cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Antecedents and Consequences of E-Purchasing Tools Usage in Supply Management

This study develops an integrated model of the antecedents and consequences of e-purchasing tools (EPTs) adoption in supply management. Based on the technology adoption model, it explores how Internet skill and Internet convenience, as well as supplier support, are associated with the implementation of EPTs. Leveraging the business-to-business relationship literature, we examine the potential associations between EPTs usage and yet untested, managerially relevant variables of supplier cooperation, internal service performance, and purchasing performance. Results indicate that EPT implementation is associated with the purchasing function's internal service performance and supplier cooperation. Moreover, the results suggest that suppliers' support, in tandem with users' perceptions of convenience, is correlated with successful adoption.
Particle simulation of biological sorting on a supercomputer

Abstract Cell sorting, or self reorganization, is modelled by means of particles which obey classical molecular dynamical equations. A system of N second order, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations results when the number of particles is N . Applications and examples are described and discussed, with N > 1000, for both double layer and triple layer self reorganization.
Relation of vitamin E and serum lipids.

Abstract Hyperlipemia of diverse etiology is well correlated with elevation of serum vitamin E level. When the various serum lipid fractions were measured, total lipid (r = 0.85) and β-lipoprotein (r = 0.81) gave the best correlations with the vitamin E level. Correlation of serum carotene with the various lipid classes gave lower values. A patient with fat-induced hyperlipemia had enormous elevations of serum vitamin E (up to 27.8 mg/100 ml); almost all of it was found in the chylomicron fraction. This patient provides evidence for Pelkonen's hypothesis: namely, vitamin E is first absorbed in the chylomicron fraction and is later transferred to the (3-lipoprotein fraction, where it is almost exclusively found in normal sera in the post-absorptive state.
Induction of Multidrug Resistance Proteins MRP1 and MRP3 and γ-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase Gene Expression by Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been demonstrated to suppress colorectal tumorigenesis. NSAIDs have also been used to treat inflammatory illnesses. However, the underlying mechanisms of action by NSAIDs have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we reported that among the six members of the multidrug resistance protein gene (MRP1 to MRP6) family which encode membrane transporters for a diverse group of antitumor agents, expression of MRP1 and MRP3 but not the others in human colorectal cancer cell lines was induced by sulindac. This induction profile is consistent with the results using prooxidants which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generate oxidative stress as previously reported. Moreover, treatment of colorectal cancer cells with sulindac induced ROS. Suppression of ROS formation by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) downregulated the induction of MRP1 and MRP3 expression. Expression of another oxidative stress-sensitive gene, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy subunit gene (gamma-GCSh), which encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis, was also induced by sulindac. However, the suppression of sulindac-induced gamma-GCSh expression by NAC was less sensitive compared with that of MRP1 and MRP3. We also demonstrated that induction of MRP3 and gamma-GCSh was independent of intracellular COX-2 levels. These results, collectively, suggest a ROS-related, COX-2-independent mechanism for the induction of drug resistance gene expression that bears important implications to the roles of NSAIDs in colorectal carcinogenesis and inflammatory response.
History from accounting's margins: international research on race and gender

Historical research in accounting has recently expanded to include studies of race, gender, and class and their impact on accounting. Building on Lehman's gender research (1992), recent work includes studies of the exclusion of Spanish women, African Americans, Maori women, and black South Africans from the practice of public accountancy and the marginalisation and deskilling of working-class accounting positions in the UK. Analyses have been conducted examining the role of the British profession in forestalling indigenisation in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Kenya. This research on the accounting profession, in turn, has led to research on the impact of accounting practices on oppressed groups. While this widening of research areas is a welcome change, this article calls for more explicitly political motivations for historical accounting research and an ever-present focus on how this research can help ameliorate current oppressive conditions in which accounting plays a role.
Quantitative effect of cortisone upon ketosteroid excretion and clinical picture of the adrenogenital syndrome.

THE therapeutic approach to the management of adrenal cortical hyperplasia has encompassed a great many different concepts, dependent upon either the medical or surgical inclination of the therapist. Patients with Cushing's syndrome were first treated with different endocrine preparations in an attempt to ameliorate the syndrome physiologically by hormonal therapy antagonistic to the active principles elaborated from the hyperactive adrenal cortex (1–5). Subsequently, however, it was found that many cases of Cushing's syndrome could very effectively be treated surgically by the removal of part of each adrenal gland (6–9). On the other hand, in the adrenogenital syndrome or so-called masculinizing syndrome, the approach first was primarily surgical and only recently has the disease been treated medically with any degree of success through the use of hormonal therapy. The endocrine approach to therapy in the adrenogenital syndrome has been based upon the findings of Wilkins and his coworkers, who demonstrat...
Lysophospholipid acyltransferases: 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases. from discovery to disease

Purpose of reviewOver the past several years, many more isoforms for the same enzymes, specifically for 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases (AGPATs), have been cloned and studied. In this review, we summarize their biochemical features and discuss their functional role.Recent findingsThe m
Isolation and properties of the plasma membrane of KB cells.

