cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening and optimization of CO2-WAG injection and fish-bone well structures in low permeability reservoirs using artificial neural network

Abstract Low permeability oil reservoirs yield low production rates and recovery factors because of their low porosity, low permeability, and low oil mobility. The low production from low permeability reservoirs prohibits many reservoirs from being economically producible. For those reservoirs to be considered for production, advanced production techniques are needed to increase the recovery rates. Previous research efforts concluded that utilizing advanced well structures and Carbon Dioxide based Water Alternating Gas ( CO 2 -WAG) injection are the most successful techniques to improve oil production from low permeability oil reservoirs. However, evaluating the implementation of a combination of those two production techniques to a low permeability reservoir is an expensive process due to the long run time needed to acquire the results using numerical simulation. Furthermore, optimization and history matching processes for these complicated production plans require more time and high computation power. In this study, we developed a reliable Artificial Neural Network-based toolbox (ANN-Based toolbox) to evaluate, optimize and history match the implementation of CO 2 -WAG injection to a reservoir including a fish-bone structure producing well in low permeability oil reservoirs. The developed ANN-Based toolbox provides the results faster than the Numerical Simulation (few minutes compared to several hours) and requires lower computational power. This speed in acquiring the results helps to study more scenarios to optimize the production schemes. The ANN toolbox is developed to perform three tasks; production forecasting, production schemes design, and history matching. The production forecasting proxies are employed as a screening and forecasting toolbox to predict the time-based production rates for the reservoir under consideration when different production schemes are applied. The production schemes prediction proxies are employed to predict the production scheme that would fulfill desired production rates. Finally, the history matching proxy is developed to update the reservoir characteristics based on the production data. The developed proxies are validated using an extensive blind testing dataset, and the results of the testing dataset are presented to validate the capabilities of the developed toolbox. Furthermore, the developed toolbox was used to optimize a CO 2 -WAG design scheme for a case study reservoir from Sirri A field. The results provided by the ANN toolbox showed the capabilities of the proposed EOR technique to increase the production in Sirri field by 10%.
Biomarkers of COVID-19, a longitudinal and retrospective assessment of a NYC 1st wave cohort

RATIONALE The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), a new infectious disease, for which there are currently limited treatments. SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and has expanded into a pandemic, which was declared on March 20, 2020. The United States (US) reported its first confirmed case on January 12, 2020, it has become the country with the greatest number of both cumulative and active COVID-19 cases. As of December 20, 2020, the US has over 17.9 million cases. As of April 11, 2020, the state of New York was the epicenter of the global health emergency with more confirmed cases of COVID-19 then any country worldwide. New York. Biomarkers have been studied in the context of COVID-19, but there have only been a few studies of a limited population. COVID-19 is a resource intensive disease with a high mortality. Therefore, being able to define predictive/associated biomarkers may not only facilitate early diagnosis of presumptive COVID, but also provide guidelines for early aggressive treatment and acuity of care triage.METHODS We examined all patients, admitted the MICU and adult medicine service for confirmed positive cases COVID or presumed COVID admitted to the Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses of our institution in the first 60 days of the COVID-19 pandemic, March 1-April 30, 2020. Our natural history study was accomplished by the review of the electronic medical records (EMR) of those diagnosed with COVID-19. Subjects were examined from the time of admission to discharge from each of the participating institutions. All data was collected in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Part 11 and approved by the NYU IRB#20-00473.RESULTS Of the N=13,307 COVID-19 positive patients admitted, N=4136 were of Hispanic/Latino descent, and N=932 were admitted to the ICU. The cohort was followed longitudinally with serial labs including inflammatory markers: d-dimers, ferritin, IL-1, IL-6, and CRP. Peak d-dimer, ferritin, and IL-6 was significantly associated with ICU admission (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001 respectively), whereas IL-1 was not by Student's t-test (p=0.226). Hispanic/Latino descent was not significantly associated with ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS. Biomarkers of COVID-19 may potentially prognosticate ICU admission status. Further analysis is needed to assess the model's sensitivity and specificity for predicting morbidity and mortality.
Kelley O’Hara and Lesbian Rule: “[H]umdrum, Everyday Postwin Kiss, and That’s What Makes It Monumental”

In many respects, the four-week-long 2019 Women’s World Cup celebrated queer excellence in ways previous tournaments had not. Prior to the international competition’s start, media outlets reported on the number of openly LGBTQ+ participants, while stories of queer players often dominated the news. However, one of the more surprising and significant moments of queer representation for the US came from a player that was not previously out, nor had she ever publicly discussed her sexuality. The kiss between defender, Kelley O’Hara, and her girlfriend, provided a different type of LGBTQ+ representation. This essay aims to situate the O’Hara celebration kiss within extant literature as the reaction to the image from queer media, community, and fans elevates the photograph—and subsequent coming out moment.
Unsteady Flow Around Thin Wings at High Mach Numbers

