cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly selective atomic layer deposition of MoSiOx using inherently substrate-dependent processes

Abstract A resistive MoSiOx film was deposited with high selectivity on Si in preference to SiO2 and SiN using MoF6, Si2H6 and O2 as reactants. Two different approaches were demonstrated via thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD). First, ALD of MoSiOx by sequential dosing of MoF6, Si2H6 and O2 (ABC-type) at 200 °C followed by an ex-situ post-deposition anneal (PDA) in O2 at 350 °C was performed. The growth of the film using the ABC-type deposition was limited to ~5.25 ± 0.5 nm because the insulating film inhibits the MoF6 and Si2H6 ALD reaction. The second method was to grow MoSix at 120 °C and employ a post-deposition anneal in O2/He at 350 °C (AB + C-type) to form MoSiOx. The selectivity of this process on Si versus SiO2 was perfect for 10 nm of deposition on Si, as there were no nuclei or particle formation observed on the SiO2 surface by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The high selectivity can be obtained due to the inherent inability of MoF6 to react SiO2 and SiN surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a nanoscale-patterned sample demonstrated that the highly selective MoSiOx can be achieved and be integrated into three-dimensional nanoscale structures.
Patient and provider differences in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation: a qualitative study.

Patients using opioids to treat chronic non-cancer pain often experience side effects that may affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). These side effects include opioid-induced constipation (OIC), sedation, dizziness, and nausea. OIC can significantly affect HRQOL for patients on a daily basis. However, it is not well understood whether patients and clinicians view OIC management similarly. In this study, we sought to elucidate the decision-making process around managing OIC by assessing patient and provider treatment preferences, experiences, and communication regarding this condition. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 clinicians, and held three focus groups with patients who were currently using or had used opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. We then analyzed transcribed interviews using descriptive qualitative methods based on grounded theory methodology. Clinicians recognized OIC as a concern but prioritized pain management over constipation. They focused on medication-based treatments for OIC, but also recommended lifestyle changes (e.g., diet) and reducing opioids to relieve symptoms. Patients reported using over-the-counter treatments, but the majority focused on diet-related constipation management. Patients reported not receiving adequate information from clinicians about OIC and relevant treatments. Cost of treatment was a major concern for both patients and clinicians. Assessing experiences with and preferences for OIC treatment, including cost, ease of access, and side effects, could improve patient-provider communication and HRQOL. Quality improvement efforts can target uncovered misalignments between patients and clinicians to improve communication about opioid medication adverse effects and relevant treatment options, which may help improve quality of life for patients with chronic pain.
Review of familial hemiplegic migraine, successful outcome in a pregnant patient

As the field of neurogenetics is expanding rapidly and variant classification criteria evolve, genetic variants in databases are re-evaluated overtime allowing updated classifications of pathogenicity predication. When caring for patients with genetic disorders, it is important to obtain the original genetic report and also consider an updated reanalysis.
Economic Evaluation of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Treatment as Usual for Suicidal US Army Soldiers.

Importance Brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) is a clinically effective intervention for reducing risk of suicide attempts among suicidal US Army soldiers. However, because specialized treatments can be resource intensive, more information is needed on costs and benefits of BCBT compared with existing treatments. Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of BCBT compared with treatment as usual for suicidal soldiers in the US Army. Design, Setting, and Participants A decision analytic model compared effects and costs of BCBT vs treatment as usual from a US Department of Defense (DoD) perspective. Model input data were drawn from epidemiologic data sets and a clinical trial among suicidal soldiers conducted from January 31, 2011, to April 3, 2014. Data were analyzed from July 3, 2018, to March 25, 2019. Interventions The strategies compared were treatment as usual alone vs treatment as usual plus 12 individual BCBT sessions. Treatment as usual could include a range of pharmacologic and psychological treatment options. Main Outcomes and Measures Costs in 2017 US dollars, suicide attempts averted (self-directed behavior with intent to die, but with nonfatal outcome), suicide deaths averted, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, assuming a 2-year time horizon for treatment differences but including lifetime costs. Results In the base-case analysis, BCBT was expected to avert approximately 23 to 25 more suicide attempts and 1 to 3 more suicide deaths per 100 patients treated than treatment as usual. Sensitivity analyses assuming a range of treatment effects showed BCBT to be cost saving in most scenarios. Using the federal discount rate, the DoD was estimated to save from $15 000 to $16 630 per patient with BCBT vs treatment as usual. In a worst-case scenario (ie, assuming the weakest plausible BCBT effect sizes), BCBT cost an additional $1910 to $2250 per patient compared with treatment as usual. Conclusions and Relevance Results suggest BCBT may be a cost-saving intervention for suicidal active-duty soldiers. The costs of ensuring treatment fidelity would also need to be considered when assessing the implications of disseminating BCBT across the entire DoD.
The Role of Expressed Emotions in Online Discussions.

