cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Objective Fire Safety and Sustainability Screening Tool for Specifying Insulation Materials

Fire safety and sustainability goals in building design are frequently interdependent. Design elements chosen for their fire safety can have energy efficiency implications and vice versa. Furthermore, the environmental damage and carbon emissions from a single fire event can negate the utility of green features invested in the building. Therefore, while not obvious, fire safety and its impact on sustainability are inextricably linked. One of the decisions related to both sustainability and fire safety is the selection of thermal insulation materials. Insulating materials have always been an integral part of building design, serving as a key component in thermally controlling indoor environments. Modern designs and construction techniques often incorporate sustainability goals by seeking to minimize life cycle energy consumption and environmental impact. A well-insulated building reduces thermal load on the HVAC system, thus reducing energy consumption of the building. Therefore, a sustainably designed building is typically a heavily insulated building. In addition to thermal resistance characteristics, the choice of insulating material is often based on acoustic damping and cost. However, fire safety is generally overlooked as a factor for insulation material selection. Few treatments have considered how the competing objectives for sustainability and fire safety should be assessed when choosing insulation. This paper discusses a methodology for balancing these requirements by evaluating the aforementioned attributes of various insulating materials through implementation of a weighted mean. Each variable is normalized and then weighted according to the emphasis placed on each attribute, using experimental data for the relevant material property. Four weighting scenarios are presented, each emphasizing a different area of consideration: installed cost, fire safety, life-cycle assessment, and thermal. Materials considered are cellulose (newspaper), denim (cotton), fiberglass, stone wool, polyurethane, and polystyrene. Results of this analysis rank the materials in order of desirability and provide a method to reorder this ranking based on the priority assigned to each attribute. For the weighting scenarios presented herein, stone wool was consistently ranked as the best performer, while extruded polystyrene was typically the weakest. The intent is that this methodology would be informative for designers selecting materials and for planners contemplating revised building codes.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Investigation of polycrystalline thin film CuInSe/sub 2/ cells based on ZnSe windows

This paper describes investigations of CIS solar cells based on ZnSe window layers deposited by MOCVD. Investigations of ZnSe/CIS solar cells are being carried out in an effort to improve the efficiencies of CIS cells and to determine if ZnSe is a viable alternative to CdS as a window material. MOCVD growth of ZnSe is accomplished in a SPIRE 500XT reactor housed in the Electronic Materials Laboratory at WSU Tri-Cities by reacting a zinc adduct with H/sub 2/Se. Conductive n-type ZnSe is grown by using iodine as a dopant. Ethyliodide was mixed with helium and installed on one of the gas lines to the system. ZnSe films have been grown on CIS substrates at 200/spl deg/C to 250/spl deg/C. ZnO is also being deposited by MOCVD by reacting tetrahydrofuran (THF) with a zinc adduct. ZnSe/CIS heterojunctions have been studied by growing n-ZnSe films onto 2 cm/spl times/2 cm CIS substrates diced from materials supplied by Siemens and then depositing an array of aluminum circular areas 2.8 mm in diameter on top of the ZnSe to serve as contacts. Al films are deposited with a thickness of 80 to 100 /spl Aring/ so that light can pass through the film, thus allowing the illuminated characteristics of the ZnSe/CIS junction to be tested. Accounting for the 20 to 25% transmittance through the Al film into the ZnSe/CIS structure, current devices have estimated, active-area AM1.5 efficiencies of 14%. Open circuit voltages >500 mV are often attained. >
Medieval Prisons: Between Myth and Reality, Hell and Purgatory*

When were medieval prisons founded? What was life inside them like? How did contemporary observers perceive them? Addressing such questions, this article brings together over a century of scholarship that undermines the traditional dating of the prison’s “birth,” sheds light on the tolerable r ealities of medie val capti vity, and identifies a range of contemporary interpretations of prison life and spaces. The creation of prisons as punitive institutions is commonly dated to the late eighteenth century, and is attributed to the influence of Enlightenment ideas about man’s ability to reform his soul and the State’s prerogative in implementing this process. 1 The accepted chronology denies the penal role of pr isons at an y time earlier, at least outside ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Accordingly, the view pr evails that throughout the Middle Ages prisons served as places of pre-trial custody or loci of coercion for defaulting debtors; punitive incar ceration, in turn, “did not exist or r epresented, at best, a negligible exception.” 2
Developing Leaders for a Sustainable Global Society: A New Model for Leadership Development

Asking business leaders to make decisions that produce superior financials and simultaneously contribute to social progress while protecting environmental quality is a tall order. Nancy McGaw, deputy director at the Aspen Institute's Business and Society Program, shares the results of its research into leadership development with representatives from firms around the world.
Fuzzy linear regression models for assessing risks of cumulative trauma disorders

