cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunogenetic influences on skin granuloma formation in mice

Genetic influence on the development of granulomatous tissue reaction was investigated in C57BL/6 mice. Granulomas developed in the skin of euthymic C57BL/6 mice by transplantation of lyophilized hepatic granulomas were excised and lyophilized. The tissue mass free of parasite egg antigen and living cells was grafted into the skin of euthymic, athymic (nu/nu), and beige (bg/bg) C57BL/6 mice. Histological changes at the skin sites were studied weekly by light microscopy, and cells in newly developed granulomas at 6 weeks after grafting were examined by electron microscopy. Granulomatous inflammation occurred in all the variants but morphometric analysis showed that granulomatous inflammation was the most extensive in beige mice and least in athymic mice. The differences in the degree of tissue reaction were also quantified by measuring angiotensin converting enzyme and prolyl endopeptidase. Statistically significant differences among the animals with varying genetic background were confirmed by the marker enzyme activity. The findings confirm that initiation of a granulomatous response does not require T cells but T cell function is important for full expression of the reaction, while NK cell activity seems to suppress granuloma formation.
Cultivation of kenaf and sunn hemp in the mid-Atlantic United States

Abstract Sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea L.), a legume plant, has potential in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. as a renewable source of fiber and pulp, due to its biological nitrogen fixation capability that can help reduce/eliminate N pollution of Chesapeake Bay. Most research in this region has focused on kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and little is known about sunn hemp. We evaluated effects of three planting dates (late-May, mid-June, and late-June) and three row spacings (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m) on dry matter yields (DMY) of kenaf and sunn hemp during 1997, and 1998 by using three crop treatments (CT1: kenaf grown with 100 kg N ha−1; CT2: sunn hemp grown without inoculation and with 100 kg N ha−1; and CT3: sunn hemp inoculated with Bradyrhizobium but without N fertilization). DMY following CT1 and CT3 (7.8 and 6.4 Mg ha−1, respectively) during 1997 were similar and greater than that following CT2 (5.7 Mg ha−1). However, DMY following CT1, CT2, and CT3 were similar in 1998 and ranged from 12.6 to 13.4 Mg ha−1. Kenaf planting date did not affect DMY during 1997 but during 1998 the highest DMY was obtained from kenaf planted in late-May. The optimal planting date for sunn hemp during 1997 was mid-June, whereas in 1998 it was late-May. Row spacing effects on kenaf DMY were not significant. Row spacings of 0.3 m were optimal for DMY of N-fertilized sunn hemp during 1997 and 1998, whereas row spacing did not affect DMY of non-fertilized, but affected inoculated sunn hemp. We conclude that both kenaf and sunn hemp could produce similar dry matter yields in the mid-Atlantic region of U.S.
Chapter 10. Conclusions: Permeable Insulation and Japan's Managed Globalization

In the increasingly multilateral trade and policy environment of the twenty-first century, Japan faces several conflicting challenges. Internationally, Japan's trade prowess, increasing manufacturing presence around the world, and economic leadership in Asia have made the country an integral member of multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Japan is increasingly expected to uphold the norms of free trade and economic openness as articulated in a variety of international treaties, and to assume a geopolitical role commensurate with its global economic position.
Selective reinnervation of adult mammalian muscle by axons from different segmental levels.

The ability of axons to innervate selectively subsets of a population of largely similar target cells is undoubtedly important for the establishment of ordered patterns of neural connections. Vertebrate skeletal muscle is well suited for studies of factors that account for selective synapse formation as a wealth of information is available about the structure, function and molecular components of its neuromuscular junctions. Furthermore, skeletal muscle is readily reinnervated following nerve damage, permitting study of synaptogenesis in an accessible postembryonic environment. However, although selective synapse formation clearly occurs elsewhere in the adult peripheral nervous system1–10, previous attempts to demonstrate selectivity in the reinnervation of mammalian muscles have been disappointing7–15. We have now used a novel approach to reinvestigate this issue, and describe here a situation in which two different adult rat muscles are preferentially reinnervated by axons from different spinal segments. Our results suggest that adult muscles differ in some stable quality, perhaps related to their position, which influences the innervation they accept.
Tetracycline at Subcytotoxic Levels Inhibits Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 But Does Not Remove the Smear Layer

