cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reply from D.A. Perry.

Contrary to what Fitter et al. state, transfer of labeled carbon into the shoots of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants has been shown in two studies of which I'm aware1,2, and at least five others have shown transfer of phosphorus, nitrogen, or calcium from one AM plant into the shoots of nearby AM plants3–7. As of yet, no dual labeling studies have been published for AM plants, hence net transfer of elements has not been shown as it has for ectomycorrhizal (EM) plants8. However, a study in which Fitter and Robinson were co-authors used carbon-isotope natural abundances to evaluate the possibility of net carbon transfer between C3 and C4 plants9.
Wireless and Microwave Education: from Circuits to Systems

An innovative program is described that aims to meet the rapidly evolving demands of contemporary wireless education. Today's wireless engineers must face integrative systems-to-device design challenges, merge multi-disciplinary principles, and learn to efficiently utilize the modern CAE software and instrumentation. This paper will present the manner in which these issues are being addressed through well-conceived curricula and well-focused project work at the University of South Florida.
Three-dimensional modeling of multistage depressed collectors

The computer modeling of instantaneous currents within a multistage depressed collector is presented. MAFIA, a three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic finite integration code, performs the collector analysis. The computational results provide valuable insight into the performance of the collector and show excellent agreement with experimental measurements and with the classic axially symmetric (2 1/2 -D), steady-state computations.
Monte Carlo simulation of the equilibrium partitioning of chain fluids between a bulk and a pore

A new simulation method is presented that enables the simulation of a molecular fluid in a small pore that is in equilibrium with a bulk fluid. The simulation cell consists of a small pore that is physically connected to a bulk well. The total number of molecules, the total volume, and the temperature are kept constant. The method is tested by comparing simulation results for the density profile of hard spheres in the pore to a profile obtained from a grand canonical ensemble simulation at a chemical potential corresponding to the density in the bulk well. Results for the adsorption of 4-mers and 8-mers (modelled as a pearl-necklace of freely-jointed hard spheres) are presented.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Potassium Permanganate Treatment Efficacy for the Control of Acute Experimental Infection by Flavobacterium columnare in Channel Catfish

Abstract An experiment was performed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) against Flavobacterium columnare. In vitro, F. columnare treated with KMnO4 at 2 mg/L for 8 h exhibited a 70% reduction in colony-forming units (CFU). A minimum KMnO4 concentration of 10 mg/L was needed to inhibit bacterial growth. An acute and systemic experimental infection was produced in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus by waterborne exposure to the bacteria after mechanical cutaneous abrasion to remove mucus and epithelium. At 22 h postchallenge, an 8-h treatment with KMnO4 at 2.3 mg/L (2.0 mg/L above the average KMnO4 demand of 0.3 mg/L) was initiated. This did not reduce mortality in experimentally infected fish. The infection model utilized in the experiment was evaluated by examining the clinical signs and histopathology of infected fish. Fish in the model showed columnaris signs similar to those of a natural infection, including skin depigmentation and ulceration and gill necro...
Hippocampus and Memory: Can We Have Our Place and Fear It Too?

Theories of hippocampal function are often split into cognitive map theories and relational/episodic memory theories. In this issue of Neuron, Moita et al. (2003) show that hippocampal cells respond to the combination of spatial location and conditioned stimuli in a nonspatial fear conditioning task, suggesting a potential bridge between the competing theories of hippocampal function.
Body surface area as a predictor of aortic and pulmonary valve diameter.

Abstract Background: Predicting cardiac valve size from noncardiac anatomic measurements would benefit pediatric cardiologists, adult cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons in a number of decision-making situations. Previous studies correlating valve size with body size have been generated with the use of fixed autopsy specimens, angiography, and echocardiography, but primarily in the young. This study examines the relation of body surface area to measurements of the left ventricular–aortic junction (aortic valve anulus diameter) and the right ventricular–pulmonary trunk junction (pulmonary valve anulus diameter) in 6801 hearts across a wide spectrum of ages. Methods: From June 1985 to October 1998, cardiac valves from 6801 donated hearts were analyzed morphologically. Donor age was newborn to 59 years (mean 31 ± 17 years; median 32 years). Calculated body surface areas ranged from 0.18 to 3.55 m 2 . Aortic (n = 4636) and pulmonary valve diameters (n = 5480) were measured from enucleated valves suitable for allograft transplantation. Mean valve sizes were computed for ranges in body surface area in 0.1-m 2 increments. Results: For adult men (age ≥ 17 years), the mean aortic valve diameter was 23.1 ± 2.0 mm (n = 2214) and the mean pulmonary valve diameter was 26.2 ± 2.3 mm (n = 2589). For adult women, the mean aortic valve diameter was 21.0 ± 1.8 mm (n = 1156) and the mean pulmonary valve diameter was 23.9 ± 2.2 mm (n = 1408). The mean indexed aortic valve area was 2.02 ± 0.52 cm 2 /m 2 and the pulmonary valve area 2.65 ± 0.52 cm 2 /m 2 . Between 82% and 85% of the variability was explained by the size of the patient. Regression equations were developed both overall and separately for men and women, although the additional contribution of sex above that of body size was less than 1%. Conclusions: Aortic and pulmonary valve diameters are closely related to body size. Thus, body surface area, when used in conjunction with other clinically accepted evaluations, is a useful tool for estimating normal aortic and pulmonary valve size. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:975-82)
SOME ATTRIBUTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF BINOCULAR RIVALRY.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of two binocular visual fields upon the tendency to employ certain artributive terms. 62 Ss described their “subjective” impressions o...
MAKO: Multi-Ontology Analytical Knowledge Organization based on topic maps

