cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family discussion about organ donation among African Americans.

ContextRelatively little is known about family discussion concerning donation among African Americans in the United States, especially discussion predating the brain death of a family member and the donor request process.ObjectivesTo explore the inclination of African Americans to engage in family discussion about organ donation and the characteristics of those who expressed a desire to their families to donate their organs upon death.DesignFocus groups and a cross-sectional survey.SettingA large metropolitan complex in Houston, Tex, with a relatively sizeable African American population.ParticipantsA total of 18 persons of African American background participated in 2 focus groups; 375 randomly selected African American residents were surveyed by questionnaire.Main Outcome MeasureProdonation family discussion.ResultsOnly 10% of subjects were found to be in the “action” (having had a prodonation discussion) or “maintenance” (having had a prodonation discussion and not inclined to alter one's wishes) stage...
Comparison of 137Cs concentrations measured after in situ absorption with those determined by bulk water analyses or calculated from 90Sr analyses1

Concentrations of /sup 90/Sr and /sup 137/Cs determined at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution by bulk water analysis were compared with /sup 137/Cs concentrations determined at the University of Delaware following absorption in situ. Five groups of profiles from the North Atlantic were used. Bulk water values and in situ values were compared by plotting radioisotope concentrations against sigma/sub tau/ and comparing values, obtained by linear interpolation, at the same values of sigma/sub tau/. When compared with mean analytical uncertainties, data obtained by the two methods seem in excellent agreement. The systematic difference between analyses performed by the two methods appears to be close to 0.6 dpm per 100 liters.
IDENTIFICATION OF GLUTAMIC ACID 381 AS A CANDIDATE ACTIVE SITE RESIDUE OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA EXOENZYME S

Exoenzyme S of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ExoS) is a member of the family of bacterial ADP-ribosylating exotoxins (bAREs). Site-directed mutagenesis of glutamic acids within the catalytic domain of ExoS (termed delta N222) allowed the identification of the preferential inactivation of ADP-ribosyltransferase activity by alanine substitution of E381. The specific activity of E381A mutant was 0.02% of wild-type delta N222. Delta N222(E381A) retained the requirement of factor activating exoenzyme S (FAS) activation for the expression of ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. In contrast, E387A, E399A, and E414A mutants possessed ADP-ribosyltransferase activity similar to that of wild-type delta N222. Kinetic evaluation of E381A and two other mutants, E381D and E381S, showed that their primary defect was a lower kcat in the ADP-ribosylation of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). The Km for NAD and SBTI and activation by FAS varied 2- and 10-fold relative to delta N222. In addition, the E381 mutants possessed identical protease patterns during thrombin and trypsin digestion as delta N222, which indicated that E381 mutants had retained their overall conformation. Together, these data identify E381 as contributing to the catalytic activity of exoenzyme S.
Depolarization of an Uncollimated Laser Beam in a Turbulent Medium

The depolarization of a beam wave, with Gaussian intensity distribution and arbitrary divergence, propagating in a turbulent medium is considered. The correlation function of the depolarized component of the beam is determined. The mean-square depolarization fluctuation is then determined for a medium characterized by a Kolmogorov spectrum. If the beam is assumed to be collimated, this expression reduces to that of Collett and Alferness; if the plane-wave limiting case of the Gaussian beam is taken, the results in this paper agree with those of Strohbehn. The results show that off the beam axis the depolarization can be greater than for the plane wave, and that near the beam focal point the depolarization may decrease by orders of magnitude.
The Age of Crosstalk: Phosphorylation, Ubiquitination, and Beyond

Crosstalk between different types of posttranslational modification is an emerging theme in eukaryotic biology. Particularly prominent are the multiple connections between phosphorylation and ubiquitination, which act either positively or negatively in both directions to regulate these processes.
Inverting geodetic time series with a principal component analysis-based inversion method

[1] The Global Positioning System (GPS) system now makes it possible to monitor deformation of the Earth’s surface along plate boundaries with unprecedented accuracy. In theory, the spatiotemporal evolution of slip on the plate boundary at depth, associated with either seismic or aseismic slip, can be inferred from these measurements through some inversion procedure based on the theory of dislocations in an elastic half-space. We describe and test a principal component analysis-based inversion method (PCAIM), an inversion strategy that relies on principal component analysis of the surface displacement time series. We prove that the fault slip history can be recovered from the inversion of each principal component. Because PCAIM does not require externally imposed temporal filtering, it can deal with any kind of time variation of fault slip. We test the approach by applying the technique to synthetic geodetic time series to show that a complicated slip history combining coseismic, postseismic, and nonstationary interseismic slip can be retrieved from this approach. PCAIM produces slip models comparable to those obtained from standard inversion techniques with less computational complexity. We also compare an afterslip model derived from the PCAIM inversion of postseismic displacements following the 2005 8.6 Nias earthquake with another solution obtained from the extended network inversion filter (ENIF). We introduce several extensions of the algorithm to allow statistically rigorous integration of multiple data sources (e.g., both GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar time series) over multiple timescales. PCAIM can be generalized to any linear inversion algorithm.
Accelerated G1 Phase Progression Induced by the Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type I (HTLV-I) Tax Oncoprotein