Background: The antibacterial and anticollagenolytic properties of tetracycline (TCN) are valuable in periodontal therapy, and TCN treatment can remove the smear layer following root instrumentation. However, recent reports pointing to cytotoxic effects of several acids prompted this study to define TCN concentrations that are anticollagenolytic and remove the smear layer, but have low cytotoxicity. Methods: Human gingival (hGF) and periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells were treated short- (3 minutes) or long-term (24 hours) with TCN to determine concentrations yielding 50% (TD 50 ) and 90% (TD 10 ) cell survival. Activity assays measured TCN concentrations with half-maximal inhibition (IC 50 ) of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9). Finally, we analyzed the effects of TCN with high (75 mg/ml) or low (1 mg/ml) cytotoxicity on the smear layer by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The TD 50 for TCN after short-term treatment was 4 mg/ml for both hGF and hPDL. Ninety percent of the cells survived 0.2 mg/ml. With long-term treatment, the TD 50 for hGF and hPDL was 70 and 30 µg/ml, respectively, and the TD 10 was 20 and 5 µg/ml. HGF and hPDL recovered from the 3-minute treatment with 1 mg/ml, but not from concentrations exceeding 3 and 9 mg/ml, respectively. The IC 50 was 25 µg/ml for both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Whereas 75 mg/ml TCN removed the smear layer, 1 mg/ml TCN had no effects. Conclusions: Tetracycline has significant cytotoxicity on periodontal cells. Since non-cytotoxic concentrations of TCN inhibited MMP-2 and -9 but had no effects on the smear layer, TCN is not recommended for root surface treatment. J Periodontol 2005;76: 1129-1139.
Drug delivery systems for cancer drugs

Drug delivery systems can offer significant advantages in cancer therapy. They not only allow the delivery of active drug substances that are difficult to formulate (overcoming inherent shortcomings of both biologicals and sparingly water-soluble active drugs) but also decrease the inherent toxicity of most agents, increasing their efficacy (by modulation of the release kinetic from the formulation and of the residence time in the body) and specifically localising the therapy to the site of action. Due to the vast number of feasible approaches and the scrutiny they are under to achieve the abovementioned targets, it is obvious that this review cannot be exhaustive but instead will concentrate on highlighting recent progress in areas where the authors have seen growing interest for oncology applications. The main topics discussed will be oral delivery (with particular regard to advantages in modulating transporter inhibitors), loco-regional therapies (where the major focus will be on lung cancer therapy), ...
Gash-Futures Price Relationships for Live Beef Cattle

The objectives of this study, all pertaining to pricing efficiency, were: (1) to develop a theory of cash-futures price relationships for beef cattle; (2) to measure the factors that have affected cash-futures price relationships during the three years of trade in live-beef-cattle futures; and (3) to provide a framework for evaluating the efficiency of futures markets and hedging in the pricing of feeder cattle. Three types of evidence are employed to attain these objectives. First, the principles of cash-futures price behavior derived from observation of long-established futures markets serve as points of departure, while consideration is given to certain fundamental differences that arise from contrasting commodity characteristics. Second, empirical results relating to supply and demand for feeder cattle are employed to define expected relationships between futures prices and prices of feeder cattle of various weights. Third, data generated by the beef cattle futures market itself are analyzed, although it is recognized that these data cover only a short time period and are therefore of limited usefulness.
Constructing Labor Markets The Valuation of Black Labor in the U.S. South, 1831 to 1867

In the U.S. South, a free labor market rapidly—although, in some cases, only nominally—replaced the plantation system of slave labor in the years following the American Civil War. Drawing on data c...
Brain Deformation in Linear Head Impact

In this study, a 2D model of the head underwent linear impact and the experiments were simulated by finite element models. A cylinder with a diameter of 100mm and height of 20mm was filled with 5% gelatin, which was used as the brain surrogate material. The physical model was mounted onto a High Speed Computer Controlled Impact System to generate inertial loading of approximately 50 G average deceleration. The deformation of the samples was studied through image processing. Finite element (FE) analysis was used to simulate the experiments. The impact tests were modeled with two methods: a Lagrangian formulation with single point integration and an Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation with single point integration and void using LS-Dyna FE code. In the model with slip contact, the normal and shear strains reached more than 20% in some regions, which confirmed the risk of axonal injury in the linear impacts applied in this study. It was seen that in the Lagrangian models, in order to stabilize the simulation, high bulk moduli needed to be used; however, this resulted in much smaller void generation in the posterior region of the model. It was shown that the void generation reaches the experimental values by introducing 1–2 mm initial gaps between brain and skull. The ALE model was more stable and less sensitive to the bulk modulus, but showed smaller deformations.© 2009 ASME
Intentionality Naturalized: Continuity, Reconstruction, and Instrumentalism

L'A. defend une conception sociale-naturaliste de l'intention qui rend compte de l'intentionnalite fondamentale des expressions scientifiques. La these de l'intentionnalite naturalisee requiert une reconstruction sociale-intellectuelle illustree par la communaute scientifique, dont les finalites, les methodes et les significations constituent les instruments pour l'adaptation des environnements physiques et culturels
The effect of substituents on the extraction behavior of hydroxamic acids

