cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Miscible, vertical network model 2-D simulations of two-phase flow displacements in porous media

A pore-level network model was used to study miscible, vertical, two-phase fluid displacements. Gravitationally unstable and stable flow configurations were explored with the Darcy–Rayleigh number (G) for a number of viscosity ratios (M). Simulations were compared with experimental results for corresponding values of G and M using interfacial width and breakthrough saturation as comparison criteria. Good agreement between the model and experimental results was observed. For gravitationally stable flows, a critical value of G, Gc≈−0.02, was obtained from simulation results compared to an experimental value of Gc≈−0.017 found in the current literature. The transition from gravitationally stable to unstable flow was shown by decreased interfacial stability resulting in dramatically higher values of interfacial width (simulation) and dispersivity (experimental). Breakthrough saturations for gravitationally stable experimental flow configurations differed only a small amount from simulation results when considering the large length-to-width ratios of the experimental cores used for comparison.
Infrared Spectra Interpretations of Clay-Adsorbed Water in Relation to the “Anomalous” Water Controversy

Abstract The nature of surface adsorbed water has been the subject of countless investigations. Much of the discussion has centered around the degree and strength of H-bonding to surface groups and between adjacent water molecules.1,2 Water condensed into glass or quartz capillaries sometimes has unusual properties. This unusual water has been referred to as “orthowater,”3 “anomalous water,”4,5,6 and “polywater”7,8 and was thought by some to be polymers of water formed by specific surface catalysis.1–3 Several possible structures of “polywater” have been suggested which require formation of symmetrical or very strong H-bonds between water molecules.4,6,7 Infrared spectra of polywater have been presented7,8 and the strongest absorption band which appeared at 1595 cm−1 was assigned to the symmetric O-H-O bond. However, more recent investigations suggest that the observed polywater bands may actually be SO4 2-, -COOH−, or HCO3 − bands, impurities collected by surface diffusion,9 or bands of a HNO3 solution f...
Identifying sword marks on bone: criteria for distinguishing between cut marks made by different classes of bladed weapons

Abstract Swords have been one of the major weapons used in violent conflicts for much of human history. Certain archaeological situations, especially those dealing with the recovery and analysis of battle casualties, may raise questions about what type(s) of bladed weapon was used in a particular conflict (e.g., the battle of Kamakura, Japan, AD 1333; the battle of Wisby, Sweden, AD 1361; the battle of Towton, England, AD 1461). Little work has been done, however, on developing criteria to differentiate sword cut marks from other types of cut marks, or to distinguish between marks created by different sword types. To develop such criteria, bovine tibiae ( n = 7) were struck using six different types of bladed weapon and the resulting marks ( n = 92) were analyzed. Eight traits describing the morphology of the cut mark – such as shape, the presence and unilateral/bilateral state of flaking and feathering, the presence of bone shards, associated breaks, etc. – are defined and related to blade type used. Sword marks were found to be easily distinguishable from knife marks. The variation in marks made by different sword types is significantly correlated with differences in blade weight ( p p p ≤ 0.0179). The criteria and analyses developed and implemented in this study will be of use to researchers in forensics and osteoarchaeology who want to infer bladed weapon type from marks on bones.
Molecular sieving platinum nanoparticle catalysts kinetically frozen in nanoporous carbon

Highly active shape selective catalysts with excellent thermal stability are synthesized by entrapping well dispersed platinum nanoparticles in a polyfurfuryl alcohol derived nanoporous carbon matrix; these nanocomposites are excellent candidates for new catalytic applications including fuel cells, pharmaceutical synthesis and biomass conversion.
Development of low pressure filter testing vessel and analysis of electrospun nanofiber membranes for water treatment

A low-pressure filtration unit incorporated with polymeric electrospun polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fiber membranes was designed and fabricated for the treatment of waste water in order to improve its quality. This custom-made pressure filter was designed according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to characterize the electrospun membranes. In order to increase the hydrophilicity and filtration rates of PVC membranes, a lower dosage of poly (ethylene oxide) was added to the PVC solution prior to the electrospinning process. The filter was found to be well suited for the reduction of larger suspended solids, turbidity, and odor. It was demonstrated that this type of filtration membrane could be manufactured at a lower cost and not require electricity or any other external power source to achieve high flow rates. This technology could even be used to enhance the quality of tap water in many places, such as Africa. Another application could be a pre-filtration of reverse osmosis (RO) or other ultrafine filtration systems, to increase the life of the primary filter while decreasing fouling and maintenance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE ENGINEERING PROBLEMS IN A MULTI-ELECTRODE VISUAL CORTEX STIMULATION SYSTEM*

