cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaizen costing for lean manufacturing: a case study

In the past decade due to increasing global competition US firms have radically changed their manufacturing practices to improve their competitiveness. In pursuing this goal they have adopted a number of advanced techniques, such as just-in-time, total quality management, lean manufacturing, flexible manufacturing systems, process improvement, and design for manufacturability, to name a few. The objectives of all these programmes have been to reduce cost, improve quality, reduce cycle time, and increase flexibility on the factory floor. Support systems such as finance and cost management, however, have generally not kept pace with the level of corresponding operational changes being implemented. This paper presents a case study of kaizen costing as practised by Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, IRC Division. The purpose of this study is to describe a method used to set kaizen costs which will provide relevant cost data to support lean production decisions that would be useful to practitioners.
Comparison between optical interconnection processors: folded perfect-shuffle versus three-dimensional butterfly

Abstract The differences between folded perfect shuffle and three-dimensional (3-D) multi-channel butterfly optical interconnection architectures are quantified. The three-dimensional butterfly network, in particular, is used to implement Hartley transform operation.
Effect of Increased Extracellular Ca++ on Microvesicle Production and Tumor Spheroid Formation

Research on the composition of the tumor micro-environment has demonstrated that membrane delimited microvesicles are shed from many types of malignant tumors, in the peripheral blood of cancer patients as well as in culture media of tumor cells propagated in vitro (Ginestra et al. Anticancer Res 18:3433–3437, 1998). Their documented effects involve the activation of signal transduction pathways by cellular cross-talk that are associated with epigenetic mechanisms that may be important in tumor progression, metastasis, and the activation of angiogenesis (Distler et al. Arthritis Rheum 52:3337–3348, 2005). Live cell imaging microscopic studies conducted in our laboratory of the formation of solid tumor spheroids in vitro show that the shedding of microvesicular structures from tumor cells occurs during this process. The observed properties of the tumor microvesicles suggest a role in solid tumor formation and intercellular communication. The tumor associated microvesicles were shown to be non-apoptotic based on the absence of fluorescent nuclear staining by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Increased concentration of extracellular Ca++ [5–20 mM] resulted in an increase in the production of tumor-derived microvesicles and also to result in the formation of tumor spheroids whose size was considerably smaller than controls. Increased extracellular [Ca++] was also observed to induce the rapid dissociation of solid tumor spheroids to smaller cell aggregates in the absence of significant apoptosis.
Environmentally friendly organic synthesis using bismuth compounds. Bismuth(III) bromide catalyzed synthesis of substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives

Abstract The bismuth bromide catalyzed synthesis of a range of substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives via a three component coupling reaction between substituted anilines and enol ethers is reported. Bismuth compounds are attractive for use as catalysts because of their remarkably low toxicity. Bismuth bromide is relatively inexpensive and easy to handle, and hence preferable to other corrosive catalysts previously used for synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives.
Ability of whole-genome SNP arrays to capture 'must have' pharmacogenomic variants.

Eric J Peters1,2 1UNC Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA 2Current address: Illumina, Inc. 9865 Towne Centre Dr, San Diego, CA 92121 Howard L McLeod1† †Author for correspondence: 1UNC Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA Tel.: +1 919 966 0512 Fax: +1 919 966 0644 hmcleod@unc.edu Ability of whole-genome SNP arrays to capture ‘must have’ pharmacogenomic variants
Copper—LIX 84 Extraction Equilibrium

Extraction of copper from water using LIX 84 extractant was investigated. Binary equilibrium data are reported and predictive models have been developed. With a simple, concentration-based equilibrium model, an equilibrium constant of 3.9 was obtained. This model is adequate when no acid is present in the aqueous phase. As the acidity of the aqueous phase increases, nonideality becomes significant and needs to be considered to predict extraction equilibrium properly. Our second model incorporates activities and major ionic reactions for the aqueous phase species; nonideality of the aqueous phase is successfully modeled. Nonideality of the organic phase is lumped into a concentration-dependent equilibrium constant. Equilibrium constants of 27.2, 13.1, and 6.2 were obtained for 5, 10, and 20 v/v% LIX 84 in tetradecane, respectively. This model can effectively predict the extraction equilibrium over a wide range of pH.
On the crystal structure of the chlorides of certain bivalent elements

In 1925 Bruni and Ferrari (1) reported that the lines on a powder photograph of the hexagonal crystal MgCl2 could be accounted for on the basis of a rhombohedral (pseudocubic) unit of structure with a = 5.08 A and α = 90° containing 2 MgCl2. Later they announced (2) that ZnCl2, CdCl2, and MnCl2 have the same structure, with values of α a few degrees larger than 90°. Ferrari (3) then added CoCl2 and NiCl2 to the group; certain weak lines occurring on the powder photographs of these substances require the value of a to be doubled, giving a rhombohedral unit with α = 90° and a = 10.02 A and 10.00 A, respectively, containing 16 M++Cl2. Goldschmidt (4) has also reported that unpublished powder photographic data obtained by Oftedal in his laboratory show that RuCl2, RhCl2, PdCl2, IrCl2, and PtCl2 are to be assigned the same structure as NiCl2.
Investigating Improper Lane Changes: Driver Performance Contributing to Lane Change Near-Crashes