Abstract Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are a major problem in industry and today's office environments, especially for keyboard users. Since comprehensive knowledge about individual or a combination of risk factors contributing to CTDs of the hand and forearm is still lacking, developing methodologies to quantify relationships of risk factors is greatly needed. The purpose of this research was to build fuzzy linear regression models to reveal the relationship of CTD risk factors, to predict the injuries, and to evaluate risk levels of individuals. Twenty-seven keyboard users (twenty-two for model building and five for model validation) and three CTD experts participated in the model building. Four fuzzy models were built corresponding to four risk categories, and a final fuzzy linear model was established using AHP pairwise comparisons. Multicolinearity effects were addressed and a partial standard deviation scaling method was used to eliminate the effects. From a methodological point of view, fuzzy linear regression models provide useful insight into risk factors-CTD relationship.
Missense Mutations in hMLH1 and hMSH2 Are Associated with Exonic Splicing Enhancers

There is a critical need to understand why missense mutations are deleterious. The deleterious effects of missense mutations are commonly attributed to their impact on primary amino acid sequence and protein structure. However, several recent studies have shown that some missense mutations are deleterious because they disturb cis-acting splicing elements—so-called “exonic splicing enhancers” (ESEs). It is not clear whether the ESE-related deleterious effects of missense mutations are common. We have evaluated colocalization of pathogenic missense mutations (found in affected individuals) with high-score ESE motifs in the human mismatch-repair genes hMSH2 and hMLH1. We found that pathogenic missense mutations in the hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes are located in ESE sites significantly more frequently than expected. Pathogenic missense mutations also tended to decrease ESE scores, thus leading to a higher propensity for splicing defects. In contrast, nonpathogenic missense mutations (polymorphisms found in unaffected individuals) and nonsense mutations are distributed randomly in relation to ESE sites. Comparison of the observed and expected frequencies of missense mutations in ESE sites shows that pathogenic effects of ⩾20% of mutations in hMSH2 result from disruption of ESE sites and disturbed splicing. Similarly, pathogenic effects of ⩾16% of missense mutations in the hMLH1 gene are ESE related. The colocalization of pathogenic missense mutations with ESE sites strongly suggests that their pathogenic effects are splicing related.
A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF PHOSPHONAMIDATES AND SULFONAMIDES AS PROTEASE TRANSITION STATE ISOSTERES

The conformations and electrostatic potentials of phosphonamides, phosphonamidates and sulfonamides have been compared to the tetrahedral intermediate for base-catalyzed amide hydrolysis. The wide ...
Selection of adult patients for surgical treatment of epilepsy

— The ideal treatment for epilepsy would produce complete control without toxicity and without side effects. The physician would like to have surgical therapy as an option for those patients who are not completely free of seizures and for those who are free of seizures but suffer toxic side effects. Surgery for epilepsy has now become an option that should be considered along with various medical treatment options. The success rates have increased and the complication rates decreased dramatically at those centers performing surgery on a substantial number of cases a year. Patients with complex partial seizures with a clear-cut unilateral temporal lobe focus and highly stereotyped seizures are by far the best candidates for surgery. In the hands of several major epilepsy programs significant improvement in seizure frequency is achieved in greater than 90 per cent of patients. Patients with sudden drop attacks or uncontrolled generalized tonic-clonic seizures can benefit from section of the corpus callosum. Good results are seen in 85 per cent of the cases.
The epigenetic impact of weaning on craniofacial morphology during growth

Miniature pigs (Sus scrofa) were used as a model to investigate whether the time of weaning (a nongenetic factor) affects skeletal growth rates for both pre- and postweaning time periods. Control litters were weaned at the normal time of 32 days. Two litters were weaned early (at 20 days) and two late (at 46 days). We digitized cranial landmarks from radiographs taken three times a week for a total of 70 days. We used analysis of covariance to test for differences in growth rates between pre- and post-weaning periods, as well as differences in growth rates among treatments. In both the late weaned pigs and the controls, facial length, facial width, basicranial length, and basicranial width growth rates slowed significantly at the time of weaning. However, in the early weaned pigs, there were no significant changes in growth rates for any of the facial or basicranial measurements at weaning. Furthermore, the postweaning rates of growth were different among treatments. One possible implication is that early growth rates could be under tight genetic control while later growth rates can be epigenetically regulated through nutritional changes.
Modular Scintillation Cameras: A Progress Report

