cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of individualized task activation in sensory modality-selective frontal cortex with 'connectome fingerprinting'.

Abstract The human cerebral cortex is estimated to comprise 200–300 distinct functional regions per hemisphere. Identification of the precise anatomical location of an individual's unique set of functional regions is a challenge for neuroscience that has broad scientific and clinical utility. Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of four interleaved regions in lateral frontal cortex (LFC) that are part of broader visual attention and auditory attention networks (Michalka et al., 2015; Noyce et al., 2017; Tobyne et al., 2017). Due to a large degree of inter-subject anatomical variability, identification of these regions depends critically on within-subject analyses. Here, we demonstrate that, for both sexes, an individual's unique pattern of resting-state functional connectivity can accurately identify their specific pattern of visual- and auditory-selective working memory and attention task activation in lateral frontal cortex (LFC) using “connectome fingerprinting.” Building on prior techniques (Saygin et al., 2011; Osher et al., 2016; Tavor et al., 2016; Smittenaar et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2017; Parker Jones et al., 2017), we demonstrate here that connectome fingerprint predictions are far more accurate than group-average predictions and match the accuracy of within-subject task-based functional localization, while requiring less data. These findings are robust across brain parcellations and are improved with penalized regression methods. Because resting-state data can be easily and rapidly collected, these results have broad implications for both clinical and research investigations of frontal lobe function. Our findings also provide a set of recommendations for future research.
On the encapsulation of bilingual language control

Abstract One purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that prevalent patterns of bilingual language control lead to greater enhancement of the ability to resolve Stimulus-Stimulus conflict compared to Stimulus-Response conflict. To that end 104 bilinguals and 62 monolinguals completed four commonly used nonverbal interference tasks with varied S-S and S-R incompatibilities. No bilingual advantages were observed in any of the tasks. A second purpose was to further investigate whether a general inhibitory-control ability exists by examining inter-task correlations in the current and previous studies. We conclude that there may be a shared mechanism for interference control across spatial Stroop tasks and Simon tasks, but that this mechanism is apparently not recruited during bilingual language control to the extent that such practice would enhance a general ability. Rather, inhibition in language processing may be encapsulated within a lexical-identification system as assumed by Dijkstra and van Heuven’s bilingual-interactive-activation plus model and its update Multilink.
Uncover the Mechanism of Nucleotide Import by HIV-1 Capsid

Abstract In this work, we carry out a series of Brownian diffusion simulations to elucidate the nucleotide importing process through the hexamer pores of HIV-1 capsid. Our simulations reveal the mechanism by which deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) diffuse through the arginine ring, the role of electrostatic potential within the pore in the importing process, and surprisingly, how IP6s and ATPs, though competing with dNTPs for binding at the arginine ring, end up accelerating the nucleotide import rate by thousands of folds so that it is sufficiently high to fuel the encapsidated DNA synthesis. IMPORTANCE Efficient nucleotide import is critical to fuel the reverse DNA synthesis that takes place within the capsid. However, the mechanism by which capsid imports the nucleotides is presently unclear. The current study through Brownian simulations shed insights into the process. A clear understanding of the mechanism of nucleotide import can be informative in developing drugs that target the process.
Adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation improves therapeutic efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII and reduces reexploration rate for bleeding in postoperative cardiac surgery patients with refractory hemorrhage.

Background: Excessive bleeding and surgical reexploration are common complications that increase the risk of multi-organ failure and prolonged hospitalization after cardiac surgery. Off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a recommended treatment for refractory bleeding. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine if the adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation enhances the efficacy of rFVIIa. Methods: This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients who received rFVIIa for refractory postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adequate coagulation resuscitation before rFVIIa administration, defined as international ratio (INR) ≤1.5, platelet count ≥100 K/mL, and fibrinogen ≥200 mg/dL. The failure of rFVIIa treatment was defined as surgical reexploration within 24 h, thoracostomy drainage >400 mL/h within 6 h or transfusion of additional blood products or another rFVIIa dose within 6 h after initial rFVIIa dose. Results: Of the 3833 patients, screened who underwent cardiothoracic surgery procedures, 58 patients received rFVIIa for refractory postoperative bleeding. Successful hemostasis with rFVIIa was more likely in patients who were adequately resuscitated compared with those who were not (20 [71.4%] vs. 10 [33.3%], respectively; P = 0.0046). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that patients who were adequately resuscitated before rFVIIa were less likely to fail treatment (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval [0.04–0.62]; P = 0.007). Conclusions: The therapeutic efficacy of rFVIIa is dependent on the adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation; restoration of normal serum fibrinogen, INR, and platelet counts >100 K/mL may provide an adequate substrate for rFVIIa to be effective in managing refractory postoperative cardiac surgical bleeding.
Miniaturized Solutions for CubeSat Servicing and Safety Requirements

