cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Variations of Stress-Dependent Hydraulic Properties of Proppant Packs on the Productivity Indices of the Hydraulically Fractured Shale Gas Reservoirs

Hydraulic fracturing stimulates wells and has enabled exploitation of the vast unconventional hydrocarbon resources in the US and globally. Proppants, which are granular materials that prevent fractures from closing, must provide high fracture conductivities and withstand closure stresses without getting crushed. Advances in imaging technologies and high-performance computing enable calculation of transport and mechanical properties of pore-scale images. Imagebased mechanical and flow simulations can rapidly and accurately estimate the transport properties of proppant packs in fractures at different closure stresses, providing a credible alternative to difficult and expensive physical experiments. This study examines transport properties of a ceramic proppant pack with confining stresses from zero to 20,000 psi. The images of this packing show rearrangement of the packing structure, embedding of the grains at the rock wall, and crushing of individual proppant particles. Lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulation results of this proppant pack indicate that the permeability and inertial flow parameter are sensitive to stress at high stresses (which crush the proppant particles) compared to lower stresses. Predicted stress-dependent permeability and non-Darcy factors corresponding to the effective stress fields around the hydraulic fractured completions are included in a two-dimensional gas reservoir simulator to calculate the productivity indices. Productivity indices with permeability and non-Darcy factors kept constant at initial effective stress (6000 psi) are ca. 0.03 percent higher than those with stress-dependent permeability and non-Darcy factors for a gas rate of 20 MMscf/D.
DQE analysis for CCD imaging arrays

By consideration of the statistical interaction between exposure quanta and the mechanisms of image detection, the signal-to-noise limitations of a variety of image acquisition technologies are now well understood. However in spite of the growing fields of application for CCD imaging- arrays and the obvious advantages of their multi-level mode of quantum detection, only limited and largely empirical approaches have been made to quantify these advantages on an absolute basis. Here an extension is made of a previous model for noise-free sequential photon-counting to the more general case involving both count-noise and arbitrary separation functions between count levels. This allows a basic model to be developed for the DQE associated with devices which approximate to the CCD mode of operation, and conclusions to be made concerning the roles of the separation-function and count-noise in defining the departure from the ideal photon counter.
Photochemically patterned poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces used in the fabrication of microanalytical devices.

We report here the photochemical surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, microfluidic devices by UV light to yield pendant carboxylic acid surface moieties. Patterns of carboxylic acid sites can be formed from the micrometer to millimeter scale by exposure of PMMA through a contact mask, and the chemical patterns allow for further functionalization of PMMA microdevice surfaces to yield arrays or other structured architectures. Demonstrated here is the relationship between UV exposure time and PMMA surface wettability, topography, surface functional group density, and electroosmotic flow (EOF) of aqueous buffer solutions in microchannels made of PMMA. It is found that the water contact angle on PMMA surfaces decreases from 70° to 24° after exposure to UV light as the result of the formation of carboxylic acid sites. However, upon rinsing with 2-propanol, the water contact angle increases to approximately 80°, and this increase is attributed to changes in surface roughness resulting from re...
Improved charge transport of Nb-doped TiO2 nanorods in methylammonium lead iodide bromide perovskite solar cells

Nb-doped rutile nanorod-based methylammonium lead iodide bromide (MAPbI3−xBrx) perovskite solar cells have been developed by integrating an excellent photon-active perovskite sensitizer with the superior electron transporting rutile nanorods. It is found that there are two distinct stages in the formation of the perovskite materials prepared using non-stoichiometric mixed halide precursors, namely the orange colored bromine-rich transient state formed at 105 °C and the dark brown colored iodine-rich crystallized state formed at 155 °C. Optical, compositional, and crystalline properties of the perovskite samples at the two stages are studied by using UV-vis spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The mixed halide materials undergo a transition from an intermediate cubic phase to a well-crystallized tetragonal perovskite phase through complicated diffusion, evaporation, and intercalation processes. Furthermore, a well-crystallized mixed halide perovskite is integrated with Nb-doped rutile nanorods and undoped rutile nanorods to fabricate perovskite solid state solar cells. Perovskite solar cells with Nb-doped rutile nanorods have significantly improved performance including the increased short circuit current and open circuit voltage compared to perovskite solar cells with undoped rutile nanorods. The overall power conversion efficiency enhancement of the device with Nb-doped rutile nanorods is over 50% compared with an undoped nanorod-based device, which is attributed to the superior charge collection efficiency of the Nb-doped rutile nanorods as evidenced by the electrochemical impedance measurement.
Analysis of decomposition algorithms via nonlinear splitting functions

This paper provides a structural analysis of decomposition algorithms using a generalization of linear splitting methods. This technique is used to identify explicitly the essential similarities and differences between several classical algorithms. Similar concepts can be used to analyze a large class of multilevel hierarchical structures.
Evaluation of simple dispatching rules for dynamic single-machine earliness/tardiness problem