Tax, the human T cell leukemia virus type I oncoprotein, plays a crucial role in viral transformation and the development of the virally associated disease adult T cell leukemia. Because oncogenesis involves alterations in cell growth, it is important to examine the effects of Tax on cell cycle progression. Using a synchronized cell system, we have found that Tax expression accelerates G1 phase progression and S phase entry with concomitant DNA replication. This accelerated progression is accompanied by an earlier onset of cdk2 kinase activity. In contrast to the shortening of G1 phase, the length of S phase is unaffected by Tax expression. As a result of a more rapid cell cycle progression, cells expressing Tax exhibit faster growth kinetics and display an altered cell cycle distribution. Additionally, the decreased time allowed for growth in the presence of Tax results in a decreased cell size. Tax-associated acceleration of cell cycle progression may play a role in the ability of this viral oncoprotein to mediate cellular transformation and promote the development of human T cell leukemia virus type I-associated diseases.
The effect of self-applied SnF2-ZrSiO4 prophylactic paste on dental caries: Santa Clara County, Calif

Schoolchildren in a nonfluoridated area brushed four times during a three-year period with a 9% stannous fluoride-zirconium silicate prophylactic paste or a placebo. The children were examined clinically and radiographically each year to determine the effect of the self-applications on dental caries experience. Study findings do not strongly support the efficacy of annual self-applications of a stannous fluoride-zirconium silicate paste. Because other reports indicate a possible anticariogenic benefit of semiannual self-applications of the paste, additional studies are indicated.
Ontogeny of prey selection in Sirthenea carinata : Generalist juveniles become specialist adults

Prey selection bySirthenea carinata (F.) [Hemiptera: Reduviidae] was investigated using both field captured and laboratory-reared nymphs and adults. Small nymphs (instars 1–3) showed no preference for mole crickets [Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus] as prey overGryllus spp. orAnurogryllus muticus (De Geer) [Orthoptera: Gryllidae]. Larger nymphs (4th and 5th instars) and adults showed a significant preference for mole crickets in the same sort of choice experiments, choosing mole crickets 84% of the time. Laboratory hatchedSirthenea nymphs matured faster on a mixed diet ofGryllus spp.,A. muticus, andScapteriscus spp. Than did siblings fed a diet ofGryllus spp. alone, but no differences were found in size or duration of individual stadia between the diet groups.
Epithelial membrane protein-2 expression is an early predictor of endometrial cancer development

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common malignancy worldwide. It is often preceded by endometrial hyperplasia, whose management and risk of neoplastic progression vary. Previously, the authors have shown that the tetraspan protein epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) is a prognostic indicator for EC aggressiveness and survival. Here the authors validate the expression of EMP2 in EC, and further examine whether EMP2 expression within preneoplastic lesions is an early prognostic biomarker for EC development. METHODS: A tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed with a wide representation of benign and malignant endometrial samples. The TMA contains a metachronous cohort of cases from individuals who either developed or did not develop EC. Intensity and frequency of EMP2 expression were assessed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There was a stepwise, statistically significant increase in the average EMP2 expression from benign to hyperplasia to atypia to EC. Furthermore, detailed analysis of EMP2 expression in potentially premalignant cases demonstrated that EMP2 positivity was a strong predictor for EC development. CONCLUSIONS: EMP2 is an early predictor of EC development in preneoplastic lesions. In addition, combined with our previous findings, these results validate EMP2 as a novel biomarker for EC development. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Simulation of Cyclic Displacement by Counterpoised Shape Memory Elements

The most common shape memory actuation procedure involves a shape memory element that works against a conventional elastic biasing element. Actuation is provided by the movement of the contact interface separating the two elements. The interface then occupies one location at high temperature and another location at low temperature. Certain applications call for switching between two separate interface locations, both of which are stable at a common ambient temperature. A shape memory element working against a conventional elastic biasing element cannot generally give such capability. However, two shape memory elements working against each other does give this capability, provided that the ambient temperature supports stress-free martensite, and provided as well that the contact interface thermally isolates the elements during short duration heating spikes which trigger such a switch. There is an obvious operational benchmark involving one element with fully oriented martensite and the other element with random martensite. The benchmark operation exchanges these states between the two elements, in which case the device stroke follows immediately from the material`s transformation strain. This benchmark behavior is not achievable due to elastic strain effects. Here the authors analyze the achievable behavior of such a device using a recent model for shape memory more » behavior. This model tracks the state of the shape memory material in terms of austenite and two variant martensite. This enables the determination of the device`s shakedown behavior in terms of repeatable per-stroke strain delivery, and also gives the temperature excursions necessary for the associated full displacement. « less
Uniform Stress Inside an Anisotropic Elliptic Inclusion with Imperfect Interface Bonding