Abstract The extraction behavior of several alkyl-substituted hydroxamic acids in chloroform solution with several metal ions is described. Among the N-phenylacylhydroxamic acids used, those with o-alkyl substituents on either the phenyl or acyl ring generally do not extract metals, apparently because of steric problems at the O=CNO− chelation site. An improved synthesis of substituted hydroxamic acids is reported.
Single-dose cephalosporin for prevention of major pelvic infection after vaginal hysterectomy: Cefazolin versus cefoxitin versus cefotaxime

Antimicrobial overutilization accelerates the development of bacterial resistance. A prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial of vaginal hysterectomy prophylaxis was designed to compare the efficacy, safety, and costs of cefazolin with those of cefoxitin and cefotaxime. Sixteen women (7.5%) developed febrile morbidity only, 10 (4.7%) developed major pelvic infection requiring parenteral antimicrobial therapy, and neither clinical nor laboratory adverse reactions of significance were observed. Anemia, diabetes, and additional surgical procedures were associated with a significantly increased incidence of postoperative infection; no regimen was more protective for women with or without these risk factors. Infections almost doubled hospital stay and the charges for health care. Diagnosis-related group reimbursement would have been more than $1,300 less than the mean hospital charge for women who developed infection. Utilizing cefazolin for prophylaxis and reserving cefoxitin and cefotaxime for therapy is cost and antimicrobial efficient.
Vortex microavalanches in superconducting Pb thin films

Local magnetization measurements on 100-nm type-II superconducting Pb thin films show that flux penetration changes qualitatively with temperature. Small flux jumps at the lowest temperature gradually increase in size, then disappear near ${T=0.7T}_{c}.$ Comparison with other experiments suggests that the avalanches correspond to dendritic flux protrusions. Reproducibility of the first flux jumps in a decreasing magnetic field indicates a role for defect structure in determining avalanches. We also find a temperature-independent final magnetization after flux jumps, analogous to the angle of repose of a sandpile.
An experimental procedure for increasing the structural resolution of chemical hydrogen-exchange measurements on proteins: application to ribonuclease S peptide.

Abstract A method is described which extends the structural resolution of the usual hydrogen-exchange experiment by quantifying the exchange kinetics from known regions of a protein. In the usual out-exchange experiment with tritium-labeled protein, all exchange events are simultaneously monitored by measuring total protein-bound radioactivity at various specified times. In the present procedure, the protein is adjusted from the out-exchange conditions to pH 2.8 at 8 °C, immediately digested with an acid protease and the digest run on a high pressure column at the same temperature and pH. The specific activities of the individual peptide peaks are then determined. The entire analytical process requires 20 to 30 minutes depending on the position of the peptide in the chromatogram. Since the peptides are fully exposed to solvent during the analysis, this time corresponds to several half-lives of exchange. However, with sufficient isotope in the starting material large amounts of radioactivity remain associated with each peptide fragment allowing accurate analyses. With care, the digestion and separation can be made very reproducible. The procedure was tested on the ribonuclease S system using labeled S-peptide (providing an extension of the observations of Schreier & Baldwin, 1976). At pH 2.8 and pH 4.2 free S-peptide exchanges at rates which agree quite well with the values predicted by the data of Molday et al. (1972). In complex with S-protein, the S-peptide protons are not all protected to the same extent. For residues 7 through 13, 7 and 8 are more highly protected than 13, while 10 and 11 are essentially unaffected by complex formation. The model based on the X-ray structure determination indicates that all of these residues are part of an α-helical segment in the chain.
Towards an optimal model for a bistable nematic liquid crystal display device

Bistable liquid crystal displays offer the potential for considerable power savings compared with conventional (monostable) LCDs. The existence of two stable field-free states that are optically distinct means that contrast can be maintained in a display without an externally applied electric field. An applied field is required only to switch the device from one state to the other, as needed. In this paper we examine a theoretical model of a possible bistable device, originally proposed by Cummings and Richardson (Euro J Appl Math 17:435–463 2006), and explore means by which it may be optimized, in terms of optical contrast, manufacturing considerations, switching field strength, and switching times. The compromises inherent in these conflicting design criteria are discussed.
Assessment of HIV-related stigma in a US faith-based HIV education and testing intervention.

