cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanotube Sheet and Yarn Manufacturing and Commercialization

Nanotube macroscale materials such as yarns, tapes, and sheets provide combinations of material properties that are unique relative to existing materials. Although nanotube sheet and yarn commercialization is still an emerging activity, these materials may become important in the future Business and Economics of societies. Therefore, this paper surveys current worldwide efforts toward manufacturing and commercialization of nanotube macroscale materials. The survey will help researchers, investors and economists consider how the new materials might be used in new applications and how the materials might spur economic development. Nanotube macroscale materials consist of yarn, tapes, and sheets, and exclude powdered forms of nanotubes used as filler materials. Both Carbon Nanotube (CNT) and Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) materials are considered. It is anticipated that macroscale sheet and yarn with customizable properties will have broad applications. This paper is organized to provide ideas for possible areas of applications of nanotube yarn and sheet, followed by a survey of current commercialization efforts. Manufacturing barriers that must be overcome to push the development of nanotube macroscale materials toward large scale commercialization are also discussed. The paper also provides references for researchers and industry professionals who may want to further develop and put nanotube macroscale materials into their own applications.
Epicyclic Gear Trains

Main components of the gears are defined. The angular velocities of epicyclic gear trains are calculated using the classical method and the closed contour method.
Home Intravenous Antimicrobial Infusion Therapy: A Viable Option in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether older adults and younger adults are equally able to administer home intravenous antimicrobial infusion therapy (home IV antimicrobials) without intensive support from home care agencies. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, a 100-bed tertiary care medical center. PARTICIPANTS: All patients who received home IV antimicrobials from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2003. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic data, underlying medical conditions, indications for therapy, antimicrobial agents administered, concomitant medications, frequency of patient visits and phone calls, adverse events, and outcomes of infections. RESULTS: A total of 205 patients received 231 courses of home IV antimicrobials, with 107 courses in patients aged 60 and older and 124 courses in patients younger than 60. For both groups, the most common indication for therapy was osteoarticular infections, and the predominant pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Older patients were significantly more likely than younger patients to require the assistance of family members to help with the infusion and were more likely to be seen in urgent care or to call the infectious diseases pharmacist or physicians with questions. Overall, clinical outcomes and numbers of adverse events were similar in both groups, with the exception of nephrotoxicity, which was greater in the older group (P=.02). CONCLUSION: With appropriate support from a hospital-based home IV antimicrobials therapy team, home IV antimicrobial appears to be a viable option for older adults.
Mammary Epithelial Cell-Cycle Progression via the α2β1 Integrin : Unique and Synergistic Roles of the α2 Cytoplasmic Domain

The α 2 β 1 integrin supports cell-cycle progression of mammary epithelial cells adherent to type I collagen matrices. Integrin collagen receptors containing the α 2 cytoplasmic domain stimulated expression of cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)2, resulting in cyclin E/cdk2 activation in the absence of growth factors other than insulin. Integrin collagen receptors in which the α 2 cytoplasmic domain was replaced by the α 1 cytoplasmic domain or an α 2 subunit cytoplasmic domain truncated after the GFFKR sequence failed to stimulate cyclin E/cdk2 activation or entry into S phase in the absence of growth factors. Although overexpression of cyclins D or E or cdk2 in cells expressing the integrin collagen receptor with the α 1 -integrin cytoplasmic domain did not restore G 1 progression when mammary epithelial cells adhered to type I collagen, co-expression of cyclin E and cdk2 did rescue the ability of the transfectants to enter S phase. Activation of cyclin E/cdk2 complex by mammary epithelial cells required synergy between adhesion mediated by an integrin collagen receptor containing the α 2 -integrin subunit cytoplasmic domain and the insulin receptor.
Quasiparticle undressing: a new route to collective effects in solids

The carriers of electric current in a metal are quasiparticles dressed by electronelectron interactions, which have a larger effective mass m* and a smaller quasiparticle weight z than non-interacting carriers. If the momentum dependence of the self-energy can be neglected, the effective mass enhancement and quasiparticle weight of quasiparticles at the Fermi energy are simply related by z = m /m* (m=bare mass). We propose that both superconductivity and ferromagnetism in metals are driven by quasiparticle ‘undressing’, i.e., that the correlations between quasiparticles that give rise to the collective state are associated with an increase in z and a corresponding decrease in m* of the carriers. Undressing gives rise to lowering of kinetic energy, which provides the condensation energy for the collective state. In contrast, in conventional descriptions of superconductivity and ferromagnetism the transitions to these collective states result in increase in kinetic energy of the carriers and are driven by lowering of potential energy and exchange energy respectively.
Impact of wavelength and modulation conversion on translucent elastic optical networks using MILP