In this paper we study the two-dimensional deformation of an anisotropic elliptic inclusion embedded in an infinite dissimilar anisotropic matrix subject to a uniform loading at infinity. The interface is assumed to be imperfectly bonded. The surface traction is continuous across the interface while the displacement is discontinuous. The interface function that relates the surface traction and the displacement discontinuity across the interface is a tensor function, not a scalar function as employed by most work in the literature. We choose the interface function such that the stress inside the elliptic inclusion is uniform. Explicit solution for the inclusion and the matrix is presented. The materials in the inclusion and in the matrix are general anisotropic elastic materials so that the antiplane and inplane displacements are coupled regardless of the applied loading at infinity.
Identifying colon and open reduction of fracture surgical site infections using a partially automated electronic algorithm

Background Algorithms leveraging electronic data may reduce manual review burden for surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance with little to no reduction in sensitivity. We developed an algorithm to identify colon and open reduction of fracture (FX) SSIs to reduce manual chart review. Methods A retrospective cohort of colon and FX procedures and associated SSIs was constructed. Potential SSIs were identified by positive microbiologic cultures or administrative data for diagnosis or treatment of wound infection. Sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm were assessed. The number of charts needing review to identify 1 SSI, and the potential time-savings from the algorithm, were calculated. Results Four hundred seventy-three colon (SSI rate = 7%) and 1081 FX (SSI rate = 3%) procedures were identified. The algorithm was 91% and 97% sensitive and 76% and 93% specific for colon and FX procedures, respectively. Overall, chart review would have been reduced by 24.3 hours per 100 procedures, decreasing the number of charts to review to identify 1 SSI from 23.9 for manual review to 3.9 with the algorithm. Conclusions The algorithm identified SSIs with excellent sensitivity and specificity, resulting in substantial reductions in manual chart review. This algorithm could be tailored and applied to other hospitals.
Wallabicoris, New Genus (Hemiptera: Miridae: Phylinae: Phylini) from Australia, with the Description of 37 New Species and an Analysis of Host Associations

Abstract A new genus, Wallabicoris, is described from Australia with 37 included species, all described as new. Host plants for 29 species of Wallabicoris are recorded in the families Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Fabaceae (Papilionoideae), Lamiaceae, Rhamnaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Thymelaeaceae. Maps organized on the basis of host association are presented. A phylogenetic analysis based on 53 morphological characters is presented for all species and seven outgroups. An additional analysis for 25 in-groups and the seven outgroups is presented in which the morphological characters are combined with about 470 bases of 16S mtDNA. These analyses show Wallabicoris to be monophyletic, as are several species groups within the genus. Monophyletic groups of species feeding on the Rhamnaceae and Lamiaceae received strong support, suggesting radiations on those plant lineages. Distributional patterns are examined within the context of the larger Australian fauna and with regard to the distributions of host taxa.
The electrical properties of zero-gravity processed immiscibles

When dispersed or mixed immiscibles are solidified on earth, a large amount of separation of the constituents takes place due to differences in densities. However, when the immiscibles are dispersed and solidified in zero-gravity, density separation does not occur, and unique composite solids can be formed with many new and promising electrical properties. By measuring the electrical resistivity and superconducting critical temperature, Tc, of zero-g processed Ga-Bi samples, it has been found that the electrical properties of such materials are entirely different from the basic constituents and the ground control samples. Our results indicate that space processed immiscible materials may form an entirely new class of electronic materials.
A Comment on “Determination of the Total Nitrogen Content of Organic Substances Through the Ammonia Formed in oxidation by Persulfate”

Abstract Perl and Szakacs assert that their work is the first to use persulfate oxidation to determine the nitrogen content of organic materials.1 This is incorrect. A number of papers have appeared since 1969 which describe this method.2–12 The novel feature of the work of Perl and Szakacs1 is the direct determination of nitrogen as ammonia rather than as nitrate with the necessary limitation that nitro compounds and the like would be missed.
Turbulent Three-Dimensional Air Flow and Trace Gas Distribution in an Inhalation Test Chamber