We investigated relationships among expressed emotions, perceived motivation, perceived emotions, and three dependent variables (i.e., behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, and student achie...
The Heterogeneous Effects of Passive Investing on Asset Markets

This paper shows that passive funds systematically underweight or omit illiquid index assets. As a result, ETF trading activity consumes liquidity and reduces market quality for liquid assets, but has no effect on illiquid assets. Focusing on the unconditional average effect of passive investing and ignoring the passive funds' index deviations underestimates the local treatment effect by up to 58%. Overall, the effects of passive investing on asset markets depend on how intermediaries replicate their target index.
Mechanisms of Autoimmunity

Abstract Autoimmune diseases encompass a broad spectrum of heterogeneous and complex disorders. Although the mechanistic underpinnings of most autoimmune diseases remain incompletely defined, much progress has been made in understanding the events that contribute to the development of the self-sustaining anti–host immune response that is the hallmark of rheumatic diseases. In this chapter, we will approach the mechanisms responsible for the development of autoimmunity by using the framework of distinct phases in the process of developing an autoimmune response; these phases include (i) susceptibility, (ii) initiation, (iii) propagation, and (iv) regulation/resolution.
Machiavelli on Tyranny in the Prince and the Discourses

Machiavelli on tyranny in the Prince and the Discourses. The prince in the Prince is the new prince who seeks power. In the literature about tyranny, the new prince is often referred to as a usurper. The new prince may employ tyrannical techniques to gain power. If he seeks to remain in power, he must adapt to govern in some conformity with his subjects (people). In the Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy, Machiavelli presents the principal characteristics of tyrannical conduct and deplores them.
A PDE Model for Smooth Surface Reconstruction from 2D Parallel Slices

In this letter, we propose a PDE model for 3D smooth surfaces reconstruction from 2D parallel slices. One of the terms in the PDE model is derived from a magnitude penalization term, which enforces the gradient magnitude of the volume to the minimum point of a well-defined potential function. This gives us smooth reconstructed surfaces when assuming that the surfaces are given by the zero-isosurfaces of the volumes. The PDE model has a second term whose parameter controls the ability of the reconstructed surfaces to satisfy the slices constraint. At the end of this letter, we show experiments of employing the proposed reconstruction model to reconstruct surfaces. The numerical results demonstrate the utility of the model.
Cancer within the family tree: risks, diagnosis and treatment of juvenile polyposis syndrome.

A 41-year-old woman with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms presented for colonoscopy after her mother was diagnosed with multiple juvenile colon polyps positive for Bone morphogenic protein receptor type-1A ( BMPR1A ) mutation and subsequently colon cancer at age 64. Colonoscopy revealed multiple
Effect of mild traumatic brain injury on spontaneous activity of rat primary somatosensory cortex and its responsivity to vibrotactile stimulation

While it has been previously demonstrated that concussion severity can be assessed using sensory tests of cortical functionality, the underlying neural mechanisms affected by concussion are still poorly understood. By using an animal model, it is possible to directly observe the neurophysiological effects of concussion, and thus shed light on the underlying changes in cortical functionality. In order to assess the effects of a single concussion, we recorded spike discharge activity of neurons in the rat primary somatosensory cortex prior to as well as 6-12hr and 78-86hr after a mild weight-drop impact-acceleration closed-head trauma. During the 6-12hr post-impact period, cortical spontaneous activity was elevated by 40% compared to the healthy control state, but its responsivity to vibrotactile stimulation was not significantly affected. However, the responsivity to vibrotactile stimulation did decline in the 78-86hr post-impact period. Also during this period, spontaneous activity in the middle and upper cortical layers was reduced by 35% below the healthy control state, but it remained high in the deep layers. We also recorded somatosensory cortical activity 6-12hr after delivering a second head trauma, identical to the one delivered 72hr prior. Although the two impacts mechanically were the same, the neurophysiological effect of the second impact was very different from that observed after the first impact: both the stimulus-evoked response and spontaneous activity were significantly reduced as compared to the same time period after the first impact. These findings demonstrate that mTBI alters the functional state of the somatosensory cortex in a post-injury time-dependent manner.
Social determinants of quality of life in a developing country: evidence from a Brazilian sample

We aimed to evaluate quality of life levels and investigate the influence of social determinants on distribution of quality of life among individuals aged 18 years or over residing in urban areas of a municipality in southern Brazil. This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted on a random sample. The main outcome was quality of life which was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, short version (WHOQOL-BREF), by face-to-face interviews. A total of 1295 participants were interviewed (response rate, 90.6%). The mean score of quality of life was 70.6 (SD = 12.3, median = 71.6, range 15–100). After an adjusted analysis, the groups that presented with worse quality of life were female individuals, and those aged 40 to 59 years, with a maximum of eight years of formal education, who were poorer, with food insecurity, who perceived their neighbourhoods as violent, with poor or very poor sleep quality, with three or more morbidities and with more stress level. Quality of life was unevenly distributed, being worse for more disadvantaged subgroups. Intersectoral policies targeted to reduce social inequality may increase the population-level quality of life.
A culturally tailored intervention to reduce risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies in American Indian communities: Rationale, design, and methods.

