cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vendor selection in outsourcing

In any large organization, millions of dollars are spent on outsourcing. Most large organizations are outsourcing those activities that are either not cost efficient if done in-house or not core to their businesses. One of the most critical steps in outsourcing is vendor selection, which is a strategic decision. We model the vendor selection problem as a multi-objective optimization problem, where one or more buyers order multiple products from different vendors in a multiple sourcing network. Price, lead-time and rejects (quality) are explicitly considered as three conflicting criteria that have to be minimized simultaneously. A pricing model under quantity discounts is used to represent the purchasing cost. We present and compare several multi-objective optimization methods for solving the vendor selection problem. The methods include weighted objective, goal programming and compromise programming. The multicriteria models and the methods are illustrated using a realistic example. Value path approach is used to compare the results of different models.
A Free Space Optics Based Identification and Interrogation System

In this paper we discuss the design of a free-space optics based system that can be used for identification or identification/interrogation over varying distances. The system consists of photonic transducers and sources that can be easily incorporated in optical tags and base-stations. When an optical reader sends an interrogation beam of light to an optical tag, the tag sends its response. A major advantage of our system is that various electronic or photonic sensors or transducers can be easily incorporated in the design of optical tags so that the output of the sensors can be read remotely. The proposed system does not cause RF interference to nearby objects and is secure owing to the highly directional nature of optical communication. The system can use encryption technology to provide an additional layer of security. Unlike RF-IDs our system also provides flexibility on the distance between tags and base-stations or readers. Further, optical communication is unlicensed unlike the use of RF bands. Optical identification/interrogation systems proposed in the literature either uses specially designed MEMS devices or holograms. Compared to these our system is built with low-cost optoelectronic components and can be packaged in low-cost and rugged units.
DIFFRACTION THEORY FOR VERY-HIGH-ENERGY SCATTERING

Abstract In the simple diffraction theory, or black-sphere model, of Bethe and Placzek, it is assumed that partial wave with l ≦ L are completely absorbed and partial waves with l > L do not interact at all. (The projectile and target are assumed to have no spin or charge, so that l represents orbital angular momentum; L is a critical value of l usually related to the radius of the black sphere.) We improve this primitive but useful model by taking into account (a) the gradual, rather than sharp, transition from maximum to zero absorption, (b) the generally small but important deviation from complete absorption, and (c) finite values for the real part of the scattering amplitude. By adoption of appropriate forms for these improvements, closed-form expressions for the various cross sections are obtained. Whenever necessary, systematic approximation methods are developed which allow estimates of errors to be made. The results are shown to be model-independent, i.e., independent of the detailed way in which the above generalizations are made. Further simple improvements for the Coulomb field and spin - 1 2 projectiles are also discussed. Finally, these methods are applied to the scattering of neutrons from nuclei for neutron energies in the range from 0.3 to 5.0 Bev.
A Lattice-Based Minimal Gray-Scale Switching Algorithm for Obtaining the Optimal Increasing Filter from the Optimal Filter

For binary window-based filters, the optimal increasing filter is often derived from the optimal unconstrained (nonincreasing) filter by iteratively switching the filter values at pixels from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0 so as to make the resulting filter be the optimal increasing filter. This paper gives a corresponding switching algorithm for gray-scale nonlinear filters, and it does so in the context of finite lattices, which makes the algorithm applicable to computational morphology on lattices. The algorithm is minimal in the sense that it involves a minimal search if one wishes to be certain to obtain the optimal increasing filter when beginning with the optimal unconstrained filter.
Laughlines. Finding humor in our workplace.

As we work daily with women and their families at the beginning of life, in the middle, and at the end, we need to be resilient, responsive, and joyful. Nothing is more restorative and health‐giving than bringing a smile to someone's face. Dourness is out and joy is in!
Dynamic jahn—teller effect for degenerate states of coupled vibrations in van der waals complexes

Abstract A vibrational Jahn—Teller effect is demonstrated for molecular clusters X n , related to Born—Oppenheimer separability between fast and slow vibrations. Model X 3 potential surfaces are used to predict van der Weels vibrational progressions due to dynamic Jahn—Teller coupling. Comparison with (SF 6 ) n spectra suggests an unusually flat minimum in the SF 6 SF 6 potential.
Obesity and C-reactive protein levels among white, black, and hispanic US adults.