Plasma membranes from KB cells were isolated by the method of latex bead ingestion and were compared with those obtained by the ZnCl 2 method. Optimal conditions for bead uptake and the isolation procedure employing discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation are described. All steps of preparative procedure were monitored by electron microscopy and specific enzyme activities. The plasma membrane fraction obtained by both methods is characterized by the presence of the Na + + K + -activated ATPase and 59-nucleotidase, and contains NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome b 5 . The latter two enzymes are also present in lower concentrations in the microsomal fraction. Unlike microsomes which are devoid of the Na + + K + -activated ATPase and which contain only traces of 59-nucleotidase activity, the plasma membrane fraction contains only trace amounts of the rotenone-insensitive NADH-cytochrome c reductase but no cytochrome P-450, both of which are mainly microsomal components. Morphologically the plasma membrane fraction isolated by the latex bead method is composed of vesicles of 0.1–0.3 µm in diameter. On the basis of the biochemical and morphological criteria presented, it is concluded that the plasma membrane fraction isolated by the above methods are of high degree of purity.
RENAL DISPOSITION OF CONJUGATED BILIRUBIN IN AGLOMERULAR FISH.

IT is generally agreed that bilirubin excreted in urine is of the direct-reacting type (mostly conjugated with glucuronide)1. The mechanism, however, governing the renal elimination of the bile pigment is not clear, and, specifically, the relative roles of glomeruli and tubules are in question2–4.
Measurement and characterization of whole-cell mechanical behavior.

An understanding of whole-cell mechanical behavior can provide insight into cellular responses to mechanical loading and diseases in which such responses are altered. However, this aspect of cellular mechanical behavior has received limited attention. In this study, we used the atomic force microscope (AFM) in conjunction with several mechanical characterization methods (Hertz contact theory, an exponential equation, and a parallel-spring recruitment model) to establish a mechanically rigorous method for measuring and characterizing whole-cell mechanical behavior in the deformation range 0–500 nm. Using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, measurement repeatability was assessed by performing multiple loading cycles on individual cells. Despite variability in measurements, repeatability of the measurement technique was statistically confirmed. The measurement technique also proved acceptable since only 5% of the total variance across all measurements was due to variations within measurements for a single cell. The parallel-spring recruitment model, a single-parameter model, accurately described the measured nonlinear force–deformation response (R 2 > 0.99) while providing a mechanistic explanation of whole-cell mechanical behavior. Taken together, the results should improve the capabilities of the AFM to probe whole-cell mechanical behavior. In addition, the success of the parallel-spring recruitment model provides insight into the micromechanical basis of whole-cell behavior.
Introduction: toward understanding e‐business transformation

Purpose – To introduce the special issue on organizational transformation and e‐business implementation.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a brief review of the papers within the issue.Findings – The organization transformation brought on by the internet and the adoption of e‐business approaches are fertile ground for continuing work. Virtually, all aspects of the structure and process within the organization are affected.Originality/value – Provides a summary of the perspectives considered within the issue.
Generic structural mechanics aspects of fusion magnet systems

Structural mechanics requirements for future large superconducting fusion magnets are assessed. Current structural analysis methods and standards do not yet appear sufficient for a complete evaluation of such systems, under all potential operating and accident conditions. Recommendations are made for development of needed structural methods and specialized standards for fusion magnets. These include, among others, better composite structural methods with various failure criteria for metallic, as well as non-metallic materials, coupled thermal-electrical—structural codes, incorporating winding and fabrication effects, and use of probablistic methods for life prediction. In order to help meet program goals for fusion commericialization, it is recommended that such work be initiated relatively soon.
Effects of rigid and soft contact lens daily wear on corneal epithelium, tear lactate dehydrogenase, and bacterial binding to exfoliated epithelial cells