Abstract Introduction Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause lifelong physical and cognitive challenges in the form of fetal alcohol syndrome and other fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure is thus a public health priority – and one that should account for the particular needs of subpopulations, including in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Prior to conception, alcohol-exposed pregnancy prevention is accomplished by encouraging the reduction or elimination of risky alcohol use and/or promoting effective contraceptive use among risky drinkers who could become pregnant. The current study builds on promising findings about the impact of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CHOICES intervention with AI/AN communities by implementing a randomized control trial of Native CHOICES, a cultural adaptation of CHOICES, with AI/AN women in a rural reservation community. Methods AI/AN women aged 18–44 who are at-risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy are being recruited. Participants are randomized in 1:1 proportion to the intervention and a services-as-usual, waitlist control condition. The Native CHOICES intervention consists of 2 motivational interviewing (MI) sessions, an elective contraception counseling session, and electronic messaging to boost the effects of MI. Data are collected at baseline and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-baseline. Those assigned to the control group are eligible to enroll in Native CHOICES following the completion of the 6 months post-baseline data collection. In addition to testing intervention effectiveness, the study is designed to yield a comprehensive economic evaluation, which will provide important information regarding the financial feasibility and sustainability of Native CHOICES for healthcare systems serving AI/ANs.
“I Feel Like I Know you”: Using Flipgrid in Online Social Work Education

Online social work educators need tools to reduce social distance between students and instructors. This practice reflection describes the use of Flipgrid, an interactive social learning platform utilising video-based discussion, in online BSW and MSW programs. Instructors of two disparate courses (one focused on research practice and the other focused on dis- crimination, oppression, and diversity) found that Flipgrid shows promise in creating a dialogical learning environment and reducing social distance in the online space. Authors detail both how they used Flipgrid and student responses to the tool. The authors share lessons learned from using Flipgrid, and make recommendations for other teaching applications.
Design of the I-BoomCopter UAV for Remote Sensor Mounting

This paper presents the design of the Interacting-BoomCopter (I-BoomCopter) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for mounting a remote sensor package on a vertical surface. Critical to the design is the novel, custom, lightweight passive end-effector. The end-effector has a forward facing sonar sensor and in-line force sensor to enable autonomous sensor mounting tasks. The I-BoomCopter's front boom is equipped with a horizontally-mounted propeller which can provide forward and reverse thrust with zero roll and pitch angles. The design and modeling of the updated I-BoomCopter platform is presented along with prototype flight test results. A teleoperated wireless camera sensor mounting task examines the updated platform's suitability for mounting remote sensor packages. Additionally, an autonomous control strategy for remote sensor mounting with I-BoomCopter is proposed and autonomous test flights demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.
Platelets' RNA as biomarker trove for differentiation of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma from underlying cirrhotic nodules.

Background & aims Among the multiplicity of factors involved in rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-the second deadliest cancer, late diagnosis of early-stage HCC nodules originating from late-stage cirrhotic nodules is the most crucial. In recent years, Tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) have emerged as a strong multimodal tool to be used in liquid-biopsy of cancers because of changes in their mRNA content. This study assessed the reliability of selected mRNA repertoire of platelets as biomarkers to differentiate early HCC from late-stage cirrhotic nodules. Methods Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate expression levels of selected platelets-specific mRNA between HCC patients compared to cirrhosis patients. ROC curve analysis assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers. Results RhoA, CTNNB1 and SPINK1 showed a significant 3.3-, 3.2- and 3.18-folds upregulation, respectively, in HCC patients compared to cirrhosis patients while IFITM3 and SERPIND1 presented a 2.24-fold change. Strikingly, CD41+ platelets also demonstrated a marked difference of expression in HCC and cirrhosis groups. Conclusions Our study reports liquid biopsy-based platelets mRNA signature for early diagnosis of HCC from underlying cirrhotic nodules. Moreover, differential expression of CD41+ platelets in two groups provides new insights into a probable link between CD41 expression on platelets with the progression of cirrhosis to HCC.
Impaired Cellular Immunity in the Murine Neural Crest Conditional Deletion of Endothelin Receptor-B Model of Hirschsprung’s Disease

Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is characterized by aganglionosis from failure of neural crest cell (NCC) migration to the distal hindgut. Up to 40% of HSCR patients suffer Hirschsprung’s-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), with an incidence that is unchanged from the pre-operative to the post-operative state. Recent reports indicate that signaling pathways involved in NCC migration may also be involved in the development of secondary lymphoid organs. We hypothesize that gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal immune defects occur in HSCR that may contribute to enterocolitis. EdnrB was deleted from the neural crest (EdnrBNCC-/-) resulting in mutants with defective NCC migration, distal colonic aganglionosis and the development of enterocolitis. The mucosal immune apparatus of these mice was interrogated at post-natal day (P) 21–24, prior to histological signs of enterocolitis. We found that EdnrBNCC-/- display lymphopenia of their Peyer’s Patches, the major inductive site of GI mucosal immunity. EdnrBNCC-/- Peyer’s Patches demonstrate decreased B-lymphocytes, specifically IgM+IgDhi (Mature) B-lymphocytes, which are normally activated and produce IgA following antigen presentation. EdnrBNCC-/- animals demonstrate decreased small intestinal secretory IgA, but unchanged nasal and bronchial airway secretory IgA, indicating a gut-specific defect in IgA production or secretion. In the spleen, which is the primary source of IgA-producing Mature B-lymphocytes, EdnrBNCC-/- animals display decreased B-lymphocytes, but an increase in Mature B-lymphocytes. EdnrBNCC-/- spleens are also small and show altered architecture, with decreased red pulp and a paucity of B-lymphocytes in the germinal centers and marginal zone. Taken together, these findings suggest impaired GI mucosal immunity in EdnrBNCC-/- animals, with the spleen as a potential site of the defect. These findings build upon the growing body of literature that suggests that intestinal defects in HSCR are not restricted to the aganglionic colon but extend proximally, even into the ganglionated small intestine and immune cells.
Insights into the synthesis of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles: Part 1. Optimization and controlled synthesis of chloride-intercalated LDH

Abstract Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles have excellent anion-intercalating property, and their potential as theranostic nanovectors is high. However, understanding of the control of the mean particle size (MPS) and achievement of monodispersed particle size distribution (PSD) remains elusive. Herein, with the aid of statistical design of experiments on a model system of Cl − -intercalated (Zn, Al)-LDH, controlled synthesis of single crystalline nanoparticles using the coprecipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment (HT) was achieved in three steps. First, a 2 4–1 design enabled the identification of influential parameters for MPS (i.e., salt concentration, molar ratio of carbonate to aluminum, solution addition rate, and interaction between salt concentration and stirring rate) and PSD (i.e., salt concentration and stirring rate), as well as the optimum coprecipitation conditions that result in a monodispersed PSD (i.e., low salt concentration and high stirring rate). Second, a preliminary explanation of the HT was suggested and the optimum HT conditions for obtaining ideal Gaussian PSD with chi-squared ( χ 2 )
Type III Capsular Polysaccharide of Group B Streptococci: Role in Virulence and the Molecular Basis of Capsule Expression

Group B streptococci (GBS) are weakly beta-hemolytic, facultatively anaerobic, gram-positive cocci which have emerged over the past 50 years as the most common cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis in the United States, western Europe, and some developing countries. The type III capsular polysaccharide is a high-molecular-weight polymer composed of repeating pentasaccharide subunits containing a trisaccharide backbone of galactose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine with a side chain of galactose and a terminal sialic acid moiety. In epidemiological studies, a correlation was observed between newborns with antibody to the sialylated capsule and protection from infection, which is in contrast to the case for infants who lacked antibody or who had antibody to the desialylated polysaccharide. Subcutaneous injection of the acapsular or asialo mutants into neonatal rats resulted in similar 50% lethal doses that were at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than those observed for the parent strain. The genetic characterization of complex polysaccharide production by gramnegative bacteria has proceeded more quickly because of advances in the molecular technology available for these organisms. Molecular analysis of the genes involved in GBS capsule biosynthesis should provide an understanding of complex polysaccharide biosynthesis and transport in gram-positive organisms. Similar studies investigating capsule synthesis by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes are being pursued.
Optimizing global-local search hybrids

This paper develops a framework for optimizing global-local hybrids of search or optimization procedures. The paper starts by idealizing the search problem as a search by a global algorithm G for either (1) acceptable targets—solutions that meet a specified criterion—or for (2) basins of attraction that then lead to acceptable targets under a specified local search algorithm L. The paper continues by abstracting two sets of parameters—probabilities of successfully hitting targets and basins and time-to-criterion coefficients—and writing equations to account for the total time of search and for the reliability in reaching an acceptable solution. A two-basin optimality criterion is derived and applied to important representative problems. Continuations and extensions of the work are suggested, but the theory appears to be useful immediately in better understanding the economy of effective hybridization.
Religious and spiritual issues in group counseling: Clients' beliefs and preferences