This paper reports the results of a feasibility study of the engineering problems in a multi-electrode visual cortex stimulation system. By using radio links and pulse-code-modulation for data transfer, as well as serial/parallel stimulation techniques, results show that a high density electrode system for visual cortex stimulation research is feasible. To demonstrate the system design concept and to face the practical engineering problems in detail, a bench model was designed, built and tested. The model contains 64 simulated electrodes with only 4 radio links (8 wires) for interfacing the external control and the internal stimulating system. Stimulating parameters such as amplitude, polarity, pulse width, pulse train and pulse frame are externally controllable. MOS FET complementary circuits and other micropower circuit design techniques were employed. The nonconventional circuits and their design procedures are described in this paper to provide information for those interested in duplicating, modifying, or extending the system for their research. The techniques described need not be limited to application in an implantable system. They may be useful also for skin stimulation or other complex multiple-channel measurement systems.
A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF TWO BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING PROCEDURES FOR TEACHING ABDUCTION‐PREVENTION SKILLS TO SCHOOLCHILDREN

Although child abduction is a low-rate event, it presents a serious threat to the safety of children. The victims of child abduction face the threat of physical and emotional injury, sexual abuse, and death. Previous research has shown that behavioral skills training (BST) is effective in teaching children abduction-prevention skills, although not all children learn the skills. This study compared BST only to BST with an added in situ training component to teach abduction-prevention skills in a small-group format to schoolchildren. Results showed that both programs were effective in teaching abduction-prevention skills. In addition, the scores for the group that received in situ training were significantly higher than scores for the group that received BST alone at the 3-month follow-up assessment.
Nitrate and nitrite reduction by liquid membrane-encapsulated whole cells.

Purified enzymes and cell-free homogenates encapsulated by liquid-surfactant membrane have been shown to retain their catalytic activity (see previously published literature). This paper describes the preparation and properties of liquid-surfactant membrane-encapsulated whole cells of Micrococcus denitrificansATCC 21909. Batch and continuous studies with this model system have demonstrated that encapsulated viable cells reduce nitrates and retain their catalytic activity over anextended period of time. In batch operation, the reactivity of the encapsulated whole cells has been investigated under a variety of experimental conditions. The system is capable of reducing NO3− or NO2−. Data obtained indicate that encapsulated live cells have a broad pH and temperature optimum range. The encapsulated cells remain viable and do not “escape” into the external aqueous phase, even after five days of constant stirring with nitrate-containing simulated wastewater. Pulsed substrate addition experiments have demonstrated that the encapsulated cells also effectively reduce NO2− with no significant reduction in activity, even after 5.5 days of incubation at 30°C. The membrane selectivity for ion transfer has been achieved by incorporating oil-soluble ion exchangers in the membrane. Because of the protection of the liquid membranes, the catalytic reduction of NO2− by the encapsulated whole cells is not inhibited by 1 × 10−4M mercuric chloride, which is otherwise extremely toxic to the cells, when present in the external aqueous phase. Continuous reduction of 20 ppm of NO2− by liquid membrane-encapsulated whole cells has been demonstrated in a constantly stirred reactor over a test period of about one week. In this paper we will discuss the reduction of NO3−and NO2− by the liquid membrane-encapsulated whole cells of M. denitrificansATCC 21909 mainly in batch runs undera variety of experimental conditions, such as cell and substrate concentrations, product and inhibitor permeation, pH and temperature, effect of oil-soluble ion exchangers on the substrate diffusion, etc.
A Historical Review and Reconceptualization of Commodity Marketing

This review of the historical foundation of commodity marketing provides an overview of the development of this school of thought in marketing education. Marketing has been driven by management of the product. More recently, the idea of a product has been expanded to include intangible attributes associated with services or ideas that impact relevant stakeholders. We provide a framework to show that marketing strategies are used to change a core good or service into a differentiated product with unique benefits, preferences, and equity. Commoditization occurs when products become indistinguishable, from a consumer perspective, and are no longer viewed as differentiated by consumers. Commoditization is a significant challenge today due to the level of consumer information and knowledge forcing businesses to match benefits, quality, and prices. Once commoditization occurs, price becomes the key marketing variable that consumers use for decision making. Therefore, intangible attributes and resources emerge as a way to differentiate products. This history of commodity marketing covered in our review helps to highlight the contributions of early scholars who pioneered the commodity school of thought and the contributions it provides to contemporary marketing strategy.
Coordination of the California Winegrape Supply Chain