Abstract Objective To determine the effects of lens type and oxygen transmissibility on human corneal epithelium during daily lens wear (DW). Design Prospective, randomized, double-masked, single-center, parallel treatment groups clinical trial. Participants Two hundred forty-six patients fitted with: (1) high oxygen-transmissible soft lenses (n = 36), (2) hyper oxygen-transmissible soft lenses (n = 135), and (3) hyper oxygen-transmissible rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses (n = 75). Intervention Irrigation chamber to collect exfoliated epithelial surface cells, confocal microscopy, and tear collection at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of DW. Main outcome measures (1) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) binding to exfoliated corneal epithelial surface cells, (2) central epithelial thickness, (3) superficial epithelial cell area, (4) epithelial surface cell exfoliation, and (5) tear lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results Four weeks of DW with the high oxygen-transmissible soft lens significantly increased PA binding from baseline 6.55 ± 3.01 to 8.75 ± 3.05 bacteria per epithelial cell ( P P P = 0.533). No significant change in central epithelial thickness was found after 4 weeks of DW in either soft lens; however, the epithelial thickness decreased by 9.8% ( P P P P Conclusions Increased PA binding induced by wear of a conventional soft lens material is significantly greater than that induced by the new hyper oxygen-transmissible soft silicone hydrogel lens during DW. However, both soft materials showed significant increases in PA binding as compared with baseline controls. By contrast, hyper oxygen-transmissible RGP lens DW did not increase PA binding significantly. Taken together, these findings suggest for the first time both an oxygen effect as well as a difference between soft and rigid lens types on PA binding in DW.
Identification of novel peptide antagonists for GPIIb/IIIa from a conformationally constrained phage peptide library.

Methods have recently been developed to present vast libraries of random peptides on the surface of filamentous phage. To introduce a degree of conformational constraint into random peptides, a library of hexapeptides flanked by cysteine residues (capable of forming cyclic disulfides) was constructed. This library was screened using the platelet glycoprotein, IIb/IIIa, which mediates the aggregation of platelets through binding of fibrinogen. A variety of peptides containing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp or Lys-Gly-Asp were discovered and synthesized. The cyclic, disulfide bonded forms of the peptides bound IIb/IIIa with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range, while reduced forms or an analogue in which Ser replaced the Cys residues bound considerably less tightly. These results demonstrate the feasibility for introducing conformational constraints into random peptide libraries and also demonstrates the potential for using phage peptide libraries to discover pharmacologically active lead compounds. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
External noise and its interaction with spatial degrees of freedom in nonlinear dissipative systems

A brief introduction to the field is given together with an overview of the lectures given at the workshop on External Noise and its Interaction with Spatial Degrees of Freedom in Nonlinear Dissipative Systems organized by the Center for Nonlinear Studies at Los Alamos, March 28–31, 1988. It is hoped that the publication of papers presented at the workshop in a single issue of theJournal of Statistical Physics will help draw attention to the recent developments in this rapidly area of nonequilibrium phenomena.
Heterogeneity in Neutralization Sensitivities of Viruses Comprising the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVsmE660 Isolate and Vaccine Challenge Stock

The sooty mangabey-derived simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain E660 (SIVsmE660) is a genetically heterogeneous, pathogenic isolate that is commonly used as a vaccine challenge strain in the nonhuman primate (NHP) model of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Though it is often employed to assess antibody-based vaccine strategies, its sensitivity to antibody-mediated neutralization has not been well characterized. Here, we utilize single-genome sequencing and infectivity assays to analyze the neutralization sensitivity of the uncloned SIVsmE660 isolate, individual viruses comprising the isolate, and transmitted/founder (T/F) viruses arising from low-dose mucosal inoculation of macaques with the isolate. We found that the SIVsmE660 isolate overall was highly sensitive to neutralization by SIV-infected macaque plasma samples (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 1,000-fold) to antibody neutralization and another fraction (~20%) that was intermediate in neutralization resistance. These findings may explain the variable natural history and variable protection afforded by heterologous Env-based vaccines in rhesus macaques challenged by high-dose versus low-dose SIVsmE660 inoculation regimens.
Strategies for shotgun identification of integral membrane proteins by tandem mass spectrometry

Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) are difficult to identify, mainly for two reasons: the hydrophobicity of IMPs and their low abundance. Sample preparation is a key component in the large-scale identification of IMPs. In this review, we survey strategies for shotgun identification of IMPs by MS/MS. We will discuss enrichment, solubilization, separation, and digestion of IMPs, and data analysis for membrane proteomics.
Cloning and delimiting one chloroplast DNA replicative origin of Chlamydomonas

Abstract The EcoR1 restriction fragments containing D-loops which marked the replication origin of chloroplast DNA were identified in two different species of Chlamydomonas. Each fragment was cloned in the E. coli plasmid pBR325. The cloned fragments were compared by restriction endonuclease analyses and by heteroduplex analyses in the electron microscope. The relative position of the D-loop regions and the homologous regions between the 2 fragments was determined. The D-loops were located within one short homologous region of 0. 42kb in length between the 2 cloned restriction fragments. The homologous region was subcloned in pBR322. Closed circular plasmid DNAs containing the short homologous region showed preferred denaturation in the D-loop region under physiological salt concentration which suggested that D-loop region was AT rich. Sequence divergence was detected at both ends of the D-loop region. Southern blot analyses indicated the presence of species-specific repetitive sequences within the divergent regions.
Efficient screening method for determining base/neutral and acidic semi-volatile organic priority pollutants in sediments

