cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High fiber count optical penetrator: Evaluation of thermally induced stresses

In the past thirty years, the need for increased power and optical fiber counts in undersea systems has been rather dramatic. Most cable designs are readily adaptable to increased counts of optical fiber, whereas interconnects and pressure vessel designs are significantly more complex. In some cases, optical fiber counts in undersea systems are limited by the feedthrough and/or interconnect configurations. General Dynamics Mission Systems has addressed this constraint and now provides a family of high reliability electro-optical feed through penetrators. Within this family of penetrators, is a high reliability optical penetrator capable of sealing in bulkhead and in-line configurations. Recent development efforts have produced a 24-fiber penetrator configuration, which incorporates two twelve fiber ribbons, thus greatly enhancing the manufacturability and handling characteristics. In support of the design verification testing, analysis and testing of the fiber strain during fabrication and service conditions has been completed and compared to the qualified baseline configuration (≤ 8 fibers per unit). The testing validates the analytical predictions of low strain and correlates well to prior work, thereby indicating 24 fiber penetrators will provide the same high reliability performance as their 8 fiber predecessors. This paper documents the recent developments, testing and analysis for a 24 fiber high reliability optical fiber penetrator.
Phase-Switching Depolymerizable Poly(carbamate) Oligomers for Signal Amplification in Quantitative Time-Based Assays

This article describes the use of poly(carbamate) oligomers that depolymerize from head-to-tail as phase-switching reagents for increasing the sensitivity of quantitative point-of-care assays that are based on measurements of time. The poly(carbamate) oligomers selectively react with hydrogen peroxide (a model analyte) and provide sensitivity by depolymerizing in the presence of the analyte to convert from water-insoluble oligomers to water-soluble products. This switching reaction enables a sample to wick through a three-dimensional paper-based microfluidic device, where the flow-through time reflects the quantity of the analyte in the sample. Oligomers as short as octamers enable quantitative detection to low nanomolar concentrations of the analyte.
Detection and characterization of two co-infection variant strains of avian orthoreovirus (ARV) in young layer chickens using next-generation sequencing (NGS)

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for full genomic characterization studies of the newly emerging avian orthoreovirus (ARV) field strains isolated in Pennsylvania poultry, we identified two co-infection ARV variant strains from one ARV isolate obtained from ARV-affected young layer chickens. The de novo assembly of the ARV reads generated 19 contigs of two different ARV variant strains according to 10 genome segments of each ARV strain. The two variants had the same M2 segment. The complete genomes of each of the two variant strains were 23,493 bp in length, and 10 dsRNA segments ranged from 1192 bp (S4) to 3958 bp (L1), encoding 12 viral proteins. Sequence comparison of nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) sequences of all 10 genome segments revealed 58.1-100% and 51.4-100% aa identity between the two variant strains, and 54.3-89.4% and 49.5-98.1% aa identity between the two variants and classic vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a moderate to significant nt sequence divergence between the two variant and ARV reference strains. These findings have demonstrated the first naturally occurring co-infection of two ARV variants in commercial young layer chickens, providing scientific evidence that multiple ARV strains can be simultaneously present in one host species of chickens.
A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial of Single Dose of Oral Dexamethasone Versus 5 Days of Oral Prednisone in Acute Adult Asthma.

Study objective Oral dexamethasone demonstrates bioavailability similar to that of oral prednisone but has a longer half-life. We evaluate whether a single dose of oral dexamethasone plus 4 days of placebo is not inferior to 5 days of oral prednisone in treatment of adults with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations to prevent relapse defined as an unscheduled return visit for additional treatment for persistent or worsening asthma within 14 days. Methods Adult emergency department patients (aged 18 to 55 years) were randomized to receive either a single dose of 12 mg of oral dexamethasone with 4 days of placebo or a 5-day course of oral prednisone 60 mg a day. Outcomes including relapse were assessed by a follow-up telephone interview at 2 weeks. Results One hundred seventy-three dexamethasone and 203 prednisone subjects completed the study regimen and telephone follow-up. The dexamethasone group by a small margin surpassed the preset 8% difference between groups for noninferiority in relapse rates within 14 days (12.1% versus 9.8%; difference 2.3%; 95% confidence interval –4.1% to 8.6%). Subjects in the 2 groups had similar rates of hospitalization for their relapse visit (dexamethasone 3.4% versus prednisone 2.9%; difference 0.5%; 95% confidence interval –4.1% to 3.1%). Adverse effect rates were generally the same in the 2 groups. Conclusion A single dose of oral dexamethasone did not demonstrate noninferiority to prednisone for 5 days by a very small margin for treatment of adults with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations. Enhanced compliance and convenience may support the use of dexamethasone regardless.
Acute tubular necrosis after interleukin-2 therapy

