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Subscapularis (SSc) is the prime internal rotator of shoulder. It is the most powerful rotator cuff muscle, maintaining the anterior force couple of shoulder. The tears in SSc as any other rotator cuff muscles might result from a traumatic event or more commonly from intrinsic degeneration. With the advent and widespread use of shoulder arthroscopy, SSc tears, which were once considered as "forgotten or hidden lesions" are now being increasingly recognized. Isolated SSc tears are relatively rare. They occur in combinations. Clinically internal rotation can be near normal because of the compensation provided by other internal rotators. It is not uncommon for patients with SSc tear to be normal on routine physical examination. The Bear Hug test (BHT) has high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of SSc tear. The combined use of BHT with Belly Press Test has been found optimal for diagnosis. US is an accurate and reliable method for diagnosing SSc tears and outperformed MRI in diagnosing partial-thickness SSc tears. The MRI is currently the most advanced imaging available for diagnosis. The specificity is up to 100%. However, the sensitivity is between 36 and 40%. The earliest classification system for SSc tears was by Fox et al. The commonly used classification is by Lafosse et al. The recent system by Yoo et al. is based on the insertion of SSc. The comma sign is gaining importance not only in arthroscopic diagnosis but also in MRI identification and repair of SSc. The mode of management is mainly arthroscopic. The techniques of repair of SSc are continuously progressing. However, there is no clear consensus on the double vs single-row repairs, biceps tendon management, and the role of coracoplasty. Future research must focus on these areas. Reserve shoulder arthroplasty is reserved for salvage in older age groups. Tendon transfers are performed in young active individuals with irreparable tears.

Single crystal of l -Histidine Nitrate monohydrate (LHNM) has been grown from aqueous solution by evaporation technique. A comprehensive investigation of the NIR FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra was carried out with the aid of normal coordinate analysis following the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology supported by the density functional theory (DFT) computations to analyze the effects of intramolecular charge transfer on the geometries and the vibrational modes contributing to the linear electro-optic effect of the organic NLO material. Effect of protonation and hydrogen bonding interactions has been analyzed using structural analysis, natural bond orbital analysis, and spectral analysis. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap value suggests the possibility of charge transfer within the molecule. Hyperconjugative interactions responsible for second hyperpolarizabilities have been described by NBO and AIM analyses. Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals that the van der Waals H⋯H (32.3%) contact plays a significant role in crystal packing and that a variety of N H⋯O intermolecular contacts and hydrogen bonds leads to the formation of intermolecular charge transfer occurring in LHNM. The nonlinear refractive index (n2), nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) and third-order nonlinear susceptibility (χ3) of LHNM have been determined by Z-scan technique, which points to its potential application in the field of optical limiting. The calculated value of laser damage threshold was 2.04 GW/cm2.

Background: TB patients co-infected with HIV have worse treatment outcomes than non-coinfected patients. How clinical characteristics of TB and socioeconomic characteristics influence these outcomes is poorly understood. Here, we use polytomous regression analysis to identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes among TB-HIV co-infected patients in Brazil. Methods: TB-HIV cases reported in the Brazilian information system (SINAN) between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2011 were identified and categorized by TB treatment outcome (cure, default, death, and development of MDR TB). We modeled treatment outcome as a function of clinical characteristics of TB and patient socioeconomic characteristics by polytomous regression analysis. For each treatment outcome, we used cure as the reference outcome. Results: Between 2001 and 2011, 990,017 cases of TB were reported in SINAN, of which 93,147 (9.4%) were HIV co-infected. Patients aged 15–19 (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.09–3.91) and 20–39 years old (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.81–2.92) were more likely to default on TB treatment than those aged 0–14 years old. In contrast, patients aged ≥60 years were more likely to die from TB (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.43–3.44) or other causes (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.14–3.83). Black patients were more likely to default on TB treatment (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.22–1.44) and die from TB (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.29–1.74). Finally, alcoholism was associated with all unfavorable outcomes: default (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.73–2.17), death due to TB (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.25–1.71), death due to other causes (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.21–1.57) and MDR-TB (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.46–3.58). Conclusions: Socio-economic vulnerability has a significant effect on treatment outcomes among TB-HIV co-infected patients in Brazil. Enhancing social support, incorporation of alcohol abuse screening and counseling into current TB surveillance programs and targeting interventions to specific age groups are interventions that could improve treatment outcomes. Keywords: Tuberculosis, HIV, Coinfection, Logistic regression