The perturbation velocity potential for unsteady flow around thin wings is expanded in a series of M~, taking into account linear and second-order terms in perturbation velocities. The first terms for the pressure are seen to be in agreement with those predicted by the Hayes-Lighthill piston theory. Additional terms provided by the present theory give improved accuracy for moderately high Mach Numbers and also take into account some effects of three-dimensionality, such as moderate leading-edge sweep and spanwise downwash variations. Comparison with previous solutions suggests that the present theory is sufficiently accurate for practical purposes down to M = 2. A calculation performed for the simple case of two-dimensional bending-torsion flutter shows good agreement with results obtained from the exact linearized theory for Mach Numbers above 1.5.
Irreducibility of Polynomials

Let F be a polynomial over an integral domainR, \( F \in R\left[ {\vec X} \right]\). As with rational integers, we say that F is reducible if there exist polynomialsG,\( H \in R\left[ {\vec X} \right]\),neither of which is inR, such that \( F = G \cdot H\).Otherwise,P is said to be irreducible or prime.
Integrating Visual and Media Literacy in YouTube Video Projects

Advancements in social media technologies have made it easier than ever to locate, produce, and share online video. Much of the rapid expansion of online video can be attributed to YouTube, which has become the largest and most popular video-sharing platform online. The development of visual and media literacy (VML) competencies is valuable when engaging with social media content and technologies like YouTube. This chapter illustrates how VML have been integrated within a set of educational YouTube video projects in an online university course that has been offered regularly since 2008. The projects discussed in this chapter were designed for an audience of adult educators, but have applicability in K–16 classrooms. YouTube was selected as the central video platform for several reasons, which include practical, technological, and societal factors. Competencies described in published definitions of VML frame the discussion. Curation projects involve finding, interpreting, and evaluating video resources, which are grouped into collections for educational purposes. Educational video creation projects include video blogs, remix, PowerPoint movies, and interactive videos.
Revealing Cell-Type Specific Differences in Protein Occupancy on RNA

In our previous work we profiled protein occupancy on polyadenylated RNA in HEK293 cells (Baltz et al. 2012). To globally assess differences in protein-RNA contacts in different cell types and their impact on RNA metabolism, we performed protein occupancy profiling in MCF7 cells (Fig. 4.1a, b). MCF7 cells are estrogen receptor positive mammary epithelial adenocarcinoma cells, which are widely used as a cell culture based breast cancer model (Charafe-Jauffret et al. 2006; Lacroix and Leclercq 2004; Levenson and Jordan 1997; Soule et al. 1973).
Embodied Conversational Agent Avatars in Virtual Worlds: Making Today’s Immersive Environments More Responsive to Participants

Intelligent agents in the form of avatars in networked virtual worlds (VWs) are a new form of embodied conversational agent (ECA). They are still a topic of active research, but promise soon to rival the sophistication of virtual human agents developed on stand-alone platforms over the last decade. Such agents in today’s VWs grew out of two lines of historical research: Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence. Their merger forms the basis for today’s persistent 3D worlds occupied by intelligent characters serving a wide range of purposes. We believe ECA avatars will help to enable VWs to achieve a higher level of meaningful interaction by providing increased engagement and responsiveness within environments where people will interact with and even develop relationships with them.
Oltmans Receives 2013 Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award: Response

I am humbled to receive the Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award. To be included in the distinguished company of the previous award recipients is an honor that is deeply gratifying.
Ethanol oxidation using ozone over supported maganese oxide catalysts: An in situ laser raman study

Publisher Summary Ethanol was found to react with ozone at lower temperatures than with oxygen and also with lower activation energy. This is in agreement with the stronger oxidizing ability of ozone compared to oxygen. In situ laser Raman spectroscopic studies showed the existence of adsorbed ethoxide species on the catalyst surface under reaction conditions; however, at a much lower concentration than when oxygen alone was used as the oxidant. Ozone was generally found to be effective at enhancing the conversion of VOCs, especially at low temperatures. The kinetics of complete oxidation of benzene by ozone on MnO 2 was investigated. It was concluded that the rate determining step for benzene oxidation by ozone was ozone decomposition. The oxidation of lower aliphatic alcohols by ozone over silica and alumina has been studied. It was also found that the main products of the oxidation reactions were acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide from ethanol, propionaldehyde and carbon dioxide from n -propanol, and acetone from isopropanol. Alumina and silica supported MnO 2 catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of supports, using manganese acetate, as the precursor and were calcined in air at 773 K for 3 h prior to use. The crystal phases of MnO 2 in the catalysts were identified, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and their surface areas were determined by N 2 physisorption, using the Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) method.
Preparation of subcellular fractions suitable for biochemical analyses from human subcutaneous adipose tissue obtained by needle biopsy: I. Isolation of mitochondria on a microscale