Modular scintillation cameras are gamma cameras with relatively small crystal faces, a small number of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), and independent processing electronics. Our prototypical module has a 10 cm square crystal face, four PMTs, and digital processing electronics. Scintillation event information is transferred to images by mapping digitized PMT response combinations to optimal position estimates of event locations. In our prototype, a look-up table is used to perform this mapping. To encode scintillation event information more effectively, we use nonlinear compression of each of the PMT signals. Also introduced are logarithmic matched filtering and likelihood windowing, two processing techniques that result from exploitations of the Poisson model of the distribution of photopeak events. Logarithmic matched filtering is a method of obtaining estimates of mean detector response functions having greater accuracy than that indicated by the digitization of the PMT responses. Likelihood windowing is the utilization of a likelihood threshold, rather than the familiar energy window, as a discriminant of photopeak and scatter events. We have implemented each of the above on our prototypical module. Performance characteristics of this module include energy resolution of 10% full width at half maximum (FWHM) at 140 keV and spatial resolution of better than 4mm FWHM over 90% of the crystal.
Altering Gingival Levels: The Restorative Connection Part I: Biologic Variables

Achieving periodontal harmony commensurate with the requirements of restorative dentistry and esthetics at times seems diametrically opposed. Blending in the gingival esthetic components of symmetrical levels, form/a degree of scallop, and the amount of gingival display (see Part 11) with the restorative mechanical prerequisites of incisaVocclusa1 reduction, preparation length, and adequate sound tooth structure (see Part 111) provides key guidelines for therapy. However, in order to provide predictable esthetic results, two essential biologic issues must be fully understood.
Lower Serum Levels of Lithium may Produce Efficacy Without Adverse Effects

EDITOR: An article of importance to lithium treatment for elderly patients with bipolar disorder was published in this journal in January 2009. In this article, Forester et al. stated that an elevation in the brain to serum lithium ratio was associated with older patients (older than 50 years) compared with the ratio in young patients (younger than 50 years), and the elevation was associated with executive dysfunction and higher depression rating scores (Page 20, Column 1, Lines 2–6). However, the results in the article showed that the ratio of the brain to serum lithium levels in younger patients were elevated compared with the ratio observed in older patients (Fig. 2). In the older patients, the ratio of brain to serum lithium levels were reduced because the brain lithium levels did not increased as the serum lithium levels increased (Fig. 2b). The primary reason for the authors to examine the effects of lithium on executive functioning and depressive symptoms in older patients was that the authors incorrectly concluded that in the older patients, the elevation of the brain to serum lithium ratio was increased. This suggests that a study on the effects of the brain lithium levels on cognitive dysfunction and other adverse effects is needed to be examined in younger patients whom showed the elevation in the ratio. The results in the article show that the adverse effects on executive functioning and depressive symptoms were observed not because of an elevation in the brain to serum ratio but despite a reduction in the ratio. Conventionally, 0.6– 1.0 meq/L is considered to be the therapeutic range of serum lithium levels. However, the article shows that lithium can produce cognitive and somatic adverse effects at the serum lithium levels below its therapeutic range (Fig. 2b). Interestingly, in vivo animal studies have shown that lithium has robust neuroprotective actions, which are known to play a key role in producing the efficacy of lithium, in the range of 0.1– 0.6 meq/L in serum. Studies with cultured cells have also shown the neuroprotective actions of lithium around 0.5 meq/L. These preclinical data with the data from this article together strongly suggest that lithium can be efficacious at serum levels lower than its therapeutic range. These data together emphasize that low-serum lithium levels should be maintained in clinical practice to produce its efficacy without significant adverse effects. This suggestion is consistent with a recent analysis of lithium trials, which reported the efficacy of lithium was not significantly different between 0.4 and 0.6 meq/L and 0.8–1.0 meq/L of lithium serum levels.
Toxocariasis in North America: A Systematic Review

Toxocariasis is an important neglected tropical disease that can manifest as visceral or ocular larva migrans, or covert toxocariasis. All three forms pose a public health problem and cause significant morbidity in areas of high prevalence. To determine the burden of toxocariasis in North America, we conducted a systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. We found 18 articles with original prevalence, incidence, or case data for toxocariasis. Prevalence estimates ranged from 0.6% in a Canadian Inuit community to 30.8% in Mexican children with asthma. Commonly cited risk factors included: African-American race, poverty, male sex, and pet ownership or environmental contamination by animal feces. Increased prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was linked in a group of case control studies conducted in Mexico to several high risk groups including waste pickers, asthmatic children, and inpatient psychiatry patients. Further research is needed to determine the true current burden of toxocariasis in North America; however the prevalence estimates gathered in this review suggest that the burden of disease is significant.
SIMULTANEOUS AUGMENTATION CYSTOPLASTY AND ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER PLACEMENT: INFECTION RATES AND VOIDING MECHANISMS

