophenols (DCPs) was evaluated. Contaminated and non-contaminated soils were added to water saturated anaerobic microcosms supplemented with 1 mM or 5 mM nitrate. Denitrification and dechlorination activity were present in three diverse soil types and were maintained upon refeeding both nitrate and the appropriate chlorophenol. However, dechlorination activity could only be serially transferred in enrichments with an added electron donor such as acetate. Dehalogenation activity in enrichments from four of the primary microcosms showed at least five different dechlorination reactions, each mediated by different microbial communities. Three of these are distinct ortho-dechlorinating paths; two are meta-dechlorinating and one is the para-dechlorination of 3,4-DCP. Simultaneous dechlorination and denitrification was observed and both activities could be maintained in microcosms but only in the presence of low nitrate concentrations. Dechlorination and denitrification were mediated by two separate microbial communities; one that dechlorinates without use of nitrate and one that denitrifies while oxidizing the dechlorinated aromatic ring. There was no evidence that dechlorination is mediated by the denitrifying community, however the maintenance of a denitrification potential using low (< 1 mM) nitrate concentrations may be useful for completing the food chain by stimulating the mineralization of phenol and benzoate.
Two's complement quantization in orthogonal biquad digital filters

A special class of complex biquad digital filters called orthogonal filters are investigated for stability under two's complement quantization. A sufficient condition is derived for the asymptotic stability of the nonlinear filter. Bounds on the possible limit cycles are also obtained. Using these bounds, any given filter can be tested for stability. The stability triangle is then scanned using a dense grid, and each point on the grid is tested for stability/limit cycles. By this method, the stability region given by the sufficient condition is extended. Regions within the linear stability triangle where various types of limit cycles are possible are also identified.
Mechanical Backup Systems for Electronic Environmental Controllers

A series of mechanical backup systems for electronic environmental controllers is presented for a typical finishing swine barn and a typical tunnel ventilated broiler house. The systems consist of mechanical thermostats and timers used in parallel with the electronic controller, designed to ensure animal survival in the event of controller or related hardware failure. For swine housing, three distinct mechanical backup functions are identified; for broiler housing, four distinct mechanical backup functions are identified. Schematic diagrams of the mechanical backup functions are provided and their implementation is described.
αVβ3 Integrin-Targeted PLGA-PEG Nanoparticles for Enhanced Anti-tumor Efficacy of a Pt(IV) Prodrug

Targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumor neovasculature is potentially a powerful approach for selective cancer treatment. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins involved in cell adhesion and cell signaling, and their expression is commonly upregulated in cancers and inflammatory diseases. The αvβ3 integrin is differentially upregulated on angiogenic endothelial cells as well as on many cancer cells. Here we demonstrate the differential targeting of cisplatin prodrug-encapsulated poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) to the αvβ3 integrin on cancer cells using the cyclic pentapeptide c(RGDfK). Cisplatin is one of the most widely used anticancer drugs, and approaches that can improve its therapeutic index are of broad importance. The RGD-targeted Pt(IV)-encapsulated NPs displayed enhanced cytotoxicity as compared to cisplatin administered in its conventional dosage form in model prostate and breast cancer epithelial cells in vitro. Cytotoxic...
Mid-infrared polarization spectroscopy of carbon dioxide

The use of mid-infrared polarization spectroscopy (PS) for the detection of CO2 has been demonstrated. The P(13) and P(14) resonances of the (0 00 0)→(1 00 1) transition of CO2 were probed using a single-mode optical parametric generator system to produce a high-intensity laser beam at approximately 2.7 μm. The experiments were performed in an atmospheric pressure CO2 jet and also in a sub-atmospheric pressure gas cell. The experimental results were compared with the results of the time-dependent density-matrix equations using direct numerical integration. The Zeeman-state structure of the upper and lower energy levels was included in the multi-state formulation of the density-matrix equations. Fifty-eight Zeeman states and two bath levels were included in the numerical analysis of the P(14) transition. The measured and calculated PS line shapes were in good agreement, and the absolute experimental signal level agreed with the theoretical calculation to within a factor of five.
Declining—but Persistent—Atmospheric Contamination in Central California from the Resuspension of Historic Leaded Gasoline Emissions As Recorded in the Lace Lichen (Ramalina menziesii Taylor) from 1892 to 2006

