cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insertion of Endocellulase Catalytic Domains into Thermostable Consensus Ankyrin Scaffolds: Effects on Stability and Cellulolytic Activity

Degradation of cellulose for biofuels production holds promise in solving important environmental and economic problems. However, the low activities (and thus high enzyme-to-substrate ratios needed) of hydrolytic cellulase enzymes, which convert cellulose into simple sugars, remain a major barrier. As a potential strategy to stabilize cellulases and enhance their activities, we have embedded cellulases of extremophiles into hyperstable α-helical consensus ankyrin domain scaffolds. We found the catalytic domains CelA (CA, GH8; Clostridium thermocellum) and Cel12A (C12A, GH12; Thermotoga maritima) to be stable in the context of the ankyrin scaffold and to be active against both soluble and insoluble substrates. The ankyrin repeats in each fusion are folded, although it appears that for the C12A catalytic domain (CD; where the N and C termini are distant in the crystal structure), the two flanking ankyrin domains are independent, whereas for CA (where termini are close), the flanking ankyrin domains stabilize each other. Although the activity of CA is unchanged in the context of the ankyrin scaffold, the activity of C12A is increased between 2- and 6-fold (for regenerated amorphous cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose substrates) at high temperatures. For C12A, activity increases with the number of flanking ankyrin repeats. These results showed ankyrin arrays to be a promising scaffold for constructing designer cellulosomes, preserving or enhancing enzymatic activity and retaining thermostability. This modular architecture will make it possible to arrange multiple cellulase domains at a precise spacing within a single polypeptide, allowing us to search for spacings that may optimize reactivity toward the repetitive cellulose lattice.
Armchair graphene nanoribbons: Electronic structure and electric-field modulation

We report electronic structure and electric-field modulation calculations in the width direction for armchair graphene nanoribbons (acGNRs) using a semiempirical extended H\"uckel theory. Important band-structure parameters are computed, e.g., effectives masses, velocities, and band gaps. For the three types of acGNRs, the ${p}_{z}$ orbital tight-binding parameters are extracted if feasible. Furthermore, the effect of electric field in the width direction on acGNRs dispersion is explored. It is shown that for the two types of semiconducting acGNRs, an external electric field can reduce the band gap to a few meV with different quantitative behaviors.
Traffic-tracing gateway (TTG)

Traffic density in wireless networks is time- and space-varying as users move from one area to another. For example, the majority of traffic stays in residential areas in the early morning and late evening; but moves to business or commercial areas in daytime. Therefore, it is challenging to efficiently locate base stations during network planning stage, due to the time-varying traffic distribution. Base stations vary from highly congested to seldom utilized depending on time. However, measurement studies show that the movement of the traffic density is highly predictable, and the traffic always travel along similar routes among different parts in a city or town during one day or over a week. Therefore, we introduce the traffic-tracing gateway (TTG), which acts as the base station that tracks the movement of the traffic. Given the traffic distribution of a period, we design an algorithm to determine the optimal trajectories of TTGs that can cover the maximum traffic. Our solution framework can optimally deploy TTGs in the congested areas to provide better coverage and relieve congestion. Our simulation studies based on realistic user mobility show that TTGs can result in significant improvement over fixed infrastructure based network across multiple metrics in multiple scenarios.
Efficient large-scale access control for Internet/intranet information systems

Access control is a key problem for information processing, especially in a distributed environment such as the Internet and intranet, where a large amount of diverse information resources within an enterprise will be made available for groups of diverse users to query. Information documents such as technology secrets and personal records are sensitive and should be accessible to a select group of users based on their position in a company or an organization or even based on how much the user is paying to maintain his/her right for information access. The access control problem, informally, is to determine which user is allowed to access what information. Access control for Internet information processing, in contrast to access control in a traditional operating system, has higher demand in dealing with a much larger scale problem in real time, due to the large amount of information and number of users in the Internet/intranet environment. We present an efficient method for the access control problem in which there are a large number of users and access groups. The main ingredient of our method is a representation of a hierarchical access group structure in terms of intervals over a set of integers and a decomposition scheme that reduces any group structure to ones that have interval representations. The interval representation allows the problem for checking access rights to be reduced to an interval containment problem. We use the interval tree, a popular data structure in computational geometry, to efficiently execute the access-right checking method.
Guidelines for coastal and marine site-planning and examples of planning and management intervention tools