The nutritional status of a woman during pregnancy and lactation is not only critical for her health but for future generations. Although a nutritionist or registered dietitian can help facilitate dietary counseling and interventions, physicians also need to be cognizant of nutritional needs during pregnancy because they differ significantly compared with nonpregnant populations. Furthermore, an individualized approach to nutritional counseling that considers a woman's nutritional status and body mass index is recommended.

An Integrated Top Shield Test Facility towards validation of thermal design of top shield for a pool type SFR has been conceived, constructed & commissioned. Detailed experiments were performed in this experimental facility having full-scale features. Steady state temperature distribution within the facility is measured for various heater plate temperatures in addition to simulating different operating states of the reactor. Following are the important observations (i) jet cooling system is effective in regulating the roof slab bottom plate temperature and thermal gradient across roof slab simulating normal operation of reactor, (ii) wire mesh insulation provided in roof slab-main vessel annulus is effective in obtaining gradual thermal gradient along main vessel top portion and inhibiting the setting up of cellular convection within annulus and (iii) cellular convection with four distinct convective cells sets in the annular gap between roof slab and small rotatable plug measuring ∼ϕ4 m in diameter & gap width varying from 16 mm to 30 mm. Repeatability of results is also ensured during all the above tests. The results presented in this paper is expected to provide reference data for validation of thermal hydraulic models in addition to serving as design validation of jet cooling system for pool type SFR.

A novel semi-organic single-crystal exhibiting third order optical nonlinearity was grown by the method of slow evaporation. Single crystal X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) was employed to confirm the crystal structure and powder XRD was used to determine the cell parameters. The sample was characterized using FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV–visible absorption and analysed with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out using normal coordinate analysis (NCA) through the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology. The red shifting of NH stretching wavenumbers, both the observed and calculated, affirm that N H......O type bonds are present in GuLG. The Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis also points to a strong intermolecular N H....O hydrogen bond. Thermal stability of the crystal was studied making use of the TG/DTA technique. The third-order nonlinearity studies, along with the optical limiting behaviour were investigated by Z-scan technique using diode-pumped Nd: YAG laser with 50 mW power at 532 nm.H

Metal-semi organic NLO single crystal of Cadmium (II) dibromide l - Proline monohydrate (CBLPM) has been synthesized and the crystal was grown from solution by room temperature slow evaporation method. The crystal structure and cell parameters were refined by Rietveld refinement technique and confirmed that the metal-semi organic samples are in the orthorhombic system with space group P212121. The crystal structure of CBLPM is stabilized by intermolecular N–H…O, N–H….Br, O–H….O and O–H….Br hydrogen bonds. The water molecules serve as donors for the weak O–H⋯O and O–H⋯Br hydrogen bonds which link adjacent chains forming a three-dimensional structure. A Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that the most significant contribution to the crystal packing is by H⋯Br contacts (26.2%). The complete vibrational features and electronic absorption spectra of the title compound were analyzed by FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV–visible spectra combined with density functional theory and time-dependent density functional computations. The second-order hyperpolarizability value of the molecule was also calculated at density functional theory method. The third-order nonlinear optical properties of the crystal were studied by Z-scan techniques using CW laser with wavelength 532 nm. The open aperture result exhibits the saturation absorption, which indicates that this material has potential candidate for optical limiting applications.

Injury to the scapholunate interosseous ligament is one of the most common causes of carpal instability and can impart considerable compromise to the patient's hand function. However, the management of scapholunate ligament injuries remains a dynamic concept, especially with regard to the multitude of options and techniques that exist for its surgical treatment. We present a thorough review of scapholunate anatomy and morphology, and the role of the scapholunate articulations in the kinetics and pathomechanics of wrist instability. We also review the current literature on the biomechanical properties of the scapholunate ligament and its subcomponents. A sound understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the scapholunate ligament can clarify its instability and may better orient current reconstructive procedures or pioneer better future techniques.