Steady incompressible turbulent air flow and transient carbon monoxide transport in an empty Rochester-style human exposure chamber have been numerically simulated and compared with experimental data sets. The system consisted of an inlet duct with a continuous carbon monoxide point source, 45- and 90-degree bends, a round diffuser, a round-to-square transition, a rectangular diffuser, the test chamber, a perforated floor, and again transition pieces from the chamber to an outlet duct. Such a configuration induced highly nonuniform vortical flow patterns in the chamber test area where a pollutant concentration is required to be constant at breathing level for safe and accurate inhalation studies. Presented are validated momentum and mass transfer results for this large-scale system with the main goals of determining the development of tracer gas (CO) distributions in the chamber and analyzing the contributions to CO-mixing. Numerical simulations were conducted employing a k-e model and the latest available RNG k-e model for air and CO-mixing. Both models predict similar velocity fields and are in good agreement with measured steady and transient CO-concentrations. It was found that secondary flows in the inlet section and strong vortical flow in the chamber with perforated flooring contributed to effective mixing of the trace gas at breathing levels. Specifically, in the height range of 1.4<h (m)<2.0 above the chamber floor, predicted CO-concentrations rapidly reached a near constant value which agrees well with experimental results. This work can be extended to analyze trace gas mixing as well as aerosol dispersion in occupied test chambers with or without flow redirection devices installed in the upstream section. A complementary application is particle transport and deposition in clean rooms of the electronic, pharmaceutical, and health care industries.
Constructive real interpretation of numerical programs

We explore the feasibility of providing exact real arithmetic for use in conventional numerical programs. We have built a prototype interpreter which replaces floating point operations with operations on constructive real numbers in the execution of conventional Fortran programs. Such a facility makes it unnecessary to concern oneself with issues of numerical stability in the solution of small problems. It also provides a useful tool for the development of larger numerical programs.We discuss the computability and algorithmic issues involved in the design of the interpreter, as well as some preliminary experiences and performance measurements.
Crossing-symmetric four-body unitarity condition

The four-body unitarity condition is studied in the case of a crossing-symmetric scattering process where the scattering is essentially iterated four times. It is found that there is a substantial enlargement of the analyticity domain in the $cos\ensuremath{\theta}$ variable for fixed energy for the absorptive part of the scattering amplitude over what one obtains from the elastic unitarity alone.
The electrical analogy does not apply to modeling dry deposition of particles

Abstract The most commonly used expresion for dry deposition of particles is based on the electrical analogy. Because the electrical analogy is not consistent with the mass conservation equation, this expression for dry deposition velocity cannot be justified. This paper presents the correct expression.
Determination of 3D positions of pacemaker leads from biplane angiographic sequences

In vitro and in vivoanalyses of stress on pacemaker leads and their components during the heart cycle have become especially important because of incidences of failure of some of these mechanical components. For stress analyses, the three-dimensional (3D) position, shape, and motion of the pacemaker leads must be known accurately at each time point during the cardiac cycle. We have developed a method for determination of the in vivo 3D positions of pacemaker leads during the entire heart cycle. Sequences of biplane images of patients with pacemakers were obtained at 30 frames/s for each projection. The sequences usually included at least two heart cycles. After patient imaging, biplane images of a calibration object were obtained from which the biplane imaging geometry was determined. The centerlines of the leads and unique, identifiable points on the attached electrodes were indicated manually for all acquired images. Temporal interpolation of the lead and electrode data was performed so that the temporal nonsynchronicity of the image acquisition was overcome. Epipolar lines, generated from the calculated geometry, were employed to identify corresponding points along the leads in the pairs of biplane images for each time point. The 3D positions of the lead and electrodes were calculated from the known geometry and from the identified corresponding points in the images. Using multiple imagesets obtained with the calibration object at various orientations, the precision of the calculated rotation matrix and of the translation vector defining the imaging geometry was found to be approximately 0.7° and 1%, respectively. The 3D positions were reproducible to within 2 mm, with the error lying primarily along the axis between the focal spot and the imaging plane. Using data obtained by temporally downsampling to 15 frames/s, the interpolated data were found to lie within approximately 2 mm of the true position for most of the heart cycle. These results indicate that, with this technique, one can reliably determine pacemaker lead positions throughout the heart cycle, and thereby it will provide the basis for stress analysis on pacemaker leads.
Scotopic illumination enhances entrainment of circadian rhythms to lengthening light:dark cycles.

