cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroids and the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Past, present, and future

Why are corticosteroids used in patients with IPF? There is evidence that corticosteroid therapy is associated with clinical improvement in only a small percentage of IPF patients. This improvement is seen primarily in patients with a cellular histologic pattern on lung biopsy specimens, but no clinical, physiologic, or pathologic finding has been consistently associated with corticosteroid response. For IPF patients with a fibrotic histologic pattern on lung biopsy specimens, there is little evidence that corticosteroids are of any benefit, and available reports suggest that the cost of therapy in terms of both morbidity and mortality may be high. Little is known about the effect of corticosteroids on long-term clinical outcomes, and even less is known about their effects on the overall quality of life. Although current treatment regimens are based on the rationale that IPF is due to alveolar inflammation, which is probably an accurate assumption, the treatment to suppress the alveolitis should have an outcome that patients consider favorable. Data from the New Mexico ILD Registry and from other researchers suggest that the paucity of useful clinical data in IPF has resulted in a hodgepodge of diagnostic approaches and therapeutic criteria, as well as a fatalistic approach to treatment. Medical history is replete with examples of failed therapies. Analogies can be drawn between the history of IPF treatment and other catastrophic illnesses. 67 The common threads in all poorly treatable diseases are a lack of understanding about the cause and pathophysiologic state of the illness, an emphasis on indirect encouraging evidence about therapy instead of direct discouraging evidence, and the physician's ever-present compulsion to “do something.” What we should learn from these examples is that when clearly effective therapies are not available, we are ethically obligated to give patients full information about the faults and merits of what is available and to assist them in choosing what is best for them. Medicine has advanced in the past only when assumptions about diseases and treatments were examined critically; we must continue to challenge our assumptions about IPF and corticosteroid therapy.
Inhibition of angiogenesis by interleukin-4 gene therapy in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis.

Objective Interleukin-4 (IL-4) can modulate neovascularization. In this study, we used a gene therapy approach to investigate the role of IL-4 in angiogenesis in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA), a model for rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Rats received an adenovirus producing IL-4 (AxCAIL-4), a control virus without insert, or control vehicle (phosphate buffered saline) intraarticularly before arthritis onset. At peak onset of arthritis, rats were killed. Vascularization was determined in the synovial tissue, and correlations with inflammation were assessed. Ankle homogenates were used in angiogenesis assays in vitro and in vivo, and protein levels of cytokines and growth factors were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Synovial tissue expression of αv integrins was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results IL-4 induced a reduction in synovial tissue vessel density, which was paralleled by a decrease in inflammation. AxCAIL-4 joint homogenates significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited both endothelial cell (EC) migration and tube formation in vitro. Similarly, AxCAIL-4 inhibited capillary sprouting in the rat aortic ring assay, and vessel growth in the in vivo Matrigel plug assay. The angiostatic effect occurred despite high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and was associated with down-regulation of the proangiogenic cytokines IL-18, CXCL16, and CXCL5 and up-regulation of the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin. Of interest, AxCAIL-4 also resulted in decreased EC expression of the αv and β3 integrin chains. Conclusion In rat AIA, IL-4 reduces synovial tissue vascularization via angiostatic effects, mediates inhibition of angiogenesis via an association with altered pro- and antiangiogenic cytokines, and may inhibit VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and exert its angiostatic role in part via αvβ3 integrin. This knowledge of the specific angiostatic effects of IL-4 may help optimize target-oriented treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
Acoustically coupled thickness-mode AIN-on-Si band-pass filters-part I: principle and devices

In this, the first of two papers, we present the working principle and the implementation of laterally acoustically coupled thickness-mode thin-film piezoelectric-on-substrate (TPoS) filters. This type of filter offers low insertion loss and small bandwidth in a broad frequency range- from a few hundred megahertz up to a few gigahertz-and occupy a small chip area. In this paper, we discuss several design concerns, including the choice of materials for TPoS filters. We demonstrate a design for an air-suspended AlN-on-Si filter, which offers a low insertion loss of 2.4 dB at 2.877 GHz. The bandwidth of this filter is 12 MHz with a return loss of better than 30 dB. In Part II of this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of the effect of physical layout parameters on the frequency response of TPoS filters.
SPC-Pro: AN EXPERT SYSTEM APPROACH FOR VARIABLES CONTROL CHARTS

In this article we examine the use of expert systems in statistical process control. Expert systems can provide valuable expert knowledge to process engineers who must make important process control decisions quickly. The expert system for process quali..
A rugged fine-wire superconducting field probe

The dimensional limitations imposed on the measurement of Meissner effect field enhancement in the annular space between a cylindrical shell and concentric rod have been overcome by the simple device described in this paper. Details of construction and some of the results obtained are also given.
HYPERFINE STRUCTURE, ISOTOPE, AND ISOMER SHIFTS IN HG193M, HG194, HG195M, AND HG195-COMMENTS ON THE PAPER OF KLEIMAN AND DAVIS,