Abstract 1. 1. A technique has been developed for the isolation of subcellular organelles on a microscale which can be used to examine small samples of tissue (10 to 40 mg). Separation is accomplished with a series of Millipore filters of appropriate pore size. 2. 2. Details of the method for the isolation of mitochondria are presented. Evaluation of the nature and purity of the mitochondrial fraction was made by following the localization of a mitochondrial marker enzyme (glutamate dehydrogenase, GLDH) and by examination of the structure of the particles with light and electron microscopy. 3. 3. The method was applied to the study of a mitochondrial enzyme (mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, M-MDH) in human neonatal adipose tissue in the first week of life. M-MDH activity in healthy fullterm infants increased with age; between 3 and 7 days of age, M-MDH activity in premature infants was decreased in comparison with fullterm infants and directly correlated with gestational age. 4. 4. The same approach can be used to isolate subcellular particles other than mitochondria and for the preparation of several different subcellular fractions from the same tissue sample. The isolated material is in native form (unfixed) and is suitable not only for ultrastructural but also for biochemical investigations, such as the determination of enzyme profiles or of the metabolism of labeled substrates.
Trajectories and correlates of reasons for abstaining or limiting drinking during adolescence.

Abstract Introduction Our aim was to enhance understanding of the trajectory of reasons for abstaining and limiting drinking (RALD) over the course of adolescence and how RALD levels or trajectories may differ based on lifetime experience with alcohol and/or gender. Methods Participants were 1023 middle school students (52% female) who completed online surveys at baseline and five follow-ups over a 3-year period, assessing lifetime sip and full drink of alcohol and RALD. Hierarchical linear models were used to estimate change over time in total RALD and RALD subscales (upbringing, performance/control). Between-person (gender and drinking status) correlates of average RALD and change in RALD over time were considered. Results RALD total and subscale scores significantly decreased over time (ages 10.5–16.5). Drinking experience in both milestones (sip, full drink) was found to be a significant moderator of change in RALD over time; decline was fastest among adolescents reporting lifetime experience with drinking. Boys reported lower RALD, though the pace of change in RALD across time did not differ by gender. Conclusions This was the first study to report prospective changes in the cognitive domain of RALD among young adolescents. That change over time in RALD is moderated by drinking experience suggests an increased risk among those with earlier drinking experience. Findings highlight the importance of considering sipping, not just consumption of a full drink, as a pivotal developmental milestone. Prevention efforts that target RALD are implicated and parent-based intervention strategies may be beneficial.
The Chinese Path to Modernisation. Discussions of “Culture” and “Morality” in Republican China

In this paper, I will examine the notion of “alternative modernity” that was prominent during Republican China. In the first section, I will discuss “the debate on science and the philosophy of life” (1923) and the debate over total westernisation (1935), highlighting the two main areas of contention between the May Fourth intellectuals and their critics: scientism and populism. In the second section, I will compare the writings of four thinkers: Liang Shuming (1893-1988), Wu Mei (1894-1978), Liu Yizheng (1880-1956), and Chen Yinke (1890-1969), focusing on how they used “culture” ( wenhua ) and “morality” ( daode ) to chart a Chinese path to modernisation. In the third section, I will discuss the reasons for a lack of support for alternative modernity in Republican China.
Design of experiment is the best way to optimize a process at minimal cost

The authors deal with offline statistical control techniques which optimize a process and highlight the use of statistically designed experiments. The authors also describe the advantage of offline quality control over an online quality control mechanism. They define a systematic road map to carry out a designed experiment. The design of experiment (DOE) method not only defines the optimum window of operation but also the optimum parameters in those windows. In DOE the variables affecting the process are identified through a brain-storming session. Once the variables are identified, different levels of each variable are selected. The objective is to find the best possible way to optimize the manufacturing process, which is only possible if all variables with different levels are tested with each other in a controlled fashion. The inclusion of DOE in a corporate culture is discussed. A case study performed on a wire bond process where this process has been successfully implemented is described. >
The φ4 lattice field theory as an asymptotic expansion about the Ising limit

Abstract For a d-dimensional φ4 lattice field theory consisting of N spins, an asymptotic expansion of expectations about the Ising limit is established in inverse powers of the bare coupling constant λ. In the thermodynamic limit (N → ∞), the expansion is expected to be valid in the noncritical region of the Ising system.
Ni 64 + Sn 132 fusion within the density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock formalism

We study fusion reactions of the $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}+^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ system using the recently introduced density constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock formalism. In this formalism the fusion barriers are directly obtained from time-dependent Hartree-Fock dynamics. In addition, we incorporate the entrance channel alignment of the deformed (oblate) $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ nucleus due to dynamical Coulomb excitation. We discuss the influence of particle transfer and other dynamical effects on the fusion cross sections. Calculated cross sections are in very good agreement with data and other calculations.
Genetic variation in 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and colon cancer susceptibility.

