cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy Impacts of Nonlinear Behavior of Phase Change Materials When Applied to Opaque Building Envelopes

Research on phase change materials (PCM) as a potential technology to reduce peak loads and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) energy use in buildings has been conducted for several decades, resulting in a great deal of literature on PCM properties, temperature, and peak reduction potential. However, there are few building energy simulation programs that include PCM modeling features, and very few of these have been validated. Additionally, there is no previous research that indicates the level of accuracy when modeling PCMs from a building energy simulation perspective. This study analyzes the effects a nonlinear enthalpy profile has on thermal performance and expected energy benefits for PCM-enhanced insulation. The impact of accurately modeling realistic, nonlinear enthalpy profiles for PCMs versus simpler profiles is analyzed based on peak load reduction and energy savings using the conduction finite difference (CondFD) algorithm in EnergyPlus. The PCM and CondFD models used in this study have been previously validated after intensive verification and validation done at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Overall, the results of this study show annual energy savings are not very sensitive to the linearization of enthalpy curve. However, hourly analysis shows that if simpler linear profiles are used, users should try to specify a melting range covering roughly 80% of the latent heat; otherwise, hourly results can differ by up to 20%.
Degree of learning and transfer of training

Transfer of training as a function of first list learning was studied using the A-B, A-C paired-associate paradigm. Degree of learning on the first list was defined in terms of the number of practice trials (5 trials, 10 trials, trials to one perfect repetition) on the complete list and in terms of the degree of learning of individual pairs within the list. The degree of learning of individual pairs on the first list was manipulated by incorporating the % ORM technique of partial reinforcement (100, 60, and 20% ORM). The results indicated that negative transfer in the A-B, A-C paradigm (as compared to the A-B, C-D control paradigm) was a direct function of the number of practice trials but was not related to % ORM level. Implications of these results were discussed.
Effect of single ion anisotropy on the critical temperature of classical quasi-one-dimensional magnets

Abstract The effect of single ion anisotropy energy on the three-dimensional ordering temperature of a classical quasi-one-dimensional magnetic chain is estimated using a mean field approximation for the interchain coupling and a classical spin field model for a chain. Numerical results are presented for T c as a function of the interchain and interchain exchange interactions and the single ion anisotropy.
Evolving loop structure in gradually tilted two-dimensional granular packings

Granular packings, especially near the jamming transition, form fragile networks where small perturbations can lead to destabilization and large scale rearrangements. A key stabilizing element in two dimensions is the contact loop, yet surprisingly little is known about contact loop statistics in realistic granular networks. In this paper, we use particle dynamics to study the evolution of contact loop structure in a gradually tilted two-dimensional granular bed. We find that the resulting contact loop distributions (1) are sensitive to material properties, (2) deviate from the expected structure of a randomly wired lattice, and (3) are uniquely dependent on tilting angle. Also, we introduce a quantitative measure of loop stability $\ensuremath{\xi}$ and show that increased tilting results in a gradual destabilization of individual loops. We briefly discuss the considerations for extending our approach to three dimensions.
CARDIAC DIAGNOSIS AND DECISION-MAKING IN A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM

The emergency room records of 140 patients with cardiac complaints were reviewed. The average age was 60 years. Chest pain was the most common symptom and a majority of patients with this complaint expressed fear of an acute coronary episode. Of 41 cases admitted with the initial diagnosis of myocardial infarction, only 21 had that diagnosis at the end of two weeks. Of 91 patients sent home from the emergency room, 83 were alive and well at the end of six weeks. A single patient died of acute myocardial infarction ten days after leaving the emergency room. No patient was averse to admission, and in 10 instances patients came to the emergency room equipped with personal items indicating anticipation of admission. Such studies are feasible and may elucidate further the role of the emergency room in the early care of the “coronary suspect.”
Getting to Yes: Corporate Power and the Creation of a Psychopharmaceutical Blockbuster

In this paper, I analyze documentary evidence from a pharmaceutical company’s strategic marketing campaign to expand the sale of an antipsychotic medication beyond its conventional market. I focus on the role of the managerial function known as channel marketing, the task of which is to minimize friction, achieve coordination and add value in the distribution of the company’s products. However, the path to achieving these objectives is challenged because members of the marketing channel, or intermediaries, may not be contractual members of the channel; in fact they may have widely divergent goals or may even be hostile to the manufacturer’s efforts at control. This can be construed to be the case for physicians and others who are in the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s distribution channel but not of it. Their views and actions must somehow be brought into alignment with the manufacturer’s goals. This paper seeks to show part of the process from the manufacturer’s strategic standpoint, in which potential dissenters are incorporated into the pharmaceutical company distribution channel. The routinization of this incorporation results in the diminishment of psychiatry’s professional autonomy by means of what is—paradoxically to them, but not to a student of marketing—a competitive threat. The paper concludes with a discussion of corporate power.
Detection and Imaging of Aggressive Cancer Cells Using an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Targeted Filamentous Plant Virus-Based Nanoparticle

