cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The productivity nexus of new inventory and quality control techniques

Abstract Inventory and quality decisions have traditionally been viewed as tradeoff situations where there are distinctly non-zero “optimal” amounts of inventories and defects. Recently, however, some firms have pursued explicit goals of reducing inventories to zero with just-in-time methods and trying to reduce defects to zero with Total Quality Control approaches. This would seem to contradict the economic logic of the tradeoff analysis. This paper develops an economic rationale for just-in-time and Total Quality Control by incorporating productivity effects into the traditional tradeoff analysis. Also, it shows how just-in-time and Total Quality Control are complementary programs, and that for the zero inventory and zero defect goals to be achieved, they must be used simultaneously. Dynamic linkages between the two models are incorporated into the analysis to demonstrate this.
Drosophila E-cadherin is essential for proper germ cell-soma interaction during gonad morphogenesis.

In most animal species, germ cells require intimate contact with specialized somatic cells in the gonad for their proper development. We have analyzed the establishment of germ cell-soma interaction during embryonic gonad formation in Drosophila melanogaster , and find that somatic cells undergo dramatic changes in cell shape and individually ensheath germ cells as the gonad coalesces. Germ cell ensheathment is independent of other aspects of gonad formation, indicating that separate morphogenic processes are at work during gonadogenesis. The cell-cell adhesion molecule Drosophila E-cadherin is essential both for germ cell ensheathment and gonad compaction, and is upregulated in the somatic gonad at the time of gonad formation. Our data indicate that differential cell adhesion contributes to cell sorting and the formation of proper gonad architecture. In addition, we find that Fear of Intimacy, a novel transmembrane protein, is also required for both germ cell ensheathment and gonad compaction. E-cadherin expression in the gonad is dramatically decreased in fear of intimacy mutants, indicating that Fear of Intimacy may be a regulator of E-cadherin expression or function.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Studies on Direct Smears An Approach to Enhance the Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

BACKGROUND: In the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL), the role of flow cytometry (FC) can be limited because of nondiagnostic findings. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies, similar to FC, can be helpful in establishing clonality and in subclassifying the lymphoma. The aim of the current study was to determine whether FISH studies performed on unstained direct smears improved the ability to diagnose and/or subclassify B-NHL on FNAB. METHODS: A total of 181 cases of B-NHL diagnosed by FNAB were retrieved. The cytomorphology, ancillary study results, clinical information, and available pathologic follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 181 cases, FISH studies were performed in 106 cases (59%). The indications for FISH studies were for subclassification (59 cases; 56%) and nondiagnostic or unavailable FC results (47 cases; 44%). Of the 59 cases submitted for subclassification, 23 cases (39%) were successfully subclassified. The 47 cases with nondiagnostic or unavailable FC results included cases in which FC demonstrated a surface immunoglobulin-negative population (19 cases; 40%), had insufficient cellularity (18 cases; 38%), yielded negative results (6 cases; 13%), or had no specimen submitted (4 cases; 9%). In this group, 26 cases (55%) demonstrated an immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangement and/or chromosomal translocation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study illustrate that FISH studies performed on unstained direct smears play a complementary role to FC in establishing the diagnosis and/or subclassification of B-NHL. Thus, the preparation of unstained smears at the time of FNAB can be helpful for potential FISH studies. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Laser electrospray mass spectrometry of adsorbed molecules at atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure mass analysis of solid phase biomolecules is performed using laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS). A non-resonant femtosecond duration laser pulse vaporizes native samples at atmospheric pressure for subsequent electrospray ionization and transfer into a mass spectrometer. LEMS was used to detect a complex molecule (irinotecan HCl), a complex mixture (cold medicine formulation with active ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr and doxylamine succinate), and a biological building block (deoxyguanosine) deposited on steel surfaces without a matrix molecule.
Independent origins of subgroup Bl + B2 and subgroup B3 metallo-beta-lactamases.

The metallo-β-lactamases constitute Class B in the Ambler classification of β-lactamases and are divided into three subclasses: Bl, B2, and B3. Bayesian phylogenies of the Subclass B1+B2 and Subclass B3 metallo-β-lactamases and their homologs show that the β-lactam-hydrolyzing function evolved independently within each group. In Subclass B1+B2 that function evolved about 1 billion years ago, and in Subclass B3 it evolved before the divergence of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative eubacteria, about 2 billion years ago. These results lend additional support to the proposal that the metallo-β-lactamases should be divided into two distinct classes.
Fluorescence studies of human growth hormone.

