cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D multiphase streamline-based method for interpretation of formation-tester measurements acquired in vertical and deviated wells

Abstract Complex heterogeneous reservoirs penetrated by deviated wells pose significant challenges when modeling and interpreting packer- and probe-type formation-tester measurements. This paper introduces a streamline-based method specifically designed for near-wellbore fluid-flow modeling in vertical and deviated wells. The primary application of the method is for efficient simulation and automatic history matching of formation-tester measurements in the presence of invasion and variable petrophysical and geometrical properties. Based on the spatial distribution of pressure calculated with a previously validated near-wellbore finite-difference model (FDM), the method traces streamlines from the reservoir into fluid sampling probes. The calculated spatial distribution of pressure is input to the streamline-based method to propagate the spatial distribution of water saturation. Subsequently, the calculated spatial distribution of water saturation is input to the FDM to update the spatial distribution of pressure. Streamlines are then recalculated and this repeated pressure-saturation procedure continues until reaching the desired final simulation time. The combined FDM and streamline-based method utilize full-tensor permeability to couple wellbore-reservoir systems during fluid sampling in horizontal and deviated wells. It is shown that the spatial rendering of streamlines permits rapid assessment of the time evolution of fluid saturation near the sampling probe. We successfully test the streamline-based method in the dynamic simulation of fluid contamination into conventional and focused-type probes operating in vertical, horizontal, and deviated wells for the case of multiphase, immiscible fluid-flow in heterogeneous formations. The method implements successive streamline and FDM time steps adaptively to decrease computational time by a factor of four while achieving less than 5% relative difference in the simulation of fluid production measurements when compared to FDM results. For formation testing in deviated wells, the streamline-based method permits more rapid appraisal of anisotropy, bed-boundary, and complex geometrical effects on fluid-sampling times than conventional 3D fluid-flow simulators. It also quantifies the sensitivity of measurements to variations of permeability, invaded zones, anisotropy, and well deviation. Our simulations indicate that fluid sampling in deviated wells subject to mud-filtrate contamination requires adequate positioning of the probe around the perimeter of the wellbore to secure the fasted cleanup possible.
A three-dimensional motion model of loads on the Lumbar spine: I. model structure

Traditionally most biomechanical models that are used to estimate the loading experienced by the spine during work focus on static, two-dimensional representations of the work. However, most work tasks impose loads on the lumbar spine under dynamic, three-dimensional conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the structure and logic of a model that is capable of producing estimates of spine loading under three-dimensional motion conditions. This model is intended for use primarily under laboratory conditions. The model was designed initially for workplace simulation in which the trunk is moving under symmetric and asymmetric constant velocity lifting conditions. Future embellishments may enable the model to be used under free dynamic conditions. The model predicts lumbar spine compression, shear, and torsional forces as well as trunk torque production continuously throughout the exertion. This information may be compared with spine tolerance limits so that the risk of causing a vertebral end-plate microfracture by workplace requirements could be determined.
Comparative fine maps of bovine toll-like receptor 4 and toll-like receptor 2 regions

Toll-like receptors are cell-surface receptors that activate innate and adaptive immune responses. We have used a 5000-rad, whole-genome radiation hybrid panel to map Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to the distal end of bovine Chromosome (Chr) 8, and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) to the proximal end of bovine Chr 17. To facilitate comparative mapping and contig construction, we have also used 5000- and 12,000-rad, whole-genome radiation hybrid panels to produce fine maps of the regions surrounding these genes in cattle. These fine maps triple the number of available markers in the TLR4 region and more than double the number of available markers in the TLR2 region. Comparative analyses show gene order conservation between the bovine Chr 8 region and human Chr 9, and between the bovine Chr 17 region and human Chr 4. In addition, the bovine Chr 8 region refines an evolutionary chromosomal breakpoint from a 10-megabase region to a 2.5-megabase region, and the bovine Chr 17 map suggests a new evolutionary chromosomal breakpoint.
Pushing to the performance limit of carbon nanotube electronics

Summary form only given. This presentation will cover our latest results in the following areas and describe the potential of nanotubes in electronics applications. (1) Controlled synthesis of nanotube structures on surface; patterned growth of nanotubes. (2) Nanoelectronics based on nanotube transistor arrays derived by chemical synthetic routes. Arrays of nanotube transistors for logic and ring oscillators will be presented. (3) Integration of high k zirconia dielectrics into nanotube transistors affording high performance nanotube transistors. The latest results on optimizing the performance of nanotube transistors will be presented.
Sensor scheduling for lifetime maximization in user-centric sensor networks