Molecular imaging approaches and targeted drug delivery hold promise for earlier detection of diseases and treatment with higher efficacy while reducing side effects, therefore increasing survival rates and quality of life. Virus-based nanoparticles are a promising platform because their scaffold can be manipulated both genetically and chemically to simultaneously display targeting ligands while carrying payloads for diagnosis or therapeutic intervention. Here, we displayed a 12-amino-acid peptide ligand, GE11 (YHWYGYTPQNVI), on nanoscale filaments formed by the plant virus potato virus X (PVX). Bioconjugation was used to produce fluorescently labeled PVX-GE11 filaments targeted toward the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cell detection and imaging was demonstrated using human skin epidermoid carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, and triple negative breast cancer cell lines (A-431, HT-29, MDA-MB-231), all of which upregulate EGFR to various degrees. Nonspecific uptake in ductal breast carcinoma (B...
Real-time quantum simulation of Terahertz response in single wall carbon nanotube

Carbon nanotubes are a promising candidate for the next generation transistors because of their unique electrical properties. Especially, single wall carbon nanotubes are prototypical low-dimensional nanomaterials because of their specific one dimensional band structure and long carrier mean free path. In this paper, we propose efficient modeling methods and novel quantum propagation schemes to simulate THz response of single wall carbon nanotubes. Simulation are carried out in real-time directly by computing the integral solution of the time-ordered evolution operator. Electron resonance phenomena are observed in a sub-picosecond-scale time domain. Ballistic electron resonance that corresponds to the round-trip transit of an electron along the nanotube is found. Kinetic inductance is also obtained in the simulation. Our simulation results are supported by other theoretical estimates and recent experimental measurements.
Self-association of the Lentivirus protein, Nef

The HIV-1 pathogenic factor, Nef, is a multifunctional protein present in the cytosol and on membranes of infected cells. It has been proposed that a spatial and temporal regulation of the conformation of Nef sequentially matches Nef's multiple functions to the process of virion production. Further, it has been suggested that dimerization is required for multiple Nef activities. A dimerization interface has been proposed based on intermolecular contacts between Nefs within hexagonal Nef/FynSH3 crystals. The proposed dimerization interface consists of the hydrophobic B-helix and flanking salt bridges between R105 and D123. Here, we test whether Nef self-association is mediated by this interface and address the overall significance of oligomerization. By co-immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrated that HIV-1Nef exists as monomers and oligomers with about half of the Nef protomers oligomerized. Nef oligomers were found to be present in the cytosol and on membranes. Removal of the myristate did not enhance the oligomerization of soluble Nef. Also, SIVNef oligomerizes despite lacking a dimerization interface functionally homologous to that proposed for HIV-1Nef. Moreover, HIV-1Nef and SIVNef form hetero-oligomers demonstrating the existence of homologous oligomerization interfaces that are distinct from that previously proposed (R105-D123). Intracellular cross-linking by formaldehyde confirmed that SF2Nef dimers are present in intact cells, but surprisingly self-association was dependent on R105, but not D123. SIVMAC239Nef can be cross-linked at its only cysteine, C55, and SF2Nef is also cross-linked, but at C206 instead of C55, suggesting that Nefs exhibit multiple dimeric structures. ClusPro dimerization analysis of HIV-1Nef homodimers and HIV-1Nef/SIVNef heterodimers identified a new potential dimerization interface, including a dibasic motif at R105-R106 and a six amino acid hydrophobic surface. We have demonstrated significant levels of intracellular Nef oligomers by immunoprecipitation from cellular extracts. However, our results are contrary to the identification of salt bridges between R105 and D123 as necessary for self-association. Importantly, binding between HIV-1Nef and SIVNef demonstrates evolutionary conservation and therefore significant function(s) for oligomerization. Based on modeling studies of Nef self-association, we propose a new dimerization interface. Finally, our findings support a stochastic model of Nef function with a dispersed intracellular distribution of Nef oligomers.
S‐bend loss in disorder‐delineated GaAs heterostructure laser waveguides with native and blue shifted active regions

The routing ability of waveguide S‐bend structures patterned by SiO2 impurity induced layer disordering of a single GaAs quantum well graded barrier laser structure is investigated. For a raised‐cosine bend with 100 μm offset guides, the measured transition length for 3 dB loss was less than 300 μm for near single mode guides of 1 μm width. In addition, vacancy‐induced disordering of the native quantum well region is investigated and is shown to increase the band gap to a point where the material is low loss for radiation generated by the laser. The 3 dB length for these blue shifted cores actually decreased to about 230 μm, a fact attributed to reduced mode conversion.
A review of US anthropometric reference data (1971–2000) with comparisons to both stylized and tomographic anatomic models