Endogenously generated circadian rhythms are synchronized with the environment through phase-resetting actions of light. Starlight and dim moonlight are of insufficient intensity to reset the phase of the clock directly, but recent studies have indicated that dim nocturnal illumination may otherwise substantially alter entrainment to bright lighting regimes. In this article, the authors demonstrate that, compared to total darkness, dim illumination at night ( 26 h. In the presence of dim nocturnal illumination, however, a majority of hamsters entrained to Ts of 28 h or longer. The presence or absence of a running wheel had only minor effects on entrainment to lengthening light cycles. The results further establish the potent effects of scotopic illumination on circadian entrainment and suggest that naturalistic ambient lighting at night may enhance the plasticity of the circadian pacemaker.
Protease repertoires of cells adherent to membranes recovered after guided tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration is a clinical procedure used to restore mineralized tissue that has been lost to periodontal disease or after tooth extraction. The procedure makes use of Gore-tex® membranes or Gore-tex® augmentation membranes (GTAM) to prevent migration of keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts into healing wounds. To begin to characterize the regenerative cells associated with these membranes, human cells have been rescued from membranes retrieved after bone-inductive procedures. Cell lines were established from tissue adherent to Gore-tex® membranes used to regenerate bone around periodontally compromised teeth, and from tissue adherent to GTAM used in edentulous ridge augmentation procedures or in conjunction with implant placement. Cell lines were screened for mineralized nodule formation in vitro prior to their subsequent analysis. All but one of the lines selected for this study formed mineralized nodules in vitro with cells from GTAM tending to form modules more quickly than cells from Gore-tex®. Zymograms and Western blots were used to compare protease profiles of these cells with those of human gingival fibroblasts, keratinocytes and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. All cell types except for keratinocytes produced a 72 kD protease. In contrast, keratinocytes were the only cells that produced 92 kD gelatinase. In some cell lines, notably those removed from patients after short periods of regeneration, collagenase was the major protease detected on gelatin substrate gels. Some of these cell lines also produced additional proteases including a low molecular weight protease (30 kD) not seen in gingival fibroblasts, PDL cells or keratinocytes.
Self-consistent simulation of quantum wires in periodic heterojunction structures

We simulate the low temperature confinement of electrons in quantum wires formed at the corners of periodic saw‐tooth structures consisting of layers of AlxGa1−xAs and GaAs materials. A very efficient self‐consistent procedure for the solution of Schrodinger’s and Poisson’s equations, including shifted periodic boundary conditions, is used to obtain the wave functions and energy levels in the quantum well. Self‐consistency is very important to obtain an accurate result; in particular, the precise details of the potential at the corners must be resolved. The formation of a quantum wire at the corners of the GaAs layer is found to be very sensitive to the physical parameters of the neighboring AlxGa1−xAs layers. We find that to avoid sizeable electron population in the GaAs region between the corners, asymmetric doping is necessary, which normally results in electron confinement only at every other corner.
The business of emerging display technologies

In the past decade we have experienced a revolution in display technology, in particular immersive display technologies, and a fast deployment of a wide range of commercial products, ranging from high-end one-of-a-kind multi-surface display, to productized displays for a larger customer base. As these technologies keep evolving and becoming more main stream, one would think that we would experience a growth in business opportunities for these technologies and a wider market for these technologies. However, the business of emerging displays technologies seems to be a niche market focused towards research environments and several specific narrow vertical markets. Furthermore, there seems to be a disconnection from the business of hardware technologies and software technologies to utilize these displays.This pane brings together a group of pioneer entrepreneurs in display technologies to share their experiences on developing businesses opportunities, to talk about their challenges, and to discuss needs and trends they see for the field.
Abnormalities of cerebral oxidative metabolism in animal models of Parkinson disease

Abnormalities of cerebral oxidative metabolism were investigated in “animal models” of Parkinson disease by in situ optical measurements of local cerebral blood volume and cytochrome oxidase redox shifts in rats two weeks after unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra with or without interruption of ascending noradrenergic pathways. The data demonstrate oxidative metabolic dysfunction of ipsilateral cerebral hemispheres caused by lesions that involve both dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems but not when dopaminergic neurons only are affected. We speculate that the dementia of Parkinson disease may be more prevalent when degeneration of catecholaminergic systems is widespread and not restricted to the dopaminergic system.
Early and late components of AMPA-receptor mediated field potentials in hippocampal slices