Abstract An efficient screening method capable of recovering base/neutral and acidic organic priority pollutants from sediment samples has been developed and applied to field samples. The procedure involves solvent extraction with sonication, solid-phase extract clean-up, and quantitative analysis by gas chromatography-ion-trap mass spectrometry. The method was applied to over 300 samples of both freshwater and marine sediments. Quality control data indicate that the accuracy and precision of the method are comparable to those of other techniques reported in the literature, including US Environmental Protection Agency methods for waste samples. The spatial variation of organic pollutants in adjacently collected sediments was found to be greater than anticipated and does not appear to be a result of analytical imprecision.
The Reflection and Transmission of Infrared Materials: III, Spectra from 2 μ to 50 μ

Reflection and transmission spectra of CaCO3, BaF2, NaF, KCl, TiO2, Ruby, Al2O3, TlCl, KRS6, TlBr, Irtran 4, Irtran 5, T–12, CuCl, and CdSe are presented from 2 μ to 50 μ.
S-100 protein and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase in human brain tumors.

Biopsy specimens from 23 human brain tumors have been analyzed for the nervous system specific protein S-100 and the membrane-associated enzyme 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase (CpNase). Biopsy specimens from an additional seven brain tumors were tested for either S-100 or CpNase alone.
Impact of adsorbed alkali ions on photoelectrochemical hydrogen production by titania nanotubes

While titania nanotubes are expected to have important applications in the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen, it is found that surface-adsorbed ions on the nanotube surface, specifically alkali ions, have a significant impact on the photoelectrochemical water-splitting characteristics. Such surface-adsorbed alkali ions are invariably a result of the electrochemical fabrication process which uses an alkali-based electrolyte for the production of vertically aligned array of titania nanotubes. The presence of surface-adsorbed ions is revealed in synchrotron-based near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) studies. Photoelectrochemical behavior of such surface-adsorbed titania nanotubes is found to be significantly altered when compared with pure titania nanotubes which may be explained in terms of a simple phenomenological model predicting modifications to the energy band structure of titania as a result of surface adsorption.
Natural attenuation/phytoremediation in the vadose zone of a former industrial sludge basin.

The natural attenuation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the vadose zone of a naturally revegetated former industrial sludge basin (0.45 ha) was examined. This was accomplished by comparing the concentration of 16 PAH contaminants present in sludge collected below the root zone of plants with contaminants present at 3 shallower depths within the root zone. Chemical analysis of 240 samples from 60 cores showed the average concentration of total and individual PAHs in the 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm, and bottom of the root zone strata were approximately 10, 20, and 50%, respectively, of the 16, 800 ppm average total PAH concentration in deep non-rooted sludge. Statistically significant differences in average PAH concentrations were observed between each strata studied and the non-rooted sludge except for the concentrations of acenaphthene and chrysene present at the bottom of the root zone in comparison to sludge values. The rooting depth of the vegetation growing in the basin was dependent on both vegetation type and plant age. Average rooting depths for trees, forbs (herbaceous non-grasses), and grasses were 90, 60, and 50 cm, respectively. The deepest root systems observed (100–120 cm) were associated with the oldest (12–14 year-old) mulberry trees. Examination of root systems and PAH concentrations at numerous locations and depths within the basin indicated that plant roots and their microbially active rhizospheres fostered PAH disappearance; including water insoluble, low volatility compounds, i.e. benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene. The reduced concentration of PAHs in the upper strata of this revegetated former sludge basin indicated that natural attenuation had occurred. This observation supports the concept that through appropriate planting and management practices (phytoremediation) it will be possible to accelerate, maximize, and sustain natural processes, whereby even the most recalcitrant PAH contaminants (i.e. benzo(a)pyrene) can be remediated over time.
Evaluating Dependence Criteria for Caffeine

Abstract Background: Although caffeine is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world, few studies have operationalized and characterized Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) substance dependence criteria applied to caffeine. Methods: As a part of a nosological study of substance use disorders funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, we assessed caffeine use and dependence symptoms among high school and college students, drug treatment patients, and pain clinic patients who reported caffeine use in the last 7 days and also reported use of alcohol, nicotine, or illicit drugs within the past year (n=167). Results: Thirty-five percent met the criteria for dependence when all seven of the adopted DSM dependence criteria were used. Rates of endorsement of several of the most applicable diagnostic criteria were as follows: 26% withdrawal, 23% desire to cut down or control use, and 44% continued use despite harm. In addition, 34% endorsed craving, 26% said they needed caffeine to functio...
Design and status of the Spectroscopic Survey Telescope