Two classes of anatomic models currently exist for use in both radiation protection and radiation dose reconstruction: stylized mathematical models and tomographic voxel models. The former utilize 3D surface equations to represent internal organ structure and external body shape, while the latter are based on segmented CT or MR images of a single individual. While tomographic models are clearly more anthropomorphic than stylized models, a given model's characterization as being anthropometric is dependent upon the reference human to which the model is compared. In the present study, data on total body mass, standing/sitting heights and body mass index are collected and reviewed for the US population covering the time interval from 1971 to 2000. These same anthropometric parameters are then assembled for the ORNL series of stylized models, the GSF series of tomographic models (Golem, Helga, Donna, etc), the adult male Zubal tomographic model and the UF newborn tomographic model. The stylized ORNL models of the adult male and female are found to be fairly representative of present-day average US males and females, respectively, in terms of both standing and sitting heights for ages between 20 and 60?80 years. While the ORNL adult male model provides a reasonably close match to the total body mass of the average US 21-year-old male (within ~5%), present-day 40-year-old males have an average total body mass that is ~16% higher. For radiation protection purposes, the use of the larger 73.7 kg adult ORNL stylized hermaphrodite model provides a much closer representation of average present-day US females at ages ranging from 20 to 70 years. In terms of the adult tomographic models from the GSF series, only Donna (40-year-old F) closely matches her age-matched US counterpart in terms of average body mass. Regarding standing heights, the better matches to US age-correlated averages belong to Irene (32-year-old F) for the females and Golem (38-year-old M) for the males. Both Helga (27-year-old F) and Donna, however, provide good matches to average US sitting heights for adult females, while Golem and Otoko (male of unknown age) yield sitting heights that are slightly below US adult male averages. Finally, Helga is seen as the only GSF tomographic female model that yields a body mass index in line with her average US female counterpart at age 26. In terms of dose reconstruction activities, however, all current tomographic voxel models are valuable assets in attempting to cover the broad distribution of individual anthropometric parameters representative of the current US population. It is highly recommended that similar attempts to create a broad library of tomographic models be initiated in the United States and elsewhere to complement and extend the limited number of tomographic models presently available for these efforts.
Importance of balanced diet and physical activity during and after cancer treatment in adolescent patients

Adolescents diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk for current and future health problems and premature death. As such, it is important to foster the development of health- promoting behaviors that may ameliorate some of this risk. Specific attention has been given to diet and physical activity, as these are behaviors that can be directly controlled and modified by the survivor. Despite the importance of adequate nutrition and physical activity, a large proportion of adolescents with a history of cancer do not meet recommended guidelines for these health behaviors. The current review summarizes the beneficial effects of diet and physical activity in adolescent cancer patients both during and after treatment, evaluates interventions that have been developed to address these behaviors, and provides recommendations for future strategies on how to improve these behaviors in this population. A structured literature review identified ten empirical articles examining diet and/or physical activity interventions in adolescents with a history of cancer. While several interventions aimed at increasing diet and physical activity in this population have been successful, more research is needed to evaluate long-term maintenance of health behaviors, as well as the impact these behavioral changes have on adolescents as they continue into adulthood. Future interventions should incorporate key elements of adolescent development including individualized and specific intervention components and the incorpora - tion of both peer and family support to increase saliency and long-term commitment.
Sodium uptake by isolated-perfused gills of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)☆

Abstract 1. 1. Individual gill arches of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were surgically prepared and perfused (in vitro) with various solutions, using a constant pressure perfusion apparatus. 2. 2. When gills were perfused with Ringer solution with a normal or slightly elevated sodium concentration, there was a small but significant loss of sodium into the bathing medium. Perfusion with Ringer solution in which the sodium concentration was less than normal, always resulted in a net uptake of sodium. 3. 3. The sodium concentration of the perfusion fluid, and epinephrine, appear to control the rate of sodium uptake by the gill. 4. 4. The effects of ouabain, cyanide and iodoacetate indicate that sodium uptake is ATP-dependent and that the ATP is produced via aerobic metabolism. 5. 5. The rate of sodium uptake was found to be generally independent of the rate and pattern of fluid through the gill.
Analysis of N‐acetylated hexosamine monosaccharides by ferrocenyl boronation and tandem electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A tandem electrospray mass spectrometric (MS(n)) technique for the analysis of N-acetylated hexose carbohydrates using ferrocene boronate (F(c)Bor) derivatization was developed. The biologically important N-acetyl hexosamines can be readily distinguished utilizing this technique. The analysis is made possible by utilizing the inherent electrochemical properties of the electrospray device to produce oxidized, pre-formed single-electron ferrocenyl ions in a non-aqueous solvent system. The electrospray device was modified using a custom built cell consisting of concentric stainless steel tubes, which produced an enhanced signal for the molecular ion of each analyte species. The MS(2) spectra derived from isomeric populations of ferrocenyl boronic esters of these carbohydrates when generated under the same conditions possessed features unique to each sugar allowing easy differentiation between a number of N-acetyl hexosamine isomers.
Extremely distributed media processing