Abstract The emission maximum of human growth hormone, excited at 280 nm, in aqueous solution (pH 7.5) and in the presence of 6 M guanidine is at 348 nm. Rates of increase of tryptophanyl fluorescence of human growth hormone with ethanol or dioxane (up to 30%, by vol.) are identical to those shown by N- acetyl- l - tryptophanamide . Perturbation of tyrosyl fluorescence by ethanol is identical to that of N- acetyl- l - tyrosinamide whereas by dioxane it is only 39%. Tryptophanyl fluorescence of human growth hormone is quenched by about 35% between pH 9 and II in the aqueous solution but not in the presence of 6 M guanidine. These results suggest that the single tryptophanyl residue of human growth hormone is accessible to solvent molecules and may be situated close to tyrosyl residue(s).
Voter Turnout in Japan: An Aggregate-Level Analysis of the 2005 and 2009 General Elections

This study examines the effects of socio-demographic and political factors on district level turnout in the 2005 and 2009 Japanese general elections. Results show that marginality is a strong predictor of turnout, while the effects of age structure, joblessness, and primary sector employment vary across elections.
Changes in Lysozyme Flexibility upon Mutation Are Frequent, Large and Long-Ranged

We investigate changes in human c-type lysozyme flexibility upon mutation via a Distance Constraint Model, which gives a statistical mechanical treatment of network rigidity. Specifically, two dynamical metrics are tracked. Changes in flexibility index quantify differences within backbone flexibility, whereas changes in the cooperativity correlation quantify differences within pairwise mechanical couplings. Regardless of metric, the same general conclusions are drawn. That is, small structural perturbations introduced by single point mutations have a frequent and pronounced affect on lysozyme flexibility that can extend over long distances. Specifically, an appreciable change occurs in backbone flexibility for 48% of the residues, and a change in cooperativity occurs in 42% of residue pairs. The average distance from mutation to a site with a change in flexibility is 17–20 A. Interestingly, the frequency and scale of the changes within single point mutant structures are generally larger than those observed in the hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) ortholog, which shares 61% sequence identity with human lysozyme. For example, point mutations often lead to substantial flexibility increases within the β-subdomain, which is consistent with experimental results indicating that it is the nucleation site for amyloid formation. However, β-subdomain flexibility within the human and HEWL orthologs is more similar despite the lowered sequence identity. These results suggest compensating mutations in HEWL reestablish desired properties.
Coarctation of the aorta: current surgical management

Progress in the management of coarctation of the aorta over the past 40 years is truly impressive. Nonoperative management of this condition has uniformly met with failure; however, a variety of surgical options is now available for the treatment of children and adults with coarctation. In recent years, significant advances have emerged in the treatment of neonates and infants that have resulted in low operative mortality rates. In addition, our own results with the subclavian flap angioplasty in these young patients indicate that the problem of failure of the repaired area to grow has been all but eliminated. The use of prostaglandin E1 has dramatically improved our ability to stabilize the decompensated neonate. Repair of coarctation in infancy is not only safe but desirable to minimize the late cardiovascular morbidity and premature death associated with hypertension.
Heart transplantation in diabetic recipients: a decade review of 161 patients at Columbia Presbyterian.

Abstract Objective Diabetes is considered by some transplant centers to be a relative contraindication for cardiac transplantation because of concerns regarding decreased survival, as well as increased incidence of infection and transplant coronary artery disease. We evaluated our experience with diabetic recipients over the last 10 years. Methods From January 1992 through June 2002, 881 patients underwent cardiac transplantation at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Of these, 161 (18.3%) were diabetic patients. Diabetic recipients were compared with a control group of 161 nondiabetic recipients matched for age, sex, cause of heart failure, United Network for Organ Sharing status, and immunosuppression era. Outcome measures included posttransplantation survival, incidence of infection, rejection, and transplant coronary artery disease. Results There was no statistically significant difference in survival between diabetic and nondiabetic recipients, with actuarial survival at 1, 5, and 10 years of 89.3%, 66.9%, and 45.6%, respectively, for diabetic patients and 87.4%, 78.8%, and 59.1%, respectively, for nondiabetic patients ( P = .168). There was no significant difference in freedom from infection, rejection, or transplant coronary artery disease between the groups. By using Cox proportional hazard models, development of infection, rejection, and transplant coronary artery disease were independent predictors of decreased survival ( P P = .004, and P = .004, respectively). Conclusions These results demonstrate similar short-term and long-term survivals, as well as similar risks for infection and transplant coronary artery disease, in diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing cardiac transplantation. The trend toward worse survival in the diabetic cohort, however, raises the possibility that if a greater number of diabetic patients were evaluated, a significant difference in survival might be observed, suggesting the need for a multicenter analysis to validate these outcomes.
Isolation of the outer acrosomal membrane from bull sperm

A procedure is described for subcellular fractionation of bull sperm which allows the isolation of outer acrosomal membrane without the use of detergent. After washing to remove seminal plasma contaminants, the acrosomal membrane is removed by homogenization and separated on a two-step sucrose gradient. The isolated membranes have been characterized by light and electron microscopy and enzyme analysis. While the acrosomal enzymes hyaluronidase and acrosin are bound to the isolated membranes, they represent only a small percentage of the total activity and therefore do not provide reliable marker enzymes for this fraction. Subcellular fractionation of sperm also yields information on the solubility of acrosomal enzymes. Two types of acrosomal enzymes have been identified on the basis of their distribution in gradient fractions. Both alpha-fucosidase and beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase are concentrated in the soluble fraction of the gradient. In contrast, over 70% of the acrosin and hyaluronidase activity remains associated with the sperm pellet. These differences in solubility of these enzymes may reflect differences in their function in fertilization.
Physics with Identified Particles at STAR