Immunotherapy with interferon and interleukin-2 is being increasingly used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer. A case is presented in which interleukin-2 (IL2) therapy was complicated by renal tubular necrosis. Renal function returned to normal following aggressive fluid replacement and use of dopamine and cautious diuresis.
Enhanced MAPK signaling is essential for CSF3R-induced leukemia

Both membrane-proximal and truncation mutations in CSF3R have recently been reported to drive the onset of chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). Here we show that although truncation mutation alone cannot induce leukemia, both proximal and compound mutations (proximal and truncation mutations on same allele) are leukemogenic with a disease latency of 90 and 23 days, respectively. Comparative whole-genome expression profiling and biochemical experiments revealed that induced expression of Mapk adaptor protein Ksr1 and enhanced Mapk signaling are crucial to leukemogenesis by CSF3R proximal and compound mutants. Moreover, inhibition of Mek1/2 by trametinib alone is sufficient to suppress leukemia induced by both CSF3R proximal and ruxolitinib-resistant compound mutations. Together, these findings elucidate a Mapk-dependent mechanism of CSF3R-induced pathogenesis, and they establish the rationale for clinical evaluation of MEK1/2 inhibition in CNL.
Commentary: What's in a name? Hispanic immigrant and refugee identity crisis: Focus on Mayas

Through a review of literature, this examination of key aspects of Mayan history illustrates the etymology of the designation “Hispanic” to describe a diverse multitude of peoples. The uniqueness o...
Is the PY test for H. pylori a contender against laboratory technology

2811 Objectives The use of the PY test in Nuclear Medicine was analyzed amongst hospitals in Northern California. Ten Nuclear Medicine departments were evaluated on how frequent PY tests are being performed and how valuable these tests are for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Four laboratory tests were also evaluated and compared to the Nuclear Medicine PY Test for H. pylori.The advantages and disadvantages of both PY Test and laboratory tests are differentiated for limitations and ability to test for current infection. Methods Questionnaires were given to each participating facilities. Questions included how often PY tests were performed since January 2015. If the PY test was performed at the facility, participants were asked how many times since January 2015. Some physicians in the department were also asked to provide their opinion on the accuracy and value of PY testing for diagnosis of H. pylori. Limitations for both laboratory and PY Testing in Nuclear Medicine were evaluated by standard guidelines placed by testing facilities. Results Out of ten facilities assessed, only five currently perform PY tests for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. All of which stated that the test is performed infrequently, less than five times since January 2015. Reasons included costs, lack in availability of C-14 by nearby pharmacies, and shortage of orders by providers. Out of four laboratory tests, only two can determine current infection of H. pylori. These include fecal examination by immunoassay and biopsy evaluation by rapid urease studies. Conclusions Although PY Tests are not frequently performed in the Northern California facilities evaluated, it continues to provide a quality method of diagnosis of current infection of H. pylori. Reference ranges include quantitative measurements in counts per minute of C-14 and indicate positive, negative, or inconclusive results. Due to the invasive nature of biopsy collection, focus is placed on fecal examination for comparison to the PY Test for current infection of H. pylori. Tests results include a distinct positive or negative result based on antigens detected. There is no quantitative data given as a result.The Nuclear Medicine PY Test and fecal exam for current infection of H. pylori both hold great value in the medical field. Each has a greater advantage over other methods of H. pylori detection.
Narratives of harmful clinical supervision

Given the alarming prevalence rates for harmful clinical supervision, it is surprising that scant accounts (i.e., narratives) of supervisees’ experiences of harmful supervision exist in the literat...
Activity Space, Mobility, and Physical Performance of Older Adults