Analyses of lead concentration and isotopic composition of recent and archived samples of the lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii) chronicle more than a century of atmospheric lead contamination in central California. The contamination extends back to our oldest sample from 1892, when lead levels in lichen from the northern reach of the San Francisco Bay estuary were 9−12 μg/g and their isotopic composition corresponded to those of high lead emissions from the Selby smelter (e.g., 206Pb/207Pb = 1.165) that were killing horses in adjacent fields at that time. By the mid-1950s lead isotopic compositions of lichens shifted to the more radiogenic leaded gasoline emissions (e.g., 206Pb/207Pb = 1.18−1.22). Lead concentrations in the lichen peaked at 880 μg/g in 1976, corresponding with the maximum of leaded gasoline emissions in California in the 1970s. After that, lead concentrations in lichen declined to current levels, ranging from 0.2 to 4.7 μg/g. However, isotopic compositions of contemporary samples still cor...
Nanofibers in thin-film composite membrane support layers: Enabling expanded application of forward and pressure retarded osmosis

Abstract Re-engineering the support layers of membranes for forward and pressure retarded osmosis is critical for making these technologies commercially viable. Real-world applications of forward and pressure retarded osmosis, especially those involving natural and waste waters, will require membranes to withstand significant stresses. Therefore, structural changes to the support layer, which are necessary in minimizing internal concentration polarization, must not compromise its critical abilities to resist mechanical stress and provide a suitable surface for the interfacial polymerization of a robust and selective active layer. Electrospinning can provide nanofibers for support layers to potentially overcome the limitations of traditional membrane fabrication techniques in fulfilling these challenging design criteria. In this work, we present the fabrication and evaluation of thin-film composite membranes composed of electrospun polyethylene terephthalate nanofibers, a phase separation formed microporous polysulfone layer, and a polyamide selective layer formed by interfacial polymerization. These membranes have active and support layer transport properties that are suitable for engineered osmosis, with water permeability of 1.13 L m − 2 h − 1 bar − 1 (3.14 × 10 − 7 m s − 1 bar − 1 ), salt permeability of 0.23 L m − 2 h − 1 (6.4 × 10 − 8 m s − 1 ), and a structural parameter of 651 μm. Relevant and easily reproducible tests for membrane resistance to mechanical stress were performed. The use of electrospun fibers in the support layer enhanced membrane resistance to delamination at high cross-flow velocities because the 340 nm diameter electrospun fibers enmesh with the microporous polysulfone layer. A broader discussion of the most promising approaches for using electrospun materials to improve membranes for engineered osmosis is provided.
Overexpression of -Protein Kinase C Enhances Nerve Growth Factor-induced Phosphorylation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases and Neurite Outgrowth

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation enhances neurite outgrowth in several cell lines and primary neurons. The PKC isozymes that mediate this response are unknown. One clue to their identity has come from studies using PC12 cells treated with ethanol. In these cells, ethanol increases levels of δ-PKC and ∊-PKC and markedly enhances nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases by a PKC-dependent mechanism. Since these findings suggest that δ-PKC or ∊-PKC can promote neural differentiation, we studied neurite outgrowth in stably transfected PC12 cell lines that overexpress these isozymes. Overexpression of ∊-PKC markedly increased NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. This effect was blocked by down-regulating PKC or by treating cells with the PKC inhibitor GF 109203X. In addition, overexpression of ∊-PKC enhanced NGF-induced phosphorylation of MAP kinases. In contrast, overexpression of δ-PKC did not alter responses to NGF. These results demonstrate that ∊-PKC promotes NGF-induced neurite outgrowth by enhancing NGF signal transduction. These findings suggest a role for ∊-PKC in neural differentiation and plasticity.
Line perfect graphs