We explore sensor scheduling strategies to maximize the operational lifetime of a user-centric image sensor network. Image sensors are deployed for gathering visual information over a monitored region. Users navigate within this region by specifying a time-varing desired viewpoint and the network responds with the requested visual data. By modeling the user's desired viewpoint in a probabilistic framework, we develop a stochastic formulation of the network lifetime and investigate the camera scheduling strategy that maximizes the expected value of network lifetime. By suitably abstracting the problem, we present a closed-form solution for the simplistic case when the monitored region is divided into two parts. Using asymptotic analysis, we then present a simple camera scheduling strategy for the general case that we conjecture to be optimal. Simulation results demonstrate a clear advantage of the proposed camera scheduling approach over previously considered alternatives.
Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis to Identify Chromosomal Regions Affecting Phenotypic Traits in the Chicken. III. Skeletal Integrity

ABSTRACT Two unique chicken F2 populations generated from a broiler breeder male line and 2 genetically distinct inbred (>99%) chicken lines (Leghorn and Fayoumi) were used for whole genome QTL analysis. Twelve phenotypic skeletal integrity traits (6 absolute and 6 relative traits) were measured or calculated, including bone mineral content, bone mineral density, tibia length, shank length, shank weight, and shank length:shank weight. All traits were also expressed as a percentage of BW at 8 wk of age. Birds were genotyped for 269 microsatellite markers across the entire genome. The QTL affecting bone traits in chickens were detected by the QTL express program. Significance levels were obtained using the permutation test. For the 12 traits, a total of 56 significant QTL were detected at the 5% chromosome-wise significance level, of which 14 and 10 were significant at the 5% genome-wise level for the broiler-Leghorn cross and broiler-Fayoumi cross, respectively. Phenotypic variation for each trait explained by all detected QTL across the genome ranged from 12.0 to 35.6% in the broiler-Leghorn cross and 2.9 to 31.3% in the broiler-Fayoumi cross. Different QTL profiles identified between the 2 related F2 crosses for most traits suggested that genetic background is an important factor for QTL analysis. Study of associations of biological candidate genes with skeletal integrity traits in chickens will reveal new knowledge of understanding biological process of skeletal homeostasis. The results of the current study have identified markers for bone strength traits, which may be used to genetically improve skeletal integrity in chickens by MAS, and to identify the causal genes for these traits.
Cost Comparison: Limb Salvage Versus Amputation in Diabetic Patients With Charcot Foot

Background:The negative impact on health-related quality of life in patients with Charcot foot has prompted operative correction of the acquired deformity. Comparative effectiveness financial model...
Touchdowns and Honor Societies: Expanding the Focus of Black Male Excellence

If we want black males to achieve at academics, we must encourage and support those yearnings as much as we do their athletic aspirations.
Ciliary receptors associated with the mouth and pharynx of Acoela (Acoelomorpha): a comparative ultrastructural study

The ultrastructure and distribution of receptor cells near the mouth and (where present) the pharynx of Hofstenia miamia, Proporus bermudensis, Conaperta thela, and Convoluta convoluta (Acoela) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy of specimens stained with a fluorescence marker for actin. Five types of monociliary receptors were identified: (1) non-collared receptors with a single long and narrow ciliary rootlet; (2) non-collared receptors with a wide main ciliary rootlet and a smaller posterior rootlet; (3) non-collared receptors with a single wide and hollow ciliary rootlet with a granulated core; (4) Collar (?) receptors with obliquely radial filament bundles in the cell apex and with a single hollow ciliary rootlet composed of numerous strand-like elements; and (5) Collar receptors lacking a striated rootlet but with a granular body (swallow's nest rootlet). While H. miamia bears the first two receptor types, P. bermudensis has receptors of type 1, 3 and 5, and Cona. thela and Conv. convoluta have receptors of type 3, 4 and 5. The density of receptors is generally highest at the anterior body tip, regardless of where the mouth is located. Most receptor types occur scattered over the whole body but type 2 receptors of H. miamia are restricted to the pharynx and mouth region. The lack of a common receptor type specific for the mouth and pharynx of the investigated species points to an independent origin of the pharynges in Hofsteniidae and in Proporidae and of the mouth tube in Convolutidae. Moreover, the homology of the so-called collar receptors in Acoela with typical collar receptors in other invertebrates is questioned.
Packaged, High-Power, Narrow-Linewidth Slab-Coupled Optical Waveguide External Cavity Laser (SCOWECL)

We report the demonstration of an InGaAlAs/InP quantum-well, high-power, low-noise packaged semiconductor external cavity laser (ECL) operating at 1550 nm. The laser comprises a double-pass, curved-channel slab-coupled optical waveguide amplifier (SCOWA) coupled to a narrow-bandwidth (2.5 GHz) fiber Bragg grating passive cavity using a lensed-fiber. At a bias current of 4 A, the ECL produces 370 mW of fiber-coupled output power with a Voigt lineshape having Gaussian and Lorentzian linewidths of 35 and 1 kHz, respectively, and relative intensity noise <; -160 dB/Hz from 200 kHz to 10 GHz.
Universality of mobility-gate field characteristics of electrons in the inversion charge layer and its application in MOSFET modeling