Introduction : The African American church is a highly influential institution with the potential to greatly increase the reach of HIV prevention interventions and address HIV-related stigma in US African American communities. However, there are few studies on HIV-related stigma and African American church populations. This study explored HIV-related stigma among church and community members participating in an HIV education and testing intervention pilot study in African American churches, named Taking It to the Pews. Methods : Four African American churches located in Kansas City, MO and KS, were randomized to either intervention or comparison groups. Churches assigned to the intervention group received religiously tailored HIV education, testing and compassion messages/activities (e.g., sermons, brochures/church bulletins, testimonials) via the Taking It to the Pews HIV Tool Kit. Comparison churches received non-religiously tailored HIV information. HIV-related stigma was assessed with 543 church members and with community members served through church outreach services (e.g., food/clothing pantries, social services) in the four churches. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 6 months and 12 months to assess their HIV-related stigma beliefs, exposure to intervention components and satisfaction with the study. Results : At baseline, HIV-related stigma beliefs were similar across experimental groups and were quite low. Mean HIV-related stigma scores were not significantly different between experimental groups at 6 months ( p =0.92) or at 12 months ( p =0.70). However, mean HIV-related stigma scores within both groups showed decreasing trends at six months, which approached significance. Analysis of previously studied HIV-related stigma factors (e.g., age, gender, income, HIV knowledge, religiosity) did not yield changes in the null findings. Intervention group participants were highly exposed to several intervention components (sermons, HIV resource tables, posters, brochures/church bulletins). Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the intervention pilot study. Conclusions : African American churches may be well positioned to increase the reach of HIV prevention interventions to church and community members and could serve an important role in addressing HIV-related stigma in their church communities. Future research is needed on measuring HIV-related stigma beliefs and on testing intensive, scalable, religiously tailored HIV interventions to impact HIV-related stigma in African American churches. Keywords : faith-based settings; faith organizations; HIV-related stigma; African American church; church members; community members; HIV intervention; HIV testing; people living with HIV. (Published: 13 November 2013) Citation : Berkley-Patton JY et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16 (Suppl 2):18644 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/18644 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.16.3.18644
Phase- and energy-changing collisions in iodine gas: Studies by optical multiple-pulse spectroscopy

Using phase-coherent optical multiple-pulse spectroscopy, we report the measurement of phase- and energy-changing collisional cross sections in I_2 gas. We obtained the following cross sections: σ = 590 ± 110 A^2 and σ_(energy) = 227 ± 12 A 2. At 30 m Torr. 40% of the homogeneous is due to phase-changing collisions, and the total linewidth therefore does not give the lifetime directly.
Combining sonar and infrared sensors for mobile robot navigation

Multiple sensors can be used on a mobile robot so that it can perceive its environment with better accuracy than if either sensor were used alone. Sonar and infrared sensors are used here in a comp...
Effects of chemical and physical differences in peats on their ability to extract hydrocarbons from water

Abstract This paper reports on the first phase of a project designed to determine the potential of peats in extracting hydrocarbons from groundwater. Peat samples with markedly different compositions were slurried under controlled conditions in either saturated solutions or emulsions of benzene, toluene, or m -xylene. All peats were characterized in order to determine the possible correlation between various parameters and extraction capacities. All peats were found to be capable of extracting substantial amounts of either free-phase or dissolved hydrocarbons from water. Free-phase extraction ranged from 30 to 50% of the starting wet volume of the peats. Solution extraction produced reductions in concentrations of between 53 and 97%, depending on the peat type. In solution, toluene was found to be more slowly adsorbed than either benzene or m -xylene. In general, the best hydrocarbon adsorption from solution can be achieved by using peats that are low in fiber and birefringent organics and high in ash and guaiacyl lignin pyrolysis products.
Anorexia, sarcopenia, and aging.

Food intake declines throughout the life span. This physiologic anorexia of aging is caused in part by alterations of stomach-fundus compliance and release and activity of cholecystokin. In addition, the decline in testosterone in males results in elevated leptin levels that increase the anorexia. There is also evidence that cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis of anorexia and sarcopenia, thus accelerating the development of frailty in older persons. Numerous treatable causes of anorexia and weight loss exist. Depression is the most commonly diagnosed cause of pathologic weight loss in older persons.
Adenosine triphosphate-evoked currents in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons obtained from rat embryos: desensitization kinetics and modulation of glutamate release

Abstract Sensory neurons express purinergic P2X receptors on their central and peripheral terminals as well as their cell bodies. ATP activation of these receptors drives action potential firing and glutamate release with potentially important consequences for sensory function. Here we show ATP-gated currents activated in cultured embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons have heterogeneity of time-courses comparable to those observed in different subpopulations of acutely dissociated adult dorsal root ganglion neurons. The distribution of time-courses across the population of cultured neurons is strongly influenced by culture conditions. Heterogeneity in ATP current kinetics occurs even though immunocytochemical staining reveals a relatively homogeneous and widespread expression of the P2X2 and P2X3 subunits. We show that the time-courses of ATP-gated currents recorded at the cell bodies are mirrored by the time-courses of transmitter release from the dorsal root ganglion nerve terminals, indicating similar P2X receptor properties on the soma and their associated terminals. Our results illustrate a functional heterogeneity of P2X receptor-mediated currents that is strongly influenced by external factors. This heterogeneity in current kinetics may have implications for neuronal function as it constrains the time-course of ATP-mediated modulation of neurotransmitter release at sensory nerve terminals.
Spinal anesthesia in infants