We investigated the contributing factors that led to the lane change near-crashes recorded in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study using a case-crossover experimental design. Drivers' visual behavior and vehicle control were compared across a sample of lane change near-crashes and matched baselines. Baseline lane changes were sampled if they occurred prior to the near-crash, had a similar maneuver as the near-crash (including direction and speed), occurred within ± 2 hours from the time of day, occurred in similar light conditions, occurred on a similar day of the week (weekday vs. weekend), occurred on a road that had a similar number of lanes, had a similar placement of surrounding vehicles, and were made by the same driver. A total of 18 lane change near-crashes and 33 baseline lane changes were identified. Left lane change near-crashes appear to have resulted in part because drivers tended to slow down at the start of the maneuver and were less likely to use their rearview mirror. Right lane change near-crashes appeared to have occurred because of more aggressive maneuvering, infrequent turn signal use, and because drivers were less likely to look over their shoulder. Deficiencies in judging the distance and approach rate to adjacent vehicles, as well as circumstances in the environment, may also have played a contributing role. Language: en
RF pulses for in vivo spectroscopy at high field designed under conditions of limited power using optimal control.

Abstract Localized in vivo spectroscopy at high magnetic field strength (>3 T) is susceptible to localization artifacts such as the chemical shift artifact and the spatial interference artifact for J-coupled spins. This latter artifact results in regions of anomalous phase for J-coupled spins. These artifacts are exacerbated at high magnetic field due to the increased frequency dispersion, coupled with the limited RF pulse bandwidths used for localization. Approaches to minimize these artifacts include increasing the bandwidth of the frequency selective excitation pulses, and the use of frequency selective saturation pulses to suppress the signals in the regions with anomalous phase. The goal of this article is to demonstrate the efficacy of optimal control methods to provide broader bandwidth frequency selective pulses for in vivo spectroscopy in the presence of limited RF power. It is demonstrated by examples that the use of optimal control methods enable the generation of (i) improved bandwidth selective excitation pulses, (ii) more efficient selective inversion pulses to be used for generation of spin echoes, and (iii) improved frequency selective saturation pulses. While optimal control also allows for the generation of frequency selective spin echo pulses, it is argued that it is more efficient to use dual inversion pulses for broadband generation of spin echoes. Finally, the optimal control routines and example RF pulses are made available for downloading.
Total Synthesis of Vancomycin—Part 1: Design and Development of Methodology

A number of valuable new synthetic strategies, such as the triazene-driven biaryl ether synthesis, have been developed during the total synthesis of vancomycin (1). Modern catalytic asymmetric reactions were employed for the construction of the required amino acid building blocks, which were then assembled to the appropriate peptide fragments, whose cyclization in the order C-O-D→AB/C-O-D→AB/C-O-D-E led to framework of the vancomycin aglycon (2). Sequential attachment of the required sugar moieties onto a suitably protected aglycon derivative, followed by deprotection, allowed the stereoselective total synthesis of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin (1).
Causes of hemolysis in neonates with extreme hyperbilirubinemia.

We instituted a quality improvement process to enhance our capacity to diagnose genetic hemolytic conditions in neonates with extreme hyperbilirubinemia. During a 1-year period, whenever the total serum bilirubin (TSB) was >25 mg dl−1 a special evaluation was perfomed. If we deemed an erythrocyte membrane defect likely, based on red blood cell morphology, EMA-flow cytometry was performed. Otherwise ‘next-generation’ sequencing was performed using a panel of genes involved in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Ten neonates had a TSB ⩾25 mg dl−1. Two others were evaluated as part of this process at the request of their attending neonatologists, because each had a TSB >14 mg dl−1 in the first hours after birth and required phototherapy for ⩾1 week. Explanations for the jaundice were found in all 12 neonates. Five had hereditary spherocytosis, three of which also had ABO hemolytic disease. Two had pyruvate kinase deficiency. One had severe G6PD deficiency. The other four had ABO hemolytic disease. On the basis of the present small case series, we suggest that among neonates with extreme hyperbilirubinemia, it can be productive to pursue a genetic basis for hemolytic disease.
Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for MRI-monitored sorafenib transarterial chemoembolization in a rabbit VX2 model

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres for MRImonitored sorafenib transarterial chemoembolization in a rabbit VX2 model J. Chen, S.B. White, K.R. Harris, R.J. Lewandowski, L. Shea, A.C. Larson; Radiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Comment on: An intermolecular potential for nitrogen from a multi-property analysis