Compared to legacy wavelength division multiplexing networks, elastic optical networks (EONs) have added flexibility to network deployment and management. EONs can include previously available functionality, such as signal regeneration and wavelength conversion, as well as new features such as finer-granularity spectrum assignment and modulation conversion. Yet each added feature adds to the cost of the network. In order to quantify the potential benefit of each functionality, we present a link-based mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation to solve the optimal resource allocation problem. We then propose a recursive model in order to either augment existing network deployments (spectrum and regenerators) or speed up the resource allocation computation time for larger networks with higher traffic demand requirements than can be solved using an MILP. We show through simulation that systems equipped with signal regenerators or wavelength converters require a notably smaller total bandwidth, depending on the topology of the network. We also show that the suboptimal recursive solution speeds up the calculation and makes the running time more predictable, compared to the optimal MILP.
Models and algorithms for continuous speech recognition: a brief tutorial

Large vocabulary continuous speech recognition presents several challenging problems. One source of complexity is the variation in the pronunciation of words arising from the phonetic context. The complexity also increases because of the large search space that continuous speech recognizers have to deal with. In this paper we discuss some methods for modeling context dependent variations in continuous speech. We describe algorithms for using the phonetic context information during recognition. >
Mechanical obstruction of a Roux-Y limb

Two cases of mechanical obstruction of the defunctionalized limb of a Roux-en-Y loop of a bilioenteric conduit are reported. Both patients developed recurrent jaundice and acholic stools after apparently successful surgery for biliary atresia, and were initially diagnosed as having ascending cholangitis. However, the symptoms failed to respond to conservative treatment. At surgery, a mechanical obstruction of the Roux-Y limb due to adhesions was found. The jaundice disappeared and the stool color became normal after lysis of the adhesions.
Performance, Composition, and Quality of Broiler Chickens Fed Dried Whole Eggs

Abstract Dried whole egg powder, prepared from - inedible eggs, was incorporated into the diet of broiler chickens throughout their 7-week growing period. Five diets were used: 1) control, no eggs, 2) 10% dried egg, 3) 10% dried egg, biotin enriched, 4) 20% dried egg, and 5) 20% dried egg, biotin enriched. Birds on the control diet were the largest when slaughtered, followed by the “10% egg diet” birds, and then the “20% egg diet” birds. Although the birds fed the 20% egg diet in which no additional biotin was added were significantly (P
Radiofrequency Coil Designs For Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Zeuciviatographic Imaging

The requirements for spatial uniformity of the radio-frequency magnetic field used in three-dimensional MAR imaging are discussed and an improved winding distribution for a saddle-shaped single transmitter-receiver coil has been developed and tested by computer simulation of the rf mag-netic field pattern. The use of flat local or "surface" coils for NMR imaging is also proposed. A. method for correcting such images for the apparent spin density differences caused by the extreme rf magnetic field nonuniformity has been developed and tested with phantoms and images of the human back.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of LKLF-regulated genes in quiescent CD4+ T lymphocytes

The transcription factor LKLF (lung Kruppel-like factor) is expressed at high levels in quiescent CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and provides an important role in establishment and maintenance of the quiescent state. To identify LKLF-regulated genes, we performed microarray analysis using an established Jurkat T cell line containing a tetracycline-inducible LKLF. LKLF induction in this Jurkat T cell line generates a quiescent phenotype that resembles memory CD4+ T lymphocytes. We found that LKLF induction in Jurkat cells resulted in up-regulation (>1.5-fold) of about 100 mRNAs, while it repressed (>1.5-fold) a similar number of mRNAs. A striking feature of the LKLF-stimulated mRNAs was that a significant number of them encode cell surface proteins or proteins implicated in initiating and propagating cellular signaling cascades. The data suggests that LKLF may establish a phenotype that primes quiescent cells for responses to specific extracellular stimuli. The mRNAs encoding CDw52, IL-10R alpha and paxillin were among the most highly induced transcripts in Jurkat T cells, and we observed that the encoded proteins are down-regulated following activation of quiescent CD4+ T cells isolated from healthy blood donors. We also examined whether LKLF-induced quiescence in Jurkat cells could silence transcription of integrated HIV-1 proviruses. We found however that LKLF-induced quiescence is not sufficient to repress expression of HIV-1 proviruses in Jurkat T cells, suggesting that the HIV-1 provirus is resistant to LKLF-regulated quiescence.
A framework for evaluating the sustainability of agricultural production systems

Sustainable agriculture has gained acceptance as a conceptual approach for shaping farming systems of the future. All definitions of sustainable agriculture include food productivity, food safety, resource protection, quality of life and environmental quality. However, the sustainability of a wide range of farming systems has been judged only subjectively. Currently there are no scientific criteria to evaluate the sustainability of a specific farming system. We propose a framework for evaluating the relative sustainability of a farming system using nine attributes: profitability, productivity, soil quality, water quality, air quality, energy efficiency, fish and wildlife habitat, quality of life, and social acceptance. Each attribute is scored and then weighted in a way that is subjective and dependent on the judgment of the evaluating team, but that must be expressed numerically. The scoring must be based on quantifiable constraints within each attribute. Constraints can be quantified by direct measurement, which is already true for those related to profitability, productivity, water quality and energy efficiency. Constraints that are not readily measurable will need other evaluation techniques, including expert opinion and computer simulation models.
Creativity and negotiation research: the integrative potential