Objective: Studies suggest that obesity's adverse impact on cardiovascular mortality may be reduced in African Americans relative to white Americans. We examined whether obesity's association with novel cardiovascular risk factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP) also varies by race and ethnicity. Methods and Procedures: We analyzed data from 10,492 white, African-American, and Hispanic-American participants of the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, who were aged 20 years and older, with a BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 and CRP ≤10 mg/l. We fit sex-specific multivariable models of the association of BMI or waist circumference with log CRP levels and tested for interactions of BMI or waist circumference with race/ethnicity. Results: Higher BMI was significantly associated with higher CRP in all racial/ethnic groups for both men and women (P > 0.05 for BMI–race/ethnicity interaction) before and after adjustment for age, education, and health behaviors. Larger waist circumference was also associated with higher CRP levels in all racial/ethnic groups before and after adjustment; among women, the relationship was strongest for Mexican Hispanics (P < 0.01 for waist circumference–race/ethnicity interaction). Results were similar after additional adjustment for medications that might affect CRP levels. Discussion: The association between obesity and CRP is at least as strong in African Americans and Hispanic Americans as in white Americans. Racial differences in the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular mortality are unlikely to be due to racial differences in obesity's impact on CRP.
Chance and necessity: the evolution of morphological complexity and diversity

The primary foundation for contemplating the possible forms of life elsewhere in the Universe is the evolutionary trends that have marked life on Earth. For its first three billion years, life on Earth was a world of microscopic forms, rarely achieving a size greater than a millimetre or a complexity beyond two or three cell types. But in the past 600 million years, the evolution of much larger and more complex organisms has transformed the biosphere. Despite their disparate forms and physiologies, the evolution and diversification of plants, animals, fungi and other macroforms has followed similar global trends. One of the most important features underlying evolutionary increases in animal and plant size, complexity and diversity has been their modular construction from reiterated parts. Although simple filamentous and spherical forms may evolve wherever cellular life exists, the evolution of motile, modular mega-organisms might not be a universal pattern.
Exact solutions for Ising-model even-number correlations on planar lattices.

A systematic and unifying method is developed and demonstrated for obtaining exact solutions of n-site (n even integer) Ising correlations on various planar lattices. The scheme, which is exceedingly more simple than using solely traditional Pfaffian techniques, embodies five mapping theorems in alliance with algebraic correlation identities. In the theoretical framework, the triangular Ising model plays an overarching role. In particular, considering a select 7-site cluster of the triangular Ising model, the knowledge of all its 11 even-number correlations defined upon this cluster (where only four of the correlations need to be actually calculated by Pfaffian procedures) is shown to be sufficient for determining exactly all honeycomb, decorated-honeycomb, and kagom\'e Ising model even-number correlations upon their correspondingly select 10-site, 19-site, and 9-site clusters, respectively. The relative ease and direct applicability of the present approach are highlighted not only by the resulting large numbers of n-site (n even-integer) correlation solutions (e.g., approximately 85 and 50 for the honeycomb and kagom\'e Ising models, respectively) and their large ${n}_{\mathrm{max}}$ values (${n}_{\mathrm{max}=8}$,10,18 for the kagom\'e, honeycomb, and decorated-honeycomb Ising models, respectively) but also by the realization that the exact solutions for Ising multisite correlations upon the kagom\'e lattice (one of the four regular lattices in two dimensions) are apparently the first to explicitly appear in the literature beyond its nearest-neighbor pair correlation (energy).
Measurement of total serum testosterone levels using commercially available kits: high degree of between-kit variability

Abstract Objective: The measurement of total serum testosterone has an established clinical role in the management of male hypogonadism and female androgen excess disorders. We studied the between-kit variability and precision of six different commercially available testosterone assays and compared them with an established in-house method. Design: Laboratory observational prospective study. Setting: Tertiary university medical center clinical laboratory. Patient(s): Three groups of samples each of men (n = 36) and women (n = 15) who had high, normal, or low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), respectively, were studied. Intervention(s): Individual and pooled (male and female) serum samples were analyzed for total testosterone concentration using six different commercially available assays and one in-house method. Main Outcome Measure(s): The between-kit variability and the effect of the mean (± SD) SHBG level were determined, the results obtained with the use of the kits and the in-house method were compared, and the intraassay variability (i.e., precision) was evaluated. Result(s): Male samples demonstrated a 26.3%-40.8% variance in the results obtained with different kits, which was greatest for samples with the lowest SHBG levels. For female samples, between-kit variability ranged from 57%–115% (average, 77%). The percent deviation of the results obtained with the use of commercial methods from those obtained with the use of our in-house assay was greater for men (mean variance, 194%) than for women (mean variance, 67%). The female pool intraassay coefficient of variation was 3.8% with the use of the in-house method and ranged from 8.9%-21.2% with the use of the commercial kits. The male pool intraassay coefficient of variation was 3.1% with the use of the in-house method and ranged from 3.3%-5.5% with the use of the commercial kits. Conclusion(s): Most commercially available kits for measuring the total serum testosterone level demonstrated significant between-kit variability, which was greatest for female samples. Further, samples with the lowest SHBG levels had the highest between-kit variances. These data strongly suggest that the measurement of total serum testosterone using commercial kits may have limited utility, particularly for the detection of hyperandrogenemia.
Glucose stimulates human beta cell replication in vivo in islets transplanted into NOD-severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice.