A mobility curve for electrons in a MOSFET inversion charge layer is determined from measured drain current of transistors produced by a wide range of MOS technologies. A comparison between this mobility curve and previously published results shows that a truly universal mobility curve does not exist and only local universal mobility curves can be expected, i.e. unique mobility curves which are valid over a finite range of MOS technologies and/or over a particular set of fabrication facilities. The curve's basic characteristic of being technology-independent over a wide range of process variation points out the potential of using such a local universal mobility curve as a powerful basis for developing predictive device modeling tools. This potential is demonstrated for an analytical MOSFET model and a two-dimensional device simulator where the mobility models have the general characteristics of experiment-based local universal mobility curves. >
A heuristic task scheduling for multi-pursuer multi-evader games

This paper introduces a divide-and-conquer, heuristic task scheduling optimization approach on the challenging multi-pursuer multi-evader (MPME) games in which pursuers attempt to minimize the time to capture all evaders whereas evaders try to maximize the capture time. The MPME task scheduling problem is solved through a two-step hierarchical approach. At the high level, the game is divided into a number of subgames or teams using a combination of Voronoi diagram and a negotiation-based mechanism (through heuristic objective functions) to make the pursuit more efficient. At the low level, pursuers within each team are directed locally by their team leader to pursue an evader which runs slower or faster. We mainly focus on a position scheduling problem of how pursuers in a team can surround a faster evader as quickly as possible before entering into the capture phase. Instead of using computation intensive approaches, we use heuristics to solve the complex scheduling problems. In addition to focusing on the pursuer side, evader cooperation is also briefly discussed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Evolution and evolvability of proteins in the laboratory

The introduction of DNA shuffling in 1994 substantially increased the power of laboratory evolution protocols to optimize protein function and led to a significant increase in the number of scientists pursuing directed protein evolution (1). The introduction of family shuffling in 1998 allowed for the homologous recombination of natural diversity among families of proteins and further increased the range of protein sequence and function space that could be accessed in the laboratory (2). The realization that evolution of truly novel protein function likely requires nonhomologous exchange of genetic material led to the introduction of the THIO-ITCHY technique in 2001 (3). In this issue of PNAS, Saraf et al. (4) develop the theory behind nonhomologous evolution of protein function by using the information contained within the natural diversity found in a protein fold family (Fig. 1). Fig. 1. In the canal of functional proteins (25, 26) lie members of a protein fold. The theory of Saraf et al. (4) predicts the probable activities of the nonhomologously engineered protein hybrids of members of this fold. The theory developed by Saraf et al. (4) quantifies by how much a test protein sequence differs in its structural and chemical properties from the consensus sequence of a protein fold. The test sequences are those that arise by the mutation and recombination dynamics of the THIO-ITCHY technique (3). The first step of the procedure is to determine which pairs of residues in the protein are evolutionary conserved, or correlated (5), in the family of proteins …
Dendroclimatic Reconstruction at Kilometer-Scale Grid Points: A Case Study from the Great Basin of North America

AbstractPreparing for future hydroclimatic variability greatly benefits from long (i.e., multicentury) records at seasonal to annual time steps that have been gridded at kilometer-scale spatial intervals over a geographic region. Kriging is commonly used for optimal interpolation of environmental data, and space–time geostatistical models can improve kriging estimates when long temporal sequences of observations exist at relatively few points on the landscape. A network of 22 tree-ring chronologies from single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) in the central Great Basin of North America was used to extend hydroclimatic records both temporally and spatially. First, the line of organic correlation (LOC) method was used to reconstruct October–May total precipitation anomalies at each tree-ring site, as these ecotonal environments at the lower forest border are typically moisture-limited areas. Individual site reconstructions were then combined using a hierarchical model of spatiotemporal kriging that produced a...
Effects of Chronic Overload on Muscle Hypertrophy and mTOR Signaling in Young Adult and Aged Rats

We examined the effect of 28 days of overload on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in young adult (Y; 6-month old) and aged (O; 30-month old) Fischer 344 × Brown Norway rats subjected to bilateral synergist ablation (SA) of two thirds of the gastrocnemius muscle or sham surgery (CON). Although plantaris (PLA) muscle hypertrophy was attenuated by aging, mTOR phosphorylation was 44% and 35% greater in Y SA and O SA compared with CON (p = .038). Ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation was 114% and 24% higher in Y SA and O SA compared with CON (p = .009). Eukaryotic initiation factor 2Bϵ phosphorylation was 33% and 9% higher in Y SA and O SA compared with CON (p = .04). Translational signaling in young adult and aged plantaris muscle is equally responsive to chronic overload.
Design and impact resistant analysis of functionally graded Al2O3–ZrO2 ceramic composite

