cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated strategic-operational supply chain network design: a case of consumer goods supply chain

This study is motivated by a real-world supply chain that expects unprecedented high demand for some of its products. The fast-moving consumer goods supply chain under study is characterised by a large number of supply points (manufacturing plants) and a limited number of warehouses. It operates under the 'avoidance of missed demand' policy. The aim of this research is to develop a large-scale supply chain model that can enable supply chain managers in general and the manager of this supply chain in particular, to function under various circumstances. The model is formulated using mixed integer linear programming (MILP). The proposed model is verified and validated to assure accuracy and credibility. Model verification is done by the aid of data generated for supply chain networks with different sizes using MATLAB software. Validation of the model's assumptions, structure and objective is done through intensive discussion with supply chain experts from industry and academia. The paper discusses managerial and practical implications of the model.
Penicillin allergy skin testing as an antibiotic stewardship intervention reduces alternative antibiotic exposures in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Antibiotic allergy de-labeling using penicillin allergy skin testing (PAST) can reduce the use and cost of alternative, non-β-lactam antibiotics in general inpatient populations. This strategy's role in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is unclear. METHODS This study aimed to determine the effect of a pre-transplant PAST protocol on antibiotic use, days of therapy (DOT), and cost in an immunocompromised population at a single center from 7/1/2010-2/1/2019. Patients who received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and those who underwent transplantation in the outpatient setting were excluded. RESULTS Of 1560 patients who underwent inpatient HSCT during the study period, 208 reported β-lactam allergy (136/844 [16%] pre- and 72/716 [10%] post-implementation; P < .001). PAST was performed on 7% and 54% of HSCT recipients pre- and post-implementation, respectively. Only two positive PAST were noted. There were no adverse reactions to PAST. There were no significant differences in the disease and transplant characteristics between the two groups. Days of therapy and cost of alternative antibiotics significantly decreased post-implementation (mean 788 vs 627 days, P = .01; mean $24 425 vs $17 518, P = .009). CONCLUSION Penicillin allergy skin testing adjudicates reported β-lactam allergy in HSCT recipients, lowering use, DOT, and cost of alternative antibiotics and promoting effective formulary agents to treat immunocompromised HSCT recipients.
Endoscopic tattooing: a risk for tumor implantation

Endoscopic tattooing is considered to be a safe procedure to mark a lesion for subsequent surgical resection, and the reported complications are relatively minor. However, here the present case shows tumor traveling through needle tract with tumor inoculation following endoscopic tattooing. A 68-year-old female who had a clinical stage I rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic rectal low anterior resection. The pathologic examination of the surgical specimen showed a pathologic stage pT1 invasive adenocarcinoma with a 3-mm focus of tumor cells traveling through a transmural tract and a 0.5-mm tumor inoculation in the peri-colonic fat tissue. These two foci of tumor cells were mixed with pigmented substance convincing its association with the endoscopic tattooing. This present case raises the awareness of a severe complication as tumor inoculation by inappropriate endoscopic tattooing which may cause tumor stage upgrading and tumor spreading.
‘Lawyers and Loyalty,’ Essay Review of Peter Irons, Justice at War: The Story of the Japanese American Internment Cases

A powerful literature already underscores the absence of justification for the federal government's decision to intern some 120,000 Japanese Americans in desolate camps for nearly all of World War II. The racism, jingoism, and economic and political interests behind this vast human tragedy are now clear.1 Yet how such a gross miscalculation of ends and means produced this continuing blot on the national conscience is still controversial.
Improving Charge Transfer in Metal–Organic Frameworks through Open Site Functionalization and Porosity Selection for Li–S Batteries

The tunable nature of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) enables versatility and precise control over structures and properties, making them feasible for potential applications including gas storage a...
A Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed: Verification and Validation of Microgrid Control Architectures

The past decade has seen a sharp rise in the deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) in power distribution grids across the globe owing to their numerous benefits. These benefits are attributed to the close proximity of deployed DERs and loads, and they include the improvement of the reliability of the electricity supply, reduction in electricity supply costs, strengthened security against physical/cyber threats, the facilitation of renewable energy integration, and a reduction in the carbon footprint. As the underlying technologies improve, mature, and become more cost-effective, DERs are projected to continue to experience a growing adoption rate. Along with the rise of DERs came the microgrid concept, which has been shown to be a promising approach for effectively managing DERs in power distribution grids. Loosely speaking, a microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and DERs within a small geographical footprint with clearly defined electrical boundaries that act as a single controllable entity with respect to the external grid to which it is connected. Over the years, several microgrid control architectures have been proposed to optimally utilize the myriad of benefits presented by the growing numbers of DERs deployed in power distribution networks.
Fire hazard mitigation in distribution systems through high impedance fault detection