Aims/hypothesis We determined whether hyperglycaemia stimulates human beta cell replication in vivo in an islet transplant model
Punctuating the Congressional Agenda: Strategic Scheduling by House and Senate Leaders

Despite general agreement that indicates deadlines “matter” to legislative behavior, there have been few empirical investigations of the use of deadlines in Congress. This study focuses on the use of recess deadlines (such as the August recess). I hypothesize that congressional leaders schedule votes before major recesses to create additional deadlines within the congressional term where votes can be taken under the pressures of time constraint. Using negative binomial regression, I demonstrate that “rushes” of roll call votes do take place before major recesses, and this preliminary evidence suggests that congressional leaders in the House use recesses as deadlines for most roll call votes. Initial findings also suggest that the powers of House leaders to control their voting schedule before recess deadlines outweigh the powers of their counterparts in the Senate.
Single-Molecule Enzyme Dynamics of Monomeric Sarcosine Oxidase in a Gold-Based Zero-Mode Waveguide

The localization of optical fields is a powerful method of reducing spectroscopic background signals, enabling studies of single fluorescent molecules. Zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs) strongly confine optical fields to zeptoliter (zL, 10(-21) L) volumes and can be coupled with fluorescence microscopy to study the dynamics of single enzyme molecules due to their excellent optical confinement, precise positioning, and massive parallelism. The experiments described here exploit arrays of gold-based (Au-based) nanopores derivatized with single copies of the redox enzyme monomeric sarcosine oxidase (MSOX). MSOX contains a covalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor, which is highly fluorescent in the oxidized state and dark in the reduced state, thus producing a characteristic on-off fluorescence signal synchronous with transitions between oxidation states. Although aluminum (Al) is the common choice for the metallic overlayer in ZMW construction, Au is used here to access its unique surface-binding chemistry. In particular, the signal-to-noise ratio is improved for Au-based ZMWs by selective Au passivation. For MSOX reactions involving both the nominal substrate (sarcosine) and an analogous substrate (proline), statistical analysis of single-molecule temporal trajectories reveals the static heterogeneity of single-enzyme reaction rates, but no dynamic disorder. In addition, the single-molecule data confirm the independence of reduction and oxidation reactions. These structures open the way for systematic studies of the effect of molecular crowding on enzyme dynamics.
Information technology curriculum and practical opportunities in automation

As previous advances in technology have made their way to the factory floor, they have historically been met with corresponding adjustments in qualifications and training. Yet, a survey of two-year college catalogs reveals that the proliferation of information technology in automation has apparently failed to fully trigger such a paradigm shift. This may well be due to the misconception of familiarity with the technology, yet an analysis of IT issues in such a department-legacy equipment, sustainability issues, network and system policies-reveals that this may be the most dangerous aspect of the deficiencies. As IT instruction is prevalent and available at the community college level, the expansion of its influence and reach into traditional automation curricula is an immediate answer. A more forward looking possibility is the integration of the technicians themselves at the factory level.
The regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in rat hippocampal slices: effect of dichloroacetate.

Abstract The effects of dichloroacetate (DCA), an inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, on the phosphorylation of the α-subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase and on the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (pyruvateilipoamide oxidoreductase (decarboxylating and acceptor-acetylating), EC 1.2.4.1, PDH) were investigated in rat hippocampal slices. Incubating hippocampal slices with increasing concentrations of DCA resulted in an increase in the active portion of PDH, without changes in the total PDH activity, as well as an increase in the in vitro phosphorylation of α-PDH. The effect of DCA on PDH activity was very rapid, being almost maximal after 5 min. These results indicate that DCA in the hippocampal slice preparation inhibits PDH kinase and consequently stimulates PDH activity by decreasing its endogenous state of phosphorylation. Moreover the time-course of the effect of DCA suggests that the turnover rate of the phosphate group carried by α-PDH is very rapid and can be manipulated by altering PDH kinase activity.
Development of a simulation model of biomass supply chain for biofuel production

Abstract Biofuel production from renewable biomass has experienced increased interest in order to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and reduce carbon emissions. Concerns regarding cost efficiency and environmental problems result in significant challenges that hinder the increased biofuel production from renewable biomass. This paper describes the development of a simulation model with an easy-to-use graphical user interface for the biofuel supply chain. The model considers key supply chain activities including biomass harvesting/processing, transportation, and storage. The model uses the delivered feedstock cost, energy consumption, and GHG emissions as system performance criteria. The utility of the supply chain simulation model is demonstrated by considering a biomass supply chain for a biofuel facility in the lower peninsula of Michigan. The results show that the model is a useful tool for supply chain management, including selection of the optimal biofuel facility location, logistics design, inventory management, and information exchange.
Effect of Comproportionation on Voltammograms for Two-Electron Reactions with an Irreversible Second Electron Transfer