Guidelines are presented for a process to plan for the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems of discrete sites. The guidelines provide an agreed starting point to initiate a site-planning effort, help organize a complicated process into discrete components, incorporate principles of community-based and collaborative management, minimize the risk of conflict by directly involving representatives of all interest groups and identifying and addressing all issues at an incipient stage, promote development of a sense of ownership and support for resulting management initiatives by all stakeholders, address the cumulative effects of adverse impacts to coastal and marine environments, and implement an integrated approach by considering all interrelated elements that affect the site through the collaboration of all interest groups. Site-planning is a process of reviewing past progress and assessing current and future issues, threats, and needs to identify priority management intervention activities that will sustain ecological, economic, and cultural values; balance multiple and often incompatible objectives; address priority threats to natural ecosystem functioning; conserve ecological processes and biodiversity; achieve sustainable development; and fulfill institutional, policy, and legal needs. Examples of intervention tools for coastal and marine resources planning and management range from developing and implementing integrated site management plans, to identifying and promoting opportunities for alternative sustainable economic income generation.
Carbamazepine, but not valproate, displays pharmacoresistance in lamotrigine-resistant amygdala kindled rats

The voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) blocker lamotrigine (LTG), when administered during kindling acquisition, leads to the development of resistance to LTG. The present study aimed to assess whether LTG-resistant amygdala-kindled rats display subsequent resistance to the VGSC blocker carbamazepine (CBZ) and the broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) sodium valproate (VPA). Two groups of male Sprague Dawley rats received either 0.5% methylcellulose (MC) or LTG (5mg/kg, i.p.) 1h before each amygdala kindling stimulation. Treatments were stopped once both the groups were fully kindled. Two days later, both groups were challenged with a higher dose of LTG (15mg/kg, i.p.) to verify LTG-resistance in the experimental group (i.e., LTG-pretreated rats). The efficacy of CBZ and VPA was then evaluated in both groups. A higher dose of LTG blocked fully kindled seizures in the vehicle-treated rats but not seizures in the LTG-treated group. The mean seizure score, of the control group (1.2±0.3) was significantly lower (P<.05) than that of the LTG-treated population (3.5±0.7; n=8). A lower percent of the population in the control group was observed to display a generalized stage 4-5 seizure compared to the experimental group (i.e., those that received LTG during kindling acquisition) (28.5% vs. 62%, respectively). Interestingly, CBZ (10, 20, and 40mg/kg) displayed a dose-dependent anticonvulsant effect in the vehicle-kindled group, but was less effective in LTG-treated animals. In contrast, VPA (300mg/kg) effectively blocked the behavioral seizure and decreased the afterdischarge duration (ADD) in both vehicle and LTG groups. These findings suggest that the LTG-resistant, amygdala-kindled rat may represent a novel model of pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Does BMI affect perioperative complications following total knee and hip arthroplasty

Background Orthopedic surgeons are reluctant to perform total knee (TKA) or hip (THA) arthroplasty on patients with high body mass index (BMI). Recent studies are conflicting regarding the risk of obesity on perioperative complications. Our study investigates the effect of BMI on perioperative complications in patients undergoing TKA and THA using a national risk-adjusted database. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed using the 2005–2007 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ACS-NSQIP dataset. Inclusion criteria were patients between 18 and 90 y of age who underwent TKA or THA. Patients were stratified into five BMI categories: normal, overweight, obese class I, obese class II, and morbidly obese. Demographic characteristics, length of stay, co-morbidities, and complication rates were compared across the BMI categories. Results A total of 1731 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 66% and 34% undergoing TKA and THA, respectively. A majority were female (60%) and >60 y (70%) in age. Of the patients who underwent TKA, 90% were either overweight or obese, compared with 77% in those undergoing THA. The overall preoperative comorbidity rate was 73%. The complication and mortality rates were 7% and 0.4%, respectively. When stratifying perioperative complications by BMI categories, no differences existed in the rates of infection ( P = 0.368), respiratory ( P = 0.073), cardiac ( P = 0.381), renal ( P = 0.558), and systemic ( P = 0.216) complications. Conclusions Our study demonstrates no statistical difference in perioperative complication rates in patients undergoing TKA or THA across BMI categories. Performing TKA or THA on patients with high BMI may increase mobility leading to improved quality of life.
Micromorphology and site formation at Die Kelders Cave I, South Africa.

The deposits of Die Kelders I were previously described and studied by Tankard & Schweitzer (1974, 1976) from the standpoint of classical granulometric analysis of sand from a coastal cave in order to infer the geological history of the cave and its environs. This paper supplements these earlier works by taking a more holistic approach toward site formation processes by including investigation of the biogenic and anthropogenic influences on the cave deposits and history. The study employs the technique of soil micromorphology, which is the study of resin-impregnated, undisturbed blocks of sediment and petrographic thin sections, in which sediments from all areas of the cave were examined. The study showed that diagenesis of the deposits in the eastern areas of the excavation resulted in decalcification, which in turn brought about slumping and compaction. Equivalent stratigraphic layers exposed in the western and central areas were only mildly decalcified and consequently, these sediments contain limestone rock fall and relatively abundant marine and terrestrial mollusks, the latter not dissimilar to the Late Stone Age (LSA) midden which covers these deposits. Thus, in spite of lowered and more distant shorelines, marine resources were exploited during Middle Stone Age (MSA) times. Observations from these calcareous units also clearly demonstrates that previously recognized "occupational horizons" (e.g. Layers 6, 8 and 10) can be resolved micromorphologically into several ephemeral events, such as burning/fire, redistribution of ashes by wind and water, and non-deposition; the latter is shown by phosphatic alteration of sediments exposed on former surfaces and accumulation of guano, or the presence of millimeter-thick truncation surfaces below which aeolian dust infiltrated. Both field and microscopic observations illustrate that the deposits in caves are highly variable from wall to center, and that excavations should not be localized in just one microenvironment of the cave site.
The ethics of democratic debate