A paper by Cappelletti et al. (1998, Molec. Phys. 93, 485) utilizes classical trajectory effective cross-sections to predict the rotational collision number for nitrogen gas. It is suggested that use of the rotational heat capacity, rather than the total internal heat capacity, will give a more meaningful conversion of the cross-sections into relaxation time. In addition, an error in the formula for first-order collision number is corrected.
2000-hour cyclic endurance test of a laboratory model multipropellant resistojet

The technological readiness of a long-life multipropellant resistojet for space station auxiliary propulsion is demonstrated. A laboratory model resistojet made from grain-stabilized platinum served as a test bed to evaluate the design characteristics, fabrication methods, and operating strategies for an engineering model multipropellant resistojet developed under contract by the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International and Technion Incorporated. The laboratory model thruster was subjected to a 2000-hr, 2400-thermal-cycle endurance test using carbon dioxide propellant. Maximum thruster temperatures were approximately 1400 C. The post-test analyses of the laboratory model thruster included an investigation of component microstructures. Significant observations from the laboratory model thruster are discussed as they relate to the design of the engineering model thruster.
Study of fast capillary discharge plasma columns for soft x-ray amplifiers

soft-x-ray laser research conducted at highpower laser facilities, often of the type employed in inertial confinement fusion research, has both increased thepower and extended the wavelength range covered by soft-x-ray lasers. However, the widespread utilization ofsoft-x-ray lasers in a number of important applications remains largely inhibited by the size, cost and complexityof these laser sources. Recently, significant efforts have been devoted to the utilization of smaller laser driversin the development of small soft-x-ray lasers based on both collisional excitations and recombination laserschemes4, and gain-length products of up to 2.5 have been reported. Several schemes that utilize relativelycompact ultrashort pulse pumping lasers, with power in the vicinity of the terawatt, to directly excite the lasingmedium, or to photopump it following the conversion into x-rays, have also been proposed or are currently underinvestigation'°.As an alternative route to compact, efficient and simpler soft-x-ray lasers we have proposed the direct
Rat neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α7 subunit: pharmacological properties of ligand binding and function

To compare pharmacological properties of heterologously expressed homomeric α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) with those of native nAChRs containing α7 subunit (α7* nAChRs) in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex. We established a stably transfected HEK-293 cell line that expresses homomeric rat α7 nAChRs. We studies ligand binding profiles and functional properties of nAChRs expressed in this cell line and native rat α7* nAChRs in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex. We used [125I]-α-bungarotoxin to compare ligand binding profiles in these cells with those in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The functional properties of the α7 nAChRs expressed in this cell line were studied using whole-cell current recording. The newly established cell line, KXα7R1, expresses homomeric α7 nAChRs that bind [125I]-α-bungarotoxin with a Kd value of 0.38±0.06 nmol/L, similar to Kd values of native rat α7* nAChRs from hippocampus (Kd=0.28±0.03 nmol/L) and cerebral cortex (Kd=0.33±0.05 nmol/L). Using whole-cell current recording, the homomeric α7 nAChRs expressed in the cells were activated by acetylcholine and (−)-nicotine with EC50 values of 280±19 μmol/L and 180±40 μmol/L, respectively. The acetylcholine activated currents were potently blocked by two selective antagonists of α7 nAChRs, α-bungarotoxin (IC50=19±2 nmol/L) and methyllycaconitine (IC50=100±10 pmol/L). A comparative study of ligand binding profiles, using 13 nicotinic ligands, showed many similarities between the homomeric α7 nAChRs and native α7* receptors in rat brain, but it also revealed several notable differences. This newly established stable cell line should be very useful for studying the properties of homomeric α7 nAChRs and comparing these properties to native α7* nAChRs.
Social and contextual factors of play behavior in sub-adult rhesus monkeys

This is a report of an observational study designed to examine some factors on the development of play behavior in yearling and juvenileMacaca mulatta within a simulated natural community. Social factors—Dominance, Gender, and Age—had a large influence on the quality and quantity of the play behavior exhibited by the subjects. In addition Age appeared to influence the effects of both Gender and Dominance. Three contextual factors—Temperature, Activity, and Vocalization—also had an effect on play behavior. No relationship however was found for the fourth contextual factor, Cloud Cover.
Variation in Furanocoumarin Content and New Furanocoumarin Dimers in Commercial Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) Juices

CT CT CT: Grapefruit ( uit ( uit ( uit ( uit (Citrus par itrus par itrus par itrus par itrus paradisi M tent of 6,7-dihydroxyber xyber xyber xybergamottin r gamottin r gamottin r gamottin r gamottin ranged fr anged fr anged fr anged fr anged from 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and av om 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and av om 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and av om 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and av om 0.2 to 7.7 ppm in all juices tested, and averaged 1.8
Using Directional Antenna to Realize Multi-Relay MAC for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