Many organic and organometallic compounds are reduced or oxidized in two steps with the addition or removal of the second electron occurring with greater difficulty than the first. In such EE reactions, a comproportionation reaction can occur in solution near the electrode by which the final product exchanges an electron with the reactant to form two molecules of the intermediate species. Normally, this comproportionation reaction has little or no effect in voltammetry. In this paper, a substantial effect of comproportionation is predicted for the case where the second electron-transfer reaction is irreversible. In steady-state voltammetry, the normally symmetric, sigmoid-shaped second wave is predicted to rise more sharply near its base than is observed in the absence of comproportionation and, in the limit of a very fast comproportionation reaction, an “onset potential” develops at which the current at the second wave increases abruptly from the limiting current of the first plateau. Experimental exampl...
Seasonal patterns of dehydrins and 70-kDa heat-shock proteins in bark tissues of eight species of woody plants

Although considerable effort has been directed at identifying and understanding the function and regulation of stress-induced proteins in herbaceous plants, reports concerning woody plants are limited. Studies with herbaceous crops have revealed similarities in the types of proteins that accumulate in response to a wide array of abiotic stresses and hormonal cues such as the accumulation of abscisic acid. Many of the identified proteins appear to be related to dehydrins (the D-11 subgroup of late-embryogenesis-abundant proteins). The objective of the present study was to determine if seasonal induction of dehydrins is a common feature in woody plants and to see if seasonal patterns existed for other stress-induced proteins. Bark tissues from eight species of woody plants were collected monthly for a period of 1.5 years. The species included: peach (Prunus persica) cv. Loring ; apple (Malus domestica) cv. Golden Delicious; thornless blackberry (Rubus sp.) cv. Chester ; hybrid poplar (Populus nigra) ; weeping willow (Salix babylonica) ; flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) ; sassafras (Sassafras albidum) ; and black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia). Immunoblots of bark proteins were probed with a polyclonal antibody recognizing a conserved region of dehydrin proteins, and monoclonal antibodies directed against members of the HS70 family of heat-shock proteins. Some proteins, immunologically related to dehydrins, appeared to be constitutive ; however, distinct seasonal patterns associated with winter acclimation were also observed in all species. The molecular masses of these proteins varied widely, although similarities were observed in related species (willow and poplar). Identification of proteins using the monoclonal antibodies (HSP70, HSC70, BiP) was more definitive because of their inherent specificity, but seasonal patterns were more variable among the eight species examined. This study represents only a precursory examination of several proteins reported to be stress related in herbaceous plants, but the results indicate that these proteins are also common to woody plants and that further research to characterize their regulation and function in relation to stress adaptation and the perennial life cycle of woody plants is warranted.
Genomic features defining exonic variants that modulate splicing

Background Single point mutations at both synonymous and non-synonymous positions within exons can have severe effects on gene function through disruption of splicing. Predicting these mutations in silico purely from the genomic sequence is difficult due to an incomplete understanding of the multiple factors that may be responsible. In addition, little is known about which computational prediction approaches, such as those involving exonic splicing enhancers and exonic splicing silencers, are most informative.
Localization of β and γ subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad

Abstract The molecular mechanisms underlying mechanoelectrical transduction and the receptors that detect light touch remain uncertain. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that members of the DEG/ENaC cation channel family may be mechanoreceptors. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that subunits of the mammalian epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) family are expressed in touch receptors in rat hairless skin. We detected βENaC and γENaC, but not αENaC transcripts in cervical and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using immunofluorescence, we found βENaC and γENaC expressed in medium to large lumbar DRG neurons. Moreover, we detected these two subunits in Merkel cell–neurite complexes, Meissner-like corpuscles, and small lamellated corpuscles, specialized mechanosensory structures of the skin. Within these structures, βENaC and γENaC were localized in the nerve fibers believed to contain the sensors responsive to mechanical stress. Thus β and γENaC subunits are good candidates as components of the molecular sensor that detects touch.
Use of a Lighted Stylet to Confirm Correct Endotracheal Tube Placement