Abstract Gradient concept is one of the solutions in advanced material design and structure control. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are materials which change their composition, constitution or structure continuously along the direction of thickness; the property and function of those materials appear as changeable gradient characteristics. In this research, powder metallurgy method was used to make the functionally graded Al2O3–ZrO2 composite, which was backed with 6061-T6 aluminum alloy plate. For comparing purpose, we also make multilayer Al2O3–ZrO2 composite and pure Al2O3 composite under the same areal density. Based on NIJ IV standard, ballistic test was executed on the three kinds of samples by using 0.30″ armor piercing projectile (AP). Finite element software ANSYS/LS-DYNA was also used to simulate stress distribution and fracture of these composites under impact. It was shown from ballistic test that FGM had the best impact resistant performance. Normally, multilayer ceramic structure will be fractured after impact because of the tensile wave caused by the interlayer. Through SEM observation, delamination was not found in the interlayer of FGM. This phenomenon reduced the tensile wave occurred in the interface between layers and delayed the crack propagation, resulting in a higher ballistic resistance capability structure.
Nbc Sports: the Major League Baseball Television Rights Decision

This case examines NBCs decision to bid on Major League Baseballs contract. The issues relate to the cost of the contract and whether it helps NBC meet both its profit targets and strategic goals. The case includes a pricing model to help the student determine whether to bid or not.
The Misintegration of the Negro: A Historical Analysis of Black Male Habitus in Sport and Schooling:

Drawing from the lenses of critical race theory (CRT) and Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of habitus, this article compares the Jackie Robinson story with the Brown versus Board of Education narrative. Th...
Multilayer Coatings for Focusing Hard X-ray Telescopes

Several multilayer test coatings for hard X-ray telescopes were fabricated using DC magnetron sputtering. The process parameters were selected from a series of trials of single layer depositions. The samples were characterized using X-ray specular reflectivity scans, AFM, and cross-sectional TEM. Additional measurements (stylus profilometry, RBS, and Auger analysis) were used in the optimization of the deposition rate and of the thin film properties (density, composition, surface/interface microroughness). The X-ray reflectivity scans showed that the combinations of reflector and spacer materials tested so far (W/Si and W/C) are suited for graded d-spacing multilayer coatings that present a constant reflectivity bandpass up to 70 keV.
Legionella and legionnaires' disease epidemic characteristics:a review of recent studies

Legionnaires' disease has become an important public health problem facing modern urban development.Especially Europe and the United States reported travel-associated legionnaires' disease outbreak increasing with its high fatality rate,which was important to environment and health issues worldwide,and should be paid more attention to.Therefore,it is particularly important to understand the epidemiological characteristics of domestic and foreign Legionella and legionnaires' disease.This article summarized the epidemiological characteristics based on the published papers at home and abroad.
Risk Assessment of Coal and Gas Outburst in Main Coal Seams of Yongsheng Coal Mine South Shaft

Selecting the main mining 2# and 9# coal seams in Yongsheng coal mine south shaft as a research object,based on the maximum gas pressure of the coal seam and the test results of coal sample gas parameters,its outburst risk is assessed.The test results showed that the single indicator and composite indicator of outburst risk in 2# and 9# coal seams of Yongsheng coal mine south shaft exceeded the critical value regulated in coal and gas outburst prevention provisions.There is no obvious fault structure through the ground in filed areas;gas is difficult to release from the fault structure.Gas occurrence conditions are good with deep buried coal and poor permeability rock in overlying rock.The analysis determined that the 2#,9# coal seams in Yongsheng coal mine south shaft were the coal and gas outburst coal seam.
Dynamic transcriptome profiling of Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) infection in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) is widespread, with Phaseolus species as the primary host plants. Numerous BCMV strains have been identified on the basis of a panel of bean varieties that distinguish the pathogenicity types with respect to the viral strains. The molecular responses in Phaseolus to BCMV infection have not yet been well characterized. We report the transcriptional responses of a widely susceptible variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cultivar ‘Stringless green refugee’) to two BCMV strains, in a time-course experiment. We also report the genome sequence of a previously unreported BCMV strain. The interaction with the known strain NL1-Iowa causes moderate symptoms and large transcriptional responses, and the newly identified strain (Strain 2 or S2) causes severe symptoms and moderate transcriptional responses. The transcriptional profiles of host plants infected with the two isolates are distinct, and involve numerous differences in splice forms in particular genes, and pathway specific expression patterns. We identified differential host transcriptome response after infection of two different strains of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Virus infection initiated a suite of changes in gene expression level and patterns in the host plants. Pathways related to defense, gene regulation, metabolic processes, photosynthesis were specifically altered after virus infection. Results presented in this study can increase the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and provide resources for further investigations of the biological mechanisms in BCMV infection and defense.
Emission spectra of binary plasma mixtures from visible to X-ray range