An analysis has been made of the discrepancies between the hfs and isotope shift results for Hg194, Hg195, and Hg195m of Kleiman Davis [ J. Opt. Soc. Am.53, 822 ( 1963)] and our data, particularly in view of the importance of these results for our interpretation of the odd–even staggering effect in isotope shift [ W.J. T. H.H. S. , Phys. Rev. Letters8, 436 ( 1962)]. Our hfs results have been confirmed by the more precise level-crossing experiments of W. W. Smith [ Bull. Am. Phys. Soc.8, 9 ( 1963)]. Errors in the work of Kleiman and Davis have been attributed, in part, to the presence of Hg197 and Hg197m in their sources. Experimental results are shown for the Hg194 isotope shift. We find Hg194 − Hg196 isotope shift = 0.146 ± 0.010 cm−1, and a preliminary value Hg193m − Hg195m shift = 0.150 cm−1. These results lend further support to our hypothesis on the causes of odd–even staggering in isotope shift.
The half-space problem for the boltzmann equation at zero temperature

At zero temperature the Maxwellian distribution is a delta function of velocity. In this paper the Boltzmann equation is linearized around a delta function and then analyzed by a comparison method. Using these results and similar bounds for the nonlinear collision operator, a nonlinear boundary value problem at zero temperature is solved. The results are applied to the asymptotic description at the cold end of the shock profile at infinite Mach number. All solutions F are assumed to have the form F(x, ξ) = (1 - a(x))δ(ξ) + f(x, ξ) in which a and f are regular functions.
Comparative Evaluation of Wattle Ditch Checks Composed of Differing Materials and Properties

AbstractConstruction and development activities can generate new sources of water pollution by increasing storm-water runoff and erosion. Wattle ditch checks may be used on construction sites to mi...
Electromagnetic Wave Interaction With Stratified Negative Isotropic Media - Abstract

In this paper we provide a general formulation for the electromagnetic wave interaction with stratified media and then specialize to slabs of negative isotropic media. The field solutions are obtai...
Seasonal variations in the electrical and mechanical responses of toad myocardium

Abstract 1. 1. Myocardial contractility and electrical activities were studied in strips of ventricular muscle of the marine toad, Bufo marinus . 2. 2. The responses of the heart exhibited significant seasonal variations. 3. 3. Contractile tension and the velocity of contraction and of relaxation were lowest in December, increased gradually starting in February, and reached a maximum value in the period July through September. 4. 4. The contraction-relaxation cycle also was altered in the cold season. However, the parameters of relaxation (time and velocity) appeared to be more affected than the parameters of contraction. 5. 5. Resting potential, duration of the action potential and the amplitude of the overshoot were different in summer and winter. 6. 6. During December, an increase in the calcium concentration in the tissue bath to twice the normal concentration was without any effect on the membrane responses or tension development although the velocity of contraction increased. As spring approached, addition of calcium became increasingly effective in augmenting the tension and velocity of contraction. 7. 7. High calcium concentrations invariably shortened the contraction time while relaxation time was prolonged. The velocity of relaxation was unaffected by high calcium concentration. 8. 8. High calcium concentrations reduced the duration of the action potential in summer but were without effect in winter. 9. 9. Epinephrine, in contrast, consistently increased the contractile tension and the velocities of contraction and of relaxation without significantly changing the contraction-relaxation cycle time. 10. 10. It is suggested that these changes reflect seasonal alterations in a calcium modulated component of the myocardium.
AN ONTOLOGY FOR SEMANTIC INTEGRATION OF LIFE SCIENCE WEB DATABASES

The incompatibilities among complex data formats and various schema used by biological databases that house these data are becoming a bottleneck in biological research. For example, biological data format varies from simple words (e.g. gene name), numbers (e.g. molecular weight) to sequence strings (e.g. nucleic acid sequence), to even more complex data formats such as taxonomy trees. Some information is embedded in narrative text, such as expert comments and publications. Some other information is expressed as graphs or images (e.g. pathways networks). The confederation of heterogeneous web databases has become a crucial issue in today's biological research. In other words, interoperability has to be archieved among the biological web databases and the heterogeneity of the web databases has to be resolved. This paper presents a biological ontology, BAO, and discusses its advantages in supporting the semantic integration of biological web databases are discussed.
Color-to-spin ribbon Schensted algorithms

A new Schensted bijection is given from colored permutations to pairs of standard k-ribbon tableaux, such that twice the total color of the colored permutation, is equal to the sum of the spins of the pair of tableaux. A highly nontrivial extension of this bijection is also given, from colored words to a pair of k-ribbon tableaux, one semistandard and the other standard.
The coordination of heterocumulenes and other unsaturated molecules to RhCl(P(C6H11)3)2

