cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematics of Trapania (Mollusca: Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) with descriptions of 16 new species

Abstract Sixteen new species of Trapania are described from the tropical Indo‐Pacific, temperate South Africa and the Galapagos Islands. Trapania armilla sp. nov., T. tora sp. nov., T. caerulea sp. nov. and T. miltabrancha are known only from Bali, Indonesia. Trapania squama sp. nov. is known from Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands. Trapania nebula sp. nov. is known only from Papua New Guinea. Trapania palmula sp. nov. and T. gibbera are known from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and southern Japan. Trapania scurra sp. nov. is known from the Phillippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Trapania euryeia sp. nov. is widespread in the Indo‐Pacific (Reunion, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the northwestern and high Hawaiian Islands) as is T. naeva sp. nov. (Tanzania, Kenya, Rodrigues, Reunion, Maldives, Western Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, southern Japan). Trapania vitta sp. nov. is known from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and southern Japan. T. circinata sp. nov. is known only from the Marshall Isl...
THE OCCURRENCE OF CHANGES RESEMBLING THE INFLAMMATORY IN SKIN INJURED AND INCUBATED AFTER EXCISION

Observations are reported on the changes which occurred in excised rabbit and human skin after mild trauma and incubation at body temperature. These changes resembled those of chronic inflammation, in that perivascular and diffuse infiltration by histiocytes occurred in the corium and subcutaneous tissue, but they developed within a few hours. The experiments have shown that even after removal from the body certain tissue elements may retain the ability to react with proliferative changes in response to tissue injury if kept under artificially simulated physiological conditions. The possible significance of these changes in relation to the inflammatory process is discussed.
Self-assembled magnetic filter for highly efficient immunomagnetic separation

We have developed a compact and inexpensive microfluidic chip, the self-assembled magnetic filter, to efficiently remove magnetically tagged cells from suspension. The self-assembled magnetic filter consists of a microfluidic channel built directly above a self-assembled NdFeB magnet. Micrometre-sized grains of NdFeB assemble to form alternating magnetic dipoles, creating a magnetic field with a very strong magnitude B (from the material) and field gradient ▽B (from the configuration) in the microfluidic channel. The magnetic force imparted on magnetic beads is measured to be comparable to state-of-the-art microfabricated magnets, allowing for efficient separations to be performed in a compact, simple device. The efficiency of the magnetic filter is characterized by sorting non-magnetic (polystyrene) beads from magnetic beads (iron oxide). The filter enriches the population of non-magnetic beads to magnetic beads by a factor of >105 with a recovery rate of 90% at 1 mL h−1. The utility of the magnetic filter is demonstrated with a microfluidic device that sorts tumor cells from leukocytes using negative immunomagnetic selection, and concentrates the tumor cells on an integrated membrane filter for optical detection.
Insulin glargine reduces carotid intimal hyperplasia after balloon catheter injury in Zucker fatty rats possibly by reduction in oxidative stress

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are associated with increased cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality particularly after vascular injury. Since insulin is frequently used in such patients, the effect of glulisine (short acting) and glargine (long acting) were tested in Zucker fatty rat carotid artery subjected to balloon catheter injury. Insulin-resistant Zucker fatty rats were sc injected 0.45 mg/kg/d of glargine (once) or glulisine (twice) for 1 week before, and 3 weeks after balloon injury. Fasting and postprandial glucose was measured twice weekly. Injured and uninjured carotid arteries, liver, and aorta were harvested after 3 weeks of injury. Carotid sections were HE 0.6 ± 0.1—glulisine; 0.4 ± 0.1—glargine, P < 0.05]. Serum IGF-1 levels were higher in both insulins, but significant only in glargine group [567 ± 121 (ng/ml)—control; 1059 ± 150 (ng/ml)—glargine; P < 0.05]. The aortic 8-isoprostane levels decreased significantly in the glargine group [(921 vs. 2566 pg/mg protein; P < 0.05]. Compared to control nitrotyrosine staining intensity was significantly lower in both groups of insulin-treated rats; the lowest level was in the glargine group. Insulin glargine attenuates carotid intimal hyperplasia in nondiabetic Zucker fatty rat independent of glucose levels and support a valuable function for insulin in vascular disease that merits additional investigations.
Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria isolated from older versus younger hospitalized adults: results of a two-centre study