Despite the fact that endotracheal intubation is a skill essential for clinicians of varied specialties, the procedure is not without risk, especially when practiced in an emergency setting, particularly the field environment. Of all complications, none is more serious than unrecognized esophageal intubation. Clinical experience with a method of guided orotracheal intubation using a rigid-wire lighted stylet prompted us to develop a technique to confirm correct intratracheal placement of an endotracheal tube using a new flexible lighted stylet designed for nasotracheal intubation. Endotracheal tubes were placed under direct vision at three sites in the upper airway of five unembalmed human cadavers: esophagus (20 cm from the teeth), trachea (20 cm from the teeth) and the right or left pyriform fossa. Thirty-five volunteer intubators were asked to identify tube placement using the transilluminated glow from the flexible nasotracheal lighted stylet. A total of 168 placements were made in 40 trials. Only one of 56 intratracheal placements was misidentified as esophageal. Of 112 extratracheal placements (esophagus or pyriform fossa), one was misidentified as intratracheal. The level of experience or training bore no relationship to the ability of the intubator to identify correct placement. We conclude from the study that this technique is a rapid and reliable method of confirming correct placement of endotracheal tubes. The use of this method could reduce, if not eliminate, unrecognized esophageal intubation in the field, emergency department, the critical care unit, and the operating room.
Wireless Keypads - A New Classroom Technology Using Enhanced Multiple-Choice Questions

This article discusses the advantages of using wire less keypads in the lecture/classroom. This new technology requires mul tiple-choice (MC) questions to mate with the keypad entry features of these devices. The format of the traditional MC response is constraine d to five choices and only one ‘best’ response is allowed. For this reaso n, we propose enhancements to the traditional MC question. This eMC question allows as many as ten answers. The answers can vary in their degree of correctness and can be assigned partial c redit. By combining wireless keys and multiple-choice questions, we can readily perform both formative and summative assessments of student lear ning. Examples and classroom applications are presented.
Cellular growth and survival are mediated by beta 1 integrins in normal human breast epithelium but not in breast carcinoma

We previously established a rapid three-dimensional assay for discrimination of normal and malignant human breast epithelial cells using a laminin-rich reconstituted basement membrane. In this assay, normal epithelial cells differentiate into well-organized acinar structures whereas tumor cells fail to recapitulate this process and produce large, disordered colonies. The data suggest that breast acinar morphogenesis and differentiation is regulated by cell-extra-cellular matrix (ECM) interactions and that these interactions are altered in malignancy. Here, we investigated the role of ECM receptors (integrins) in these processes and report on the expression and function of potential laminin receptors in normal and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that normal and carcinoma cells in a three-dimensional substratum express profiles of integrins similar to normal and malignant breast tissues in situ. Normal cells express alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6, beta 1 and beta 4 integrin subunits, whereas breast carcinoma cells show variable losses, disordered expression, or downregulation of these subunits. Function-blocking experiments using inhibitory anti-integrin subunit antibodies showed a > 5-fold inhibition of the formation of acinar structures by normal cells in the presence of either anti-beta 1 or anti-alpha 3 antibodies, whereas anti-alpha 2 or -alpha 6 had little or no effect. In experiments where collagen type I gels were used instead of basement membrane, acinar morphogenesis was blocked by anti-beta 1 and -alpha 2 antibodies but not by anti-alpha 3. These data suggest a specificity of integrin utilization dependent on the ECM ligands encountered by the cell. The interruption of normal acinar morphogenesis by anti-integrin antibodies was associated with an inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis. Function-blocking antibodies had no inhibitory effect on the rate of tumor cell growth, survival or capacity to form colonies. Thus under our culture conditions breast acinar formation is at least a two-step process involving beta 1-integrin-dependent cellular growth followed by polarization of the cells into organized structures. The regulation of this pathway appears to be impaired or lost in the tumor cells, suggesting that tumor colony formation occurs by independent mechanisms and that loss of proper integrin-mediated cell-ECM interaction may be critical to breast tumor formation.
Dopamine fails to stimulate protein kinase C activity in renal proximal tubules of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We have previously reported that dopamine-1 receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C is diminished in renal cortical slices of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of dopamine on protein kinase C (PKC), which is one of the enzymes involved in the signal-transduction pathway leading to dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase in the renal proximal tubule. Renal proximal tubule suspensions were obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of 10–12 weeks old. The tubules were incubated with dopamine in the presence or absence of DA-1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. The PKC activity was measured by using a specific fluorescent peptide substrate (sequence, PKSRTLSVAAK). We found that dopamine produced a concentration-dependent increase in protein kinase C activity in the WKY rats, however, it failed to stimulate PKC activity in the SHR. Peak stimulation of 3.828±0.35 (ng/μg) protein in the WKY rats was observed at ...
From Antisocial Behavior to Violence: A Model for the Amplifying Role of Coercive Joining in Adolescent Friendships.