Abstract Abstract. This paper investigates the effects of four simple dispatching rules on just-in-time production related performance measures of mean and maximum absolute lateness. The rules used are modified due date (MDD), shortest processing time (SPT), earliest due date (EDD), and first in first out (FIFO). A single machine is used under three utilization levels. Due-dates are set according to total work content rule. The results indicate that each rule performs well under certain conditions. The MDD rule is the best one to minimize mean absolute lateness. The EDD and FIFO rules do well in minimizing the maximum absolute lateness. Economic interpretation of these performance measures are also discussed.
Following the Growth Process in Macroporous Methylsilsesquioxane Films at the Single Macropore Level by Confocal Correlation Spectroscopy

Optical microscopy and in situ single pore confocal correlation spectroscopy (CCS) were used to study the evolution of macroporous methylsilsesquioxane (MSQ) films formed by the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of methyltrimethoxysilane. Spinodal decomposition and gelation in the films were directly observed using these methods. Phase separation was found to occur 5 h 40 min after sol preparation, followed by gelation at 6 h 50 min. MSQ “nanoparticles” appeared in the films very early after sol preparation. These nanoparticles produced bursts of elastically scattered light as they passed through the detection volume. Detailed information on nanoparticle growth was obtained by recording single point time transients in the sol film and in individual pores of the phase-separated and gelled matrix. Apparent diffusion coefficients and average nanoparticle sizes were obtained by fitting autocorrelations of the time transient data to an appropriate expression. The nanoparticles were found to grow rapid...
Sediment community oxygen consumption in the deep Gulf of Mexico

Sediment community oxygen consumption (SCOC) has been measured from the continental shelf out to the Sigsbee Abyssal Plain in the NE Gulf of Mexico (GoM). SCOC rates on the continental shelf were an order of magnitude higher than those on the adjacent continental slope (450–2750 m depth) and two orders of magnitude higher than those on the abyssal plain at depths of 3.4–3.65 km. Oxygen penetration depth into the sediment was inversely correlated with SCOC measured within incubation chambers, but rates of SCOC calculated from either the gradient of the [O2] profiles or the total oxygen penetration depth were generally lower than those derived from chamber incubations. SCOC rates seaward of the continental shelf were lower than at equivalent depths on most continental margins where similar studies have been conducted, and this is presumed to be related to the relatively low rates of pelagic production in the GoM. The SCOC, however, was considerably higher than the input of organic detritus from the surface-water plankton estimated from surface-water pigment concentrations, suggesting that a significant fraction of the organic matter nourishing the deep GoM biota is imported laterally down slope from the continental margin.
Robust neuro-control for a micro quadrotor

Quadrotors are unique among Micro Aerial Vehicles in providing excellent maneuverability (as opposed to winged flight), while maintaing a simple mechanical construction (as opposed to helicopters). This mechanical simplicity comes at a cost of increased controller complexity. Quadrotors are inherently unstable, and micro quadrotors are particularly difficult to control. In this paper, we evolve a hierarchical neuro-controller for micro (0.5 kg) quadrotor control. The first stage of control aims to stabilize the craft and outputs rotor speeds based on a requested attitude (pitch, roll, yaw, and vertical velocity). This controller is developed in four parts around each of the variables, and then combined and trained further to increase robustness. The second stage of control aims to achieve a requested (x, y, z) position by providing the first stage with the appropriate attitude. The results show that stable quadrotor control is achieved through this architecture. In addition, the results show that neuro-evolutionary control recovers from disturbances over an order of magnitude faster than a basic PID controller. Finally, the neuro-evolutionary controller provides stable flight in the presence of 5 times more sensor noise and 8 times more actuator noise as compared to the PID controller.
A higher-order mismatch-shaping method for multi-bit Sigma-Delta Modulators

Mismatch-shaping dynamic element matching (DEM) methods are extensively used in multi-bit sigma-delta modulators (SDM) to reduce the effects of element mismatches. To date, only first and second-order mismatch-shaping DEM techniques have been reported in the literature. In this paper, a higher-order mismatch-shaping DEM method is reported, which is an extension of the known vector-feedback mismatch-shaping technique. Example simulation results are presented for third-order and fourth-order mismatch-shaping DEMs.
Arterial rupture without balloon rupture during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Abstract A 58-year-old man with severe left lower extremity claudication and rest pain underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. A high-pressure balloon was inflated in an area of severe atherosclerotic narrowing. The patient complained of severe pain during inflation and had a vasovagal response. After balloon deflation, angiography displayed extravasation just inferior to the lower edge of the balloon. Immediate inflation of the balloon tamponaded the leak and allowed the patient's transfer to the operating room in stable condition. It is hypothesized that the new high-pressure balloons can overcome resistance in nondistensible arterial walls, causing rupture without balloon rupture. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:528-30.)
Automatic transcription of Broadcast News