Spinal anesthesia is an extremely stable anesthetic in infants with minimal impact on cardiac and respiratory physiology. Initial reports centered on its use in minor surgical procedures such as inguinal hernia repair and circumcision. However, its applications have broadened considerably over the past decade. Spinal anesthesia has now been reported for use in major surgical procedures in neonates including upper abdominal and cardiac surgery. As experience with the technique spreads, its use will likely continue to increase. A limitation of spinal anesthesia in this ge group is its relatively brief duration of action and inability to provide analgesia into the postoperative period. Combined spinal and epidural techniques may be one solution to this problem.
Phytoestrogens and floral development in dioecious Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid. and Morus rubra L. (Moraceae)

Using a sensitive and highly specific steroid-regulated transcription system in Saccharomyces cere6isiae to screen for estrogen mimetics in plant extracts, differential estrogenic activities of male and female extracts from two dioecious species were recently discovered (Maier et al., Plant Sci., 109 (1995) 31‐43). Phytoestrogens in extracts of Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Schneid. and Morus rubra L. (Moraceae) appeared to be active at specific developmental stages. The levels of b-galactosidase transcriptional activity were higher prior to and during flowering (December‐April) and during formation of new buds for the following year (July‐December). Seasonal stages of floral development were compared between male and female individuals by scanning electron microscopy. There were no rudimentary gynoecia found in the male flowers or rudimentary androecia in the female flowers of Maclura pomifera at any stage of floral development. There were no rudimentary androecia found in female flowers of Morus rubra and M. alba at any stage. However, a vestigial gynoecium was formed in the male flower just prior to anthesis. An association between high levels of transcriptional activities and the formation of functional gynoecium in female flowers of both species and vestigial gynoecium in mulberry male flowers was found. Interference-based assays with the GAL4-ERE overlapping promoter elements in the reporter plasmid of S. cere6isiae strain BJ2168 indicated that the phytoestrogens acted via the estrogen receptor in activating the transcription of the reporter gene. Together, these data raise the possibility that phytoestrogens act through endogenous receptors in regulating the expression of target genes which may influence the development of female reproductive structures. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
The rhetoric of American Indian activism in the 1960s and 1970s 1

Political rhetoric in a democracy is, in at least some sense, educative and constitutive even as it is instrumentally persuasive. For members of ethnic, racial, or cultural groups that lie outside of the dominant culture, the educative processes that underlie policy advocacy require attention to specific cultures, traditions, historical experiences, and group interests. Thus, even though all out‐groups share many common challenges, they all face unique situations as well. This essay explores these rhetorical challenges and some of the strategies designed to meet them through an examination of the political rhetoric of American Indian activists from the 1972 Trail of Broken Treaties through the 1973 siege at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Particular attention is paid to the question of audience.
Presence of Oxytocin and Arginine Vasopressin in Human Ovary, Oviduct, and Follicular Fluid*

Abstract Oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) immunoreactivity in human ovary, oviduct, and follicular fluid were measured and found to coelute with the authentic peptides using both gel filtration column chromatography and reverse phase thin layer chromatography. In ovarian tissue, mean oxytocin and AVP concentrations were 0.48 and 0.24 ng/mg protein, respectively. These values are approximately 4000-fold higher than peripheral plasma levels. The concentration of oxytocin in the corpus luteum was approximately 6-fold greater (3.12 ng/mg protein) than that in ovarian tissue with no corpus luteum. In contrast, no significant difference in the concentration of AVP was found between corpus luteal and the remaining ovarian tissues. Follilcular fluid contained 299 and 131 pg/ml oxytocin and AVP, respectively. These levels were 30-fold greater than the serum level of either peptide, suggesting ovarian synthesis of the neurohypophyseal hormones. In addition, immunoreactive oxytocin and AVP were detected in th...
Euclidean quantum gravity on a lattice

Abstract We construct a number of related euclidean lattice formulations of quantum gravity. The first version incorporates a path integral over discrete manifolds built out of four-cubes embedded in a higher dimensional flat hypercubic lattice. We show this expression is equal to a corresponding path integral in a local lattice field theory. The field theoretic path integral diverges and lacks a satisfactory vacuum state. This divergence can be interpreted as a consequence of a divergent phase space available for topological fluctuations in the four-manifolds of the original path integral. A modified version of the path integral over manifolds converges. We construct a Schrodinger equation and hamiltonian for the modified theory. The hamiltonian is self-adjoint, but as a result of the large phase space available for topological fluctuations, the hamiltonian's spectrum is probably not bounded from below. We show briefly how the flat enveloping space—time can be removed from most of the theories we present and how matter fields can be included.
UVB Immunosuppression: Vitamin D or Not Vitamin D? That Is the Question