Field EPSPs were recorded from the CA1 region of hippocampal slices under conditions in which components of the responses other than those generated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors were blocked. Laminar profile analysis indicated that the resultant potentials had separable phases: an early and fast stage followed by a late and slow stage. The location of the fast response was sensitive to stimulation position in the stratum radiatum; i.e., distal stimulation elicited maximum, negative going potentials in the distal stratum radiatum while proximal stimulation recordings were maximal in the proximal segment. The distribution of the late component was largely independent of stimulation electrode position in stratum radiatum. Current source density analysis revealed that the late response had a source in the most distal dendrites (stratum moleculare) and a sink near the cell body layer. It was not accompanied by evident changes in membrane conductance and had a decay time constant similar to the membrane time constant. Stimulation of the afferents to the basal dendrites of the pyramidal cells also resulted in a late response which again had a source in stratum moleculare. These results strongly suggest that the magnitude and waveform of the late component of the AMPA receptor mediated field potential reflects the biophysical properties of the most distal branches of the dendritic arborization. The laminar analyses also show that the late potential is minimal in the mid-stratum radiatum and thus suggest that this site is most appropriate for investigations concerned with the waveform of the fast component of AMPA receptor mediated synaptic response.
Data analytic trends and training in strategic management

Data analysis is a key element of the research process. Accordingly, appropriate doctoral training in data analysis is vital to the strategic management field's future. We used a two-study design to evaluate quantitative data analysis trends and doctoral training. An analysis of Strategic Management Journal articles from 1980 to 2001 reveals that, contrary to some predictions, the use of general linear model techniques such as regression has increased over time. However, the use of more specialized techniques, including those suitable for examining longitudinal data, discrete events, and causal structure, has also grown substantially. A survey of recent doctoral graduates shows that, although skilled with general linear models, many are ill prepared to use specialized techniques. Based on our findings, we offer suggestions aimed at bridging gaps between what doctoral students (and other researchers) know and what they need to know about data analysis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Variety and Distribution System Characteristics on Inventory Levels at U.S. Retailers

Over the past six decades, numerous analytical models have been developed to determine optimal inventory levels. These models predict that inventories carried by a retailer should be a function of the product variety carried by the retailer, distribution system characteristics, economies of scale, etc. A few recent empirical studies have explored the impact of some of these factors on aggregate inventories at U.S. retailers. Building on these works, this study empirically explores the role of key factors such as product variety, number of stores, and number of warehouses in explaining inventory levels at U.S. retailers using data obtained from both primary and secondary sources. We find that variety as measured by the number of stock-keeping units carried and number of stores is associated with higher inventories, whereas scale economies are associated with lower inventories. We do not find the number of warehouses to be significant in explaining inventory levels. Increased demand fluctuations are also associated with higher inventories, although the effects are less robust. The significant variables together with retailer segment identifiers explain a substantial fraction of the variance in inventory levels and can be potentially useful to managers in benchmarking their inventory levels.
The surface characteristics of the plasma membrane of the exocrine pancreas

Regional differentiation of the plasma membrane and related structures of the exocrine pancreas has been studied ultrastructurally and cytochemically. Fixation with an osmium tetroxide-silver acetate solution produced abundant fine precipitates on the luminal and basal surface of the centroacinar but not the acinar cells. Staining with dialyzed iron (DI) revealed the heaviest concentration of anionic sites on the luminal plasma membrane of the acinar cells, including the surface of both the intercellular canaliculi and the main lumen. The reactive sites on the apical acinar plasmalemma appeared to consist of discrete globules. DI-reactivity of the lateral basal membranes was most prominent in the centroacinar cells and essentially absent in the acinar cells but was weak relative to that of the acinar-cell apical plasmalemma. The lamina lucida of the basement membrane of the duct stained with DI, but that of basement membrane under acinar cells did not. Sialidase digestion prior to DI staining abolished the staining of plasma membranes. These results indicate that duct epithelial cells, including most prominently the centroacinar cells, are chiefly responsible for electrolyte and fluid transport.
Model-based control system design in a urea-SCR aftertreatment system based on NH3 sensor feedback

This paper presents preliminary control system simulation results in a urea-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system based on NH3 sensor feedback. A four-state control-oriented lumped parameter model is used to analyze the controllability and observability properties of the urea-SCR plant. A model-based estimator is designed via simulation and a control system is developed with design based on a sliding mode control framework. The control system based on NH3 sensor feedback is analyzed via simulation by comparing it to a control system developed based on NOx sensor feedback. Simulation results show that the NH3 sensor-based strategy performs very similarly in comparison to a NOx sensor-based strategy. The control system performance metrics for NOx index, urea index, urea usage, and NH3 slip suggest that the NOx sensor can be a potential alternative to a NOx sensor for urea-SCR control applications.
Energetic Theories of Society: An Evaluative Review*

Energy has grown in importance to sociologists over the past several years because of the growing interest in environmental variables and because of the reality of the energy predicament facing many contemporary societies. These concerns have stimulated a steady growth in energy-related sociological research; unfortunately, this research has proceeded either atheoretically or along lines where energy issues are “gerryrigged” to traditional sociological concerns. A continuation of these practices offers little hope for producing cumulative knowledge. Sociologists interested in developing theoretical research programs or theoretically guided empirical energy research have a substantial intellectual base upon which to build. Scholarly history contains numerous theories that focus on the relationship between energy and human activity. Presented here is a critical overview of the most prominent of these “energetic” theories of society, followed by an illustration of the severe problems in their theoretical method using several examples. Several recommendations regarding theory development are made. Our objective is to expose those with energy or environmental interests to this intellectual base and to offer guidance for avoiding the shortcomings in that base.
Therapeutic approaches to metastasis confined to the liver.