Abstract This paper describes the IBM approach to Broadcast News (BN) transcription. Typical problems in the BN transcription task are segmentation, clustering, acoustic modeling, language modeling and acoustic model adaptation. This paper presents new algorithms for each of these focus problems. Some key ideas include Bayesian information criterion (BIC) (for segmentation, clustering and acoustic modeling) and speaker/cluster adapted training (SAT/CAT).
AggieNav: A Small, Well Integrated Navigation Sensor System for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Small UAV performance is limited by the sensors used in the navigational systems. Several solutions of various complexity and cost exist, however no ready-made solutions exist for a high-accuracy, low-cost UAV system. Presented is AggieNav: a small, integrated navigational 6 degree-of-freedom with compass and GPS sensor package designed for ideal navigation of small UAVs. System, hardware, and embedded software design for the system is detailed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Asymptotically derived boundary elements for the Helmholtz equation in high frequencies

We present an asymptotically derived boundary element method for the Helmholtz equation in exterior domains. Each basis function is the product of a smooth amplitude and an oscillatory phase factor, like the asymptotic solution. The phase factor is determined a priori by using arguments from geometrical optics and the geometrical theory of diffraction, while the smooth amplitude is represented by high-order splines. This yields a high-order method in which the number of unknowns is virtually independent of the wavenumber k. Two types of diffracted basis functions are presented: the first accounts for the dominant oscillatory behavior in the shadow region while the second also accounts for the decay of the amplitude there. We show that the matrix A, associated with the discrete problem, has only O(N) significant entries as k → ∞, where N is the number of basis functions. Hence it can be approximated with a matrix Â having O(N) terms, and the relative error between A and Â rapidly converges to zero as k → ∞. Although the method is applicable to a variety of scatterers, we focus our attention here on scattering from smooth closed convex bodies in two dimensions. Computations on a circular cylinder illustrate our results.
Variability in the chemical defense of the sponge Chondrilla nucula against predatory reef fishes

Chondrilla nucula is a common Caribbean demosponge that grows in a range of habitats, from coral reefs to mangrove swamps. On reefs, C. nucula grows as a thinly encrusting sheet, while in mangrove habitats it surrounds submerged mangrove roots as fleshy, lobate clumps. Previous feeding experiments using predatory reef fish revealed a high degree of variability in the chemical defenses of C. nucula. The present study was undertaken to determine whether a relationship exists between habitat, growth form, and chemical defense of C. nucula. Both laboratory and field feeding-assays of crude extracts confirmed that C. nucula possesses a chemical defense with high intercolony variability, but there was no significant variation in feeding deterrency between reef and mangrove habitats at either geographic location (Bahamas and Florida). Extracts of C. nucula collected during September and October 1994 from the Bahamas were significantly more deterrent than those collected during August 1993, May 1994, and May 1995 from Florida, and extracts of these spring and summer Florida collections were more deterrent than extracts of C. nucula collected in December 1994 and February 1995 in the same locations. There was no evidence that deterrent compounds were concentrated in the surface tissues of the sponge, or that chemical defense could be induced by simulated predation. Laboratory and field assays of the fractionated crude extract revealed that feeding deterrency was confined to the most polar metabolites in the extract. Field transplants were used to determine whether predation influenced the growth form of C. nucula. Uncaged sponges transplanted from the mangrove to the reef were readily consumed by spongivorous reef fishes. Lobate mangrove sponges became thinner after being caged on the reef for 3 mo, but encrusting reef sponges did not become thicker after being caged in the mangroves for the same period of time. Reef sponges that were caged for 3 to 15 mo thickened by only a small amount (<1 mm) compared to uncaged and open-caged (i.e. in cages lacking tops) sponges. Simulated bite marks on both reef and mangrove sponges were repaired at a rapid rate (0.8 to 1.6 mm d−1). Fish predation has an important impact on the distribution and abundance of C. nucula, but the thin growth form common to reef environments may be more the result of hydrodynamics than of grazing by spongivorous fishes.
Comparison of data discretization methods for cross platform transfer of gene-expression based tumor subtyping classifier

Molecular stratification of tumors is essential for developing personalized therapies. While patient stratification strategies have been successful, computational methods to accurately translate and integrate gene signatures across different high-throughput platforms (e.g., microarray, RNA-seq) are currently lacking. We performed comparative evaluation of different data discretization and feature selection methods combined with state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to derive platform-independent and accurate multi-gene signatures for classification of the four known subtypes of glioblastoma. Our results show that integrative application of feature selection and data discretization is crucial for successful platform transition and higher prediction accuracy of the derived molecular classifiers.
Triglyceride Pools, Flight and Activity Variation at the Gpdh Locus in Drosophila melanogaster