The concept of line perfection of a graph is defined so that a simple graph is line perfect if and only if its line graph is perfect in the usual sense. Line perfect graphs are characterized as those which contain no odd cycles of size larger than 3. Two well-know theorems of Konig for bipartite graphs are shown to hold also for line perfect graphs; this extension provides a reinterpretation of the content of these theorems.
A method for isolating and analyzing human mRNA from newborn stool

Efforts to characterize the human transcriptome have largely been limited to blood, urine, and tissue analyses (i.e., normally sterile materials). We report here an extraction protocol using commercially available reagents to obtain high-yield, reverse-transcribable RNA from human stool. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions demonstrated minimal intra-specimen but considerable intra-subject variability over time of transcripts for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, epidermal growth factor (EGF), calprotectin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). This technique now expands opportunities to use the human fecal transcriptome to characterize gastrointestinal pathophysiology.
Local defect structure of Sr 3 Co 2 O x ( 5.64 ⩽ x ⩽ 6.60 ): Evolution of crystallographic and magnetic states

We have extended the structural and magnetic phase diagrams of the bilayer Ruddlesden-Popper phase ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ beyond previously reported limits of $x\ensuremath{\approx}6.1$ to $x=6.60$. The room temperature crystal structure for the $x=6.60$ material is orthorhombic with oxygen vacancies located in the apical position that links the two nominally $\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ layers in the perovskite block. An antiferromagnetic ground state is converted to ferromagnetic by moderate magnetic fields and high-temperature magnetic susceptibility data indicate short-range ferromagnetic order. We have also studied the oxygen defect structure of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{Co}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ in the range $5.64\ensuremath{\leqslant}x\ensuremath{\leqslant}5.80$. Oxygen vacancies are present in both the in-plane sites, as well as the linking apical site. Critically, this linking site is displaced significantly along $\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{z}$ from its ideal position, creating a particularly short $\mathrm{Co}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}$ bond. Using a combination of neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data and crystal-chemical considerations, we provide a model of the local Co ion environments. Additionally, low-temperature NPD and magnetization data show that the magnetic ground state of these oxygen-deficient materials is a complex antiferromagnet, with considerable sensitivity to precise oxygen content.
New contributions to transit-time damping in multidimensional systems

The existence of two previously unrecognized contributions to transit-time damping in systems of more than one dimension is demonstrated and discussed. It is shown that these contributions cannot be treated by one-dimensional analyses unless it is assumed that the gradient of the field perpendicular to itself always vanishes. Such an assumption is unjustified in general and the new contributions can dominate damping by fast particles in more general situations. Analytic expressions obtained using a Born approximation are found to be in excellent agreement with numerical test-particle calculations of transit-time damping for a variety of field configurations. These configurations include those of a resonance layer and of a spherical wave packet, which approximates a collapsing wave packet in a strongly turbulent plasma. It is found that the fractional power absorption can be strongly enhanced in non-slablike field configurations.
Regulation of lung surfactant cholesterol metabolism by serum lipoproteins

The isolated perfused rat lung was used as an experimental model in the study of the lipoprotein regulation of surfactant cholesterol metabolism. Addition of low density lipoproteins (LDL) to the perfusion medium at a cholesterol concentration of 0.5 mM had no inhibitory effect on [1-14C]-acetate incorporation into cholesterol of either the surfactant or residual fractions. Increasing the concentration of cholesterol in the medium to 2.5 mM resulted in significant inhibition of incorporation into cholesterol of both fractions. A similar inhibition resulted when lungs were perfused with 2.5 mM cholesterol in the form of high density lipoproteins (HDL). No inhibition of fatty acid synthesis, measured as incorporation into cholesteryl esters, was observed. The rate of uptake by perfused lung of cholesterol from both high and low density lipoproteins was similar. Competitive binding studies with125I-labeled lipoproteins indicated the existence of lung receptors for both classes of lipoprotein. The rate of uptake of the apoprotein moiety of low density lipoproteins was significantly greater than that of high density lipoproteins. These data suggest that lung cholesterol metabolism may be subject to regulation by both low and high density serum lipoproteins.
Subfield History: Caloric Restriction, Slowing Aging, and Extending Life