Objectives: To compare the proportion of antimicrobial-resistant strains among bacterial isolates from younger and older hospital patients and to quantify changes in the proportion of antimicrobialresistant strains in both groups over time. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of microbiology data from two centres in Maryland and Chicago was performed. Adult hospital inpatients with positive clinical cultures for specific antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens between 1999 and 2005 (55427 isolates) were included. The proportions of isolates not susceptible to specific antimicrobial agents were compared between patients � 65 and <65 years. Additional analyses examined temporal trends in the frequency of resistance and the frequency of resistance among the oldest patients (� 80 years), in bacteria isolated from blood cultures and in bacteria obtained from intensive care unit patients. Results: Heterogeneity was observed in the frequency of resistance among different bacteria between older and younger patients, between the two centres and over the study period. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were more likely to be resistant to methicillin when obtained from older patients at Chicago (50.9% versus 40.9%; P<0.001). In contrast, younger patients yielded a greater proportion of enterococci resistant to vancomycin at Maryland (19.4% versus 16.5%; P50.009). Results were variable when resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and imipenem were compared for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Conclusions: Overall, advanced patient age was not uniformly associated with a greater likelihood of antimicrobial resistance among all bacterial pathogens. Moreover, the frequency of resistance in older and younger patients varied considerably at the two sites over the study period. Variability in the frequency of resistance precludes simplistic conclusions regarding the relationship between age and resistance.
Early biochemical signals arise from low affinity TCR-ligand reactions at the cell-cell interface.

Summary The kinetics of acid release by a mixture of T cells and antigen presenting cells were measured with a microphysiometer during a brief exposure to antigenic peptides. We find that some of the early biochemical events that lead to cellular proliferation cause a specific increase in the rate of acid release. The duration of this increase in acid release reflects the life-time of the peptide-MHC complexes. Peptides that form long-lived complexes produce a response that is stable for more than an hour. Serial TCR engagement is suggested by the observation that the amplitude of this stable response can be rapidly shifted up or down with additional agonist peptide or with antibodies that block T cell receptor binding. Cells briefly exposed to a peptide that forms short-lived peptide-MHC complexes produce a response that decays rapidly as peptide is washed away. A quantitative analysis of the kinetics of this decay in acidification demonstrates that intercellular TCR-ligand reactions are rapid, reversible, and of low apparent affinity with <20% ofpeptide-MHC ligand bound to a TCR at any one time. These results demonstrate that the fraction ofpeptide-MHC ligands bound to TCRs at the cell-cell interface is no higher than anticipated from the affinities observed in solution for isolated TCRs and ligands.
Prosecuting sexual assault: A comparison of charging decisions in sexual assault cases involving strangers, acquaintances, and intimate partners

In this study of prosecutors' charging decisions in sexual assault cases, we test the hypothesis that the effect of victim characteristics is conditioned by the relationship between the victim and the suspect. We categorize the victim/suspect relationship as one involving strangers, acquaintances/relatives, or intimate partners, and we examine the effect of victim, suspect, and case characteristics on charging decisions in each type of case. The results of our analysis reveal that the effect of victim characteristics, with one exception, is confined to cases involving acquaintances and intimate partners. In these types of cases, prosecutors were less likely to file charges if there were questions about the victim's character or behavior at the time of the incident. In contrast, the victim's reputation and behavior did not affect charging in cases involving strangers; in those types of cases, prosecutors were more likely to file charges if the suspect used a gun or knife or if the victim was white. We conc...
Radiographic Periodontal Bone Loss in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: We examined the extent and severity of radiographic periodontal bone loss in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and explored a potential dose–response relationship between bone loss and CKD-related biomarkers.Methods: Panoramic radiographs were obtained from 129 CKD patients (78 males and 51 females; mean age: 63.5 years, range: 24 to 91 years), including 63 patients undergoing dialysis for an average of 3.3 years (range: 0.5 to 14 years). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), dialysis dose, and levels of serum biomarkers were obtained through a hospital database. Interproximal bone loss was assessed as a percentage of root length.Results: Twenty-nine participants were edentulous (23.8% of those on dialysis versus 21.2% of those with residual kidney function; χ2 test, P = 0.724). The extent of bone loss was higher among dialysis patients (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = 0.007), but no clear dose–response association between CKD stage and extent was evident. GFR, dialy...
Preferential Flow and Transport of Nitrate and Bromide in Clay pan Soil