The Object-Based Media Group at the MIT Media Laboratory is developing robust, self-organizing programming models for dense ensembles of ultra-miniaturized computing nodes which are deployed by the thousands in bulk fashion, e.g. embedded into building materials. While such systems potentially offer almost unlimited computation for multimedia purposes, the individual devices contain tiny amounts of memory, lack explicit addresses, have wireless communication ranges only in the range of millimeters to centimeters, and are expected to fail at high rates. An unorthodox approach to handling of multimedia data is required in order to achieve useful, reliable work in such an environment. We describe the hardware and software strategies, and demonstrate several examples showing the processing of images and sound in such a system.
Analysis of the effects of modulatory agents on a modeled bursting neuron: Dynamic interactions between voltage and calcium dependent systems

In a computational model of the bursting neuron R15, we have implemented proposed mechanisms for the modulation of two ionic currents (IR andISI) that play key roles in regulating its spontaneous electrical activity. The model was sufficient to simulate a wide range of endogenous activity in the presence of various concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) or dopamine (DA). The model was also sufficient to simulate the responses of the neuron to extrinsic current pulses and the ways in which those responses were altered by 5-HT or DA. The results suggest that the actions of modulatory agents and second messengers on this neuron, and presumably other neurons, cannot be understood on the basis of their direct effects alone. It is also necessary to take into account the indirect effects of these agents on other unmodulated ion channels. These indirect effects occur through the dynamic interactions of voltage-dependent and calcium-dependent processes.
Haile Selassie and the Italians, 1941-1943

When Haile Selassie returned to Ethiopia he used the Italians to insure his own survival. During the war period the Ethiopians began to appreciate the Italians. They demonstrated this attitude by not taking revenge for the crimes committed during Rudolfo Graziani's 1936–1937 administration. Instead, they aided the Italians to escape to safety when pursued by the occupying British military authorities. The Ethiopians even went so far as to espouse the Italian underground movement against the British, in a strange form of Italo-Ethiopian collaboration (Wingate, 1973: 206). For Haile Selassie the battle of El Alamein was the turning point in the relations with both the British and the Italians. Until this time, he was concerned with securing his own position, something he could not do until he had a clear reading of who would ultimately win the war. Italy's colonial efforts in Ethiopia from 1936–1941 failed for lack of organization, incompetent colonial personnel, and high costs. Yet, the most important hindrance to Italy's progress in East Africa derived from the Patriots and the hostility of the Ethiopian farmers. Italy was neither able to obtain adequate food supplies in Ethiopia, nor obtain enough land for demographic colonization. Nevertheless the success of new agricultural methods and modern forms of government could not be accomplished in Ethiopia in a short time. Therefore when Italy entered the Second World War, on 10 June 1940, the Italians in Ethiopia were in the midst of experimentation, and the Ethiopian people had barely begun a period of transformation in their lives.
Intramammary infusions of cytochalasin B and dimethyl sulfoxide do not suppress milk secretion in the goat.

Abstract Cytochalasin B, an intracellular microfilament antagonist, was evaluated for its capacity to inhibit milk secretion in the goat. Intramammary infusions of the drug via teat canal in amounts to 6 mg had no effects on yields or fat and protein contents and minor, if any, effects on somatic cell counts of consecutive 12-h milkings. Our results suggest that the apical plasma membrane of lactating cells is impermeable to Cytochalasin B and that the reduced secretion of lactose and casein caused by the drug in vitro may arise from its interference with glucose uptake at the base of cells. Dimethylsulfoxide, which we used (2 ml) in infusates to solubilize cytochalasin B, also was without effect on the foregoing lactation characteristics.
Mental Concentration as Influenced by Adventure Activity