New physics results with identified particles at STAR are presented. Measurements at low pT address bulk properties of the collision, while those at high pT address jet energy loss in the bulk matter produced. Between these extremes, measurements at intermediate pT address the interplay between jets and the bulk. We highlight: measurements of v2 fluctuations as a new, sensitive probe of the initial conditions and the equation of state; correlations involving multi-strange particles, along with ratios of identified particles to test coalescence as a mechanism of particle production at intermediate pT; three particle azimuthal correlation to search for conical emission; and the energy and particle-type dependence of hadron production at high pT to study quark and gluon jet energy loss.
Measurement of Supercritical CO2 Plasticization of Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) Using a Linear Variable Differential Transformer

From measurements utilizing a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) is found to undergo unusually high linear dilation in CO2 at high temperatures and pressures. The extent of dilation and the dilational profiles are shown to depend strongly on molecular weight and crystallinity. It is also shown that the conditions at which melting and sintering occur can be identified from LVDT measurements. After the first heating cycle in CO2, unsintered samples (PTFE-230, -600, -1000, and U-PTFE) show a Tm identical to PTFE (327 °C) instead of the higher pre-CO2 Tm. This observation indicates that these samples were sintered during the LVDT measurements. ΔHf was constant for pre-CO2 PTFE-230, -600, and -1000, but after sintering, crystallinity decreased with increasing molecular weight. In contrast to the precipitous drop for U-PTFE, ΔHf for PTFE-230, -600, and -1000 remained above 70 J/g. Chain entanglement effects on crystallization are modest for these low molecular weight mate...
Effects of Gas Density and Viscosity on Response of Aerodynamic Particle Sizer

The performance of the aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) in an atmosphere that differs from standard calibration conditions was studied. The response of the APS for monodisperse polystyrene latex and dioctylphthalate particles ranging from 2.4 to 15.1 μm in diameter was measured in air, argon, and nitrous oxide atmospheres. The measurements indicated that particles in argon and in nitrous oxide accelerate faster than those in air. In order to postulate the mechanisms and interpret the observed results, the effects of both gas viscosity and gas density on instrument performance were considered. The particle density correction factor previously given by Wang and John (1987) (Aerosol Science and Technology. 6:191–198) was extended to include gas property effects. Good agreement was obtained between the new factor and the experimental data. Existing data obtained at a low pressure in air were also compared successfully with the developed model. Expected applications of the work are the use of the APS in an arb...
Ultrastructural study of early development of Nosema algerae in anopheles albimanus

Abstract Early development of Nosema algerae in Anopheles albimanus was studied by electron microscopy. Sporoplasms were observed in the thorax and first three abdominal segments at 1 hr after initial exposure. The first division occurred between 30 and 36 hr. Immature spores were present at 48 hr with mature spores observed at 54 hr. By 60 hr from initial exposure, some of the mature spores had extruded and sporoplasms were seen. By 96 hr, all stages were present and development was no longer synchronous.
Effect of Drying Liquid on Stiction of High Aspect Ratio Structures

In this paper, we studied stiction behavior of HAR pattern (line and space pattern) dependence on adhesion force with surface tension of drying liquid and surface contact angle. Surface tension effect was evaluated with various drying liquids such as IPA, ethanol and HFE (hydrofluoroether) chemical. Patterns treated by dHF, APM and surface modifier were introduced to investigate dependence of pattern collapse on contact angle. The high temperature D.I. water rinse followed by high temperatures drying using liquid with low surface tension was a most effective. Furthermore, surface modification method using HMDS (hexamethyldisilazane) chemical was also effective.
Postformal Cognitive Reasoning and Organizational Problem‐Solving Success

Adults are capable of cognitive development beyond formal operations. The concept of the global village and its attendant social complexity will challenge individuals with anomalous events and issues that do not conform to our current systems thinking structures. Because such events and problems exist outside our traditional and familiar models of problem structuring, they appear ill-defined. Advanced modes of thought will be required to solve these types of ill-structured problems that real life will present. Failure to facilitate the development of postformal reasoning skills in organizations may manifest itself in an unacceptable difference in problem-solving behavior between those with postformal cognition and those reasoning at less cognitively dynamic levels.
Semi-Directional Fixed Lighting for One-Way Highways