The Spectroscopic Survey Telescope is being constructed by a consortium of universities at McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of Texas. Principal partners are the University of Texas at Austin and the Pennsylvania State University. Also participating are Stanford University and the University of Munich and University of Gottingen in Germany. We describe the specific design attributes which enable the SST to be constructed for a fraction of the cost of astronomical telescopes of comparable size. Such unique features as identical spherical mirror segments, selective figuring for constant mirror mount deformation, air bearing azimuth rotation system, and pre-fabricated architectural type domes are employed. Emphasis is on simplification of design, reduction of part count and mass, and utilization of lessons learned from other recent large telescope projects.
Development of flow cleavage in the martinsburg shale, Port Jervis South area (Northern New Jersey)

Abstract In the Ordovician Martinsburg Shale in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, “nonmetamorphic” flow (slaty) cleavage has formed as a result of burial and compression of a water-bearing pelite (Maxwell, 1962). Macro and micro fabric evidence in the Port Jervis South area in northern New Jersey indicates that the formation of a progressively better developed flow cleavage across the regional strike of the Martinsburg is evidently related to increasing overburden, and therefore probable higher water pressures, in the original sequence.
Medical abortion in early pregnancy: a review of the evidence.

Objective: To review the literature on medical abortion in early pregnancy. Data Sources: I performed a MEDLINE search, supplemented by bibliographies of articles and textbooks. In addition, investigators in the field were consulted to identify other sources. The review was limited to reports in English or French concerning antiprogestins or methotrexate used either alone or in combination with a prostaglandin. Methods of Study Selection: Only those mifepristone studies with 100 or more participants were included. Those participants who received the prostaglandin sulprostone were excluded because this drug is no longer used with mifepristone. Methotrexate studies of any size were included. All reports were categorized by study type, and the evidence was evaluated using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force rating system. Tabulation, Integration, and Results: Both mifepristone and methotrexate, when used with a prostaglandin, can induce abortion safely in early pregnancy. Class I evidence supports a class A (good) recommendation that oral, single mifepristone doses of 200 mg and 600 mg have similar efficacy when used with a prostaglandin. Sequential and single-dose regimens have comparable efficacy. Vaginal misoprostol at 800 μg as an augmenting agent appears superior to the same dose given orally. With methotrexate abortion, 800 μg of misoprostol given vaginally 7 days after methotrexate is superior to the same dose given 3 days after. In addition, methotrexate in combination with misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Conclusion: Medical abortion with mifepristone or methotrexate in combination with a prostaglandin is safe and effective. However, the risk of hemorrhage and gastrointestinal side effects is greater with medical abortion than with suction curettage. Further research should be done to compare mifepristone and methotrexate abortions, to determine the upper gestational age limit, and to find the best way to provide this service in the U.S. health care system.
Markov model projection of remission status for early versus delayed step-up adalimumab use in moderate to severe crohn's disease

Introduction No randomised clinical trials have compared early treatment with anti-TNF agents and conventional delayed step-up treatment for patients with moderate to severe Crohn9s disease (CD). The goal of this study was to project remission rates in patients with moderate to severe CD with early versus delayed step-up use of adalimumab (ADA) using a Markov model. Methods The Markov model considered 4 states: remission, no remission but response, no remission and no response, and discontinuation. Each treatment cycle was 4 weeks. In the early treatment arm, patients with shorter disease duration (onset ≤2 years) would start ADA without prior use of immunomodulators (IMMs). In the step-up treatment arm, patients with longer disease duration (onset >2 years) would be treated with IMMs before switching to ADA owing to lack of response for 2 consecutive months. Transitional probabilities for patients on ADA were estimated using a multinomial logistic model using data from the CHARM trial,1 specifically the treatment arm of ADA 40 mg every other week. Transitional probabilities for patients on IMM treatment in the step-up treatment arm were derived from literature.2 One-year remission rates with early and step-up use of ADA were projected with the estimated transitional probabilities. Results The multinomial logistic model estimated that patients in the early ADA treatment arm had a higher probability of transitioning from moderate/severe disease to remission during the induction cycle (weeks 0–4) than did patients in the step-up arm (54.8% vs 30.4%, p=0.0106). After achieving remission, early use patients had a higher probability of staying in remission than did step-up patients (91.5% vs 78.2%, p Conclusion Early initiation with ADA was projected in a 1-year Markov model to result in higher remission rates and longer time in remission than delayed step-up therapy.
Food Habits and Spawning of the Spotted Bass in Tchefuncte River, Southeastern Louisiana