The quantitative analytical information on the sample's elemental constituents can be obtained from the analysis of emission spectra of laser-produced plasmas. It is possible to establish an important relationship between spectral line or continuum emission characteristics and plasma elemental composition, plasma temperature, concentration of free electrons, etc. The fundamental applications of this approach are ranged from detection of nuclear isotopes, explosive residues, chemical and biological agents to the analysis of liquid, solid and gaseous substances.
A large broad ligament uterine fibroid: Successful myomectomy with robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy

U leiomyomata, or myomas, are one of the most common benign tumors of the reproductive tract, affecting more than 70% of women in their lifetime. Definitive surgical treatment of myoma is hysterectomy while myomectomy is the treatment for those women who have symptomatic myomas and desire uterine or fertility preservation. Leiomyomas can arise from any tissue including the broad ligament, the incidence of broad-ligament leiomyoma is <1%. Myomectomy of large broad ligament fibroid presents certain challenges due to anatomical distortion, leading to higher incidence of ureteric injury and excessive bleeding. Still most of the myomectomies are done abdominally, this is due to the complexity and the necessity of extensive suturing for the desired multilayered uterine closure, which is technically hard to do laparoscopically. The introduction of robotic surgery has allowed more surgeons to perform complex laparoscopic procedures.
Pull strength evaluation of Sn-Pb solder joints made to Au-Pt-Pd conductor on low-temperature co-fired ceramic

Cracking was observed in the side walls of gold (Au) filled vias in low-temperature, co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates. Further analysis indicated the likely source as the constituents of the glassy phase component of the gold platinum-palladium (Au-Pt-Pd) thick film used for the conductor traces and pads. The successful approach toward mitigating the cracking phenomenon was to place a Au thick film layer between the Au-Pt-Pd layer and the LTCC substrate, which significantly curtailed the diffusion of glassy phase components into the latter. However, it was necessary to determine the effects of the additional thick film layer on the microstructure and overall mechanical strength of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) solder joints made to device pads. Acceptable pull strengths were measured in the range of 3.5 – 4.0 lbs. The solder joint pull strength was sensitive to the number of firing steps as defined by the thick film layer construction. Both the solder/thick film and thick film/LTCC interface strengths had roles in this trend, thereby affirming the synergism between material, interfaces, and the firing processes The pull strength was optimized when the pad length ratio, 4596:5742, was 1.0:0.5, which was characterized by a reduced occurrence of the thick film/LTCC failure mode.
Dehydration stress extends mRNA 3' untranslated regions with noncoding RNA functions in Arabidopsis .

The 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) of mRNAs play important roles in the regulation of mRNA localization, translation, and stability. Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) generates mRNAs with different 3' UTRs, but the involvement of this process in stress response has not yet been clarified. Here, we report that a subset of stress-related genes exhibits 3' UTR extensions of their mRNAs during dehydration stress. These extended 3' UTRs have characteristics of long noncoding RNAs and likely do not interact with miRNAs. Functional studies using T-DNA insertion mutants reveal that they can act as antisense transcripts to repress expression levels of sense genes from the opposite strand or can activate the transcription or lead to read-through transcription of their downstream genes. Further analysis suggests that transcripts with 3' UTR extensions have weaker poly(A) signals than those without 3' UTR extensions. Finally, we show that their biogenesis is partially dependent on a trans-acting factor FPA. Taken together, we report that dehydration stress could induce transcript 3' UTR extensions and elucidate a novel function for these stress-induced 3' UTR extensions as long noncoding RNAs in the regulation of their neighboring genes.
Venous thrombosis and stenosis after peripherally inserted central catheter placement in children.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can lead to development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. The presence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis may preclude children with chronic medical conditions from receiving lifesaving therapies, from hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease to total parenteral nutrition in short bowel syndrome. Several adult studies have found an association between PICCs and venous thrombosis and/or stenosis, but none has evaluated for this association in children. To determine the incidence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis after PICC placement and identify factors that increase the risk of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis after PICC placement in children. We conducted a retrospective review of children ages 1–18 years with a PICC placed between January 2010 and July 2013 at our center, and included those who had at least one vascular imaging study of the ipsilateral extremity (Doppler ultrasound, venogram or MR angiogram) after PICC placement. Logistic regression was applied to determine risk factors for development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. One thousand, one hundred and ten upper extremity PICCs were placed, with 703 PICCs in the right and 407 PICCs in the left. Eight hundred fifty-one imaging studies (609 Doppler ultrasounds, 193 contrast venograms and 49 MR angiograms) were performed in 376 patients. The incidence of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis in the imaged cohort was 26.3%. PICC laterality, insertion site, duration, patient height to PICC diameter ratio, and number of PICCs per patient were not associated with development of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. Additionally, primary diagnosis and symptoms at the time of imaging did not predict findings of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis. However, patients exposed to non-PICC central venous catheters (CVC) were more likely to develop venous thrombosis and/or stenosis (odds ratio 1.95, 1.10–3.45). More than a quarter of the vascular imaging studies performed in this study cohort showed previously unknown venous thrombosis and/or stenosis, irrespective of PICC laterality, insertion site, duration and size and the number of PICCs. A history of CVC was associated with a nearly two-fold increase in risk of venous thrombosis and/or stenosis after PICC placement. We suggest that PICCs and CVCs should be placed judiciously in all children, but especially in those with lifelong medical conditions who are more likely to incur direct consequences from limited vascular access.
Winning by Default: Why is There So Little Competition in Government Procurement?