THIS PAPER IS A PROGRESS REPORT COVERING SEVERAL STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEMI-DIRECTIONAL FIXED LIGHTING AIMED TOWARD PROVIDING DRIVER VISIBILITY, COMFORT, AND SAFETY. THE SEMI-DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM PROVIDES MORE UNIFORM OBSTACLE LUMINANCE; BETTER CONTRAST BETWEEN THE OBJECT AND BACKGROUND; GOOD SUBJECTIVE PAVEMENT LUMINANCE AND UNIFORMITY; NEGLIGIBLE DISABILITY VEILING BRIGHTNESS ON BOTH THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND ADJACENT AREAS AND SERVICE ROADS; A SAFE, 30-DEGREE WIDE LATERAL FIELD OF VIEW (200 FEET AHEAD) FROM ANYWHERE ON THE DRIVING LANES; AND A MINIMUM OF DISCOMFORT GLARE WHILE OPTICAL GUIDANCE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED FOR THE DRIVER'S USE. THESE BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE AT A LONGITUDINAL SPACING TO MOUNTING HEIGHT RATIO OF UP TO 5 TO 1 FROM AN ESTHETICALLY PLEASING LUMINAIRE. /AUTHOR/
Resource availability determines stability for mutualist–pathogen–host interactions

Traditional explorations of interspecific interactions have generated extensive bodies of theory on mutualism and disease independently, but few studies have considered the interaction between them. We developed a model exploring the interactions among a fungal mutualist, a viral pathogen, and their shared plant host. Both microbes were assumed to alter the uptake and use of nutrients by the plant. We found that the productivity of the system and the strength of the plant–fungal mutualism influenced community dynamics. In particular, at low productivity, the pathogen may depend on the presence of the fungal mutualist for persistence. Furthermore, under some conditions, both the productivity of the system and the strength of the plant–fungal mutualism may simultaneously cause the mutualist to go extinct. We note the presence of cyclic plant–pathogen population dynamics only in the presence of the mutualist. As found in other models of consumer–resource interactions, cyclic dynamics were driven by high productivity, but, in contrast to simpler systems, high pathogen effectiveness did not consistently lead to cyclic dynamics. In total, association with mutualists can alter host–pathogen interactions, and the reverse is also true in that pathogens may alter host–mutualist interactions.
Neural antecedents of the endowment effect.

SUMMARY The ‘‘endowment effect’’ refers to the tendency to place greater value on items that one owns—an anomaly that violates the reference-independence assumption of rational choice theories. We investigated neural antecedents of the endowment effect in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. During scanning, 24 subjects considered six products paired with 18 different prices under buying, choosing, or selling conditions. Subjects showed greater nucleus accumbens (NAcc) activation for preferred products across buy and sell conditions combined, but greater mesial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) activation in response to low prices when buying versus selling. During selling, right insular activation for preferred products predicted individual differences in susceptibility to the endowment effect.Thesefindingsareconsistentwithareferencedependent account in which ownership increases value by enhancing the salience of the possible loss of preferred products.
Interconnects for Novel State Variables: Performance Modeling and Device and Circuit Implications

Fundamental laws of physics will severely limit the “scaling” of silicon FETs beyond the 2020 technology roadmap. There is a need to look for an alternate switching paradigm that can overcome the limitations of the current Si FET technology. Nanoelectronic switches that work with state variables other than electron charge are being investigated by researchers. Some of these post-CMOS technologies hold the promise to extend Moore's law beyond the technology year 2020. Any new logic that aims at replacing the CMOS logic must be complemented with an interconnect technology that can transmit information encoded in the new computational variable between different physical locations of the chip. The focus of this paper is to map new logic technology with its respective interconnect technology. In this paper, comprehensive physical models of transport mechanisms that can be utilized for novel state variable transport through these novel interconnects are developed. An upper bound on speed of these interconnects is obtained, and a comparison is drawn between novel and CMOS interconnects. A comparison of delay of novel interconnects with CMOS interconnects provides important insights into the material, device, and circuit implications of these new interconnects.
The Navigation of Arctic Polar Submarines

In September 1931 Sir Hubert Wilkins and Harald Sverdrup made the first attempt to explore the Arctic Ocean by submarine in Wilkins's Nautilus. The Nautilus was the ex-Navy submarine O-12 modified with topside runners to slide against the underside of the sea ice. Seventeen years later the US Navy developed the sonar system necessary for safely piloting a diesel-battery submarine underneath the ice pack and began exploration of ice covered areas.In 1957, with the nuclear-powered Nautilus, the US Navy began exploration far into the Arctic Ocean. Problems were found concerning determination of ship's position, ice avoidance manoeuvres, and surfacing up through ice. Sonar and inertial navigation equipments and operating techniques were developed to solve these problems. Submarines have since sailed to all parts of the Arctic Ocean during all seasons — more than twenty explorations since 1957. The history, problems and interrelationships of the many explorations are described.Dr Lyon's paper was presented at a colloquium on the conquest of the North Pole held in Paris, 7–1 1 November 1983, and organized by the Centre d'Etudes Arctiques by whose permission it is here published. (Throughout the paper miles means nautical miles.)
Progressive dyspnea in patient with large mediastinal mass