We address how the XML Topic Map (XTM) 1.0 standard can be used to develop an analytical knowledge base comprised of multiple ontologies to support intelligence assessments. Termed the MultiOntology Analytical Knowledge Organizational (MAKO) framework, it incorporates a Multidimensional Ontology Model (MOM) that organizes subjects into separate conceptualizations based upon common-sense groupings. Topic, association and occurrence elements are temporally serialized, according to the Temporal Layer Model (TLM), to accommodate, and historically preserve, modifications to the knowledge base as world events change.
A comparison of outcomes between the traditional laparoscopic and totally robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures.

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered to be the gold standard of bariatric procedures. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been demonstrated to decrease recovery time and provide for favorable cosmetic outcomes. The drawback of traditional laparoscopic techniques for the surgeon comes in the form of 2D monitoring of not always intuitive instrument manipulation. The da Vinci Surgical System provides surgeons with a 3D view and more intuitive instrument manipulation. This study was conducted in order to compare the surgical outcomes and assess the learning curve of traditional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (LRYGB) to totally robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (TRRYGB). A single surgeon’s 100 most recent patients who underwent traditional LRYGB and the first 100 patients who underwent TRRYGB were included in this study. Data was collected on patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, surgical time, length of admission, and complication rates. No significant differences were found between study groups with respect to age, gender, BMI or any recorded co-morbidities. The mean operative times for patients 1–50 in the TRRYGB and LRYGB groups were 204.34 ± 90.19 min and 151.16 ± 47.16 min, respectively (P = 0.0004). Mean operative times were 159.60 ± 48.26 min and 166.66 ± 44.95 min for patients 51–100 in the TRRYGB and LRYGB groups, respectively (P = 0.45). No significant differences were found between study groups with respect to post-surgical complications or 30-day outcomes. Our data shows that TRRYGB compares favorably to the traditional laparoscopic approach, while maintaining patient safety.
SU-FF-T-232: Evaluation of the Volumetric Coverage for Head and Neck Carcinoma Using the Traditional 3D Versus IMRT RTOG Modified Dose Schema

Purpose: To evaluate the volumetric coverage of Head and Neck patients planned using the 3D technique of 7040cGy/38fx dose schema versus modified IMRT RTOG 0022 multi‐tier dose schema with (High Risk) HR PTV 6784cGy/32fx; (Intermediate Risk) IR PTV 5760cGy/32fx and (Low Risk) LR PTV 5440cGy/32fx. We evaluated 4 patients whose diagnoses were Oropharynx, Supraglottis and 2 Base of Tongue carcinomas.Materials and Methods:Treatment plans using traditional 3D planning technique and Inverse Planning IMRT were developed using CMS XiO treatment planning system. The same targets and critical structures were used for both dose schema. The dosimetric plans were compared with respect to dose conformability and dose to the critical structures, using dose volume histograms to evaluate volumetric coverage. Results: Our Modified IMRT RTOG plans showed more conformal isodoses and provided better coverage around the various PTV than the traditional 3D. Also the Dose Volume Histogram evaluation showed better sparing of organ of risk especially the Parotids with the IMRT plans. Conclusion: The Modified IMRT RTOG dose schema gave a better volumetric target coverage, better organ at risk sparing, better biological effect with 32fx versus 38fx, more skin sparing, less parotid dose, but required stringent immobilization criteria. The treatment is completed solely with photon fields and there is no need for field matching of photon and electron as with the traditional 3D. Further studies are needed to establish the true clinical advantage of this multi‐tier dose schema.
Community-Based Research and Participatory Change: A Strategic, Multi-Method Community Impact Assessment

This article presents a community impact assessment that was triggered by a proposed land development project that had the potential to dramatically change the social fabric and quality of life in a neighborhood whose history dated back several generations. Developers of the project never asked, “How would this project impact the surrounding neighborhood?” Community planning faculty and student researchers embarked on a 5-month effort to answer this question. This case study presents this research and points to the usefulness of community impact assessments for neighborhoods that are faced with development where the future of their community is at stake.
Optimization of isocenter location for intensity modulated stereotactic treatment of small intracranial targets.