The in situ measurement of water flow and chemical transport through clay pan soils is crucial to understanding potential water contamination from agricultural sources. It is important due to the large areal extent of these soils in agricultural regions of the midwestern United States and because of preferential flow paths caused by desiccation cracks, worms burrowing, and root development. A study plot at the Missouri Management Systems Evaluation Area near Centralia, Missouri, was instrumented to determine the rate of preferential flow of water and transport of NO3−1 fertilizer in the unsaturated zone through a claypan soil using 15N-NO3−1 and Br-1 tracers. The areal distribution of preferential flow paths was between 2 and 20% in the topsoil. Gravity lysimeter flow caused by preferential flow through the claypan was as much as 150 times greater than the estimated average rate of vertical recharge. As much as 2.4% of the volume of the soil below the clay pan may be occupied by preferential flow paths. The 15N-NO3−1 concentrations in ground water indicate that substantial quantities of fertilizer-derived NO3−1 were transported to ground water through the claypan during the first recharge event following fertilizer application even though that event occurred six months after application. Hydraulic conductivity, measured at three scales, ranged from 6.2 × 10−8 to 7.5 × 10−3 cm/s. The observed increase of calculated hydraulic conductivity with each increase in scale was attributed to the inclusion of more and larger preferential flow paths within the volume over which the measurement was made, indicating hydraulic conductivity measured at one scale may not describe flow and transport at another scale.
A digital beamforming processor for multiple beam antennas

A generic digital beamformer architecture that has been implemented to demonstrate the advantages of digital beamforming is described. The digital beamforming processor has been implemented using quadratic residue number system techniques to enhance performance. The custom processor chips are implemented in 1.2- mu m CMOS technology. A digital beamformer can provide significantly better sidelobe performance than an RF beamformer. This is shown for a 64-channel system having only 8-bit weights (I and Q) and 9-bit signals (I and Q). Sidelobe levels can be suppressed 45 dB or better, Practical system implementation considerations are addressed. >
Balance of Inhibitory and Excitatory Synaptic Activity Is Altered in Fast-Spiking Interneurons in Experimental Cortical Dysplasia

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is a common cause of intractable epilepsy in children and adults. We have studied rats irradiated in utero as a model of CD to better understand mechanisms that underlie dysplasia-associated epilepsy. Prior studies have shown a reduction in the number of cortical interneurons and in the frequency of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in pyramidal cells in this model. They have also shown a reduced frequency of spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the surviving cortical interneurons. However, the inhibitory synaptic contacts were not examined in that study. The current experiments were performed to assess inhibitory synaptic activity in fast-spiking (FS) interneurons in irradiated rats and controls and the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in these cells. Whole cell recordings were obtained from layer IV FS cells in controls and comparable FS cells in irradiated rats. The frequency of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs was reduced in dysplastic cortex, but the amplitude of these currents was unchanged. Stimulus-evoked IPSCs showed short-term depression in control and short-term facilitation in dysplastic cortex. Simultaneous recording of spontaneous EPSCs and IPSCs showed a shift in the ratio of excitation-to-inhibition in favor of inhibition in FS cells from dysplastic cortex. The same shift toward inhibition was seen when miniature EPSCs and IPSCs were examined. These results show that FS cells in dysplastic cortex have a relative lack of excitatory drive. This may result in an important class of inhibitory cells that are less able to perform their normal function especially in periods of increased excitatory activity.
Retinitis Pigmentosa Rhodopsin Mutations L125R and A164V Perturb Critical Interhelical Interactions NEW INSIGHTS THROUGH COMPENSATORY MUTATIONS AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

L125R, a severe retinitis pigmentosa rhodopsin missense mutation, results in rhodopsin protein misfolding, retinal degeneration, and ultimately blindness. The initiating structural events leading to this protein misfolding are unknown. Through the use of compensatory mutations, in conjunction with crystal structure-based molecular analysis, we established that the larger and positively charged Arg replacing Leu125 sterically hinders both the adjacent Trp126 and a critical interhelical interaction between transmembrane III (TM III) and transmembrane V (TM V; Glu122 and His211 salt bridge). Further, analysis of another retinitis pigmentosa mutation, A164V (TM IV), indicates that the larger Val interferes with residues Leu119 and Ile123 on TM III, leading to the disruption of the same critical Glu122-His211 salt bridge (TM III-TM V interaction). Combined, these localized defects in interhelical interactions cause structural changes that interfere with the ability of opsin to bind 11-cis-retinal. These distortions ultimately lead to the formation of an abnormal disulfide bond, severe protein instability, aggregation, and endoplasmic reticulum retention. In the absence of a crystal or NMR structure of each retinitis pigmentosa mutation, compensatory mutagenesis and crystal structure-based analysis are powerful tools in determining the localized molecular disturbances. A detailed understanding of the initiating local perturbations created by missense mutations such as these, not only identifies critical factors required for correct folding and stability, but additionally opens avenues for rational drug design, mimicking the compensatory mutations and stabilizing the protein.
Use of Number Needed to Treat in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses

OBJECTIVETo review the use of number needed to treat (NNT) and/or number needed to harm (NNH) values to determine their relevance in helping clinicians evaluate cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs).DATA SOURCESPubMed and EconLit were searched from 1966 to September 2012.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONReviews, editorials, non–English-language articles, and articles that did not report NNT/NNH or cost-effectiveness ratios were excluded. CEA studies reporting cost per life-year gained, per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), or other cost per effectiveness measure were included. Full texts of all included articles were reviewed for study information, including type of journal, impact factor of the journal, focus of study, data source, publication year, how NNT/NNH values were reported, and outcome measures.DATA SYNTHESISA total of 188 studies were initially identified, with 69 meeting our inclusion criteria. Most were published in clinician-practice–focused journals (78.3%) while 5.8% were in policy-focused...
Stress induced by hooking, net towing, elevated sea water temperature and air in sablefish: lack of concordance between mortality and physiological measures of stress

In a series of laboratory studies designed to simulate byeatch processes, sablefish Anoplopoma limbria were either hooked for up to 24 h or lowed in a net for 4 h and then subjected to an abrupt transfer to elevated sea water temperature and air. Mortality did not result from hooking or net towing followed by exposure to air, but increased for both capture methods as fish were exposed to elevated temperatures, rellecting the magnifying effect of elevated temperature on mortality. Hooking and exposure to air resulted in increased plasma corrisol and lactate concentrations, while the combination of hooking and exposure to elevated temperature and air resulted in encreased lactate and potassium concentrations. In fish that were towed in a net and exposed to air, cortisol, lactate, potassium and sodium concenrations increased, but when subjected to elevated temperature and air, ne further increases occurred above the concentrations induced by ter towing and air, suggesting a possible maximum of the physiological stress responise. The results suggest that caution should be exercised when using physiological measures to quantify stress induced by capture and exposure to elevated temperature and air, that altimately result in mortality, since the connections between physiological stress and mortality in bycatch precesses remain to be fully understood.
Nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) imaging of brain cholesterol metabolites in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Abstract Cholesterol is an essential component of cellular membranes that is required for normal lipid organization and cell signaling. While the mechanisms associated with maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the plasma and peripheral tissues have been well studied, the role and regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis in normal brain function and development have proven much more challenging to investigate. Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a disorder of cholesterol synthesis characterized by mutations of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) that impair the reduction of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to cholesterol and lead to neurocognitive deficits, including cerebellar hypoplasia and austism behaviors. Here we have used a novel mass spectrometry-based imaging technique called cation-enhanced nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) for the in situ detection of intact cholesterol molecules from biological tissues. We provide the first images of brain sterol localization in a mouse model for SLOS ( Dhcr7 −/− ). In SLOS mice, there is a striking localization of both 7DHC and residual cholesterol in the abnormally developing cerebellum and brainstem. In contrast, the distribution of cholesterol in 1-day old healthy pups was diffuse throughout the cerebrum and comparable to that of adult mice. This study represents the first application of NIMS to localize perturbations in metabolism within pathological tissues and demonstrates that abnormal cholesterol biosynthesis may be particularly important for the development of these brain regions.
Functional group-based linkage analysis of gene expression trait loci

We explored approaches to using multiple related traits (gene expression levels) in linkage analysis. We first grouped mRNA transcripts according to their functions annotated in biological process of gene ontology (GO). We then compared using sample average, principal-components analysis (PCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to derive a univariate composite trait. Our results showed that PCA generally yielded stronger evidence for linkage, through the LDA component had the highest heritability. We also developed an algorithm to search for clusters of linkage peaks from multiple traits in the same group and a heuristic method for calculating p-value evaluating the linkage peak clustering. Future research is needed to develop rigorous methods in mapping of genes affecting the expression of a group of transcripts.
On roots of exponential terms

In the present paper some tools are given to state the exact number of roots for some simple classes of exponential terms (with one variable). The result were obtained by generalizing Sturm's technique for real closed fields. Moreover for arbitrary non-zero terms t(x) certain estimations concerning the location of roots of t(x) are given. MSC: 03C65, 03C60, 12L12.
Soliton transmission in optical fibers with loss and saturable nonlinearity