Abstract This paper assesses methods to reduce wildfires caused by power systems due to high impedance faults (HIFs). HIFs have been challenging researchers and utilities for years since their current magnitudes are below traditional overcurrent relay pickups. Most of HIFs include igniting arc between a conductor and a ground surface that may cause fire and human safety issues. Operating behavior of uni-grounded, ungrounded, multi-grounded, and high impedance grounded distribution systems are described and an actual uni-grounded system in Northern Nevada is considered for HIF study. Two different HIF detection methods based on non-harmonic and odd-harmonic content of fault currents that can be used in a substation-based protective relay are described and tested in a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform using a real-time digital simulator (RTDS). HIFs in different ground surfaces such as wet sand, dry sod, dry grass, wet sod, wet grass, and reinforced concrete are modelled in RSCAD software. Practical merits of the two HIF detection methods embedded in a utility-based relay is evaluated. The limitations of the relay and solutions for mitigating the fire and human safety hazard are discussed.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for non-perturbative equivalences of large N c orbifold gauge theories

Large N coherent state methods are used to study the relation between U(Nc) gauge theories containing adjoint representation matter fields and their orbifold projections. The classical dynamical systems which reproduce the large Nc limits of the quantum dynamics in parent and daughter orbifold theories are compared. We demonstrate that the large Nc dynamics of the parent theory, restricted to the subspace invariant under the orbifold projection symmetry, and the large Nc dynamics of the daughter theory, restricted to the untwisted sector invariant under ``theory space'' permutations, coincide. This implies equality, in the large Nc limit, between appropriately identified connected correlation functions in parent and daughter theories, provided the orbifold projection symmetry is not spontaneously broken in the parent theory and the theory space permutation symmetry is not spontaneously broken in the daughter. The necessity of these symmetry realization conditions for the validity of the large Nc equivalence is unsurprising, but demonstrating the sufficiency of these conditions is new. This work extends an earlier proof of non-perturbative large Nc equivalence which was only valid in the phase of the (lattice regularized) theories continuously connected to large mass and strong coupling [1].
Wild, stressful, or stupid: Que es Bandersnatch? Exploring user outcomes of Netflix’s interactive Black Mirror episode:

Prior scholarship related to interactive digital narratives (IDNs) typically has analyzed this emerging genre of storytelling on web-based platforms. The Bandersnatch episode of the Black Mirror se...
Indications and Outcomes of the Osteoplastic Flap Procedure With or Without Obliteration.

OBJECTIVE To describe the osteoplastic approach and to perform a systematic review of the indications and outcomes of the osteoplastic flap procedure for frontal sinus surgeries with or without obliteration. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. REVIEW METHODS All published studies in the English language on the osteoplastic flap with or without obliteration were identified from 1905 to 2018. All studies with <20 patients were excluded. The number of patients, technique, indications, follow-up period, symptom relief, revision rates, and complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS A systematic review yielded 25 series containing 1374 patients for analysis. Indications for surgery included chronic frontal sinusitis, mucoceles, fractures or traumas, osteomas, neoplasms, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. The mean follow-up period ranged from 12.8 to 144 months. The percentage of patients needing revisions for frontal sinus disease was 6.2%. There was a high rate of symptomatic improvement (85.0%) and a low rate of major complications (0.7%). However, minor complications occurred in 19.4% of patients. CONCLUSION The osteoplastic flap with or without obliteration has many indications. In an era where endoscopic technique provides excellent access to the frontal sinuses, external approaches remain a useful adjunct, and/or salvage technique. In experienced hands, the osteoplastic flap can yield excellent long-term clinical results, with low rates of complications. Regardless of the surgical approach, long-term follow-up is necessary due to the recurrent nature of frontal sinus disease.
Coaching to support teacher technology integration in elementary classrooms: A multiple case study

Abstract The aim of this multiple case study was to investigate the influences of professional development coaching on three elementary school teachers' technology integration practices and their coaching experiences. We found that authentic coaching experiences, including modeling and hands-on activities, were considered supportive for teachers' technology integration. However, the teachers' positive perceptions of coaching did not directly translate into changes in their technology integration practices as the standardized testing-focused assessment system was the biggest hindrance. We recommend that more teachers' involvement in planning and reflection with transparent coach-teacher communication and consistent support for teachers’ technology integration from school leaders are needed.
The Translucent Hand of Managed Ecosystems: Engaging Communities for Value Creation and Capture

Management research has increasingly explored the domains of ecosystems, platforms, and open/user/distributed innovation - governance structures focused on engaging with external communities. While...
To Tell the Truth: Does ERISA Immunize an Employer from Liability for Fraudulent Misstatements About an Employee Benefit Plan (94-1471)