AbstractPurpose: Simultaneous augmentation cystoplasty and artificial urinary sphincter placement have recently been reported to be associated with a high incidence of infection. We reviewed our results to define the infection rate and outline the mechanisms of voiding in our patient population.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients underwent a simultaneous procedure. The etiology of lower urinary tract disease was exstrophy in 14 patients, myelomeningocele in 10, lipomeningocele in 3, spinal cord injury in 1 and radical retropubic prostatectomy in 1. We used 19 gastric, 5 ileal and 5 colonic intestinal segments. Average followup was 33 months. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Preoperatively all cases had mechanical bowel preparation and documented sterile urine cultures or treated bacteriuria.Results: Infection developed in 2 patients (6.9%) necessitating artificial urinary sphincter removal at 1 week and 9 months. There were no infections associated with gastrocystoplasty. Cle...
Energetics of Indian Cattle in Their Environment

Cattle and other domestic animals in 5.77 square miles of rural West Bengal were enumerated on three separate occasions during an 18-month period. Feed consumption and productivity measurements involving 80 cattle-day observations were extrapolated to the entire cattle population and an energetic balance sheet was calculated for a 1-year period. The cattle population appears fairly stable despite a high density. The age distribution reveals a demographic imbalance in both the younger and older age groups which contributes toward a more efficient utilization of available feed supplies. One of the major roles of the cattle is to convert items of little human value into products of direct human utility. The gross energetic efficiency of the entire cattle population was approximately 17%. The current management of cattle appears to be appropriate for the ecological framework in which they exist.
Integral Sensemaking for Executives: The Evolution of Spiritually-based Integral Consciousness

This article presents philosophy and theory supporting an integral approach to executive sensemaking and problem solving, which is beginning to emerge as a result of the continuing evolution of consciousness. Integral sensemaking is contrasted with the mental-rational approach that has characterized management practice in the industrial and post-industrial eras. The two approaches to sensemaking are applied to the organizational context in five key areas: leadership, strategy formulation, organizational culture, ethical culture, and human resource management. Implications of the evolution of consciousness on management and spirituality and on organizations are discussed.
GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION OF ALPHA-DECAY PROCESSES

We illustrate wavefunctions and half-lives of α-radioactive even-A thorium isotopes based on the simple semi-classical theory of alpha-decay process. The potential is assumed to take an attractive square-well form inside the potential barrier and to take a repulsive Coulomb one outside the barrier. Overall for the even-A thorium isotopes, only two parameters r0=1.14 fm and V0=16 MeV are used. Outside the region of a potential barrier, an obvious oscillating feature of wavefunction for 218Th nucleus does not appear until the Qα value is less than 20 MeV. Such a characteristic feature is confirmed by the three dimensional surface plot for the wave function of 218Th nucleus. Our predicted values of half-life for even-A thorium isotopes are agreed satisfactorily with the observed results as a whole.
Manual in-line stabilization increases pressures applied by the laryngoscope blade during direct laryngoscopy and orotracheal intubation

Background Manual in-line stabilization (MILS) is recommended during direct laryngoscopy and intubation in patients with known or suspected cervical spine instability. Because MILS impairs glottic visualization, the authors hypothesized that anesthesiologists would apply greater pressure during intubations with MILS than without. Methods Nine anesthetized and pharmacologically paralyzed patients underwent two sequential laryngoscopies and intubations, one with MILS and one without, in random order. A transducer array along a Macintosh 3 laryngoscope blade continuously measured applied pressures, and glottic view was characterized. Results With MILS, glottic visualization was worse in six patients, and intubation failure occurred in two of these six patients. Maximum laryngoscope pressure at best glottic view was greater with MILS than without (717 +/- 339 mmHg vs. 363 +/- 121 mmHg, respectively; n = 8; P = 0.023). Other measures of pressure application also indicated comparable increases with MILS. Conclusion Pressures applied to airway tissues by the laryngoscope blade are secondarily transmitted to the cervical spine and result in cranio-cervical motion. In the presence of cervical instability, impaired glottic visualization and secondary increases in pressure application with MILS have the potential to increase pathologic cranio-cervical motion.
Moral Development Among Court-Ordered Domestic Violence Offenders: A Descriptive Analysis

Despite intense research efforts, a theoretical framework for guiding intervention with batterers that is relevant for both African-American and Caucasian batterers has yet to be described and empirically verified. This study examines the moral reasoning level of 111 adult men, 66% African-American, court-ordered into treatment for domestic violence offenses. Results indicate that the entire sample of batterers was employing a level of moral reasoning significantly lower than adults in general, and subgroup comparisons revealed no significant differences between African-American participants and Caucasian participants on level of moral reasoning. Although this study was descriptive, such findings indicate that moral development may offer an integrative theoretical framework from which a culturally relevant approach to intervention with batterers may be developed.
Characterization of serine proteases of Lumbriculus variegatus and their role in regeneration