This study investigates factors influencing coordination of the California grape and wine supply chain. Results corroborate prior findings that quality considerations and needs to protect investments in specialized or durable assets significantly increase usage of more formal coordination mechanisms, such as formal contracts and vertical integration or ownership. Consistent with findings for other industries, such investments are associated with greater contract complexity and inclusion of enforcement provisions, while trade partners' prior experience working together decreases contract complexity. Furthermore, our results suggest that quality considerations extend to greater use of formal contracts further downstream. (JEL Classifications: L1, L2, Q13)
The Social Impact of an Accessible E-Democracy Disability Rights Laws in the Development of the Federal E-Government

This article examines policy issues related to disability law and the accessibility of the provision of federal electronic government (e-government) information and services. The article first discusses disability discrimination in relation to the on-line environment and examines the history of governmental attitudes toward disability that affect the current state of accessibility of the e-government. Detailing federal disability laws and policies that relate to e-government information and services, the article focuses on the potential impact of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. By chronicling the problems with the implementation of Section 508, the article describes how a fully accessible e-government remains an elusive goal. Finally, the article offers a detailed set of policy suggestions that could be implemented by the federal government to work toward an egalitarian e-government that is fully inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
Synthesis of pipelined memory access controllers for streamed data applications on FPGA-based computing engines

Commercially available behavioral synthesis tools do not adequately support FPGA vendor-specific external memory interfaces making it extremely difficult to exploit pipelined memory access modes as well as application specific memory operations scheduling critical for high-performance solutions. This lack of support substantially increases the complexity and the burden on designers in the mapping of applications to FPGA-based computing engines. In this paper we address the problem of external memory interfacing and aggressive scheduling of memory operations by proposing a decoupled architecture with two components - one component captures the specific target architecture timing while the other component uses application specific memory access pattern information. Our results support the claim that it is possible to exploit application specific information and integrate that knowledge into custom schedulers that mix pipelined and non-pipelined access modes aimed at reducing the overhead associated with external memory accesses. The results also reveal that the additional design complexity of the scheduler, and its impact in the overall design is minimal.
Reduced size, dual-polarized microstrip patch antenna for wireless communications

A novel, compact, probe-fed microstrip patch antenna for operation in dual-polarization mode is proposed. The novel design is achieved by etching out a symmetric pattern of crossed slots from the surface of a square probe-fed patch. Reduction in patch size of up to 51% with respect to a traditional dual-polarized square patch operating at the same frequency is obtained. Results show linear polarizations in the +45 and -45/spl deg/ with a high isolation of 38 dB between the two ports. Moreover, the 50-/spl Omega/ feed position can be achieved by moving the feed point along the diagonal of the square patch, leading to ease in fabrication.
Role playing and hypnotic susceptibility in children. II. An extension and partial replication.

Abstract 34 children, 7 to 12 years old, received 2 role-playing tests in 1 session and the Children's Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (CHSS) of London (1962a) 1 week later. Performances were compared to a previous sample of 42 children who had received the same tests in reverse order of administration. Means of the role test were essentially the same in both samples. 1 of the role tests, Dramatic Acting, was unrelated to hypnotic susceptibility in both samples; the other, Hypnotic Simulation, was uncorrelated with overall susceptibility in the present sample, unlike the previous one, but seems to have inhibited 1 aspect (Subjective Involvement scores) of performance on the CHSS. Order of administration of the simulation test and CHSS also differentially affected some Overt Behavior item scores; CHSS functioned as a rehearsal for the subsequent simulation performances of low-susceptibles, and the simulation test had the same function for the CHSS performances of high-susceptibles.
Focal features in West syndrome indicating candidacy for surgery

A subgroup of patients with West syndrome (WS) also have focal features, and some of these patients respond to surgical intervention. To determine the incidence of focal features in patients with WS and to establish the correlation of these features with outcome, all patients with WS treated in the Epilepsy Unit of the Children's Hospital (Boston, MA) during the years 1989 to 1992 were retrospectively evaluated. Focal features included partial seizures, hemiparesis, focal radiologic findings, asymmetric spasms, and lateralized hypsarrhythmia. The different focal features were later correlated with the natural history of the disease. Sixty-seven patients were included in the study. Sixty-six percent had asymmetric manifestations. Asymmetric spasms, hemihypsarrhythmia, and partial seizures combined with infantile spasms had significant association with asymmetric brain pathology. Focal features did not correlate with age of onset and outcome, but were associated with etiology. Eight of the nine patients who underwent epilepsy surgery had at least two focal features or more. Two of the operated children had focal features in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, thus indicating the necessity for positron emission tomography, the results of which justified surgery.
An unrestricted vocabulary Arabic speech synthesis system