Performance of safety rod and its drive mechanism which are parts of shutdown systems in sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR) plays a major role in ensuring safe operation of the plant during all the design basis events. The safety rods are to be inserted into the core within a stipulated time during off-normal conditions of the reactor. Mathematical modelling of dynamic behaviour of a safety rod and its drive mechanism in a typical 500 MWe SFR during scram action is considered in the present study. A full-scale prototype system has undergone qualification tests in air, water and in sodium simulating the operating conditions in the reactor. In this paper, the salient features of the safety rod and its mechanism, details related to mathematical modelling and sensitivity of the parameters having influence on drop time are presented. The outcomes of the numerical analysis are compared with the experimental results. In this process, the mathematical model and the computer software developed are validated.

Knowledge is central to managing an organization, but its presence in employees is difficult to measure directly. We hypothesize that external communication patterns reveal the location of knowledge within the management team. Using a large database of firm conference call transcripts, we find that CEOs speak less in settings where they are likely to be relatively less knowledgeable. CEOs who speak more are also paid more, and firms whose CEO pay is not commensurate with CEO speaking have a lower industry-adjusted Tobin׳s Q. Communication thus appears to reveal knowledge.

Single crystals of trans-diaqua-bis(pyridine-2-carboxylato)-cobalt(ii) dihydrate (PCOH) have been successfully grown by slow evaporation technique. The formation of crystalline structure and cell parameters were confirmed by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques respectively. The structural and optical characterization of the PCOH were analyzed experimentally by FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV–visible spectroscopic technique and theoretical studies by density functional theory method. The charge transfer interactions leading to nonlinear properties taking place in the molecule can be studied by HOMO-LUMO analysis and natural bond orbital analysis. DFT computations using CAM-B3LYP/GenECP and B3LYP/GenECP were performed to determine the linear as well as NLO properties. Open aperture Z-Scan results confirm the competence of these materials as optical limiters (NLO). Furthermore, the PCOH exhibits a blue luminescence emission, as can be seen from the (CIE) chromaticity diagram, and hence the complex may be a promising blue organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in the development of electroluminescent materials for flat-panel-display applications. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and ac conductivity of the sample were carried out at different temperatures. The Cole-Cole plot shows the presence of grain and grain boundary, it is found that single relaxation is observed in the crystal. These attractive luminescence emission and third-order nonlinear results indicated that PCOH appear to be promising candidates for optoelectronic applications.

Inner vessel in reactor assembly of pool type fast reactor separates hot and cold pool sodium. The shape of inner vessel is optimized with reduced upper & lower shell diameters and toroidal redan for future Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). This results in higher buckling strength and reduced thickness and hence reduced weight. To achieve the intricate toroidal shape with specified dimensional tolerances, a comprehensive technology development exercise was undertaken for the manufacture of inner vessel sector. This paper discusses the details of development activities carried out towards manufacture of large size die and punch involving a number of trials, cold forming of sector of inner vessel, comprehensive global & local profile measurement using swing arm & other templates, and non-destructive examination. The achieved profile of the redan meets the specified dimensional and other design requirements. The successful completion of technology development activities for manufacture of a sector of inner vessel with innovative design features has demonstrated the indigenous manufacturing capability and given confidence for the design improvements incorporated.

Although obstetricians commonly care for pregnant patients with psychiatric disorders, little has been written about the implications of managing a pregnancy during a prolonged psychiatric hospitalization for severe mental illness. Multidisciplinary care may optimize obstetric and psychiatric outcomes. We describe a severely mentally ill patient at 27 weeks' gestation (G1P0) who was admitted after a suicide attempt. She exhibited intermittently worsening depression and anxiety throughout a 2-month inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, during which her psychiatric and obstetric providers collaborated regarding her care. We review recommendations for antepartum and intrapartum treatment of the acutely suicidal and severely mentally ill patient and, in particular, the evidence that a multidisciplinary coordinated approach to planning can maximize patient physical and mental health and facilitate preparedness for delivery.