One of the premises behind outdoor experiential education and/or adventure education is the authenticity of the experience; students are engaged and â€œin the momentâ€ (Boss, 1994; Conrad & Hedin, 1981). Outdoor adventure experiences can potentially provide an educational experience during which increased awareness and the impact of the experience will be retained since the student's focus and attentiveness levels are enhanced. The purpose of this study was to determine if awareness and mental concentration levels of university students following outdoor adventure experiences would be greater than those following more traditional activities. Flow theory, according to Shernoff, Csikszentmihalyi, Schneider and Shernoff (2003), â€œis based on a symbiotic relationship between challenges and skills needed to meet those challengesâ€ (p. 160). In this study, three groups had their concentration levels measured immediately following 3 one-day activities (nonchallenging hiking; abseiling/canyoning; snorkeling) in Australia through completion of the Flow State Scale (Jackson & Eklund, 2004). It was determined that participation in the outdoor adventure activities did result in higher short term concentration levels than traditional sporting activities.
Characterization of Calpain-Mediated Proteolysis of GluR1 Subunits of α-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methylisoxazole-4-Propionate Receptors in Rat Brain

Previous results have indicated that GluR1 subunits of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors are targets of calpain. In the present study, we determined the effects of calpain treatment of synaptic membranes on GluR1 subunits using western blots with antibodies directed against the C-terminal (C-Ab) and the N-terminal (N-Ab) domains of the proteins, and compared them with the effects of calcium treatment of frozen-thawed brain sections. Calpain treatment of synaptic membranes resulted in a large decrease in the GluR1 band (105 kDa) labeled with C-Ab and in the formation of a doublet band labeled with N-Ab due to the appearance of a new species of GluR1 (98 kDa). These effects were blocked almost completely by calpain inhibitors. Calpain-induced changes in GluR1 immunological properties were not associated with modifications of [3H]AMPA or 6-cyano-7-[3H]nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione ([3H]CNOX) binding. Treatment of frozen-thawed brain sections with concentrations of calcium as low as 0.2 mM resulted in a large decrease in the 105-kDa GluR1 band and in the concurrent appearance of the 98-kDa band. This treatment was associated with increased [3H]-AMPA and [3H]CNOX binding. These results suggest that there exist several types/states of GluR1 subunits exhibiting different sensitivities to calpain. Our data also indicate the existence of additional calcium-dependent processes regulating the characteristics of receptors in intact tissues.
Electrophysiological verification of the presence of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors within the ventral pallidum.

The ventral pallidum is a basal forebrain region recently shown to receive dopaminergic projections from the midbrain. Binding sites for the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor families have been identified within the ventral pallidum, yet the consequences of activating these receptors have not been studied. Thus, to characterize the physiological pharmacology of D1 and D2 receptor subtypes for the ventral pallidum, extracellular single-neuron recording and microiontophoretic techniques were used in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. Half of the 93 ventral pallidal neurons tested were sensitive to iontophoresis of dopamine (DA), and both rate increases and decreases were observed. Co-iontophoresis of either the D1 antagonist SCH23390, or the D2 antagonist sulpiride, generally attenuated the DA-induced rate changes. Like DA, about half of the ventral pallidal neurons tested were sensitive to the D1 agonist, SKF38393. Yet in contrast to DA, rate suppression was observed almost exclusively, and the magnitude of this decrease was greater than that produced by DA. SKF38393-induced suppressions were antagonized by SCH23390, but not by sulpiride, demonstrating the specificity of the D1 agonist. Most of the neurons tested were not affected by quinpirole, but when responsive to the D2 agonist, rate increases were observed most often. The increases were antagonized by the D2 antagonist sulpiride, but not SCH23390, demonstrating that this response resulted from an activation of D2 receptors. These results support binding studies demonstrating that both D1 and D2 receptors are present in the ventral pallidum, and reveal that the independent activation of each of these is sufficient to alter neuronal activity. © 1994 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
Rethinking Administrative Capacity Development: The Arab States

Administrative capacity is imperative for effective performance of governance. Although results of administrative capacity are recognizable and demonstrable, there is no consensus on what basic elements such capacity is made of; nor do we know for sure how to develop, measure, or sustain administrative capacity. Development of administrative capacity requires unbundling it, and assessing each of its components independently, in order to define their individual and mutual effects on the collective capacity of the system. This analysis explores and defines some constant and variable components of administrative capacity, with a particular reference to the Arab states. Rethinking the question of capacity, and constructing a functional strategy for its improvement, includes critical processes of internal management and contextual effects on the structure and function of the management system.
Observations of some sedimentary processes acting on a tidal flat

Abstract In order to examine sedimentary processes acting on tidal flats, eighteen foot valves were “plumbed” into a small tidal cove in southern New Hampshire. Transport of suspended sediment was determined by comparing concentrations (determined by filtering) at 15 and 30 cm above the tidal flats throughout a tidal cycle. In general, sediment resuspension occurs more readily on the flood tide than the ebb. The concentration of suspended sediment follows the water mass distribution and is affected to a lesser degree by tidal currents and small amplitude waves. Deposition occurs during slack water shortly after high tide primarily in the bottom regime (15 cm); it is probably related to coarser particle sedimentation. The water mass distribution was not a simple rise and fall perpendicular to the bottom contours, but rather followed a slow clockwise gyre. The net effect on the suspended sediments was to impart a “longshore” component of drift to the suspended load during the tidal cycle.
The effect of contacts on microwave emission from InSb