Small spacecraft require systems to facilitate safe preflight and launch operations. These include access ports to test software, charge batteries, and monitor spacecraft health after assembly, as well as inhibits to prevent inadvertent operation during servicing, integration, transport, and launch. For CubeSats, the requirements for these features are primarily governed by the CubeSat Design Specification (CDS). The size, weight, and cost of existing, off-the-shelf access port, inhibit, and remove-before-flight implementations can be prohibitive for low-budget, miniaturized spacecraft. This article aims to reduce the size, weight, and cost of CDS-required servicing and safety features. This is achieved by integrating these features into a single system using off-the-shelf, consumer-scale electrical components, including a type-B universal serial bus (USB) mini connector and an FTDI USB to multiserial protocol integrated circuit.
Submillisecond, nondestructive, time-resolved quantum-state readout of a single, trapped neutral atom

We achieve fast, nondestructive quantum-state readout via fluorescence detection of a single $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atom in the $5{S}_{1/2}$ $(F=2)$ ground state held in an optical dipole trap. The atom is driven by linearly polarized readout laser beams, making the scheme insensitive to the distribution of atomic population in magnetic sublevels. We demonstrate a readout fidelity of $97.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2%$ in a readout time of $160\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ with the atom retained in $g97%$ of the trials, representing an advancement over other magnetic-state-insensitive techniques. We demonstrate that the $F=2$ state is partially protected from optical pumping by the distribution of the dipole matrix elements for the various transitions and the ac-Stark shifts from the optical trap. Our results are likely to find application in neutral-atom quantum computing and simulation.
The outside thing: modernist lesbian romance: by Hannah Roche, New York, Columbia University Press, 2019, $59.99, 272 pages, ISBN:978-0231188166

The Outside Thing: Modernist Lesbian Romance, by Hannah Roche, proposes a new paradigm for queer modernism by refusing the binaries and biases that have hamstrung modernist studies for too long. Ro...
Inter-tester Reliability of Lumbar Lordosis Posture Classification Using a Novel Screening Device.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-tester reliability of lumbar lordosis posture using a novel screening device. Methods A total of 33 healthy young male participants participated in the study. Two examiners measured the regional upper and lower lumbar lordosis angles of the participants in the standing position using a flexible ruler. The bent flexible ruler maintained a fixed shape and was transferred to a protractor for angle measurement. Two examiners classified each participant into one of 4 lumbar spine categories and measured the upper and lower regional lumbar lordosis angles. Results The agreement level between the 2 examiners in assessing healthy participants was 87.9%. The calculated kappa coefficient was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.86-0.97), reflecting a substantial level of agreement. Conclusion Our results suggest that our novel screening device for assessing upper and lower lumbar angles showed good inter-tester reliability in posture classification. Our findings may be useful for health care professionals for managing sagittal lumbar posture in asymptomatic younger individuals; however, more testing is still needed.
Assessing Pressure–Volume Relationship in Developing Heart of Zebrafish In-Vivo

During embryogenesis, the developing heart transforms from a linear peristaltic tube into a multi-chambered pulsatile pump with blood flow-regulating valves. In this work, we report how hemodynamic parameters evolve during the heart’s development, leading to its rhythmic pumping and blood flow regulation as a functioning organ. We measured the time course of intra-ventricular pressure from zebrafish embryos at 3, 4, and 5 days post fertilization (dpf) using the servo null method. We also measured the ventricular volume and monitored the opening/closing activity of the AV and VB valves using 4D selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). Our results revealed significant increases in peak systolic pressure, stroke volume and work, cardiac output, and power generation, and a total peripheral resistance decrease from zebrafish at 4, 5 dpf versus 3 dpf. These data illustrate that the early-stage zebrafish heart’s increasing efficiency is synchronous with the expected changes in valve development, chamber morphology and increasing vascular network complexity. Such physiological measurements in tractable laboratory model organisms are critical for understanding how gene variants may affect phenotype. As the zebrafish emerges as a leading biomedical model organism, the ability to effectively measure its physiology is critical to its translational relevance.
Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support