Caloric restriction has resulted in a consistent robust increase in the maximal length of life in mammalian species. This article reviews significant advances over the long history of research on calorie restriction and longevity.
Alkalophiles have much higher cytochrome contents than conventional bacteria and than their own non-alkalophilic mutant derivatives.

Abstract The membranes of two alkalophilic bacilli contain extraordinarily high cytochrome heme contents, at least 5.5 nmoles/mg membrane protein. Membranes from the non-alkalophilic derivatives of these bacterial strains contain much lower heme concentrations, especially lower b - and c -type cytochromes. The respiratory rates of whole cells of the non-alkalophiles were, nevertheless, equal to or slightly greater than those of the alkalophiles at their respective optimal pHs. Moreover, although alkalophiles expend energy to keep their cytoplasmic pH below the external pH, their growth yields on L-malate are comparable to conventional bacteria. Perhaps, among the special bioenergetic properties of alkalophilic bacteria, there are characteristics of the respiratory chain which facilitate particularly efficient energy transduction.
The Evolution and Reaffirmation of a Library Orientation Program in an Academic Research Library

In 1981, James Rice proposed that there are three levels of library instruction: library orientation, library instruction, and bibliographic instruction. Library orientation provides an introduction for users to the physical library layout and selected resources and services. The more subtle objectives are to reduce user anxiety, motivate subsequent use, and promote the availability of helpful service. In Rice's model, the second level provides a more extensive explanation of specific library materials and the third is the offering of formal courses in bibliography.
In situ synthesized ceramic–polymer composites for bone tissue engineering: bioactivity and degradation studies

As an alternative to current bone grafting strategies, a poly-lactide-co-glycolide/calcium phosphate composite microsphere-based scaffold has been synthesized by the direct formation of calcium phosphate within forming microspheres. It was hypothesized that the synthesis of low crystalline calcium phosphate within forming microspheres would provide a site-specific delivery of calcium ions to enhance calcium phosphate reprecipitation onto the scaffold. Both polymeric and composite scaffolds were incubated in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 8 weeks, during which time polymer molecular weight, scaffold mass, calcium ion concentration of SBF, pH of SBF, and calcium phosphate reprecipitation was monitored. Results showed a 20% decrease in polymeric scaffold molecular weight compared to 11–14% decrease for composite scaffolds over 8 weeks. Composite scaffold mass and SBF pH decreased for the first 2 weeks but began increasing after 2 weeks and continued to do so up to 8 weeks, suggesting interplay between pH changes and calcium phosphate dissolution/reprecipitation. Free calcium ion concentration of SBF containing composite scaffolds increased 20–40% over control values within 4 h of incubation but then dropped as low as 40% below control values, suggesting an initial burst release of calcium ions followed by a reprecipitation onto the scaffold surface. Scanning electron micrographs confirm calcium phosphate reprecipitation on the scaffold surface after only 3 days of incubation. Results suggest the composite scaffold is capable of initiating calcium phosphate reprecipitation which may aid in bone/implant integration.
AMMONIA EXCRETION OF LINGULA.