The 500 MWe, sodium cooled, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is under advanced stage of construction at Kalpakkam in India. Opacity of sodium restricts visual inspection of components immersed in sodium by optical means. Ultrasonic wave passes through sodium hence ultrasonic techniques using under sodium ultrasonic scanners are developed to obtain under sodium images. The main objective of such an Under Sodium Ultrasonic Scanner (USUSS) for Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is to detect and ensure that no core Sub Assembly (SA) or Absorber Rod or its Drive Mechanism is protruded in the above core plenum before starting the fuel handling operation. Hence, it is necessary to detect and locate the object, if it is protruding the above core plenum. To study the feasibility of detecting the absorber rods and their drive mechanisms using direct ultrasonic imaging technique, experiments were carried out for different orientations and profiles of the projected components in a 5 m diameter water tank. The in-house developed PC based ultrasonic scanning system is used for acquisition and analysis of data. The pseudo three dimensional color images obtained are discussed and the results are applicable for PFBR. This paper gives the details of the features of the absorber rods and their drive mechanisms, their orientation in the reactor core, experimental setup, PC based ultrasonic scanning system, ultrasonic images and the discussion on the results.

Prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) is at an advanced stage of construction in Kalpakkam, India. Top shield (consisting of roof slab and rotatable plugs) of PFBR is of box type construction. It is a Class-1 component being a part of the primary leak-tight boundary of the reactor assembly. In the future commercial fast breeder reactor (CFBR), it is planned to adopt thick plate concept for rotatable plugs. The thickness of the plates required for the rotatable plugs of CFBR was arrived at based on finite element analysis considering mechanical and thermal loads. The main advantage of using thick plate for the rotatable plugs is that it eliminates the possibility of lamellar tearing which exists in the box type construction. The successful realisation of this concept necessitates the indigenous development of thick plate narrow gap welding technology. Hence a technology development programme for realising 800 mm thick narrow gap welds using submerged arc welding process was undertaken. Three numbers of welded joints were made to demonstrate the successful development of thick plate narrow gap welding technology. Repair procedure for the weld was also established. Non-destructive examination and destructive testing were carried out and the results were analysed critically. The attenuation of ultrasonic wave in narrow gap weld as compared to that in the base metal was examined. This paper discusses the need and conceptual design of thick plate concept for rotatable plugs in CFBR, the approach adopted for technology development of thick plate narrow gap welding and the salient experiences gained during the developmental project. Recommendations are made regarding the RCC-MR code rules for the non-destructive volumetric examination of welds of thick carbon steel plates.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) has two independent fast acting diverse shutdown systems. The absorber rod of the first system is called Control & Safety Rod (CSR). CSR and its Drive Mechanism (CSRDM) are used for reactor control and for safe shutdown of the reactor by scram action. In view of the safety role, the qualification of CSRDM is one of the important requirements. CSR & CSRDM were qualified in two stages by extensive testing. In the first stage, the critical subassemblies of the mechanism, such as scram release electromagnet, hydraulic dashpot & dynamic seals and CSR subassembly, were tested and qualified individually simulating the operating conditions of the reactor. Experiments were also carried out on sodium vapour deposition in the annular gaps between the stationary and mobile parts of the mechanism. In the second stage, full-scale CSRDM and CSR were subjected to all the integrated functional tests in air, hot argon and subsequently in sodium simulating the operating conditions of the reactor and finally subjected to endurance tests. Since the damage occurring in CSRDM & CSR is mainly due to fatigue cycles during scram actions, the number of test cycles was decided based on the guidelines given in ASME, Section III, Div. 1. The results show that the performance of CSRDM & CSR is satisfactory. Subsequent to the testing in sodium, the assemblies having contact with liquid sodium/sodium vapour were cleaned using CO2 process and the total cleaning process has been established, so that the mechanism can be reused in sodium. The various stages of qualification programmes have raised the confidence level on the performance of the system as a whole for the intended and reliable operation in the reactor.