Serine proteases, ubiquitous enzymes known to function in digestion and immune protection in both vertebrates and invertebrates and implicated in regeneration in some species, were investigated in the California blackworm, Lumbriculus variegatus. Several serine proteases, rather than a single enzyme with broad specificity, were present in tissue extracts from the worms. Extracts were treated with a fluorescein-labeled peptide chloromethyl ketone that specifically binds to trypsin/thrombin-like proteases. Denaturing gel electrophoresis of labeled extracts showed several serine proteases with their molecular weight ranging 28,000–38,000 daltons. The trypsin/thrombin-like activity was localized, using the fluorescein-conjugated reagent, to the pharynx and digestive tract of L. variegatus. Movement of cells labeled by the reagent into regenerating tissues suggests that some differentiated endodermal tissues were used for reformation of digestive structures during regeneration in L. variegatus. The types of serine proteases in the extracts were further characterized by inhibitor studies. Presence of plasmin-like activity was indicated by degradation of fibrin by tissue homogenates from the worms and the inhibitory effect of aprotinin on enzymes in these extracts. The ability of L. variegatus extracts to generate clots when incubated with rabbit plasma and partial inhibition of extract activity by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and hirudin indicated presence of thrombin-like activity. Consistent with the detection of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and plasmin-like enzymes in the extracts was partial inhibition of L. variegatus serine protease activity by aminoethyl benzenesulfonyl fluoride and soybean trypsin inhibitor. Selective inhibition of chymotrypsin-like activity by N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone and chymostatin as well as trypsin-like activity by N-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone was observed. A potential role during regeneration for serine proteases is suggested by blockage of formation of head and tail structures by aminoethyl benzenesulfonyl fluoride, an inhibitor of these proteases.
Effects of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on Rat GABAA and Strychnine-sensitive Glycine Receptors Expressed by Lateral/ Basolateral Amygdala Neurons

It is well known that the anxiolytic potential of ethanol is maintained during chronic exposure. We have confirmed this using a light-dark box paradigm following chronic ethanol ingestion via a liquid diet. However, cessation from chronic ethanol exposure is known to cause severe withdrawal anxiety. These opposing effects on anxiety likely result from neuro-adaptations of neurotransmitter systems within the brain regions regulating anxiety. Recent work highlights the importance of amygdala ligand-gated chloride channels in the expression of anxiety. We have therefore examined the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on GABAA and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors expressed by acutely isolated adult rat lateral/basolateral amygdala neurons. Chronic ethanol exposure increased the functional expression of GABAA receptors in acutely isolated basolateral amygdala neurons without altering strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. Neither the acute ethanol nor benzodiazepine sensitivity of either receptor system was affected. We explored the likelihood that subunit composition might influence each receptor’s response to chronic ethanol. Importantly, when expressed in a mammalian heterologous system, GABAA receptors composed of unique α subunits were differentially sensitive to acute ethanol. Likewise, the presence of the β subunit appeared to influence the acute ethanol sensitivity of glycine receptors containing the α2 subunit. Our results suggest that the facilitation of GABAA receptors during chronic ethanol exposure may help explain the maintenance of ethanol’s anti-anxiety effects during chronic ethanol exposure. Furthermore, the subunit composition of GABAA and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors may ultimately influence the response of each system to chronic ethanol exposure.
Parallel model representations

Abstract Most mathematical programming models and knowledge-based systems in optimization from exist in various representations; however, the user is frequently not aware of this. For example, a model which is developed with a knowledge-based system such as the PM system of Krishnan (1988) will have several representations in Prolog and then will be translated into another representation in Structured Modeling before it is solved. Also, a model which is developed in the GAMS language will be translated into an MPS input form internally before the problem is passed to a solver such as MINOS. The results from MINOS are then passed back to GAMS and the user sees the results in the style of the GAMS representation of the model. This could be called a vertical set of model representations since the user can modify only one representation and the models are passed down directly to the solver. This paper argues that in considering knowledge-based systems with optimization we should begin to employ a set of parallel model representations, any one of which the user can see and modify. These can be called horizontal model representations. For example, a given model might be represented in graphical, knowledge base, modeling language, and mathematical forms. The user would be able to modify any of these versions and have the other representations altered automatically to reflect the changes.
Does Computed Tomographic Assessment of Inferior Alveolar Canal Cortical Integrity Predict Nerve Exposure During Third Molar Surgery

Purpose To evaluate the association between computed tomographic (CT) assessment of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal cortical integrity and intraoperative IAN exposure. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. The study sample included patients considered at high risk for IAN injury based on panoramic findings. The primary predictor variable was IAN canal integrity (intact or interrupted) assessed on coronal CT images. The secondary predictor variable was length of the cortical defect, in millimeters. The primary outcome variable was intraoperative visualization of the IAN. Other variables were demographic and operative parameters. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the unadjusted and adjusted associations between the cortical integrity and IAN exposure. Diagnostic test characteristics were computed for cortical integrity and threshold cortical defect size. A P value ≤0.05 was statistically significant. Results The sample consisted of 51 subjects (57% female) with a mean age of 35.2 ± 12.8 years. Of the 80 third molars available for evaluation, 52 third molars (64.1%) had evidence of loss of cortical integrity. The mean cortical defect length was 2.9 ± 2.6 mm. Loss of cortical integrity had a high sensitivity (≥0.88) but low specificity (≤0.49) as a diagnostic test for IAN visualization. A cortical defect size ≥3 mm was associated with an increased risk for intraoperative IAN visualization with a high sensitivity and specificity (≥0.82). Conclusion Cortical defect size on a maxillofacial CT has a high sensitivity and specificity for predicting intraoperative IAN exposure during third molar removal.
Comparing low-pressure and high-pressure fogging systems in naturally ventilated greenhouses