Research on addressing religious and spiritual concerns in counseling is still in its infancy. This is especially the case in terms of addressing religious and spiritual concerns in group counseling. A study by Rose, Westefeld, and Ansley (2001) suggests that the majority of clients attending individual therapy sessions not only believe that it is appropriate to discuss religious concerns with their individual therapist, but the majority also have the preference to do so. The purpose of the present study was to expand this finding by examining client beliefs and preferences regarding the discussion of religious and spiritual issues in group counseling sessions. In the present study, the majority of clients reported that religious concerns are an appropriate topic for discussion in group counseling. However, the majority also reported that they prefer not to discuss religious and spiritual concerns with their group members. Furthermore, participants also tended to endorse spiritual interventions as more appropriate as compared to religious interventions. Finally, spirituality was identified as a potent predictor of clients’ preference to discuss both religious and spiritual issues.
Performance of Sequential Port Fuel Injection on a High Compression Ratio Neat Methanol Engine

A Sequential fuel injection system was fitted to a 2 litre Nissan NAPS-Z engine that had been modified for neat methanol operation. The specific modifications for high compression operation with neat methanol are described, and baseline brake thermal efficiency and engine out emissions are established. Sequential injection operation on neat methanol included varying the beginning of injection between 50 degrees BTDC and 250 degrees ATDC over an equivalence ratio of 0.6 to 0.9. Efficiency and emission results with the Sequential system are compared to those from the base system and from selected references. For the low speed, steady state conditions used in this program, the Sequential system did not show any general improvement in efficiency or emissions. This result is directionally opposite to that observed in one reference. The apparent cause for the divergent results is the absence of mechanisms in this experiment to prevent mixing along the cylinder axis. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 853507.
Crown Preservation of the Mandibular First Molar Tooth Impacts the Strength and Stiffness of Three Non-Invasive Jaw Fracture Repair Constructs in Dogs

Repairing mandibular body fractures present unique challenges not encountered when repairing long bones. Large tooth roots and the presence of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle limit safe placement for many types of orthopedic implants. Use of noninvasive fracture repair methods have increasingly become popular and have proven safe and effective at achieving bone healing. Noninvasive fixation constructs have not been tested in dogs using cantilevered bending. Furthermore noninvasive fracture repair constructs have not been tested at the location of a common fracture location- the mandibular first molar tooth (M1). The objectives of this study were to test the strength and stiffness of three noninvasive mandibular fracture repair constructs and to characterize the impact that tooth crown preservation has on fixation strength for fractures occurring at the M1 location. Specimens were assigned to three treatment groups: (1) composite only, (2) interdental wiring and composite and (3) transmucosal fixation screw and composite. For each pair of mandibles, one mandible received crown amputation at the alveolar margin to simulate the effect of crown loss on fixation strength and stiffness. Regardless of the status of crown presence, interdental wiring and composite demonstrated the greatest bending stiffness and load to failure. With the crown removed, interdental wiring and composite was significantly stronger compared to other treatments. All fixation constructs were stiffer when the tooth crown was preserved. In fractures at this location, retaining the tooth crown of M1 significantly increases stiffness of interdental wiring with composite and transmucosal screw with composite constructs. If the crown of M1 was removed, interdental wiring and composite was significantly stronger than the other two forms of fixation.
Rat ornithine decarboxylase gene. Nucleotide sequence, potential regulatory elements, and comparison to the mouse gene.

Abstract Expression of ornithine decarboxylase is regulated by a variety of hormonal and other stimuli in rat cells and tissues. To study this phenomenon at the molecular level, we isolated and sequenced a cDNA-encoding rat ornithine decarboxylase and deduced its amino acid sequence. The cDNA clone was used to isolate a clone from a rat genomic library which contained the sequence of the entire rat ornithine decarboxylase gene. The gene comprised 12 exons and 11 introns and spanned 7.7 kilobases. Two polyadenylation signals (AATAAA) were located 310 and 697 base pairs 3' to the translational termination codon and were responsible for the occurrence of two hybridizing mRNA species in Northern blots of rat cells and tissues. S1 nuclease mapping suggested that there were multiple transcriptional start sites; the major one appeared to be located 2269 base pairs of genomic sequence 5' to the ATG translational initiation site, representing 274 bases of mRNA. Several potential regulatory elements were identified in the 5'-promoter regions or in the first intron: a TATA box, GC boxes, AP-1 and AP-2 binding sites, a cAMP-responsive element, a glucocorticoid regulatory element, and RNA polymerase III promoter sequences. The 5'-noncoding region of the mRNA was extremely rich in G + C; secondary structure predictions suggested that almost this entire region could form stable secondary structures, with an overall free energy of formation (delta G) of -114 kcal/mol. The potential regulatory elements identified in both the promoter region of the gene and the 5'-untranslated region of the mRNA may be involved in the complex regulation of rat ornithine decarboxylase expression.
Estimating Monthly Production of Oil Wells