Background: 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is a metabolic antagonist of COX-2, catalyzing the degradation of inflammation mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and other prostanoids. Recent studies have established the 15-PGDH gene as a colon cancer suppressor. Methods: We evaluated 15-PDGH as a colon cancer susceptibility locus in a three-stage design. We first genotyped 102 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 15-PGDH gene, spanning ,50 kb up and down-stream of the coding region, in 464 colon cancer cases and 393 population controls. We then genotyped the same SNPs, and also assayed the expression levels of 15-PGDH in colon tissues from 69 independent patients for whom colon tissue and paired germline DNA samples were available. In the final stage 3, we genotyped the 9 most promising SNPs from stages 1 and 2 in an independent sample of 525 cases and 816 controls (stage 3). Results: In the first two stages, three SNPs (rs1365611, rs6844282 and rs2332897) were statistically significant (p,0.05) in combined analysis of association with risk of colon cancer and of association with 15-PGDH expression, after adjustment for multiple testing. For one additional SNP, rs2555639, the T allele showed increased cancer risk and decreased 15-PGDH expression, but just missed statistical significance (p-adjusted=0.063). In stage 3, rs2555639 alone showed evidence of association with an odds ratio (TT compared to CC) of 1.50 (95% CI=1.05–2.15, p=0.026). Conclusions: Our data suggest that the rs2555639 T allele is associated with increased risk of colon cancer, and that carriers of this risk allele exhibit decreased expression of 15-PGDH in the colon.
Bond pricing in APL2: a study in numerical solution of the Brennan and Schwartz bond pricing model using a vector processor

This paper is a unification of two earlier papers: the original model of the bond pricing algorithm developed by Foote, Kraemer, and the author [4] and a later paper reported at the Third Supercomputer Conference [5]. This paper briefly discusses the Brennan and Schwartz bond pricing model which was the application studied, presents its finite difference representation and describes three APL2 implementations. Problems in computation are discussed briefly and the three methods for a fixed size grid are compared with and without the IBM 3090 Vector Facility.
Dealing with hunger: Metabolic stress responses in tumors

Increased nutrient uptake and usage is a hallmark of many human malignancies. During the course of tumorigenesis, cancer cells often outstrip their local nutrient supply leading to periods of nutrient deprivation. Interestingly, cancer cells often develop strategies to adapt and survive these challenging conditions. Accordingly, understanding these processes is critical for developing therapies that target cancer metabolism. Exciting new progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms used by cancer cells under nutrient restricted conditions. In this review, we highlight recent studies that have brought insight into how cancer cells deal with low nutrient environments.
Hydrogen metabolism in isolated heterocysts of Anabaena 7120

Isolated heterocysts of Anabaena 7120 evolve H2 in an ATP-dependent nitrogenase-catalyzed process that is inhibited by N2 and C2H2. Heterocysts have an active uptake hydrogenase that only requires an electron acceptor of positive redox potential, e.g., methylene blue, dichlorophenolindophenol or potassium ferricyanide. O2 supplied at low partial pressures is a very effective physiological oxidant for H2 uptake. High concentrations of O2 are inhibitory to H2 uptake. The oxyhydrogen reaction in heterocysts appears to be mediated by a cytochrome-cytochrome oxidase system, and it supports ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation. Attempts to demonstrate acetylene reduction in isolated heterocysts employing H2 as an electron donor were unsuccessful. It is suggested that the uptake hydrogenase functions to conserve reductant that otherwise would be dissipated via nitrogenase-catalyzed H2 evolution.
Laparoscopic radical cystectomy: long-term outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is being increasingly performed at several centers across the world. This review analyzes the published perioperative and oncologic outcomes of this procedure. RECENT FINDINGS Minimally invasive radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is performed laparoscopically or robotically. Urinary diversion is currently usually performed extracorporeally through a small open incision in order to decrease operating time and minimize bowel complications. Although rigorous comparisons with open cystectomy are lacking, minimally invasive radical cystectomy appears to have superior perioperative outcomes. Although long-term outcomes after minimally invasive radical cystectomy are limited, intermediate term oncologic outcomes appear comparable to open radical cystectomy, the reference standard. SUMMARY Minimally invasive radical cystectomy is technically feasible. Perioperative outcomes are as good as open radical cystectomy if not better. Intermediate term oncologic outcomes compare well with open radical cystectomy. Initial long-term oncologic outcomes are encouraging. Prospective randomized comparison between minimally invasive radical cystectomy and open radical cystectomy is needed to define the role of these modalities in the current context.
Quantitative evaluation of microvascular density after stroke in rats using MRI