The highest ethical obligation of democratic debate is a commitment to full and effective expression. This article presents the rationale for and the obligations entailed in such an ethical commitment. The standard is then applied to contemporary problems in public address and speech education.
Forcespinning: A new method for the mass production of Sn/C composite nanofiber anodes for lithium ion batteries

Abstract The development of nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries has seen a growing interest. We herein report the use of a new scalable technique, Forcespinning (FS) to produce binder-free porous Sn/C composite nanofibers with different Sn particle size loading. The preparation process involves the FS of Sn/PAN precursor nanofibers and subsequently stabilizing in air at 280 °C followed by carbonization at 800 °C under an inert atmosphere. The Sn/C composite nanofibers are highly flexible and were directly used as binder-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The produced Sn/C composite nanofibers showed an improved discharge capacity of about 724 mA h g− 1 at a current density of 100 mA g− 1 for over 50 cycles compared to most nanofiber electrodes prepared by electrospinning and centrifugal spinning. The FS method clearly produces Sn/C nanofiber composite electrodes that have a high specific capacity and excellent cyclic performance, owing to the unique structure and properties of the nanofibers. The FS technology is thus a viable method for the large scale production of nano/micro fibers for battery electrodes, separators, and other applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to report results on the use of Forcespinning technology to produce composite nanofiber anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
Asymptotic Solutions to the Transport Equation for a Plane Lattice

A transport calculation of the lattice diffusion length, yielding the “gross” decay of the asymptotic flux in a lattice, is made using the method of K. M. Case. Refinements over the diffusion calcu...
Vibrational Dynamics, Mode Coupling and Structure of Acetylproline-NH2 Dipeptide

Vibrational relaxation, mode coupling and peptide structure were investigated by femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of an acetylproline-NH2 model dipeptide. Three high frequency vibrational modes were examined, two amide-I modes (1693 and 1633 cm−1) and an amide-II amine end (denoted as (N-)) mode (1580 cm−1). Efficient vibrational energy transfer between amide-I and amide-II bands located on the same amide has been clearly observed (τ~2.8 ps). The change in the nature of the cross peaks from off-diagonal to diagonal coupling types, caused by vibrational energy transfer (EnT), has been analyzed for the first time. The energy transfer process from the amide-I band acetyl end (C-) to the amide-II band has been also detected (~10 ps). No clear EnT between two amide-I bands was seen, giving an estimate of the upper limit of 20 ps for the EnT. An evolution of the diagonal spectrum was clearly demonstrated, giving a reason for the nonexponential decay kinetics observed in conventional pump-probe experiments. A long lived cross-peak was detected in each of the amide-I bands when the other amide-I band was excited, indicating the existence of at least one vibration in the molecule which remains excited for much longer than the average lifetime of the three vibrations being studied. Its decay time (~10 ps) represents the vibrational cooling of the dipeptide by energy transfer to the solvent. The coupling strength between the three vibrational modes was determined. The angles between the transition dipoles of these modes given by the polarization measurements were close to those of a C7 conformation.
Coronary Artery-to-Pulmonary Artery Collaterals in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Bronchopulmonary collateral vasculature is a significant source of systemic blood flow in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).1 We present 2 cases of coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery (PA) collateral vessels, which have not been previously described in patients with CTEPH. A 40-year-old man with a history of deep venous thrombosis after parotidectomy for a benign lesion, recurrent strokes, and right-sided pulmonary embolism was evaluated for 5 years of progressive exertional dyspnea and suspected CTEPH. He had no known hereditary thrombophilia. Preoperative ventilation–perfusion scintigraphy demonstrated absent perfusion to the right lung and small defects in the left lower lobe (Figure 1). Pulmonary angiography confirmed occlusion of the proximal right PA with no distal flow (Figure 2; Movie I in the Data Supplement). His mean PA pressure was 35 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance was 511 dyne/s per cm5, and cardiac index was 2.3 L/min per m2. Coronary angiography revealed a 4.6-mm diameter corkscrew vessel arising from the left circumflex artery and traveling to the right lung (Figure 3; Movie II in the Data Supplement). He had no significant coronary artery disease. The patient underwent bilateral pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE; Figure 4), during which a small atrial septal defect was found and repaired. Collaterals were noted throughout the mediastinum, particularly around the aorta traversing toward the right lung and directly penetrating the right main PA. Final mean PA …
Reduction of Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Reproduction with Synthetic Sex Pheromone12