IEEE 802.11 PHY layer protocol supports multiple data transmission rates which is a tradeoff between channel capacity and bit error rate. Several MAC layer protocols have been proposed to accommodate this multi-rate feature. However, those protocols either just considered how to exploit channel condition of the direct link from the sender to the receiver, or just studied how to using a single relay node to realize MAC layer relay. In this paper, we propose a multi-relay enabled MAC protocol by introducing directional antenna to further enhance the performance of MAC relay. With the aid of directional antenna, the proposed protocol can realize pipelined data transmission throughout the relay process. The simulation results show that the proposed protocol significantly improves the performance in terms of both throughput and packet delay.
Younger Asthmatics Are Less Likely to Receive Inhaled Corticosteroids and Asthma Education After Admission for Exacerbation

Background: Recommended care prior to discharge from an asthma hospitalization includes prescribing controller medications, providing asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment. Objective:To identify factors associated with receipt of recommended preventive care among children hospitalized for asthma. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients 2-18 years with primary diagnosis of asthma admitted to MUSC Children’s Hospital in 2005. Gender, race, age (2-6 yrs v. 7-18 yrs), primary payer, and season of admission were recorded. Outcome variables were: prescription for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), asthma education, and scheduling a follow-up appointment. Results: Of the 146 subjects analyzed, 59% were male, 69% non-white, 64% 2-6 years old, 73% Medicaid/other, and 66% were admitted between Oct-March. 73% were prescribed ICS, 71% got asthma education, and 66% had a follow-up appointment scheduled. Bivariate analyses showed that 2-6 year olds were less likely to get ICS (65% v. 88% p < .01)...
Are arterial blood gases necessary in the evaluation of acutely dyspneic patients

Arterial blood gases (ABG) are obtained commonly in dyspneic persons presenting to emergency departments. The study by Burri and colleagues found that the information contained in ABG fails to distinguish between pulmonary and other causes of dyspnea. On the other hand, arterial pH was highly predictive of ICU admission and outcome. Until large clinical studies show equivalence between peripheral venous and ABG, we will continue to advocate the use of ABG in the evaluation of acute dyspnea.
Role of fine-needle aspiration cytology in breast lymphoma.

Lymphomas of the breast are rare and may mimic carcinoma clinically. We investigated the ability of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy combined with adjunctive flow cytometry (FC), immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM), and immunocytochemistry (ICH) to diagnose and eventually subclassify lymphomas of the breast according to the Revised European American Lymphoma/World Health Organization classification. We retrieved 21 breast aspirates from 19 patients with a cytologic diagnosis of lymphoma or plasmacytoma over a 10-year period (1992–2002), excluding 98 benign intramammary lymph nodes and 1 atypical lymphohistiocytic proliferation (Rosai Dorfman disease). FC was performed in 15/21 aspirates, IFM in 1/21, ICH in 3/21. Histologic follow-up (HF) was obtained for 10 patients, most of them with primary lymphoma. For the remaining nine patients without HF, flow cytometric analysis, comparative morphology, or remission after chemotherapy regimens supported the cytologic diagnosis. Of 19 patients, 11 patients had a secondary lymphoma (SL) and 8 patients had a primary lymphoma (PL). FNA and FC/IFM/ICH classified 7/8 PLs as B-cell lymphomas and 1/8 PLs as plasmacytoma. However, FNA could only subclassify 3 of 8 PLs. FNA and/or FC subclassified accurately 10/11 SLs. All cases were accurately immunophenotyped as B-, T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas or plasmacytoma. World Health Organization classification was achieved in 3/8 PLs (42%) and 10/11 SLs (91%; P = 0.04). Subclassification (which has an impact on long-term management and prognosis) was significantly better in SL, when a previous histologic diagnosis had already been made, when compared to PL, of which 5/8 cases (62.5%) could not be accurately classified. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:332–340. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
International Diffusion of Agrarian Technology

Improved techniques of production have been an important part of the history of agricultural change in all modern economies. The search for policies to bring about the rapid introduction of improved techniques of production in traditional or less developed agricultural sectors has been a central focus of development agencies for the past two decades. It has proven to be a very difficult task, however, to develop policies which actually achieve the transfer of new techniques. The record of success in development efforts towards this end in agriculture has been, on the whole, rather poor.
Sensorless speed measurement using current harmonic spectral estimation in induction machine drives