Purpose To quantify the impact of isocenter location on treatment plan quality for intensity-modulated stereotactic treatment of small intracranial lesions. Methods and Materials For 18 patients previously treated by stereotactic-intensity modulated radiosurgery (IMRS) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a retrospective virtual planning study was conducted wherein the impact of isocenter location on plan quality was measured. Treatment indications studied included six arteriovenous malformations, six acoustic neuromas, and six intracranial metastases, ranging in volume from 0.71 to 3.21 cm 3 (mean = 2.26 cm 3 ), 1.08 to 2.84 cm 3 (mean = 1.73 cm 3 ), and 0.19 to 2.30 cm 3 (mean = 0.79 cm 3 ), respectively. Variation of isocenter location causes the geometric grid of pencil beams into which the target is segmented for intensity-modulated treatment to be altered. The impact of this pencil-beam-grid redefinition on achievable conformity index was quantified for three collimators (Varian Millennium 120; BrainLab MM3; Nomos binary Mimic) and three treatment planning systems (TPS; Varian Eclipse v6.5; BrainLab BrainScan v5.31; Best-Nomos Corvus v6.2), resulting in the evaluation of 3,446 treatment plans. Results For all patients, collimator, and TPS combinations studied, a significant variation in plan quality was observed as a function of isocenter and pencil-beam-grid relocation. Optimization of isocenter location resulted in treatment plan conformity variations as large as 109% (min = 15%, mean=51%, max=109%). Conclusion Optimization of isocenter location for IMRT/IMRS treatment of small intracranial lesions in which pencil-beam dimensions are comparable to target dimensions, can result in significant improvements in treatment plan quality.
Turpentine chemistry and taxonomy of three pines of Southeastern Asia

Abstract Turpentines of Finns khasya 1 and Pinus insularis, and to a lesser degree of Pinus yunnanensis, obtained from various localities have been investigated. Data obtained indicate the existence of two chemical races of P. khasya: a northern (Assam and Burma) race characterized by high β-pinene, low β-phellandrene and high longifolene content, and a southern (Viet Nam) race characterized by low β-pinene, high β-phellandrene and low longifolene contents. No difference in turpentine composition was found between Pinus khasya from Viet Nam and Pinus insularis from the Philippines. 3-Carene was identified as a constituent of P. yunnanensis oleoresin ; this terpene is absent in both P. khasya and P. insularis. However these findings are based on only one sample of oleoresin collected from a few planted trees, and verification is desirable.
Frailty and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and relationship of frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among residents of long-term care [nursing homes (NH) and assisted living (AL)] facilities. Methods: Residents of NH and AL facilities in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, were recruited 1/2009-6/2010 and assessed for frailty (gait speed, unintended weight loss, grip strength), comorbidity (Charlson index), and HRQOL [Short Form (SF)-36]. Results: Among 137 participants, 85% were frail. Frail residents were older, had more comorbidities (2.0 vs. 0, p < .001) and lower mean SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS, 32 vs. 48, p < .001). Following adjustments for age, sex, and comorbidities, compared to nonfrail residents, frail residents had lower SF-36 PCS (mean difference −14.7, 95% CI. −19.3,−10.1, p < .001). Frailty, comorbidity, and HRQOL did not differ between NH and AL facilities. Discussion: Frail residents had lower HRQOL, suggesting that preventing frailty may lead to better HRQOL among residents ...
Predictors and Correlates of Abortion in the Fragile Families and Well-Being Study: Paternal Behavior, Substance Use, and Partner Violence

This study was designed to identify predictors of the choice to abort or deliver a child within 18 months of a previous birth and to compare mothers who chose to abort or deliver relative to substance use and adverse partner behavior. Using a systems perspective, data from the Fragile Families and Well-Being Study were examined. The sample included participants from 16 cities, and within the selected cities, hospitals with high rates of unmarried births were chosen for inclusion in the survey. The data analysis process entailed two steps: 1) predictors of the choice to abort were identified statistically; 2) mothers who chose to abort and deliver were compared relative to heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, and adverse partner behavior after controlling for potentially confounding factors identified in step one. The results indicated that several variables pertaining to the father's commitment to raising a previously born child and to his relationship with the mother predicted the choice to abort. Further, a recent abortion was related to substance use and partner perpetrated physical aggression after the effects of confounding variables were removed.Professionals who work with women from impoverished environments facing an unplanned pregnancy should be encouraged to sensitively explore the woman’s support system. If the father is unavailable, counselors can assist women in identifying other sources of support within and outside the family.
Role of the Fish Ear in Sound Processing

Despite the considerable interest in fish hearing in recent years (see Schuijf and Hawkins 1976; Tavolga, Popper, and Fay 1981), the contributions of the fish ear or brain to hearing and sound processing remain relatively unknown. Our knowledge about the fish ear is more limited as compared to our knowledge of the ears of amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Extensive studies of representatives of these classes have demonstrated that their inner ears are involved in the analysis of sounds, rather than simply as a system for transduction of mechanical to electrical energy.
Using a Movie as a Capstone Activity for the Introductory Course.