The major focus of therapy for cardiogenic shock extends beyond the cardiovascular system, aiming to enhance cardiac and end-organ perfusion. Identification of impending shock and prompt initiation of supportive therapies in a timely manner, prevents visceral and peripheral ischemia, mitigates electrolyte disruptions and acid–base disturbances while blunting the spiral of cardiogenic shock described in the previous chapter. While pharmacologic agents used in cardiogenic shock may effectively address hemodynamic derangements, the side effects may have substantial negative consequences. These agents, paradoxically, increase inotropy but also increase myocardial oxygen demand, afterload, coronary vasoconstriction, and arrhythmia. Inotropic and vasoactive agents are important options for refractory vascular congestion, as an emergent intervention for impending and acute cardiogenic shock, and as a bridge to, or adjunctive therapy for mechanical circulatory support (MCS). MCS systems have been developed to meet the primary objective of enhancing end-organ perfusion and resting the myocardium while promoting recovery without the hemodynamic trade-offs of pharmacologic support. These systems attempt to achieve these goals by directly delivering oxygenated blood to the central and peripheral vasculature and/or decreasing the amount of work required by the myocardium to sustain an adequate cardiac output. As these are invasive interventions, there are potential complications common across support devices and specific complications unique to each device. The expansion of MCS systems has radically altered the treatment strategies of individual patients with cardiogenic shock, however the role of each has yet to be defined with large randomized trials, in contrast to medical and interventional therapy in coronary disease, valvular disease, and chronic heart failure. Hemodynamic studies support the promise of MCS devices to improve outcomes in cardiogenic shock, but due to the complexities of studying these heterogeneous patients, definitive data is lacking.
Simulating the MakerDAO Stablecoin

We present a computational simulation framework for the single-collateral stablecoin launched by the MakerDAO project. The simulator, called DAISIM, models investors as portfolio optimizers with heterogeneous risk preferences, and incorporates automated order matching and price update mechanisms to determine the DAI price. DAISIM is being made available as open-source and may be useful in evaluating other similar projects.
Regional analytics

This paper was originally presented as a presidential address for the 56th Annual Meeting of the Western Regional Science Association, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 15–18, 2017. The intent of the paper is to discuss the continued importance of analytical methods to further knowledge and understanding, and in doing so contribute to enhanced analysis, planning, policy and decision making in a variety of contexts. Regional science is founded on the principle of being a multi-disciplinary effort, bringing together a range of quantitative approaches to study societal issues and concerns through planning and policy efforts, hopefully to bring about positive change. Analytics is an increasingly popular reference to the methods employed by a discipline or specialty area. Given the prominence of methods in regional science, it is suggestive of a more nuanced term like regional analytics. It is hoped that reflecting on regional analytics will reinforce the significance and strength of our discipline in the coming years and decades. It is only through our actions that we will make a difference, and we hope that such actions are based on the best information and scientific reasoning possible.
Determining the Limiting Interface for Thin Film Solar Cells Using Intensity Dependent Front and Back Illuminated Device Performance

Thin film solar cells have, in general, three recombination locations that can limit the device performance – the bulk, front interface, and back interface. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which of these mechanisms limit any given device. Time resolved photoluminescence measurements provide an estimate for the carrier lifetime and, therefore, bulk recombination. Determining the role of the front and back interface in device performance, though, is more complicated. With this in mind, we investigated the use of current densityvoltage measurements with front and back illumination at varying intensities. Using numerical modeling, we show that recombination information about each interface can be gleaned, and the limiting interface can be determined. The response curve signatures learned from modeling are then applied to measurements of real devices.
Establishment and characterization of human B-cell lymphoma cell lines using B-cell growth factor

B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL-B) have been difficult to establish in long-term cell culture using standard techniques. We report the establishment of five representative cell lines from high grade NHL-B using B-cell growth factor (BCGF). The five NHL-B cell lines display the morphologic, immunophenotypic, genotypic, and biologic characteristics of the lymphoma cells present in the original diagnostic specimen. The cell lines showed at least a sevenfold dose-dependent increase in proliferation in vitro over background in the presence of BCGF. Other putative B-cell growth-stimulating cytokines showed no significant proliferative activity or were inhibitory in some cases. NHL-B cell lines secreted growth factor(s) into culture supernatants that mediated at least a fivefold dose-dependent increase in cell proliferation in autochthonous lymphoma cells and a 10-fold or greater stimulation in growth factor-dependent normal B cell lines in vitro. The cell lines show monoclonal rearrangements of IgH genes and nonrandom chromosomal abnormalities characteristic of NHL-B, while the expression of Epstein-Barr virus associated antigen (EBNA-I) is present in two of the five cell lines. The studies show that lineage-specific growth factors may be used to establish neoplastic B cell lines in vitro, which are important experimental systems for cellular and molecular studies in the NHL-B.
Near-Ground Rotation in Simulated Supercells: On the Robustness of the Baroclinic Mechanism*