We investigated vascular changes after stroke using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) microvascular density (MVD) measurement. T2 and T2 were measured in eight rats before and after injecting an intravascular superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent to derive the corresponding transverse relaxation shift. Reliability of MRI for measurement of MVD was compared with corresponding sections immunostained with von Willebrand factor (vWF) 2 weeks after stroke. The intracorrelation coefficient (ICC) and its 95% lower bound (LB) was high in the ischemic recovery region (ICC = 0.753), moderate in the contralateral area of normal brain tissue (ICC = 0.70), and low in the ischemic core (ICC = 0.24). A very good agreement (ICC = 0.85) and correlation (r = 0.90) were observed using only the recovery region and normal contralateral hemisphere (ICC = 0.85; 95% LB = 0.78; P < 0.05). The mean MRI MVD in the center of the core lesion (26±9 per mm 2 ) was lower than in the recovery region (209±60 per mm 2 ) or contralateral normal hemisphere (313±32 per mm 2 ). However, large errors in MRI MVD were encountered in the ischemic core. Our data demonstrate that MRI MVD measurements can quantitatively evaluate microvascular changes in the brain tissue after stroke, if the MVD is not extremely low as in the ischemic core.
RELATIVISTIC CORRECTION TO THE MOVEMENT OF MAGNETIC POLES

The equations of motion, modified by the relativistic correction to a rotating inclined magnetic field, are discussed. It is shown that the magnetic moment would precess under the influence of the retardation torques identifiable by several higher-order terms in the relativistic correction. The observed cyclical behaviors from the clock-like pulse-emitting pulsars reported by many researchers are likely to be the consequences of the retardation effect produced by an inclined magnetic moment of a spinning body. The results, which come from the study of two independently rotating magnetic moments, are in agreement with the observed pulsar data for the pulsar PSR B1828-11. These electromagnetic driving forces are presented for further exploration and discussion.
An assessment of mercury-species-dependent binding with natural organic carbon

AbstractIn contrast to many other metal/metalloid contaminants, mercury (Hg) displays a complex environmental speciation behaviour. Widespread, detectable environmental Hg species include divalent mercury (Hg2+), elemental mercury (Hgo) and monomethylmercury (CH3Hg+). Less frequently encountered compounds include dimethylmercury ((CH3)2Hg; more common in marine environments), monovalent mercury (Hg22+; a species that disproportionates via the following reaction: Hg22+ ⟺ Hg2+ + Hgo) and, more recently, detectable quantities of ethylmercury compounds (e.g., C2H5Hg+, C2H5HgC2H5, etc.) have been reported in environmental media. Environmental mercury is frequently observed to be associated with natural organic matter in aquatic environments. The present study assesses the potential binding of Hg2+, Hgo, CH3Hg+ and (CH3)2Hg with natural organic matter by hydrophobic and ionic mechanisms. The findings suggest: (1) although potential hydrophobic binding with natural organic matter will likely occur in the followi...
Persistence of Surface-Induced Alignment in Block Copolymers upon Large-Amplitude Oscillatory Shear Processing

Subjecting lamellae-forming poly(styrene-b-isoprene) (SI) diblock copolymers to large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) offers a route to microstructural alignment. This study examines the spatial...
Three years after Tunisia: thoughts and perspectives on the rights to freedom of assembly and association from United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai

Roughly three years after the creation of his mandate, United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai reflects on the global state of assembly and association rights. Although the mandate was created against the backdrop of shrinking space for civil society, a massive and growing global protest movement has grabbed most of the headlines since 2011. Kiai argues that the mandate has made a measurable impact – it has helped raise awareness of repressive NGO laws, provided technical assistance to governments to strengthen assembly and association rights and developed soft law. But perhaps, the most important work of the mandate has been its contribution to a better understanding of just how important the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are. Assembly and association rights are a powerful tool to promote dialog, pluralism, broadmindedness, tolerance and civic participation; they satisfy people's fundamental desire to take control of their own destinies. And if anything, the past few years h...
Measurement of the Electric Field in the Vicinity of an Oil-Pressboard Interface Parallel to the FIELD

Electro-optical Kerr-effect measurements are performed to measure the spatial variations of the electric field in transformer oil in a parallel-plate electrode system with and without a pressboard interface bridging the gap between the electrodes. No space-charge field enhancements are observed at room temperature (25 °C) even with the interface present. At 125°C space-charge field enhancements are observed in transformer oil, but the field enhancement does not change upon the addition of an interface - the field near the interface was the same as the field away from the interface to within the ±5% precision of the experiment.
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objectives To test the hypothesis that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) would lead to improved oxygenation and a decrease in duration of mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Study design A total of 55 children with acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled from 9 centers. Patients were randomized to iNO or placebo and remained on the study drug until death, they were free of ventilator support, or day 28 after the initiation of therapy. Results Mean baseline oxygenation indexes (OIs) were 22.0 ± 18.4 and 25.6 ± 14.9 (iNO and placebo groups, respectively, P = .27). There was a trend toward an improved OI in the iNO group compared with the placebo group at 4 hours that became significant at 12 hours. There was no difference in the OI between groups at 24 hours. Days alive and ventilator free at 28 days was greater in the iNO group, 14.2 ± 8.1 and 9.1 ± 9.5 days (iNO and placebo groups, respectively, P = .05). Although overall survival at 28 days failed to reach statistical significance, 92% (22 of 24) in the iNO group and 72% (21 of 29) in the placebo group ( P = .07), the rate of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation−free survival was significantly greater in those randomized to iNO 92% (22 of 24) vs 52% (15 of 29) for those receiving placebo ( P Conclusion The use of iNO was associated with a significantly reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and significantly greater rate of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–free survival.
Membranes of Mammary Gland. III. Lipid Composition of Golgi Apparatus from Rat Mammary Gland