A method for synthesizing Arabic speech has been developed which uses a reasonably sized set of subphonetic elements as the synthesis units to allow synthesis of unlimited-vocabulary speech of good quality. The synthesis units have been defined after a careful study of the phonetic properties of modern standard Arabic, and they consist of central steady-state portions of vowels, central steady-state portions of consonants, vowel-consonant and consonant-vowel transitions, and some allophones. A text-to-speech system which uses this method has also been developed. The input of the system is ordinary Arabic spelling with diacritics and/or simple numeric expressions. Synthesis is controlled by several text-to-speech rules which are formulated and developed as algorithms more suited for computer handling of the synthesis process. The rules are required for converting the input text into phonemes, converting the phonemes into phonetic units, generating the synthesis units from the phonetic units, and concatenating the synthesis units to form spoken messages. The suitability of the method for synthesizing Arabic has been shown by realizing all its functions on a personal computer and by conducting understandability test on synthesized speech. >
Soil : the environmental source of Escherichia coli and Enterococci in Hawaii's streams

The concentrations and sources of Escherichia coli and enterococci in a typical stream (Manoa) in Hawaii were determined. The concentrations of these two sanitary indicator bacteria in Manoa Stream consistently exceeded the new U.S. Environment Protection Agency recreational water standard in freshwater of 126E. coli/100 mL or 33 enterococci/ 100 mL. Escherichia coli but not enterococci was shown to multiply in stream water samples. Soil samples obtained near the stream bank, 10 m from the stream bank as well as from a grassy area on the university campus, were determined to be sources of both E. coli and enterococci. These indicator bacteria were recovered from the surface of the soil as well as from soil samples at depths down to 36 cm. Soil is considered the most likely source for the high concentrations of indicator bacteria naturally present in the freshwater streams of Hawaii.
Quantum mechanical study of molecular weight growth process by combination of aromatic molecules

Formation pathways for high-molecular-mass compound growth are presented, showing why reactions between aromatic moieties are needed to explain recent experimental findings. These reactions are then analyzed by using quantum mechanical density functional methods. A sequence of chemical reactions between aromatic compounds (e.g., phenyl) and compounds containing conjugated double bonds (e.g., acenaphthylene) was studied in detail. The sequence begins with the H-abstraction from acenaphthylene to produce the corresponding radical, which then furnishes higher aromatics through either a two-step radical‐molecule reaction or a direct radical‐radical addition to another aromatic radical. Iteration of this mechanism followed by rearrangement of the carbon framework ultimately leads to high-molecular-mass compounds. This sequence can be repeated for the formation of high-molecular-mass compounds. The distinguishing features of the proposed model lie in the chemical specificity of the routes considered. The aromatic radical attacks the double bond of five-membered-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This involves specific compounds that are exceptional soot precursors as they form resonantly stabilized radical intermediates, relieving part of the large strain in the five-membered rings by formation of linear aggregates. © 2001 by The Combustion Institute
A TEST OF THE RISK PREMIUM HYPOTHESIS

Contrary to economic theory, there is international evidence that common stock returns and inflation are negatively related. This negative relationship is examined in this paper and the applicability of the risk premium hypothesis is tested. According to this hypothesis, an increase in unanticipated inflation causes the market risk premium to rise, which in turn lowers current stock prices. A model is developed and the effect of uncertain inflation on the market risk premium across four countries is tested empirically. Results indicate that the market risk premium is positively related to uncertain inflation.
Personnel planning for the next generation of orthodontic patients.

Abstract Projections by the Bureau of the Census indicate that there will be an additional 10.4 million youngsters between 5 and 19 years of age living in this country by the year 2000. Estimates are developed for each state and region of the needed numbers of orthodontists to maintain current practitioner levels. The availability of needed practitioners is considered in terms of the number of graduates from orthodontic training programs. A major shortfall is projected in the number of training program graduates needed to maintain current orthodontist-to-population ratios in 2020. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1996;110:520-6.)
Experiences parallelizing a commercial network simulator

Most current approaches of parallel simulation focus on building new parallel simulation engines that require the development of new models and software. An alternate, emerging approach is to extend sequential simulators to execute on parallel computers. We describe a methodology for realizing parallel simulations in this manner. This work is specifically concerned with parallelization of commercial simulators where source code for some or all of the sequential simulator is not available. We describe our experiences in applying this methodology to realize a parallel version of the OPNET simulator for modeling computer networks. We show significant speedup can be readily obtained for some OPNET models if proper partitioning strategies are applied and the simulation attributes are tuned appropriately. However, we observe that substantial modifications to other OPNET models are needed to achieve efficient parallel execution because of their extensive use of global variables and "zero lookahead events".
Experimental study of high frame rate imaging with limited diffraction beams