This paper proposes a sensorless speed measurement scheme which improves the performance of transducerless induction machine drives, especially for low frequency operation. Speed-related harmonics which arise from rotor slotting and eccentricity are analyzed using digital signal processing. These current harmonics exist at any nonzero speed and are independent of time-varying parameters such as stator winding resistance. A spectral estimation technique combines multiple current harmonics to determine the rotor speed with more accuracy and less sensitivity to noise than analog filtering methods or the fast Fourier transform. An on-line initialization routine determines machine-specific parameters required for slot harmonic calculations. This speed detector, which has been verified at frequencies as low as 1 Hz, can provide robust, parameter-independent information for parameter tuning or as an input to a sensorless flux observer for a field-oriented drive. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated over a wide range of inverter frequencies and load conditions. >
Developmental changes in glycosylation and targeting of lysosomal proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract Changes during the development of Dictyostelium discoideum , in the abundance, synthesis, and cell-type-specific distribution of modifications on N-linked oligosaccharides, were measured using specific affinity probes for N-linked moeities. Total proteins and individual lysosomal enzymes were reacted with three monoclonal antibodies raised against Dictyostelium proteins (recognizing epitopes containing mannose 6-sulfate, sulfated N-acetylglucosamine, and an undefined but unsulfated N-linked group, respectively), the mammalian 215-kDa phosphomannosyl receptor, and Con A. Independent and dramatic changes in the reaction of the antibodies and phosphomannosyl receptor with protein were observed during development, whereas modest changes were observed in Con A binding. The two sulfated antigens, but not the other moeities, were reduced preferentially in prestalk and mature stalk cells. The lysosomal enzyme β-glucosidase, which is synthesized late in development, binds poorly to the phosphomannosyl receptor and contains little of the three antigens. The subcellular transport of lysosomal enzymes also changes during development, as most are not targeted to lysosomes as is normal, but are secreted in precursor form.
A skip-list approach for efficiently processing forecasting queries

Time series data is common in many settings including scientific and financial applications. In these applications, the amount of data is often very large. We seek to support prediction queries over time series data. Prediction relies on model building which can be too expensive to be practical if it is based on a large number of data points. We propose to use statistical tests of hypotheses to choose a proper subset of data points to use for a given prediction query interval. This involves two steps: choosing a proper history length and choosing the number of data points to use within this history. Further, we use an I/O conscious skip list data structure to provide samples of the original data set. Based on the statistics collected for a query workload, which we model as a probability mass function (PMF) over query intervals, we devise a randomized algorithm that selects a set of pre-built models (PM's) to construct, subject to some maintenance cost constraint when there are updates. Given this set of PM's, we discuss interesting query processing strategies for not only point queries, but also range, aggregation, and JOIN queries. We conduct a comprehensive empirical study on real world datasets to verify the effectiveness of our approaches and algorithms.
Investigating Conformance Monitoring Issues in Air Traffic Control Using Fault Detection Techniques

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, February 2004.
W3Cl10(Hg2Cl2)2, A Reactive One-Dimensional Polymer of Triangular Tritungsten Clusters with Terminal and Intercluster-Bridging Mercurous Chloride Ligands: Main Group Metal Halide By-Products as Versatile Ligands in Reductive Synthesis of Early Transition Metal Halide Clusters

Solid-state reduction of WCl6 with Hg followed by incomplete sublimation of mercury chlorides generated the tritungsten decachloride—mercury chloride adducts W3Cl10(Hg2Cl2)2−x(HgCl2)x. Thermal equilibration of the solid-state products followed by sublimation of HgCl2 afforded single crystals that include the mercurous chloride adduct W3Cl10(Hg2Cl2)2. Single-crystal diffractometry revealed a one-dimensional polymer of tritungsten decachloride triangular clusters with novel terminal and inter-cluster-bridging ClHgHgCl ligands. The W3 cluster core has similar metrics to that of the benzyltriethylammonium salt of W3(μ3-Cl)(μ-Cl)3Cl9 3−. W3Cl10(Hg2Cl2)2 is the first reported adduct of the binary tungsten chloride W3Cl10. The ClHgHgCl ligands are more labile that the terminal chlorine atoms of W3(μ3-Cl)(μ-Cl)3Cl9 3−. These results demonstrate diverse roles and potential utility of main group element halide by-product ligands in solid-state reductions of transition metal halides.
The passive properties of muscle fibers are velocity dependent.

The passive properties of skeletal muscle play an important role in muscle function. While the passive quasi-static elastic properties of muscle fibers have been well characterized, the dynamic visco-elastic passive behavior of fibers has garnered less attention. In particular, it is unclear how the visco-elastic properties are influenced by lengthening velocity, in particular for the range of physiologically relevant velocities. The goals of this work were to: (i) measure the effects of lengthening velocity on the peak stresses within single muscle fibers to determine how passive behavior changes over a range of physiologically relevant lengthening rates (0.1–10Lo/s), and (ii) develop a mathematical model of fiber viscoelasticity based on these measurements. We found that passive properties depend on strain rate, in particular at the low loading rates (0.1–3Lo/s), and that the measured behavior can be predicted across a range of loading rates and time histories with a quasi-linear viscoelastic model. In the future, these results can be used to determine the impact of viscoelastic behavior on intramuscular stresses and forces during a variety of dynamic movements.
Controlling AAV Tropism in the Nervous System with Natural and Engineered Capsids