We have created a set of P-element excision-derived Gpdh alleles that generate a range of GPDH activity phenotypes ranging from zero to full activity. By placing these synthetic alleles in isogenic backgrounds, we characterize the effects of minor and major activity variation on two different aspects of Gpdh function: the standing triglyceride pool and glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle-assisted flight. We observe small but statistically significant reductions in triglyceride content for adult Gpdh genotypes possessing 33-80% reductions from normal activity. These small differences scale to a notable proportion of the observed genetic variation in triglyceride content in natural populations. Using a tethered fly assay to assess flight metabolism, we observed that genotypes with 100 and 66% activity exhibited no significant difference in wing-beat frequency (WBF), while activity reductions from 60 to 10% showed statistically significant reductions of approximately 7% in WBF. These studies show that the molecular polymorphism associated with GPDH activity could be maintained in natural populations by selection in the triglyceride pool.
A Functional Screen for Myc-Responsive Genes Reveals Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase, a Major Source of the One-Carbon Unit for Cell Metabolism

A cDNA library enriched with Myc-responsive cDNAs but depleted of myc cDNAs was used in a functional screen for growth enhancement in c-myc-null cells. A cDNA clone for mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase (mSHMT) that was capable of partial complementation of the growth defects of c-myc-null cells was identified. Expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that mSHMT is a direct Myc target gene. Furthermore, a separate gene encoding the cytoplasmic isoform of the same enzyme is also a direct target of Myc regulation. SHMT enzymes are the major source of the one-carbon unit required for folate metabolism and for the biosynthesis of nucleotides and amino acids. Our data establish a novel functional link between Myc and the regulation of cellular metabolism.
Viral hepatitis and inflammatory bowel disease

Viral hepatitis is common worldwide and in the United States. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) with active disease (elevated alanine aminotransferase level and viral replication) should receive HBV treatment. HBV reactivation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients receiving immunosuppression. IBD patients may require long-term immunosuppression, and therefore should be considered candidates for vaccination against new HBV infection as well as prophylaxis against HBV reactivation prior to immunosuppressive therapy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists and immunomodulators appear compatible with use in IBD patients with HCV, although prednisone may increase viral replication. HCV treatment with peg-interferon and ribavirin may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, and therefore the decision to treat HCV needs to be individualized. Management of IBD patients with viral hepatitis is addressed in this review.
Biomimetic orthosis for the neurorehabilitation of the elbow and shoulder (BONES)

This paper presents a novel design for a 4 degree of freedom pneumatically-actuated upper-limb rehabilitation device. BONES is based on a parallel mechanism that actuates the upper arm by means of two passive, sliding rods pivoting with respect to a fixed structural frame. Four, mechanically-grounded pneumatic actuators are placed behind the main structural frame to control shoulder motion via the sliding rods, and a fifth cylinder is located on the structure to control elbow flexion/extension. The device accommodates a wide range of motion of the human arm, while also achieving low inertia and direct-drive force generation capability at the shoulder. A key accomplishment of this design is the ability to generate arm internal/external rotation without any circular bearing element such as a ring, a design feature inspired by the biomechanics of the human forearm. The paper describes the rationale for this device and its main design aspects including its kinematics, range of motion, and force generation capability.
Analysis of surgeon-controlled variables in the treatment of limb-threatening type-III open tibial diaphyseal fractures.

To The Editor: In their article, “Analysis of Surgeon-Controlled Variables in the Treatment of Limb-Threatening Type-III Open Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures” (2007;89:923-8), Webb et al. may indeed have come to the correct conclusions, but I would point out that the study was limited to a comparison of outcomes following certain procedures such as external fixation and intramedullary nailing, with soft-tissue …
Children’s Questions in Cross-Cultural Perspective: A Four-Culture Study

This study investigated language data collected in 1978-1979 from ninety-six 3- to 5-year-old children in four different non-Western cultures: Garifuna in Belize, Logoli in Kenya, Newars in Nepal, and Samoans in America Samoa. There were 24 children per culture; half of the children were 3 years of age, and half were 5 years of age. The study examined the use of information-seeking questions in everyday life situations and the proportion of explanation-seeking questions (why-questions) in these communities relative to those reported among Western samples. Results revealed that the number of information-seeking questions does not differ from those of Western samples, but the proportion of explanation-seeking questions was much lower than that reported for Western children. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparison of the antithrombotic action of calcium antagonist drugs with dipyridamole in dogs