Abstract Purified Golgi apparatus fractions were obtained from mammary glands of lactating rats and were characterized morphologically and enzymologically. The lipid composition of the isolated fraction was determined and compared to rough endoplasmic reticulum and milk fat globule membranes. On a protein basis, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum contained approximately the same amount of phospholipid. The Golgi apparatus fraction was rich in neutral lipid, most of which was due to triglyeeride-rich lipid droplets which adhered to the membranes. Golgi apparatus were intermediate between endoplasmic reticulum and milk fat globule membrane with respect to amounts of sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. Golgi apparatus was also intermediate between the other two fractions with respect to membrane-bound sialic acid. The same fatty acids were found in both Golgi apparatus and milk fat globule membrane phospholipid classes. Results are compatible with the concept of Golgi apparatus-mediated cytomembrane differentiation.
Harnessing the potential of the therapeutic alliance.

Originally developed within psychoanalytic psychotherapy, the therapeutic alliance has emerged as a widely studied pantheoretical change variable. In fact, a Google Scholar search for “therapeutic alliance” and “outcome” returns roughly 135,000 hits. The vast majority of these studies have reported on the relationship between the alliance and psychotherapy outcome. However, a smaller but growing literature has also examined the relationship between the therapeutic alliance and pharmacotherapy adherence and outcome. The therapeutic or working alliance involves an ongoing collaboration between patient and provider encompassing both task- and affectively-oriented features of their relationship. Specifically, it is often defined as: a) the extent of patient-provider agreement on treatment goals; b) collaboration on treatment tasks necessary for goal attainment; and c) the affective bond (e.g., caring, liking, trust) between patient and provider (1). Patient and provider-rated, as well as observer-rated instruments are represented in the alliance-outcome literature.
The extent and patterns of multi‐stakeholder communications in annual report letters

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine whether CEOs use multi‐stakeholder communications in their annual report letters and to describe any patterns observed in those communications.Design/methodology/approach – Annual report letters of the ten largest US companies were examined using content and text analysis procedures.Findings – CEOs made little use of multi‐stakeholder communications in their annual letters. Some variations were found among the sample companies' letters, including differences in word counts, reading ease scores, and number of word types.Research limitations/implications – A small sample of companies and one medium of communication were used in carrying out the study. Increasing the sample size, the array of industries represented, and the variety of media may yield more robust results.Practical implications – Recommendations for communicating with a multi‐stakeholder audience are proposed.Originality/value – The paper examines how stakeholders relate both to the organizat...
The Intrinsic Profile of the 4428 Å Diffuse Interstellar Band

This paper presents high-quality CCD spectra (obtained at spectral resolving power λ/Δλ ≈ 2000) of the region surrounding the diffuse interstellar band (DIB) centered near 4428 A, in some 35 O and early B stars located in the Cyg OB2 association. The reddenings of the stars range from E(B-V) ≈ 1.0 to 2.5 mag, allowing us to study the properties of the feature at high extinction, as compared with previous studies of DIBs in diffuse clouds. To our knowledge this is the first significant survey of the 4428 A DIB profile to be based on CCD-quality spectra, allowing us to probe the properties of this feature with high accuracy. Among our conclusions are (1) the profile of λ4428 is symmetric and invariant within the uncertainties; (2) there is no clear-cut dependence of band properties on stellar spectral type; (3) the equivalent width of the 4428 A DIB as a function of increasing extinction appears to level off at around E(B-V) ≈ 1.0; (4) there is no evidence for emission wings associated with λ4428; and (5) within the uncertainties the profile of the feature is fitted perfectly by a Lorentzian function, strongly suggesting that the band is broadened by natural damping. We conclude that the feature is created by rapid internal conversion in a molecular carrier.
Optical bistability on reflection with an InSb étalon controlled by a guided wave.

We report experimental results on optical bistability using an InSb etalon gold coated on one face, at 80 K and 5.59-μm wavelength. The bistability, observed on reflection, was controlled by a beam coupled through the edge of the etalon. The geometry lends itself to the possibility of addressing a large number of individual spots, all of which are controlled by the same guided beam.
Chronic cocaine exposure in the SCID mouse model of HIV encephalitis.