Background Mobility, ability to move independently, is central to older adults’ quality of life, especially those living in car-dependent communities. Declining communities in the US have accelerated aging demographics. Understanding older adults’ mobility, driving confidence, and physical performance is key to better inform transportation and age-friendly policies. Methods We recruited a convenience sample from February to August in 2016 in the Greater Buffalo region, NY. Participants were asked to wear a GPS unit and an accelerometer and to record activity log up to 8 days. Trained interviewers visited participants’ home to ask demographic information and to assess Activities of Daily Living and / Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Administration (ADL/IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Life Space Assessment (LSA), and driving capabilities. We generated activity spaces using GPS data with 95% minimum convex polygons. Daily minutes in moderate or vigorous physical activities (MVPA) were defined as durations of accelerometer sequences with 3-d vector magnitude over 1,952 counts per minute. Pearson’s correlation tests between activity space size and mobility capability measures and MVPA minutes were conducted. Results Valid data came from a total of 31 participants’ 227 person-days. The sample was with an average age of 76.5 and consisted of 29 White, 28 females, and 29 retired. The sample had the activity space size mean of 119,512.3 ha and the mean daily MVPA 50.7 min. Most participants (27 out of 31) showed the highest level of driving confidence. Activity space size was not significantly correlated with self-report and objectively assessed physical performance (ADL/IADL and SPPB) and objectively measured MVPA min. GPS-determined activity space size was not correlated with self-report life space measures (LSA). It is noteworthy that LSA was correlated with ADL/IADL (rho=-0.53) and SPPB (rho=0.42) at a significant level of p Conclusions Objectively measured, GPS-determined activity space was not influenced by levels of physical activity capabilities and amount among an older adult sample who reported high driving confidence. However, perceived activity space measured by LSA was influenced. Actual activity space may be determined by driving capabilities although perceived activity space associated with physical activity performance.
Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Clinically, AD is characterized by memory loss and learning abnormalities. The pathogenesis of AD involves multiple molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Currently, five biomarkers have been widely used for the diagnosis of AD. Two of these markers (Aβ and total and phosphorylated Tau) are determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and three are measured by brain imaging. These biomarkers predict AD with accuracy; however, in differentiating AD from other types of dementia (e.g., vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies) the CSF biomarkers have their limitations. The discovery of biomarkers and their validation are considered the key aspects to support clinical diagnosis and provide discriminatory power between different stages of the disorder. In recent years, methodology has been developed to monitor olfactory and visual dysfunctions in human patients. In addition, attempts are underway to develop technology to detect microRNA in the body fluids of patients with AD.
Measuring and Comparing Two-Dimensional Shapes

Much time and energy has been expended on the study of shape, a fundamental property of geographic phenomena. Interest has been especially strong in the fields of cartography, geomorphology, economic geography and political geography. While the reasons for the interest in the first two fields are self-evident, an explanation for the interest in the latter fields is appropriate.
Augmented reality for interpretive and experiential learning

The Augmented Reality for Interpretive and Experiential Learning (ARIEL) project explores the use of augmented reality in informal science education in the context of a science museum exhibition. The project team has developed an open-source augmented reality (AR) authoring platform designed with the science centre exhibit designer in mind. The platform uses a suite of AR approaches to allow exhibit developers to quickly and inexpensively create augmented interactive experiences. By adding the ability to incorporate real-time modelling and scientific visualisation into the AR experience, the platform acts as a means to use AR as a tool to achieve science centres' educational missions. The project has developed and begun to test a variety of hands-on devices that mix text, images, and visualisations with the kinesthetic experience central to a hands-on approach. This paper will provide an overview of the ARIEL platform and describe a series of interactive device prototypes augmented by the technology along with the results of audience testing and learning research using the devices. ARIEL is a four-year project. This paper presents work to date which is the mid-way point of the project.
Nitrous oxide analgesia. What is a safe level of exposure for the dental staff

One of the major challenges of clinical dentistry is the management of pain and anxiety. The two are closely related. Fear of dental treatment is often the result of inadequate pain control. Pain control is most commonly achieved with local anesthesia. Nevertheless, Weinstein et al1 reported the incidence of failure of local anesthesia to be as high as 26.4%; 13% of patients reported the absence of anesthesia for tooth preparation; and 2.2% of patients reported they were unable to tolerate treatment. They suggested that fear was correlated with anesthetic failure.
Topographical Changes in Cytochrome C Oxidase in the Soluble and Membrane-Bound Enzyme as Probed by Antibodies to Subunit V and the Whole Enzyme

For the mitochondrion to be integrated into coordinated function, each element must be sensitive to some aspect of its environment generated by some other part of the organelle. Research thus requires location and characterization of sensitive sites in order to clarify mechanisms of coordination and further understanding of integrated function.
Bridging the Gap between the Concrete and the Abstract

level involves a symbolic representation of concrete items, but the symbols or pictures do not look like the objects for which they stand. Tallies might be used to represent the idea of automobiles, for example. The gap between concrete and abstract functioning should be considered as a continuum. Helping children bridge this gap is crucial because many children cannot cross it without the teacher's assistance. Figure 1 represents a continuum of learning, with the gap appearing between the concrete and abstract levels. Learners
Diagnostic assessment of reproductive status in white-spotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum).