In government procurement auctions, eligibility requirements are often imposed and, perhaps not surprisingly, contracts generally have a small number of participating bidders. To understand the eects of the restrictions of competition on the total cost of government procurement, we develop, identify, and estimate a principal-agent model in which the government selects a contractor to undertake a project. We consider three reasons why restricting entry could be benecial to the government: by decreasing bid processing and solicitation costs, by increasing the chance of selecting a favored contractor and consequently reaping benets from the favored contractor, and by decreasing the expected amount of price to the winning contractor. When the participation is costly and bidders are heterogeneous, the expected amount of price to the winning contractor may decrease by excluding ex-ante less ecient contractors. Using our estimates, we quantify the eects of the eligibility restrictions on the total cost of procurement.
UV fluorescence modification by aluminum bowtie nanoantennas

UV plasmonic nanostructures have applications in label free native fluorescence biosensing. Many aluminum nanostructures have been shown to modify emission properties of UV fluorescence molecules. However, these structures demonstrate small rate enhancement factors (less than 10x). In this paper, we report FDTD simulation results on excitation and emission enhancement factors of a pair of aluminum bowtie antenna in ultraviolet region. Our results show that the optimal geometry is a pair of small bowtie (radius 20nm) with apex angle 60 degrees. The highest radiative enhancement is 25x (~340nm) and highest total decay rate enhancement is 70x, higher than previously studied geometries.
Physical Making Online: A Study of Children's Maker Websites

The Maker phenomenon revolves around the technology-enabled hands-on production of artifacts, and has been consistently proposed as a vehicle for STEM education and to inculcate a 'Maker mindset' in children. While Making is physical and activities for children typically take place in physical venues like Maker camps and workshops, much information about Making resides online. To understand how virtual online resources may support inherently physical Making activity, we investigate the landscape of Maker websites for children through a perception-based study and a content analysis study. Our findings showed that Maker websites for children are of 3 types: associated with a fixed space, a transient space, or without any physical presence. These provide different support structures for learning and Maker mindset development. Further research is needed to extend the experience of children in Making activities beyond the limitations of physical visits to Makerspaces.1
Diagnostic Measurement: Theory, Methods, and Applications

ABSTRACTDiagnostic classification models (DCMs) have attracted great interest in the field of educational and psychological measurement during the past decades. Rupp, Templin, and Henson (2010) is one of the most important books on DCMs in this area. This review provides a concise summary of the main points of this book and a brief appraisal of its strengths and weaknesses.
Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Primary Social Phobia: Symptom Severity, Functional Impairment, and Treatment Response

As many as 50% of patients with a primary anxiety disorder may meet criteria for an additional anxiety disorder. However, there is insufficient research on the cooccurrence of the anxiety disorders, although investigations of this nature may facilitate our understanding of their cause, phenomenology, and treatment. The present study examined the occurrence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among patients with social phobia (SP) compared with SP patients without GAD. Of 122 treatment-seeking patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for SP, 29 (23.8%) also met criteria for an additional diagnosis of GAD. SP patients with comorbid GAD demonstrated greater severity on measures of social anxiety and avoidance, general anxiety, cognitive (but not somatic) symptoms of anxiety, depressed mood, functional impairment, and overall psychopathology. Group differences remained significant when comorbidity with other anxiety and mood disorders was controlled. The content of worry among the SP patients with GAD was not specific to social concerns and appeared similar to the reported content of worry in samples of patients with primary GAD. Nevertheless, SP patients with and without GAD responded similarly to cognitive-behavioral group therapy for social phobia. Implications for the understanding and treatment of comorbid SP and GAD are discussed.
The growth factor-platelet-transformation connection.