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to outline ways in which the large body of empirical work on creativity can meaningfully inform negotiation. In doing so, two general streams of creativity research and their implications for negotiation theory and empirical analysis are considered. Negotiation pundits advise that negotiators should engage in creative problem-solving to craft integrative agreements, and it is widely believed by both negotiation theorists and practitioners that “out-of-the-box” thinking and creative idea generation are necessary for win–win negotiation. Although practitioners have strongly encouraged parties to engage in creative problem-solving, there are remarkably few empirical investigations of creative thinking, brainstorming and other idea-generation methods in negotiation. Design/methodology/approach – First, creativity as a trait is considered and the relationship between individual differences in creativity and negotiation performance is examined. Then, creative thinking as...
THE LYNCH SYNDROME: NATURAL HISTORY WITH SURVEILLANCE AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Lynch syndrome I is characterized by an autosomal dominant predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC) with predilection to the proximal colon and an excess of metachronous CRC. The Lynch syndrome II variant shows these same features but, in addition, shows significant excess of carcinomas of the endometrium, ovary, ureter, renal pelvis, small bowel, and stomach. There are no premonitory physical signs of cancer risk. The gene has been recently mapped to chromosome 2p15-16 (Science 260:810-812, 1993) and, once cloned, will significantly abet the detection of gene carriers through a simple blood test. The disorder is common and may account for between 6-10% of the total CRC burden. Surveillance must be responsive to its natural history. In both variants, we recommend colonoscopy to be initiated at age 25 and repeated every other year, and in Lynch syndrome II, surveillance for extracolonic cancer. Because of the excess of metachronous cancer, subtotal colectomy is necessary for initial CRC.
Low renin-angiotensin system activity gene polymorphism and dysplasia associated with posterior urethral valves.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Obstructive uropathies, including posterior urethral valves (PUVs) and kidney hypodysplasia, are the most frequent cause of renal failure in children. The role of renin-angiotensin system genes in renal and urinary tract development has been observed in experimental models. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin receptor type 1 (ATR1) genetic polymorphisms in children affected by chronic renal failure due to renal hypodysplasia associated with posterior urethral valves or without urethral abnormalities.Materials and Methods: The study included 50 children (21 with hypodysplasia associated with PUVs, 7 with obstructive uropathy and 22 with pure hypodysplasia) and 50 healthy subjects matched for sex and geographic origin. ACE ID, AGT TC and ATR1 AC gene polymorphisms were assayed in all patients with standard polymerase chain reaction techniques.Results: ACE II was expressed more in patients wit...
A Novel Physiological Investigation of the Functional Residual Capacity by the Bias Flow Nitrogen Washout Technique in Infants

The dynamic functional residual capacity (FRCdyn), the lung volume most routinely measured in infants, is an unreliable volume landmark. In addition to the FRCdyn, we measured the (passive) static FRC (FRCst) by inducing a brief post-hyperventilation apnea (PHA) in 33 healthy infants aged 7.4–127.2 weeks. A commercial system for nitrogen (N2) washout to measure FRC, and a custom made system to monitor and record flow and airwayopening pressure signals in real-time were used in unison. Infants were manually hyperventilated to induce a PHA. After the last passive expiration, FRCst was estimated by measuring the volume of N2 expired after end-passive expiratory switching of the inspired gas from room air to 100% oxygen during the post-expiratory apneic pause. Repeatable intrasubject FRCst and FRCdyn measurements overlapped in most infants including the younger ones (P = 0.2839). Mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) FRCst was 21.1 (20.0–22.3), and error-corrected FRCdyn was 21.4 (20.4–22.4) ml/kg. Mean (washout time [t]) tFRCst was longer than tFRCdyn 60 sec (95% CI 55–65) versus 47 sec (95% CI 43–51) (P<0.0001). The FRC and washout time were dependent on body length, weight and age. We conclude that the FRCst is not different from the FRCdyn in infants. The FRCst is a reliable volume landmark because the PHA stabilizes the end-expiratory level by potentially abolishing the sedated infant’s breathing strategies. The FRCst lacks potential sources of errors and disadvantages associated with measuring the FRCdyn. The findings cast significant doubt on the traditional physiology of air trapping in healthy infants’ lungs.
Naloxone benzoylhydrazone, a κ3 opioid agonist, stimulates food intake in rats