Abstract Relatively little is known about elasmobranch reproductive physiology compared to other species. An increased understanding of elasmobranch reproduction would improve the success of captive breeding and may aid in situ conservation efforts by reducing demand for wild-caught individuals. The reproductive status of seven adult female white-spotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (WSB) was monitored via coelomic ultrasonography and analysis of plasma biochemistry and steroid hormones over 6 months. Based on ultrasonic findings, females were categorized at each blood collection time point as: no follicular activity (INACTIVE), follicles but no eggs present (ACTIVE-OVARY), and eggs present within the oviduct (ACTIVE-OVIDUCT). Triglyceride concentrations were greater for those with the ACTIVE-OVARY (75.98 mg/dL; CI 61.81–90.15 mg/dL) and ACTIVE-OVIDUCT (87.0 mg/dL; CI 70.20 to 103.81 mg/dL) categories than INACTIVE (51.81 mg/dL; CI 37.07–66.54 mg/dL) category. No significant differences were observed for PCV, total solids, calcium, phosphorus, iron or progesterone. Estradiol concentrations were less for the INACTIVE (0.15 ng/ml; CI 0.08 to 0.25 ng/ml) than ACTIVE-OVARY (0.63 ng/ml; CI 0.42 to 0.88 ng/ml) and ACTIVE-OVIDUCT (0.92 ng/ml; CI 0.64–1.26 ng/ml) category. Testosterone concentrations differed among reproductive states, being greater with the INACTIVE (0.22 ng/ml; CI 0.13 to 0.37 ng/ml) and peaking in the ACTIVE-OVIDUCT (2.12 ng/ml; CI 1.25–3.60 ng/ml) state. The ultrasonic technique was performed in a standardized manner, and the anatomy was validated via opportunistic post-mortem examinations and MRI. Using the described diagnostic techniques, reproductive status in WSB can be routinely monitored, and findings have implications for improving the success of captive breeding efforts in other elasmobranch species.
Synthesis of Colloidal Pd/Au Dilute Alloy Nanocrystals and Their Potential for Selective Catalytic Oxidations

Selective oxidations are crucial for the creation of valuable chemical building blocks but often require expensive and unstable stoichiometric oxidants such as hydroperoxides and peracids. To date, many catalysts that contain a single type of active site have not been able to attain the desired level of selectivity for partially oxidized products over total combustion. However, catalysts containing multiple types of active sites have proven to be successful for selective reactions. One category of such catalysts is bimetallic alloys, in which catalytic activity and selectivity can be tuned by modifying the surface composition. Traditional catalyst synthesis methods using impregnation struggle to create catalysts with sufficient control over surface chemistry to accurately tune the ensemble size of the desired active sites. Here we describe the synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals of dilute alloys of palladium and gold. We show that when supported on titania (TiO2), tuning the composition of the Pd/Au nanoc...
Problems Related to the Teaching of English Pronunciation in Pre-service Institutions: A Study at the Wesley College of Education, Kumasi, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to find out the problems related to the teaching of English pronunciation in the pre-service training institutions. Wesley College of Education, Kumasi, Ghana, was used as a case study. Out of the problems, deductions were made to make recommendations. Three tutors of English and twenty students were purposively sampled for the study. Through the use of interviews, three key findings, realized from the research include the following: First, the mode of correcting students’ mispronunciation. The manner in which some tutors correct students’ mispronunciation was found to be very discouraging to the students; second, the less attention given to English ‘pronunciation’ as one of the aspects of English language teaching/learning was a concern; In any case, though pronunciation was not conspicuously part of the English course outline, it did not imply that there was no form of pronunciation teaching. Thus, during the teaching learning process pronunciation teaching go on directly or indirectly. In terms, of other subject areas other than English language, pronunciation teaching hardly happens. More importantly, another vital problem found was the poor foundation at the basic level of education. The student teachers should in-turn have a better grounding in English pronunciation to teach the pupils in the basic schools in Ghana. Unfortunately, the ill tradition of unintelligible pronunciation goes on, which the researcher terms it the ‘dark cycle’. The views of students and tutors were gathered through recording and transcription of interviews. The research generally reveals the need for language teachers and curriculum planners to factor in pronunciation as a vital aspect of building up students; especially, student- teachers who will complete soon and go and teach younger ones, ensuring the avoidance of ‘dark cycle’ as the researcher’s term, explained in the ‘key words’.
USING LEFT-HEART OPACIFICATION CONTRAST WITH TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY TO DIAGNOSE A SAPHENOUS VEIN GRAFT ANEURYSM

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysms are rare and late complications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We present a case using transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with color Doppler and left-heart opacification contrast agent (Optison) to visualize the flow and lumen of the graft. A 74-
Detecting the Presence of an Individual in Phenotypic Summary Data

As the quantity and detail of association studies between clinical phenotypes and genotypes grows, there is a push to make summary statistics widely available. Genome wide summary statistics have been shown to be vulnerable to the inference of a targeted individual's presence. In this paper, we show that presence attacks are feasible with phenome wide summary statistics as well. We use data from three healthcare organizations and an online resource that publishes summary statistics. We introduce a novel attack that achieves over 80% recall and precision within a population of 16,346, where 8,173 individuals are targets. However, the feasibility of the attack is dependent on the attacker's knowledge about 1) the targeted individual and 2) the reference dataset. Within a population of over 2 million, where 8,173 individuals are targets, our attack achieves 31% recall and 17% precision. As a result, it is plausible that sharing of phenomic summary statistics may be accomplished with an acceptable level of privacy risk.
Running to stand still