Until recently, the growth of diploid animal cells in monolayer culture re quired that the defined nutrient medium be supplemented with serum prepared from clotted whole blood (Temin et al., 1972; Holley, 1975). The concentration of serum added to the nutrient medium was found to be a major determinant of the growth rate and final population density of these cultures (Holey, 1974). Recently, the purification of growth-promoting factors from serum and the development of chemically defined media able to support the growth of some cell types without the presence of serum (reviewed by Barnes and Sato, 1980) have supported the view that serum provides growth-stimulatory factors as well as nutrients or vitamins, or both.
Responses of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Starvation

Lactic acid bacteria are exposed to a series of stresses during environmental transit and food fermentation processes. Stresses unique to fermented foods are high acid, low temperature, and limited to no free sugar. In fermented foods, lactobacilli and lactococci recently have been recognized to become nonculturable (NC) under these conditions. It has been shown that lactococci become NC under carbohydrate starvation, which leads to additional metabolic changes during 180 days of incubation. Important end products include branched-chain fatty acids from the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids. In addition, sulfur metabolism changes. It has yet to be demonstrated that NC lactococci can be resuscitated with known compounds or peptides. The NC state of lactococci leads to new metabolic end products not produced during log-phase growth.
Automatic Clustering and Thickness Measurement of Anatomical Variants of the Human Perirhinal Cortex

The entorhinal cortex (ERC) and the perirhinal cortex (PRC) are subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) that play important roles in episodic memory representations, as well as serving as a conduit between other neocortical areas and the hippocampus. They are also the sites where neuronal damage first occurs in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The ability to automatically quantify the volume and thickness of the ERC and PRC is desirable because these localized measures can potentially serve as better imaging biomarkers for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, large anatomical variation in the PRC makes it a challenging area for analysis. In order to address this problem, we propose an automatic segmentation, clustering, and thickness measurement approach that explicitly accounts for anatomical variation. The approach is targeted to highly anisotropic (0.4x0.4x2.0mm3) T2-weighted MRI scans that are preferred by many authors for detailed imaging of the MTL, but which pose challenges for segmentation and shape analysis. After automatically labeling MTL substructures using multi-atlas segmentation, our method clusters subjects into groups based on the shape of the PRC, constructs unbiased population templates for each group, and uses the smooth surface representations obtained during template construction to extract regional thickness measurements in the space of each subject. The proposed thickness measures are evaluated in the context of discrimination between patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and normal controls (NC).
Surgical Options for the Failed Wrist Arthrodesis

Failed wrist fusions fortunately are an infrequent problem for the hand surgeon to deal with. However, when it does occur, the surgeon may be faced with a multitude of problems relating to poor bone quality, bone loss, as well as copious scar tissue. Reconstructive options include autologous bone grafting, bone morphogenic protein, and external and/or internal bone stimulators. If the hardware has truly failed, the hardware may need to be changed out, but if there has been any windshield wiper effect to the bone, bony struts may have to be used. In the presence of previous infection, one can consider vascularized fibular bone graft. More recently, some wrist fusions that have failed to unite are being replaced with joint arthroplasty of the wrist. Ultimately, the surgeon has several options available in order to treat this clinical problem, which can leave the patient functionally impaired, secondary to the wrist deformity and pain. Ultimately, if satisfactory fusion or joint replacement can be obtained, improved but not total pain relief can be expected.
Automated Spectral Surveys of Clusters and Field Star

I propose a survey that would collect ~105 high signal-to-noise, high resolution spectra of F- and G-type stars at a 4-m class telescope, along with supporting intermediate band photometry collected at a 1-m class telescope. The goals of the survey are to greatly refine our understanding of Galactic chemical evolution, the ages and dynamical histories of Galactic subpopulations, star formation, and lithium in stellar surface layers. This survey would be made possible by development of a 4-channel spectrograph behind a multi-fiber system at a 4-m class telescope.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Biotypes Exhibit Differential Levels of Susceptibility and Biochemical Responses to Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibitors

An annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) biotype with limited susceptibility to POST flumioxazin applications was identified in Georgia. The objectives of this research were to quantify tolerance levels of this biotype (R-biotype) to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors and characterize physiological responses to flumioxazin. In dose–response experiments on 3- to 5-tiller plants, flumioxazin and sulfentrazone rates required to reduce dry-shoot biomass 50% from the nontreated were >14.5 and 10.4 times greater for the R-biotype, as compared with a susceptible (S)-biotype, respectively. Establishment of the R-biotype from seed was completely controlled by PRE applications of flumioxazin and oxadiazon, similar to the S-biotype. Tank mixtures of chlorpyrifos with flumioxazin did not enhance biomass reductions of the R-biotype, suggesting that tolerance levels may not be related to cytochrome P450–associated metabolism. In laboratory experiments, the R-biotype averaged 27% less electrolyte leakage, as compared with the S-biotype, after flumioxazin treatments. Lipid peroxidation in the R-biotype, as measured by malondialdehyde levels, averaged 25% less than the S-biotype at 72 h after broadcast flumioxazin treatments at 280 and 560 g ha−1. The tolerance to POST applications of PPO inhibitors in this P. annua biotype is associated with less lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage as compared with the S-biotype. These biochemical differences in biotypes may contribute to erratic levels of POST control from flumioxazin and could contribute to PPO-inhibitor resistance.
Spatial Patterning from an Integrated Wnt/β-catenin and Notch/Delta Gene Circuit