Abstract The emission from InSb at 77 K with applied d.c. electric and magnetic fields is related to high fields occurring principally in the contact-adjacent region. These fields are sufficiently high to initiate negative differential mobility, thereby causing Gunn-type domain formation. We believe that these incompletely formed domains may be the source of the noise emission.
Inovação no Processo e Melhoria Contínua em uma Indústria de Plásticos do Polo Moveleiro da Serra Gaúcha

Companies are under pressure to improve competitive performance for both organizations can adopt a strategy that encompasses innovations in processes and tools of continual improvement, which is based on waste elimination, improved products, increased productivity, as well as the use solutions that build on motivation and creativity of employees to improve the practice of their processes. This study aims to analyze the process innovation and continuous improvement methodology implemented in a plastics industry Furniture Polo Serra Gaucha. The methodology used in researching this incident was a case study, using as a tool for collecting and analyzing data, structured interviews and content analysis. This article described the continuous improvement in applying the Method of Analysis and Solution of Problem (MASP), adapted to the reality of business, innovation in the process resulted in significant improvements, with savings of 20.32% in the cost of parts. Keywords: Innovation in the Process. Continuous Improvement. MASP.
Computed-tomography imaging spectropolarimeter (CTISP): instrument concept, calibration, and results

Researchers at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Arizona's Optical Sciences Center, have designed, constructed and developed a complete Stokes imaging spectropolarimeter. CTISP is a polarimetric extension to CTIS, developed by the authors associated with the Optical Science Center. Currently, CTISP characterizes an object's spectropolarimetric radiance over the 440 to 740 nm range using 20 nm spectral bins and subdividing the FOV with a 32 by 32 resolution for a total of 16 by 32 by 32 equals voxels. The output of CTISP is an estimate of the Stokes vector for each voxel.
Immunological and chemical properties of mouse α1-protease inhibitors

Abstract We previously described the isolation and purification of two similar α1-protease inhibitors from mouse plasma termed α1-PI(E) and α1-PI(T) because of their respective affinities for elastase and trypsin. Some of the biochemical and immunological properties of these proteins are reported. Both are acidic glycoproteins with pI's of 4.1–4.2. The plasma half-life of each inhibitor, determined after administration of the 125I-protein, is approximately 4 h both in normal mice and in mice after induction of the acute phase reaction. The two proteins have almost identical amino acid compositions and similar CNBr peptide maps. Tryptic maps, however, are considerably different. Reverse-phase chromatography separated α1-PI(E) into three distinct isoforms, each eluting with approximately 60% acetonitrile. Under these conditions α1-PI(T) shows a single peak, clearly different from those of α1-PI(E). The three α1-PI(E) isoforms have the same molecular weights on sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and the same tripeptide sequence at their N-terminus, and appear to be immunologically identical. Polyclonal, monospecific antibodies to each native inhibitor, prepared in rabbits, showed no cross-reactivity when tested by functional assay or crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Interestingly, each antibody recognized epitopes on the C-terminal portion of its respective antigen. These studies confirm that α1-PI(E) and α1-PI(T), although highly similar, are products of different genes. Like human α1-PI, the two mouse inhibitors are partially inactivated by mild oxidation with chloramine-T, losing all elastase inhibitor and lesser amounts of antichymotryptic and antitryptic activity. However, unlike the human protein, neither α1-PI(E) nor α1-PI(T) was found to have a methionine residue at its P1 site.
The Politics of the Walter Benjamin Industry

One of the most peculiar phenomena of the recent culture industry is the appearance of Walter Benjamin, for decades a forgotten thinker, as the object of iconization and mass consumption. Over the last 20 years, this eccentric critic has not only stood at the centre of intense academic scrutiny but has also become the protagonist of comic books, popular novels, films, monuments and musical projects, in a cascade of images that shows no sign of exhaustion. This article explores the symbolic meanings invested in Benjamin's image, and the semantic tactics that are used to grant it its mythic aura. It seeks to shed light on the multi-layered function of Benjamin as a signifier, and points to hidden political elements and traditions that characterize the Benjamin industry.
Regulation of Clusterin Gene Expression by Transforming Growth Factor β