The influence of the physico-chemical features of particulates made of calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite, HAP) crystals, or monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM) crystals, on the innate immune response was investigated in mice after intraperitoneal injections. The phenotype and activation status of harvested peritoneal cells from C57BL/6 mice was determined by flow cytometry analysis at 24, 48 and 72 h after particulate injections and compared to a known adjuvant, aluminum phosphate (ALP). A rigorous characterization of the chemistry, structure, morphology and particle size of the particulates was completed. Mid-sized (10 μm mean size) particulates of both crystal types recruited the most cells, as compared to fine (1 μm) or large (100 μm) particulates. Analysis of sub-populations of the peritoneal cells revealed that MSUM induced fewer PMNs and eosinophils than HAP or ALP. MSUM also had the greatest effect on the expression of CD11b, MHC-Class II and CD86 on peritoneal macrophages indicating MSUM provides a robust antigen presenting and co-stimulatory bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems. This study indicates that manipulation of the physico-chemical features of particulates is a means of controlling the innate immune response and that knife-like morphologies are more stimulatory than spherical or plate-like shapes. Proper utilization of the physico-chemical features of particulates offers a new direction for the development of more effective vaccine adjuvants.

Early detection is crucial in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths. The earliest detectable neoplastic lesion in the colon is the aberrant crypt foci (ACF). A major question is whether ACF are precursors of CRC, and thus, early biomarkers for CRC risk. If so, we hypothesized that the number of ACF would be higher in patients who had a family history of CRC compared to patients without. We counted ACF in the distal 20cm of colon/rectum during 103 colonoscopic examinations using a prototype Close Focus Colonoscope (Olympus Corp.) with methylene blue chromendoscopy. Each patient was asked whether they had a family history of CRC in a first degree relative, or a personal history of CRC or adenoma. Patients answering 'no' to these questions (n=17) had a mean number of ACF of 4.4; the mean was significantly higher in the patients with a positive family history of CRC (9.0, p

Eosinophilia in blood and tissues has been strongly associated with helminth infections for over a century. In vivo depletion of IL-5, a cytokine crucially involved in eosinophilopoiesis with an antibody or through genetic manipulation, reproducibly abrogates helminth-induced eosinophilia, but renders mice permissive only in some models of parasite infection. In the current study, we compared the ability of IL-5−/− and B6+/+ mice to clear intraperitoneal infections with Brugia pahangi L3. IL-5−/− mice had statistically significantly higher worm burdens than B6+/+. This was true for primary infections, in young as well as old mice, suggesting that IL-5 deficient mice are more permissive to Brugian infections. This increase in permissiveness seemed to correlate well with the drastically reduced eosinophil numbers in the peritoneal cavity, the site of infection. In secondary infections, primed IL-5−/− mice cleared infections in an accelerated manner, comparable with B6+/+ mice. These observations suggest that IL-5 induced eosinophilia is more important in the control of a primary infection in naive mice than a secondary infection in primed mice. Index Descriptors and Abbreviations: Brugia pahangi; Inbred mice; Parasite infection; Peritoneal inflammation; C57BL/6J; IL5; IL-5−/−; Flowcytometry; Eosinophils; B1 B cells

Standard, immunocompetent, inbred strains of mice are non-permissive for infection with the human filarial nematode, Brugia malayi or the closely related Brugia pahangi. This non-permissiveness allows one to address the mechanism(s) that might be used by mammalian hosts to eliminate large, multicellular, metazoan, extracellular invertebrate pathogens. We describe here the time course of intraperitoneal Brugian infections in naïve and primed +/+ mice from two commonly used, inbred laboratory strains (C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ). We believe that this documentation of the course of infection in normal mice will serve as a reference for future studies using mice with gene-targeted immunological deficits or which have been pharmacologically or immunologically manipulated to manifest such deficits. Our data show that even though both strains of mice eliminate the parasite before the onset of patency, there are significant differences in the time course of infection and in the fractions of input larvae that can be recovered at any time after infection. In a secondary infection, the time course of elimination is accelerated. We examined the cells in the peritoneal cavity, the site of infection, by flow microfluorimetry using forward and side scatter properties and cell surface antigen expression using fluorescent antibodies. These studies reveal a complex cellular pattern, predominated by B lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. The most notable gross morphological findings at necropsy during the phase of elimination of the parasite are nodules of tissue containing larvae, which appear viable in some cases and undergoing various stages of disintegration in others. These nodules, which are histologically granulomas, are primarily composed of macrophages and eosinophils, with few if any lymphocytes. Transmission electron micrographs reveal that eosinophils can penetrate under the cuticles of the larvae and be seen in close approximation with internal structures. These granulomas may represent an important mechanism by which worms are eliminated.