The cooling performance of a low-pressure (405 kPa working pressure) and a high-pressure fogging system (6.89 MPa) was evaluated. Experiments were conducted in two empty, naturally ventilated greenhouses under summer conditions for a period of about two months. One greenhouse was used as the treatment greenhouse (fogged house) and another was used as the control house (un-fogged house). Cooling efficiency was defined by the ratio of the temperature difference between the un-fogged and fogged greenhouses to the difference between the temperature in un-fogged house and the wet-bulb temperature in the fogged greenhouse. Evaporation efficiency was defined as the ratio of fog evaporation rate to spray rate. Cooling efficiency and evaporation efficiency were compared for the low-pressure and high-pressure systems after accounting for differences in weather conditions under which the two systems were operated. It is suggested that on average evaporation efficiency for the high-pressure system was at least 64% greater than the low-pressure system; cooling efficiency for the high-pressure system was at least 28% greater than for the low-pressure system.
Consistency of parity-violating pion-nucleon couplings extracted from measurements in 18 F and 133 Cs

The recent measurement of the nuclear anapole moment of ${}^{133}$Cs has been interpreted to yield a value of the weak pion-nucleon coupling ${H}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{1}$ which contradicts the upper limit from the ${}^{18}$F experiments. We argue that because of the sensitivity of the anapole moment to ${H}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$ in the odd proton nucleus ${}^{133}$Cs, there is a combination of weak meson-nucleon couplings which satisfies both experiments and which is (barely) in agreement with theory. In addition, the anapole moment measurement in ${}^{205}$Tl gives a constraint which is inconsistent with the value from ${}^{133}$Cs, calling into question the theory of nuclear anapole moments. We argue that measurements of directional asymmetry in $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{n}+\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{p}d+\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and in the photodisintegration of the deuteron by circularly polarized photons, combined with results from $\mathrm{pp}$ scattering, would determine ${H}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{1}$ and several other weak meson-nucleon couplings in a model-independent way.
A modified empirical mode decomposition (EMD) process for oscillation characterization in control loops

This paper focuses on a new method for characterizing oscillations in measurements from control loops in chemical processes. The proposed method uses a modified empirical mode decomposition (EMD) process to uncover all the zero-crossings in the data. It is shown that this procedure characterizes the following attributes of the oscillations: (i) non-constant mean, (ii) time instances when the oscillations are present, (iii) strength of the oscillations at different times, (iv) time period of each sweep of oscillation. The proposed approach is tested on more than 150 industrial control loop data and results obtained for 10 loops are discussed. The utility of the characterization approach in the area of oscillation analysis is also discussed.
Posthoc phosphorylation of proteins derived from ischemic rat hippocampus, striatum and neocortex.

Abstract Disruption of the brain's protein phosphorylation system by ischemia may cause irreversible metabolic and structural alterations leading eventually to cell death. To examine the effect of ischemia on the phosphorylation state of brain proteins, tissue homogenates derived from the hippocampus, striatum and neocortex of normal rats and rats subjected to severe forebrain ischemia were phosphorylated with [γ-32P]ATP. The phosphorylated proteibs were separated by two-dimensional polacrylamide gel electrophoresis and changes were assessed by autoradiography. Cerebral ischemia caused marked alterations of the phosphorylation state of many brain proteins; phosphorylation of some proteins was increased while phosphorylation of others was decreased. Despite differences in the sensitivity of the hippocampus, striatum and neocortex to ischemic injury the direction and approximate magnitude of protein phosphorylation changes caused by ischemia were similar in all three regions. Since the pattern of protein phosphorylation in the ischemia-vulnerable hippocampus was identical to that in the ischemia-resistant paramedian neocortex we conclude that abnormalities of protein phosphorylation may be necessary for ischemic injury to neurons but none are sufficient to explain the selective vulnerability of certain brain regions to ischemic damage.
Evaluation of Erratic Maneuvers Associated with Installation of Rumble Strips