Abstract Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces the expression of a wide variety of genes in many cell types. Our previous studies have shown that TGFβ stimulates both clusterin mRNA and protein levels, and induces its accumulation in the nucleus of CCL64 cells. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of clusterin mRNA induction by TGFβ, we created a 1.3-kilobase rat clusterin promoter/luciferase reporter construct. We demonstrate that TGFβ enhances luciferase activity 2.5–6-fold in transient transfection assays of epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast cell lines. Deletional analysis reveals that an AP-1-binding site (5′-TGAGTCA) in the minimal promoter region is necessary for initiating transactivation by TGFβ. A single T to G base mutation in the AP-1 site (5′-TGAGGCA) abolishes TGFβ-induced clusterin promoter transactivation. In transcription factor decoy experiments, 23-mer oligonucleotides of wild type AP-1 reduce TGFβ induction of clusterin mRNA levels and promoter transactivation, while an oligonucleotide containing the mutated AP-1 site has no effect. Two specific protein kinase C inhibitors, GF109203X and calphostin C, block TGFβ-induced clusterin mRNA levels and promoter transactivation. Together these results indicate that TGFβ regulates clusterin gene expression through an AP-1 site and its cognate transcription factor AP-1, and requires the involvement of protein kinase C.
Factors affecting the redox state of bovine epididymal spermatozoa.

Abstract The oxidation-reduction state of bovine epididymal spermatozoa was determined in vitro by fluorescence spectroscopy and by direct chemical analysis. Enhanced NADH fluorescence in sperm was observed with the onset of anaerobiosis in the sample cuvette. However, part of this increased fluorescence was temporary and a stable pyridine nucleotide fluorescence was not reached until 25 min after the onset of anaerobiosis. The transient was not paralleled by an equivalent increase in cellular NADH as measured by absorption spectroscopy. Hypotonic treatment of sperm, which removed the plasma membrane, liberated greater than 50% of the cellular NAD and that remaining was reduced by rotenone addition, indicating its mitochondrial location. Hypotonically treated sperm did not demonstrate a transient fluorescence above that due to the increases in NADH from anaerobiosis. Addition of pyruvate to anaerobic sperm resulted in a rapid decrease in fluorescence that corresponded to NADH oxidation coupled with the reduction of pyruvate to lactate. The duration of this oxidized state was dependent on the amount of pyruvate added. Analysis of cellular NAD under similar conditions confirmed this result. The pyridine nucleotides of hypotonically treated cells were also oxidized by pyruvate but were not reduced by added glucose as in untreated sperm. These results indicate that pyruvate reduction served to balance reducing equivalents and temporarily reoxidized the intracellular milieu of the anaerobic spermatozoon. The data also support the hypothesis that pyruvate and lactate can serve as reducing equivalent carriers between cytosol and mitochondria.
Mass balance of nutrients during the filling phase of two reservoirs of Sistema Produtor Alto Tietê (SPAT)

Paraitinga and Biritiba reservoirs are part of Sistema Produtor Alto Tiete and they play an important role at the public water supply. The purpose of this study is to understand the mass balance of nitrogen and phosphorus that can influence the eutrophication process in reservoirs during the filling phase, and provide information for the implementation of mechanisms to manage water quality. Water samples were collected from August 2005 until May 2006. Concentrations of total phosphorus (PT) and total nitrogen (NT) were measured and the mass balance and loads were estimated. Paraitinga reservoir presented retention of NT and PT during the dry season and export during the rainy season; whilst at Biritiba reservoir we evidenced retention of NT and PT for both dry and rainy seasons. The annual balance demonstrated that during the reservoirs filling process, the systems retain NT and PT. The retention of nutrients into the system indicates that the environments have been modified leading to eutrophication and its consequences, and that it is necessary to outline strategies in order to mitigate the problem and suggest implementation of techniques to reduce the diffuse load.
Optimization methods for decision making in disease prevention and epidemic control

This paper investigates problems of disease prevention and epidemic control (DPEC), in which we optimize two sets of decisions: (i) vaccinating individuals and (ii) closing locations, given respective budgets with the goal of minimizing the expected number of infected individuals after intervention. The spread of diseases is inherently stochastic due to the uncertainty about disease transmission and human interaction. We use a bipartite graph to represent individuals’ propensities of visiting a set of location, and formulate two integer nonlinear programming models to optimize choices of individuals to vaccinate and locations to close. Our first model assumes that if a location is closed, its visitors stay in a safe location and will not visit other locations. Our second model incorporates compensatory behavior by assuming multiple behavioral groups, always visiting the most preferred locations that remain open. The paper develops algorithms based on a greedy strategy, dynamic programming, and integer programming, and compares the computational efficacy and solution quality. We test problem instances derived from daily behavior patterns of 100 randomly chosen individuals (corresponding to 195 locations) in Portland, Oregon, and provide policy insights regarding the use of the two DPEC models.
A Protocol for Swaddled Bathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract A review of the literature revealed a lack of consensus concerning the type of bath, water temperature, and the length of the bath. Because our neonatal intensive care unit had already transitioned to swaddle bathing, the aim of this Performance Improvement project was to determine preferred initial water temperature and the length of the bath in the neonatal intensive care unit. Results of the Performance Improvement project indicated that above 101°F, the higher the initial water temperature, the higher the baby's temperature during the bath. Therefore, it was determined that the initial bath water temperature should be between 100° and 101° F and the average length of bath should be 8 minutes. Results of the chart review indicated that by 5 minutes after the bath, the initial water temperature had no lasting effect on the baby and the baby self-regulated his/her own body temperature. There was no difference in baby temperature after bath with a warmed blanket.
Core decompression in atraumatic osteonecrosis of the hip