Varity Corporation V. Charles Howe, Robert Wells, Ralph W Thompson, Patrick Mousel, On Behalf Of Themselves And As Representatives Of A Class Of Persons Similarly Situated, And John Altomare, Charles Barron, Alexander Charron, Charlotte Chiles, Anita Crowe, Ray Darr, Doris Guidicessi, Barnett Lucas, Robert Skromme, And The Estate Of Walter Smith, Individually DOCKET No. 94-1471 ARGUMENT DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 1995 FROM: THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT Varity Corporation made material misstatements to induce employees to transfer to new subsidiary that would assume responsibility for their healthcare benefits. After the subsidiary failed, some of the transferees who lost healthcare benefits sued under ERISA and got the benefits restored. At issue is whether plan participants can sue for injuries sustained personally, as opposed to injuries sustained by a benefits plan, and, if so, whether Varity's misstatements violated ERISA.
Figures Pointing to an End: Operatic Analysis and Modern Sound Design

In a 2003 production of Jean Racine’s Phedre, the director Patrice Chereau introduces into the play a bevy of sound effects. The sounds range from solo cello accompaniment to electronically produced crackling noises. This use of sound bears a resemblance to the way music functions in operas of Jean-Philippe Rameau and Richard Wagner. By interpreting these sounds according to models in recent work in operatic analysis, this paper shows how Chereau’s sound effects achieve new significance as leitmotifs and as commentary on the events of the play. The study of theatre semiotics also provides a pathway for interpreting these sounds as symbols of fate and indications of Hippolyte’s death at the climax of Phedre. Chereau highlights the relationships among the tragedy’s characters by surrounding certain words and phrases with specific sound effects, or by inserting sound effects at particular moments of turmoil and at the dramatic climax. In particular, Chereau emphasizes the themes of forbidden love and deceit in connecting these moments throughout the play. This analysis provides a way for expanding research in sound design by incorporating methods traditionally used for analysing opera.
Feeding Habits of Juvenile Lane Snapper Lutjanus synagris from Mississippi Coastal Waters, with Comments on the Diet of Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus

Stomach contents analysis was used to quantitatively describe the diets of juvenile lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris, and juvenile gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus, from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Juvenile snapper were collected by trawling at two estuarine, deep channel sites in Mississippi coastal waters from September 1996 to January 1997. Lane snapper (n = 53) and gray snapper (n = 12) both consumed a variety of prey organisms, but primary prey were amphipods, decapods (shrimp and crabs), and fishes. The most important prey items for lane snapper based on percent Index of Relative Importance (%IRI) were shrimp remains (44%IRI), the shrimp Latreutes parvulus (23%IRI) and fish remains (13%IRI). Fishes of the genus Anchoa (43%IRI), shrimp remains (21%IRI) and the amphipod Corophium sp. (13%IRI) dominated the gray snapper diet. Intraspecific comparisons of lane snapper diet revealed significant overlap between collection sites, seasons and fish sizes.
Reinventing Insider Trading: The Supreme Court Misappropriates the Misappropriation Theory

When the Supreme Court endorsed the controversial misappropriation theory last summer in United States v. O’Hagan, perhaps the most important securities fraud decision in decades, the Court reinvented insider trading liability. Professor Swanson examines the opinion’s underpinnings and impact, concluding that the Court has crafted a liability theory with too little content and too many open questions. Considering this decision to be a lost opportunity to clarify a most difficult legal area, the author describes how insider trading regulation will now struggle forward into the next century.
Performance analysis of a fiber-bundle based FSO link

A transmitter and receiver design based on the use of fiber optic bundles have been proposed and studied both experimentally in the laboratory and theoretically through simulation, and have shown promise for providing enhanced functionality in mitigating the effects of turbulence and weather on the pointing, acquisition and tracking problem. In this paper, the operation of an FSO link constructed from these designs is analyzed under varying environmental conditions. A transmitter with a linear fiber array transmitted at 1550 nm to a receiver constructed using a hexagonal array of 19 fibers located 4.6 meters away. Transmissions occurred for different weather conditions over grass, concrete, and brick surfaces at different locations on campus. Data at 100 kb/s was transmitted across the link and the collected signal was recorded for off-line statistical analysis, including achieved bit-error rate. The investigation showed that the system performance was only slightly sensitive to temperature and terrain. The largest contributing factor to high BER time periods was when the receiver optics were blown out of the path of the transmitted beam due to instabilities in the construction of the mounting unit of the receiver. Improvements in the mounting structure are expected to eliminate this effect and allow a more accurate assessment of the receiver's capabilities.
Effects of metallurgical microstructure of armatures on compressed magnetic field generators