Liver metastases nearly always represent disseminated cancer, and systemic therapies are usually indicated. However, in a minority of patients—some with colorectal cancer, others with selected tumors—management of the hepatic disease may be clinically important and even curative. This review identifies unique patient subgroups and novel treatment approaches that may be indicated in patients with liver metastases.
Effects of reactive and non‐reactive fiber coatings upon performance of graphite/epoxy composites

Interlayers of controlled composition and thickness were applied to commercial graphite fiber bundles by electrochemical copolymerization, and the impact and interlaminar shear strength of composites from these coated fibers were examined. Glycidyl acrylate/methyl acrylate copolymers represented coatings that were reactive to the epoxy matrix during curing; acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate copolymers represented non-reactive systems. The reactive systems showed 10 to 30 percent simultaneous improvement in impact and interlaminar shear strengths, while the non-reactive system failed at the interlayer-epoxy interface and showed no improvement. There is an optimum interlayer thickness of 0.1 to 0.15 micron; the possible reasons are discussed. A detailed scanning electron microscope study illustrates how the structure of the composite fracture surface varies with the systematic changes in interlayer reactivity, composition, and thickness. Determination of the locus of failure is discussed. The observations are consistent with the mechanical property measurements.
AP19 - a shared variable terminal I/O interface for APL systems

AP19 is an auxiliary processor which provides access, through the medium of shared variables, to the terminal input/output processor of an APL system. It allows the user to bring the power of APL to bear upon the management of subordinate and deferred sessions. This paper presents an overview of the design and development of AP19, describes its characteristics from a user's point of view, and gives some examples of how it has been used.Insofar as AP19 is a component of an IBM internal version of APLSV, it is not available to customers. This paper does not constitute a commitment by IBM to provide such a facility, nor is it to be construed as an indication of future product direction.
Moving Our Critically Ill Patients: Mobility Barriers and Benefits

Diagnosis and resuscitation for critically ill patients have improved in the last 25 years, and survival has also increased. With improvements in mortality, the field of critical care has seen increased opportunities to improve posthospital quality of life for survivors of critical illness. This article focuses particularly on how mobilization may improve quality of life for patients.
Memory systems analyses of mnemonic disorders in aging and age-related diseases

The effects upon memory of normal aging and two age-related neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease, are analyzed in terms of memory systems, specific neural networks that mediate specific mnemonic processes. An occipital memory system mediating implicit visual-perceptual memory appears to be unaffected by aging or AD. A frontal system that may mediate implicit conceptual memory is affected by AD but not by normal aging. Another frontal system that mediates aspects of working and strategic memory is affected by Parkinson disease and, to a lesser extent, by aging. The aging effect appears to occur during all ages of the adult life-span. Finally, a medial-temporal system that mediates declarative memory is affected by the late onset of AD. Studies of intact and impaired memory in age-related diseases suggest that normal aging has markedly different effects upon different memory systems.
An event history analysis of age at last menstrual period: correlates of natural and surgical menopause among midlife Wisconsin women

Abstract Population aging coupled with heightened consumerism among those using the health care system have increased public and research interest in menopause. Despite these trends, we know little about the process of menstrual cessation. This paper reviews previous claims regarding secular trends in menopausal age by considering how menstrual cessations differ by type: (1) that due to surgical intervention such as hysterectomy, and (2) that due to “natural” (non-surgical) menopause. Analyses of menopause that exclude hysterectomized women are flawed, because such women constitute a high proportion of American women at midlife. Competing risk survival analysis techniques are applied to model the shape of the underlying hazards for reproductive organ surgery versus “natural” menopause among 3506 midlife women from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Weibull models are used to evaluate effects of a variety of possible correlates (including education, mental ability, occupation, family background, fertility experience, smoking behavior and hormone therapy). While socioeconomic parameters do contribute to observed differences in age at menstrual cessation, these factors operate through more proximate health-related behaviors (such as smoking in the case of natural menopause and fertility for surgical menopause).
Detection of bloodstream infections in children.