‘Do you ever wonder why we're here?’ asked Douglas, during a wintry weekend in Wales. But looking at him, clad only in rubber, I could only shrug my shoulders and run into the ocean. Surfing is an odd sport. Like many outdoor activities it gets you nowhere fast. But unlike some sports that at least offer a means of transport, surfing is completely and utterly futile-the invention of someone with not only nothing to do, but nothing to do it with except a big plank. The physical equivalent of posting a self addressed letter, and then when the postman delivers it, returning it to the sender. And all the while wearing a silly rubber suit. The theory of surfing is simple: paddle out to sea, through the shallows where the waves have built up …
Obesity is not strongly associated with increased risk for febrile neutropenia during levofloxacin prophylaxis in patients with hematological malignancies receiving intermediate-risk myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Levofloxacin given at a standard dose of 500 mg daily is recommended for antibacterial prophylaxis in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Obese patients have been shown to exhibit enh...
A rare case of Goodpasture syndrome concomitant with bleeding jejunal Dieulafoy’s lesion

An 81-year-old man was diagnosed with Goodpasture syndrome (GS) because he met the criteria of positive anti-GBM antibodies, rapid progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. After starting plasmapheresis and steroid pulse therapy, he experienced tarry stool and contrast-enhanced CT revealed an aneurysmal finding in the jejunum. Paroral enteroscopy showed a jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) with gush-out hemorrhage. Hemostasis was successfully achieved by hemoclipping, and he then experienced no re-bleeding events. GS can present as a jejunal DL, and contrast-enhanced CT is useful for investigating the etiology and site of small intestinal bleeding, which can lead to smooth, effective endoscopic hemostasis.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering therapy for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is highly prevalent and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elevated blood cholesterol is a key driver of risk for atherosclerotic events, and patients with established ASCVD comprise a specific high-risk population in which low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy is strongly endorsed by multiple guidelines. An increasing number of medications across several pharmacologic classes are available today in clinical practice. Therefore, guidance on the appropriate use of these interventions is necessary for cost-effective solutions to managing residual atherothrombotic risk. In this review we summarize the key evidence supporting LDL-C lowering as described in the most recent 2018 multi-society Blood Cholesterol Guidelines, and provide a framework for optimizing LDL-C lowering therapy in secondary prevention populations.
Haisu: Hierarchical Supervised Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction

We propose a novel strategy for incorporating hierarchical supervised label information into nonlinear dimensionality reduction techniques. Specifically, we extend t-SNE, UMAP, and PHATE to include known or predicted class labels and demonstrate the efficacy of our approach on multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. Our approach, "Haisu," is applicable across domains and methods of nonlinear dimensionality reduction. In general, the mathematical effect of Haisu can be summarized as a variable perturbation of the high dimensional space in which the original data is observed. We thereby preserve the core characteristics of the visualization method and only change the manifold to respect known or assumed class labels when provided. Our strategy is designed to aid in the discovery and understanding of underlying patterns in a dataset that is heavily influenced by parent-child relationships. We show that using our approach can also help in semi-supervised settings where labels are known for only some datapoints (for instance when only a fraction of the cells is labeled). In summary, Haisu extends existing popular visualization methods to enable a user to incorporate known, relevant relationships via a user-defined hierarchical distancing factor.
Integer programming formulations in sequencing with total earliness and tardiness penalties, arbitrary due dates, and no idle time: A concise review and extension

Abstract Scheduling with arbitrary due dates and no idle time permitted between jobs with the objective of minimizing the total earliness and tardiness has a variety of industry applications. We review mathematical programming formulations for single and parallel machine problems with fixed and controllable processing and setup times. Weaknesses of the formulations are identified, corrections and/or improvements are provided, and further research directions are suggested.
Experimental Study on Optimization of Square Wave Response Characteristics of Resistance Capacitance Voltage Divider

The square wave response test is of great significance for the dynamic performance verification of voltage divider. In order to improve the measurement dynamic characteristics of the divider and further guide the development of the resistance capacitance divider and measuring equipment, based on the principle of adjusting the parameters of the divider, the parameters of the low-voltage arm are fine tuned, and the influence of other test factors is considered. The results show that the optimization study can effectively reduce the square wave response overshoot and the stability time of the resistance capacitance divider.
The Design and Testing of a Miniature Turbofan Engine

Off-the-shelf jet propulsion in the 50 - 500 lb thrust class sparse. A true twin-spool turbofan in this range does not exist. Adapting an off-the-shelf turboshaft engine is feasible. However the approx.10 Hp SPT5 can t quite make 50 lbs. of thrust. Packaging and integration is challenging, especially the exhaust. Building on our engine using a 25 Hp turboshaft seems promising if the engine becomes available. Test techniques used, though low cost, adequate for the purpose.
Outsourcing for competitive advantage