Liposarcoma occurs very rarely in the mediastinum. Patients often remain asymptomatic until it grows large enough to cause direct invasion or compression of adjacent organs. We report a case of a 77-year-old male presented with dyspnea of exertion and was found to have a large mediastinal mass which was eventually diagnosed as primary mediastinal well-differentiated liposarcoma. The limited respiratory function at the initial presentation prompted phrenic nerve preserving incomplete resection rather than radical removal of the adjacent mediastinal structures. After surgical removal, the recurrence for well-differentiated mediastinal liposarcomas in the mediastinum is unknown; therefore, close follow-up is crucial.
Performance Standards: Utility for Different Uses of Assessments

Performance standards are arguably one of the most controversial topics in educational measurement. There are uses of assessments such as licensure and certification where performance standards are essential. There are many other uses, however, where performance standards have been mandated or become the preferred method of reporting assessment results where the standards are not essential to the use. Distinctions between essential and nonessential uses of performance standards are discussed. It is argued that the insistence on reporting in terms of performance standards in situations where they are not essential has been more harmful than helpful. Variability in the definitions of proficient academic achievement by states for purposes of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is discussed and it
Cost of distributed deadlock detection: a performance study

A performance evaluation of two classes of distributed deadlock detection algorithms, namely, set-based and probe-based distributed deadlock detection algorithms, is presented. The performance evaluation is performed on a simulated distributed database by implementing the algorithms. The performance evaluation shows two main results. First, set-based algorithms outperform probe-based algorithms. Second, current analytical models of distributed deadlock detection are very optimistic because they only compute the overhead of deadlock detection when deadlock exists. It is shown that this overhead cost is only a small portion of the total overall cost, that is, the cost of running the algorithm when deadlock does not exist dominates the cost of the algorithm when deadlock does exist. >
A fast liquid-metal droplet switch using EWOD

A novel liquid-metal (LM) droplet switch is presented, which addresses the switching speed limitation of previously reported LM switches. An actuation technique based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) gives contact line speeds of 50 cm/s. High accuracy positioning by placing the droplet inside a micro-frame allows us to fabricate devices with switching gaps as small as ~10 mum. We report switches with switch-on latency of 60 mus and switch-off latency of 150 mus. The rise and fall time for the switched signal was measured to be below 5 mus. In preliminary tests, 1 W of power was hot- switched for 10's of cycles without any visual degradation. Combining with the RF performance results and the inherent contact reliability of LM, we are developing microswitches for RF applications.
Discovery of Reliable Attitude Change Persistence Resulting From a Transmitter Tuning Set

Support was found for the hypothesis that recipients of persuasive messages who are set to transmit the contents to others will exhibit attitude change that persists over time. In four studies, 208 students and 300 nonstudent adults were given either a transmitter set or a control set (a set to receive more information or no set instructions) prior to reading a persuasive message. Transmitters consistently exhibited more attitude change persistence at delays ranging from two to five months, across different populations, and for attitude issues evoking varying degrees of initial agreement. The practical implications for public health and education are discussed.
Congenital absence of the cervical and petrous internal carotid artery with intercavernous anastomosis.

Congenital absence of an internal carotid artery is a rare anomaly. Less than 1 00 cases have been reported in the English literature. It is usually associated with collateral flow to the involved vascular territory, so neurologic deficits are few. However, this anomaly is also associated with a high occurrence of intracranial aneurysms. We report two cases of absent internal carotid artery with collateral supply of blood through an anastomotic vessel arising from the cavernous region of the contralateral internal carotid artery. Both cases presented because of complications of associated aneu­ rysms.
Reifying and reconciling class conflict: From Hegel’s estates through Habermas’ interchange roles

This article examines the role of class divisions in critical social theory through Habermas’ theory of law and democracy. It begins with Hegel’s view that social freedom involves reconciliation with the modern division of labor, which in turn requires membership in ‘estates’, and his thoughts on their role in the state. While subsequent Left Hegelian thinkers reject these institutions as authoritarian, the melancholic tenor of much Frankfurt School social theory stems partly from their view that class divisions are not only entrenched, but also ‘latent’ and therefore not amenable to reconciliation through the political process that Hegel envisions. Habermas’ conception of ‘interchange roles’ between the system and the lifeworld as sites of reification, but potentially of democratic contestation, synthesizes these lines of thought, by conceptualizing how the political mediation of class-based interests can be an ongoing possibility amidst a condition of latent class conflict.
Understanding the New Labor Movements in the "Third World": The Emergence of Social Movement Unionism:

A new type of trade unionism has emerged in a number of "Third World" countries, which can best be described as "social movement unionism." This category seeks to understand the role of trade unions in promoting radical social change in a manner that goes beyond both the prevailing "bourgeois" and Leninist conceptions of unions. This paper refines this concept and then applies it to a case study of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Labor Center of the Philippines.
Measuring the sensitivity to change of the Role Functioning Scale through the utilization of the RCID index