A critical responsibility of the clinical microbiology laboratory serving clinicians who care for infected children is accurate and timely detection of bacteremia. Blood culture protocols which are suitable for processing adult specimens are not necessarily the first choice for processing pediatric specimens. In this review, the following aspects of detection of bacteremia in children are covered: obtaining blood culture specimens from children, including skin disinfection, specimen volume and timing of specimen collection; the array of blood culture methods available, focusing upon conventional, radiometric, infrared spectroscopic and manometric broth cultures, as well as biphasic agar/broth and lysis direct plating techniques; the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods; and recommendations to laboratories for selection of a blood culture method based upon the laboratory's staffing level.
Dynein and Star interact in EGFR signaling and ligand trafficking.

Intracellular transport and processing of ligands is critical to the activation of signal transduction pathways that guide development. Star is an essential gene in Drosophila that has been implicated in the trafficking of ligands for epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling. The role of cytoplasmic motors in the endocytic and secretory pathways is well known, but the specific requirement of motors in EGF receptor transport has not been investigated. We identified Star in a screen designed to recover second-site modifiers of the dominant rough eye phenotype of the Glued mutation Gl1. The Glued (Gl) locus encodes the p150 subunit of the dynactin complex, an activator of cytoplasmic dynein-driven motility. We show that alleles of Gl and dynein genetically interact with both Star and EGFR alleles. Similarly to mutations in Star, the Gl1 mutation is capable of modifying the phenotypes of the EGFR mutation Ellipse. These genetic interactions suggest a model in which Star, dynactin and dynein cooperate in the trafficking of EGF ligands. In support of this model, overexpression of the cleaved, active Spitz ligand can partially bypass defective trafficking and suppress the genetic interactions. Our direct observations of live S2 cells show that export of Spitz-GFP from the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as the trafficking of Spitz-GFP vesicles, depends on both Star and dynein.
Considerations in Retransplantation of the Failed Renal Allograft Recipient

Routine success in kidney transplantation has significantly improved the quality and length of life for the majority of recipients and made this option the treatment of choice for suitable candidates. Improved patient survival combined with a relative static improvement in long-term graft outcomes has led to an increasing number of transplant recipients with failed allografts who face the eventual option of either returning to dialysis or seeking retransplantation. Although retransplantation is presumed to be a favorable option for many, data to support this belief is limited. Given the wide variance in predicted outcomes for retransplantation, on the basis of the underlying kidney disease and other individual patient comorbidities as well as the expected wait time for a second transplant, each case should be evaluated independently. This review discusses available data and individual considerations that should be taken into account when retransplantation is proposed after failure of a primary allograft.
Determining therapeutic efficacy in recurrent herpes labialis by lesion size analysis.

Abstract We devised an experimental model for the analysis of therapeutic efficacy of topical medications for recurrent herpes labialis with a double-blind, placebo-controlled format. Rigid prestudy screening evaluations allowed the enrollment of a homogeneous starting population with characteristic herpetic reactivation in an early stage. Using precise measurements of lesion area for a 5-day period, we evaluated the effects of a novel medication containing tannic acid, which has demonstrated impressive inhibitory effects on herpes simplex virus in many recent studies, and salicylic acid, which has rapid absorption kinetics and substantial topical anti-inflammatory and keratin-disrupting properties. Using parametric and nonparametric tests, we studied differences in mean lesion size and used these measurements to evaluate objective and clinically applicable improvement criteria. Although there were no significant differences in mean lesion size at presentation (day 1) between the active medication and placebo groups, the former demonstrated significantly smaller lesions at days 2 through 5 (p p = 0.0079, Fisher's Exact Test). This model can be employed in the evaluation of topical antiviral agents for herpes labialis in a healthy population, because it standardizes criteria for subject enrollment and provides objective and reproducible measurements of therapeutic efficacy.
CLARIFICATION IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF CERTAIN LINES IN THE INFRARED SOLAR SPECTRUM.

Forty-two unidentified spectral lines in Mohler's (1955) table of infrared solar spectrum wavelengths are shown to be solar, and three of these tentatively have been identified. One line, listed by Mohler as solar or telluric, is shown to be telluric.
Solar radiation absorption in solar ponds

Abstract The local rate of absorption of the solar radiation in a solar pond is determined for the direct component at angles of incidence from 0° to 75° with 15° intervals as well as for the diffuse component by the exact treatment of the radiation problem. The effects of bottom reflection, the pond depth, the type of radiation on the thermal performance of the pond are examined, and a new rigorous approach is presented for treating diffuse radiation as a direct beam. The fraction of the solar radiation absorbed within the first 10 cm of water is determined under various conditions. The local rate of solar energy absorption at any depth and at any incidence angle can readily be computed from a fourth-degree polynomial expression, the coefficients of which are tabulated for different incidence angles and bottom reflectivities.