Synthetic pheromone applied in ConRel® fibers to 2- to 4-ha field plots reduced reproductive rates of Orgyia psuedotsugata (McDunnough). In plots with low population densities, nominal dosages of 0, 2.3, 9, and 36 g/ha of pheromone resulted in 0.26, 0.07, 0.02, and 0 egg masses/female, respectively. At higher population densities,. 0.21 egg masses/female were produced in a plot treated with 36 g/ha compared to 0.97 egg masses/female in the untreated plot. Actual dosages were estimated at ¼–½ the aforementioned nominal dosages.
Robert Enggass, The Painting of Baciccio: Giovanni Battista Gaulli, 1639–1709

(1965). Robert Enggass, The Painting of Baciccio: Giovanni Battista Gaulli, 1639–1709. Art Journal: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 308-310.
Faster FOLFOX: Oxaliplatin Can Be Safely Infused at a Rate of 1 mg/m2/min

Purpose:Oxaliplatin at a dose of 85 mg/m2 traditionally has been administered over 120 min in the standard FOLFOX (infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) regimen. CapeOx (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin), in which the dose of oxaliplatin is 130 mg/m2, has also been infused over 120 min. Maintenance of a prolonged infusion time has been largely based on the concern for a potential hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) if administered too quickly.Methods:We first performed a retrospective review of our institutional experience to assess whether HSR rates were similar in FOLFOX and CapeOx by using computerized pharmacy records between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013. We then instituted a new policy to infuse all nonresearch doses of oxaliplatin at a set rate of 1 mg/m2/min (85 mg/m2 given over 85 min; 68 mg/m2 over 68 min, etc). The incidence of HSRs with the new infusion rate was actively monitored.Results:Of 2,097 patients who previously received oxaliplatin over 120 min, 1,936 received a dos...
Performance of Weaned Beef Calves Given Levamisole and Famphur or Ivermectin

Summary In November three groups of weaned steers and heifers, representing five breeds, were assigned to one of three treatments: Control group (CT); .07 g/kg body weight levamisole gel and .33 ml/kg body weight famphur pour-on (LF); or 200 ug/kg body weight ivermectin 1% injectable (IV). Twenty-four animals were assigned to each group, blocking on breed, sire within breed and sex. Weights and lice ( Linognathus vituli ) and grub ( Hypoderma spp.) counts were taken on day 0, 14, 28 and 100. Feces were sampled on these days to determine eggs per gram (EPG) for five common internal parasites: whipworm ( Trichuris spp.), hookwork ( Bunostomum phlebotomum ), threadnecked worm ( Nematodirus spp,), beef tapeworm ( Moniezia benedeni ), gastrointenstinal nematodes ( Strongyles ) and one protozoa: coccidia. Initial average weights for calves receiving CT, LF and IV were 189±4, 179±4 and 185±4 kg, respectively. Day-100 weights of these respective groups of calves were 206±5, 213±5 and 220±5 kg with weights for CT being less than those for LF and IV (P ◄ .06). Average daily gain (ADG) of these respective groups of calves was, 18±.03, .34±.03 and .35±.03 kg/day with gains for CT being less than those for LF and IV (P ◄ .01) with no difference between LF and IV. The EPG for CT were higher than for LF and IV (P ◄ .05) for gastrointenstinal nematodes, threadnecked worms and hookworms on days 14 and 28, and for gastrointenstinal nematodes and hookworms on day 100. The EPG for LF were lower than for IV (P ◄ .05) for threadnecked worms on day 14 and higher for gastrointestinal nematodes on day 28. The EPG for LF and IV did not differ on day 100. These results indicate that both LF and IV are effective in controlling internal and external parasites of weaned beef calves.
Update on myopia.

Purpose of review Myopia is progressing at faster than predicted rates for reasons that are still unknown. The public health consequences worldwide, are also becoming a burden on healthcare costs. There have been numerous studies published attempting to determine the cause of myopia progression and methods of prevention. Recent findings The review examines recent articles that have tried to explain myopia progression and the increase in prevalence across the globe. Additionally, this review provides up-to-date research on current treatment options and their efficacy. Summary Although this topic has been an increased area of study recently, even more studies are needed to find a definitive treatment for the prevention of myopia.
Hormonal effects on l-proline transport in Coho Salmon