AbstractThis study addresses the robustness of the baroclinic mechanism that facilitates the onset of surface rotation in supercells by using two idealized simulations with different microphysics parameterizations and by considering previous results. In particular, the importance of ambient crosswise vorticity relative to baroclinically generated vorticity in the development of near-ground cyclonic vorticity is analyzed. The storms were simulated using the CM1 model in a kinematic base state characterized by a straight-line hodograph. A trajectory analysis spanning about 30 min was performed for a large number of parcels that contribute to near-surface vertical-vorticity maxima. The vorticity along these trajectories was decomposed into barotropic and nonbarotropic parts, where the barotropic vorticity represents the effects of the preexisting, substantially crosswise horizontal storm-relative vorticity. The nonbarotropic part represents the vorticity produced baroclinically within the storm. It was found...
Prospective analysis of penile length changes after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives To assess the impact of radical prostatectomy (RP) on penile dimensions. To assess the impact of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) use on penile length changes. Patients and Methods Men undergoing RP were enrolled in this prospective study before surgery. Demographic, clinical and PDE5i frequency-of-use data were collected. Erectile function was measured using the erectile function domain (EFD) of the International Index of Erectile Function. A single evaluator measured stretched flaccid penile length (SFPL) before RP, and at 2 and 6 months after RP. Repeated measures analysis was used to test differences in SFPL between timepoints. Pearson correlation was used for univariate analyses and multiple regression was used for multivariable analysis. Results A total of 118 patients were evaluated at baseline, with 76 and 63 patients evaluated at 2 and 6 months, respectively. At 2 months, there was a 2.4-mm mean decrease in SFPL, while at 6 months there was no significant difference. At 6 months, those subjects who took a daily PDE5i had no SFPL loss (n = 36, 1±6.7 mm gain, P = 0.37 compared with baseline), while those subjects who did not consistently take a PDE5i had SFPL loss (n = 27, 4.4±6.6 mm loss, P < 0.002 compared with baseline). In multivariable analysis, PDE5i use at 6 months and 6-month EFD score without on-demand PDE5i were significant predictors of 6-month SFPL loss, suggesting that an increase in these variables leads to SFPL preservation. Conclusions In this rigorously conducted prospective study of SFPL changes after RP, there was evidence of SFPL loss at 2 months, but not at 6 months after RP. PDE5i use moderated SFPL loss, with patients who regularly used PDE5i having no loss in SFPL.
Chronic oxycodone induces integrated stress response in rat brain

Oxycodone is an opioid that is prescribed to treat multiple types of pain, especially when other opioids are ineffective. Unfortunately, similar to other opioids, repetitive oxycodone administration has the potential to lead to development of analgesic tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction. Studies demonstrate that chronic opioid exposure, including oxycodone, alters gene expression profiles and that these changes contribute to opioid-induced analgesic effect, tolerance and dependence. However, very little is known about opioids altering the translational machinery of the central nervous system. Considering that opioids induce clinically significant levels of hypoxia, increase intracellular Ca2+ levels, and induce the production of nitric oxide and extracellular glutamate transmission, we hypothesize that opioids also trigger a defensive mechanism called the integrated stress response (ISR). The key event in the ISR activation, regardless of the trigger, is phosphorylation of translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α), which modulates expression and translational activation of specific mRNAs important for adaptation to stress. To test this hypothesis, we used an animal model in which female rats were orally gavaged with 15 mg/kg of oxycodone every 24 h for 30 days. We demonstrated increased levels of hsp70 and BiP expression as well as phosphorylation of eIF2α in various rat brain areas after oxycodone administration. Polysomal analysis indicated oxycodone-induced translational stimulation of ATF4 and PDGFRα mRNAs, which have previously been shown to depend on the eIF2α kinase activation. Moreover, using breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells, which are known to express the μ-opioid receptor, we observed induction of the ISR pathway after one 24-h treatment with oxycodone. The combined in vivo and in vitro data suggest that prolonged opioid treatment induces the integrated stress response in the central nervous system; it modulates translational machinery in favor of specific mRNA and this may contribute to the drug-induced changes in neuronal plasticity.
A separation principle for decentralized state-feedback optimal control

A cooperative control problem is considered in which dynamically decoupled subsystems must control their own states through state feedback in order to optimize a global quadratic cost. The states of the subsystems are coupled only through the cost function and correlated external disturbances. The architecture is truly decentralized; no communication between subsystems or their controllers is permitted. The main result of this paper is that the optimal decentralized controller satisfies a new separation principle that is strikingly similar to the celebrated result from centralized optimal control theory, but does not appear to follow from it. Roughly speaking, the optimal decentralized control strategy for each subsystem is the product of a static control gain and a global state estimate, and each can be separately computed.
Sequential Appearance of Auto-erythrocyte Antibody Immunoglobulin Classes With Age

The autoimmune, short-lived, NZB/BINJ mice were followed for the changes taking place in the number of thymic and splenic nucleated cells from day 1 up to 12 mo of age. The long-lived C57BL/6J mice were monitored in parallel with the NZB mice to see whether similar changes were reflected. Both strains of mice were investigated for the sequential appearance of anti-erythrocyte autoantibody classes by the direct Coombs' agglutination test. IgG1 was the first class of antibody detected on the erythrocytes and was followed by IgG3, IgG2 and IgA, simultaneously. IgM was the last antibody to react with erythrocytes. The C57BL strain had a very small number of mice with low levels of IgG1 antibody on erythrocytes throughout the study.
Role of molecular entanglements in starch fiber formation by electrospinning