A capstone experience serves as a culminating exercise for students to assimilate the information learned in a course and to realize how to use the material and skills in different contexts. Both m...
Invention in the United States City System

This article draws on several empirical regularities underlying central place theory (CPT) to enhance understanding of the uneven distribution of invention in the U.S. city system, especially the immense array of specializations that comprise national technological advance. CPT depicts city systems as collections of places in which functions expand in number as city size increases. Small cities have few functions and large cities many. A long-term hierarchical system is successively inclusive if large cities have all of the functions of smaller cities and some additional ones. The functions investigated here are 399 patent classes distributed across 366 U.S. metropolitan areas in the period from 2000 to 2011. Evidence is strong that patent classes with large numbers of awards are widely spread across the city system. This leads to the average sizes of places active in generating patents in the robust classes to be significantly smaller compared with the average sizes of areas that generate patents in unus...
Synthesis and Characterization of Sr-Doped Lanthanum Manganite Nanoparticles

Polycrystalline, nanometer-sized powders of La1-xSrxMnO3with x=0.25 and 0.45 were prepared by a citrate gel technique and annealed at 600, 700, and 800degC in air for a period of 3 or 10 h. This synthesis technique resulted in the characteristics of the nanoparticles being highly reproducible from different, but identically prepared starting solutions. The average particle sizes as determined from the width of the (024) X-ray diffraction peak were found to be in the 11-15 nm range for the x=0.45 Sr concentration materials and in the 12-17 nm range for x=0.25 materials. For both concentrations, the average particle size increases roughly linear with annealing temperature while the effect of increasing annealing time (3 h versus 10 h) appeared to increase with the particle size, but not in a uniform way. Likewise, the saturated magnetizations at 300 K (7-26 emu/g) and transition temperatures (275-350 K) were found to increase linearly with the average particle diameter for each Sr concentration of nanoparticles
Endobronchial Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Consideration

Endobronchial involvement of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type lymphoma is a very rare entity and is often not included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating the patients with endobronchial lesions. Therefore, the diagnosis is usually difficult or delayed. The case here is an 82-
Grating lobes in the scattering patterns of edge-loaded strips

The scattering patterns from perfectly conducting strips with constant resistive edge loads have periodic grating lobes that rise above the reduced relative sidelobe levels. These grating lobes are a function of the resistive load width and seriously limit scattering sidelobe reduction. Neither tapering the resistivity of the load nor adding more resistive loads of the same width will further reduce the maximum sidelobe level. Equations for predicting the size and location of the grating lobes are derived. In addition, optimum edge loads that produce the smallest maximum sidelobe level are derived. >
Syntax vs. semantics: competing approaches to dynamic network intrusion detection

Malicious network traffic, including widespread worm activity, is a growing threat to internet-connected networks and hosts. In this paper, we consider both syntax and semantics based approaches for dynamic network intrusion detection. The semantics-based approach can cope with sophisticated polymorphic and metamorphic worms better than the syntax-based approach. Our contribution in this work is threefold: our syntax-based scheme that uses variable-length partition with multiple breakmarks can detect many polymorphic worms; we believe our semantic-based prototype is the first NIDS that provides semantics-aware capability and our system is more efficient than what is reported by Christodorescu et al. (2005); our designed templates capture polymorphic shellcodes with added sequences of stack and mathematic operations.
THE PASS AS A PHYSICALLY-DOMINATED, OPEN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Despite their importance in the life histories of many coastal species, passes have received little ecological study. From scant literature sources the salient features of pass ecology are sketched out. It is suggested that, as physically- dominated nutritionally rich systems, passes are ecologically unique and that their detailed study should shed new light on a number of classical ecological paradigms.
Tensile Rupture Strength and Fracture Defects of Sintered Silicon Carbide

The tensile strength distribution of sintered silicon carbide was measured at room temperature and 1300°C in air and fracture defects were characterized. The measured strength was compared with strength obtained from flaw characteristics and fracture toughness assuming a peripherally cracked spherical void model.
Personality and the coherence of psychotherapy narratives