Abstract RhCl(PCy 3 ) 2 (Cy = cyclohexyl) forms four-coordinated addition complexes with CS 2 , COS, RNCS (R = methyl, allyl, phenyl and p -tolyl) in which the heterocumulene is side-on coordinated by S and C; and with N,N ′-di- p -tolyl carbodiimide (TolNCNTol) and PhNCO, in which the heterocumulene is side-on coordinated by N and C. EtNCO and CO 2 do not react with RhCl(PCy 3 ) 2 . IrCl(PCy 3 ) 2 (CS 2 ) and IrCl(PCy 3 ) 2 (PhNCS) are also described. By sulfur-abstraction from the CS 2 -complexes MCl(PCy 3 ) 2 (CS) (M = Rh, Ir) is formed. Addition complexes of RhCl(PCy 3 ) 2 with acetylenes RCCR (R = phenyl, ethyl, H), SO 2 and nitrosobenzene are also described. RhCl(PCy 3 ) 2 (PhNO) contains an end-on coordinated nitrosobenzene. The 31 P NMR spectra of the various addition complexes show a RhP coupling constant which correlates with the π-acceptor properties of the added molecule.
The Subspecialization of Surgery: A Paradigm Shift

General surgery has become increasingly fragmented into subspecialties and diseases previously treated by general surgeons are now managed by "specialists". The Resident Education Committee of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) has reviewed the history of surgical training and factors that have contributed to this evolution to subsepcialization. As it is unlikely that this paradigm shift is reversible, a clear understanding of the contributing factors is essential. Herein, we present a timeline and taxonomy of forces in this evolution to subspecialization.
Vertical habitat-partitioning by copepodites and adults of subtropical oceanic copepods

Vertical distributions of the abundant larger copepods, both adults and late copepodites, were observed day and night in the upper 500 m of the North Pacific central gyre in early November, 1971. Densities of the copepodites usually equalled or exceeded those of the adults. Copepod species with maximum densities at or above 100 m (Calanus spp., Nannocalanus minor f. major, Undinula darwini, and Euchaeta rimana) usually had no ontogenetic or diel migration. Neocalanus spp. and Haloptilus longicornis exhibited ontogenetic but not diel migrations. Nannocalanus minor f. minor, Aetideus acutus, Euchaeta media, Scolecithrix spp. and Pleuromamma spp., had both ontogenetic and diel migrations. Adults and copepodites of E. media and Pleuromamma spp. usually had their night modes at the same depth, but the daytime modes were at progressively deeper depths for progressively older stages. Daytime modes for adults and copepodites of A. acutus and Scolecithrix bradyi were at the same depth, but the nighttime modes were at shallower depths for progressively older stages. Night modes of all these migrators were usually in the mixed layer (75 m), where primary production rates were maximal. Congeners usually had similar migratory behavior, but competition probably has been a significant determinant of vertical distribution, since congeners, particularly “sibling species”, consistently had different depths of maximum occurrence during both day and night.
A Future of Possibilities: Educating Children Living in HIV Impacted Households.

Abstract Close to one and a half million Kenyans reportedly live with HIV/AIDS. Using qualitative in-depth interviews this study explores the ways in which parents living with HIV/AIDS navigate their social and economic environment to provide educational opportunities for their children. Barriers identified include the economic costs of a free primary education, and the emotional implications of living in an HIV affected household. Respondents demonstrate a persistent utilization of internal and external resources in navigating these barriers. These findings support family economic interventions that enable parents guarantee an educational future for their children.
Single amino acid change in STING leads to constitutive active signaling

The production of cytokines by the immune system in response to cytosolic DNA plays an important role in host defense, autoimmune disease, and cancer immunogenicity. Recently a cytosolic DNA signaling pathway that is dependent on the endoplasmic reticulum adaptor and cyclic dinucleotide sensor protein STING has been identified. Association of cytosolic DNA with cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) activates its enzymatic activity to synthesize the cyclic dinucleotide second messenger cGAMP from GTP and ATP. Direct detection of cGAMP by STING triggers the activation of IRF3 and NF-kB, and the production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of how STING is able to mediate downstream signaling remains incompletely understood although it has been shown that dimerization is a prerequisite. Here, we identify a single amino acid change in STING that confers constitutive active signaling. This mutation appears to both enhance ability of STING to both dimerize and associate with its downstream target TBK1.
Intercalibration of the hard X-ray spectrometers on the PVO and ICE (ISEE-3) spacecraft

The energetic photon spectrometers aboard the ICE and PVO (Pioneer Venus Orbiter) are described briefly, and the procedure for their in-flight calibrations is discussed. Successful intercalibration of these two instruments led to stereoscopic observations of 100 keV-2 MeV photon sources in solar flares and the study of the directivity and height structure of these sources. The impulsive hard X-ray source is found to extend from the chromosphere to the corona, the brightness of the source decreasing rapidly with increase in height above the chromosphere. The analysis so far indicates no systematic directivity for the hard X-ray source. The observations are consistent with energetic electrons accelerated in the corona propagating downward toward the chromosphere. However, when avaraged over the duration of an impulsive hard X-ray flare, the 'beaming' of electrons is found to be small in most flares.
Phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C-Related Kinase PRK2 during Meiotic Maturation of Starfish Oocytes