This study presents data on the sensitivity to change of the Role Functioning Scale (RFS) in assessing improvement in psychosocial functioning among persons with severe and persistent mental illness after exposure to different clinical interventions. The sample for this study was composed of 122 severely and persistently mentally ill clients who received outpatient services in one of three case-management conditions as part of a randomized clinical trial. Utilizing the twofold criteria of the RCID index proposed by Jacobson and Truax (1991) evidence was found for the sensitivity of the RFS to detect statistically reliable and clinically significant changes in client functioning as a result of the treatment interventions. The global score of the RFS demonstrated highly significant treatment effects, as well as moderate to large effect sizes. Results from the current study, as well as those presented in previous psychometric studies of the RFS indicate that this measure can be used effectively in outcome studies of the severely and persistently mentally ill to assess treatment efficacy reliably and accurately. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Radiographs Reveal Exceptional Forelimb Strength in the Sabertooth Cat, Smilodon fatalis

Background: The sabertooth cat, Smilodon fatalis, was an enigmatic predator without a true living analog. Their elongate canine teeth were more vulnerable to fracture than those of modern felids, making it imperative for them to immobilize prey with their forelimbs when making a kill. As a result, their need for heavily muscled forelimbs likely exceeded that of modern felids and thus should be reflected in their skeletons. Previous studies on forelimb bones of S. fatalis found them to be relatively robust but did not quantify their ability to withstand loading. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using radiographs of the sabertooth cat, Smilodon fatalis, 28 extant felid species, and the larger, extinct American lion Panthera atrox, we measured cross-sectional properties of the humerus and femur to provide the first estimates of limb bone strength in bending and torsion. We found that the humeri of Smilodon were reinforced by cortical thickening to a greater degree than those observed in any living felid, or the much larger P. atrox. The femur of Smilodon also was thickened but not beyond the normal variation found in any other felid measured. Conclusions/Significance: Based on the cross-sectional properties of its humerus, we interpret that Smilodon was a powerful predator that differed from extant felids in its greater ability to subdue prey using the forelimbs. This enhanced forelimb strength was part of an adaptive complex driven by the need to minimize the struggles of prey in order to protect the elongate canines from fracture and position the bite for a quick kill.
Comparison of Anxiolytic Effects of Acute Exercise in Older Versus Younger Adults

Although the anxiolytic effect of acute exercise is well established, there is little understanding regarding whether this effect differs across age. The purpose of this investigation was to compare anxiolytic effects of acute exercise in older versus younger volunteers. Older (n = 32, aged 59-75 years) and younger (n = 45, aged 18-30 years), aerobically fit volunteers were assessed. On 3 consecutive days, participants ran/walked for 60 min at 65% to 75% of heart-rate reserve. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y1) was administered 5 min before and 20 min after each exercise bout. Mean state anxiety before and after exercise was analyzed by repeated measures age-by-gender-by-time ANOVA. A significantly greater anxiolytic effect of exercise in the older versus younger participants was found for the mean data (p < .001), as well as each of the 3 individual days. The results suggest greater anxiolytic effects of vigorous acute exercise in older compared to younger adults.
Physiological and molecular characterization of genetic competence in Streptococcus sanguinis.

Summary Streptococcus sanguinis is a major component of the oral flora and an important cause of infective endocarditis. Although S. sanguinis is naturally competent, genome sequencing has suggested significant differences in the S. sanguinis competence system relative to those of other streptococci. An S. sanguinis mutant possessing an in-frame deletion in the comC gene, which encodes competence-stimulating peptide (CSP), was created. Addition of synthetic CSP induced competence in this strain. Gene expression in this strain was monitored by microarray analysis at multiple time-points from 2.5 to 30 min after CSP addition, and verified by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Over 200 genes were identified whose expression was altered at least two-fold in at least one time point, with the majority upregulated. The ‘late’ response was typical of that seen in previous studies. However, comparison of the ‘early’ response in S. sanguinis with that of other oral streptococci revealed unexpected differences with regard to the number of genes induced, the nature of those genes, and their putative upstream regulatory sequences. Streptococcus sanguinis possesses a comparatively limited early response, which may define a minimal streptococcal competence regulatory circuit.
Wireless neural signal acquisition with single low-power integrated circuit

We present experimental results from an integrated circuit designed for wireless neural recording applications. The chip, which was fabricated in a 0.6-mum 2P3M BiCMOS process, contains 100 amplifiers and a 10-bit ADC and 902-928 MHz FSK transmitter. Neural signals from one amplifier are sampled by the ADC at 15.7 kSps and telemetered over the FSK wireless data link. Power, clock, and command signals are sent to the chip wirelessly over a 2.765-MHz inductive (coil-to-coil) link. The chip is capable of operating with only two off-chip components: a power receive coil and a 100-nF capacitor.
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Mitrofanoff Appendicovesicostomy: Preliminary Experience in a Pediatric Population