Abstract The stories people construct about themselves and their social worlds are key aspects of their identities [Bruner, J. S. (1990). Acts of meaning . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of General Psychology , 5 , 100–122]. Whereas certain expected life experiences (e.g., leaving home, getting a job) may be relatively easy to narrate, more unexpected and difficult events, such as undergoing psychotherapy, may pose a challenge to successful narration. Yet it is especially important to successfully narrate one’s experience in psychotherapy in order to maintain the gains from treatment [Frank, J. D. (1961). Persuasion and healing: A comprehensive study of psychotherapy . Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press; Spence, D. P. (1982). Narrative truth and historical truth: Meaning and interpretation in psychoanalysis . New York: W.W. Norton]. The present study collected psychotherapy narratives from 76 adult former clients and coded them for the fundamental story criterion of coherence [Baerger, D. R., & McAdams, D. P. (1999). Life story coherence and its relation to psychological well-being. Narrative Inquiry , 9 , 69–96]. Former clients that were high in trait Openness to experience and those at higher stages of ego development told more coherent stories about therapy. The relationship between ego development and narrative coherence remained significant even when controlling for Openness. The findings suggest that high ego development may provide narrators with the kind of sophisticated frameworks for meaning-making that are especially well-suited for the important task of making good sense of psychotherapy.
Distance-Dependent Increase in AMPA Receptor Number in the Dendrites of Adult Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

The Schaffer collateral pathway provides hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells with a fairly homogeneous excitatory synaptic input that is spread out across several hundred micrometers of their apical dendritic arborizations. A progressive increase in synaptic conductance, with distance from the soma, has been reported to reduce the location dependence that should result from this arrangement. The excitatory synaptic contacts within this pathway primarily use AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors. To investigate the underlying mechanism of the increased distal excitatory postsynaptic conductance, we used outside-out patches and a fast application system to characterize the properties and distribution of synaptic glutamate receptors across the range of apical dendrites receiving Schaffer collateral input. We observed an approximately twofold increase in AMPA-mediated current amplitude (0.3–0.6 nA) in the range of CA1 apical dendrites that receive a uniform density of Schaffer collateral input (∼100–250 μm from soma). NMDA-mediated current amplitude, however, remained unchanged. We analyzed the current kinetics, agonist affinity, single-channel conductance, maximum open probability, and reversal potential of AMPA receptors and did not find any differences. Instead, the number of AMPA receptors present in our patches increased approximately twofold. These data suggest that an increase in the number of AMPA receptors present at distal synapses may play an important role in the distance-dependent scaling of Schaffer collateral synapses.
The application of L-band and C-band radar measurements to monitoring land snow cover

L-band and C-band microwave radar observations can help to measure the properties of snow cover on land by providing in formation about the soil-snow boundary condition. In this theoretical study, the author examines the sensitivities of microwave radar measurements to soil and snow characteristics, and compares a simple model with previously published data. These data show that the thermal insulation provided by snow cover can have a powerful effect on the soil-snow boundary by altering the soil temperature and therefore changing the dielectric contrast.
Adaptive nulling of SAR sidelobe discretes

By using adaptive subarrays for crossrange imaging we have developed a computationally simple method that removes any image degradation caused by strong, discrete clutter located in the crossrange sidelobes of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image. The procedure is based on the minimization of the mean interference power with the constraint that the image of a desired scatterer is undistorted. The applicability of the approach has been illustrated by simulation.
Microvesicles containing miRNAs promote muscle cell death in cancer cachexia via TLR7

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and, in cancers, are often packaged within secreted microvesicles. The cachexia syndrome is a debilitating state of cancer that predominantly results from the loss of skeletal muscle mass, which is in part associated with apoptosis. How tumors promote apoptosis in distally located skeletal muscles has not been explored. Using both tumor cell lines and patient samples, we show that tumor-derived microvesicles induce apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells. This proapoptotic activity is mediated by a microRNA cargo, miR-21, which signals through the Toll-like 7 receptor (TLR7) on murine myoblasts to promote cell death. Furthermore, tumor microvesicles and miR-21 require c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity to regulate this apoptotic response. Together, these results describe a unique pathway by which tumor cells promote muscle loss, which might provide a great insight into elucidating the causes and treatment options of cancer cachexia.
A Hydraulic Fracture Network Propagation Model in Shale Gas Reservoirs: Parametric Studies to Enhance the Effectiveness of Stimulation

The most effective method for stimulating shale gas reservoirs is horizontal wells with successful multi-stage hydraulic fracture treatments. Recent fracture diagnostic technologies such as microseismic technology have shown that complex fracture networks are commonly created in the field. However, often times, the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) obtained from the microseismic interpretation does not provide propped fracture volume and its conductivity such that, commonly, there is a difference between the SRV that is open for the gas flow and SRV obtained from microseismic diagnosis. In this paper, the coupled hydraulic fracturing model that is capable to simulate dynamic fracture propagation, reservoir flow simulation, the interactions between hydraulic fractures and pre-existing natural fractures, and proppant transportation will be used to conduct numerical experiments. The effects of proppant size, horizontal differential stress, fracture fluid viscosity, pumping rate, and natural fracture spacing on the propped stimulated reservoir volume (PSRV) and hydraulic fracture conductivities is then compared and quantified. At last, using the knowledge gathered during parametric studies will be applied to enhance the effectiveness of stimulation. Simulation results from the parametric studies show that enlarging SRV does not guarantee larger PSRV. Our result shows that thin fluid with viscosity of 1 cp to 2 cp increases SRV but it decrease PSRV because proppants are not distributed further inside of network with thin fluid. Fracture intensity increased in a reservoir with relatively smaller horizontal differential stress and natural fracture spacing. The conductivity of propped fracture network increased when fracture intensity is low and larger proppant size is used. These results will provide a better understanding to enhance SRV, fracture intensity and fracture conductivity through proper proppant, fluid and pumping rate selection depending on the differential stress and the complexity of pre-existing natural fracture network.
Prioritizing sleep for healthy work schedules