An important consideration for any traffic control device is drivers' responses to the installation of that device. One way to measure driver response or driver behavior is to study erratic maneuvers. Erratic maneuvers demonstrate confusion or surprise experienced by the driver and can possibly compromise road safety. It is especially important to understand drivers' responses to traffic control devices like rumble strips, which are designed to improve safety. In this paper, both erratic and avoiding maneuvers are investigated for three rumble strip configurations: transverse (or in-lane), centerline, and edge line (shoulder rumble strips placed directly on the marked edge line). Erratic maneuvers can include hard braking, swerving, rapid alignment or lane shifting, correcting the trajectory in the wrong direction (i.e., further onto the shoulder or into an opposing travel lane), or losing vehicular control. Avoiding maneuvers can include less severe but more frequent movements, like straddling or shiftin...
Single channel recordings from calcium-activated potassium channels in cultured rat muscle

Single channel recordings from cultured rat skeletal muscle have revealed a large conductance (230 pS) channel with a high selectivity for K+ over Na+. In excised patches of membrane, the probability of channel opening is sensitive to micromolar concentrations of calcium ions at the intracellular surface of the patch. Channel openings appear grouped together into bursts whose duration increases with Ca2+ and membrane depolarization. Statistical analysis of the individual open times during each burst showed that there are two distinct open states of similar conductance but dissimilar average lifetimes. These channels might contribute to a macroscopic calcium-activated potassium conductance in rat skeletal muscle and other preparations.
Bacterial protein AvrA stabilizes intestinal epithelial tight junctions via blockage of the C-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway.

The Salmonella type III secretory system secretes virulence proteins, called effectors. Effectors are responsible for the alteration of tight junctions (TJ) and epithelial functions in intestinal infection and inflammation. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that a bacterial effector AvrA plays a role in stabilizing TJs and balancing the opposing action of other bacterial effectors. However, the molecular mechanisms by which AvrA-modulates TJ protein expression remain unknown. AvrA possesses acetyltransferase activity toward specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs) and potently inhibits the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in inflammation. Inhibition of the JNK pathway is known to inhibit the TJ protein disassemble. Therefore, we hypothesize that AvrA stabilizes intestinal epithelial TJs via c-Jun and JNK pathway blockage. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we showed that AvrA targets the c-Jun and JNK pathway that in turn stabilizes TJ protein ZO-1. Inhibition of JNK ab...
Serum azide-resistant ferroxidase activity.

Abstract The azide-resistant ferroxidase activity of fresh, undialyzed human serum, either normal or from patients with Wilson's disease, can be accounted for by citrate and by the incomplete inhibition of ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity in 1 mM concentrations of NaN3. Prolonged dialysis of serum at pH 5.5 resulted in the development of appreciable ferroxidase activity when the dialyzed serum was assayed at pH 6.0 in acetate buffer. This activity could not be accounted for by either citrate or ceruloplasmin and corresponds to the ferroxidase II activity reported by others. Since this activity was not detected in human serum under physiologic conditions and its activity was a function of the pH, duration and temperature of dialysis, its physiologic role in iron metabolism has not been established.
Site-Specific Labeling of DNA and RNA Using an Efficiently Replicated and Transcribed Class of Unnatural Base Pairs

Site-specific labeling of enzymatically synthesized DNA or RNA has many potential uses in basic and applied research, ranging from facilitating biophysical studies to the in vitro evolution of functional nucleic acids and the construction of various nanomaterials and biosensors. As part of our efforts to expand the genetic alphabet, we have developed a class of unnatural base pairs, exemplified by d5SICS-dMMO2 and d5SICS-dNaM, which are efficiently replicated and transcribed, and which may be ideal for the site-specific labeling of DNA and RNA. Here, we report the synthesis and analysis of the ribo- and deoxyribo-variants, (d)5SICS and (d)MMO2, modified with free or protected propargylamine linkers that allow for the site-specific modification of DNA or RNA during or after enzymatic synthesis. We also synthesized and evaluated the α-phosphorothioate variant of d5SICSTP, which provides a route to backbone thiolation and an additional strategy for the postamplification site-specific labeling of DNA. The deo...
The Academic Library as a Full-Service Information Center.

The Information Center (IC) evolved to take control of technology, to integrate the library's growing collection of networked resources with its service mission, to build a team of personnel committed to the success of the IC, and to integrate assessment into the cycle of change at the Mansfield Library.
Characteristics of O(I) and N(I) resonance line broadening in low pressure helium discharge lamps

Abstract O(I) (130 nm) and N(I) (120 nm) resonance line broadening in a variety of rf- and microwave- excited low-pressure helium discharge lamps of the type used in laboratory and atmospheric experiments has been characterized by a line-absorption-titration technique. A line-absorption model with variable emission line width is used to fit experimentally observed absorptions of ground state O and N produced in a discharge-flow apparatus where the concentrations of the absorbing atoms are indepedently determined by chemical titration. The observed broadening is in general non-thermal and the effect is more pronounced for the O(I) lamps, for which the degree of line broadening increases with decreasing lamp pressure and discharge power. The O(I) results are interpreted in terms of an excitation mechanism which includes electron-impact excitation of O and dissociative excitation of O2 by helium metastables.
Thermo-Viscoplastic Modeling of Machining Process Using a Mixed Finite Element Method