Because platelet activation is associated with fluxes of intracellular calcium, calcium antagonist drugs such as verapamil and nifedipine may have useful platelet inhibitor effects. Accordingly, the effect of these drugs was compared with that of dipyridamole, an established platelet inhibitor, in preventing the deposition of indium-111-labeled autologous platelets and thrombus development in polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex®) grafts interposed in both femoral arteries in mongrel dogs. Eight dogs received verapamil 7.5 μ g/kg/min perioperatively, 8 dogs received nifedipine 4 μ g/kg/h perioperatively, 8 dogs received dipyridamole 50 mg orally given twice during the 24 hours before operation, and 16 control dogs received isotonic saline solution perioperatively. After 3 hours of perfusion, the median weight of the grafts and luminal thrombus was less in dogs treated with dipyridamole (465.1 mg), verapamil (453.7 mg), or nifedipine (389.7 mg) than in control dogs (680.2 mg) (p 6 ) (p 6 ) (p 6 ) (p 6 ). When the mural thrombus was removed from 14 grafts, a median 73% of the platelets were located in the interface between thrombus and graft. We conclude that all 3 drugs prevent thrombus formation by inhibiting platelet activity in this model, and that the calcium antagonist drugs are as effective as dipyridamole.
CCL3 and Viral Chemokine-Binding Protein gG Modulate Pulmonary Inflammation and Virus Replication during Equine Herpesvirus 1 Infection

CCL3 is a proinflammatory chemokine that mediates many of the cellular changes occurring in pulmonary disease. Here, CCL3−/− mice were used to investigate the role of this chemokine during respiratory herpesvirus infection. Compared to wild-type mice, CCL3−/− mice infected with the alphaherpesvirus equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) displayed reduced body weight loss but had higher pulmonary viral loads. Lungs from infected CCL3−/− mice suffered a milder interstitial pneumonia, and fewer immune cells were recovered from the pulmonary airways after infection. We could also demonstrate that herpesvirus-encoded chemokine-binding glycoprotein G (gG) was capable of inhibiting the chemotactic functions of CCL3. This CCL3-mediated chemotaxis, however, was restored in the presence of gG-specific antibodies, which puts into question the advertised use of gG deletion mutants as marker vaccines. In summary, we concluded that CCL3 is a major player in controlling herpesvirus replication in the target organ, the lung, and does so by evoking a strong inflammatory response. The immunomodulatory activity of CCL3 is balanced by the expression of viral gG, whose chemokine-binding activity is mitigated in secondary infections by the production of anti-gG antibodies.
A Theory of Religion

What is a religion? As Socrates might have asked: What feature do all and only religions share in virtue of which they are religions? This question may seem misguided. Confronted with the diversity of behaviour called ‘religious’, we may easily doubt the existence of a single feature that explains the religiosity of every religion. To use Wittgenstein's term, there may only be a `family resemblance’ between religions, a network of features generally shared, most of which belong to each religion, no one of which belongs to every religion. Efforts to produce the single defining feature tend to streng-then the doubt that one exists. Is a religion an attempt to approach God or appropriate the sacred? Then Theravada Buddhism is not a religion, for God and the sacred are irrelevancies in this tradition. Is a religion a practice that expresses and advances the ultimate concern of a large number of people? Then the stockmarket is a religion and so is the drug trade. Such accounts are typically too narrow or too general, unless they are circular. Perhaps religion has no essence.
Cloning of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase cDNA, and expression of wild type and mutant enzymes in Escherichia coli.

We have cloned, sequenced, and expressed cDNAs encoding wild type human glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase subunit, and have expressed a mutant enzyme found in a patient with glutaric acidemia type I. The mutant protein is expressed at the same level as the wild type in Escherichia coli, but has less than 1% of the activity of wild-type dehydrogenase. We also present evidence that the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase transcript is alternatively spliced in human fibroblasts and liver ; the alternatively spliced mRNA, when expressed in E.coli, encodes a stable but inactive protein. Purified expressed human glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase has kinetic constants similar to those of the previously purified porcine dehydrogenase. The primary translation product from in vitro transcribed glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase m RNA is translocated into mitochondria and processed in the same manner as most other nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. Human glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase shows 53% sequence similarity to porcine medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and these similarities were utilized to predict structure-function relationships in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase.
Appendiceal orifice inflammation and ulcerative proctitis.