Methods for improving uniform expansion behavior of compressed magnetic field device armatures were studied. Initial microstructure of the copper tubes was altered in a controlled manner by using different forming techniques and alloying. Results show a 25 to 50% improvement in uniform explosive expansion radius for electroformed and spun copper armatures compared to standard armatures machined from drawn tubing. Expansion improvement has been correlated with changes in the mechanical texture due to forming. The smoother expansion, however, did not result in a significant higher electrical efficiency with the armature parameters tested.
Modeling and Numerical Simulations of Single Species Dispersal in Symmetrical Domains

We develop a class of nonlocal delay Reaction-Diffusion (RD) models in a circular domain. Previous modeling efforts include RD population models with respect to one-dimensional unbounded domain, unbounded strip and rectangular spatial domain. However, the importance of an RD model in a symmetrical domain lies in the increasing number of empirical studies conducted with respect to symmetrical natural habitats of single species. Assuming that the single species has no directional preference to spread in the symmetrical domain, the RD model is reduced to an equation with no angular dependance. The model can be further reduced by considering the birth function in the form of the Bessel function of the first kind. We numerically simulate the reduced forms of the nonlocal delay RD model to study the dispersal and growth of behaviors of the single species in a circular domain. Although spatial patterns of population densities are gradually developed, it is numerically shown that the single species population goes extinct in the absence of the birth function or it may converge to a positive equilibrium in the presence of the birth function.
A 2 ns zero wait state, 32 kB semi-associative L1 cache

A 32 kB, semi-associative bit dimension, L1 cache test site uses 0.5 /spl mu/m 2.5 V CMOS. The technology features an Leff of 0.25 /spl mu/m, a 7 nm Tox, shallow trench isolation, and a tungsten local interconnect. Four of the available five levels of metal are used. The cache consists of a data-storage array (DSA) macro, a content-addressable memory (CAM) macro, directory macro, and a memory built-in self-test (MBIST) state machine. Measured clock-to-DSA data-out access is 2 ns on nominal hardware. Access includes late-select generation from the CAM. The hardware cycles at access.
Metabolic Engineering of Isoflavone Biosynthesis

Isoflavones are phenolic secondary metabolites found mostly in legumes. These compounds play key roles in many plant–microbe interactions and are associated with the health benefits of soy consumption. Because of their biological activities, metabolic engineering of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in legume and nonlegume crops have significant agronomic and nutritional impact by enhancing plant disease resistance and providing dietary isoflavones for the improvement of human health. This review first outlines the current understanding of isoflavone biosynthetic pathways, with focus on key structural enzymes and transcription factors that directly relate to the pathways. Then it summarizes recent progress on metabolic engineering of isoflavone biosynthesis in both legume and nonlegume plants. The major limitations of these approaches, as well as the “metabolic channeling” theory, which is proposed to explain some of the results from the engineering works, are also discussed.
Design of underfill materials for lead free flip chip applications

The reliability of flip chips (FC) is enhanced several orders of magnitude by the introduction of an underfill material between the chip and the substrate. The design of such underfill materials is not trivial due to the varied failure mechanisms that occur in the underfilled configuration. Reliability of underfilled flip chips not only depends on the thermo-mechanical properties of the underfill but also the processing conditions. Hence, the design of an underfill material must involve the development of the optimal processing conditions for the underfill material. Legislation against the use of lead in electronics has led to extensive research on alternative alloy systems and such a change will lead to a number of modifications at the various levels of packaging. Underfill materials are no exception to such a change. The differences between the designs of the underfill material for a lead solder based and a lead-free solder based package are examined in this paper. Among the different lead free solder options, the tin-3.9%silver-0.8%copper (SAC) alloy was compared against the standard eutectic tin-lead solder. Higher CTE and lower modulus resulted in shorter lifetimes of the package for either solder alloy. The SAC alloy does not plastically deform as much as the eutectic tin-lead solder and its creep deformation is less at lower stresses and more at higher stresses than the tin-lead solder. Overall, when subjected to the -55/spl deg/C to 125/spl deg/C cycle, the SAC exhibited superior performance than the tin-lead solder. This meant that a flip chip package with SAC alloy can last as long as a tin-lead solder based package while using a higher CTE underfill than the tin-lead solder package. However, it would be incorrect to conclude that SAC will always have smaller deformation than the tin-lead solder. Firstly, the processing conditions, especially in a no-flow underfilling scenario are different. This requires the underfill not only to provide fluxing action at higher reflow temperatures but also to withstand the higher residual stresses during subsequent cooldown. Secondly, the creep behavior of the SAC alloy is poorer at higher stress levels and applications operating at such stress levels would place more demands on the underfill.
The Selection and Acquisition of 20th Century Latin American Literature