The resumption of meiosis in the developing starfish oocyte is the result of intracellular signaling events initiated by 1-methyladenine stimulation. One of the earliest detectable kinase activities during meiotic maturation of starfish oocytes is a protein kinase C or PKC-like activity. In this study, several isoforms of protein kinase C were cloned from the oocyte; however, the most abundant PKC-like maternal transcript corresponds to protein kinase C-related kinase 2 (PRK2). PRK2 is expressed in the immature oocyte and at least until germinal vesicle breakdown. Subcellular localization of PRK2 revealed a cytoplasmic distribution in the immature oocyte, which, during meiotic maturation, remained in the cytoplasm but also localized to the disintegrating germinal vesicle. Significantly, PRK2 is phosphorylatedin vivoin response to 1-methyladenine which precedes MPF activation, making PRK2 a candidate regulator of early signaling events of meiotic maturation.
Moore's Problem with Iterated Belief

G.E. Moore's problem is to explain what is odd about sentences such as ‘It is raining but I do not believe it’. This sentence is unbelievable whether read commissively as ‘p & B ˜/sup> p’, or omissively as ‘p & ˜/sup> B p’. However, this symmetry is broken when the belief operator is iterated many times. Whereas the commissive ‘p & BBBBBBBBBB˜p’ preserves the oddity Moore first noted, ‘p & ˜BBBBBBBBBBp’ is believable and assertable. The usual explanations of what is odd about Moore's sentences use recursive rules. Hence they uniformly extend the prediction of oddity when the belief operator is iterated. My project is to show how the asymmetry of the iterated version can be respected.
Atmospheric Co2, Soil‐N Availability, And Allocation Of Biomass And Nitrogen By Populus Tremuloides

Our ability to predict whether elevated atmospheric CO2 will alter the cycling of C and N in terrestrial ecosystems requires understanding a complex set of feedback mechanisms initiated by changes in C and N acquisition by plants and the degree to which changes in resource acquisition (C and N) alter plant growth and allocation. To gain further insight into these dynamics, we grew six genotypes of Populus tremuloides Michx. that differ in autumnal senescence (early vs. late) under experimental atmospheric CO2 (35.7 and 70.7 Pa) and soil-N availability (low and high) treatments. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations were manipulated with open-top chambers, and soil-N availability was modified in open-bottom root boxes by mixing different proportions of native A and C horizon soil. Net N mineralization rates averaged 61 ng N·g−1·d−1 in low-N soil and 319 ng N·g−1·d−1 in high-N soil. After 2.5 growing seasons, we harvested above- and belowground plant components in each chamber and determined total biomass, N concentration, N content, and the relative allocation of biomass and N to leaves, stems, and roots. Elevated CO2 increased total plant biomass 16% in low-N soil and 38% in high-N soil, indicating that the growth response of P. tremuloides to elevated CO2 was constrained by soil-N availability. Greater growth under elevated CO2 did not substantially alter the allocation of biomass to above- or belowground plant components. At both levels of soil-N availability, elevated CO2 decreased the N concentration of all plant tissues. Despite declines in tissue N concentration, elevated CO2 significantly increased whole-plant N content in high-N soil (ambient = 137 g N/chamber; elevated = 155 g N/chamber), but it did not influence whole-plant N content in low-N soil (36 g N/chamber). Our results indicate that plants in high-N soil obtained greater amounts of soil N under elevated CO2 by producing a proportionately larger fine-root system that more thoroughly exploited the soil. The significant positive relationship between fine-root biomass and total-plant N content we observed in high-N soil further supports this contention. In low-N soil, elevated CO2 did not increase fine-root biomass or production, and plants under ambient and elevated CO2 obtained equivalent amounts of N from soil. In high-N soil, it appears that greater acquisition of soil N under elevated CO2 fed forward within the plant to increase rates of C acquisition, which further enhanced plant growth response to elevated CO2.
Local facesheet pulse buckling in a curved, composite sandwich panel

Abstract Local facesheet buckling of a curved sandwich panel subjected to external pressure pulse loading was investigated in this paper. Equations of motion for the facesheet transient deformations in the sandwich shell were derived from Lagrange’s equations of motion, and solutions using this approach compared well with FEA results from ABAQUS Standard. Both facesheet fracture during stable deformation response and local dynamic pulse buckling of facesheets were considered as possible modes of failure in the curved sandwich panel. Parametric studies indicated that local facesheets buckling is more likely to occur than facesheet fracture in thin and deep curved sandwich panels. The facesheet laminate layup can also be adjusted to improve the local buckling resistance of the curve panel.
Use of the Standardized Patient to Clarify Interdisciplinary Team Roles

Abstract Background The University of Utah began an interdisciplinary experience for students of the health sciences professions in order to improve communication and experience teamwork. Process Students from different health professions interviewed standardized patients then worked in teams to develop a care plan. Results Students' evaluations of the experience were positive. Students felt more at ease in their communications with other disciplines after the experience. They saw the value of teamwork in giving optimal patient care. Conclusions Interdisciplinary team experiences, such as the one described here, are valuable tools for exposure to the healthcare teamwork needed to improve patient outcomes.
Marginal fit of direct temporary crowns

This study compared the effect that shrinkage of four brands of temporary crown and fixed partial denture resins has on the marginal fit of crowns made from them. Under the conditions of this study, crowns made from Coldpac had marginal discrepancies approximately four times larger than those made from Scutan. Crowns made from Snap and Trim had marginal discrepancies approximately two times larger than those made from Scutan.
L/I‐12 Living donor hepatectomies: program experience and lessons learned