UVB radiation stimulates the production of vitamin D and also has immunosuppressive effects. Vitamin D is also known to alter immunological function. Thus, a relevant question is whether vitamin D is a mediator of the immunological effects of UVB. In this issue, Schwarz et al. have addressed this issue and have concluded that although vitamin D has similar effects to UVB on the immune system, UVB-induced immunosuppression can be achieved without the requirement for vitamin D action.
Dynamic outsourcing through process modularization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a dynamic outsourcing framework for making and implementing process outsourcing decisions in a rapidly changing environment.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework incorporates three major concepts/techniques: the order winner concept to identify strategic level competitive priorities, the modularization concept to reconfigure enterprise organizational structure, and the analytical hierarchy process technique for linking critical demand attributes with process modules at the operational level.Findings – The study presents a dynamic outsourcing approach through organizational modularization and shows when and how core and non‐core activities can be outsourced in a fast changing market.Research limitations/implications – The complexities of the framework will need facilitation and supports on issues such as organizational modularity, multi‐goal optimization, and empirical validation.Practical implications – This paper offers practical insig...
Towards an Understanding of Technical Change in Semi-Industrialized Countries

In industrialized countries, technical change in manufacturing pertains to cost reduction improvements in production processes and to the creation of new products. In SIC’s (semi-industrialized countries), which are characterized by protection, market and information distortions, and rationing, technical change consists mostly of the adaptation of imported technologies to local conditions. The firms operating in these countries try to optimize an objective function, generally of profits or net worth, under various constraints. To some extent, possibilities of substitution exist between directly productive and R&D activities or between investment in new capital equipment and maintenance and modification activities to keep old machinery running and even expanding output. Most frequent constraints include: credit rationing (with severe limitations in the financing of working capital), quotas for the supply of raw material inputs produced by the State, import restrictions, etc. As far as import restrictions, the relevant case seems to be not that of a high tariff, but an outright prohibition of imports of certain materials or equipment, as this will generally demand R&D to modify the received technology. The feasibility of doing so seems to depend strongly on the availability of the required technical skills.
Idle thoughts on a good yarn.

Bruce Gibb finds that time away from the laboratory can help the mind to wander and explore new research ideas — and that inspiration for possible projects can come from somewhat unlikely sources.
Non-isothermal preform infiltration during the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process

A control-volume finite-element model is developed to analyze the infiltration of a fiber preform with resin under non-isothermal conditions within a high-permeability resin-distribution medium based vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Due to the exposure to high temperatures during preform infiltration, the resin first undergoes thermal-thinning which decreases its viscosity. Subsequently however, the resin begins to gel and its viscosity increases as the degree of polymerization increases. Therefore, the analysis of preform infiltration with the resin entails the simultaneous solution of a continuity equation, an energy conservation equation and an evolution equation for the degree of polymerization. The model is applied to simulate the infiltration of a rectangular carbon fiber based preform with the NBV-800 epoxy resin and to optimize the VARTM process with respect to minimizing the preform infiltration time. The results obtained suggest that by proper selection of the ramp/hold thermal history of the tool plate, one can reduce the preform infiltration time relative to the room-temperature infiltration time. This infiltration time reduction is the result of the thermal-thinning induced decrease in viscosity of the ungelled resin.
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of high-throughput sequencing data pathologies.

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies generate millions of sequence reads from DNA/RNA molecules rapidly and cost-effectively, enabling single investigator laboratories to address a variety of ‘omics’ questions in nonmodel organisms, fundamentally changing the way genomic approaches are used to advance biological research. One major challenge posed by HTS is the complexity and difficulty of data quality control (QC). While QC issues associated with sample isolation, library preparation and sequencing are well known and protocols for their handling are widely available, the QC of the actual sequence reads generated by HTS is often overlooked. HTS-generated sequence reads can contain various errors, biases and artefacts whose identification and amelioration can greatly impact subsequent data analysis. However, a systematic survey on QC procedures for HTS data is still lacking. In this review, we begin by presenting standard ‘health check-up’ QC procedures recommended for HTS data sets and establishing what ‘healthy’ HTS data look like. We next proceed by classifying errors, biases and artefacts present in HTS data into three major types of ‘pathologies’, discussing their causes and symptoms and illustrating with examples their diagnosis and impact on downstream analyses. We conclude this review by offering examples of successful ‘treatment’ protocols and recommendations on standard practices and treatment options. Notwithstanding the speed with which HTS technologies – and consequently their pathologies – change, we argue that careful QC of HTS data is an important – yet often neglected – aspect of their application in molecular ecology, and lay the groundwork for developing a HTS data QC ‘best practices’ guide.
Doing masculinity in a mental hospital