Good sleep is advantageous to the quality of life. Sleep-related benefits are particularly helpful for the working class, since poor or inadequate amounts of sleep degrade work productivity and overall health. This review paper explores the essential role of sleep in healthy work schedules and primarily focuses on the timing of sleep in relation to the work period (that is, before, during and after work). Data from laboratory, field and modeling studies indicate that consistent amounts of sleep prior to work are fundamental to improved performance and alertness in the workplace. In addition, planned naps taken during work maintain appropriate levels of waking function for both daytime and night-time work. Clearly, sufficient sleep after work is vital in promoting recovery from fatigue. Recent data also suggest that the time interval between shifts should be adjusted according to the biological timing of sleep. Although sleep is more likely to be replaced by job and other activities in the real life, research shows that it is worthwhile to revise the work schedules in order to optimize sleep before, sometime during and after the work period. Therefore, we suggest establishing work-sleep balance, similar to work-life balance, as a principle for designing and improving work schedules.
Leadership as Medium Treating Complexity in Group Communication Research

The present article attempts to adapt the current emphasis on social relationship interpersonal communication research to the phenomenon of group leadership. A synthesis of "what we know and don't ...
Outcomes of war related femoral neck fractures

INTRODUCTION: In the civilian trauma literature, femoral neck fractures in young adults are considered an orthopedic 'urgency'. To our knowledge, there have been no studies looking at the outcomes of these injuries in the combat setting. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes of war related femoral neck fractures; the rates avascular necrosis associated with these injuries as well as the effect time to fixation has on the development of avascular necrosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 21 patients who sustained combat related femoral neck fractures from October 2001 through October 2013. We collected demographic data, time to fixation, time to union, incidence of avascular necrosis, as well as complications and final recreational activity status. RESULTS: Our study included 21 males (100%). The average length of follow up was 19.0 (2.7-62.3) months, and the average length of radiographic follow up was 21.4 months. The average age was 25.2 (21-36) years. Displaced fractures were sustained in 71.4% of patients and 95.2% had a Pauwels' type 3 fracture. 56.9% had initial reduction and fixation within 24h of injury. Percutaneous screw fixation and dynamic hip screws were definitive fixation in 57.1% and 23.8% of patients, respectively, while the remainder had a cephalomedullary device or a salvage procedure. The average time to union was 5.5 months. There was 1 case of nonunion and 1 case of delayed union. Three of the patients (16.7%) developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 2 of which were initially reduced within 24h of injury. There were no statistically significant differences between time to fixation, type of reduction, or presence of displacement as a predictor of the development of avascular necrosis. DISCUSSION: We found a high rate of displaced and high Pauwels' angle fractures, consistent with the high-energy injury mechanisms. With nearly a two-year average radiographic follow-up, the incidence of avascular necrosis was 16.7%, despite only half of our patients receiving initial reduction within 24h of injury. Urgent reduction and fixation continues to be of utmost importance to decrease the risk of femoral head avascular necrosis. Language: en
Biotechnological Alterations of Lipid Metabolism in Plants

There are a number of aspects of lipid metabolism for which desired changes are approachable using biotechnology. One is the alteration of fatty acid composition of seed oils, and another is the change in the formation of fatty acid-derived flavor and aroma compounds. We have identified polypeptides associated with control of linolenate content in plant tissues using mutants and a chemical modulator of lipid composition. Work is in progress involving use of an ω-9 desaturase gene to decrease saturated fatty acid content of plant lipids. We have elucidated the role of specific lipoxygenase isozymes in the formation of C 6 aldehydes in soybean seed preparations and have produced transgenic plants with altered lipoxygenases. Finally, we have developed improved somatic embryogenesis systems for soybeans, facilitating genetic transformation and the study of the control of lipid biosynthesis and peroxidative metabolism.
Migration of IEC-6 cells : a model for mucosal healing