Introduction: Living donor hepatectomies are technically challenging and we continue to modify our techniques to decrease morbidities. Patients and methods: We present our program experience with 114 living donor hepatectomies (95 right lobes, 3 left lobes, 16 left lateral segments) from 3/4/03 to 2/28/06 at the Starzl Transplantation Institute. A total of 208 potential donors were screened, resulting in 114 (54%) living donor hepatectomies and living donor liver transplants (98 adults, 16 pediatric recipients). Results: In all, 94 potential donors (46%) were declined for the following reasons: fatty livers (43), availability of a deceased donor liver (15), small liver volume (12), workup (6), biopsy consistent with fibrosis (4), polycystic liver disease (3), cardiovascular contraindications (2), mental illnesses (2), hepatitis B (2), and hepatic vascular/biliary anomalies (2). There was no donor mortality and the donor morbidity rate was 8.8%. Three (2.6%) donors had bile leak from cut liver edges with JP removed by 3 weeks (all managed conservatively). Other morbidities included 1 unit pRBC transfusion (2), pneumonia (1), incisional hernia (1), prolonged LFTs (1), deep venous thrombosis (1), and narcotic pscyhosis (1). The mean donor hospital stay was 7 days. Blood loss did not correlate with liver volume but correlated with technique of liver parenchymal dissection. With technique modifications (combination of Tissue Link, Erbe HELIX hydro-jet, endovascuar GIA stapler, and CUSA) during the last 70 right lobe hepatectomies, the mean estimated blood loss has dropped to about 250 mL, with no blood transfusion. Operative time for liver parenchymal dissection has also dropped from about 200 minutes to 90 minutes. Discussion: With intraoperative technical experience and refinements, previous surgical contraindications are decreasing. A higher percentage of potential living liver donors screened are allowed to donate, with decreasing morbidities.
On the automorphism groups of periodic automata

The purpose of this investigation is to determine how the structure of a strongly connected strictly periodic automaton is reflected in the structure of its automorphism group. It is shown that the group of automorphisms of an automaton of this type can be represented as the direct product of two normal subgroups. The automorphism group for the special class of equipotent automata is also investigated. It is also shown that the group of automorphisms can be useful in determining decompositions of automata into smaller automata.
Laboratory Rearing of Tea Scale

Several fruits, Irish potato tubers, and sweet potatoes were tested as possible hosts for rearing tea scale, Fiorinia theae Green (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in the laboratory. Tea scale developed on all hosts tested but survival was highest on butternut squash. The technique developed for rearing tea scale on butternut squash was used successfully in rearing twelve broods of this insect.
High hydrostatic pressure effects on Spirostomum ambiguum.

The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the ciliateSpirostomum ambiguum, when the organism is uncalcified in the early stage of culture and when it is calcified after periods of time are described. Uncalcified cells are sensitive to pressure, becoming quiescent at 250 atm, distorting at 300 atm and disrupting at 550 atm. In contrast, the mature calcified animals show no changes at 550 atm. and small temporary increases in diameter only during 2 hr of treatment at 1000 atm.
An Analog CMOS Double-Edge Multi-Phase Low-Latency Pulse Width Modulator

This paper presents an analog CMOS double-edge multi-phase low-latency pulse width modulator. The PWM signal is generated by comparing the phase difference between two matched ring oscillators, which are differentially driven by the command voltage and the feedback voltage developed in a minor loop that forces the average frequency of each of the oscillators to be equal. Both rising and falling edges of the PWM signal are controlled by the instantaneous input voltage, resulting in a low latency relative to that achieved with conventional latched PWM circuitry. The developed pulse width modulator has high precision, good linearity, good noise immunity and wide duty ratio range. Further, it can be flexibly reconfigured for multi-phase PWM operation with no restriction on duty cycle range. The complete double-edge pulse width modulator IC is implemented in a 0.18 ?m CMOS process. It can generate as many as sixteen PWM outputs. The active chip area is 0.04 mm2. The quiescent bias current of the chip is 80 ?A at 1.2 MHz PWM frequency.
Biology and law

Abstract The terms “biology” and “biological” are widely used in ways that confuse and denigrate possible contributions of biologists to human self-understanding. As with social scientists, biologists deal with learning, developmental plasticity, and strategizing in virtually all species they study. It is from theories about how human strategizing is molded by selection that biologists can contribute to understanding topics like law.
Experimental and CFD Investigations to Evaluate the Effects of Fluid Viscosity and Particle Size on Erosion Damage in Oil and Gas Production Equipment