(1970). Food Habits and Spawning of the Spotted Bass in Tchefuncte River, Southeastern Louisiana. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 162-167.
A medical digital library to support scenario and user-tailored information retrieval

Current large-scale information sources are designed to support general queries and lack the ability to support scenario-specific information navigation, gathering and presentation. As a result, users are often unable to obtain desired specific information within a well-defined subject area. Today's information systems do not provide efficient content navigation, incremental appropriate matching or content correlation. We are developing the following innovative technologies to remedy these problems: (1) scenario-based proxies, enabling the gathering and filtering of information customized for users within a pre-defined domain; (2) context-sensitive navigation and matching, providing approximate matching and similarity links when an exact match to a user's request is unavailable; (3) content correlation of documents, creating semantic links between documents and information sources; and (4) user models for customizing the retrieved information and the presentation of results. A digital medical library is currently being constructed using these technologies to provide customized information for the user. The technologies are general in nature and can provide custom and scenario-specific information in many other domains (e.g. crisis management).
Eurofit test battery in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: Reliability and clinical correlates

Abstract Objective To investigate the reproducibility of the Eurofit physical fitness test battery in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Secondary aims were to assess clinical and demographic characteristics that correlate with the performance on the Eurofit and evaluation of the feasibility of the test. Methods Fifty patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (mean age of 32.9±9.5years) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.1±6.0kg/m 2 performed two Eurofit tests administered within 3days. Results All Eurofit items showed good reproducibility with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.72 for flamingo balance to 0.98 for standing broad jump test. All participants could perform five of the seven test items without problems. The whole body balance and abdominal muscle endurance test could be executed by 74 and 90%, respectively. Significant correlations were found with age, BMI, waist circumference, dose of antipsychotic medication and extrapyramidal, negative and cognitive symptoms. Conclusions The Eurofit test showed good reproducibility and can be recommended for evaluating physical fitness parameters in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Physical fitness measures were related to both physical and mental health parameters.
Method to quantify the effect of passivation layer in bio-impedance sensors

This paper investigates the effect of the passivation layer in a bio-impedance sensor. A sensor with 20 sensing sites has been designed, fabricated using a simple two mask process and tested. We have cultured in-vivo MDA-MB231 mammary cells and recorded the impedance from 1kHz to 1MHz. Processing the recorded data brings to light the drawback of the passivation layer which results in a drop in sensitivity of 13%. Simulation results based on parameters extracted from measurements re-affirm the drop in sensitivity. Thus, the passivation layer needs to be provided a special consideration in future design of the sensor as it can modify the response of the sensor.
Global connectivity from local geometric constraints for sensor networks with various wireless footprints

Adaptive power topology control (APTC) is a local algorithm for constructing a one-parameter family of /spl theta/-graphs, where each node increases power until it has a neighbor in every /spl theta/ sector around it. We show it is possible to use such a local geometric /spl theta/-constraint to ensure full network connectivity, and consider tradeoffs between assumptions about the wireless footprint and constraints on the boundary nodes. In particular, we show that if the boundary nodes can communicate with neighboring boundary nodes and all interior nodes satisfy a /spl theta//sub I/</spl pi/ constraint, we can guarantee connectivity for any arbitrary wireless footprint. If we relax the boundary assumption and instead impose a /spl theta//sub B/<3/spl pi//2 constraint on the boundary nodes, together with the /spl theta//sub I/</spl pi/ constraint on interior nodes, we can guarantee full network connectivity using only a "weak-monotonicity" footprint assumption. The weak-monotonicity model, introduced herein, is much less restrictive than the disk model of coverage and captures aspects of the spatial correlations inherent in signal propagation and noise. We show that under the idealized disk model of coverage, APTC constructs graphs that are sparse. Finally, we show that if the wireless footprint has sufficiently small "eccentricity", then there is some /spl theta/ for which greedy geometric routing always succeeds.
A Cultural Theory of Politics

Many political scientists first learned of anthropologist Mary Douglas's cultural theory (CT) through Aaron Wildavsky's APSA presidential address (Wildavsky 1987), in which he sought to explain the value of this theoretical approach for political science. Since then, much additional work has been done to develop CT as an ambitious general theory of politics.
Relationship between cigarette smoking, chest size and body size in health-screened adult males