Abstract Naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzoH) is a selective, short-acting agonist at theκ 3 opioid receptor and a slowly dissociating potent antagonist at the mu opioid receptor. Given the important role of κ receptors in the opioid control of food intake, the present study examined the central and peripheral effects of NalBzoH upon food intake. Central administration of NalBzoH (1–20 μg, i.c.v.) significantly increased food intake for up to 12 h, but failed to alter intake or body weight after 24 or 48 . The 12 h duration of NalBzoH-mediated effects may be due to either persistentκ 3 receptor occupancy, and/or activation of an ingestive system which maintains its activity. Peripheral administration of NalBzoH (20 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly increased food intake for up to 1 h. To distinguishκ 1 (U50, 488H) andκ 3 (NalBzoH) hyperphagic effects, these agonist effects were compared following pretreatment with either naltrexone or theκ 1 antagonist, nor-binaltorphamine (Nor-BNI). Whereas naltrexone significantly reduced both U50, 448H and NalBzoH hyperphagia, Nor-BNI blocked U50, 448H, but not NalBzoH hyperphagia. These data indicate a distinct role for theκ 3 receptor in ingestive behavior separable from thatofκ 1 effects.
Conflict, functional disruption, and defense-effectiveness.

Summary The concepts of conflict and defense are clarified, and a model of defense-effectiveness is reconstructed from psychoanalytic usage. Defenses are effective if underlying conflicts are kept from becoming overtly disruptive. Thematic and associative indices of drive-conflict are compared with questionnaire measures of drive-related functional disruption. Three drives are sampled: aggression, dependency, and achievement. Only the first two yield positive findings. Although the aim of the study, internal consistency, is achieved, an hypothesis for external validation is also proposed.
Time-related patterns of ventricular shunt failure

Proximal obstruction is reported to be the most common cause of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt failure, suggesting that imperfect ventricular catheter placement and inadequate valve mechanisms are major causes. This study retrospectively examined patterns of shunt failure in 128 consecutive patients with symptoms of shunt malfunction over a 2-year period. Factors analyzed included site of failure, time from shunt placement or last revision to failure, age of patient at time of failure, infections, and primary etiology of the hydrocephalus. One hundred of these patients required revisions; 14 revisions were due to infections. In this series there was a higher incidence of distal (43%) than of proximal (35%) failure. The difference was not statistically significant when the overall series was considered; however, when factoring time to failure as a variable, marked differences were noted regardless of the underlying cause of hydrocephalus or the age of the patient. Of the 49 patients needing a shunt revision or replacement within 2 years of the previous operation, 50% had proximal malfunction, 14% distal, and 10% had malfunctions attributable directly to the valve itself. Also, 12 of the 14 infections occurred during this time interval. In sharp contrast, of the 51 patients having shunt failure from 2 to more than 12 years after the previous procedure, 72% had distal malfunction, 21% proximal, and only 6% had a faulty valve or infection. This difference between time to failure for proximal versus distal failures was statistically significant (P < 0.00001 for both Student's t-test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Maternal sepsis mortality and morbidity during hospitalization for delivery: temporal trends and independent associations for severe sepsis.

BACKGROUND:Sepsis is currently the leading cause of direct maternal death in the United Kingdom. In this study, we aimed to determine frequency, temporal trends, and independent associations for severe sepsis during hospitalization for delivery in the United States.METHODS:Data were obtained from th
Effects of thioridazine and visual screening on stereotypy and social behavior in individuals with mental retardation.

Abstract Thioridazine and visual screening procedures are effective in reducing the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study, using alternating treatments within a multiple-base-line across subjects design, was conducted to assess the effects of two doses of thioridazine (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg/day) and visual screening, alone and combined, on stereotypy and social behavior of three individuals with profound mental retardation. Functional analyses did not show demand, alone, social attention, or differential reinforcement conditions to maintain the subjects' stereotypy. Thioridazine was effective in producing modest reductions in stereotypy and minor increases in social behavior across subjects. The higher dose of thioridazine (2.5 mg/kg/day) was slightly more effective than the lower dose (1.25 mg/kg/day), and thioridazine plus visual screening was more effective than thioridazine alone. The most effective treatment was visual screening when used in the absence of thioridazine. This study demonstrates a method for assessing the impact of psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions in individuals for whom a behavioral treatment cannot be easily derived from a functional analysis of the maintaining conditions of the target behavior.
Resolution of two distinct embryonic chick δ-crystallin bands by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea

Abstract Embryonic chick δ-crystallin has been resolved into two bands with molecular weights of approximately 48 000 and 50 000 daltons by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels containing urea. The mass ratio of the two bands was approximately 1:3 in favor of the smaller molecular weight band. [ 3 H]Glucosamine was not incorporated into either band by the excised lenses. Two-dimensional fingerprints of [ 14 C]leucine-containing tryptic peptides showed that the two bands have very similar amino acid sequences. In experiments with intact embryonic lenses, there was no transfer of label from one band into the other during a 2 day chase after a 3 hr pulse with [ 35 S]methionine. Approximately equal amounts of [ 35 S]methionine were incorporated into two bands which co-electrophoresed with those of authentic δ-crystallin when purified δ-crystallin mRNA from 15-day-old embryonic lens fibers was translated in cell-free extracts derived from rabbit reticulocytes or wheat germ. The proteolytic inhibitors TPCK (L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone) and TLCK (N-A-tosyl lysyl chloromethane hydrochloride) did not change the ratio of [ 35 S]methionine which was incorporated into the bands in vivo or in vitro. We conclude that δ-crystallin from 15-day-old embryonic lenses consists of at least two distinct, extremely similar polypeptides which arise during or within a few minutes after translation.
Equilibrium and historical-structural perspectives on migration.

The equilibrium model of labor mobility and the historical-structural perspective on population movement are summarized and critiqued. A comparative analysis identifies the sources of the growing discontinuity in the contemporary literature on migration by exploring the theoretical and methodological implications of the contrasting paradigms of socioeconomic development in which each perspective is embedded. The last section outlines an alternative approach to the study of migration by shifting the unit of analysis to the household. (EXCERPT)
Cross-Strand Interactions of Fluorinated Amino Acids in β-Hairpin Constructs

We describe herein the design, synthesis, and thermodynamic characterization of fluorinated β-hairpin constructs. Introduction of hexafluoroleucine (Hfl) did not perturb β-hairpin formation, as judged by 1H NMR structures of four peptides determined to Hfl-Leu > Hfl-Hfl. All peptides were more structured in 90% MeOH than in aqueous buffers. The peptides with Hfl-Leu or Hfl-Hfl cross-strand partners showed increased interaction energies in this solvent compared to those in water, in contrast to the insignificant effect on Leu-Leu. Our results inform the binding and assembly of peptides containing Hfl in the conte...
Report on the 9th Biennial Conference of the Comparative Literature Association of India

In her article "Report on the 9th Biennial Conference of the Comparative Literature Association of India" Babli Moitra Saraf presents her perception of the intellectual trajectories of the conference and discusses a number of selected papers read. The conference in the main addressed two issues: the institutional status of Comparative Literature and Comparative Literature as an academic discipline. A close third was the agenda of Comparative Literature to construct a World Literature. Babli Moitra Saraf, "Report on the 9th Biennial Conference of the Comparative Literature Association of India" page 2 of 7 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 11.2 (2009):
Research Note---The Traveling Salesman Goes Shopping: The Systematic Deviations of Grocery Paths from TSP Optimality

We examine grocery shopping paths using the traveling salesman problem (TSP) as a normative frame of reference. We define the TSP-path for each shopper as the shortest path that connects all of his purchases. We then decompose the length of each observed path into three components: the length of the TSP-path, the additional distance because of order deviation (i.e., not following the TSP-order of category purchases), and the additional distance because of travel deviation (i.e., not following the shortest point-to-point route). We explore the relationship between these deviations and different aspects of in-store shopping/purchase behavior. Among other things, our results suggest that (1) a large proportion of trip length is because of travel deviation; (2) paths that deviate substantially from the TSP solution are associated with larger shopping baskets; (3) order deviation is strongly associated with purchase behavior, while travel deviation is not; and (4) shoppers with paths closer to the TSP solution tend to buy more from frequently purchased product categories.
Novel therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes

BACKGROUND The assessment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the choice of therapies remain challenging. New therapies are now emerging after the identification of molecular targets that result in improvement of hematologic parameters and may hold promise for the prevention of disease progression. METHODS A review of the English literature was performed that included original articles and related reviews from MEDLINE (PubMed) and abstracts based on published meeting material. RESULTS MDS is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Although current classification and prognostic schemes have proven valid to define subgroups, they are insufficient to take into consideration the significant biologic diversity of MDS. New molecular targets are identified as the mosaic of pathophysiologic pathways in MDS is being unraveled. Novel and targeted therapeutic agents, such as the inhibition of farnesyl transferases and receptor tyrosine kinases, more potent thalidomide analogs, and arsenic trioxide, have shown encouraging results and may offer durable benefit to patients with MDS. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made in the understanding of clinical manifestations and some of the molecular pathways underlying ineffective hematopoiesis and leukemic transformation in MDS, intensive clinical and laboratory research continues to 1) identify further relevant pathophysiologic pathways, 2) better define MDS subgroups, and 3) develop new drugs based on a clearer understanding of disease biology. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Achieving Flexibility via Contingency Planning Activities in the Supply Chain