This ethnographic study explores how men constructed and enacted masculinity in a total institution. The author observed residents in public areas in two branches of a mental hospital in an urban area in the Midwest. She found that the residents at the hospital adhered to gender ideologies found in larger Western cultures. The structural constraints at the hospital, however, hindered the men from doing masculinity in ways granted to men in the “outside world.” The male residents found alternative means to maintain their masculine status through the only resource they had: themselves.
Nosocomial swine influenza (H1N1) pneumonia: lessons learned from an illustrative case

Summary In the spring of 2009, our institution found itself at the epicentre of the “herald wave” of the swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic in New York. We were inundated with hundreds of patients exhibiting influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), presenting for rapid influenza A testing. During this pandemic, an infant with newly diagnosed acute lymphatic leukaemia (ALL) was admitted for induction chemotherapy. After being in hospital for a week, she developed high fever and shortness of breath, although her chest X-ray was clear. She was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for mechanical ventilation. As we were in the midst of the pandemic, diagnosis of H1N1 pneumonia was considered and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for H1N1 was positive. Contact investigation revealed that none of her family members/visitors had been in recent/close contact with anyone with ILI/H1N1. The investigation also revealed that paediatric healthcare staff, in contact with H1N1 patients, had rotated into PICU to care for the patient. Although no specific individual could be identified, it seems likely that H1N1 was transmitted to the patient by a healthcare worker who worked both in the paediatric ward and the PICU. This is the first known case of nosocomial paediatric transmission of H1N1 pneumonia.
A brief history of postpolio syndrome in the United States.

Abstract Halstead LS. A brief history of postpolio syndrome in the United States. This is an overview of the history of the late effects of polio in this country from 1980 to the present in the context of the broader and much longer history of acute poliomyelitis. Books, articles, conference proceedings, and other relevant historical resources that dealt with polio-related issues from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2009, were reviewed. The mean number of articles published per year was calculated for 5-year intervals beginning in 1980; the number of postpolio support groups and polio-dedicated clinics was compiled from directories published annually by Post-Polio Health International at 5-year intervals from 1985 to 2010. Beginning in the mid-1980s, the number of articles published each year increased dramatically, peaking during the years 1995 to 1999 when a mean of 48.2 articles were published each year. This figure steadily declined over the next 14 years. Support groups and clinics showed a similar pattern of rise and fall, with a maximum of 298 support groups and 96 clinics in 1990 and a decline to 131 and 32, respectively, by 2010. During the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a period of optimism that energized research, clinical, and self-help initiatives. As the limits of these efforts became apparent during the late 1990s and early 2000s, resources and activities declined as the postpolio community continued to age and decrease in size. Regardless of these trends, there are still thousands of survivors who continue to require skilled physiatric management as they cope with advancing age and declining function.
N,N′-Dimethoxy-N,Nt́-Dimethylethanediamide: A Useful α-Oxo-N-Methoxy-N-Methylamide and 1,2-Diketone Synthon

Abstract N,Nt-Dimethoxy-N,Nt-dimethylethanediamide on treatment with one to two equivalents of alkyl, aryl, and benzyl Grignard reagents provide α-oxo-N-methoxy-N-methylamides in good to excellent yields and on reaction with excess aryllithiums furnish moderate to good yields of symmetrical 1,2-diarylketones.
Conditional pre-charge techniques for power-efficient dual-edge clocking

A new dual edge-triggered flip-flop that saves power by inhibiting transitions of the nodes that are not used to change the state is presented. The proposed flip-flop is 12% faster with 10% lower energy-delay product for 50% data activity, as compared to the previously published dual edge-triggered storage elements. This was confirmed by simulation using 0.18/spl mu/m process, 1.8V power supply, and clock frequency of 250MHz. This flip-flop is particularly suitable for low-power applications.
Metal oxide-based enrichment combined with gas-phase ion-electron reactions for improved mass spectrometric characterization of protein phosphorylation.