Abstract Within the U.S. academic library world, a Spanish-speaking clientele is increasing and requesting that primary materials in Spanish be in the collection. Many of these materials come from Latin America and the Caribbean. Their selection and acquisition can be a complex task, especially for librarians responsible for collecting in this area who are not necessarily specialists. Twentieth century literary works pose special problems of identification and the timely acquisition of recent titles. This paper reports on the results of a survey that was sent to 54 libraries. Its objective was to investigate what selection tools and strategies are being used for these literary titles. Analysis by content and description was used. The discussion includes academic libraries in Illinois, where moderate growth of Hispanic populations is occurring. Trends there may be of interest countrywide.
The Masculinity Paradox: Conceptualizing the Experiences of Men of Color in STEM

Men of color, particularly African American and Latino men, often complete high school and college in lower numbers when compared to their peers. Further disaggregation of data illustrates their lack of success in STEM disciplines at the postsecondary level. Given recent economic demands and educational realities, research in STEM has gained prominence in the scholarly community. Unfortunately, research that focuses on masculinity among men of color in STEM has been limited. Recent scholarly work has problematized intersectionality as it pertains to academic achievement and masculinity identity development. The focus of this article is to unpack the masculinity paradox that exists within STEM disciplines and what it means for men of color, specifically as it relates to the PK-20 educational pipeline and the workforce.
Methodology for using precarious rocks in Nevada to test seismic hazard models

Abstract Fields of precariously balanced rocks indicate that strong earthquake motions have not occurred at that site since the precarious rocks developed. These fields can be characterized with an estimate of the peak acceleration that would be sufficient to topple the rocks and an estimate of how long the rocks have been precarious. This article uses this information to test the input to probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The fundamental assumption is that the probability of exceeding a ground motion capable of toppling a precarious rock during a time period equal to the age of the rock is equal to the confidence level at which the inputs to the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis can be rejected. We performed a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for 26 sites of observed precarious rocks in Nevada, using preliminary estimates of the toppling acceleration and the age of the features. Two standard models are rejected with over 95% confidence by most of the precarious rock observations. We consider several possible explanations for the inconsistency. A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis that eliminates the area sources and only includes faults is consistent with the precarious rock observations at most of the sites. Spatial clustering of small-magnitude events could maintain this effect without contradicting the precarious rock observations. However, it may not be necessary to completely reject the area sources from our probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The physics of rock stability may allow increasing the minimum magnitude to 6.0 in the area sources, because the short duration of high-frequency accelerations in smaller events may not topple all precarious rocks. The precarious rocks could generally have small site effects. Attenuation models may overestimate ground motions on the foot wall of normal faults, and a different attenuation model in general might decrease the ground-motion predictions. The ergodic assumption that is made in estimating the uncertainty in attenuation models may be contributing to overestimate the hazard. Individually, each of these effects might allow more of the precarious rock sites to be consistent with the area source zones.
The impact of drug use in social networks of patients with substance use and bipolar disorders

In this exploratory analysis, we assessed the effect of drug use among social-network members on recovery from drug dependence in patients with co-occurring bipolar disorder. Patients (n = 57) enrolled in a group therapy study completed assessments over 15 months. Patients with zero to one drug users in their social networks at intake had few days of drug use during treatment and follow-up, whereas those with ≥ 2 drug users had significantly more days of drug use. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who consistently named multiple drug users in their social networks had a marked increase in drug use over 15 months, while those who never or occasionally named multiple drug users had a small decline in drug use over time. Multiple drug users in social networks of treatment-seeking drug-dependent patients with co-occurring bipolar disorder may indicate poor drug use outcomes; efforts to reduce the association with drug users may be useful. This clinical trial has been registered in a public trials registry at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier is NCT00227838).
Voltage regulation using a permanent magnet synchronous condenser with a series compensator

Wind power plant (WPP) is often operated at unity power factor, and the utility host where the WPP connected prefers to regulate the voltage. While this may not be an issue in a stiff grid, the connection to a weak grid can be problematic. This paper explores the advantages of having voltage regulation capability via reactive power control. Another issue in wind power generation is that not all turbines are able to control its reactive power due to technical reason or contractual obligations. A synchronous condenser (SC) using a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is proposed for providing necessary reactive power for regulating voltage at a weak grid connection. A PMSG has the advantage of higher efficiency and reliability. Because of its lack of a field winding, a PMSG is typically controlled by a full-power converter, which can be costly. In the proposed system, the reactive power of the SC is controlled by a serially connected compensator operating in a closed-loop configuration. The compensator also damps the PMSG's tendency to oscillate. The compensator's VA rating is only a fraction of the rating of the SC and the PMSG. In this initial investigation, the proposed scheme is shown to be effective by computer simulations.
GAS GANGRENE AND GAS INFECTIONS