Abstract The hormonal control of proline transport in pyloric ceca was studied in regard to the effects of cortisol, growth hormone (GH), epinephrine, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). Cortisol pellets implantted in yearling freshwater (FW) salmon for 2 weeks elevated plasma cortisol levels in six times above that of control fish. The maximal influx ( J max ) and the half-saturation constant ( K t ) of proline influx were twofold greater in cortisol-treated fish than the values in controls; the apparent passive permeability coefficient ( P a ) was significantly reduced in the former group. FW salmon implanted with GH for 2 weeks showed increased body weight gain and a higher J max of proline influx compared with that of control fish. GH treatment resulted in a higher P a of proline influx as well as in a 30% increase in area-specific intestinal dry weight. Thus, GH and cortisol may play a regulatory role in intestinal amino acid absorption during salmon development. The in vitro effects of epinephrine and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX, on short-circuit current ( I sc ) and proline influx in salmon intestine were examined. Epinephrine (10 −6 M ) caused a rapid increase in negative I sc (mucosa, ground). Pyloric ceca preincubated with epinephrine for 30 min showed reduced total proline influx compared with influx in paired control tissues. Epinephrine increased and IBMX decreased the K t of proline influx; IBMX also reduced J max . The possible interaction between the effects of epinephrine and IBMX on ion transport and Na + -coupled proline influx are discussed.
The Western Middle Ages

The political downfall of the Western Roman empire in 467 at first did not bring about many changes in the economic life of Western and Southern Europe. This changed when in the seventh century the advancing Arabs had occupied the eastern, southern and western shores of the Mediterranean. Their advance brought to a virtual halt the old trade relations between Western Europe and the Near East. The little trade that remained in Western Europe was terminated not much later by the predatory raids of the Vikings and by the invasions of the Huns and the Hungarians which cut off the old trade routes between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea and those in the Danube valley. Northwestern and Central Europe were consequently more or less cordoned off and trade came almost entirely to a standstill: only via Italy, which had remained a part of the still extant Eastern Roman empire, were commercial relations with the East maintained. From the eighth century onward agriculture occupied the most important place in economic life. The significance of the countryside increased while the cities fell into decline. It is understandable that this more or less isolated society, which relied so heavily on agriculture and which was almost continuously in a state of war, showed little concern for science. Only the Church and the royal Chancelleries could provide people who were able to read and write, and consequently it was mainly servants of the Church who had access to the written legacy of previous centuries.
Zone Model Predictive Control and Moving Horizon Estimation for the Regulation of Blood Glucose in Critical Care Patients

Abstract Critically ill patients commonly suffer from stress hyperglycemia, or elevated glucose levels, following injury or disease. Hypoglycemia, or low glucose level, is a frequent and serious complication of treating hyperglycemia. In order to reduce the incidence of hyper- and hypoglycemia, a linear zone model-predictive controller with moving horizon state estimation and output regulation is developed. Critical care patient data from an observational study was used to construct virtual patients. Closed-loop control in these virtual patients, versus clinical standard of practice, results in a substantial increase in time spent in the target glucose zone and significant reductions in both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Overall, the proposed controller significantly enhances targeted glucose control in critically ill patients in silico, which may translate to improved clinical decision making and patient outcomes in the clinic.
Comparison of methods for determination of lactose (nonfat dry milk) in meat products

Comparaison des resultats obtenus par 4 techniques enzymatiques (kits d'analyses) avec la methode officielle de l'AOAC. Les resultats sont equivalents pour des teneurs inferieures a 3,5 %, la methode de l'AOAC etant beaucoup plus longue
Refocusing the ethical choices in womb transplantation

INTRODUCTION The promise of uterine transplant as a fertility treatment for women who lack a functioning uterus experienced an early setback when doctors who performed the first such surgery in the USA announced its failure. In March 2016, surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic revealed the nation’s first transplanted uterus had to be removed because of a life-threatening yeast infection the recipient developed shortly after the novel surgery.1 The adverse clinical event transpired after the publication of Professor John Robertson’s timely and cogent analysis of uterine transplantation as a potential reproductive option,making ripe further debate about themerits of this emerging technology.2 In his article, Professor Robertson juxtaposes uterine transplantation against a woman’s decision to engage a gestational carrier to fulfill her desires for genetic parenthood. After weighing the ethical merits of endorsing one choice as superior to the other, Professor Robertson concludes ‘that there is a sound ethical basis to allow surrogacy or transplant to be used by women with uterine factor infertility’ regardless of the legal status of gestational surrogacy in the prevailing jurisdiction.3 We interpret Professor Robertson’s arguments, in part, to pose a thought experiment as he presupposes the yet unproven safety and efficacy of uterine transplantation to rival that of gestational surrogacy in the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). While he is careful to qualify this assumption throughout the piece,making clear that ethical comparisons between awoman’s decision to seek transplant or surrogacy are based on a theoretical equivalency, he pays littlemind to another vital stakeholder in this reproductive scenario—thedeveloping fetus.Our commentary
On the pressure-saturation path in infinite-acting unconventional liquid-rich gas reservoirs