Supply chain disruptions significantly impact businesses worldwide. Many organizations work towards improving flexibility so as to prepare for such disruptions and maintain competitive advantage. This research effort examines four activities that are associated with the contingency planning process to determine which, if any, of these processes are ultimately supportive of organizational flexibility. These activities are: information sharing, external collaboration, internal collaboration, and information technology usage. A survey method is employed to examine the perceptions of 103 contingency planners to determine which of these potential determinants are positively related to organizational flexibility. The data are analyzed using partial least square regression, and reveal that information technology use and external collaboration are significant determinants of organizational flexibility. Implications of our findings are discussed and future research to support this burgeoning area of supply chain management is proposed.
The distributions of uranium, radium and thorium isotopes in two anoxic fjords: Framvaren Fjord (Norway) and Saanich Inlet (British Columbia)

Abstract Depth profiles of the naturally-occurring radionuclides 238 U, 234 U, 226 Ra, 228 Ra and 228 Th were obtained in two diverse anoxic marine environments; the permanently anoxic Framvaren Fjord in southern Norway and the intermittently anoxic Saanich Inlet in British Columbia. Concentrations of total H 2 S were over three orders of magnitude greater in the anoxic bottom waters of Framvaren Fjord compared to those in Saanich Inlet. In Framvaren Fjord, the O 2 /H 2 S interface was located at 17 m. While dissolved 238 U behaved conservatively throughout the oxic and anoxic water columns, concentrations based on the 238 U/salinity ratio in oxic oceanic waters were almost 30% lower. Dissolved 226 Ra displayed a sharp maximum just below the O 2 /H 2 S interface, coinciding with dissolved Mn (II) and Fe (II) maxima in this zone. It is suggested that reductive dissolution of Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides remobilizes 226 Ra in this region. In Saanich Inlet, the O 2 /H 2 S interface was located at 175 m. Dissolved 238 U displayed a strongly nonconservative distribution. The depth profiles of dissolved 226 Ra and 228 Th correlated well with the distribution of dissolved Mn (II) in the suboxic waters above the O 2 /H 2 S interface, suggesting that reduction of particulate Mn regulates the behavior of 226 Ra and 228 Th in this region. Removal residence times for dissolved 228 Th in the surface oxic waters of both systems are longer than those generally reported for particle-reactive radionuclides in coastal marine environments. In the anoxic waters of Framvaren Fjord and Saanich Inlet, however, the dissolved 228 Th removal residence times are quite similar to values reported for dissolved 210 Pb in the anoxic waters of the Cariaco Trench and the Orca Basin. This implies that the geochemistries of Th and Pb may be similar in anoxic marine waters.
A structure for supply‐chain information flows and its application to the Alaskan crude oil supply chain

An effective supply chain requires a smoothly operating information system. Accurate information must flow among the links in a timely, coordinated fashion, which minimizes distortion. The system must incorporate supply‐and‐demand information, and constantly changing information about real world events that affect the chain. This paper provides a structure for these flows through a data flow diagram (DFD) and with a case study of its application to the Alaskan North Slope Oil (ANS) supply chain. The properties of this DFD are presented for push, pull and hybrid push/pull supply chains. Management can use the DFD approach to improve supply‐chain operations. Information flows can be rationalized and streamlined and feedback loops can be defined to measure performance. IT professionals can apply the generic nature of the DFD to a wide variety of logistics activities, including warehouse and carrier operations.
Stabilizing effectiveness of alkali metals toward ribonucleic acid from the bacterial virus R17

The addition of alkali metal cations (0.10–1.00M) stabilizes the macromolecular structure of R17-RNA as evidenced by a shift of the optical density–temperature profiles to higher temperature. This effectiveness is found to decrease in the order Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ and the midpoints of each profile (Tm) are found to increase linearly for each salt with the log of the salt concentration. The differences in effectiveness in this series can be best interpreted as a decreasing specific interaction of Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+ with the phosphate groups of RNA as suggested by known binding constants to phosphate groups and the failure of adenine, adenosine, adenine monophosphoric acid, and uracil to show specific solubility differences in these salts. The importance of this feature is that the thermal stability of RNA in the presence of alkali metals shows specific ion requirements in addition to general electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, the more nonspecific, ionic strength-dependent stabilization of native RNA also involves a decrease in adenine solubility (e.g., increased activity) and an increase in phosphate solubility in the aqueous salt solutions in addition to the well recognized Coulombic shielding of the negatively charged phosphates.
Cellular responses to experimental inhibition of collagen degradation in the postpartum rat uterus.