Purpose: Continent urinary diversion has a central role in treating various urinary tract conditions and traditionally has been performed as an open procedure. We report on 10 patients who underwent a robotic assisted laparoscopic Mitrofanoff procedure using the da Vinci® surgical system.Materials and Methods: Patients had bladder dysfunction of various etiologies, including posterior urethral valves and neurogenic bladder. Preoperatively all patients unsuccessfully attempted clean intermittent catheterization via the urethra.Results: Mean operative time was 323 minutes (range 181 to 507). One case was converted to open surgery secondary to an inadequate appendix discovered intraoperatively. Mean estimated blood loss was 48.4 cc (range 5 to 200). Median hospitalization was 5 days. Median followup was 14.2 months. Urinary leakage developed postoperatively in 1 patient, requiring an open revision. Minor incontinence developed in 2 cases, of which 1 was corrected with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection an...
A new genus and species of cave cockroach (Blaberidae: Oxyhaloinae) from Guinea, West Africa

Abstract A new genus and species of ovoviviparous blaberid cockroach, Simandoa conserfariam is described that lives in bat guano in a cave in Guinea, West Africa. The male's subgenital plate, styles, and genitalia clearly place it in the Blaberidae: Oxyhaloinae: Nauphoetini. It is close to Henschoutedenia and Nauphoeta, but lacks stridulating structures on the pronotum and tegmina which are present in some species of the other 2 genera. The taxon belongs in the “Guanobies” group of cockroaches and lives in bat guano that accumulates not far from the entrance of the cave where light is present: Simandoa shows none of the characteristics of a troglobite (obligate cave-dweller) which, compared to surface dwellers, has reduced eyes and wings.
Application of immunochemical assays to food analysis

Abstract Immunochemical assays are powerful bioanalytical techniques with application to several areas in food science, including food analysis, microbiology, nutrition, food safety, food quality, and process control. In principle, immunochemical techniques can be applied to the analysis of any compound, with only one specific antibody needed that can be obtained either from laboratory animals or, when available, from commercial sources. A well‐designed immunochemical assay can detect targeted compounds at levels as low as 10−12 M. Immunochemical techniques require little or no sample pretreatment, making these analytical procedures relatively rapid. The initial cost of developing an immunoanalytical assay may be high, but when the procedure is well established, the cost per test is often a fraction of that for other analytical methods. For these reasons, immunoanalytical assays provide an attractive alternative for the food analyst who requires either inexpensive qualitative screening tests or reliable q...
Patency of the Viabahn stent graft for the treatment of outflow stenosis in hemodialysis grafts

Abstract Background To evaluate arteriovenous graft patency when failing grafts are treated with Viabahn covered stents vs percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) alone. Methods A retrospective review of all patients that underwent endovascular interventions for failing grafts at a single institution between January 2010 and July 2013 was performed. Forty-four patients were identified who were treated with PTA alone (11) and with Viabahn stent grafts (33) for stenoses in the venous to graft anastomoses. Patient demographics, procedural success, and intraoperative complications were recorded as well as graft patency at 3, 6, and 12 months. Graft patency was reviewed and compared with PTA alone. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding gender, frequency of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, or peripheral arterial disease. Primary technical success defined as residual stenosis 10% or less was achieved in 100% of the cases. Follow-up was determined by flow velocities during dialysis and ultrasound imaging in the vascular laboratory. At 12 months 87.8% (29/33) grafts with stents were functional vs 36.4% (4/11) of those with PTA alone. Primary patency of the stent group was 61%, 52%, and 42% at 3, 6, and 12 months respectively vs the PTA group 64%, 45%, and 9%. Conclusions Grafts treated with Viabahn covered stents for outflow stenosis have a superior patency to PTA alone, 12 months after treatment; although earlier post treatment results are comparable.
Communication-Enhancing Vagueness

I experimentally investigate how vague language changes the nature of communication in a biased strategic information transmission game. Counterintuitively, when both precise and imprecise messages can be sent, in aggregate senders are more accurate and receivers trust them more. I also develop and structurally estimate a model showing that vague messages increase communication between boundedly rational players, especially if some senders are moderately honest. Moderately honest senders avoid stating an outright lie by using vague messages to hedge. Precise messages are then more informative because there are fewer precise lies.
Lithium Insertion in Nanostructured TiO2(B) Architectures

Electric vehicles and grid storage devices have potentialto become feasible alternatives to current technology, but only if scientists can develop energy storage materials that offer high capacity and high rate capabilities. Chemists have studied anatase, rutile, brookite and TiO2(B) (bronze) in both bulk and nanostructured forms as potential Li-ion battery anodes. In most cases, the specific capacity and rate of lithiation and delithiation increases as the materials are nanostructured. Scientists have explained these enhancements in terms of higher surface areas, shorter Li+ diffusion paths and different surface energies for nanostructured materials allowing for more facile lithiation and delithiation. Of the most studied polymorphs, nanostructured TiO2(B) has the highest capacity with promising high rate capabilities. TiO2(B) is able to accommodate 1 Li+ per Ti, giving a capacity of 335 mAh/g for nanotubular and nanoparticulate TiO2(B). The TiO2(B) polymorph, discovered in 1980 by Marchand and co-worker...
Review of the Simulation of Transient Experiments on Amorphous Silicon Hydride