This paper considers a thermo-viscoplastic model of the steady state orthogonal machining process by using a three-field mixed finite element method based on the Hu-Washizu variational principle. Assuming a trial chip geometry, work and tool material properties, and cutting conditions (cutting speed, feed rate and rake angle), detailed information on the state of the stresses, deformation, and temperature distributions in the workpiece and tool are obtained. This approach is shown to satisfy the nontrivial stress boundary condition better than the machining model that is based on the compatible displacement finite element method. The heat generated due to the plastic deformation, to the friction, and the heat conducted into the tool are calculated. The effects of the heat conduction and friction on the temperature field are studied. The isothermal machining case is also considered to study the thermal effect on the machining process. Numerical results are given for the aluminum 6061 alloy and pure titanium under several cutting conditions.
The magical number 4 in vision

Some of the evidence for a “magical number 4” has come from the study of visual cognition, and Cowan reinterprets such evidence in terms of a single general limit on memory and attention. We evaluate this evidence, including some studies not mentioned by Cowan, and argue that limitations in visual processing are distinct from those involved in other memory phenomena.
Characterization of Prolactin-Releasing Factor in the Rat Posterior Pituitary

We previously reported that the rat posterior pituitary contains a potent PRL-releasing factor (PRF) which is distinct from oxytocin (OT), TRH, and angiotensin II (All). The objectives of this study were 1) to examine whether posterior pituitary extracts stimulate PRL release in the presence of dopamine (DA), 2) to determine the chemical nature of PRF, and 3) to estimate its mol wt. Perifused anterior pituitary cells were used to assess PRF activity. Posterior pituitaries and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) fragments were extracted with perchloric acid and lyophilized. Subsequent to various treatments, samples were reconstituted in the perifusion medium and introduced to the cells in short pulses. Fractions were collected and analyzed for hormone content by RIA. During a constant infusion of DA (50 nM), PRL secretion was inhibited by 75%, yet the posterior pituitary extract retained its ability to rapidly stimulate PRL release. Studies using proteolytic enzymes showed that posterior pituitary PRF was resi...
Four-mirror anastigmats, part 1: a complete solution set for all-spherical telescopic systems

The concept of the simplest possible reflecting anastigmat is discussed, and anastigmats consisting of four spherical mirrors are introduced in this context as being the last remaining family for which the solution set has not been thoroughly explored. Burch's “plate diagram” method is introduced and used to derive a closed-form analytical solution for four-spherical-mirror anastigmatic telescope systems. This solution is then applied to mapping the solution space for four-spherical-mirror anastigmats. Two novel systems are revealed that represent the first published instances of axially symmetrical, all-spherical anastigmatic reflecting telescope designs with concave primary mirrors. Due to the completeness of the analytic description of the solution set, it also can be stated that there are no other design variants for this class of system.
Computer-aided modeling and planning (CAMP)

Many planning methods are based on mathematical modeling. A multitude of computer aids covers different facets of the planning activity: data management, linear programming, statistical analysis, graphics, and word processing. However, the diversity and complexity of the available software inhibit the widespread use of computers for planning.The integrated Computer-Aided Modeling and Planning (CAMP) system offers a simple and coherent tool for the planner. A Data Definition Language provides the means for building data banks; a Model Definition Language provides the means for defining mathematical models featuring abstract linear programming, advanced array arithmetics, and assertions; a Picture Definition Language facilitates formation of tables and diagrams; a Text Definition Language combines word processing with illustrations of modeling results. The man-machine interface is based on interactive panels for controlling the planning process and on a command language for analyzing modeling results. A multilingual capability allows selection of the national language for interfacing with the system.The architecture of CAMP is presented, and its design, implementation, and use in regional planning are discussed.
Memory Size Computation for Real-Time Multimedia Applications Based on Polyhedral Decomposition*An abbreviated version of this paper was presented at ASP-DAC 2006 [18]. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nr. 0133318.

In real-time multimedia processing systems a very large part of the power consumption is due to the data storage and data transfer. Moreover, the area cost is often largely dominated by the memory modules. In deriving an optimized (for area and/or power) memory architecture, memory size computation is an important step in the exploration of the possible algorithmic specifications of multimedia applications. This paper presents a novel non-scalar approach for computing exactly the memory size in real-time multimedia algorithms. This methodology uses both algebraic techniques specific to the data-flow analysis used in modern compilers and, also, more recent advances in the theory of polyhedra. In contrast with all the previous works which are only estimation methods, this approach performs exact memory computations even for applications significantly large in terms of the code size, number of scalars, and number of array references.