Abstract Unconventional liquid rich natural gas reservoirs exhibit a number of unique technical challenges, including ultra-low rock permeability, which can lead to prolonged periods of infinite-acting flow. Despite this, traditional production data analysis techniques often assume boundary-dominated conditions, which may not be experienced by unconventional systems for very long stretches in their productive life. Analysis of two-phase flow and well production often relies on the use of two-phase pseudo-variables calculations for which the fluid saturation-pressure relationship must be estimated a priori . The de-facto assumption is that such a priori reservoir saturation-pressure dependency can be acquired from available constant volume depletion (CVD) or constant composition expansion (CCE) laboratory test results. As a result, the influence of reservoir characteristics or drawdown conditions on saturation-pressure path has not been rigorously investigated in general; and even less for the particular case of infinite-acting reservoir systems under linear flow regime, which is the most commonly observed flow regime in multi-fractured horizontal wells. In the present work, a recently developed semi-analytical solution for the multiphase black-oil formulation, which considers both pressure and liquid saturation as independent variables, is employed to investigate the influence of reservoir and well conditions on saturation-pressure path in linear infinite-acting liquid rich gas systems. Here, the effects of constant bottomhole flowing pressure, initial reservoir pressure, and relative permeability characteristics on pressure-saturation path are explored in a reservoir system. Results are compared to constant composition expansion (CCE) and constant volume depletion (CVD) tests, which are routinely invoked to estimate saturation-pressure path, and it is demonstrated that these tests provide very poor estimations of saturation-pressure path for all cases considered. In addition, saturation-pressure paths exhibit significant sensitivity to the parameters investigated, as a result of the significant interplay between liquid dropout and phase mobility. Finally, following the results of the sensitivity study, we use the concept of the compositionally-extended black-oil formulation to further study the physical mechanisms that control saturation-pressure path behavior, which are elucidated through an investigation of the in situ and flowing compositions of surface gas and surface oil pseudocomponents. The results of this paper indicate that traditional methods for estimation of the saturation-pressure path in liquid-rich unconventional systems cannot account for the influence of system parameters on liquid-phase dropout and condensate accumulation. Furthermore, production data analysis techniques must account for these dependencies to develop reliable reservoir forecasts and reserve estimations.
Outcome of treatment with high dose radioiodine for hyperthyroidism

51 Objectives: To report the treatment outcome using a high dose of radioactive iodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism with the goal of achieving hypothyroidism in each patient. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed treatment outcomes at 4-12 months of 187 patients treated with high dose radioiodine between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004, at a large county hospital. The treatment dose of I-131 NaI was calculated using a planned dose of 240 μCi per gram of thyroid tissue, the thyroid weight and the fractional 24-hour thyroid uptake of iodine measurement. An upper dose limit of 30 mCi was used. The thyroid weight was estimated by palpation and recorded in multiples of 10 grams. Patient records (clinic reports, lab data and pharmacy data) were reviewed to establish whether the patient was hyperthyroid, hypothyroid or euthyroid at 4-12 months after treatment. Results: The doses of I-131 NaI administered ranged from 16.0 to 32.8 mCi with an average dose of 25.6 mCi. The average 24-hour thyroid uptake of iodine was 63.7%. The average thyroid weight was 25.6 grams. Eight (4.3%) of patients required a second treatment dose within 12 months of the initial treatment. Review of follow-up through 12 months after treatment showed 14 (7.5%) patients were euthyroid after treatment and were not among the group requiring retreatment. One hundred sixty-five (88.2%) patients became hypothyroid at 4-12 months after treatment. None of these patients became euthyroid or hyperthyroid during the 12 months of follow-up reviewed. Conclusions: Previous experience at our institution using an average dose of 10.5 mCi of I-131 NaI for treatment of hyperthyroidism resulted in a failure rate of 18%. This was considered unacceptable by the referring Endocrine Service. We established the goal of achieving hypothyroidism in each patient with a significantly higher dose (average 25.6 mCi) of radioiodine. We achieved hypothyroidism in 88% of treated patients and euthyroidism in 7.5% of patients. We expected that the significant increase in the treatment dose would have resulted in an even higher rate of hypothyroidism. Recent studies of the early mortality rates of patients requiring thyroid hormone replacement after treatment with radioiodine compared to those that did not require thyroid hormone replacement after radioiodine suggests that the goal of achieving hypothyroidism with radioiodine treatment is appropriate. Our study suggests that significant increases in the doses of radioiodine are needed to achieve this outcome. Research Support (if any): none
Dynamic single and Dual Rail spin transfer torque look up tables with enhanced robustness under CMOS and MTJ process variations

In this paper, we investigate the limitation of existing STT-LUT designs and propose two new circuit styles of designing STT-LUTs that offer higher performance and robustness compared to the conventional STT-LUT design. The proposed styles include a Dynamic Single Rail (DSR) and a Dynamic Dual Rail (DDR) STT-LUT. The simulation results in a 16nm bulk CMOS technology shows that the proposed designs exhibits up to 3.3× read delay reduction, 2.4× active power reduction, and 441× sensing failure rate reduction compared to the best conventional STT-LUT design. The proposed DDR scheme offers the best overall performance even when considering the state of the art Separated Precharge Sensing Amplifier and Separated Decoding schemes.
Confidence Bounds for Capability Indices