More than one hundred naturally occurring variants of adeno-associated virus (AAV) have been identified, and this library has been further expanded by an array of techniques for modification of the viral capsid. AAV capsid variants possess unique antigenic profiles and demonstrate distinct cellular tropisms driven by differences in receptor binding. AAV capsids can be chemically modified to alter tropism, can be produced as hybrid vectors that combine the properties of multiple serotypes, and can carry peptide insertions that introduce novel receptor-binding activity. Furthermore, directed evolution of shuffled genome libraries can identify engineered variants with unique properties, and rational modification of the viral capsid can alter tropism, reduce blockage by neutralizing antibodies, or enhance transduction efficiency. This large number of AAV variants and engineered capsids provides a varied toolkit for gene delivery to the CNS and retina, with specialized vectors available for many applications, but selecting a capsid variant from the array of available vectors can be difficult. This chapter describes the unique properties of a range of AAV variants and engineered capsids, and provides a guide for selecting the appropriate vector for specific applications in the CNS and retina.
Expression of high molecular weight tau in the central and peripheral nervous systems

Using a novel PCR approach, we have cloned a cDNA encoding the entire high molecular weight tau molecule from rat dorsal root ganglia. The resulting 2080 bp cDNA differs from low molecular weight rat brain tau by the insertion of a novel 762 bp region (exon 4a) between exons 4 and 5. This cDNA clone is identical in sequence with a high molecular weight tau (HMW) cDNA from rat PC12 tumor cells and is closely related to a HMW tau cDNA from mouse N115 tumor cells. In vitro transcription/translation produces a protein that migrates on SDS-PAGE with the same apparent molecular weight as HMW tau purified from rat sciatic nerve. The HMW tau protein is generated from an 8 kb mRNA, which can be detected by northern blots in peripheral ganglia, but not in brain. A more sensitive assay using PCR and Southern blot analysis demonstrates the presence of exon 4a in spinal cord and in retina. In combination with immunohistochemical studies of spinal cord, these data suggest that HMW tau, though primarily in the peripheral nervous system, is also expressed in limited areas of the central nervous system, although its presence cannot be detected in the cerebral cortices.
UDL in Online College Coursework: Insights of Infusion and Educator Preparedness.

Teacher education programs are increasing the use of online courses to train and prepare teachers. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework is one strategy used to effectively train and prepare special education teachers in the online learning environment. The purpose of this study was to examine participants’ perception of UDL in online graduate-level courses and their preparation after completing the online courses using UDL. Mean ratings are reported for course alignment with UDL principles as are teacher preparation ratings. Participants reported that they perceived the online courses to be aligned with the UDL principles and that their learning and preparation was positively impacted. The results contribute to the application of these findings to online coursework and teacher preparation. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Mechanisms of axonal guidance. The problem of intersecting fiber systems.

The complex patterns exhibited by axon fiber tracts in animals present an intriguing challenge in the study of morphogenesis. How are these patterns established? What mechanisms determine the routes that particular axon growth cones will follow during development? This chapter first outlines the major historical theories of axonal guidance. These classic theories and their modern counterparts are then discussed in relationship to the development of intersecting fibers systems. Can these theories explain intersection? The second part of this chapter discusses an in vivo paradigm in which it is possible to study the ontogeny of an intersecting system of fibers in the mammalian central nervous system. A possible mechanism for axonal guidance in this system is discussed.
New Product Creativity: Understanding Contract Specificity in New Product Introductions

AbstractIntroducing new products necessitates that manufacturers not only carefully craft the initial contract terms with retailers but also consider how the specificity of the terms influences a retailer’s relational behaviors throughout the duration of the contract, contingent upon the new product’s success. The authors develop a series of hypotheses to investigate new product introductions using a multimethod design consisting of a survey of manufacturers and a repeated measures experiment with retailers. The results indicate that manufacturers craft increasingly specific contract terms as new product creativity increases when frequency of new product introductions and performance ambiguity are higher. When they are lower, the positive influence of new product creativity on contract specificity weakens and can in some instances become negative. The results also indicate that there is no significant change in a retailer’s relational behaviors throughout a contract’s duration when contract specificity is...
MEFLOQUINE USE AND HOSPITALIZATIONS AMONG US SERVICE MEMBERS, 2002–2004

The safety of mefloquine has not been well described in military populations. This study used standard military databases for mefloquine prescriptions and hospitalizations to investigate mefloquine safety among US service members from 2002 through 2004. Mefloquine-prescribed and deployed personnel (N = 8,858) were compared with two reference groups. The reference groups comprised US service members who were not prescribed mefloquine and resided in Europe or Japan (N = 156,203) or had been otherwise deployed (N = 232,381). In comparison with active-duty US service members residing in Europe or Japan, mefloquine-prescribed service members were at statistically significant decreased hazard for any-cause hospitalization, as well as diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases, injuries and poisonings, ill-defined conditions, and mood disorders. These results suggest there is no association between mefloquine prescriptions and severe health effects, as measured by hospitalizations, across a wide range of outcomes.
Evaluating Convergence Rates for Calculation-Verification Analyses