Cell migration is the principal force behind the early restitution of erosions of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the importance of cell migration to healing, no attempts to study the process in culture have been reported. We have attempted to standardize conditions for migration and test the migration responses of the small intestinal epithelial crypt cell line IEC-6 in some experimental situations already well known in vivo. We found good correspondence between in culture and in vivo on the following points: 1) migration was independent of DNA synthesis; 2) DNA synthesis was not concentrated at the wound edge; and 3) inhibition of actin polymerization stopped migration altogether. In addition, the presence of an extracellular matrix maximized migration. Protein inhibitors with different modes of action inhibited cell migration to different degrees, not always commensurate with their inhibition of protein synthesis. Cell surface proteoglycans were important; hyaluronic acid had an effect, but the secretion of a migration-stimulating substance by wounded cells was equivocal. Significantly, alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), which inhibits ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine synthesis, almost totally prevented cell migration. Because DFMO also prevents healing of mucosal erosions in vivo, we believe that this model can be used, keeping in mind its spatial limitations, to study the process of cell migration involved in the early restitution of mucosal erosions.
The Dynamic Role of Urban Neighborhood Effects in a Text-Messaging Adolescent Smoking Intervention.

INTRODUCTION Neighborhood features such as the density of tobacco outlets relative to one's home and evaluations of safety of one's activity space (routine locations), are known to influence health behaviors. Understanding the time-varying nature of these aspects of the urban ecology provides unique insights into the dynamic interactions of individuals and their environments. METHODS The present study tested the time-varying effects of tobacco outlets and perceived safety within a randomized controlled trial of an adolescent text-messaging smoking intervention. We used ecological momentary assessment data (EMA) from an automated text-messaging smoking cessation randomized trial with 197 primarily African American urban adolescents. We employed a time-varying effect model to estimate the effects of density of tobacco outlets within one-half mile of participants' home locations (time-invariant covariate) and evaluations of safety of their activity space (time-varying covariate) on momentary smoking over 6 months by treatment condition. The time-varying effect model approach models behavioral change and associations of coefficients expressed dynamically and graphically represented as smooth functions of time. RESULTS Differences in trajectories of smoking between treatment conditions were apparent over the course of the study. During months 2 and 6, the association between tobacco outlet density and smoking was significantly stronger in the control condition, suggesting treatment dampens this association during these time periods. The intervention also significantly reduced the association of perceived safety and smoking among the treatment condition during months 3 through 6. CONCLUSIONS Results support testing the time-varying effects of urban ecological features and perceptions of safety among adolescents in text-based smoking cessation interventions. IMPLICATIONS This study makes a unique contribution towards understanding the time-varying effects of urban neighborhoods on adolescent tobacco use within the context of a text-delivered intervention. Helping to adjust the long-held conceptualization of intervention effects as a static outcome, to that of a dynamic, time-varying process, is an important contribution of this study. The ability to specify when behavioral change occurs within the context of a randomized control trial provides understanding into the time-varying treatment effects of text-based smoking intervention. For example, researchers can modify the intervention to have strategically timed booster sessions that align with when the odds of smoking begin to increase in order to provide more precise treatment. The current study results show that increasing support to participants during months 2 and 4 may help suppress smoking over the course of a 6-month intervention.
Updates in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the 4 th leading cancer cause mortality in both men and women. Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed in the advanced setting, and only 10-15% of patients present with operable disease. About 25% are locally advanced and unresectable and the rest are metastatic. Studies presented at the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting highlighted both current treatment options and promising novel therapeutic agents and approaches. Image: Design of the ongoing UK SCALOP phase II study.
Quantitation of presynaptic cardiac sympathetic function with carbon-11-meta-hydroxyephedrine.

UNLABELLED The purpose of this study was to validate an axially distributed blood-tissue exchange model for the quantitation of cardiac presynaptic sympathetic nervous system function that could be applied to PET images. The model accounts for heterogeneity in myocardial blood flow, differences in transport rates of 11C-meta-hydroxyephedrine (mHED) across the capillary endothelium and/or neuronal membranes, the virtual volumes of distribution in the interstitial space and neuron and retention of mHED in the neuronal vesicles. METHODS Multiple indicator outflow dilution and residue detection methods were used to measure the kinetics of radiolabeled intravascular space and interstitial space markers and 11C-mHED in isolated perfused rat heart at baseline and during norepinephrine neuronal transporter blockade with desipramine (DMI). The outflow dilution and residue detection data were modeled with a multiple pathway, four-region, axially distributed model of blood-tissue exchange describing flow in the capillary and exchange between regions using permeability-surface area products with units of clearance of milliliters per minute per gram. Meta-hydroxyephedrine may enter the nerve terminal via membrane transport, where it may be sequestered by first-order unidirectional uptake within vesicles. Release of mHED from the vesicles is modeled via exchange with the interstitial space. RESULTS After intracoronary injection, mHED transport across the capillary endothelium and in the interstitial space closely followed that of sucrose. Subsequently, mHED was retained in the heart, whereas sucrose washed out rapidly. With DMI the outflow dilution curves more closely resembled those of sucrose. Model parameters reflecting capillary-interstitial kinetics and volumes of distribution were unchanged by DMI, whereas parameters reflecting the neuronal transporter process and volumes of distribution in the nerve terminal and vesicular sequestration were markedly decreased by DMI. Application of the model to a pilot set of canine PET images of mHED suggests the feasibility of this approach. CONCLUSION Meta-hydroxyephedrine kinetics in the heart can be quantitated using an axially distributed, blood-tissue exchange model that accounts for heterogeneity of flow, reflects changes in neuronal function and is applicable to PET images.
Face Value? Experimental Evidence that Candidate Appearance Influences Electoral Choice