Background: Aggression is one of the more stable characteristics of child and adolescent development, and violent behavior in early adulthood is often foreshadowed by aggressive behavior in childhood and early adolescence. Considerable evidence has linked coercive family interactions to aggressive behavior in childhood, but less research has been conducted on the joint role of family and peer interaction in the escalation of aggression to violence in adulthood. Methods: We coded family interactions at age 12-13 and friendship interaction at age 16-17 in a multiethnic sample of youth and families. Violence in young adulthood (age 22-23) was measured using self-report, criminal records, and parent report. We tested the hypothesis that a process of 'coercive joining' in friendship interactions mediated the relationship between coercive family interactions and serious violence. Results: We found that observed coercive joining in friendships at age 16-17 predicted early-adulthood violent behavior over and above an established tendency toward antisocial behavior. We also found that observed coercive family interactions at age 12 predicted early-adulthood violence, and that coercive joining with friends fully mediated this link. Conclusions: These results significantly extend coercion theory by suggesting that coercive joining in the context of peer groups is an additional mechanism by which coercive processes in the family are extended and amplified to violent behavior in early adulthood. Our findings suggest the importance of addressing both individual interpersonal skills and self-organizing peer groups when intervening to prevent violent behavior. Language: en
Exhumation at orogenic indentor corners under long-term glacial conditions: Example of the St. Elias orogen, Southern Alaska

Abstract Syntaxial bends in convergent plate boundaries, or indentor corners, display some of the most intriguing deformation patterns on Earth and are type localities for “aneurysms” of coupled erosion, thermal weakening, and strain. The St. Elias orogen in Alaska is a small, young convergent system that has been dominated by a glacial climate for much of its history and exhibits two prominent indentor corners that are not well understood. We have added 40 new apatite (U–Th)/He ages to the already extensive dataset for the low-temperature cooling history of this orogen to constrain the pattern of exhumation in these indentor corners. Ages from the western syntaxis show minor variation across the structural hinge, suggesting that the bend has little effect on the pattern of exhumation and that structures, including the Bagley fault, connect smoothly from the orogen core to the subduction zone to the southwest. Rock uplift on the north flank of the range appears to increase steadily towards the eastern syntaxis, which represents the apex in the right-angle bend between a transform fault in the south and the collision zone in the west. Based on age–elevation relationships, zones of relative rock uplift can be defined in which the Mt. Logan massif, or the area just north of the eastern syntaxis, experienced ∼ 4.8 km greater rock uplift than background levels northwest of the western syntaxis. A bulge in relative rock uplift is symmetric about the hinge in the eastern indentor corner. However, rates of denudation in this bulge are not as rapid as the core of the fold and thrust belt and are lower than those implied by detrital cooling ages from beneath the Seward Glacier. This implies that a large bull's eye of ultra-rapid (∼ 5 mm/yr) exhumation does not occur and that the subpopulation of young detrital ages may be sourced from a narrow transpressional zone along the Fairweather fault. Unlike the Himalayan syntaxes, it thus appears that an aneurysm of coupled erosion–strain has not developed in either indentor corner of the St. Elias orogen. This may indicate a limit to the degree to which glacial erosion can partition strain in convergent orogens. Similarly, the likely existence of a through-going dextral fault, the Totschunda fault, through the eastern syntaxis implies that tectonics, rather than surface processes, exerts the main control on strain partitioning in these corners.
Benchmarking regulatory network reconstruction with GRENDEL

Motivation: Over the past decade, the prospect of inferring networks of gene regulation from high-throughput experimental data has received a great deal of attention. In contrast to the massive effort that has gone into automated deconvolution of biological networks, relatively little effort has been invested in benchmarking the proposed algorithms. The rate at which new network inference methods are being proposed far outpaces our ability to objectively evaluate and compare them. This is largely due to a lack of fully understood biological networks to use as gold standards. Results: We have developed the most realistic system to date that generates synthetic regulatory networks for benchmarking reconstruction algorithms. The improved biological realism of our benchmark leads to conclusions about the relative accuracies of reconstruction algorithms that are significantly different from those obtained with A-BIOCHEM, an established in silico benchmark. Availability: The synthetic benchmark utility and the specific benchmark networks that were used in our analyses are available at http://mblab.wustl.edu/software/grendel/
Integrating the Product Realization Process Into the Design Curriculum: Ten Years of Experience and Evolution

This paper outlines many of our experiences in the implementation and evolution of the Product Realization Process (PRP) in industry sponsored capstone team design projects. In 1996 we started with 6 projects from 3 companies. We now implement over 50 projects per year. The total number of companies that have sponsored projects is now over 70. This paper will address the following: • The focal point for bringing in projects from industry is the Design and Manufacturing Clinic. • The use of the PRP as the method of developing new products and processes. • The enhancement of the conceptual design process to emphasize innovation. • The effectiveness of various decision analysis methods. • The emphasis and time allocation on each of the phases in the product realization process. • The evolution from a single discipline (mechanical engineering) to a multidiscipline effort. • The introduction of management, team building and cost estimating. • The migration from a one semester course to a two semester sequence. • The cultivation of industry sponsors. • The roles of the faculty and industry mentors.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Formulary compliance and pharmacy labor costs associated with systematic formulary management strategy