This paper discusses the incentive problems to which buyer-supplier transactions are subject and, by surveying the incentives literature, discusses some of the inter-firm design instruments that can be used to mitigate these problems. Most of the literature discussed is based on the incomplete contracting model, which is better suited to analyzing inter-firm issues. We also discuss some of the managerial accounting issues which are raised by this literature and suggest some managerial accounting issues for further research.

Background Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a common disorder, affecting >20% of people of all socioeconomic strata. Despite this high prevalence, relatively few sufferers seek professional medical help, presumably because of a widespread reliance on complementary remedies. Objective We investigated the widely held belief among allergy-sufferers that regular ingestion of honey ameliorates the symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Methods The study was conducted at the University of Connecticut Health Center's Lowell P. Weicker General Clinical Research Center. Thirty-six participants who complained of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were recruited. All recruits were scratch-tested at entry for common aeroallergens. The cohort was randomly assigned to one of three groups, with one receiving locally collected, unpasteurized, unfiltered honey, the second nationally collected, filtered, and pasteurized honey, and the third, corn syrup with synthetic honey flavoring. They were asked to consume one tablespoonful a day of the honey or substitute and to follow their usual standard care for the management of their symptoms. All participants were instructed to maintain a diary tracking 10 subjective allergy symptoms, and noting the days on which their symptoms were severe enough to require their usual antiallergy medication. Results Neither honey group experienced relief from their symptoms in excess of that seen in the placebo group. Conclusions This study does not confirm the widely held belief that honey relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The susceptibility of the mammary gland to carcinogenesis is influenced by its normal development, particularly during developmental stages such as puberty and pregnancy that are characterized by marked changes in proliferation and differentiation. Protein kinases are important regulators of proliferation and differentiation, as well as of neoplastic transformation, in a wide array of tissues, including the breast. Using a RT-PCR-based cloning strategy, we have identified 41 protein kinases that are expressed in breast cancer cell lines and in the murine mammary gland during development. The expression of each of these kinases was analyzed throughout postnatal mammary gland development as well as in a panel of mammary epithelial cell lines derived from distinct transgenic models of breast cancer. Although the majority of protein kinases isolated in this screen have no currently recognized role in mammary development, most kinases examined were found to exhibit developmental regulation. After kinases were clustered on the basis of similarities in their temporal expression profiles during mammary development, multiple distinct patterns of expression were observed. Analysis of these patterns revealed an ordered set of expression profiles in which successive waves of kinase expression occur during development. Interestingly, several protein kinases whose expression has previously been reported to be restricted to tissues other than the mammary gland were isolated in this screen and found to be expressed in the mammary gland. In aggregate, these findings suggest that the array of kinases participating in the regulation of normal mammary development is considerably broader than currently appreciated.

Our paper examines whether supplier selection and monitoring practices affect the association between supplier strategies and organizational performance. Management accounting researchers (Atkinson, A., Waterhouse, J., 1996. Strategic Performance Measurement: Scope and Implementation Issues; Gietzmann, M.B., 1996. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 21 (6), 611–626, p. 613) argue that supplier partnerships can enhance cost management efforts by improving product quality, accelerating the product development process, and increasing process efficiency through supplier-originated ideas and technologies. However, the development of effective supplier partnerships may also require different selection and monitoring practices than arms-length supplier transactions. Empirical tests using data from the automotive and computer industries indicated that the performance gains from supplier partnerships practices are contingent on extensive use of non-price selection criteria, frequent meetings and interactions with suppliers, and supplier certification. In contrast, these selection and monitoring practices appeared to have little effect on the performance of organizations following arms-length supplier relations.