Rapid collagen breakdown in the postpartum rat uterus is accompanied by rising collagenase activity (Jeffrey and Gross, '70) and a transient infiltration of the stroma by heterophils, eosinophils, monocyte-macro-phages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells (Padykula and Campbell, '76), cells usually associated with inflammatory response. This uterine catabolism is initiated soon after birth while blood estrogen and progesterone levels are low. To investigate the hormonal factors involved in regulation of this postpartum stromal differentiation, we analyzed the cytological effects of experimentally elevating progesterone and estradiol levels in the peripartum period by following the protocol of biochemical experiments that have demonstrated inhibition of collagenase activity by progesterone (Koob and Jeffrey, '74) and estradiol (Ryan and Woessner, '74). Prolonged gestation (progesterone, 10 mg/day starting on day 19 gestation) was used as a condition to prevent the prenatal drop in blood progesterone; this treatment was the most effective in blocking postpartum stromal differentiation. It preserved the state of prepartum uterine differentiation and most importantly it prevented monocytic-macrophagic conversion. Progesterone (40 mg/day) given at birth delayed but did not block stromal differentiation during the first 48 hours; by 72 hours collagen loss was extensive in both control and progesterone-treated rats and numerous macrophages were present. Estradiol (100 μg/day) given at birth caused a greater delay in stromal differentiation than progesterone given at birth; for approximately 48 hours the number of eo-sinophils, heterophils, and macrophages was less than normal. By day 3 the number and distribution of the macrophages resembled that of the day 1 control uteri. Overall these experiments indicate that the low estrogen and progesterone levels at birth are essential for normal stromal regression. Since these transient cells originate from the blood, the temporal pattern of their emigration into the uterus may be under hormonal control. Experimental disturbance of this pattern influences the course of collagen resorption.
Densified silica fume: particle sizes and dispersion in concrete

Dry densified silica fume is by far the most common form of silica fume used in current concrete practice; the alternative, slurried silica fume has become unavailable in many places. Densified silica fume as commonly supplied consists of particles of sizes up to several millimeters, which are generally not dispersable into individual silica fume spheres. Densified silica fumes from some sources can be dispersed by moderate ultrasonic treatment into small clusters or chains of spheres; others resist such treatment and mostly remain as large agglomerates. Under conventional concrete mixing, substantial contents of agglomerates almost always remain in the concrete. Thus the assumption that the densification process is somehow ‘reversible’ is not generally warranted. The sizes of undispersed agglomerates remaining in concrete after mixing often exceed the sizes of Portland cement particles, thus limiting any potential benefits attributed to the fine particle filler effect. Large undispersed grains appear to always undergo chemical reaction in concrete, but such reactions may induce ASR damage only under especially unfavorable circumstances.
Sexual Facts and Values

It is important for psychoanalysts to educate themselves about variant forms of sexual expression, such as the fact that heterosexual cross-dressers virtually never give up their preference because of psychotherapy. A more realistic therapeutic aim is to help the couple negotiate a workable relationship. Infidelity, too, has many possible definitions that can be negotiated by the couple. In some instances, the wish for extramarital contact may be motivated less by sexual desire than by other psychological needs, such as the fear of death and the wish for immortality. The sustenance of sexual passion in a long-term relationship is a phenomenon that requires greater understanding. Variation in lifestyle, as well as modifications in characterological ruts, can often help revive passion.
698 FAT LOSS DURING GAVAGE FEEDING: EFFECT OF MCT R OIL SUPPLEMENTATION

Human milk (HM) fed to the premature infant is often fortified with MCT oil to increase its caloric density. The fat loss due to adherence to feeding sets (residual fat) was evaluated for the prevailing methods of MCT supplementation. Forty feeding sets, collected from infants on feeds of 3 different compositions, were analyzed for the amount of residual fat (measured as % of total fat in feed by gravimetry). The fatty acid (FA) composition of the fat residue was analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. The results (mean±SD) show: FA composition of the fat residue from Group C (given in % of total FA) shows: C8:0=59.95; C10:0=29.46 and other FA=10.59. Conclusion: 1) There is no significant difference in lipid adherence to feeding sets between Groups A and B; 2) in Group C up to 20% of lipid may be lost in the feeding set; 3) FA composition of the fat residue from Group C (given in % of total FA) shows that up to 90% of MCT oil added is lost in the feeding set.
Characterization of flame spread over PMMA using holographic interferometry sample orientation effects