Calculation verification combines an assessment of solution convergence with a discretization-error estimate. A key requirement of calculation-verification analyses is the evaluation of an observed convergence rate. When calculation verification is applied to monotonic simulation data that obey the standard power-law error model and exercised using non-uniform grid refinement, the analysis requires the numerical solution of a nonlinear expression, termed the governing equation, to obtain the observed convergence rate. This effort explores both rational and normalized forms of the governing equation, where each formulation includes terms with a grid-refinement ratio with a convergence rate exponent. The normalized form of the governing equation contains multiple roots where one of the roots is the correct value and the second root is zero. The slope of the normalized formulations can be positive, negative or zero, which may be problematic for some rootfinding methods. In contrast, the rational formulation contains only one root and its slope is always positive. One recommendation from this study would be to solve a rational formulation of the calculation-verification governing equation.
Research on meta-requirement model and meta-requirement set based on ontology

According to the complex requirements of large-scale information system,this paper proceeded from the meta-level of requirements,defined the integrant part of meta-requirement and analyzed their relationships and characteristics.Based on model approach,it expressed meta-requirement(MR) as meta-requirement model(MRM) which was formally expressed.Then,based on ontology,it described the MRM by the ontology Web language(OWL).And it introduced the Protege tool to establish the meta-requirement set(MRS).Finally,it applied the MRM and MRS to requirements acquisition and analysis.The research results provide foundation for requirements acquisition and analysis based on meta-requirement.
A chemical EOR benchmark study of different reservoir simulators

Interest in chemical EOR processes has intensified in recent years due to the advancements in chemical formulations and injection techniques. Injecting Polymer (P), surfactant/polymer (SP), and alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) are techniques for improving sweep and displacement efficiencies with the aim of improving oil production in both secondary and tertiary floods. There has been great interest in chemical flooding recently for different challenging situations. These include high temperature reservoirs, formations with extreme salinity and hardness, naturally fractured carbonates, and sandstone reservoirs with heavy and viscous crude oils.More oil reservoirs are reaching maturity where secondary polymer floods and tertiary surfactant methods have become increasingly important. This significance has added to the industry's interest in using reservoir simulators as tools for reservoir evaluation and management to minimize costs and increase the process efficiency. Reservoir simulators with special features are needed to represent coupled chemical and physical processes present in chemical EOR processes. The simulators need to be first validated against well controlled lab and pilot scale experiments to reliably predict the full field implementations.The available data from laboratory scale include 1) phase behavior and rheological data; and 2) results of secondary and tertiary coreflood experiments for P, SP, and ASP floods under reservoir conditions, i.e. chemical retentions, pressure drop, and oil recovery. Data collected from corefloods are used as benchmark tests comparing numerical reservoir simulators with chemical EOR modeling capabilities such as STARS of CMG, ECLIPSE-100 of Schlumberger, REVEAL of Petroleum Experts. The research UTCHEM simulator from The University of Texas at Austin is also included since it has been the benchmark for chemical flooding simulation for over 25 years.The results of this benchmark comparison will be utilized to improve chemical design for field-scale studies using commercial simulators. The benchmark tests illustrate the potential of commercial simulators for chemical flooding projects and provide a comprehensive table of strengths and limitations of each simulator for a given chemical EOR process. Mechanistic simulations of chemical EOR processes will provide predictive capability and can aid in optimization of the field injection projects. The objective of this paper is not to compare the computational efficiency and solution algorithms; it only focuses on the process modeling comparison. Careful selection of tables in the commercial simulators against UTCHEM is crucial.Data collected from corefloods are used as benchmark tests.The results of benchmark comparison will be utilized to improve chemical design.The simulation comparison can be used for field-scale studies.
Characterization of the CD49f + /CD44 + /CD24 − single-cell derived stem cell population in basal-like DCIS cells