Capability indices compare the actual performance of a manufacturing process to the desired performance. In practice these indices are estimated using sample data, often with quite small sample sizes. Thus, it is of interest to obtain confidence limits ..
Mice maintain predominantly maternal Gαs expression throughout life in brown fat tissue (BAT), but not other tissues

The murine Gnas (human GNAS) locus gives rise to Gαs and different splice variants thereof. The Gαs promoter is not methylated thus allowing biallelic expression in most tissues. In contrast, the alternative first Gnas/GNAS exons and their promoters undergo parent specific methylation, which limits transcription to the non-methylated allele. Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia (PHP1A) or type Ib (PHP1B) are caused by heterozygous maternal GNAS mutations suggesting that little or no Gαs is derived in some tissues from the non-mutated paternal GNAS thereby causing hormonal resistance. Previous data had indicated that Gαs is mainly derived from the maternal Gnas allele in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of newborn mice, yet it is biallelically expressed in adult BAT. This suggested that paternal Gαs expression is regulated by an unknown factor(s) that varies considerably with age. To extend these findings, we now used a strain-specific SNP in Gnas exon 11 (rs13460569) for evaluation of parent-specific Gαs expression through the densitometric quantification of BanII-digested RT-PCR products and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). At all investigated ages, Gαs transcripts were derived in BAT predominantly from the maternal Gnas allele, while kidney and liver showed largely biallelic Gαs expression. Only low or undetectable levels of other paternally Gnas-derived transcripts were observed, making it unlikely that these are involved in regulating paternal Gαs expression. Our findings suggest that a cis-acting factor could be implicated in reducing paternal Gαs expression in BAT and presumably in proximal renal tubules, thereby causing PTH-resistance if the maternal GNAS/Gnas allele is mutated.
Bonanza: An extremely large dust grain from a supernova

Abstract We report the morphology, microstructure, and isotopic composition of the largest SiC stardust grain known to have condensed from a supernova. The 25-μm diameter grain, termed Bonanza, was found in an acid-resistant residue of the Murchison meteorite. Grains of such large size have neither been observed around supernovae nor predicted to form in stellar environments. The large size of Bonanza has allowed the measurement of the isotopic composition of more elements in it than any other previous presolar grain, including: Li, B, C, N, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Ni. Bonanza exhibits large isotopic anomalies in the elements C, N, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Ni typical of an astrophysical origin in ejecta of a Type II core-collapse supernova and comparable to those previously observed for other presolar SiC grains of type X. Additionally, we extracted multiple focused ion beam lift-out sections from different regions of the grain. Our transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the crystalline order varies at the micrometer scale, and includes rare, higher order polytype domains (e.g., 15 R). Analyses with STEM−EDS show Bonanza contains a heterogeneous distribution of subgrains with sizes ranging from 100 nm of Ti(N, C); Fe, Ni-rich grains with variable Fe:Ni; and (Al, Mg)N. Bonanza also has the highest ever inferred initial 26Al/27Al ratio, consistent with its supernova origin. This unique grain affords us the largest expanse of data, both microstructurally and isotopically, to compare with detailed calculations of nucleosynthesis and dust condensation in supernovae.
Forces in laparoscopic surgical tools

Minimally invasive surgery MIS, even with its shortcomings, has had a far reaching impact in the field of surgery. During MIS procedures, as the surgeon's hands are remote from the site of the surgery, they do not have a feel of the tissue being manipulated and the forces that should be applied to manipulate the tissue. Studies are being conducted to provide tactile and force feedback of the tissues being manipulated to the surgeon. However, the surgeons are trained in conventional surgery and are familiar with the forces that they apply on the conventional surgical tools. Therefore, before such studies are conducted, there is a need for quantitative comparison of conventional and laparoscopic tools. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the forces applied on the conventional surgical forceps are the same as those applied on the laparoscopic forceps during the same procedures. The results of the study showed that the handle and tip forces in laparoscopic forceps were significantly different from that of the conventional surgical forceps p â¤0.005. The results also showed that the mean power of the surface EMG measured from flexor pollicis brevis flexor of the thumb and the extensor pollicis brevis extensor of the proximal thumb while manipulating laparoscopic forceps were significantly different from that measured while manipulating conventional surgical forceps for the same procedure p â¤ 0.005.
Tumor-Associated Hypoglycemia