Strategic outsourcing is emerging as one of the fastest growing management tools of the 1990’s. The Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry has a compound annual growth rate of 25% over the last few years while the electronics equipment industry it serves has grown by less than 10%. Hewlett-Packard is widely recognised as one of the industry leaders in this drive to outsource, a fact which is reflected in their share of the contract manufacturing business and the growth in revenue/employee over the last seven years.
Improving Service Quality in the Hospitality Industry

Abstract To improve the quality of services delivered to customers, hotels can benefit from the experiences of manufacturing firms and employ quality and process improvement philosophies/tools with proven track records in the manufacturing industries. This article presents a framework which integrates the tools of Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Benchmarking (BM), Reengineering (RE) and Continuous Improvement (CI) within the context of a Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM). Application of the framework is illustrated and the potential benefits a hotel can derive from the implementation of the framework are discussed.
Developing new drugs for the treatment of lymphoma

Despite the great progress that has been made over the last several decades in the treatment of lymphoma, the prognosis for patients with relapsed disease, and particular sub-types of lymphoma like mantle cell and T cell lymphoma, remains quite poor. While major advances in the use of combination chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, peripheral blood stem cell transplants, and radioimmunotherapy, have provided new opportunities to alter the natural history of these diseases, and even improve cure rates among elected sub-populations of patients, these 'traditional' approaches have not benefited all patients, or subtypes of lymphoma. The incredibly rapid pace of understanding the molecular basis for the discrete sub-types of both non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's Disease is beginning to afford exciting new opportunities to both risk stratify patients, and to identify potentially novel 'drugable' targets. These advancements in understanding the major molecular defects in lymphoma, have provided a new context in which we can rethink the use of new and old drugs, and design new ones with unique mechanisms of action. The panoply of new targets and drugs now becoming available for the treatment of lymphoma is truly daunting. A plethora of new small molecules that target bcl-2, mTOR, histone deactylases, and NF-kB have shown promising preclinical activity, and are now promising early phase activity. In many cases, the empirical observations from early clinical trials have provided invaluable clues to potentially valuable drugs like bortezomib, depsipeptide, and SAHA, These empirical observations, based on the inclusion of patients with lymphoma on these studies, have thus far proven to be as or more valuable than any other 'rational' target based approach. In addition, beyond the novel small molecules affecting unique and heretofore unrecognized biological pathways, there continues to be a robust and important effort to identify new derivatives of older generation drugs with hopefully better activity, and less toxicity. For example, new generation anthracenediones and anti-folates, and new formations of older drugs like doxorubicin, irinotecan, and vincristine afford new opportunities to favourably change the pharmacokinetic profile of these agents, and improve their overall safety profile. While it would not be possible to address each and every new such drug, we hope to touch on some of the major new themes and agents emerging for the treatment of Hodgkin's Disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Clustering, visualizing, and navigating for large dynamic graphs

In this paper, we present a new approach to exploring dynamic graphs. We have developed a new clustering algorithm for dynamic graphs which finds an ideal clustering for each time-step and links the clusters together. The resulting time-varying clusters are then used to define two visual representations. The first view is an overview that shows how clusters evolve over time and provides an interface to find and select interesting time-steps. The second view consists of a node link diagram of a selected time-step which uses the clustering to efficiently define the layout. By using the time-dependant clustering, we ensure the stability of our visualization and preserve user mental map by minimizing node motion, while simultaneously producing an ideal layout for each time step. Also, as the clustering is computed ahead of time, the second view updates in linear time which allows for interactivity even for graphs with upwards of tens of thousands of nodes.
Thermosynthesis as energy source for the RNA World: a new model for the origin of life

The thermosynthesis concept, biological free energy gain from thermal cycling, is combined with the concept of the RNA World. The resulting overall origin of life model gives new explanations for the emergence of the genetic code and the ribosome. The first protein named pF1 obtains the energy to support the RNA world by a thermal variation of F1 ATP synthase's binding change mechanism. This pF1 is the single translation product during the emergence of the genetic machinery. During thermal cycling pF1 condenses many substrates with broad specificity, yielding NTPs and randomly constituted protein and RNA libraries that contain (self)-replicating RNA. The smallness of pF1 permits the emergence of the genetic machinery by selection of RNA that increases the fraction of pF1s in the protein library: (1) a progenitor of rRNA that concatenates amino acids bound to (2) a chain of 'positional tRNAs' linked by mutual recognition, yielding a pF1 (or its main motif); this positional tRNA set gradually evolves to a set of regular tRNAs functioning according to the genetic code, with concomitant emergence of (3) an mRNA coding for pF1.
Determination of Franz-Keldysh electrorefraction near the GaAs absorption edge using epitaxial liftoff thin film semiconductor etalons