Zhang et al (2006) utilized CFD to examine the validity of erosion models that have been implemented into CFD codes to predict solid particle erosion in air and water for Inconel 625. This work is an extension of Zhang’s work and is presented as a step toward obtaining a better understanding of the effects of fluid viscosity and sand particle size on measured and calculated erosion rates. The erosion rates of Aluminum 6061-T6 were measured for direct impingement conditions of a submerged jet. Fluid viscosities of 1, 10, 25, and 50 cP and sand particle sizes of 20, 150, and 300 μm were tested. The average fluid speed of the jet was maintained at 10 m/s. Erosion data show that erosion rates for the 20 and 150 μm particles are reduced as the viscosity is increased, while surprisingly the erosion rates for the 300 μm particles do not seem to change much for the higher viscosities. For all viscosities considered, larger particles produced higher erosion rates, for the same mass of sand, than smaller particles. Concurrently, an erosion equation has been generated based on erosion testing of the same material in air. The new erosion model has been compared to available models and has been implemented into a commercially available CFD code to predict erosion rates for a variety of flow conditions, flow geometries, and particle sizes. Since particle speed and impact angle greatly influence erosion rates of the material, calculated particle speeds were compared with measurements. Comparisons reveal that, as the particles penetrate the near wall shear layer, particles in the higher viscosity liquids tend to slow down more rapidly than particles in the lower viscosity liquids. In addition, CFD predictions and particle speed measurements are used to explain why the erosion data for larger particles is less sensitive to the increased viscosities.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Neonatal phytoestrogen exposure causes hypospadias in female mice.

We use a mouse model of neonatal exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein as a model of human infant exposure to soy formula (Jefferson and Williams 2011). Female CD-1 mice given 50 mg/kg/day genistein subcutaneously on postnatal days 1–5 have serum genistein levels of 1–5 μM, which closely approximates serum genistein levels measured in human infants fed soy formula. The genistein-treated mice are completely infertile due to functional abnormalities of the female reproductive tract. While performing these studies, we noted that the mice formed vaginal plugs that were softer and more yellow in appearance than in controls, and their external genitalia appeared abnormal. At 3 weeks of age, the clitoris was abnormally widened and erythematous, and the urethral opening was located at varying positions on the ventral aspect rather than at the distal tip of the clitoris as observed in controls (Fig. 1A, B). At 6 weeks of age, the clitoris was less erythematous, but the urethral opening remained abnormally positioned (Fig 1C, D). We confirmed that the observed opening was the urethra by euthanizing the mice and passing a suture from the bladder through the urethra to its exit point on the clitoris (Fig. 1E, F). This female hypospadias phenotype was completely penetrant as 10/10 Gen-treated females had hypospadias compared to 0/10 controls.
Primitive Accumulation, the Communist Idea and Maoist Praxis in Contemporary Central India

This paper aims to address the questions of possibilities of radical change in the contemporary global south under neoliberalism. We are particularly concerned with examining the conditions under which radical movements can help realize what contemporary European Neostructuralists call the “Communist Idea” in practice. One of the key sites where such a struggle is ongoing today is under the contemporary Maoist movement in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh in its battle against neoliberal primitive accumulation. We argue that central India has been a primary site of systematic, state-supported imperialist resource exploitation and human displacement for over a century, which has created objective conditions favorable for radical popular organization. Yet we contend that the Maoist movement has somewhat mechanically applied Maoist ideology to conditions to which it may be ill-suited, something that has helped it attract and empower millions of the dispossessed, while also leading them into a long-ter...
Comparison of the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire for self-reported depressive symptoms after spinal cord injury

Objective To directly compare estimates of potential depressive disorders and clinically significant depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire (OAHMQ) among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Papanicolaou Smears by the Bethesda System in Endometrial Malignancy: Utility and Prognostic Importance

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prognostic significance of the Bethesda system’s cytologic categories in patients with endometrial malignancy. Methods: Patients with biopsy or hysterectomy-proven endometrial malignancy and a Papanicolaou smear result reported using the Bethesda system within 1 year of diagnosis were identified through retrospective review of our computerized database. Results: After introduction of the Bethesda system in our laboratory on November 1, 1992, until January 1, 1997, 112 eligible patients were identified (108 with carcinomas and four with carcinosarcomas). Patients with cytologic diagnoses of malignancy ( n = 17) were significantly more likely to have International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3 tumors and high-risk histology (serous, clear cell, and adenosquamous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma) than those with atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance ( n = 33) or those with cytology not suspicious for malignancy ( n = 63). Patients with malignant smears were also significantly more likely to have cervical extension, malignant peritoneal cytology, and FIGO stage II, III, or IV than those with atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance or those with cytology not suspicious for malignancy. Conclusion: Papanicolaou smears obtained within 1 year of histologic diagnosis of endometrial malignancy and interpreted using the Bethesda system were suspicious for (atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance) or diagnostic of malignancy in nearly half of all cases (29 and 15%, respectively). Patients having malignant glandular cells were more likely to have poor prognostic pathologic findings.
Assessment of reinforcement enhancing effects of toluene vapor and nitrous oxide in intracranial self-stimulation.