Optical solitons propagating in media exhibiting saturable nonlinearity offer advantages over Kerr-medium solitons for transmission over large distances through optical fibers with loss. Soliton pulses in saturable media offer greater energy for a given peak power, and upper-branch solitons decrease in width with distance traveled. These properties result in pulses that remain distinct and detectable for greater distances than Kerr-medium solitons do with the same peak power.
Quantitative V&V of CFD simulations and certification of CFD codes

Definitions and equations are provided for the quantitative assessment of numerical (verification) and modelling (validation) errors and uncertainties for CFD simulations and of intervals of certification for CFD codes. Verification, validation, and certification methodology and procedures are described. Examples of application of quantitative certification of RANS codes are presented for ship hydrodynamics. Opportunities and challenges for achieving consensus and standard V&V and certification methodology and procedures are discussed.
An E-nose haar wavelet preprocessing circuit for spiking neural network classification

A simulation model for polymer film chemical sensors is developed based on a 1 dimensional diffusion equation. Using this model, electronic nose smell prints produced by the 32 sensor array of a Cyranose 320 are simulated to test pattern classification. A Haar wavelet Alter reduces noise and captures information about the diffusion rate of the analyte in each sensor. Inputs are encoded into a binary Hamming pattern and fed into a binary spiking neural network for pattern classification. The preprocessing circuit for the spiking neural network, including the wavelet Alter, is designed using standard cells for an 180 nm process. Real and simulated results from the spiking neural network classification algorithm are favorably compared to Bayes, canonical, and PCA-PNN classifiers.
Extremely low-phase noise X-band field effect transistor dielectric resonator oscillator

A 9 GHz FET DRO (dielectric resonator oscillator) is reported which exhibits state-of-the-art oscillator performance in several ways. The merit of the oscillator was determined by measuring the loaded quality factor, single sideband phase noise, and frequency stability of the device. Additionally, the residual phase noise of the dielectric resonator and the FET amplifier was measured to determine the limiting element in the oscillator. The 9 GHz FET DRO displays a single sideband phase noise which is 3 dBc/Hz better than the previous state-of-the-art, as well as a frequency stability of 0.65 ppm/K. >
Modelling the anxiety-depression continuum in chicks

The clinical syndromes of anxiety and depression are now thought to exist along a temporal continuum and this construct has been modelled in a preclinical setting in chicks separated from conspecifics. This research sought to further the validity of the chick anxiety-depression continuum model. Dose-response studies using two classes of anxiolytics (chlordiazepoxide: 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 mg/kg, and clonidine: 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 mg/kg) and three classes of antidepressants (imipramine: 1.0, 3.0, 10.0, 15.0 mg/kg, maprotoline: 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg and fluoxetine: 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg) showed an ability to detect anxiolytic activity of chlordiazepoxide, clonidine, imipramine and maprotoline in the anxiety-like phase of the model and to detect antidepressant effects of imipramine, maprotoline and fluoxetine in the depression-like phase of the model. In addition, blood plasma interleukin-6, a biomarker of stress, was found to be elevated in response to social-separation stress. Collectively, these findings further characterize the model as a simulation of the anxiety-depression continuum and begin to establish the paradigm as a high-utility adjuvant to rodent screening assays for putative anxiolytic and antidepressant compounds.
A Faraday cup with high frequency response for a 200 MeV linac proton beam

The purpose of the Faraday cup described, which is composed essentially of coaxial line elements, is monitoring, on a per micropulse basis, the beam intensity of a 200-MeV linac at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Radiation Effects Facility. The center conductor of the coaxial line acts as a beam stop. The output pulses are suitable for fast timing. The mechanical design and construction, the electrical design, the time domain reflectometry tests, the linac beam tests, and evaluation and future development are considered. >
Chimeragenesis of distantly‐related proteins by noncontiguous recombination

We introduce a method for identifying elements of a protein structure that can be shuffled to make chimeric proteins from two or more homologous parents. Formulating recombination as a graph-partitioning problem allows us to identify noncontiguous segments of the sequence that should be inherited together in the progeny proteins. We demonstrate this noncontiguous recombination approach by constructing a chimera of β-glucosidases from two different kingdoms of life. Although the protein's alpha–beta barrel fold has no obvious subdomains for recombination, noncontiguous SCHEMA recombination generated a functional chimera that takes approximately half its structure from each parent. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the structural blocks that make up the chimera maintain the backbone conformations found in their respective parental structures. Although the chimera has lower β-glucosidase activity than the parent enzymes, the activity was easily recovered by directed evolution. This simple method, which does not rely on detailed atomic models, can be used to design chimeras that take structural, and functional, elements from distantly-related proteins.
Designing IT-Supported Market Mechanisms for Organizational Coordination