Classically, the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch /Delta signaling pathways were thought to operate through separate mechanisms, performing distinct roles in tissue patterning. However, it has been shown that b-catenin activates transcription of Hesl, a signaling intermediate in the Notch /Delta pathway that controls its lateral inhibition mechanism. To investigate this non-canonical crosstalk mechanism, a new gene circuit, integrating the two pathways, is proposed and simulated in two-cell and multi-cell environments. This model also captures both Paneth cell- mediated and mesenchymal Wnt production. The simulations verify that the gene circuit is temporally bistable and capable of forming a pattern on a multi-cell grid. Last, the model exhibits a bifurcation based on the steady state concentration of Wnt and the relative amount of control b-catenin has over the Hesl promoter, providing a possible mechanism to explain why a homogeneous population of transit amplifying cells is observed directly above the more diverse stem niche.
Simulations and Manipulatives Used to Better Understand Graphics, Statics & Dynamics Concepts.

This paper is intended to investigate the merits of adding manipulative devices and solid model simula¬tions to accompany traditional lecture and demonstration materials to a Dynamics course. Based on the successes of Graphics courses using manipulative devices and simulation software to enhance spatial vi¬sualization skills in engineering students, a pilot study in a Dynamics course adding a 4-bar linkage mech¬anism and a NX software simulation was used. A pre-test was administered prior to using the intervention and post test results were collected after. Analysis of the pre- and post- quiz scores showed sufficient improvement in learning to encourage the continued development of more manipulatives and simulations for Dynamics. Recommendations are made to study whether similar methods will impact student learning in Statics courses.
The Euler characteristic

Let K be a finite complex, of dimension ⩽ 2. The Euler characteristic of K is the alternating sum $$x\left( K \right) = V - E + F,$$ where V, E, and F are respectively the number of vertices, edges, and 2-faces of K.
Cancer therapeutics using survivin BIRC5 as a target: what can we do after over two decades of study?

Survivin (also named BIRC5) is a well-known cancer therapeutic target. Since its discovery more than two decades ago, the use of survivin as a target for cancer therapeutics has remained a central goal of survivin studies in the cancer field. Many studies have provided intriguing insight into survivin’s functional role in cancers, thus providing promise for survivin as a cancer therapeutic target. Despite this, moving survivin-targeting agents into and through the clinic remains a challenge. In order to address this challenge, we may need to rethink current strategies in order to develop a new mindset for targeting survivin. In this Review, we will first summarize the current survivin mechanistic studies, and then review the status of survivin cancer therapeutics, which is classified into five categories: (i) survivin-partner protein interaction inhibitors, (ii) survivin homodimerization inhibitors, (iii) survivin gene transcription inhibitors, (iv) survivin mRNA inhibitors and (v) survivin immunotherapy. We will then provide our opinions on cancer therapeutics using survivin as a target, with the goal of stimulating discussion that might facilitate translational research for discovering improved strategies and/or more effective anticancer agents that target survivin for cancer therapy.
Social motivation: Goals and social-cognitive processes. A comment

It is clear that the array of goals facing students is a daunting one. Students are typically concerned not only with academic work, but also with the liking and esteem of their teachers and peers – and with their parents' reactions to their academic and social life. Even in the best of all possible worlds, juggling this variety of concerns would be difficult. When one considers that this is often not the best of all possible worlds – for example, that what peers value is often not what parents and teachers value – then coordinating the various social and academic goals becomes even more demanding. Each of these chapters deals in an extremely thoughtful way with the psychological factors that predict how and how well students will confront these challenges. Drawing on the wealth of research provided in the six chapters, I will use a “goal analysis” to tie together the many findings and to integrate the different perspectives represented in the chapters. I will begin by discussing the kinds of goals students may pursue in academic settings. I will then move to an examination of the factors shown by research to affect successful goal pursuit and school adjustment, and I will end by proposing a dynamic model of goals that organizes these factors into a system of coherent processes. As the work reviewed in these chapters attests, such a goal analysis can be a fruitful way to understand academic and social functioning (see Erdley; Ford; Harter; Juvonen; Kupersmidt, Buchele, Voegler, and Sedikides; and Schunk and Zimmerman chapters; see also Dodge, Asher, & Parkhurst, 1989; Pervin, 1982; 1989; Wentzel, 1991a; this volume.).