According to numerous studies, candidates’ looks predict voters’ choices—a finding that raises concerns about voter competence and about the quality of elected officials. This potentially worrisome finding, however, is observational and therefore vulnerable to alternative explanations. To better test the appearance effect, we conducted two experiments. Just before primary and general elections for various offices, we randomly assigned voters to receive ballots with and without candidate photos. Simply showing voters these pictures increased the vote for appearance-advantaged candidates. Experimental evidence therefore supports the view that candidates’ looks could influence some voters. In general elections, we find that high-knowledge voters appear immune to this influence, while low-knowledge voters use appearance as a low-information heuristic. In primaries, however, candidate appearance influences even high-knowledge and strongly partisan voters.
Opioid overdose leading to intensive care unit admission: Epidemiology and outcomes

Abstract Purpose There is a scarcity of studies assessing the patient population admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with opioid overdose. We sought to characterize the epidemiologic features and outcomes of this patient population. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to the ICU at University of Louisville Hospital for opioid overdose. We reviewed each patient's hospital record for demographic data, comorbidities, opioid used, coingestions, and outcomes. Results We included 178 adult patients, of which 107 (60%) were females. The median age was 41 years (interquartile range [IQR], 23). Oxycodone and hydrocodone were the 2 most commonly abused opioids. Benzodiazepines were the most common drug coingested, followed by amphetamines. Tobacco smoking, chronic pain, and alcoholism were the most frequent comorbidities identified. Mental disorders were also common. Most patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (84.8%). Median ICU length of stay was 3 days. Eighteen patients (10.1%) died in the hospital, whereas 6 patients (3.4%) were discharged to a nursing home. Patients who had any coingestion were significantly more likely to undergo invasive mechanical ventilation (91% vs 77%; P = .014) and had longer ICU length of stay (3 [IQR, 2] vs 2 [IQR, 1.8] days; P = .024). Conclusion Opioid overdose is a common cause of ICU admission and affects a relatively young population. Most have respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. It is associated with a relatively high inhospital mortality. Coingestions appear to have an impact on outcomes.
Survival of the fittest.

“Bildung ist der Schlussel” nicht nur zu okonomischen und sozialen Entwicklung einer Gesellschaft, sondern auch fur demographische Prozesse, wie Mortalitat, Fertilitat und Migrationsverhalten. Die Ausbildung der europaischen Bevolkerung spielte im Demographischen Wandel seiner Nationalstaaten von wachsenden zu alternden Gesellschaften in den letzten 200 Jahren eine wichtige Rolle. Zusatzlich heben aktuelle Studien den Einfluss von Bildung auf die Altersstruktur und Bevolkerungsgrose, und somit auf die zukunftige Arbeitsbevolkerung und Bevolkerung im Ruhestand hervor. Diese Diplomarbeit soll den potentiellen Einfluss der Bildungsstruktur und bildungspolitischer Ziele auf die zukunftige Altersstruktur und Bevolkerungsgrose in der Europaischen Union und Beitrittskandidatenlander durch die Erstellung von Mehrebenen-Bevolkerungsszenarien herausstreichen. Diese basieren auf Annahmen uber den Einfluss demographischer Prozess und politischer Ziele auf die zukunftige Fertilitats-, Mortalitats-, Migrations- und Bildungsentwicklung.
Evolution Concepts for Microstructure-Property Interactions in Composite Systems

Modern durability, damage tolerance, and reliability predictive methodologies rely on an accurate estimate of local stress states and material states in the micro-regions that control remaining strength and life of composite materials systems. Major advances have been made in the determination of local stresses with both closed form and numerical approximate analysis methods. However, the progress in the development of understandings and models of the evolution of material states in the presence of degradation during service has been more modest. These material state changes are particularly important when the material components operate at elevated temperatures, as is the case for many of the ceramic matrix composites in use today, and planned for the future. The present paper addresses this subject for fibrous composite material systems, with a focus on the degradation of stiffness and strength associated with elevated temperature and cyclic load exposure. Special attention is given to the effects of creep and static fatigue on the deformation and remaining strength of ceramic composites. Interpretations of observations will also be discussed using the performance simulation codes that the authors have developed for this purpose. Examples of predictions and observations will be compared to illustrate the concepts that are to be demonstrated. A coherent philosophy for life prediction will be proposed.