Abstract Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that cocaine exposure hastens progression of the HIV disease process. An established active, euphoric dose of cocaine (20 mg/kg) was administered to SCID mice according to a regimen consistent with exposure to the drug by cocaine-abusing HIV-infected patients to determine the effects of cocaine on four previously established pathological characteristics of HIV encephalitis: cognitive deficits, fatigue, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Mice were intracranially inoculated with either HIV-infected, or uninfected macrophages and then injected with either cocaine or saline in a 2 (Infection) × 2 (Cocaine) factorial design. Cognition was assessed by acquisition and retention of a spatially cued learning task. Fatigue was assessed by monitoring motor activity following a 2 min forced swim. Mice were then sacrificed to determine the extent of astrogliosis and microgliosis in the four groups. Results indicated that in comparison to uninfected controls, HIV positive mice had increased astrogliosis and microgliosis, cognitive deficits, and recovered more slowly from fatigue. However, despite evidence that the cocaine exposure regimen activated the central nervous system and had long-term CNS effects, the drug did not alter the behavioral or the neuropathological deficits noted in HIV-infected SCID mice.
Effect of acute and chronic ethanol treatment on rat brain phospholipid turnover

Abstract Phospholipid turnover was studied in the rat brain after treatment in vitro with (1) an acute dose of ethanol, (2) after the development of tolerance to ethanol, (3) of physical dependence on ethanol, and (4) of withdrawal from dependence. It was found that the turnover of phosphatidylcholine, of phosphatidylinosotol/phosphatidylserine and of phosphatidylethanolamine was increased in tolerant animals and that tolerance developed to these increases in dependent animals. A drastic decrease in 32 P-labeled phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylserine of microsomal fractions was observed in animals withdrawing from dependence.
Robust Membrane-Embedded phi29 Motor Channel for Sensing of Single Molecule and High-Throughput Fingerprinting of DNA

The ingenious design of the bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor with an elegant channel has inspired its applications in nanotechnology. The hub of the motor is a truncated cone shaped connector consisting of twelve protein subunits that form a ring with a central 3.6-nm channel that acts as a path for dsDNA to enter during packaging and to exit during infection. The connector inserted in lipid bilayer exhibits robust properties and generates extremely sensitive conductance signatures. DNA and RNA can be electrophoretically driven through the channel in a concentration and voltage dependent manner. Information about the structure, length and conformational dynamics can then be deduced by their characteristic dwell times during translocation and by their relative percentage in current blockades. This motor channel further exercises a one-way traffic property for dsDNA translocation from N- to C-terminal with a natural valve mechanism in DNA-packaging. We also demonstrated its utility as a highly sensitive device for capture and fingerprinting of chemicals and biopolymers in real time at extremely low concentrations and in the presence of many contaminants. The phi29 motor channel has potential applications in high-throughput single-pore DNA sequencing, environmental surveillance, athlete drug monitoring, toxin/drug screening, and earlier disease diagnosis.Supporting publications from Guo lab: (1) Nature Nanotechnology. 2009. 4: 765; (2) Nano Letters. 2010, 10: 3620; (3) Molecular Biosystems. 2010. 6:1844 (4) Biomaterials. 2011. 32:8234; (5) Biophysical Journal. 2012. 102:127; (6) ACS Nano. 2012. 6:3251; (7) Nature Protocols. 2013. 8:373; (8) Nano Today. 2013. 8:56; (9) ACS Nano. 2013. 7:9814.
Selective inhibition of topoisomerases from Pneumocystis carinii compared with that of topoisomerases from mammalian cells.

Abstract Type I and II topoisomerase activities were partially purified from Pneumocystis carinii. The catalytic (strand-passing) activities of both enzymes were selectively inhibited by members of a series of dicationic-substituted bis-benzimidazoles compared with those of topoisomerases of mammalian (calf thymus) origin. The most active inhibitors of the parasite enzymes were also highly effective in an in vivo animal model of P. carinii pneumonia. Selected dicationic-substituted bis-benzimidazoles also strongly inhibited the induction of the topoisomerase I- and II-mediated cleavable complex, suggesting that the biologically active DNA minor groove-binding molecules inhibit the enzyme-DNA binding step of the topoisomerase reaction sequence. The apparent selectivities for the parasite enzymes and the low levels of toxicity to mammalian cells for the biologically active bis-benzimidazoles suggest that these compounds hold promise as effective therapeutic agents in the treatment of a life-threatening AIDS-related disease, P. carinii pneumonia.
Effects of age on the circadian system

While aging has been associated with changes in the period and amplitude of circadian rhythms, little is known about how aging influences the response of the circadian clock to environmental stimuli. In this paper, we report on recent studies designed to determine the effects of advanced age on the response of the circadian clock to both photic and nonphotic stimuli in old hamsters (e.g., over 16 mo of age). Among the most pronounced age-related changes in the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity are: (a) alterations in the phase-angle of entrainment to the light-dark cycle; (b) an increase in the magnitude of phase shifts induced by pulses of light presented at specific circadian times; and (c) a loss of responsiveness to the phase shifting or entraining effects of stimuli which induce an acute increase of activity. Depletion of brain monoamine levels in young animals can induce changes in the responsiveness of the circadian clock to environmental stimuli which are similar to those which occur spontaneously in old animals, suggesting that aging alters monoaminergic inputs to the clock. Some of the age-related changes in the response of the clock to an activity-inducing stimulus can be reversed by implanting old animals with fetal SCN tissue. Determining the physiological basis for age related changes in the responsiveness of the clock to both internal and external stimuli, and the mechanisms by which normal circadian function can be restored, should lead to new insight into the functioning of the circadian clock and may lead to new approaches for normalizing disturbed circadian rhythms.
IMDS: A knowledge-based system to support concurrent engineering at westinghouse