The transient characteristics of amorphous silicon hydride (a-Si:H) devices are of great importance as a means of studying the fundamental electrical and photo-electrical processes in the material. To assist in the interpretation of these experiments, several groups have performed simulations to understand better the meaning of transient waveforms. Simulations begin with hypotheses of how the processes of interest affect each other and affect the measured quantity, and then calculate an expected experimental result. Transient experiments on a-Si:H have been simulated by a variety of techniques, including the Monte Carlo, Laplace transform, and time integration methods. Of these methods, time integration is the most powerful but also the most demanding on computer capabilities. Fortunately, recent advances in computer technology have brought the simulation of transient experiments on a-Si:H by time integration within the capabilities of advanced personal computers.
Synthesis and group transfer polymerization and copolymerization of p-vinylbenzyl methacrylate

p-Vinylbenzyl methacrylate was synthesized by the phase transfer catalyzed esterification of potassium methacrylate with p-chloromethylstyrene. p-Vinylbenzyl methacrylate was homopolymerized and copolymerized with methyl methacrylate by group transfer polymerization through the methacryloyl group, resulting in reactive polymethacrylates containing pendant styrene groups.
Governing the Workplace/Robust Unionism: Innovations in the Labor Movement

This article presents reviews of two books, & Governing the Workplace,& by Paul C. Weiler and & Robust Unionism: Innovations in the Labor Movement,& by Arthur B. Shostak.
A Method for AGC Reserve Capacity Analysis Considering Photovoltaic Power Fluctuation Characteristics

A spectrum analyzing method based on the autoregressive(AR)model is proposed to analyze the fluctuation characteristics of photovoltaic(PV)power.In order to obtain data with sufficient resolution,the PV array output is simulated based on meteorological data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory(NREL)of America,which is used to analyze the fluctuation characteristics of PV power stations on different time scales and spatial scales,and determining the time scale on which the photovoltaic power fluctuation component is concentrated.Research shows that PV power fluctuations on different time scales are significantly affected by weather.With the expansion of PV power station scale,the whole output of different PV power stations tends to be smooth.In addition,PV power output fluctuation is mainly concentrated on the 5 min time scale.On this basis,the performance of fitting the probability distribution of PV power fluctuation on the critical time scale with t-distribution is verified.The power fluctuation component on the critical time scale is separated by a rolling average method.Finally,the automatic generation control(AGC)reserve demand caused by PV power grid-connection is quantitatively analyzed.
Examination of the Oral Cavity and Routine Dental Care

Techniques and equipment used to examine the oral cavity thoroughly are explained. Common routine dental procedures described include removal of enamel points, wolf teeth, and retained caps. Abnormalities of the incisors are discussed.
A comparison of two opioid analgesics for relief of visceral pain induced by intestinal resection in rats.

While developing a rat model for human short bowel syndrome, we noted that untreated rats as well as rats administered buprenorphine after intestinal resection exhibited behavior and appearance consistent with visceral pain and distress. To provide appropriate analgesics, we developed criteria to assess pain-related behavioral changes and conducted an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of buprenorphine versus oxymorphone to alleviate the pain induced by intestinal resection. Rats underwent either small-bowel resection or transection surgery; in addition, animals received jugular catheterization for the delivery of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Rats treated with buprenorphine received 0.5 mg/kg every 6 h subcutaneously, and rats treated with oxymorphone received 0.03 mg/kg hourly for 32 h via continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion with TPN solution. Rats treated with buprenorphine exhibited behavior and appearance consistent with pain and distress for as long as 32 h postoperatively, whereas animals treated with oxymorphone exhibited behavior and appearance similar to their preoperative state. Thus, oxymorphone alleviated the pain-related behavioral changes after intestinal resection far better than did buprenorphine. Of interest, we observed that the buprenorphine was associated with a decrease in the volume of urine collected, whereas oxymorphone was associated with urine volumes similar to those of nonresected rats maintained with TPN. Because oxymorphone appeared to be a superior analgesic, we also evaluated three routes for administering this drug. Pain-related behavior changes were alleviated by the administration of oxymorphone by either Alzet mini-pump, bolus i.v. injection, or continuous i.v. infusion. We conclude that compared with buprenorphine, oxymorphone is a superior analgesic for the alleviation of visceral pain due to intestinal resection.
The history of plastic surgery in wartime.

During recurring conflict, the medicine of peace helps the medicine of war; during the intervening periods of quiet, the innovations of war help peacetime medicine. Major advances in reconstructive surgery are recounted from antiquity to the present, with special emphasis on World Wars I and II.