Markets have always taken a prominent place in Professor Andrew Whinston’s research. In his earlier work, for example, he concentrated on finding conditions under which resources can be allocated in a non-convex economy, although economists had raised questions about the applicability of markets in such an economy. In later research, he also applied the market idea to non-conventional application areas. Some of the most influential research is in the area of developing models and methods for real-time problem solving and resource management in computer networks. His most recent research, recognizing the potential opportunities the networked environment provides to companies, has taken the market idea to the internal economy of organizations: how to design IT-supported coordination systems for organizational resource allocation. In this essay, we discuss some issues that differentiate IT-supported internal markets from IT-supported commerce between different companies. We then draw on recent research by Dr. Whinston and his colleagues on market mechanisms to illustrate how such systems might be designed.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Proppant Transport in a Plug and Perf Completion With Different Perforation Phasing

Plug-and-perf is a completion technique commonly used in multistage hydraulic fracturing as an effective method for developing unconventional resources. Fracture performance modeling commonly assumes that fluid and proppant distributes uniformly among all perforations along the length of the wellbore in a plug and perf completion. However, some parameters have been shown to have a great influence on the fluid and proppant distribution, such pump rates, perforation design, reservoir properties, fluid rheology, and proppant characteristics. Crespo et al. (2013) has conducted a limited proppant flow experiment using a 63 foot stage, and three 0.42 inch with zero phased simulated perforations. His work demonstrates proppant does not distribute evenly, but the work is limited to a single perforation scheme. In this work, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software has been used to simulate proppant transport and distribution in a single stage of plug-and-perf completion with different perforation phasing. A CFD model is constructed matching the experiments of Crespo et al. (2013) using a one-way coupling method. The validated, base model is then extended by changing perforation phasing and cluster length to investigate proppant distribution in perforation design recommendations presented by Wutherich (2012). Limited-entry perforation pressure drops determined from CFD modeling are compared to the analytical equation to further validate the work. Two-way coupling method was conducted on optimum perforation models identified in the work. The results of the CFD modeling study indicated that proppant does not distribute evenly among perforations within a single cluster. While 60 phasing may be preferred for well productivity assuming even proppant distribution, CFD modeling demonstrates uneven proppant distribution especially for zero degree rotation. In addition, 60 phasing with 90 degree rotated and 150 degree rotated; and 90 phasing with 135 degree rotated perforations provided more even proppant distribution. This paper presents CFD modeling of a validation study (Crespo 2013) and extended investigations of proppant transport and distribution in a single stage of plug-and-perf completion with different perforation strategies. Pressure drops at each perforation are discussed and compared with theoretical calculations. The results demonstrate that CFD modeling technique is an effective tool for better understanding and optimizing the fluid and proppant distribution among perforation clusters within fracturing process.
Strict Liability in European Private Law

This paper provides a brief overview of strict liability both, in the domestic legal systems of the Member States, and within the law of the European Union. The economic rationale of strict liability is explored as well.
Professions of Law

Many lawyers in this country think of themselves as members of a noble and learned profession, whose history and culture are marked by great deeds and high ideals. This picture is accurate enough, at least insofar as it goes, but it has little to do with what most lawyers do - or have done - most of the time. Perhaps that is why others have viewed us in a different light. The most fair-minded of our critics are curious about the causes of the profession's apparent decline; others have already passed judgment, inviting us only to exercise the profession's corporate right of allocation. If society now holds the legal profession in low esteem, one view suggests, at least society now has the legal profession that it deserves. But that is small comfort to anyone. Fortunately, a prominent lawyer and two experienced law teachers have recently tried their hands at describing and analyzing the causes of the malaise that now seemingly demoralizes all parts of the legal profession. There is much to be gained from their insights.Part Two of this Essay will consider the views of Sol Linowitz, a practitioner who believes that the decline of the legal profession is largely attributable to the loss of a sense of professionalism among the members of the practicing bar. Part Three will consider the views of Mary Ann Glendon, a scholar who perceives a shift in the legal role from "craft" to "social instrumentality" as a central problem. Part Four will examine the views of Anthony Kronman, a scholar who sees the problem in terms of a narrowing of the lawyer's role. In Part Five, we shall consider some commonalities among these disparate approaches, as well as some further areas of possible inquiry.
Adverse Drug Reactions in Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients—Comparison of Data:

Objective:To compare and contrast adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting between 2 psychiatric hospitals, as well as preventability and possible reasons that one hospital had more preventable occurrences than the other.Methods:A 3-year retrospective analysis was conducted comparing ADRs previously reported in a study from Maryland Psychiatric Hospital that were classified as probable and definite according to the modified Naranjo probability scale versus probable and definite ADR reports from the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP). The same study period (July 1, 2006–June 30, 2009) was used for the retrospective analysis of ADRs at both institutions. We compared the most frequently reported classes of medications and examined the number of reactions, types of reactions, and preventability.Results:Psychiatric medications were responsible for 98/145 (67.6%) ADRs at CMHIP, while 47 (32.4%) ADRs were caused by nonpsychiatric medications. At Maryland Psychiatric Hospital, 48.4% of ADRs were caus...
Herman N. Eisen, M.D. (1918-2014): Scholar, Gentleman, and AAI President (1968-1969).

Herman N. Eisen passed away on November 2, 2014, at the age of 96. Herman’s contributions to immunology spanned the period from the 1940s to the present—he was working on two manuscripts at the time of his death. He made seminal contributions to our understanding of affinity maturation,
Gated SPECT and the Visual Gold Standard: Gold Standard or Not?

In this issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Sharir et al. ([1][1]) report normal limits for quantitative regional motion and thickening measurements by gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. These investigators sought to “assess the normal heterogeneity in poststress motion and thickening by
Efficacy of baits to cockroach in the passenger liner.

Objective To know the hiding places of cockroach in the passenger liner,and explore the effective control method for the cockroach.Methods The hiding places of cockroach were investigated by the eye.The control efficacy of 1% Yekang baits to cockroach was evaluated after treatment for a month in the passenger liner,and the density of cockroach was investigated with sticky paper in late March and April.Results The dominant species was Blattella germanica.It mainly over-wintered in the areas such as nearby compressor for freezer,electric boiler and where warmth,moisture and food were adequate.The positive rate reduced by 94.73% after treatment for a month with the concentration of 1-2 g/m baits,and the average density also decreased by 67.79%.By the next year,the relative population index(RPI) was 2.24 at the last ten days of March and 19.64 in late April.Conclusion 1% Yekang baits has good control efficacy to cockroach in its hiding places in the winter,which can obviously postpone the increase of cockroach density next year.
INVESTIGATION OF SHARP INJURY AMONG CLINICAL NURSES IN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS OF JIANGGAN DISTRICT

Objective To investigate the situation of sharp injury occurred among clinical nurses in medical institutions of jianggan district in Hangzhou in order to provide information about sharp injury prevention.Methods Questionnaire survey was used to investigate sharp injury occurred among some of the medical institution nursing staff in jianggan district.Results Among 363 nursing staff investigated 280 staff had at least once injuries and the rate was 77.13%.Nurses in the treatment room or infusion room had the highest incidence of sharp injuries.The annual incidence of sharp injuries of the nurse in the internship was 61.5%.Conclusion Clinical nursing staff is the major group of medical sharp injuries.Education for the prevention of sharp injuries to nurses especially young nurse should be strengthened.Effective protective measures also should be taken to prevent sharp injury.
Vitamin E supplementation fails to impact measures of oxidative stress or the anaemia of feline chronic kidney disease: a randomised, double-blinded placebo control study

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that supplementation with vitamin E, an antioxidant, in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), would reduce oxidative stress and its impact on RBC membrane fragility, resulting in these cats maintaining a greater packed cell volume (PCV) compared with CKD cats not receiving supplementation. Thirty-six cats with CKD were randomly assigned to receive either daily vitamin E or a placebo for 3 months in a double-blinded study design. History and physical examination, blood pressure, complete blood count (CBC), PCV, biochemical profile and urinalysis (UA) were determined. Parameters of oxidative stress and osmotic fragility were measured. Cats were administered vitamin E or placebo once daily for 3 months. Cats were then reassessed and the diagnostics were repeated. Twenty-four cats completed the study, 11 in the vitamin E group and 13 in the placebo group. There were no significant differences between the two groups at the start, or upon completion of the study with regard to biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, erythrocyte osmotic fragility or PCV. None of these parameters changed significantly in either group over the treatment period. Daily supplementation with 30 IU of vitamin E did not affect the measures of oxidative stress or the anaemia seen in cats with CKD.
A novel regression model from RGB image data to spectroradiometric correlates optimized for tooth colored shades