This paper describes results concerning the capability of supervised machine learning techniques to predict production potential for a single formation, prior to drilling, over a 16,000 square mile area of SE New Mexico. In this paper a neural network is used to predict production potential for a single formation of SE New Mexico region. The process involved gathering data for use as potential inputs, collecting production data at known wells, selecting optimal inputs, developing and testing various network architectures, making predictions, analyzing and applying the results. This predicted production was further refined by excluding production at locations where the Woodford shale was not present. Results were evaluated by inspecting a map of predicted production and performing statistical testing, including a correlation of predicted and actual production, which produced a correlation coefficient of 0.79. The results were then used by the Devonian FEE Tool, an expert system designed to reduce exploration risk.
A process model for engineering of complex systems architectures with complex subsystem architecture reuse in mind

Development of HUMS architectures involves a variety of engineering disciplines, modeling and analysis. HUMS are complex systems, which needs decomposed into several subsystems in order to simply the designing of the system. Currently, engineering of such complex systems have very little support in theory. The subdivided systems have aspects, parameters and interfaces poorly and vaguely defined in an ad-hoc manner due to ad-hoc way of separating complex systems into subsystems. This has lead to a situation where in the decomposition into subsystems been proved futile due to difficulty in reusing them again. Thus, the need of the hour is a design Model for structured decomposition of systems into reusable subsystems. This paper discusses an engineering process meta-model/model whose purpose is to provide detailed descriptions of important properties and the relations between systems and subsystems. The model will contain different strategies for subdivision/decomposition so as to be able to reuse the subsystems effectively. In short the model is aimed at achieving the following goals: i) Efficient knowledge management; ii) Investigating various decision points; iii) Should also recognize various systems/subsystems with similar functionalities and minor requirement variations. These variations should be indicated by decision points. Hence role of decision points in reuse of architectures should be defined. In summary, the paper summarizes the result of our research in coming out with a design model for architectural decomposition of system into subsystems with reuse of the system/subsystem architectures in mind.
The role of microbial mats in the production of reduced gases on the early Earth

The advent of oxygenic photosynthesis on Earth may have increased global biological productivity by a factor of 100-1,000 (ref. 1), profoundly affecting both geochemical and biological evolution. Much of this new productivity probably occurred in microbial mats, which incorporate a range of photosynthetic and anaerobic microorganisms in extremely close physical proximity. The potential contribution of these systems to global biogeochemical change would have depended on the nature of the interactions among these mat microorganisms. Here we report that in modern, cyanobacteria-dominated mats from hypersaline environments in Guerrero Negro, Mexico, photosynthetic microorganisms generate H2 and CO-gases that provide a basis for direct chemical interactions with neighbouring chemotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. We also observe an unexpected flux of CH4, which is probably related to H2-based alteration of the redox potential within the mats. These fluxes would have been most important during the nearly 2-billion-year period during which photosynthetic mats contributed substantially to biological productivity-and hence, to biogeochemistry-on Earth. In particular, the large fluxes of H2 that we observe could, with subsequent escape to space, represent a potentially important mechanism for oxidation of the primitive oceans and atmosphere.
Instructional design of a distance education cultural awareness course to enhance currency and authenticity

This paper describes the development of a virtual learning environment using a blend of collaborative technologies and human resources to provide US preservice teachers with an authentic experience of another culture. A core design component is the use of 'embedded instructors' who are natives of and living in the target country (N. Ireland) while delivering the course in the USA. The wider issue of the potential depersonalisation of online learning is also addressed, and effective strategies for promoting the human dimension and sustaining learner engagement are described. In the context of globalisation, as well as of the constantly increasing provision of online courses, the course model could be of interest to both the academic and the corporate world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Methods for Naval Ship Concept and Propulsion Technology Exploration in a CGX Case Study

In response to the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the US Navy conducted an alternative propulsion study (APS) for surface combatants and amphibious warfare ships. The study looked at current and future propulsion technology and propulsion alternatives for three sizes of warships. In their analyses they developed 23 ship concepts, seven of which were considered medium surface combatants (MSCs). The report to Congress was based on cost analyses and operational effectiveness analyses of these variants. Their conclusions did not consider a true representative sample of feasible, non-dominated designs in the design space. This paper revisits the APS for a fossil-fueled MSC. It applies automated design methods with a variety of design tools, including the Advanced Ship and Submarine Evaluation Tool (ASSET), a simplified ship synthesis model (SSSM), and Model Center (MC) to improve the APS approach. It examines a range of power and propulsion alternatives using operational profiles and requirements similar to the APS in a notional MSC (CGXBMD). The automated process and tools presented in this paper provide a rational and thorough method to search a design space for non-dominated concepts. These non-dominated concepts represent the best basis for assessing technologies over a range of possibilities considering effectiveness, cost and risk. This automated approach and new tools are evaluated in the context of a CGXBMD case study. A number of conclusions relative to APS propulsion technologies are made. Most support the APS results.
Thermochemistry and Equilibration Time Scales for a Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery

Abstract The open terminal voltage of a lithium ion battery is measured at temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 50 °C in increments of 10 °C. Primary focus is on three states of charge of the battery (full charge, late life, charge depletion). Estimates of the enthalpy, ΔH, and the entropy, ΔS, of the battery reaction are made using the established thermochemical relationship between the open terminal voltage and the Gibbs free energy, ΔG. As expected, ΔS is found to be dependent on the state of charge. The enthalpy also shows some dependence on the state of charge, which is at variance with the ideal Nernstian behavior. This may attributed to non-equivalence of intercalation sites as well as near neighbor interactions. Furthermore, the rate of discharge has little apparent effect on these results. An equilibration time well in excess of 20 hours is also observed.
Dyons, Superstrings, and Wormholes: Exact Solutions of the Non-Abelian Dirac-Born-Infeld Action

We construct dyon solutions on coincident -branes, obtained by applying -duality transformations to type I superstring theory in 10 dimensions. These solutions, which are exact, are obtained from an action comprising the non-Abelian Dirac-Born-Infeld action and a Wess-Zumino-like action. When one spatial dimension of the -branes is taken to be vanishingly small, the dyons are analogous to the ’t Hooft/Polyakov monopole residing in a -dimensional spacetime, where the component of the Yang-Mills potential transforming as a Lorentz scalar is reinterpreted as a Higgs boson transforming in the adjoint representation of the gauge group. Applying a -duality transformation to the vanishingly small spatial dimension, we obtain a collection of -branes, not all of which are coincident. Two of the -branes, distinct from the others, acquire intrinsic, finite curvature and are connected by a wormhole. The dyons possess electric and magnetic charges whose values on each -brane are the negative of one another. The gravitational effects, which arise after the -duality transformation, occur despite the fact that the action of the system does not explicitly include the gravitational interaction. These solutions provide a simple example of the subtle relationship between the Yang-Mills and gravitational interactions, that is, gauge/gravity duality.
Sustaining the Vision for Millennium Development Goal 6, to Halt and Reverse the Spread of HIV/AIDS and Other Infections

The purpose of Millennium Development Goal 6 is to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases and provide universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS. In this article we describe progress made in meeting the targets for HIV/AIDS set for 2015 and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This funding is geared toward developing sustainable solutions with which to combat diseases that threaten our global community.
Hemicellulose Does Not Affect Iron Bioavailability in Chicks

Two iron repletion experiments using hemoglobin as a response criterion were conducted to assess effects of hemicelluloses on iron bioavailability to chicks. In Experiment 1, iron bioavailability from intact fiber sources was determined by adding tomato pomace (14.6% hemicelluloses), soybean hulls (20.6% hemicelluloses), beet pulp (21.5% hemicelluloses), orchard grass (24.1% hemicelluloses) and corn fiber (55.2% hemicelluloses) to a casein dextrose basal diet providing 0.4-4.1% hemicelluloses to the diet. Test foods were analyzed for iron, total dietary fiber, neutral detergent residue, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, pectins and uronic acids. Hemicelluloses were determined by the difference of neutral detergent residue minus acid detergent fiber. Iron bioavailability was determined by the standard curve method to be (percent relative to ferrous sulfate using hemoglobin as the response criterion) as follows: tomato pomace, 82.0; soybean hulls, 94.0; beet pulp, 26.5; orchard grass, 68.9; corn fiber, 69.4. Iron bioavailability was not related to hemicellulose content of test foods or diets. In Experiment 2, the effect of psyllium husk (a fiber source that contains predominantly hemicelluloses) on iron bioavailability from ferrous sulfate was assessed. Bioavailability was determined by the slope ratio method where treatments consisted of graded levels of ferrous sulfate in the presence and absence of 5% dietary psyllium. Although iron intrinsic to psyllium was unavailable, bioavailability of ferrous sulfate iron was not affected (P > 0.05) by the presence of psyllium. Thus, there was no clear effect of hemicelluloses on iron bioavailability. However, some feeds that contained high levels of hemicelluloses had low intrinsic iron bioavailabilities, suggesting that other dietary factors are primarily responsible for determining iron bioavailability from these feed components.
The clinical practice project: planning to publish.