Gas-phase ion-electron reactions, including electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron detachment dissociation (EDD), are advantageous for characterization of protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs), because labile modifications are not lost during the fragmentation process. However, at least two positive charges and relatively abundant precursor ions are required for ECD due to charge reduction and lower fragmentation efficiency compared to conventional gas-phase fragmentation techniques. Both these criteria are difficult to fulfill for phosphopeptides due to their acidic character. The negative ion mode operation of EDD is more compatible with phosphopeptide ionization, but EDD suffers from a fragmentation efficiency even lower than that of ECD. Recently, metal oxides such as ZrO2 and TiO2 have been shown to provide selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from proteolytic digests. Here, we utilize this enrichment strategy to improve ECD and EDD of phosphopeptides. This approach allowed determination of the locations of phosphorylation sites in highly acidic, multiply phosphorylated peptides from complex peptide mixtures by ECD. For singly phosphorylated peptides, EDD provided complementary sequence information compared to ECD.
Increased transduction of human intestinal epithelial cells by adenoviral vectors in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Delivery of genes encoding anti-inflammatory proteins has been proposed as a strategy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goal of this study was to assess the ability of a standard adenoviral vector to transfect epithelial cells in intestinal explants from patients with IBD compared with controls. Methods: Endoscopic colon biopsies obtained from patients with no history of IBD and endoscopically normal colon (n = 4), patients with a history of ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 5), and patients with a history of Crohn's disease (CD; n = 3) were placed in explant culture and exposed to an adenoviral vector carrying the nuclear targeted β-galactosidase reporter gene. Results: X-Gal staining showed that the total number of transduced cells per square millimeter was greater in UC explants than in controls (mean, 11.3 versus 0.9 blue nuclei/mm2, respectively; P < 0.02) and that the frequency of epithelial cell transduction was greater in UC explants than in controls (86% versus 47% of explants, respectively; P = 0.01). Transduction of mature columnar surface epithelial cells occurred exclusively in UC and CD explants and was not seen in controls. Attenuated epithelial cells at sites of tissue damage or ulceration showed increased transduction compared with mature columnar epithelial cells (62% versus 19% of occurrences, respectively; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: We conclude that intestinal epithelial cells from IBD patients are more readily transfected by standard adenoviral vectors than are those from control patients. These results suggest that targeting genes to inflamed intestine through the luminal route may be possible.
Digital libraries and educational practice: a case for new models

Educational digital libraries can benefit from theoretical and methodological approaches that enable lessons learned from design and evaluation projects performed in one particular setting to be applied to other settings within the library network. Three promising advances in design theory are reviewed - reference tasks, design experiments, and design genres. Each approach advocates the creation of 'intermediate' constructs as vehicles for knowledge building and knowledge sharing across design and research projects. One purpose of an intermediate construct is to formulate finer-grained models that describe and explain the relationship between key design features and the cognitive and social dimensions of the context of use. Three models are proposed and used as thought experiments to analyze the utility of these approaches to educational digital library design and evaluation: digital libraries as cognitive tools, component repositories, and knowledge networks.
Summary talk: The transport of galactic and anomalous cosmic rays in the heliosphere

Abstract The field of the transport of galactic and anomalous cosmic rays in the heliosphere shows great vitality, as evidenced by the many excellent papers presented in this symposium. It seems now that the basic transport of energetic charged particles is well understood. The Parker equation is adequate, and what remains is the important and nontrivial task of determining the transport coefficients and the structure of the heliosphere well enough to interpret the cosmic-ray observations. This will permit a better understanding of the physics of cosmic rays, and also lead to more use of cosmic rays as probes of the heliosphere in regions not yet directly explored.
New internationalism: Social work’s dilemmas, dreams and delusion

EnglishGlobalization and its many faces have essentially changed the content and character of inter- and intra-societal relationships. A new kind of social work will have to embrace universalizatio...
Evaluating partitioning techniques for main memory database: horizontal and single vertical

Performance of the two partitioning techniques, horizontal partitioning and single vertical, is evaluated in the context of a main memory database in terms of memory space and execution time. Issues in systems architecture related to cost assessments are addressed, quantitative results are obtained. >
A50, a new allotypic specificity found on rabbit IgG-immunoglobulin.

. Isoimmunization of a normal rabbit with a locus negative (a –) IgG-immunoglobulin molecules obtained from an a2-suppressed a2a2 homozygous rabbit, resulted in the production of an antiserum that identified a new genetically determined marker ‘A 50’. A large number of animals have been classified for the presence or absence of the allotypic marker.
Association Between Lymph Node Density and Disease Specific Survival in Patients With Penile Cancer

Purpose: We assessed the value of lymph node density for predicting disease specific survival after lymphadenectomy for penile cancer.Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively in 75 and prospectively in 88 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1979 and 2007. We identified 45 patients with penile cancer and nodal metastasis who underwent lymphadenectomy with curative intent. Lymph node density was analyzed as a categorical variable by grouping patients into 2 or 3 categories based on equal percents. We explored the prognostic value of lymph node density for predicting disease specific survival in this cohort.Results: Median followup was 23.7 months in all patients. By the time of analysis 22 patients had died, including 18 (82%) of penile cancer and 4 (18%) of other causes. Median lymph node density in patients alive or dead of other causes was 3.4% (IQR 2.9–5.9) compared to 43.3% (IQR 15.6–80) in those dead of diseas...