We have demonstrated a method of fabricating pure starch fibers with an average diameter in the order of micrometers. In the present study, correlation between the rheological properties of starch dispersions and the electrospinnability was attempted via the extrapolation of the critical entanglement concentration, which is the boundary between the semidilute unentangled regime and the semidilute entangled regime. Dispersions of high amylose starch containing nominally 80% amylose (Gelose 80) required 1.2-2.7 times the entanglement concentration for effective electrospinning. Besides starch concentration, molecular conformation, and shear viscosity were also of importance in determining the electrospinnability. The rheological properties and electrospinnability of different starches were studied. Hylon VII and Hylon V starches, containing nominally 70 and 50% amylose, respectively, required concentrations of 1.9 and 3.7 times their entanglement concentrations for electrospinning. Only poor fibers were obtained from mung bean starch, which contains about 35% amylose, while starches with even lower amylose contents could not be electrospun.
Comparison of two new portable magnetic susceptibility measurement systems

Magnetic soils confound both magnetometers and electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors when these sensors are being used to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The amplitude of the magnetic susceptibility of the target is the problematic physical characteristic for magnetic detection; whereas the variation of magnetic susceptibility as a function of frequency, or magnetic viscosity, is the problematic physical characteristic that limits EMI sensor's effectiveness for target detection. Quantifying the physical characteristics of the soils in which targets are located can potentially provide insight into new methods of detection. Two new production sensors, which measure magnetic susceptibility as a function of frequency, have been tested on paramagnetic salts and soil samples from sites that exhibit magnetic viscosity. The purpose was to document their response for comparison with other popular sensors such as the Bartington MS2 system or the Quantum Designs MPMS. One of the new sensors, the SM-100 sensor from ZH Instruments, measures magnetic susceptibility at five fixed frequencies (~400Hz - 8 kHz) and six field strengths (10-320 A/m). The MAGNASAT sensor, a recently developed tool from Queensland Magnetic Research, can measure over a wider frequency band (10 Hz to 100 kHz) at a single field strength (80 A/m). The MAGNASAT measures the both the real and complex components of the magnetic susceptibility, whereas the SM-100 only measures the real component. Both sensors are sensitive enough to measure diamagnetic materials such as water, however, which is useful in field settings.
Selection and Application of Variable Speed Motor Drive Systems

Several methods of varying speed are available. The considerations to be included in the selection of all-electric drive systems such as eddy current couplings, direct current drives, and ac inverters are presented. The intent is to point out some of the factors which should be considered when evaluating an application, then to incorporate these into the system design. Because each type drive has advantages for each particular application, the relative merits of the individual systems are numerous and are beyond the scope of this presentation.
Effect of Phonon- and Electron-Electron-Induced s − d Transitions on the Thermopower of the Transition Metals

Using a two-band model for the conduction electrons of the transition metals and assuming that only the lighter carriers contribute to charge transport, the effects of phonon-induced and electron-electron interband $s\ensuremath{-}d$ transitions are investigated. Provided that the total thermopower, not including the phonon-drag contribution, is given by ${S}_{T}=(\frac{1}{{W}_{T}})\ensuremath{\Sigma}{i}^{}{W}_{i}{S}_{i}$, we find that interband electron-electron scattering may manifest itself in the total thermopower at low as well as at high temperatures. At lowest temperatures (near $\frac{T}{{\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}}=0.03$), depending upon the magnitudes and temperature dependences of electron-electron-and electron-phonon-scattering contributions, a well-defined extremum of the order of 1\ensuremath{\mu}V/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K may appear. At high temperatures the total thermopower, weighted as indicated above, may be dominated by electron-electron-scattering effects, and in that event, will exhibit a ${T}^{2}$ temperature dependence. The effect of the variation of some of the parameters and the influence of the addition of impurities are discussed and the theoretical total thermopower is compared with available experimental data.
Influence of Pd on formation of amorphous and quasicrystal phases in rapidly quenched Zr2Cu(1−x)Pdx

The role of Pd in the transformation from an amorphous state to a metastable icosahedral quasicrystalline phase in Zr2Cu(1−x)Pdx (x = 0 to 1) metallic glasses was investigated using high-energy synchrotron X-rays and differential scanning calorimetry. The total scattering functions show an increasing development of the high-Q side of the second diffuse scattering peak at 5.09 A−1 with increasing Pd content. The reduced radial distribution functions reveals that the bonding distance of the Zr–(Pd/Cu) pairs increases from 2.76 to 2.82 A when x increases from 0.00 to 1.00, while the distance for the Zr–Zr pairs remains almost constant at 3.10 A. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction together show that an amorphous-to-quasicrystal phase transition is not observed in the Zr2Cu alloy, but partial or total substitution of Cu by Pd in Zr2Cu(1−x)Pdx alloys does lead to quasicrystal formation.
The future role of geophysics in reservoir engineering