t K t h 14-year-old girl has a 2-month history of vague abdominal discomfort at the time of cheerleading and track activities. he reports hematochezia with the passage of formed to firm tools. Hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and chemstry panel were normal. Physical examination was normal inluding the absence of perianal disease. Digital rectal examinaion yielded no palpable stool. Endoscopy revealed normal sophagus, stomach, duodenum, terminal ileum (TI), and ceum, but the appendiceal orifice was everted, edematous, and rossly inflamed with mucopus (Figure A). The rectum had symmetric edema, erythema, and friability. The intervening olon was normal. Because of a concern for appendicitis, a omputerized tomography was performed immediately after he endoscopy, which documented the partially everted appenix without appendicitis (Figure B). Biopsy specimens eventully showed no abnormalities in the TI, but biopsy specimens of he appendiceal orifice revealed acute cryptitis and moderate cute and chronic inflammation without granulomas. The recum showed mild inflammation with cryptitis. These biopsy pecimens were compatible with inflammatory bowel disease, pecifically, ulcerative colitis (UC). A small-bowel contrast raiograph was normal. The inflammatory bowel disease panel id not reveal increased anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody, nti-outer membrane protein core antibody, or perinuclear anineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody levels. The patient’s symptoms resolved upon treatment with oral esalamine and rectal mesalamine suppository. Colonoscopy as performed 4 months later and no gross mucosal abnormalties were seen. Biopsy specimens of the appendiceal orifice evealed only focal, minimal acute cryptitis. TI, cecum, ascendng colon, and rectal biopsy specimens were normal. The paient continues to do well on maintenance oral mesalamine
Infrastructure Aid, Deindustrialization, and Welfare

This paper investigates the deindustrialization and welfare effects of infrastructure aid in developing countries. In the short run, cost-saving infrastructure aid in the export sector increases the domestic wage rate, whereas the same aid in the import sector lowers it. The cost of nontraded goods rises whether the export or the import sector receives infrastructure aid. Infrastructure aid in the nontraded sector has no effect on domestic factor prices. Labor-saving infrastructure aid causes an expansion of the export sector, while capital-saving infrastructure aid results in a Dutch disease effect in the export sector. If aid is below the optimal level, infrastructure aid increases consumer income and welfare.
Individualizing and optimizing the use of early warning scores in acute medical care for deteriorating hospitalized patients

Abstract Aim While early warning scores (EWS) have the potential to identify physiological deterioration in an acute care setting, the implementation of EWS in clinical practice has yet to be fully realized. The primary aim of this study is to identify optimal patient-centered rapid response team (RRT) activation rules using electronic medical records (EMR)-derived Markovian models. Methods The setting for the observational cohort study included 38,356 adult general floor patients hospitalized in 2011. The national early warning score (NEWS) was used to measure the patient health condition. Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to identify statistically significant subpopulations as a function of the admission type (medical or surgical), frailty as measured by the Braden skin score, and history of prior clinical deterioration (RRT, cardiopulmonary arrest, or unscheduled ICU transfer). Results Statistical tests identified 12 statistically significant subpopulations which differed clinically, as measured by length of stay and time to re-admission ( P P Conclusions EWS were used to identify personalized thresholds for RRT activation for statistically significant Markovian patient subpopulations as a function of frailty and admission type. The full potential of EWS for personalizing acute care delivery is yet to be realized.
IN-HAPTICS: Interactive navigation using haptics

We present a computational framework and experimental platform for robot navigation that allows for a user-friendly, graphical and haptic interaction with the human operator during the deployment process. The operator can see, feel, and manipulate the artificial potential field that drives the robot through an environment cluttered with obstacles. We present a case study in which the operator rescues a robot trapped in a local minimum of a navigation potential field.
Programmed cell death is a universal feature of embryonic and postnatal neuroproliferative regions throughout the central nervous system

During central nervous system (CNS) development, programmed cell death (PCD) has been viewed traditionally as a fate reserved for differentiating neurons that are in the process of making synaptic connections. Recent studies in the embryonic cerebral cortex (Blaschke et al. [1996] Development 122:1165-1174), however, have shown that many neuroblasts in the proliferative ventricular zone undergo PCD as well and that this likely represents a novel form distinct from that found in regions of postmitotic neurons. To determine the commonality of this form of PCD throughout the CNS, the prevalence of dying cells identified by in situ end labeling plus (ISEL +; Blaschke et al. [1996]) was determined within populations of proliferating neuroblasts that were identified by rapid bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Based on this approach, dying cells were observed to be a common feature of all proliferative neuroblast populations examined. In addition, when ISEL+ was combined with in situ hybridization for postmitotic neural gene-1 (png-1; Weiner and Chun [1997] J. Comp. Neurol. 381:130-142), which identifies newly postmitotic neurons, a positive correlation was found between the start of differentiation and the onset of PCD. These data indicate that PCD in neuroblast proliferative zones is a universal feature of nervous system development. Moreover, cell death represents a prominent cell fate that may be linked to mechanisms of differentiation.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of fetal anomalies: a blinded case-control study.