Limited diffraction beams have a large depth of field and have many potential applications. Recently, a new method (Fourier method) was developed with limited diffraction beams for image construction. With the method and a single plane wave transmission, both 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) images of a very high frame rate (up to 3750 frames/s for a depth of 200 mm in biological soft tissues) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be constructed with relatively simple and inexpensive hardware. If limited diffraction beams of different parameters are used in both transmission and reception and transducer aperture is shaded with a cosine function, high-resolution and low-sidelobe images can be constructed with the new method without montage of multiple frames of images [the image quality is comparable to that obtained with a transmit-receive (two-way) dynamically focused imaging system]. In this paper, the Fourier method was studied with both experiment and computer simulation for 2D B-mode imaging. In the experiment, two commercial broadband 1D array transducers (48 and 64 elements) of different aperture sizes (18.288 and 38.4 mm) and center frequencies (2.25 and 2.5 MHz) were used to construct images of different viewing sizes. An ATS539 tissue-equivalent phantom of an average frequency-dependent attenuation of 0.5 dB/MHz/cm was used as a test object. To obtain high frame rate images, a single plane wave pulse (broadband) was transmitted with the arrays. Echoes received with the arrays were processed with both the Fourier and conventional dynamic focusing (delay-and-sum) methods to construct 2D B-mode images. Results show that the quality (resolution and contrast) of constructed images is virtually identical for both methods, except that the Fourier method is simpler to implement. Both methods have also a similar sensitivity to phase aberration distortions. Excellent agreement among theory, simulation, and experiment was obtained.
A hybrid design for robot path planning in the presence of obstacles

A method combining the tools of combinatorics and optimal control theory is presented to solve the path-planning problem. Initially, a combinatorial problem is solved to identify collision-free paths originally designed for a point object. Then the problem of moving the actual object through the safe paths for the point object is posed as an optimal control problem and is solved using a numerical technique involving finite-dimensional optimization. Some of the constraints to the optimization problem are in the form of inequalities, resulting in nondifferentiable expression when augmented with the performance index. Because of this, the R. Hooke and T.A. Jeeves method (1961), which is computationally quite prohibitive, has been adopted. To overcome this burden, at least partially, a method has been introduced whereby several variables appearing in the optimization are grouped into aggregate quantities, thus reducing the number of actual variables used in the iterations. 2-D and 3-D examples illustrate the applicability of the proposed hybrid design. >
An efficient computation of handle and tunnel loops via Reeb graphs

A special family of non-trivial loops on a surface called handle and tunnel loops associates closely to geometric features of "handles" and "tunnels" respectively in a 3D model. The identification of these handle and tunnel loops can benefit a broad range of applications from topology simplification/repair, and surface parameterization, to feature and shape recognition. Many of the existing efficient algorithms for computing non-trivial loops cannot be used to compute these special type of loops. The two algorithms known for computing handle and tunnel loops provably have a serious drawback that they both require a tessellation of the interior and exterior spaces bounded by the surface. Computing such a tessellation of three dimensional space around the surface is a non-trivial task and can be quite expensive. Furthermore, such a tessellation may need to refine the surface mesh, thus causing the undesirable side-effect of outputting the loops on an altered surface mesh.In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm to compute a basis for handle and tunnel loops without requiring any 3D tessellation. This saves time considerably for large meshes making the algorithm scalable while computing the loops on the original input mesh and not on some refined version of it. We use the concept of the Reeb graph which together with several key theoretical insights on linking number provide an initial set of loops that provably constitute a handle and a tunnel basis. We further develop a novel strategy to tighten these handle and tunnel basis loops to make them geometrically relevant. We demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithm as well as show its robustness against noise, and other anomalies in the input.
Mass Media Effect on the Operating Environment of a Wildlife-Related Risk-Communication Campaign

Abstract Managers and other stakeholders may rely on wildlife-related risk communication campaigns to prevent or reduce risks associated with human–wildlife conflict. The operating environment or the sphere of activity within which a campaign functions can influence a campaign's ability to achieve outcomes. Between 1 May 2005 and 30 October 2005, we studied human–black bear conflict in southeastern New York and the wildlife-related risk communication campaign, the New York NeighBEARhood Watch (NYNW). Based on the social amplification of risk framework, our goal was to determine whether mass media affected the operating environment of the campaign, and if so, identify the magnitude and direction of the effect. We used a self-administered mail survey (N = 2,800) in 4 southeastern New York, USA, towns to collect data about residents' perceived black bear-related risks, bear-related behavior, and exposure to the NYNW. We also conducted a content analysis of mass media coverage about black bears. Exposure to...
The Red Cell