Reservoir engineers seek to obtain the highest possible economic hydrocarbon recovery from petroleum reservoirs. During primary production, their goal is to position wells at the correct locations for maximum recovery. During secondary and enhanced recovery, their concern is to maximize the volume of hydrocarbon contacted by injected fluids; that is, to achieve maximum volumetric sweep efficiency. To minimize cost and risk, engineers attempt to predict reservoir performance—for both planning and evaluation of hydrocarbon recovery projects. Correct predictions of reservoir performance hinge on how well the reservoir is understood and has been described in the models used for fluid‐flow simulation. Today, 40 years after Muskat wrote the words prefacing this paper, reservoir characterization (especially in terms of reservoir architecture, flow paths, and fluid‐flow parameters) continues to be the key to good reservoir engineering. The premise that underlies this paper is that geophysical methods will play a ...
Stem Cells Remember Their Grade

The stem cell state is understood based on what cells do in performance assays, crude measures of a highly refined state. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Dykstra et al. (2007) reveal stem cell gradation and the extent to which that gradation is retained in stem cell daughters of hematopoietic stem cells.
On the Probability Densities of the Output of Some Random Systems

The probability density, mean, and variance of the displacement of simple linear one-degree-of-freedom systems are investigated when the spring constants and the initial conditions are random variables. The ensemble mean motion is found to be considerably different from the “mean” motion obtained by first averaging over the spring constants. Furthermore, it is found that only the first and second moments of the initial conditions affect the first and second moments of the displacement.
Unsteady oblique shock waves

A spatially and temporally local analysis is provided for unsteady, oblique shock waves, in which the flow is assumed to be two-dimensional or axisymmetric. Three unsteady parameters, in a laboratory frame, are viewed as the known independent variables. These are the upstream Mach number, the shock Mach number, and the angle of the shock relative to the instantaneous upstream velocity. Other steady and unsteady parameters, such as the velocity turn angles and downstream Mach numbers, are evaluated in closed form, in terms of these three quantities. Trends are assessed, and a sensitivity analysis is provided. It is suggested that the theory may find application in converting a shock capturing algorithm, at an early time during the computational process, into a shock fitting algorithm.
Fluid Dynamic Study in a Femoral Artery Branch Casting of Man With Upstream Main Lumen Curvature for Steady Flow

An in-vitro, steady flow investigation was conducted in a hollow, transparent vascular replica of the profunda femoris branch of man for a range of physiological flow conditions. The replica casting tested was obtained from a human cadaver and indicated some plaque formation along the main lumen and branch. The flow visualization observations and measured pressure distributions indicated the highly three-dimensional flow characteristics with arterial curvature and branching, and the important role of centrifugal effects in fluid transport mechanisms.
The diagnosis and treatment of acute diseases of the abdomen in children

Abstract There are some acute surgical conditions frequently encountered in children which are rare in adults. Acute diseases common to both childhood and adult life may manifest themselves differently in the young and require different forms of treatment. In children, it is not unusual for pathological lesions situated in distant parts of the body first to produce referred symptoms in the abdomen. A different technic should be employed when examining young individuals. Success in diagnosis depends upon the ability of the physician to manage the patient. There is no age limit for appendicitis. The disease in the young is notorious for the rapidity with which it progresses. Prompt diagnosis and removal of the organ before perforation occurs assures recovery. Even when rupture has taken place, eradication of the source of infection offers the best hope of a favorable outcome. The causes of acute intestinal obstruction in children are not always the same as those found in older patients. Young individuals are unable to tolerate the shock, dehydration and toxemia which accompany the condition. The mortality is high unless immediate relief is obtained. Intussusception is the most common surgical emergency encountered in infants under two years of age. Reduction constitutes the only safe method of treatment which assures a good chance of recovery. As this is possible only during the early stages of the disease, prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are necessary to save the child's life. The urachal remnant and Meckel's diverticulum are uncommon sources of acute abdominal disease. Nevertheless, these structures, as well as abdominal tumors and lesions of the biliary system must be kept in mind when dealing with acute abdominal disease in children.
The in vivo inhibition by β-phenylserine of rabies, myxoma, and vaccinia viruses

