Thick bone section preparation using a silicon-rubber-based sealant

A method has been developed, using a silicon-rubber-based sealant, which allows 2–3-mm-thick specimens to be maintained in a protected fluid environment for a number of months, without risk of dehydration. Following this, the specimen can be retrieved, stained, embedded and sectioned further. For example, 2-mm-thick sections of fixed unstained bone are easily examined by means of epi-illuminated polarized light and fluorescence microscopies using either conventional or confocal optics. The method could easily be extended to other tissues, for example brain tissue.     

The role of MRP in repetitive manufacturing

This paper discusses the findings of a study of production planning and control systems in nine repetitive manufacturers in the southeast United States. The purpose of the study was to identify the methods used by repetitive manufacturers to plan and control production. The companies in the study were selected so that three companies were noted for their use of MRP, three others were noted for their use of JIT, and three others were noted for their use of theory of constraints (TOC) (formerly OPT). The principle finding from the study was that all nine companies used a blend of production planning techniques using MRP as a framework to accomplish production planning. This finding was especially surprising when the companies had been specifically selected upon the recommendation of a panel of experts because some companies were known to be superior in the application of JIT and TOC methods     

More questions than answers: an examination of “To drill or not to drill: a synthesis of experts’ judgments”

The original paper by Nezhad and Baharlou (1991) employed the analytic hierarchy process to estimate the volume of recoverable oil available from a reservoir. The method has undoubted strengths, in particular the rapidity with which it may be employed and the limited resources required to perform the calculations. It is argued here that more information could have been obtained from the original calculation. In addition, it is suggested that modifying some factors in the procedure could affect the outcome. Simple approximate algorithms are presented that are helpful in interpreting the final results     

Long-term effects of magnesium carbonate on coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients: A pilot study

Observational data suggest that elevated magnesium levels in dialysis patients may prevent vascular calcification and in vitro magnesium can prevent hydroxyapatite crystal growth. However, the effects of magnesium on vascular calcification and bone mineral density have not been studied prospectively. Seven chronic hemodialysis patients participated in this open label, prospective pilot study to evaluate the effects of a magnesium-based phosphate binder on coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and vertebral bone mineral density (V-BMD) in patients with baseline CAC scores >30. Magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate (elemental Mg: 86 mg/elemental Ca 100 mg) was administered as the principal phosphate binder for a period of 18 months and changes in CAC and V-BMD were measured at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Serum magnesium levels averaged 2.2±0.4 mEq/L (range: 1.3–3.9 mEq/L). Phosphorus levels (4.5±0.6 mg/dL) were well controlled throughout the 18 months study. Electron beam computed tomography results demonstrated a small not statically significant increase in absolute CAC scores, no significant change in median percent change, and a small none significant change in V-BMD. Magnesium may have a favorable effect on CAC. The long-term effect on bone mineral density remains unclear. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

Designing performance measurement systems for just-in-time operations

Results of a study conducted to understand how performance is evaluated in just-in-time (JIT) operations are reported in this paper. The purpose of the study was to develop a series of propositions concerning the performance criteria, standards, measurement techniques, and reporting methods that are appropriate in JIT environments. Ten propositions are provided.     

An Improved Radiation Transport Submodel for CFAST

Abstract

This paper identifies significant developments in the provision of bibliographic and factual data to the remote sensingcommunity. During the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number and type of information sources that may be accessed online. Apart from purely bibliographic sources, full text document retrieval services that outline news, legislation, space policies and commercialization are now available. In addition, information on technical parameters, components and availability of remotely-sensed imagery can be obtained. There is, however, an imbalance in online accessibility between developed and developing countries.     

Aerobic Microflora of Commercially Harvested, Transported and Cryogenically Processed Col lards (Brassica oleracea)

Samples of spring and fall harvested collards were obtained at critical stages in a normal harvesting, transportation and cryogenic processing operation and microbiologically analyzed for total plate counts, En-terobacreriaceae counts, and yeasts and molds. Operations that involved extended holding times and mechanical handling tended to increase all counts significantly while blanching and blast freezing with liquid N₂ reduced counts to acceptable levels. Differences were significant in all counts by sampling points and dates. Prominant genera of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the frozen product were those normally associated with soil contamination and not normally considered pathogenic to humans.     

Process flow industry—scheduling and control using theory of constraints

This paper discusses the applicability of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in the process flow industry and compares TOC to the current practice. The Drum-Buffer-Rope methodology is altered to meet the needs of the process flow environment. Guidelines for the strategic location of and determination of the reduced WIP inventory levels are provided.