The molecular mechanisms responsible for the Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)-Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) transition have yet to be elucidated. Due to the lack of molecularly targeted therapies, basal-like DCIS has a high risk of recurrence and progression to invasive and metastatic cancers. In this study, by applying a novel single-cell clonogenic approach with the CD49f+/CD44+/CD24- surface markers, we characterized the aggressive clones that have enhanced self-renewal, migratory and invasive capacities derived from a human DCIS model cell line MCF10DCIS. The aggressive clones had elevated ALDH1 activity, lower global DNA methylation and increased expression of stem cell related genes, especially concurrent activation of SOX2/OCT4. In addition, we showed that the aggressive clones have increased expression of lincRNA-RoR and miR-10b compared to non-aggressive clones, which enhance their self-renewal and invasive abilities. Finally, we confirmed our in vitro results in vivo, demonstrating that aggressive clones were capable of forming tumors in nude mice, whereas non-aggressive clones were not. Our data suggest that lincRNA-RoR and miR10b could be used to distinguish aggressive clones from non-aggressive clones within the heterogeneous CD49f+/CD44+/CD24- DCIS population. Our findings also provide the foundation to develop new chemoprevention agents for DCIS-IDC transition.
Novel Approaches for Potential Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive disease that causes severe damage to the respiratory and digestive systems. It results from a dysfunctional CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, which is a cAMP- regulated epithelial chloride channel. CFTR is also a subtype of the ABC-transporter superfamily, and is expressed primarily in the apical membrane of epithelial cells in the airways, pancreas, and intestines. A single amino acid deletion of phenylalanine (Phe) is the most common mutation in CF patients known as F508del-CFTR. Normally, wild-type CFTR is largely degraded before reaching the cell membrane and F508del-CFTR virtually never reaches the cell surface. Ultimately, our goal is to correct dysfunctional CFTR proteins in CF patients. Via high-throughput screening techniques, several novel compounds for potential drugs effective in reversing the molecular CF defect and prohibiting further progression of CF have recently been discovered. S-nitrosothiols (SNOs) are small, naturally occurring endogenous cell signaling compounds, which have potential relevance to human lung diseases, including CF. Remarkably, researchers have found that the level of SNOs are reduced in the CF airway. It was previously reported that different types of SNOs, such as GSNO and S-nitrosoglutathione diethyl ester will increase CFTR maturation and function at the plasma membrane in human airway epithelial cells. The mechanisms by which SNOs improve CFTR maturation remain elusive. Currently, clinical trials are still investigating the effectiveness and safety of novel corrector and potentiator drugs for F508del- CFTR. This review article offers a summary of our knowledge on the most up-to-date CF therapies.
Perceived Connections between Anti-Social Gateway Behaviors and School Bullying and Culture

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare opinions of 8th and 9th grade teachers and students regarding the prevalence of anti-social/gateway behaviors in their classrooms, the perceived connection between these behaviors and more traditional forms of bullying, and the potential impact of school-wide anti-bullying programs specifically designed to address these behaviors. A sample of convenience from one middle school and one high school from a suburban Midwestern school district were selected to participate in this qualitative study. Researchers found that over 80% of students have witnessed or been involved in anti-social behaviors, and over 70% of students, higher among females, believed that a school-wide program would lessen the amount of more extreme forms of bullying, while over 90% of teachers agreed that such a program would lessen extreme forms of bullying. The authors conclude that proactive, building-wide plans for addressing anti-social/gateway behaviors could be reduce the amount of overt bullying and positively impact the overall culture of the school.
Tuning Block Polymer Structure, Properties, and Processability for the Design of Efficient Nanostructured Materials Systems

Block polymers (BPs) are ideal building blocks for nanoporous membranes, microelectronics templates, energy storage devices, and other technologies. For these systems, precise control over morphology, properties, and processability are essential to optimize performance. The Epps group has used a multidisciplinary approach to control BP nanostructure ordering and orientations, order-disorder and glass transition temperatures, and mechanical and transport properties through the informed manipulation of BP effective segregation strengths and interfacial energetics. For example, alterations in macromolecular interactions between BP chains were achieved through the introduction of composition gradients between copolymer blocks or by adding dopants. In thin films, high-throughput approaches were designed to modify and characterize substrate-polymer interactions, and solvent annealing techniques were developed to facilitate nanoscale alignment and ordering. By manipulating BP interfacial energetics to gain exquisite tunability of nanostructures and materials' properties, the group is accelerating the development of next-generation BPs that will be harnessed to fabricate inexpensive, efficient, and high-performance devices.
Freeze–thaw revival of rotifers and algae in a desiccated, high-elevation (5500 meters) microbial mat, high Andes, Perú

This is the first study of the highest elevation cyanobacteria-dominated microbial mat yet described. The desiccated mat was sampled in 2010 from an ephemeral rock pool at 5500 m above sea level in the Cordillera Vilcanota of southern Peru. After being frozen for 6 years at −20 °C in the lab, pieces of the mat were sequenced to fully characterize both the 16 and 18S microbial communities and experiments were conducted to determine if organisms in the mat could revive and become active under the extreme freeze–thaw conditions that these mats experience in the field. Sequencing revealed an unexpectedly diverse, multi-trophic microbial community with 16S OTU richness comparable to similar, seasonally desiccated mats from the Dry Valleys of Antarctica and low elevation sites in the Atacama Desert region. The bacterial community of the mat was dominated by phototrophs in the Cyanobacteria (Nostoc) and the Rhodospirillales, whereas the eukaryotic community was dominated by predators such as bdelloid rotifers (Philodinidae). Microcosm experiments showed that bdelloid rotifers in the mat were able to come out of dormancy and actively forage even under realistic field conditions (diurnal temperature fluctuations of −12 °C at night to + 27 °C during the day), and after being frozen for 6 years. Our results broaden our understanding of the diversity of life in periodically desiccated, high-elevation habitats and demonstrate that extreme freeze–thaw cycles per se are not a major factor limiting the development of at least some members of these unique microbial mat systems.