Abstract Objectives Objectives of this study were to correlate RGB data from the VITA Linearguide 3D Master and VITA Bleached Guide 3D Master shade guides with their spectroradiometric correlates through a regression model while indicating a methodology for validation of accuracy of digital imaging systems. Additional objectives were to provide summary RGB data and to determine a relationship between lightness and RGB values for these shade guides. Methods Radiant energy measurements and images were taken with a Canon Rebel T3i and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX for each shade tab. RGB data was extracted using Image J and compared with spectroradiometric measurements. Regression models relating the RGB data to spectroradiometric counterparts in CIE XYZ and absolute reflectance were developed using SAS 9.3. Image data was statistically analyzed to determine a relationship between RGB values and lightness. Results Regression models with R 2 values greater than 0.99 for RGB to XYZ and greater than 0.95 for RGB to absolute reflectance were developed. Summary RGB data for the shade guides including Pearson correlation coefficients ranging between −0.92 and −0.97 for RGB related to lightness was determined. Conclusions A relationship between RGB and lightness for the shade guides was found. Regression models were developed that allow tooth color information to be translated from digital images to accurate shade tab correlates for color matching purposes in dentistry. This allows for optimal color accuracy when using digital imaging to translate color information and provides a method of validating digital imaging systems for color accuracy.
Assessing the use of the neighborhood method to estimate the prevalence of child separation: a pilot in North Kivu, DRC

This article reports on the use of the ‘neighborhood method’ to measure the prevalence and basic characteristics of children who became separated from their parents or usual caregivers subsequent to an attack by the M23 militia group in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A two-stage household cluster survey was conducted in 522 households in North Kivu in August 2014. Heads of households were asked about separated children in their household, as well as the households of their two closest neighbors. Separation was tracked in terms of children who arrived into the households after the M23 attacks and children who departed from the households after the recall event without their parent(s) or usual caregiver. For a subset of 44 neighbor pairs, respondents were asked to report on the same household to assess inter-rater reliability. Data about primary respondents and their neighbors were assessed to determine whether the neighborhood method was a comparable, reliable and efficient alternative to a traditional household survey about separated children. The prevalence of separated children who arrived was 8.52 % [95 % CI: 6.75–10.75] in primary households and 4.46 % [95 % CI: 3.60–5.52] in neighbors’ households (p-value = 0.0000). The prevalence of separated children who departed was 4.98 % [95 % CI: 3.45–7.19] in primary households and 3.19 % [95 % CI: 2.27–4.48] in neighbors’ households (p-value = 0.0110). Kappa coefficients for the neighbor pairs indicated fair to moderate agreement for most demographic variables, but agreement was generally higher for variables related to current characteristics of the households than for variables describing the household in the past, especially before the M23 attack. Compared to a traditional household survey with similar power, the neighborhood method reduced data collection time by 50 % and lowered costs by 36 %. This pilot showed that, for measuring separated children in North Kivu, the results from neighbor households significantly underestimated the prevalence of separation when compared to data collected from respondents directly. Reliability was mixed. Although the neighborhood method did not yield valid results in this setting, given the potential the method holds to save scarce resources in humanitarian settings, additional pilots to refine and evaluate its validity and reliability in settings with shorter recall periods are recommended.
Modulation of coronary smooth muscle KCa channels by Gs alpha independent of phosphorylation by protein kinase A

The occupancy of beta-receptors in the smooth muscle membrane of the coronary arteries produces vasodilation and a concomitant hyperpolarization. Large conductance calcium-activated K (KCa) channel...
Congenital bifid sternum: report of an unusual case

This article presents the case of a child with an unusual type of cleft sternum characterized by fusion superiorly between the clavicles and inferiorly at the xiphoid with wide intervening separation. The defect was successfully corrected at age 17 months by surgical closure of the cleft primarily, which had not been achieved previously in a patient at this late age.
Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodule

This chapter provides a comprehensive procedural report for fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodule procedure, with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Molecular mechanisms underlying Spinocerebellar Ataxia 17 (SCA17) pathogenesis

Spinocerebellar ataxia 17 (SCA17) belongs to the family of 9 genetically inherited, late-onset neurodegenerative diseases, which are caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in different proteins. In SCA17, the polyQ expansion occurs in the TATA box binding protein (TBP), which functions as a general transcription factor. Patients with SCA17 suffer from a broad array of motor and non-motor defects, and their life expectancy is normally within 20 y after the initial appearance of symptoms. Currently there is no effective treatment, but remarkable efforts have been devoted to tackle this devastating disorder. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SCA17, with a primary focus on transcriptional dysregulations. We believe that impaired transcriptional activities caused by mutant TBP with polyQ expansion is a major form of toxicity contributing to SCA17 pathogenesis, and rectifying the altered level of downstream transcripts represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCA17.