Abstract The Intelligent Manufacturing Decision Support System (IMDS) is a knowledge-based system that captures, stores, and retrieves engineering issues for designated Westinghouse Electric Corporation products. IMDS is utilized in a very user-friendly manner that makes the computer processing virtually invisible (transparent) to the user. Its deployment is expected to yield an annual savings of $5,468,750 in operating costs and offer significant management benefits for the company.
Advances in hyperspectral remote sensing I: The visible Fourier transform hyperspectral imager

Author Summary: We discuss early hyperspectral research and development activities during the 1990s that led to the deployment of aircraft and satellite payloads whose heritage was based on the use of visible, spatially modulated, imaging Fourier transform spectrometers, beginning with early experiments at the Florida Institute of Technology, through successful launch and deployment of the Visible Fourier Transform Hyperspectral Imager on MightySat II.1 on 19 July 2000. In addition to a brief chronological overview, we also discuss several of the most interesting optical engineering challenges that were addressed over this timeframe, present some as-yet un-exploited features of field-widened (slit-less) SMIFTS instruments, and present some images from ground-based, aircraft-based and satellite-based instruments that helped provide the impetus for the proliferation and development of entire new families of instruments and countless new applications for hyperspectral imaging.
A novel Bcl-2 small molecule inhibitor 4-(3-methoxy-phenylsulfannyl)-7-nitro-benzofurazan-3-oxide (MNB)-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells

A novel small molecule inhibitor, 4-(3-methoxy-phenylsulfannyl)-7-nitro-benzofurazan-3-oxide (MNB), competes with the Bak BH3 peptide to bind Bcl-2 protein with a binding affinity of IC50 = 0.70 μM, as assessed by a fluorescence polarization based binding assay. HL-60 cells express the highest levels of Bcl-2 among the cell lines examined. Treated with 5 μM of MNB only for 6 h, 85% of HL-60 cells were detected to undergo apoptosis. Pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, blocks MNB-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Caspase-2, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-8, caspase-9, and PARP activation were observed at as early as 4 to 6 h of MNB treatment. In addition, it has been confirmed that the caspase-3 specific inhibitor, Z-DEVD-FMK, blocks the activation of caspase-8 in MNB-treated HL-60 cells. MNB treatment does not change Bcl-2 or Bax expression level in HL-60 cells, but causes Bid cleavage. Further experiments have illustrated that MNB inhibits the heterodimerization of Bcl-2 with Bax or Bid, reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmt), and induces cytochrome c release from mitochondria in HL-60 cells. These results suggest that MNB induces apoptosis in HL-60 by inhibiting the heterodimerization of Bcl-2 with pro-apoptosis Bcl-2 members, resulting in a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, activation of caspases and PARP; it is a caspase-dependent process in which the activation of caspase-8 is dependent on the mitochondrial apoptosis signal transduction pathway. MNB prolongs the life spans of HL-60 bearing mice, potently kills fresh AML and ALL cells, indicating that it has the potential to be developed to treat leukemia.
TEA prevents inactivation while blocking open K+ channels in human T lymphocytes

The whole-cell recording mode of the patch-clamp technique was used to study the effect of external tetraethylammonium ([TEA+]o) on the inactivating, voltage-dependent K+ channels of human T lymphocytes. TEA+ reduced the peak amplitude and slowed the time course of the K+ current decay during a depolarizing pulse, resulting in a crossover of the current records in the presence and absence of TEA+. In solutions with different [TEA+]o both the peak K+ current amplitude, lKpeak, and the time constant of the decay of the K+ current, tau d, were reduced in a dose-dependent manner, both with apparent binding constants, KD, of 12 mM. The integral of K+ current during a prolonged depolarizing pulse was unaltered in solutions with different [TEA+]o. The concentration dependence of [TEA+]o on lKpeak, tau d, and the unchanged current integral can be explained with a kinetic scheme in which open channels blocked by TEA+ cannot inactivate.
Inexpensive automated electropneumatic syringe dispenser

Abstract An inexpensive logic-addressable, pneumatically driven syringe dispenser utilizes two three-way valves for pneumatic control and one low-volume, inert three-way valve for liquid suction and delivery. Microliter volumes of liquid can be delivered precisely at high repetition rates (720 h−1) against significant back-pressure.