Flame spread over a thermally thick slab of PMMA at several angles of sample orientation from theta = -90/sup 0/ (vertically downward flame spread) to theta = +90/sup 0/ (vertically upward flame spread) in air was investigated by measuring temperature distributions within the PMMA sample in the vicinity of the leading edge of the flame front using holographic interferometry. Samples with widths of 0.32, 0.47, 1.0, and 2.5 cm, a thickness of 2.5 cm, and a length of 30 cm were used. The measured net heat flux from the gas phase to the sample surface at the vaporization front of the sample is about 7 W/cm/sup 2/ for downward flame spread (theta < 0/sup 0/), 6.5 W/cm/sup 2/ at theta = +10/sup 0/, and 2.8 W/cm/sup 2/ at theta = +90/sup 0/. However, the total net heat transfer rate increases with an increase in the angle of sample orientation, because the characteristic heating length, defined as the distance from the adiabatic point on the sample surface to the vaporization point, increases with an increase in the orientation angle of the sample. The total net heat transfer rate into the sample from the gas phase is about 56% of the totalmore » net heat transfer input to the sample at theta = -90/sup 0/, 78% at theta = 0/sup 0/, 87% at theta = +10/sup 0/, and 99% at theta = +90/sup 0/. Therefore heat transfer from the gas phase into the unburnt fuel ahead of the vaporization point is the dominant heat transfer path for all angles of orientation. This was clearly demonstrated by the net heat flow vector patterns within the sample. The streamwise conductive heat transfer rate through the sample decreases with an increase in flame spread rate (increase in the sample orientation angle) due to insufficient time being available for the slow thermal wave to travel through the sample.« less
Semantic Modality in Information Design: Improving Learning Efficiency in a Multimedia Environment

Instructional theories emphasize the structural modality of the information design, that is, whether the information is visual (e.g., text vs. graphics vs. animations) or auditory. However, we argue that semantic modality, the internal cognitive representation, must also be considered in order to reduce working memory load imposed by cognitive operations. A within-subjects design comparing performance on a dual mode task demonstrated the importance of considering semantic modality. The hypothesized factor resulting in the change in performance was the type of mental processing required while physical stimuli were held constant. Significant differences in performance between control and experimental trials were found for experimental conditions in which a visual task was manipulated to interfere with an auditory task during internal coding. No significant differences were found when the experimental condition was a visual task manipulated to allow separate internal coding. The results have implications for...
New insights into mechanisms of sonothrombolysis using ultra-high-speed imaging.

Abstract Thrombotic arterial occlusion is the principal etiology for acute cardiovascular syndromes such as stroke, myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Exposing the thrombus to ultrasound and microbubbles facilitates thrombus disruption, making “sonothrombolysis” a potentially powerful therapeutic strategy for thromboembolic diseases. However, optimization of such a strategy, and hence clinical translation, is constrained by an incomplete understanding of mechanisms by which ultrasound-induced microbubble vibrations disrupt blood clots. We posit that previously reported sonothrombolytic efficacy using inertial cavitation regimes was due, at least in part, to mechanical clot disruption by oscillating microbubbles. To test this hypothesis, we optically characterized lipid microbubble interactions with thrombus in the presence of ultrasound using a recently developed ultra-high-speed microscopy imaging system to visualize microbubble acoustic behaviors at megahertz frame rates. A microscope/acoustic stage designed for the system allowed an experimentally created thrombus and microbubbles to be insonified at a co-localized acoustic and optical focus during synchronized high-speed imaging. Under inertial cavitation conditions, large-amplitude microbubble oscillations caused thrombus deformation and pitting. Acoustic radiation forces (Bjerknes forces) further augmented microbubble-thrombus interaction. These observations suggest that a direct mechanical effect of oscillating lipid microbubbles on an adjacent thrombus may play a role in mediating clot disruption in the presence of specific ultrasound conditions.
Systematic differences among nominal reference dielectric function spectra for crystalline Si as determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry

Abstract Results of the first systematic investigation of differences among reference-quality ellipsometrically measured pseudodielectric function 〈e〉 spectra of crystalline Si are discussed. These data are nominally used to approximate the bulk dielectric function of this material for optical modeling. In addition to the expected influence of residual overlayers, we identify surface-local-field and energy-derivative effects even between spectra obtained for seemingly identical H-terminated surfaces. Model calculations indicate that these effects account for nearly all differences among spectra studied. The isotropic contribution to the surface-local-field effect is also reported.
Exploiting MeSH indexing in MEDLINE to generate a data set for word sense disambiguation

Background Evaluation of Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) methods in the biomedical domain is difficult because the available resources are either too small or too focused on specific types of entities (e.g. diseases or genes). We present a method that can be used to automatically develop a WSD test collection using the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) Metathesaurus and the manual MeSH indexing of MEDLINE. We demonstrate the use of this method by developing such a data set, called MSH WSD.
Neural Systems Approaches to Understanding Major Depressive Disorder: An Intrinsic Functional Organization Perspective

Recent research detailing the intrinsic functional organization of the brain provides a unique and useful framework to gain a better understanding of the neural bases of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In this review, we first present a brief history of neuroimaging research that has increased our understanding of the functional macro-architecture of the brain. From this macro-architectural perspective, we examine the extant body of functional neuroimaging research assessing MDD with a specific emphasis on the contributions of default-mode, executive, and salience networks in this debilitating disorder. Next, we describe recent investigations conducted in our laboratory in which we explicitly adopt a neural-system perspective in examining the relations among these networks in MDD. Finally, we offer directions for future research that we believe will facilitate the development of more detailed and integrative models of neural dysfunction in depression.