Core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head continues to be a controversial procedure. We report the results of core decompression in the treatment of hip osteonecrosis. Forty-two patients (67 hips) were evaluated. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Preoperative outcome instruments were assessed. Volume of involvement (%) from magnetic resonance imaging was assessed. Failure was described as a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Mean patient age was 40.26 years. The average clinical and radiologic follow-up was 40.7 months and 33.1 months. The average Harris Hip Scores preoperatively and postoperatively were 49 and 58. None of the hips classified as Ficat I progressed to THA, whereas 17% of Ficat II hips and 66% of Ficat III hips progressed to THA. Our results demonstrate no relationship between the volume of involvement of the femoral head or the location of the lesion in progression to collapse. Staging with the Ficat classification demonstrated the most statistically significant correlation with progression to THA. The SF-36 scores at last follow-up on our patients were significantly worse than patients undergoing THA.
Parametric study on the combined thermal and hydraulic performance of single phase micro pin-fin heat sinks part I: Square and circle geometries

Abstract This paper is the first part of a three paper series studying the overall performance of a micro pin-fin heat sink with single phase liquid flow and different pin-fin geometries operating under and similar conditions. Two different heat sinks, one with square shaped pin-fins and the other with circular pin-fins are selected for study in this paper. The paper focuses on studying the effect of thermal resistance and pressure drop of micro heat sinks when subjected to various factors such as pitch distance in axial and transverse directions, aspect ratio of the pin-fin, hydraulic diameters of the pin-fin, and the liquid flow rate through the device. A figure of merit (FOM) involving both the thermal resistance and pressure drop across the heat sink is introduced in the paper and the performance is evaluated on the basis of this FOM. The heat sinks are subjected to uniform heat flux at the bottom of the heat sink and the characteristic study is based on constant Reynolds number of liquid flow at the entrance of the channel. Water is used as the fluid in this study. The study is conducted over the Reynolds number range of 50–500. The characteristic study is carried out with the help of simulations developed using commercially available computational fluid dynamics software CoventorWare™. The characteristic study carried out in this paper is divided into four cases. In the first case the axial pitch distance is varied between 350 μm and 650 μm by keeping the aspect ratio of the pin-fin structure constant at 0.5. For the second case the transverse pitch distance is varied between 150 μm and 300 μm and the aspect ratio is kept the same as in the first case. Third case studies the effect of varying the aspect ratio (between 0.33 and 1) of the pin-fin structures by keeping both pitches constant. Case four studies the variation in the performance of the heat sink with the change in the hydraulic diameter of the pin-fins. The study conducted in this paper reveals the importance of considering the pressure drop along with the thermal resistance in evaluating the overall performance of the micro pin-fin heat sink. At low Reynolds number (below 300) the heat sinks with circular pin-fins shows better performance compared with heat sinks with square pin-fins and vice versa at high Reynolds number (above 300). FOM varies considerably with the change in the parameters like axial pitch distance, transverse pitch distance, aspect ratio and hydraulic diameter of the pin-fins.
Risky Sexual Behavior Among Young Adult Latinas: Are Acculturation and Religiosity Protective?

A sexual health disparity exists among U.S. Latinas, who have rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are more than double their peers. Previous research has identified acculturation and religiosity as key social determinants of sexual health, but such findings have been inconsistent, with some researchers identifying protective benefits and other researchers noting increased risk. The purpose of this study was to explain how intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity as well as acculturation predict risky sexual behavior using Structural Equation Modeling of a nationally representative sample of self-identified Latinas (N = 1,168) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health. Results indicated that intrinsic religiosity and acculturation assert protective effects while extrinsic religiosity increases risk. Recommendations for policy, intervention, and future research are offered.
Thin-film lasers embedded in passively aligned SU-8 waveguides on SiO 2 /Si

A thin film GaAs based edge emitting laser is bonded to silicon, with one facet embedded in a passively aligned polymer waveguide. J th = 260 A/cm2 at λ=1002.5 nm is achieved for this integrated system.