Despite widespread abuse, there are few validated methods to study the rewarding effects of inhalants. One model that may have utility for this purpose is intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). This study aims to compare and contrast the ICSS reward-facilitating effects of abused inhalants to other classes of abused drugs. Compounds were examined using two different ICSS procedures in mice to determine the generality of each drug’s effects on ICSS and the sensitivity of the procedures. Male C57BL/6J mice with electrodes implanted in the medial forebrain bundle were trained under a three-component rate-frequency as well as a progressive ratio (PR) ICSS procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide, toluene vapor, cocaine, and diazepam on ICSS were then examined. Concentrations of 1,360–2,900 parts per million (ppm) inhaled toluene vapor significantly facilitated ICSS in the rate-frequency procedure and 1,360 ppm increased PR breakpoint. A concentration of 40 % nitrous oxide facilitated ICSS in the rate-frequency procedure but reduced PR breakpoint. Doses of 3–18 mg/kg cocaine facilitated ICSS in the rate-frequency procedure, and 10 and 18 mg/kg increased PR breakpoint. Doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg diazepam facilitated ICSS in the rate-frequency procedure, and 3 mg/kg increased PR breakpoint. The reinforcement-facilitating effect of toluene in ICSS is at least as great as diazepam. By contrast, nitrous oxide weakly enhances ICSS in only the rate-frequency procedure. The data suggest that the rate-frequency procedure may be more sensitive than the PR schedule to the reward-facilitating effects of abused inhalants.
Porcine lymphocyte gamma interferon responses to mitogenic stimuli monitored by a direct immunoassay

Gamma interferon produced by porcine lymphocytes (nPoIFN gamma) in response to stimulation with phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was monitored by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). The RIA was developed with antibodies raised in rabbits against recombinant porcine IFN gamma (rPoIFN gamma) and made monospecific on a rPoIFN gamma/Sepharose matrix. This anti-PoIFN gamma antibody was shown to bind and neutralize rPoIFN gamma specifically and to cross-react with bovine IFN gamma but not with murine IFN gamma or porcine IFN alpha. The nPoIFN gamma levels produced by lymphocytes in response to PMA and PHA were at least two-fold higher than control lymphocytes as measured by the RIA in culture fluids. These culture fluids were fractionated on Concanavalin A Sepharose (Con A/Seph) and anti-rPoIFN gamma/Seph in attempts to evaluate the induced nPoIFN gamma further. The separation was monitored by RIA and showed that nPoIFN gamma was retained on Con A/Seph suggesting the presence of sugar residues on the molecules. Pools of Con A/Seph fractions, positive in RIA, were separated further on the anti-rPoIFN gamma/Seph matrix where a total adsorption of nPoIFN gamma occurred. On a weight basis, the eluates from the anti-rPoIFN gamma/Seph had a reactivity in RIA at least four times higher than the fractions derived from Con A/Seph. This indicated that the nPoIFN gamma remained immunochemically reactive after being eluted from Con A/Seph and that the separation on anti-rPoIFN gamma/Seph chromatography was specific. Purified nPoIFN gamma exhibited a major band with the same migration characteristics of rPoIFN gamma in PAGE-SDS electrophoresis and several minor bands when reacted with 125I anti-rPoIFN gamma antibody in Western blots. A total loss of reactivity to antibody after radioiodination of nPoIFN gamma, however, prevented the confirmation of these results by immunoprecipitation. A direct, rapid and sensitive immunoassay for measurement of the relative levels of nPoIFN gamma present in biological fluids is presented and this method could be a useful complement to bioassays for IFN gamma.
Islam, Ideology, and the State in Bangladesh

By using historical specificity as a concept this paper attempts to show the relationship between the postcolonial state of Bangladesh and ideology. The main argument of the paper is that, due to the petty bourgeoisie origin of the Bangladesh state, the hegemonic class within the state apparatus failed to enact an appropriate ideological ensemble through which the hegemonic class could reproduce itself as a class. This problem is further complicated by the heterogeneity of the middle class where various factions compete with each other to put their own ideological imprint on the state which results in chronic instability of the state. The first section of the paper explains the specificity of Bengali islam on the basis of historical narratives. The last two sections deal with the Awami League's (1971-1975) ideological construct, i.e., secularism and the military regime's (1975-1990) attempts to put Islam at the core of its ideological construct.
Preparation and magnetic properties of monodispersed spindle-type γ-Fe2O3 particles

Abstract Exceedingly uniform spindle-type maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) particles of different sizes and axial ratios were prepared by conversion of hematite particles of the same shape. The coercive force of these powders increases drastically with decreasing particle size and increasing axial ratio.
Evaluation of MODIS NDVI and NDWI for vegetation drought monitoring using Oklahoma Mesonet soil moisture data

[1] The evaluation of the relationship between satellite-derived vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference water index) and soil moisture improves our understanding of how these indices respond to soil moisture fluctuations. Soil moisture deficits are ultimately tied to drought stress on plants. The diverse terrain and climate of Oklahoma, the extensive soil moisture network of the Oklahoma Mesonet, and satellite-derived indices from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) provided an opportunity to study correlations between soil moisture and vegetation indices over the 2002–2006 growing seasons. Results showed that the correlation between both indices and the fractional water index (FWI) was highly dependent on land cover heterogeneity and soil type. Sites surrounded by relatively homogeneous vegetation cover with silt loam soils had the highest correlation between the FWI and both vegetation-related indices (r∼0.73), while sites with heterogeneous vegetation cover and loam soils had the lowest correlation (r∼0.22).
Transition from linear to nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. Part I. Creep of polycarbonate