Evolution from single-celled organisms to complex metazoa requires the development of systems for the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to all cells of the body. The need to supply oxygen molecules reliably, consistently, and in large amounts has been met by different animals in different ways, but the most efficient system is one which has been adopted by all vertebrates. It consists of a specialized cell, the erythrocyte, filled with a protein uniquely suited to this task, hemoglobin.
What If? The Farther Shores of Neuroethics

Neuroscience is clearly making enormous progress toward understanding how human brains work. The implications of this progress for ethics, law, society, and culture are much less clear. Some have argued that neuroscience will lead to vast changes, superseding much of law and ethics. The likely limits to the explanatory power of neuroscience argue against that position, as do the limits to the social relevance of what neuroscience will be able to explain. At the same time neuroscience is likely to change societies through increasing their abilities to predict future behavior, to infer subjective mental states by observing physical brain states (“read minds”), to provide evidence in some cases relevant to criminal responsibility, to provide new ways to intervene to “treat antisocial brains,” and to enhance healthy brains. Neuroscience should make important cultural changes in our special, and specially negative, views of “mental” versus “physical” illness by showing that mental illness is a dysfunction of a physical organ. It will not likely change our beliefs, implicit or explicit, in free will, or spark a new conflict between science and religion akin to the creationism controversy.
Back-analysis of preexisting landslides

Drained residual shear strength is applicable to slopes containing preexisting shear surfaces and preexisting landslides. Laboratory ring shear testing by various researchers suggest the possibility of strength gain along preexisting shear surfaces which had previously obtained a residual strength condition. This paper presents back-analysis of two case histories that were used to suggest strength recovery to confirm test results developed herein and explain how the recovered strength may be useful in understanding slope behavior during the rest period and movement reactivation. These back-analyses are important to determine whether or not strength gain occurs and the practical significance, if any, of the strength gain in design of the remedial measures.
Dual protonophore-chitinase inhibitors dramatically affect O. volvulus molting.

The L3-stage-specific chitinase OvCHT1 has been implicated in the development of Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of onchocerciasis. Closantel, a known anthelmintic drug, was previously discovered as a potent and specific OvCHT1 inhibitor. As closantel is also a known protonophore, we performed a simple scaffold modulation to map out the structural features that are relevant for its individual or dual biochemical roles. Furthermore, we present that either OvCHT1 inhibition or protonophoric activity was capable of affecting O. volvulus L3 molting and that the presence of both activities in a single molecule yielded more potent inhibition of the nematode’s developmental process.
Culture and Sociology

T HE definition of culture most often quoted is that of Tyler: "Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society." A particular culture has been defined by Redfield as "an organized body of conventional understandings, mnanifest in act and artifact, which, persisting through tradition, characterizes a human group." Excellent definitions both, yet culture is one of those large concepts, like democracy or science, a definition of which seems very bare and inadequate to convey its rich meanings. Different students will emphasize different aspects of culture as most significant, and in the future important new ideas about culture may be discovered. At the present time the aspects of culture of most interest to sociologists may be grouped around four ideas.
Aneurysm of the diverticulum of the ductus arteriosus in the adult : successful surgical treatment in five patients and review of the literature

Sixteen aneurysms of the diverticulum of the ductus arteriosus in adults have been previously reported. Ten patients died of rupture of the aneurysm or died at surgical exploration. Only one previous patient underwent successful aneurysmectomy. Five new cases of aneurysm of the adult ductal diverticulum, all diagnosed preoperatively and successfully repaired, are presented. All five patients are alive 6 to 33 months postoperatively. Our experience with these patients suggests several important features of these aneurysms: (1) Diagnosis may be difficult and may require multiple-view aortography or computed tomographic (CT) scanning to differentiate from tumor. (2) The operative approach, either left thoracotomy or median sternotomy, may be determined by the necessity for concomitant procedures. (3) Unlike true atherosclerotic aneurysms of the aortic arch, these aneurysms can be repaired effectively by aneurysmorrhaphy. (4) Because of their critical location and the high incidence of complications in reported cases, aneurysms greater than 3 cm in diameter, those producing symptoms, or those showing progressive enlargement should be surgically resected.
Reversing Calculation of Interface Heat Flux for Strip Casting Though Dendrite Arm Spacing