Abstract The daily intraperitoneal administration of 10–15 mg of β-phenylserine protected rats against death from lethal amounts of rabies virus. The protective effect was most marked when the animals were treated for 3 days prior to the injection of the virus, although initiation of treatment 24 hours after the virus was injected also gave protection. The administration of dl -phenylalanine or dl -tyrosine in combination with β-phenylserine reversed the inhibition of rabies virulence. Rabies-infected animals protected with β-phenylserine and challenged with a second injection of rabies virus 6–7 weeks later did not show any immunity. The xanthine oxidase activity of infected rat brain increased during the course of rabies. The increased activity paralleled the titer of virus in the brain. There was no alteration in the xanthine oxidase activity when animals injected with the virus were treated with β-phenylserine. β-Phenylserine inhibited the propagation of vaccinia virus in rabbit skin when the compound and virus were mixed prior to injection. The daily intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg of β-phenylserine delayed the development of myxomatosis in rabbits. The compound had no apparent effect on the multiplication of influenza A (PR8), eastern equine encephalitis, poliovirus (Lansing strain), or mouse encephalomyelitis (FA strain) viruses in mice. The compound was inactive also against influenza A virus in embryonated eggs.
Body Composition in Aging: Adverse Changes in Able-Bodied Persons and in Those with Spinal Cord Injury

Advancing age in the able-bodied population is associated with loss of lean tissue and gain of fat tissue. Initially, immobilization from spinal cord injury results in rapid loss of muscle and bone tissues and a relative gain in adiposity. A more gradual but persistent loss of muscle and bone occurs at a rate exceeding that of normal aging. In addition to immobilization, reductions in endogenous anabolic hormones may be partially responsible for these body composition changes. Strategies must be sought to preserve skeletal muscle with aging to maintain function and independence as well as to reduce the risk of several chronic illnesses associated with advancing age.
Perinatal management of women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: survey of United States perinatologists

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to determine how perinatologists in the United States manage the care of women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura with respect to mode of delivery. Study Design: US members of the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians were surveyed with a 4-question questionnaire. Two mailings were sent. Questions 1 and 2 asked for a response regarding the perinatal management of delivery for women with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura and new-onset disease. The options were cordocentesis or fetal scalp blood sampling and cesarean delivery if the platelet count was Results: Among the 1596 perinatologists surveyed, there were 940 informative responses (58.9%). Most would allow a trial of labor for women with chronic (59.0%) or new-onset (66.6%) immune thrombocytopenic purpura. In cases of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, 31.0% of those responding would perform an invasive procedure to determine fetal platelet count, followed by cesarean delivery if this count was Conclusions: The management of women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura remains controversial in the United States. Approximately two thirds of perinatologists would allow a trial of labor without a procedure to determine fetal platelet count. Most physicians surveyed did not consider cesarean delivery to be protective against intracranial hemorrhage. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:645-9.)
Arsenite Selectively Inhibits Mouse Bone Marrow Lymphoid Progenitor Cell Development In Vivo and In Vitro and Suppresses Humoral Immunity In Vivo

It is known that exposure to As(+3) via drinking water causes a disruption of the immune system and significantly compromises the immune response to infection. The purpose of these studies was to assess the effects of As(+3) on bone marrow progenitor cell colony formation and the humoral immune response to a T-dependent antigen response (TDAR) in vivo. In a 30 day drinking water study, mice were exposed to 19, 75, or 300 ppb As(+3). There was a decrease in bone marrow cell recovery, but not spleen cell recovery at 300 ppb As(+3). In the bone marrow, As(+3) altered neither the expression of CD34+ and CD38+ cells, markers of early hematopoietic stem cells, nor CD45-/CD105+, markers of mesenchymal stem cells. Spleen cell surface marker CD45 expression on B cells (CD19+), T cells (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), natural killer (NK+), and macrophages (Mac 1+) were not altered by the 30 day in vivo As(+3) exposure. Functional assays of CFU-B colony formation showed significant selective suppression (p<0.05) by 300 ppb As(+3) exposure, whereas CFU-GM formation was not altered. The TDAR of the spleen cells was significantly suppressed at 75 and 300 ppb As(+3). In vitro studies of the bone marrow revealed a selective suppression of CFU-B by 50 nM As(+3) in the absence of apparent cytotoxicity. Monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(+3)) demonstrated a dose-dependent and selective suppression of CFU-B beginning at 5 nM (p<0.05). MMA(+3) suppressed CFU-GM formation at 500 nM, a concentration that proved to be nonspecifically cytotoxic. As(+5) did not suppress CFU-B and/or CFU-GM in vitro at concentrations up to 500 nM. Collectively, these results demonstrate that As(+3) and likely its metabolite (MMA(+3)) target lymphoid progenitor cells in mouse bone marrow and mature B and T cell activity in the spleen.
Central nervous system of a thoracopagus