1. Gas gangrene and gas infections must be diagnosed early if good results are to be obtained. 2. The multiplicity of anaerobic organisms, with variation in the clinical picture, must be remembered. 3. With the judicious use of polyvalent gas-gangrene antitoxin and surgery, the mortality in such cases should be reduced to approximately 15 per cent.
Lycopene and cardiovascular disease

Considerable evidence suggests that lycopene, a carotenoid without provitamin A activity found in high concentrations in a small set of plant foods, has significant antioxidant potential in vitro and may play a role in preventing prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease in humans. Tomato products, including ketchup, tomato juice, and pizza sauce, are the richest sources of lycopene in the US diet, accounting for > 80% of the total lycopene intake of Americans. Unlike other carotenoids, lycopene is not consistently lower among smokers than among nonsmokers, suggesting that any possible preventive activity is not as an antioxidant. Instead, lycopene may have a cholesterol synthesis-inhibiting effect and may enhance LDL degradation. Available evidence suggests that intimal wall thickness and risk of myocardial infarction are reduced in persons with higher adipose tissue concentrations of lycopene. The question of whether lycopene helps to prevent cardiovascular disease can only be answered by a trial specifically evaluating its effectiveness in this area.
Factors that contribute to management support system success: An analysis of field studies

This study is conducted to summarize and consolidate core success antecedents of management support system (MSS) implementations that have been identified in empirical studies. This study quantitatively analyzes correlations of success antecedents to success measures and ranks them in order of importance by using the formulas advocated in prior research. Results indicate there is no one dominant success antecedent across all success measures and sub-types of MSS. Rather, the importance of a success antecedent depends on the type of success measure and the type of system. Therefore, the implication is that when organizations implement systems, they must prioritize the outcome that they want to focus on and pay attention to the corresponding success antecedent. The findings also provide information and guidelines for the selection of factors to be investigated in future research on MSS implementation.
Stent-graft versus open-surgical repair of the thoracic aorta: mid-term results.

Objective Pivotal and comparative trial data are emerging for stent graft (SG) vs open repair of the thoracic aorta. We reviewed procedure-related perioperative morbidity, mortality, and mid-term outcomes in a contemporary series of patients treated with SG of the thoracic aorta. The data were compared with those of a patient cohort concurrently treated with open surgical repair confined to the descending aorta. Methods A review of patients undergoing SG procedures and open surgery of the thoracic aorta from January 1, 1996, to November 30, 2005, was performed from a prospectively compiled database. Study end points included perioperative complications, late survival, freedom from reinterventions, and graft-related complications. Multivariate methods were used to assess variables potentially associated with study end points; late outcomes were compared with actuarial methods. Results In 105 patients (mean age, 70 years; 66 male [62.9%]) SG repairs were done for 68 degenerative aneurysms (64.7%), 12 penetrating ulcers (11.4%), 15 pseudoaneurysms (14.3%), 9 traumatic tears (8.6%), and 1 acute dissection (0.9%). Mean follow-up was 22 months (range, 0 to 101 months). Eighty-nine (84.8%) SG patients were asymptomatic at presentation and underwent elective repair, whereas 16 (15.2%) presented with acute conditions and underwent urgent repair. Perioperative mortality was 7.6% (8/105), and actuarial survival at 48 months was 54% ± 7%. The perioperative mortality rate among SG patients treated for degenerative pathology was 10.4% (8/77). Seven (6.7%) of 105 patients experienced spinal cord ischemic complications, including 2 patients with transient paraparesis that resolved by the time of discharge. Reinterventions were performed in 10.5% of patients (11/105), with freedom from reintervention approaching 81% by 48 months. Over the same interval, 93 patients were treated with open-surgical repair for descending thoracic aneurysm (anastomosis cephalad to the celiac axis). Perioperative mortality in the open cohort was 15.1% (14/93; P = .09 vs SG repair), and the 48-month actuarial survival was 64% ± 6%. The incidence of spinal cord ischemic complications was 8.6% (8/93), including 4 patients with transient paraparesis ( P = .44 vs SG repair). Nine patients (9.7%) required surgical reintervention during the follow-up period, with 48-month freedom from reintervention approaching 79% ( P = .73 vs SG repair). Conclusions Operative mortality was halved with SG, with similar late survival for both cohorts. Reinterventions were required at a nearly identical rate for open repair and SG, and both groups experienced similar rates of spinal cord ischemic complications.
Pollens Ingested by Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Southern Texas and Northeastern Mexico

Boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, were collected in 1978–1980 from grandlure-baited traps in the Lower Gulf Coast (LGe) and the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of southern Texas, and in northeastern Mexico (NEM). The weevils were dissected, and the midgut was removed and examined for the presence of pollen grains. Pollen grains representing 12 families of plants were found in boll weevils from the LRGV, 9 families of plants from the LGC, and 6 families of plants from NEM. The most frequently encountered pollen grains were from plants in the families Poaceae (grasses), Brassicaceae (mustards), and Asteraceae (sunflowers and daisies). Some ingested pollen grains could not be identified. In a separate no-choice study, boll weevils were caged on 22 species of plants during blooming to document pollen feeding. Twenty to 100% of the boll weevils caged on a plant species consumed pollen from that species. These data suggest that adult boll weevils in the field may consume pollen from a wide range of plant species; however, further studies are required to confirm this.
Effects of inotropic and chronotropic stimuli on acute myocardial ischemic injury. I. Studies with dobutamine in the anesthetized dog.

The effect of i.v. dobutamine on acute myocardial ischemic injury was assessed in 22 anesthetized dogs subjected to serial 10-minute occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The severity of ischemic injury was determined by mass spectrometric measurement of the increase in intramural carbon dioxide tension (delta PmCO2) in the ischemic zone. In the time protocol 1 dogs, dobutamine, 20 micrograms/kg/min, infused between the control and final occlusion, significantly increased both heart rate (HR) and left ventricular (LV) dP/dt; delta PmCO2 was significantly higher during the dobutamine infusion that during control occlusion (76 +/- 21 vs 56 +/- 13 mm Hg, p less than 0.01). The nine protocol 2 dogs were atrially paced at a HR of 20--30 beats/min above baseline values during the control occlusion and received dobutamine (12.6 +/- 7.8 micrograms/kg/min) at doses necessary to attain an equal HR (mean 149--154 beats/min) during the last occlusion. Although LV dP/dt was higher after dobutamine, delta PmCO2 was similar during the two occlusions. Protocol 3 dogs (n = 4) received lower doses of dobutamine (5.6 +/- 3.2 micrograms/kg/min) to produce an increase in LV dP/dt, but not in HR compared with baseline values; delta PmCO2 was similar during control and dobutamine occlusions. There were no major change in arterial or left atrial pressures. Rate-pressure product, an indirect measurement of myocardial oxygen consumption, was increased only by the higher doses of dobutamine in protocol 1. Thus, inotropic stimulation with dobutamine during coronary occlusion does not cause important augmentation of acute myocardial ischemic injury in the nonfailing heart unless HR is increased simultaneously.
Does Skipping a Meal Matter to a Butterfly's Appearance? Effects of Larval Food Stress on Wing Morphology and Color in Monarch Butterflies

In animals with complex life cycles, all resources needed to form adult tissues are procured at the larval stage. For butterflies, the proper development of wings involves synthesizing tissue during metamorphosis based on the raw materials obtained by larvae. Similarly, manufacture of pigment for wing scales also requires resources acquired by larvae. We conducted an experiment to test the effects of food deprivation in the larval stage on multiple measures of adult wing morphology and coloration of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), a species in which long-distance migration makes flight efficiency critical. In a captive setting, we restricted food (milkweed) from late-stage larvae for either 24 hrs or 48 hrs, then after metamorphosis we used image analysis methods to measure forewing surface area and elongation (length/width), which are both important for migration. We also measured the brightness of orange pigment and the intensity of black on the wing. There were correlations between several wing features, including an unexpected association between wing elongation and melanism, which will require further study to fully understand. The clearest effect of food restriction was a reduction in adult wing size in the high stress group (by approximately 2%). Patterns observed for other wing traits were ambiguous: monarchs in the low stress group (but not the high) had less elongated and paler orange pigmentation. There was no effect on wing melanism. Although some patterns obtained in this study were unclear, our results concerning wing size have direct bearing on the monarch migration. We show that if milkweed is limited for monarch larvae, their wings become stunted, which could ultimately result in lower migration success.
Interactions between K+ and ATP binding to the (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase.