Abstract 1. 1. The brachiopod Lingula reevi was compared with the mussel Modiolus demissus with respect to excretion of ammonia, amino acids and urea. 2. 2. Both animals excreted about 3 μmoles of ammonia/g tissue per 24 hr, smaller amounts of amino acids amd no urea. 3. 3. Lingula released into the water about 0·2 μmole total amino acid/g tissue per day; Modiolus released five times as much. 4. 4. The rate of ammonia excretion by Lingula diminished with the lenght of time that the animals were held in a small vol. of seawater.
The impact of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) on the value of S&L stocks

This study examines the effects of the Financial Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 on the stock returns to shareholders of publicly traded savings and loans (S&Ls). Abnormal returns to stockholders are measured in response to each new piece of information concerning the passage of the Act. Using weekly data to have the largest possible sample, we found two significant time periods: a) the initial announcement of the Act and b) the time of passage and signing of the Act into law. We also provide evidence that stock return behavior differed between large and small S&Ls.
An Ultrafine Aerosol Condensation Nucleus Counter

The development of a condensation nucleus counter (CNC) for detecting ultrafine aerosol (UFA) particles (particle diameter ≤20 nm) is described here. This instrument is designed specifically for high-efficiency detection and counting of ultrafine particles. It is a modified version of the TSI model 3020 continuous flow, single-particle-counting condensation nucleus counter with sequential saturator and condenser. Design modifications incorporating aerosol sheathing techniques have minimized inlet sampling losses and optimized nucleus detection efficiency. Overall counting efficiency for the UFACNC is theoretically predicted including inlet sampling, nucleus activation, and droplet detection efficiencies. The theory was experimentally verified for low concentration, mono-disperse NaCl aerosols in the 2 to 15 nm particle diameter range. The UFACNC has a counting efficiency of > 70% for particles down to 3.5 nm in diameter. Below this size counting efficiency drops sharply to zero at about 2.6 nm with 50% ef...
The Vision of Robert Flaherty, The Artist as Myth and Filmmaker

The Vision of Robert Flaherty, The Artist as Myth and Filmmaker Richard Barsam. Indiana University Press. Bloomington and Indianapolis 1988.
Use of non-opioid analgesics as adjuvants to opioid analgesia for cancer pain management in an inpatient palliative unit: does this improve pain control and reduce opioid requirements?

Background Cancer pain is complex, and despite the introduction of the WHO cancer pain ladder, few studies have looked at the prevalence of adjuvant medication use in an inpatient palliative medicine unit. In this study, we evaluate the use of adjuvant pain medications in patients admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit and whether their use affects pain scores or opiate dosing.
Utilization of the Crayfish Orconectes limosus as Forage by White Perch (Morone americana) in a Maine Lake

Abstract White perch (Morone americana) under 201 mm long from a lake containing the crayfish Orconectes limosus ate mostly insects. Perch from 201 to 280 mm long fed upon insects, fish, and crayfish. White perch over 280 mm fed mainly upon crayfish. Young-of-the-year O. limosus were rarely utilized as forage by white perch. White perch under 201 mm long from a lake not having crayfish fed mostly upon insects but also ate fish. Perch over 200 mm long were almost exclusively piscivorous, the main forage fish being the rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax).
Circadian variation on the regulation of hepatic pyruvate kinase activity and the effects of epidermal growth factor in fed and fasted mice

Abstract The activity of hepatic pyruvate kinase, from mice synchronized to either a standard light‐dark cycle (LD12:12) or a reversed cycle (DL12:12) and killed at six different times of day, was measured at subsaturating (v) and saturating (V) levels of its substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate. Mice were either fed or fasted for longer than 30 hours and injected two hours into the light (LD mice) or dark (DL mice) with either saline or epidermal growth factor (EGF). In fed mice injected with saline in either the light or the dark, both v and V reached maximum values (540 or 486 and 1295 or 1197 U/L, respectively) during the dark span. In each of these cases, activities were found to have significant differences across the times of day at which tissues were taken (P < 0.01, by ANOVA). When EGF was administered two hours into the light to fed animals, no change in either v or V was noted after 6 hours. After 10 hours, v (153%) and V (80%) were increased, and after 14 hours v (41%) and V (25%) were significantly...