Previous investigations have shown that chest dimensions and pulmonary function are positively correlated in healthy individuals. It is not known, however, whether the pulmonary effects of cigarette smoking may modify chest size during adulthood. The present study used cross-sectional data from 1557 healthy male participants in the Normative Aging Study of the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic, Boston. Because elastic recoil of the lung is decreased in cigarette smokers, we hypothesized that chest circumference would increase while chest expandability would decrease in these individuals. Preliminary analyses showed that smokers differed from non-smokers and former smokers in age, weight and fatness. For this reason, associations of chest dimensions with smoking status were evaluated after statistical correction for age and body size. With men of all ages grouped, chest expansion of smokers was significantly lower than non-smokers, but their chest size and shape were similar. When covariance analyses were performed separately for men under 50 and over 50 years, older smokers were characterized by slightly larger chests than non-smokers or former smokers, though there was no difference among younger men. Results of this study indicate that external chest dimensions of cigarette smokers reflect the pulmonary changes they experience, and demonstrate that a portion of the increased variability in chest measurements seen in older individuals is attributable to cigarette smoking.
Effect of Content and Format of Prescription Drug Labels on Readability, Understanding, and Medication Use: A Systematic Review

Objective:To evaluate the evidence regarding the optimal content and format of prescription labels that might improve readability, understanding, and medication use.Data Sources:We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database (1990–June 2005), supplemented by reference mining and reference lists from a technical expert panel.Study Selection:We selected studies that focused on the content of physician–patient communication about medications and the content and format of prescription drug iabels.Data Extraction:Two reviewers extracted and synthesized information about study design, populations, and outcomes,Data Synthesis:Of 2009 articles screened, 36 that addressed the content of physician–patient communication about medications and 69 that were related to the content or format of medication labels met review criteria. Findings showed that patients request information about a drug's indication, expected b...
Specific considerations in the treatment of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disorders and commonly presents during childhood or adolescence. Occurring during a critical period of growth and development, pediatric Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis require special consideration. Children often experience growth failure, malnutrition, pubertal delay and bone demineralization. Medical treatment must be optimized to promote clinical improvement and reverse growth failure with minimal toxicity. In addition to pharmacologic and surgical interventions, nutritional therapies play a vital role in the management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. This review will outline the epidemiology and clinical complications that are unique to pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, current trends, and recent advances in nutritional and pharmacologic treatment, and projected future therapeutic direction.
An attractor network model of serial recall

We present a neural network model of verbal working memory which attempts to illustrate how a few simple assumptions about neural computation can shed light on cognitive phenomena associated with the serial recall of verbal material. We assume that neural representations are distributed, that neural connectivity is massively recurrent, and that synaptic efficacy is modified based on the correlation between pre- and post-synaptic activity (Hebbian learning). Together these assumptions give rise to emergent computational properties that are relevant to working memory, including short-term maintenance of information, time-based decay, and similarity-based interference. We instantiate these principles in a specific model of serial recall and show how it can both simulate and explain a number of standard cognitive phenomena associated with the task, including the effects of serial position, word length, articulatory suppression (and its interaction with word length), and phonological similarity.
N-type doping of carbon nanotube transistors using yttrium oxide (Y 2 O x )

We present a novel, VLSI compatible technique to fabricate n-type carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors using yttrium oxide as gate dielectric. Wafer-scale, aligned CNT transistors with yttrium oxide (Y 2 O x ) dielectrics exhibit n-type behavior with I on /I off of 106 and subthreshold slope of 95 mV/dec. Controlled, slow evaporation of yttrium (Y) forms a smooth oxide surface that has excellent wetting to CNTs which consistently gives rise to strong n-type behavior in CNT transistors.
Multi-element self-scanned mosaic sensors

Mosaic sensors incorporating thin-film and silicon techniques are being investigated. An experimental solid-state television camera incorporating a 256 × 256 element photoconductive array, scanned by integrated thin-film decoders, has been built. The array comprises 65,536 photoconductor-diode elements, connected to perpendicular address-strips spaced upon 2.08 mil centers. Vertical scanning is accomplished by means of a 256-output diode decoder deposited by thin-film teehniques on the same substrate with the array. Horizontal scanning circuits, including a transistor decoder, videocoupling transistors, and capacitors are deposited on a second glass substrate, which is joined to the first and interconnected by thin-film techniques. The two substrates are attached to a printed-circuit card for convenient plugging into the camera. The entire array is scanned in 1/60 second at a clock rate of 4.8 MHz, permitting the picture to be displayed on a standard television monitor. Operating sensitivity was increased by the use of a high-gain photoconductor, in combination with charge-storage for a line-period. Silicon photodiode arrays of novel construction, permitting close spacing between elements, have been scanned with thin-film addressing circuits. The relative merits of silicon-vs.-thin-film techniques for image-sensors will be discussed.
Renewable carvone-based polyols for use in polyurethane thermosets

A series of carvone-derived statistical copolymers, CMXD (CM = carvomenthide; X = %D; D = dihydrocarvide), were prepared by ring-opening polymerization. The olefinic side chains were subsequently modified by the thiol–ene reaction using mercaptoethanol to provide CMXD′ (D′ = hydroxy-functionalized dihydrocarvide unit). The resulting samples, having hydroxy functionality dictated by the original monomer feed ratio, were exploited as renewable polyols in the synthesis of polyurethanes. The polyurethane films were characterized by tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Polyols with 4–5 hydroxyls per chain produced mechanically robust thermoplastic polyurethanes.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for growth and carcass composition in cattle.