In areas that are endemic for lymphatic filariasis, there are individuals who are parasite free and who appear not to have experienced symptoms attributable to filarial infection. These "putatively immune" individuals may recognize immunogens that could be important in host protection. We have immunoscreened expression libraries expressing epitopes encoded by filarial open reading frames and have identified three antigens that are differentially recognized by the two polar clinical groups-endemic normals and asymptomatic microfilaremics. Pre-immunization of susceptible hosts (Meriones unguiculatus) with these antigens revealed that none was able to elicit consistent host protective immunity. Our data are consistent with Waksman's conjecture that highly immunogenic antigens of parasite origin may be inappropriate candidates for prophylactic immunization.

Rajan, T. V., Shultz, L. D., Babu, S., Doukas, J., Greiner, D., and Porte, P. 1998. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) does not induce nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.Experimental Parasitology88, 217–222. Diethylcarbomazine (DEC) was discovered in 1947 as a potent therapeutic agent in lymphatic filariasis and has been a mainstay of antifilarial therapy over the past five decades (R. I. Hewitt,et al., 1947,Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine32, 1304–1313). Several hundred million doses of this drug have been administered to people. Despite its widespread and successful use over this prolonged time scale, its mechanism of action remains obscure (R. M. Maizels and D. A. Denham, 1992,Parasitology105Suppl. 549–560). Numerous studies suggest that DEC has no direct effect on the parasite (F. Hawking and W. Laurie, 1949,Lancet2, 146–147) and that it exerts its action by stimulating host immune defense mechanisms (F. Hawkinget al., 1948,Lancet2, 730–731), or by activating host platelets to become microfilaricidal (J. Y. Cesbronet al., 1987,Nature325(6104) 533–536). Recent data from two different laboratories suggest that NO may be involved in host defense against filarial parasites (T. V. Rajanet al., 1996,Infection and Immunity64(8), 3351–3353; M. J. Tayloret al., 1996,Parasitology112, 315–322). We investigated whether DEC stimulates the production of NO from murine macrophages or rat endothelial cells. DEC did not stimulate the synthesis or secretion of NO from either, nor did it synergize with interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the induction of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). In addition, there was no consistent increase in the output of inorganic nitrate, the end product of NO metabolism, in the urines of rats treated with DEC. These data suggest that DEC does not achieve its therapeutic efficacy through the induction of host iNOS.

Spontaneous mouse mutations that cause severe immunodeficiency or autoimmunity are invaluable tools with which to investigate the mammalian immune system. Mutations at the 'motheaten' locus result in severe immunological dysfunction due to disruption of the structural gene encoding Src-homology 2-domain phosphatase-1 (SHP-1). This natural model for a specific protein-tyrosine-phosphatase deficiency is being widely utilized to determine the role of SHP-1 in the negative regulation of multiple signaling pathways in a number of hematopoietic lineages.

Thiruchandurai Rajan, Julie Moore and Leonard Shultz here review the evolution of technology in murine xeno-lymphohemopoietic chimeras, produced by engraftment with xenogeneic (fetal or adult) progenitor cells or mature lymphohemopoietic tissues into immunodeficient mice, and their use as hosts for hemoprotozoan parasites. Particular attention is paid to the development of chimeras that house xenogeneic peripheral red blood cells (xeno-RBC). These chimeras are potentially invaluable models for hemoprotozoan parasites, such as Babesia and Plasmodium. There are, however, daunting limitations that have to be overcome before these models can become universally acceptable systems for the study of these parasitic agents.

Coefficient of friction characteristics of cast aluminium-silicon alloys varying in lead content from 4 to 16 wt.% have been investigated under lubricated, semi-dry and dry conditions. Under the oil-lubricated test, bearings of all the leaded alloys are able to run without seizure up to the regimes of boundary lubrication and mixed lubrication, whereas the base alloy bearings could not reach boundary lubrication. In the semi-dry test the bearings operate in the boundary lubrication regime. The average value of coefficient of friction in the oil-lubricated test is lower compared with semi-dry and dry tests. In general the influence of morphology of microstructure, lead distribution and addition of lead is helpful in reducing interface friction.