OBJECTIVES To compare the accuracy of two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US), three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of congenital anomalies without prior knowledge of indications and previous imaging findings. METHODS This was a prospective, blinded case-control study comprising women with a singleton pregnancy with fetal congenital abnormalities identified on clinical ultrasound and those with an uncomplicated pregnancy. All women volunteered to undergo 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI, which were performed at one institution. Different examiners at a collaborating institution performed image interpretation. Sensitivity and specificity of the three imaging methods were calculated for individual anomalies, based on postnatal imaging and/or autopsy as the definitive diagnosis. Diagnostic confidence was graded on a four-point Likert scale. RESULTS A total of 157 singleton pregnancies were enrolled, however nine cases were excluded owing to incomplete outcome, resulting in 148 fetuses (58 cases and 90 controls) included in the final analysis. Among cases, 13 (22.4%) had central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, 40 (69.0%) had non-CNS anomalies and five (8.6%) had both CNS and non-CNS anomalies. The main findings were: (1) MRI was more sensitive than 3D-US for diagnosing CNS anomalies (MRI, 88.9% (16/18) vs 3D-US, 66.7% (12/18) vs 2D-US, 72.2% (13/18); McNemar's test for MRI vs 3D-US: P = 0.046); (2) MRI provided additional information affecting prognosis and/or counseling in 22.2% (4/18) of fetuses with CNS anomalies; (3) 2D-US, 3D-US and MRI had similar sensitivity for diagnosing non-CNS anomalies; (4) specificity for all anomalies was highest for 3D-US (MRI, 85.6% (77/90) vs 3D-US, 94.4% (85/90) vs 2D-US, 92.2% (83/90); McNemar's test for MRI vs 3D-US: P = 0.03); and (5) the confidence of MRI for ruling out certain CNS abnormalities (usually questionable for cortical dysplasias or hemorrhage) that were not confirmed after delivery was lower than it was for 2D-US and 3D-US. CONCLUSIONS MRI was more sensitive than ultrasonography and provided additional information that changed prognosis, counseling or management in 22.2% of fetuses with CNS anomalies. False-positive diagnoses for subtle CNS findings were higher with MRI than with ultrasonography. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Silica-Induced Inflammatory Mediators and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Silicosis continues to be a lung disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Although silica-induced lung injury and cell activation and/or death have been investigated over the past several years, basic research continues to reveal the cell: cell and cell: mediator interactions critical to these events. This chapter will emphasize the production and participation of several inflammatory cytokines, mediators and cell processes in the development of silica-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Mediators to be discussed will include TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-18, IL-9, TGFβ, MMPs/TIMPs, ROS/RNS, caspases and Fas/FasL in the processes of cell activation, cell proliferation and cell death. The mediator networks and apoptotic pathways elicited by this inorganic particle are complex, driven by many cell types and affect numerous cell functions. Understanding these interactions will help in developing strategies for therapeutic intervention at different stages of the disease.
Top Management Team Heterogeneity and SME Export Performance: Investigating the Role of Environmental Uncertainty

Research has generally found that firm competing in high uncertainty environments gain advantages from having diverse (heterogeneous) management teams (TMTs). Employing a national survey of 70 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the present study examined whether TM T heterogeneity in functional background, international work experience, and foreign language proficiency had a stronger relationship with export performance for firms competing in high than those competing in low uncertainty environments. Results were generally weak when market and industry factors contributing to uncertainty were examined separately; however, additional analysis showed that the hypothesized relationship did exist when uncertainty was measured employing both factors simultaneously.
Implementation Measurement for Evidence-Based Violence Prevention Programs in Communities

Increasing attention to the evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based programs (EBPs) has led to significant advancements in the science of community-based violence prevention. One of the prevailing challenges in moving from science to community involves implementing EBPs and strategies with quality. The CDC-funded National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs) partner with communities to implement a comprehensive community-based strategy to prevent violence and to evaluate that strategy for impact on community-wide rates of violence. As part of their implementation approach, YVPCs document implementation of and fidelity to the components of the comprehensive youth violence prevention strategy. We describe the strategies and methods used by the six YVPCs to assess implementation and to use implementation data to inform program improvement efforts. The information presented describes the approach and measurement strategies employed by each center and for each program implemented in the partner communities. YVPCs employ both established and innovative strategies for measurement and tracking of implementation across a broad range of programs, practices, and strategies. The work of the YVPCs highlights the need to use data to understand the relationship between implementation of EBPs and youth violence outcomes.
Hypothesis: Paralog Formation from Progenitor Proteins and Paralog Mutagenesis Spur the Rapid Evolution of Telomere Binding Proteins