Summary A genomic screening to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth, carcass composition and meat quality traits was pursued. Two hundred nineteen microsatellite markers were genotyped on 176 of 620 (28%) progeny from a Brahman × Angus sire mated to mostly MARC III dams. Selective genotyping, based on retail product yield (%) and fat yield (%), was used to select individuals to be genotyped. Traits included in the study were birth weight (kg), hot carcass weight (kg), retail product yield, fat yield, marbling score (400 = slight00 and 500 = small00), USDA yield grade, and estimated kidney, heart and pelvic fat (%). The QTL were classified as significant when the expected number of false positives (ENFP) was less than 0.05 (F-statistic greater than 17.3), and suggestive when the ENFP was <1 (F-statistic between 10.2 and 17.3). A significant QTL (F = 19; ENFP = 0.02) was detected for marbling score at centimorgan (cM) 54 on chromosome 2. Suggestive QTL were detected for fat yield at 50 cM, for retail product yield at 53 cM, and for USDA yield grade at 63 cM on chromosome 1, for marbling score at 56 cM, for retail product yield at 70 cM, and for estimated kidney, heart and pelvic fat at 79 cM on chromosome 3, for marbling score at 44 cM, for hot carcass weight at 49 cM, and for estimated kidney, heart and pelvic fat at 62 cM on chromosome 16, and for fat yield at 35 cM on chromosome 17. Two suggestive QTL for birth weight were identified, one at 12 cM on chromosome 20 and the other at 56 cM on chromosome 21. An additional suggestive QTL was detected for retail product yield, for fat yield, and for USDA yield grade at 26 cM on chromosome 26. Results presented here represent the initial search for quantitative trait loci in this family. Validation of detected QTL in other populations will be necessary.
Is There a “Disability” for Learning a Foreign Language?

Recently, talk of a new type of learning disability (LD)--a foreign language learning disability, or FLLD--has made its way into the LD and foreign language (FL) literature. However, no empirical evidence has been published to support the concept of a "disability" for FL learning by those professionals who use the term. In this article, the author takes the position that there is not a distinct "disability" that can be called an FLLD. He reviews several years of research evidence indicating that any proposal for such a distinct entity is problematic. To support his position, he reviews problems with the current definition and diagnostic criteria for LD. He then cites the many difficulties inherent in the development and use of (a) a logically consistent, easily operationalized, and empirically valid definition of and (b) diagnostic criteria for the FLLD concept. The author then discusses how FL learning problems occur along a continuum of very strong to very poor language learners, and he explains how the proponents of an FLLD misuse the concept of FL aptitude. Finally, the author cites implications resulting from the research evidence on FL learning problems and use of the term FLLD.
Treatment of Dairy Manure Effluent Using Freshwater Algae: Elemental Composition of Algal Biomass at Different Manure Loading Rates

The cultivation of algae on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in animal manure effluents presents an alternative to the current practice of land application. However, the use and value of the resulting algal biomass as a feed or soil supplement depend, in part, on whether the biomass contains any harmful components such as heavy metals. The objective of this study was to determine how the elemental composition of algae changed in response to different loading rates of anaerobically digested flushed dairy manure effluent. Algal biomass was harvested weekly from laboratory-scale algal turf scrubber (ATS) units using four manure loading rates (2, 4, 6, or 9 L m(-2) day(-1)) corresponding to daily loading rates of 0.8-3.7 g of total N and 0.12-0.58 g of total P. Mean N and P contents in the dried biomass increased 1.6-1.8-fold with increasing loading rate up to maximums of 6.5% N and 0.84% P at 6 L m(-2) day(-1). Concentrations of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn showed similar 1.4-1.8-fold increases up to maximums at a loading rate of 6 L m(-2) day(-1), followed by plateaus or decreases above this loading rate. Concentrations of Cd, Mo, and Pb initially increased with loading rate but then declined to levels comparable to those at the lowest loading rate. Concentrations of Si and K did not increase significantly with loading rate. The maximum concentrations of individual components in the algal biomass were as follows (in mg kg(-)(1)): 1100 (Al), 9700 (Ca), 0.43 (Cd), 56 (Cu), 580 (Fe), 5.0 (Pb), 2300 (Mg), 240 (Mn), 3.0 (Mo), 14,700 (K), 210 (Si), and 290 (Zn). At these concentrations, heavy metals in the algal biomass would not be expected to reduce its value as a soil or feed amendment.