Tumor-associated hypoglycemia is an uncommon complication of neoplastic proliferation. Because of its rarity, it is commonly overlooked and, when recognized, may pose numerous difficulties in diagnosis and management. Because the symptoms are nonspecific, it may initially be difficult to distinguish alteration of mental status due to “glucose starvation” from that produced by other metabolic or infectious etiologies in the patient with advanced cancer. When the problem has been identified, it then becomes necessary to distinguish tumor-associated hypoglycemia from more commonly encountered causes of hypoglycemia, such as postabsorptive (reactive) hypoglycemia and iatrogenic hypoglycemia. Finally, when the process has been identified as paraneoplastic, it then becomes necessary to distinguish between islet-cell carcinoma and tumors that do not produce insulin. This chapter is intended to assist the practitioner in identifying and managing paraneoplastic complications that result from tumor-induced hypoglycemia.
Pharmacology Of Corticosteroids Synovial Joints

Despite widespread use, the mechanism of action of intra-articular glucocorticoid therapy remains unclear. Systemic absorption occurs and may be associated with significant toxicity. Concerns about direct articular cartilage damage from injected corticosteroids are probably unfounded.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common infections seen in emergency department patients. There is a wide spectrum of disease severity and viral pathogens are common. After a careful history and physical examination, chest radiographs may be the only diagnostic test required. The first step in management is risk stratification, using a validated clinical decision rule and serum lactate, followed by early antibiotics and fluid resuscitation when indicated. Antibiotics should be selected with attention to risk factors for multidrug-resistant respiratory pathogens. Broad use of pneumococcal vaccine in adults and children can prevent severe community-acquired pneumonia.
Interpersonal Needs and Social Support

The risk factor of interpersonal dysfunction has been a mainstay of theories and research on psychopathology and suicide for over a century and persists in modern theories such as the interpersonal theory of suicide. Additional interpersonal variables, including loneliness, social isolation, and conflict with others, are also contributors to suicide risk. Conversely, previous research indicates that satisfaction of interpersonal needs, including feelings of belongingness, engagement in caring, and reciprocal relationships, is associated with health benefits. Numerous well-established therapies, including interpersonal therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, address interpersonal functioning via role playing, social skills training, group sessions, and encouraging adaptive social experiences. Additional strategies, including enhancement of social communication, autonomy, and self-esteem, and encouraging participation in religious or community activities, may improve relationship quality. Even psychospiritual endeavors, such as forgiveness, can help mend interpersonal wounds, thereby reducing suicide risk. In this chapter, we review prominent interpersonally oriented theories of suicide and distinguish between interpersonal deficits as a risk factor and interpersonal strengths as a protective factor. We offer suggestions for clinical application, such as increasing perceptions of support, connectedness, and the quality of attachments, and suggest avenues for future clinical research, including the application of self-compassion and self-determination as therapeutic strategies to improve social functioning and, ultimately, to reduce suicide risk.
Early onset of renal oxidative stress in small for gestational age newborn pigs

Objective: Oxidative stress, a common feature in cardiovascular and renal disease is associated with the causes and consequences of fetal growth restriction. Hence, renal redox status is likely an ...
Advances, challenges and tools in characterizing bacterial serine, threonine and tyrosine kinases and phosphorylation target sites.

Introduction: The cellular response to infection by bacterial pathogens involves a complex and highly regulated series of pathways that carry messages to various parts of the cell. These messages a...
1D thermal creep channel flow in the BGK approximation by adding and doubling

Abstract In the past, the method of adding and doubling has received considerable attention as an effective approach to solving the linear transport equation. Here, we consider doubling for the problem of thermal creep in Rarefied Gas Dynamics. The method, called the Discrete/Discrete Ordinates (D/DO) method is in contrast to the well-known Analytical/Discrete Ordinates (A/DO) method. The D/DO method solves the fully discretized transport equation to demonstrate that straightforward numerical approximation also yields high quality numerical solutions. The method combines the fundamental forward Euler evaluation of the matrix exponential with Richardson extrapolation to generate a high quality benchmark. We then generalize the method using Pade approximants for the matrix exponential and present a 7-place benchmark.
Imaging of Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors in Male Patients From Initial Diagnosis to Treatment-Related Toxicities: A Primer for Radiologists

OBJECTIVE. This review describes the influence of histology and metastatic sites on prognosis in male patients with metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs) and explains the role imaging in assessing the...
THE EFFECT OF INQUIRY TRAINING MODELS USING INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA TOWARD STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOMES

This research aims to determine the effect of inquiry training models using interactive multimedia to the physics learning outcomes students of SMA Negeri 21 Medan. Samples were taken using the probability sampling where the experimental classes were applied to the inquiry training models using interactive multimedia while the control class implemented direct instructional models. The instruments used in this study consist of 10 questions that are validated using the validity of the contents. The data on this research is quantitative data. Data analysis techniques for testing the hypothesis used in this research use SPSS with the use of different pairs of tests. The results showed that the learning outcomes students with the inquiry training model using interactive multimedia are better than the student learning outcomes taught with the direct instructional models.