Through elegant studies in fungal cells and complex organisms, we propose a unifying paradigm for the rapid evolution of telomere binding proteins (TBPs) that associate with either (or both) telomeric DNA and telomeric proteins. TBPs protect and regulate telomere structure and function. Four critical factors are involved. First, TBPs that commonly bind to telomeric DNA include the c-Myb binding proteins, OB-fold single-stranded binding proteins, and G-G base paired Hoogsteen structure (G4) binding proteins. Each contributes independently or, in some cases, cooperatively, to provide a minimum level of telomere function. As a result of these minimal requirements and the great abundance of homologs of these motifs in the proteome, DNA telomere-binding activity may be generated more easily than expected. Second, telomere dysfunction gives rise to genome instability, through the elevation of recombination rates, genome ploidy, and the frequency of gene mutations. The formation of paralogs that diverge from their progenitor proteins ultimately can form a high frequency of altered TBPs with altered functions. Third, TBPs that assemble into complexes (e.g., mammalian shelterin) derive benefits from the novel emergent functions. Fourth, a limiting factor in the evolution of TBP complexes is the formation of mutually compatible interaction surfaces amongst the TBPs. These factors may have different degrees of importance in the evolution of different phyla, illustrated by the apparently simpler telomeres in complex plants. Selective pressures that can utilize the mechanisms of paralog formation and mutagenesis to drive TBP evolution along routes dependent on the requisite physiologic changes.
School Reform, the First Amendment, and Civility in the 1990s: The Construction of A Statement of Principles for Religion and Public Education

Americans have long struggled over the role that religion should play in their systems of public schooling. For more than a century, social tension over issues such as doctrine, science, prayer, and morality has found a public stage in the dialogue and debates of religious lead ers and professional educators.1 Recognizing the role schools play in shaping a child's social, spiritual, and moral identity, religious leaders have historically challenged educational policies or curricula that ap pear to compromise the principles of their respective faiths. Similarly, many educational leaders, as products of a professional subculture that maintains strong moral convictions about the purposes of schooling, have long resisted political pressures that challenge their philosophical commitments and expertise. The fact that both of these groups have located legitimacy for their political actions in these foundational belief systems, partially explains why issues of religion, values, morals, and character formation in public schools are embedded in a legacy of conflict.
Blood gas transport in chinchillas.

SummaryThe respiratory functions of the blood of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) has been studied. Measurements of hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, and hemoglobin concentration have been made. The position of the oxygen dissociation curve has been established. This is to the left of most other rodents of similar size indicating an adaptation to high altitudes. The Bohr effect and the Haldane effect are similar to other closely related mammals.
Carnitine Stimulated Transport of the Intermediates of Long Chain Fatty Acid β Oxidation in Liver and Heart Mitochondria.

SummaryThe effects of carnitine and BSA on the oxidation to CO2 and conversion to acetoacetate of [1-14C] palmitate, [1-14C] traws-2-hexadecenoate, [1-14C] DL-3-hydroxyhexadecanoate and [1-14C] 3-ketohexadecanoate were examined in liver mitochondria from normal and diabetic rats and in heart muscle mitochondria from normal animals. Carnitine stimulated the oxidation of all substrates except the 3-keto intermediate by normal liver and heart muscle mitochondria; BSA increased basal oxidation and augmented the carnitine effect on the oxidation of these same compounds in both tissues. Carnitine increased the conversion of palmitate and the unsaturated and hydroxy derivatives to acetoacetate in liver mitochondria; BSA greatly increased both basal and carnitine-stimulated acetoacetate production; no acetoacetate accumulated under any conditions in heart mitochondria. Diabetes did not significantly influence the oxidation of, or the accumulation of acetoacetate from, any of the 4 substrates tested in liver mitoc...
On Xiang's Observations Concerning the Cauchy–Schwarz Inequality

We give a simple proof of an improved version of the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality for vectors and for functions, first observed by Xiang. Also we improve an inequality of Minkowski.
Research on Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle Opto-electronic Load Development

As a traditional mean of reconnaissance,opto-electronic raconnaissance possesses many advantages,such as intuitionistic graphics and high resolving capability.This research firstly expatiates on the advantages and technical characteristics of Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle(UAV) borne optoelectronic raconnaissance equipments.Secondly,the actuality and developing directions of overseas UAV-borne optoelectronic loadare analyzed,andthe key technologiesare summarized that restrict the developing of our own naval UAV-borne optoelectronic loadare analyzed.At the end of this reprot,our national millitary requirement and industrial technology actuality are integrated,and some suggestions are submitted to develop our own airborne optoelectronic raconnaissance equipments.
Research Advances in Microwave Curing Thermoset Resins

The research progresses in microwave curing thermoset resins and their matrix based composites are reviewed,and the following topics,such as the comparative study of microwave curing,heat curing,technology on microwave curing of thermoset resins and thermoset resins modified by fillers and fibers are discussed in details.The results show that microwave curing basically is the same as thermal curing,however,microwave quickens the cure process obviously without posing damages to curing system;thermoset resins can be cured well through adding inorganic,metal particles and fibers to alter the dielectric properties of the system,and controlling microwave process properly.In addition,the principle of microwave heat-effect,the development and application of microwave heating are prospected.