Abstract K + appears to decrease the affinity of the (Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) for its substrate, MG 2+ · ATP, and Mg 2+ · ATP, in turn, appears to decrease the affinity of the enzyme for K + . These antagonisms have been investigated in terms of a quantitative model defining the magnitude of the effects as well as identifying the class of K + sites on the enzyme involved. K + increased the apparent K m for Mg 2+ · ATP, and effect that was antagonized competitively by Na + . The data can be fitted to a model in which Mg 2+ · ATP binding is prevented by occupancy of α-sites on the enzyme by K + (i.e. sites of moderate affinity for K + accessible on the “free” non-phosphorylated enzyme, in situ on the external membrane surface). By contrast, occupancy of these α-sites by Na + has no effect on Mg 2+ · ATP binding to the enzyme. On the other hand, Mg 2+ · ATP decreased the apparent affinity of the enzyme for K + at the α-sites, in terms of (i) the K D for K + measured by K + -accelerated inactivation of the enzyme by F − , and (ii) the concentration of K + for half-maximal activation of the K + -dependent phosphatase reaction (which reflects the terminal hydrolytic steps of the overall ATPase reaction). These data fit the same quantitative model. Although this formulation does not support schemes in which ATP binding effects the release of transported K + from discharge sites, it is consistent with observations that K + can inhibit the enzyme at low substrate concentrations, and that Li + , which has poor efficacy when occupying these α-sites, can stimulate enzymatic activity at high K + concentrations by displacing the inhibitory K + .
Seventeen-year experience with routine shunting in carotid artery surgery.

Safety of carotid artery surgery depends on proper case selection, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate protection of the brain during carotid artery cross-clamping. Various methods have been devised to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation, none of which has been proven practical and totally reliable. Attempts at increasing cerebral perfusion to the ischemic portion of the brain by induced hypertension, hypercarbia, and hypocarbia have been ineffective. The purpose of this presentation is to report our experience with routine intraluminal shunting in carotid artery surgery during the past 17 years. Advantages of routine shunting include maintenance of regional cerebral blood flow at the preclamping level and the elimination of any need for monitoring and haste during surgery. Insertion of the tube, properly done, does not injure the arterial wall and should not cause embolization. The presence of the tube within the arterial lumen does not interfere with exposure of the atheroma, yet it facilitates repair of the incision and prevents stricture by faulty suturing technique. Results of carotid artery surgery measured by the incidence of stroke are compared between shunted and nonshunted series. A review of the literature confirms our impression that shunting reverses ischemic changes detected by EEG and regional cerebral blood flow determinations. The usefulness of shunting in the surgical management of internal carotid aneurysm, kinked carotid artery, carotid body tumor, and carotid-subclavian bypass graft is also described.
The vertebrate cell kinetochore and its roles during mitosis

A replicated chromosome possesses two discrete, complex, dynamic, macromolecular assemblies, known as kinetochores, that are positioned on opposite sides of the primary constriction of the chromosome. Here, the authors review how kinetochores control chromosome segregation during mitosis in vertebrates. They attach the chromosome to the opposing spindle poles by trapping the dynamic plus-ends of microtubules growing from the poles. They then produce much of the force for chromosome poleward motion, regulate when this force is applied, and act as a site for microtubule assembly and disassembly. Finally, they control the metaphase–anaphase transition by inhibiting chromatid separation until the chromatids are properly attached.
PDGF signaling in cells and mice

Since its discovery over three decades ago, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been a model system for learning how growth factors regulate biological processes. For the first several decades investigators used cells grown in tissue culture. More recently, PDGF signaling has also been investigated in mice. This review outlines the advances in these two systems, and highlights some of the directions for future investigation.
Combined Magnetic Fields Increase Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II in TE-85 Human Osteosarcoma Bone Cell Cultures*

In vitro exposure to low-energy, combined magnetic fields (CMF) increased the release of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II from human TE-85 osteosarcoma cells. Short-term CMF exposure of only 10 min increased IGF-II levels in conditioned medium 1 h post CMF exposure. IGF-II levels were measured with a radioreceptor assay using H-35 cells that contain abundant IGF-II but not IGF-I receptors. This assay also uses a recently validated BioGel P-10 acid gel filtration method to remove IGF binding protein before quantitation of either IGF-I or IGF-II. In addition to an increase in IGF-II levels, DNA synthesis, as an index of cell proliferation, was increased during the 24-h period post CMF exposure. A monoclonal antibody against IGF-II blocked the increase in cell proliferation following CMF exposure, whereas a control monoclonal antibody against osteocalcin did not attenuate the mitogenic action of CMF exposure. The effect of CMF exposure to increase both cell proliferation and IGF-II was cell-density dependent with greater stimulation by CMF observed at lower densities. Together, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that CMF exposure stimulates release/production of IGF-II from bone cells and that increased IGF-II then promotes an increase in cell proliferation.
Quantum States of Molecular Hydrogen and Its Isotopes in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Quantum mechanical energy levels are computed for the hydrogen molecule and its homonuclear isotopes confined within nanotubes of various sizes and structures. A realistic many-body potential is used to compute the interactions between the atoms of the diatomic and the nanotube carbons. Two translational and two rotational degrees of freedom are treated explicitly. Zero-pressure quantum sieving selectivities are computed from the energy levels. The effects of including both translation and rotation are discussed. The effect of confinement on the ortho/para splitting of hydrogen is also discussed.