We report the first direct measurement of near-band edge (within several meV) Franz-Keldysh electrorefraction in GaAs using thin film, P-i-N double heterostructures and MSM structures fabricated using epitaxial liftoff processing. Thin metallic films are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the devices and are used as both electrical contacts and mirrors. >
High gradients of lead isotopic composition in north-east Pacific upwelling filaments

SUBSTANTIAL differences in stable lead isotopic composition in coastal waters of the north-east Pacific have been inferred from a single vertical profile taken near western Canada1. Here we present measurements of lead isotopes in two upwelling filaments off central California (39° N, 124° W) which confirm that such marked differences exist. The distinct, filamentary structures appear in association with surface jets which transport cold upwelled water hundreds of kilometres offshore2. Surface-water ratios of stable lead isotopes (204Pb,206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) within the core of the first filament (for example,206Pb/207Pb = 1.17) contrasted with those of surrounding coastal waters (206Pb/207Pb = 1.19) and those of industrial lead aerosols from the United States (206Pb/207Pb = 1.22). Contrasts in the isotopic composition indicated that the lead within the core was primarily derived from aeolian inputs of Asian industrial lead (206Pb/207Pb = 1.16) to remote waters, which were then upwelled near the North American coastline. High gradients of lead isotopic composition in coastal waters were confirmed by surface and sub-surface measurements surrounding a second upwelling filament. These gradients illustrate the complexity of trace-element cycles in coastal waters, and the offshore fluxes within the ephemeral filaments demonstrate significant influences of coastal dynamics on composition within the ocean gyre.
Study of hypersonic inlet flow fields with a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code

A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code is used to study the flow through an inlet with a rectangular capture area, but with circular or essentially circular internal cross-sections. The inlet may have a center body extending partially or fully over the length of the inlet. Calculations are made under a variety of geometrical constraints imposed on the inlet cross-sections to study the flow quality in the inlet. It is observed that for this class of inlets, the boundary layer has a tendency to thicken and separate readily due to the adverse pressure gradient caused by the continuous compression in the inlet. Since no experimental results are yet available, this paper has presented only the numerical results from the present analysis.
Cyanolide A, a glycosidic macrolide with potent Molluscicidal activity from the Papua New Guinea cyanobacterium Lyngbya bouillonii.

Over the last 50 years, molluscicides have played a critical role in the control of schistosomiasis transmission. Cyanolide A (2), isolated from extracts of a Papua New Guinea collection of Lyngbya bouillonii, is a new and highly potent molluscicidal agent against the snail vector Biomphalaria glabrata (LC50 = 1.2 μM). The structure of cyanolide A (2) was elucidated through extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses, yielding a symmetrical dimer that represents the newest addition to the family of glycosidic macrolides from cyanobacteria.
Imaging cell injury and death.

Although there has been much emphasis on detecting myocardial viability over the past decade, there is a growing interest in finding a marker for myocyte injury and death. There has been limited clinical utility for infarct-avid imaging with 99mTechnetium (99mTc) pyrophosphate and 111Indium antimyosin, but recent experience with 99mTc-labeled annexin V and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging has stimulated cell death detection. In the effort to image myocyte damage, it is crucial to understand the pathologic finding and cell signals that can be used as critical in vivo markers for the transition from viable to dead tissue. It may not be possible to capture an image at the precise moment when a myocyte dies, but we need to know the different processes that can occur. Specifically, it is important to understand that oncosis and apoptosis are two distinctly different methods of cell death, and both ultimately result in myocyte necrosis. As we approach the more complex problems of myocyte injury during inflammation, cardiomyopathy, ischemia, reperfusion, and transplant rejection, we realize that more specific markers of real-time tissue injury are needed. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of myocyte injury necrosis and repair as a method to guide newer developments in myocardial imaging.
Appreciating Aper: the defence of modernity in Tacitus’ Dialogus de oratoribus*

Nearly a century ago, Friedrich Leo argued with his characteristic acumen that the neo-Ciceronian style of Tacitus' Dialogus de oratoribus was as much a function of its genre as its subject. ‘The genre’, he observed, ‘demands its style. One who deals with different genres must write in different styles.’ Alfred Gudeman, the target of Leo's review, had therefore missed a key step in the argument for Tacitean authorship when he invoked ‘the influence of subject-matter’ without considering the demands of genre. In hindsight, the point seems almost obvious, and the sophistication of recent work on the date and style of the Dialogus has left Gudeman's discussion far behind. The advance in method—if not necessarily in results—has been profound. Leo's success in linking genre and style, however, has also had a second, less happy result: it has encouraged belief in a corresponding link between genre and content, as if Tacitus necessarily embraced Ciceronian values along with his Ciceronian forms. The Dialogus is often thought to accept Cicero's aesthetic agenda and to examine why the orators of succeeding generations failed to maintain its ideals and standards. Perhaps inevitably, its analysis is then read as a rather depressing tale of oratory's literary, social, and moral decline. This view demands reconsideration. To explore, as the Dialogus certainly does, the collapse of Ciceronian values is not necessarily to regret that collapse. We have, I think, too often read our own prejudices into the Dialogus by presuming a post-Augustan decline in oratorical standards and, in the process, reducing our sensitivity to important variations in and departures from the generic conventions that Tacitus so deliberately recalls. The result is a significant distortion of the Dialogus' view of oratory under the empire.
Pelger-Huët anomaly in an Arabian horse.