Purpose The impact of a comprehensive hospital formulary management system on formulary compliance and pharmacy labor costs was evaluated. Methods The formulary management system consisted of monitoring nonformulary medication use, reviewing formulary medication use annually, and providing periodic feedback. Workflow scenarios for nonformulary medication requests were identified. Pharmacy personnel were interviewed to obtain the probability of occurrence of each scenario and the time involved. Labor costs were determined by multiplying the average total minutes spent on each activity by the corresponding average salaries per minute. Formulary compliance was compared before the implementation of the formulary management system (January to June 2008) with six consecutive six-month periods after implementation. Results Nonformulary medication use decreased from 17.8 to 5.9 nonformulary medication initiations per 100 admissions over a three-year period ( p < 0.001). Time and labor costs associated with managing nonformulary medication requests varied from 4 to 69 minutes and from $3.68 to $27.28, respectively, depending on the scenario used. Automatically converting to a formulary alternative was the least labor-intensive option ($4.40 per request), followed by changing to a formulary alternative after consulting the prescriber ($9.92). Conclusion A comprehensive formulary management system resulted in increased compliance to a formulary that matched the needs of the institution and minimized the number of nonformulary medication requests. Expanding pharmacists’ therapeutic interchange authorities was the least labor-intensive way of managing nonformulary medication requests, and adding the most frequently used nonformulary medications to the formulary was the second least costly option.
Experimental evaluation of the nonlinear feedback robot controller

The trajectory tracking performance of the nonlinear feedback controller based on differential geometric control theory was experimentally studied. The performance is compared to three other methods: independent joint proportional-derivative (PD) control, independent joint PD control with feedforward torque computations, and the computed torque method. In the nonlinear feedback controller, servo is in the task space. In the other three methods servo is in the joint space. Path planning is in the task space. Circular and straight line paths are considered. A sampling frequency of 200 Hz is used. The effect of sampling frequency on tracking error is studied for the nonlinear feedback control scheme. The performance of these methods was tested on a PUMA 560 arm. The trajectory tracking performance of the robot arm under the nonlinear feedback controller is comparable to that of the computed torque control schemes. >
Epidemiology and clinical features of acute hepatitis A: from the domestic perspective

Acute viral hepatitis A has recently become a major public health problem in Korea, and the incidence of symptomatic hepatitis A is growing rapidly. With improvements in socioeconomic conditions and environmental hygiene, the chances of exposure to hepatitis A virus (HAV) during childhood have decreased and, in turn, the proportion of young adults with positive anti-HAV has significantly decreased. This has led to the incidence of symptomatic acute hepatitis A increasing since the late 1990s. The incidence of serious complications including fulminant hepatic failure and acute kidney injury has also showed an increasing trend. Variation of the genotype of virus isolated from recent hepatitis A patients suggests an inflow of the hepatitis virus from other countries. In this review article, we present the situation and epidemiology of hepatitis A in Korea, and recommend further investigation and policies for vaccination on a national level. (Korean J Hepatol 2009;15:438-445)
3‐Methyl‐1‐p‐tolyltriazene

(1; R1 = Me, R2 = Me) [21124-13-0] C8H11N3 (MW 149.22) InChI = 1S/C8H11N3/c1-7-3-5-8(6-4-7)10-11-9-2/h3-6H,1-2H3,(H,9,10) InChIKey = DNGJVDGPCGXBFF-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2; R1 = NO2, R2 = Me) [40643-39-8] C7H8N4O2 (MW 180.19) InChI = 1S/C7H8N4O2/c1-8-10-9-6-2-4-7(5-3-6)11(12)13/h2-5H,1H3,(H,8,9) InChIKey = BDSNQOSDUXHMCI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (3; R1 = Me, R2 = Et) [50707-40-9] C9H13N3 (MW 163.25) InChI = 1S/C9H13N3/c1-3-10-12-11-9-6-4-8(2)5-7-9/h4-7H,3H2,1-2H3,(H,10,11) InChIKey = BPOZIJBDYFHEJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N (4; R1 = OMe, R2 = Pr) [74849-15-3] C10H15N3O (MW 193.28) InChI = 1S/C10H15N3O/c1-3-8-11-13-12-9-4-6-10(14-2)7-5-9/h4-7H,3,8H2,1-2H3,(H,11,12) InChIKey = AZPVLFOGJFWSOI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (5; R1 = Me, R2 = i-Pr) [118399-01-2] C10H15N3 (MW 177.28) InChI = 1S/C10H15N3/c1-8(2)11-13-12-10-6-4-9(3)5-7-10/h4-8H,1-3H3,(H,11,12) InChIKey = AGDYKCPGMDASQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N (6; R1 = Br, R2 = Bn) [85013-27-0] C13H12BrN3 (MW 290.18) InChI = 1S/C13H12BrN3/c14-12-6-8-13(9-7-12)16-17-15-10-11-4-2-1-3-5-11/h1-9H,10H2,(H,15,16) InChIKey = BZCUQESUPRDMNG-UHFFFAOYSA-N (methylating agent for carboxylic acids,2 other acids, alcohols, phenols, and thiols3) Physical Data: mp: (1) 79–81 °C; (2) 112–114 °C; (3) 36–38 °C; (4) 28–30 °C; (5) 29–30 °C; (6) 87–88 °C. Alternate Name: MTT. Solubility: in general, slightly sol hexane; sol Et2O, chloroform, acetone, DMSO. May undergo degradation in protic media. Form Supplied in: (1) colorless solid; commercially available in 98% purity. Preparative Methods: disubstituted triazenes can be prepared by the reaction of Grignard4 or organolithium reagents5 with azides, or by the reaction of aryl diazonium salts with primary amines.6 Chief impurities present in the latter case are the pentazadienes (2∶1 condensation products) and diaryltriazenes. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: can be safely stored for reasonable periods. Alkyltriazenes are potent biological alkylating agents and should be treated as toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Efficient fumehoods and use of reasonable precautions are recommended when handling these compounds.
Graphical solution of turbulent-flow diffusion equations

