Academic literature on the topic 'Accelerated Reader - 5.6'

Strain and impurity defects in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly their potentiality as a new TL material has been studied over the years. In this research, our main objective is to explore the suitability of using CNTs and its composites in the area of TL dosimeter. For this purpose, a study was carried out between the TL responses of the dosimeters TLD-100, TLD-7000 and NaI-LiF pellets. To carry out this research, equivalent irradiations were performed with these pellets using clinical linear accelerator (LINAC) under 6 MV X-ray photon beam. The dose range was from 0.5 to 5 Gy. During irradiation, the dose rate was kept constant at 300 MU/min. TLD reader was used to readout the samples in a flowing N2 atmosphere to reduce surface oxidation.During readout, pre-heat temperature was set initially at 50 °C, acquired temperature rate 10 °C/s and maximum annealed temperature was 300 °C. Response of TLD-100 under varying dose was typically linear for any doses but other dosimeters TLD-7000 showed supra-linearity beyond 2 Gy and NaI-LiF pellets showed sub-linearity response after 2 Gy. The TL glow peak of CNTs indicated that it was lying somewhere away from 300 °C.

BackgroundInexpensive rapid screening tests that can be used at the point-of-care (POC) are vital to combat tuberculosis. Particularly, less invasive non-sputum-based biomarker tests for all TB forms can help controlling transmission. Availability of such tests would significantly accelerate and streamline diagnostic approaches, improve cost-efficiency and decrease unnecessary costly GeneXpert referrals.MethodsMulti-biomarker test (MBT) devices measuring levels of selections of up to six serum proteins simultaneously on a single lateral flow (LF) strip were produced. The strip contains individual capture lines for a biomarker selection allowing discrimination of TB-patients from other respiratory diseases (ORD). Only biomarkers successfully evaluated with singleplex strips (single biomarker tests) were applied to the MBT device. Quantitative signals are recorded with a low-cost handheld reader compatible with the applied luminescent up-converting particle (UCP) label. Biomarker selection and algorithms used to distinguish potential-TB and ORD are flexible.ResultsResults obtained with MBT strips containing multiple test lines correlate well with singleplex LF strips. Using LF tests for 5 selected biomarkers a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 96% could be achieved with a confirmed South African selection of 20 TB and 31 non-TB samples. Patients were designated TB positive when scoring a value above the cut-off threshold for at least 3 out of 5 biomarkers. Serum samples of potential TB patients collected at five medical research institutes (Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa, The Gambia, Uganda) were tested locally with MBT strips comprised of CRP, SAA, IP-10, Ferritin, ApoA-I and IL-6 and results analysed to obtain an overall pan-Africa applicable signature.ConclusionEvaluated POC applicable UCP-LF devices detecting serum biomarker signatures can help to distinguish active TB from other respiratory diseases and as such can prioritise highest-risk patients for further care. Ongoing prospective studies evaluate the MBT strip with fingerstick blood and do not require a laboratory or trained phlebotomist anymore.

Objective.We aimed to determine whether hand joints develop an accelerated form of osteoarthritis (OA) and to characterize individuals who develop accelerated hand osteoarthritis (AHOA).Methods.We evaluated 3519 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative with complete data for baseline and 48-month radiographic hand osteoarthritis (HOA). One reader scored posteroanterior radiographs of the dominant hand using a modified Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale and another reader scored the presence of central or marginal erosions. A third reader read images flagged for signs of diseases other than OA. We defined AHOA as ≥ 1 joints that progressed from a KL grade of 0 or 1 at baseline to KL grade 3 or 4 at 48 months.Results.The definition of AHOA was met by 1% over 4 years: 37 hands had 1 joint affected and 1 hand had 2 joints affected. At baseline, adults who developed AHOA were more likely to have hand pain (37% vs 22%), radiographic HOA (71% vs 36%), as well as central (22% vs 7%) and marginal erosions (11% vs 2%) in other joints compared to those without AHOA. Adults with AHOA were more likely to develop new erosions over 48 months (central 35%, marginal 5%) than those without AHOA (central 5%, marginal 1%). The most common locations of accelerated OA were the second metacarpophalangeal and first carpometacarpal joint.Conclusion.Accelerated OA can occur in the hand, especially among digits commonly used for pinching and fine motor skills.

The purpose of this study is to seek the reading of Ezra 5–6 from the perspective of religious tolerance by paying attention to the characteristics of religious tolerance in the decision of Darius I concerning the Construction of the Temple. The authors use the Reader Response analysis method in describing the text of Ezra 5–6 by using Dianne Tilman’s theory of the characteristics of religious tolerance supported by historical research from researchers of Old Testament texts. The result of the study is that Darius I emerges as a tolerant and persistent leader, consistent in fighting for the religious rights of everyone as experienced by Israelitess in the Old Testament era.