A 9-year-old Arabian mare was evaluated for a 7-day history of malaise. Results of a CBC included a leukocyte concentration within the reference interval (8.4 x 10(3)/microL, reference interval 6.0-14.0 x 10(3)/microL) with an apparent degenerative left shift (segmented neutrophils 1.2 x 10(3)/microL, reference interval 2.5-7.5 x 10(3)/microL; hyposegmented neutrophils 1.8 x 10(3)/microL, reference interval 0.0-0.2 x 10(3)/microL). Serum clinical chemistry results included increased aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities. A presumptive diagnosis of hepatitis or cholangiohepatitis was made. The horse was treated with antimicrobials and the malaise quickly resolved. However, in a recheck CBC on day 13, the apparent degenerative left shift remained. Further evaluation of the blood smear revealed many hyposegmented granulocytes with coarse mature chromatin and normal cytoplasmic features. On the basis of the microscopic examination, the horse was diagnosed with Pelger-Huet anomaly. The patient's offspring was subsequently also diagnosed with Pelger-Huet anomaly on the basis of blood film examination. Neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil mean nuclear scores in both affected horses (mare, range 1.5-2.6; offspring, range 1.6-3.2) were lower than those in 2 unrelated Arabian horses (range, 2.8-5.0) and 5 non-Arabian control horses (range, 2.8-5.0). Results of immunophenotyping and phagocytosis/oxidative burst assays via flow cytometry showed no difference in the expression of myeloid-specific or adhesion molecules or in neutrophil function between affected and control horses. This is the second known report of equine Pelger-Huet anomaly, both of which affected Arabian horses.
Racial Disproportionality in Iowa and Missouri’s Prison Systems: A Comparison of Rural and Urban Areas

This article employs Blumstein’s methodology and county-level data from two Midwestern states—Missouri and Iowa—to investigate whether racial proportions in felony arrests are reflected in prison a...
Dopamine Synthesis and D3 Receptor Activation in Pancreatic β-Cells Regulates Insulin Secretion and Intracellular [Ca2+] Oscillations

Pancreatic islets are critical for glucose homeostasis via the regulated secretion of insulin and other hormones. We propose a novel mechanism that regulates insulin secretion from β-cells within mouse pancreatic islets: a dopaminergic negative feedback acting on insulin secretion. We show that islets are a site of dopamine synthesis and accumulation outside the central nervous system. We show that both dopamine and its precursor l-dopa inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and this inhibition correlates with a reduction in frequency of the intracellular [Ca(2+)] oscillations. We further show that the effects of dopamine are abolished by a specific antagonist of the dopamine receptor D3. Because the dopamine transporter and dopamine receptors are expressed in the islets, we propose that cosecretion of dopamine with insulin activates receptors on the β-cell surface. D3 receptor activation results in changes in intracellular [Ca(2+)] dynamics, which, in turn, lead to lowered insulin secretion. Because blocking dopaminergic negative feedback increases insulin secretion, expanding the knowledge of this pathway in β-cells might offer a potential new target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Biochemical and structural characterization of the interaction of memapsin 2 (beta-secretase) cytosolic domain with the VHS domain of GGA proteins.

Memapsin 2 (β-secretase) is a membrane-associated aspartic protease that initiates the hydrolysis of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) leading to the production of amyloid-β and the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both memapsin 2 and APP are transported from the cell surface to endosomes where APP hydrolysis takes place. Thus, the intracellular transport mechanism of memapsin 2 is important for understanding the pathogenesis of AD. We have previously shown that the cytosolic domain of memapsin 2 contains an acid-cluster-dileucine (ACDL) motif that binds the VHS domain of GGA proteins (He et al. (2002) FEBS Lett. 524, 183−187). This mechanism is the presumed recognition step for the vesicular packaging of memapsin 2 for its transport to endosomes. The phosphorylation of a serine residue within the ACDL motif has been reported to regulate the recycling of memapsin 2 from early endosomes back to the cell surface. Here, we report a study on the memapsin 2/VHS domain interaction. Using isothermal titration ...