Postmortem examination of the central nervous system (CNS) of a dicephalus thoracopagus tetrapus revealed two separate brains and spinal cords. On the conjoined side the spinal cord showed hypoplasia of the anterior horns and dorsal funiculi at the lower cervical and upper thoracic levels. Hypoplasia of the peripheral nerves, anterior horn cells, and dorsal funiculi is a consequence of a reduction in tissue mass due to a loss of inductive influence.
Mechanism by which coarse woody debris affects predation and community structure in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Coarse woody debris (CWD) provides a structured habitat in aquatic systems. It is associated with a higher abundance, diversity, and productivity of aquatic animals and can provide a shelter from physical stressors and predation. We investigated the effects of CWD on predation risk and community structure in two field experiments in the Rhode River, Chesapeake Bay. In the first experiment we assessed the effects of the orientation (horizontal or vertical) and complexity (simple or crossed) of CWD, and in the second experiment we investigated the effects of interstitial space (ISS). We measured predation risk in a tethering experiment for three species in each experiment: juvenile blue crab, Callinectes sapidus; mummichog (a type of killifish), Fundulus heteroclitus; and grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. These three species are common in nearshore Chesapeake Bay habitats but differ in their size and habitat use, allowing for a holistic examination of the function of CWD. At the end of the experiments, the benthic community inhabiting the CWD was sampled. By interpreting the community data in light of the predation experiments we were able to examine how the structural characteristics of the CWD affected predation to shape the benthic community. In the first experiment, lowest predation was experienced by blue crabs at the treatments with high complexity at the sediment surface, by mummichogs at all CWD treatments relative to control plots, and by grass shrimp in horizontally oriented treatments. In the second experiment, lowest predation was experienced by blue crabs at moderate to high ISSs, by mummichogs at intermediate ISSs, and by grass shrimp at low and high ISSs. Predation rates for each experimental species could be predicted by the size of the prey, and by both the size of their predators and the size of species that prey on the predators relative to the ISS of the structure. Community structure differed among treatments in both experiments and appeared to be driven primarily by predation risk; species whose predators were in high abundance in a treatment were less abundant themselves. This work demonstrates the importance of CWD and of wooded shorelines as important habitat for both economically and ecologically important species. It also highlights the importance of top-down forcing in the small scale community dynamics of these near-shore habitats.
Be isotope and B-Be investigations of the historic eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius

Abstract Cosmogenic and radioactive 10Be, stable 9Be and B concentrations have been determined for four alkaline lavas from the recent cycle of historical activity at Mt. Vesuvius, in the Central Campania Province (Italy). The goal of this study was to use the Be isotope and Be-B systematics of these lavas in a manner analogous to that used in regions unequivocally related to active subduction, in hopes of being able to document a subduction origin for the Vesuvian lavas. Four lavas measured to date have low 10Be concentrations as well as low B/Be ratios. While the low 10Be concentrations could reflect subduction and incorporation of old sediments and/or only contributions from the basaltic part of the subducting plate, the combination of low 10Be and low B/Be ratios must be interpreted as the absence of a subduction signature in these lavas. Unfortunately, the absence of a subduction signature in the lavas cannot be used unequivocally to argue against recent subduction in the Central Campania region. Subduction of an unusually young, hot slab which has lost its B through prograde metamorphic reactions at shallow levels could explain the absence of a subduction signature, as could extensive crustal contamination. In addition, recent studies in Java show that alkaline lavas in this region of active subduction never show a subduction signature, even when erupting in close proximity to calc-alkaline and tholeiitic lavas which do; by analogy, the Vesuvian lavas studied may have been generated in a part of the sub-arc mantle which either does not experience or does not preserve the chemical signature of subduction modification. The present data set does not allow us to make definitive statements about the role of subduction in the origin of the Central Campania lavas.
Change of island density due to multi-channels of adatom diffusion

Recent experimental studies on surfactant-assisted thin film growth indicate that there is a strong possibility that adatoms can diffuse both on top of and under the surfactant layer. We present here a model of growth to study the effects of multi-channels of diffusion on the island density. We find that there can be four different regimes as temperature of growth increases from low to very high values. We find that there is a scaling relation of island density with deposition flux and temperature in each regime. The transition temperatures are found to be connected to the system parameters such as barriers to diffusion.
RICE PRICES AND POVERTY IN INDONESIA

Abstract One of the reasons often given for government policies that promote higher rice prices is the desire to protect farmers and to reduce poverty, particularly in rural areas. The underlying assumption is that farmers benefit from higher rice prices and that helping farmers will reduce poverty since the majority of the rural poor are connected in some way with agriculture. This paper examines the evidence underlying this assumption. I show that only around a quarter of all households plant rice. A large majority of the population, including in rural areas, consume more rice than they produce and most are therefore harmed by higher rice prices. Those that gain from higher prices tend to be farmers with access to slightly larger plots of land. Thus an increase in the rice price constitutes a transfer from the large majority of consumers to a minority of producers at all income levels.
Excitation and photon decay of giant multipole resonances

Abstract A brief review of the excitation of giant multiple resonances via Coulomb excitation is given which emphasizes the very large cross sections that can be realized through this reaction for both isoscalar and isovector resonances. Discussion and results where available, are provided for the measurement of the photon decay of one and two phonon giant resonances. It is pointed out throughout the presentation that the use of E1 photons as a “tag” provides a means to observe weakly excited resonances that cannot be observed in the singles spectra.