Abstract The validity of the theory of linear viscoelasticity over the temperature range 20°-13°C has been tested by studying the tensile creep behavior of the amorphous, glassy polycarbonate based on bisphenol A. The stress threshold, beyond which the mechanical properties deviate from the predictions of linear theory by more than 3%, is found to decrease as the temperature approaches the vicinity of the glass transition temperature (149°C). Extension of the experimental time scale from 10 to 1000 sec likewise diminishes the stress level below which the linear theory is applicable. The onset of nonlinear behavior is marked by a clear increase in the isothermal, isochronous compliance with increasing stress. Such an increase in compliance with stress becomes gradually sharper at increasing stress levels until necking or failure of the specimen occurs. The analytical characterization of the transition from linear to nonlinear behavior, as well as certain molecular implications of such a transition, are dis...
On the stabilities of the lower oxides of the rare earths

Abstract The stabilities of the lower oxides of samarium, europium and ytterbium are discussed. An extensive review of the methods of preparing the lower oxides and their degree of success is presented. Thermodynamic calculations are performed which indicate the great stability of EuO. SmO and YbO are not stable phases at high temperatures and all high-temperature attempts to prepare them have failed. Thermodynamic considerations indicate that YbO may be stable at low temperatures and recent results indicate that it may be able to be prepared under such conditions. Crystal chemical stabilization offers the greatest hope of preparing Yb 2+ and Sm 2+ in oxides. Recent thermodynamic data on the europium oxides are utilized to calculate stability among these oxides as a function of fo 2 and T . Based on these calculations and recent literature, a not-impossible T—X phase diagram for EuEu 2 O 3 is constructed. Suggestions for further work are given throughout.
TOPOLOGICAL 1-SOLITON SOLUTION OF KADOMTSEV-PETVIASHVILI EQUATION WITH POWER LAW NONLINEARITY

Abstract This paper studies the Kadomtsev–Petviasvili equation with power law nonlinearity. Topological 1-soliton solution is obtained and the parameter domain is identified for these solitons to exist. The solitary wave ansatz is used to obtain this solution.
Enhancement by Methyldopa of Tyramine Sensitivity in Man

THE mechanism by which α-methyl-3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (methyldopa, Aldomet) lowers blood pressure in man has not been established definitely. While the inhibiting activity of the drug on decarboxylation of aromatic-L-amino-acids has been confirmed in human subjects and indeed was our reason for first studying the compound clinically1, it is doubtful that synthesis of the sympathetic transmitter, noradrenaline, is significantly affected by the drug. Thus, investigations in this laboratory and elsewhere2 have failed to show any decrease in the urinary excretion of the catecholamine metabolite, vanilmandelic acid, in patients receiving the drug. Furthermore, depletion of tissue-levels of noradrenaline by methyldopa and α-methyl-m-tyrosine in animals appears unrelated to the enzyme-inhibiting effects of these compounds3. Present evidence4,5 favours mediation of the depleting effect by amine metabolites formed by decarboxylation (to α-methyl-dopamine) and possibly subsequent β-hydroxylation (to α-methyl-noradrenaline).
Improving Performance of Parallel Simulation Kernel for Wireless Network Simulations

For decades, simulations have been the means to study the behavior and analyze the performance of engineering, computer science, and military applications. In the sequential discrete-event driven simulations, the events are executed sequentially in an increasing order of their timestamp. Simulation of large complex applications using sequential simulators often turns out to be infeasible due to computer resource limitations. Parallelizing discrete-event simulation is acknowledged as the most promising approach for simulating large complex applications. Parallel discrete-event simulation refers to the execution of events from a single discrete-event simulation program in parallel. In this paper we focus on extracting parallel events for wireless ad hoc network simulations based on the distance and terrain information.
Sinking shots and sinking costs? Or, how long can I play in the NBA?

Executive Overview The article focuses on the decision making process and on human rationality. It comments on the escalation of commitment into situations that are likely to fail, and suggests that sunk costs affect continued commitment to a course of action. It states that conventional economic rationality suggests future decisions should not be based on sunk costs but that economic rationality may not always accurately describe business decision making. It examines the National Basketball Association (NBA) to examine if sunk costs affect decisions in real organizations, utilizing the NBA draft as a measure for initial costs of professional basketball players, and the extent to which teams utilize draft picks.
Molecular dynamics: conductivity of a fused salt

The electrical conductivity of a model of liquid KCl was determined by molecular dynamics computations. In a constant temperature ensemble, the linear regime for Ohm's law was shown to extend up to at least 1.5 × 107 V/cm. The results compared favorably with that calculated by monitoring the power dissipation and with the zero-field value obtained via the current autocorrelation function.
Texture of cooked potatoes. 4. Comparison of texture measured by compressive strength and a retained weight method

The cooked texture of 18 varieties grown under field conditions, and 6 varieties grown in pots were compared with compressive strength measurements and a retained weight method. Highly significant correlations were found between these two methods, indicating that compressive strength is a measure of intercellular adhesion.