AbstractPurpose:An increasing number of journals focused on clinical practice publish high-quality projects. However, research reports typically follow a distinct design, which is not always appropriate for reporting clinical practice projects. The purpose of this article is to provide a succinct gu
Anaphylaxis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by inadvertent intravenous administration of mare's milk in a neonatal foal

Objective – To describe the diagnostic procedures, therapeutic management and successful outcome of a case of anaphylaxis induced by the inadvertent intravenous (IV) administration of mare's milk to a neonatal foal. Case Summary – A 3-day-old Thoroughbred colt was presented for treatment of bilateral flexural limb deformities of the forelimbs. Because the foal was unable to ambulate initially, mare's milk was administered via nasoesophageal tube feedings during treatment of the musculoskeletal disorder. Anaphylaxis resulted after unintentional administration of a bolus of 150 mL of mare's milk through a jugular catheter. Aggressive therapy for anaphylaxis and careful monitoring resulted in the successful recovery of the foal after 9 days of intensive care. New or Unique Information Provided – This case is the first published report to describe the effects of accidental IV administration of mare's milk to a neonatal foal. Medical errors are commonly reported in pediatric medicine; the intent of this report is to raise awareness of medical errors and student education in equine medicine as well as describe the therapy and outcome of anaphylaxis induced by IV administration of mare's milk in a neonatal foal.
Idiopathic Dense Calcification of the Seminal Vesicles

Calcification of the seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia is a rare phenomenon and has been reported nearly exclusively in patients with diabetes mellitus,' uremia2 or chronic inflammatory processes.3 We report a case of apparently idiopathic bilateral seminal vesicle calcification. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old man underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Preoperative endorectal magnetic resonance imaging showed faint calcification in the seminal vesicles. The tumor (Gleason score 7) extended into the anterior extraprostatic soft tissue. The seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia were not involved by tumor but bilaterally showed nearly circumferential dense calcification within the muscular coats (see figure). There was no associated inflammation or underlying scarring. During hospitalization serum glucose was 97 mg./dl., serum creatinine 1.0 mg./dl. and blood urea nitrogen 13 mg./dl. Calcium was not measured. DISCUSSION Historically, calcification of the vasa deferentia was believed to be pathognomonic of diabetes, while seminal vesicle calcification was characteristic of chronic inflammation.1.2 This sharp distinction is no longer considered valid. Diabetes is often associated with calcification at both sites and inflammatory conditions, such as gonorrhea, tuberculosis and prostatitis, have been reported in association with vasal calcification.3 More recently, uremia with secondary hyperparathyroidism has been associated with calcification at these sites.2 Our patient had no significant medical conditions, no laboratory evidence of diabetes or renal failure, and no history or pathological evidence of inflammation in the seminal vesicles. Tumor did not obstruct the ejaculatory ducts and the
Effects of Movement Velocity and Maximal Concentric and Eccentric Actions on the Bilateral Deficit.

This study was performed to examine the effects of movement velocity and maximal concentric and eccentric actions on the bilateral deficit. Eighteen female participants performed maximal unilateral and bilateral knee extensions concentrically and eccentrically across six movement velocities (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180°/s). Repeated measures analyses of variance revealed significant differences (p < .025) between bilateral and summed unilateral contractions both concentrically and eccentrically at each velocity tested. Post hoc analyses revealed that the degree of bilateral deficit increased as movement velocity increased for concentric actions (e.g., 17-33% deficit, for 30 and 180°/s, respectively), and an increasing trend was seen for eccentric actions (e.g., 18-25% deficit, for 30 and 180°/s, respectively). These findings suggest that with increased velocity, a decreased or incomplete activation of fast twitch muscle fibers may have occurred in bilateral actions when compared to unilateral actions.
The differential impact of relational health on alcohol consumption and consequences in first year college women

The Relational Health Indices (RHI) is a relatively new measure that assesses the strength of relationships. It has been found that relational health has a protective factor for women, such that it enhances positive experiences and limits negative ones. The current study is the first to use the RHI to examine the effect of relational health on alcohol consumption and alcohol consequences. First year college women were given questionnaires assessing relational health, drinking motives, and alcohol use in their first few months at a mid-sized, private university. Due to the social nature of college settings, it was predicted that relational health would moderate the relationship between motives and alcohol consumption. Further, due to the protective factor of relational health, it was predicted that relational health would attenuate the relationship between drinking and negative consequences. These hypotheses were supported. Relational health, moderated the relationship between both social and coping drinking motives and drinking, such that women with strong relational health towards their peers and community who also had high social and coping motives, drank more than those with weaker relationships. Paradoxically, relational health also moderated the relationship between drinking and consequences such that heavy drinking women with strong relational health experienced fewer negative consequences than women with weaker relational health. Results indicate that although relational health is associated with an increase in alcohol consumption, it may also serve as a protective factor for alcohol-related negative consequences. Future research and interventions may seek to de-link the relational health-drinking connection in the college student environment.