According to heat-conduction differential equation,the mathematical expression,by w hich interfacial heat flux during tw in-roll strip casting can be calculated on the basis of secondary dendrite arm spacing,w as derived.The numerical calculation w as carried out though this mathematical expression,taking 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel as an research calculated object.The results show ed that the density of the interfacial heat flux decreases w ith the increase of the solidification time,the declining rate of interfacial heat flux is very fast near meniscus,w hile is slow er in the position from nearer Kiss point.The calculated interfacial heat flux density is of the same order of magnitude as that of the experimental data in the literature.In addition,the further calculation indicated that tw in-roll strip casting is a sub-rapid solidification process,w hich conforms to the actual situation.
Analysis on notable infectious disease of children ages 0-15 years in Lianzhou City,2011

Objective To know the epidemic situation of notable infectious disease of children ages ranged from 0-15 years,and provide a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of children infectious disease.Methods A descriptive epidemiological method was used for data collection and analysis.Results In 2011,a total 1 487 cases of notable infectious disease with 14 kinds were reported in children ages 0-15 years in Lianzhou.The incident rate was 1 143.19 per 100 000;intestinal infectious diseases and respiratory infectious diseases were dominant,the incidence of the top 6 in order were infectious diarrhea,hand,foot and mouth disease,rubella,mumps,tuberculosis and syphilis.Conclusion The infectious diseases were largely covered by intestinal infectious diseases and respiratory infectious disease in children ages ranged from 0-15 years.Additionally,syphilis hazards to children was increased obviously.Therefore high attention sheuld be paid for them.
Biphenyl-based liquid crystal precursors with alkanoate and hydroxyl group

ABSTRACTWe synthesized a series of 4′-hydroxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl alkanoate with a potentially reactive functional hydroxyl group as a LC precursor, which facilitates reaction with other chemical groups to tailor biphenyl-based liquid crystals (LCs) for specific applications. Several liquid crystalline materials were also synthesized based on these LC precursors to show high probability to generate various potential LCs. With increasing chain length, the melting point decreased and Rf (retardation factor: migration distance of substance ÷ migration distance of solvent front) of the synthesized LC precursor increased. This LC precursor series provides a useful first synthesis step to design tunable biphenyl/ester-based LCs.
“Mente y naturaleza” en el pensamiento filosófico de Schelling

La relacion entre la mente y el mundo exterior es un problema y un tema que ha sido importante para todos los pensadores desde que empieza la filosofia en Grecia. Todos lo han abordado, pero no de una manera sistematica. El presente articulo es un esfuerzo para explicar la relacion antes dicha relacion a traves del punto de vista de un filosofo sistematico como Schelling.. Se sabe que a pesar de que Schellling intenta sistematizar esa relacion, esto no implica que este trabajo sea algo completo y terminado. La otra importancia de este articulo es que Schelling es uno de los pensadores mas importantes, enseno tanto en la Universidad Jena como en la de Berlin y fue amigo de Hegel. Sus ideas en relacion con este problema es el centro de este articulo. Los ejemplos cientificos que Schelling usa logicamente dependen de la epoca historica en la que el vivio; pero lo que interesa es su metodo, su concepcion holistica y su esfuerzo en el tema. Ademas, por el estudio bibliografico que se realizo, este trabajo es el primer intento por introducir las ideas schellinguianas en nuestro pais.
Development of a Patient-Derived Xenograft Model of Human Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Abstract Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and cytopenias that may lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or bone marrow failure. Although a few genetic mouse models have been generated, they cannot recapitulate the heterogeneity of the disease. The attempts for the development of a xenograft model have been challenging in the past, mainly due to poor engraftment of MDS hematopoietic cells. Recent scientific evidence pinpoint the importance of the niche in the establishment and progression of hematological malignancies and suggested a novel approach to establishing MDS xenotransplantation models. In this study we aim to develop a mouse xenotransplantation model of human MDS and to evaluate the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the engraftment process. Methods: MSC's from normal donors and MDS patient samples were generated and characterized using standard culture methods. NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl Tg(CMV-IL3,CSF2,KITLG)1Eav/MloySzJ (NSGS) mice were used as recipients. Mice were injected with 1 x 106 bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) alone or in combination with 5 x 105 MSC's. MSC's were from normal donors, from same patient as MNC's (autologous) or from other MDS patients (MDS allogeneic). All cells were injected intrafemorally. Mice were assessed for engraftment by bone marrow aspiration in the ipsilateral bone at 6 weeks, in the contralateral bone at 10 weeks and at necropsy at 12-22 weeks (depending on initial assessment). Long-term engrafted samples were further assessed for presence of stem cells by secondary transplantation into NSGS mice. 1 x 106 human CD45 selected hematopoietic cells were passaged again without or with 5 x 105 MSC's. Secondary recipients were assessed at 12 weeks for engrafment. MDS samples represented both high risk (refractory anemia with excess blasts, RAEB)) and low risk (refractory anemia (RA), refractory cytopenia with myelodysplasia (RCMD)) disease. The overall degree of engraftment was assessed by bone marrow aspiration and measurement of human CD45+ cells. Lymphoid, myeloid and erythroid engraftment was assessed. Results: Five out of five injected MDS samples showed persistent human cells when assessed at 6 weeks. For most samples, engraftment at 6 weeks was low ( 12 weeks). One of these samples has been transferred to secondary animals. Secondary transplanted mice injected with selected hCD45+ cells with or without MSC's showed variable engraftment levels on week 10 after injections, with the majority of those not reaching long-term engraftment. Conclusions: Passive transferof MDS hematopoietic cells as assessed at 6 weeks after intrabone injection is highly consistent and not dependent on MSC when total MNC fraction is used. However, long-term engraftment of MDS cells in xenotransplanted mice is uncommon suggesting that true MDS stem cells do not consistently engraft. Further analysis with injection into different mouse strains with purified CD34+ cells is under way. Disclosures Dos Santos: Amgen: Employment.
Neural Development: Mechanisms and Models