Linear partial-differential eqations are often encountered when thermal or material diffusion in flowing systems is considered. Analytic solutions of such equations are known for only the simplest situations. In two examples a graphical method of solution is presented and demonstrated which makes feasible, without excessive labor or special computing facilities, the use of available knowledge concerning turbulent flow in the prediction of thermal or material transfers in complex situations involving linear steady flow.
Noninvasive screening for intracranial hypertension in children with acute, severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between transcranial Doppler (TCD) derived pulsatility index (PI), end diastolic flow velocity (Vd), and intracranial pressure (ICP). The subjects in this study were 36 children admitted after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8) undergoing invasive ICP monitoring. METHODS Subjects underwent a total of 148 TCD studies. TCD measurements of systolic flow velocity (Vs), Vd, and mean flow velocity (Vm) were performed on the middle cerebral artery (MCA) ipsilateral to the ICP monitor. The PI was calculated by the TCD software (Vs-Vd/Vm). ICP registrations were made in parallel with TCD measurements. RESULTS Using a PI threshold of 1.3, postinjury Day 0–1 PI had 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity at predicting an ICP ≥ 20 mm Hg (n = 8). During this time frame, a moderately strong relationship was observed between the MCA PI and actual ICP (r = 0.611, p = 0.01). When using a threshold of < 25 cm/sec, postin...
THE MOTT TRANSITION AND F ELECTRON PHYSICS

We revisit the issue of the Mott transition across the actinide series from the perspective of the spectral density functional approach to realistic dynamical mean-field theory. We stress both qualitative insights from the connection with models and quantitative results.
Acute anticoagulation adjustment in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk for stroke: approaches, strategies, risks and benefits.

The acute management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke and other thromboembolic complications includes the use of individualized strategies tailored to the patient and based on the situation (cardioversion, surgeries, dental procedures, cardiac interventions, other invasive procedures and initiation of, or adjustment to, warfarin dosing). The vast range of choices can cause confusion and few randomized controlled clinical trials in this area provide adequate guidance. Chronic anticoagulation management is more straightforward since clinical evidence is ample, randomized clinical trial data provides cogent informaiton and guidelines have been established. Acute management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent thromboembolic complications is often unrecognized but is emerging as a crucial, but challenging, and increasingly complex aspect of the care of patients with atrial fibrillation. This review addresses issues regarding such patients ...
Chromosomes and cancer: New nomenclature and future directions

The recent advent of high resolution chromosome techniques for the study of neoplasia has conceivably expanded the scope of cancer cytogenetics, making feasible the detection of chromosomal defects in most neoplasias. Because of the usefulness of the new technology, the Standard Chromosome Nomenclature has been extended to give a unified numbering system to the fine bands observed and to maintain a simple system for the description of previously undetectable defects and the more precise delineation of chromosomal rearrangements.
A Conceptual Model for Operational Control in Smart Manufacturing Systems

Abstract Advancements in computer integrated manufacturing and intelligent devices have spurred a revolution in manufacturing. To maximize their potential, smart operational control mechanisms must not only integrate real-time data from system operations, but also formulate and solve a wide variety of optimal-control analyses quickly and efficiently and then translate the results into executable commands. To support design of smart operational controllers, this paper proposes a conceptual model capable of integrating a description of the control activities in the manufacturing operations management level of the enterprise with a description of the physical system and an explicit interface to optimal-control analyses.