Many stages are involved in neural development, including neurulation, cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and death, establishment of connectivity, and refinement of synaptic strengths. This article reviews what is known about some of the mechanisms operating at these stages, and points to computational models which have given insight into these mechanisms. Particular foci are mechanisms for regionalization of the nervous system, axon guidance, and the activity-dependent development and plasticity of visual cortical maps.
Dual Role of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Released by the Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Cell in Stimulation of Proliferation and Inhibitor of Apoptosis of PNH Cells but Suppression of Normal Phenotype Cell Growth.

Abstract Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clones expand in the setting of immune-mediated marrow failure, and functional and molecular studies suggest an escape mechanism. Expansion of the PNH clone in aplastic anemia has been ascribed to insusceptibility to immune attack, resistance to apoptosis, or to an intrinsic proliferative advantage. Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (sUPAR), normally linked by the glycosylphosphoinositil (GPI) anchor to the cell membrane, is increased in its soluble form in patients with PNH compared to normal; levels correlate with the number of GPI-negative neutrophils. Plasma levels of sUPAR are also increased in patients with solid tumors, where it reportedly plays a role in checking metastasis; in tumor cells, sUPAR increases MAP kinase and the anti-apoptotic protein ATK in cells lacking GPI- anchored membrane UPAR, but paradoxically downregulates these proteins in cells with membrane anchored UPAR (J Biol Chem , 2003; 278:46692). Here we demonstrate in vitro release of suPAR from PNH hematopoietic cells: supernatants obtained from BM PNH CD34 cells cultured in liquid media with standard growth factors in 3 experiments showed suPAR levels 20-fold greater than those obtained from normal CD34 cells, when measured by ELISA (p
Maternity, Mortality and Mourning in the Trench Poetry of World War I:

This investigation of the ways in which Italian poet soldiers represented mothers and motherhood seeks to shed light on the relationship between gender and war in early-twentieth-century Italy by exploring the intersections and divergences between the official discourses on motherhood and the Madre-patria, represented here by D'Annuzio's “Il rinato,” and the counter-discourses offered in the poetry of Ugo Betti and Corrado Alvaro. In order to illustrate a fundamental difference in the way D'Annunzio, on the one hand, and Betti and Alvaro, on the other, portray mothers, I will focus on their various depictions of maternal grief. I argue that Betti's and Alvaro's representations of melancholic mothers constitute an ethical choice that runs counter to the nationalist narrative of sacrifice and regeneration, but in the end I also question whether their melancholic mothers can be viewed as a new kind of model of womanhood or if she is just another iteration of the mater dolorosa projected onto women by both Ca...
Environmentally Friendly Engineering and Three-Dimensional Printing of TiO2 Hierarchical Mesoporous Cellular Architectures

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of hierarchically ordered cellular materials with tunable microstructures is a major challenge from both synthesis and scalable manufacturing perspectives. A simple, environmentally friendly, and scalable concept to realize morphologically and microstructurally engineered cellular ceramics is herein demonstrated by combining direct foam writing with colloidal processing. These cellular structures are widely applicable across multiple technological fields including energy harvesting, waste management/water purification, and biomedicine. Our concept marries sacrificial templating with direct foaming to synthesize multiscale porous TiO2 foams that can be 3D printed into planar, free-standing, and spanning hierarchical structures. The latter being reported for the first time. We show how by varying the foam-inks’ composition and frothing conditions, the rheological properties and foam configurations (i.e., open- or closed-cell) are tuned. Furthermore, our printing studies indic...