‘It's only a web site. What could be so difficult about that?’ This quote is from the cafeteria of a start-up business funded by a North American retailer, after the disastrous ‘Black Friday’ of 2000, during which its web site experienced systemic failure. This case describes the dynamics, complexities and consequences of fast tracking an e-business start-up. This consumer electronics retailer created one of the most visited retail web sites, from concept to operation in 6 months. Market analysts were predicting a major increase in online sales while consumers were adopting the Internet at a rate faster than any previous technology. Meeting the multi-channel demands of the dynamic and competitive environment required operational balance, stability, innovative flexibility, organizational fit and the alignment of resource capabilities with technology. This case challenges the reader to comment on how a large company positioned itself and integrated the necessary competencies to compete successfully in a developing market by establishing a spin-off operation, separate from the main company.

Standard Runge-Kutta methods are explicit, one-step, and generally constant step-size numerical integrators for the solution of initial value problems. Such integration schemes of orders 3, 4, and 5 require 3, 4, and 6 function evaluations per time step of integration, respectively. In this paper, we propose a set of simple, explicit, and constant step-size Accerelated-Runge-Kutta methods that are two-step in nature. For orders 3, 4, and 5, they require only 2, 3, and 5 function evaluations per time step, respectively. Therefore, they are more computationally efficient at achieving the same order of local accuracy. We present here the derivation and optimization of these accelerated integration methods. We include the proof of convergence and stability under certain conditions as well as stability regions for finite step sizes. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the proposed methods in comparison with standard Runge-Kutta methods.

Background: “Perspective-filet view” is a novel three-dimensional (3D) viewing technique for computed tomography colonography (CTC). Studies with experienced readers have shown a sensitivity for perspective-filet view similar to that of 2D or 3D endoluminal fly-through in detection of colorectal lesions. It is not known whether perspective-filet view, compared to axial images, improves lesion detection by inexperienced readers. Purpose: To compare primary 3D analysis using perspective-filet view (3D Filet) with primary 2D analysis, as used by inexperienced CTC readers. Secondary aims were to compare lesion detection by 3D Filet when used by experienced and inexperienced readers, and to evaluate the effect of combined 3D Filet + 2D analysis. Material and Methods: Fifty symptomatic patients were prospectively enrolled. An experienced reader performed 3D Filet analysis followed by complete 2D analysis (3D Filet + 2D), before colonoscopy with segmental unblinding. Two inexperienced readers (readers 2 and 3), blinded to CTC and colonoscopy findings, retrospectively performed 3D Filet analysis and, after 5 weeks, 2D analysis. True positives ≥6 mm detected by the inexperienced readers with 3D Filet and/or 2D were combined to obtain 3D Filet + 2D. Results: Colonoscopy revealed 116 lesions: 16 lesions ≥10 mm, 19 lesions 6–9 mm, and 81 lesions ≤5 mm. For the experienced reader, sensitivities for lesions ≥6 mm with 3D Filet and 3D Filet + 2D were 77% and 83%, respectively. For the inexperienced readers, sensitivities for lesions ≥6 mm with 3D Filet and 2D were 51% and 57% (reader 2) and 40% and 43% (reader 3), respectively. There was no significant difference between 3D Filet and 2D regarding sensitivity and reading time. For lesions ≥6 mm, 3D Filet + 2D improved the sensitivity of reader 2 to 63% and of reader 3 to 51%. Conclusion: Lesion detection by inexperienced readers using perspective-filet view is comparable to that obtained by 2D. Lesion detection improves by combining 3D Filet + 2D, but not to the level of an experienced reader.

Serotonin has been identified in all classes of parasitic and free-living Platyhelminthes. Its function in the body of Platyhelminthes remains poorly studied. In present work, the serotonin effect on morphogenetic processes in planarian Schmidtea mediterranea was studied for the first time. Pharyngeal regeneration was studied in Schmidtea mediterranea planaria. Pharynx is a relatively autonomous organ with well differentiated morphological structure and specialized function. The dissected planarian body fragments were able to regenerate the new pharynx and restore its function – food uptake and feeding. It was observed that in group of animals, the pharynx regeneration occurred from day 5 to day 10 after amputation. The regeneration time varied in different experimental series and seems to depend on the season of the experiment. The maximum number of animals restored their feeding response for 6–8 days after the intervention. Under the serotonin treatments (10–0.001 µМ), the acceleration of the restoration of a new pharynx function has been observed as compared to the control animals. The preliminary results exhibit the stimulatory action of serotonin on pharyngeal regeneration in tail fragments of S. mediterranea, thus, indicating the morphogenetic properties of serotonin.

String searching or string-matching is the problem of locating all occurrences of a string x of length m, called the pattern, in another string t of length n, called the text. The algorithmic complexity of the problem is analyzed by means of standard measures: running time and amount of memory space required by the computations. This chapter deals with solutions in which the pattern only is preprocessed. There are mainly three kinds of methods to solve the problem: sequential methods simulating a finite automaton, practically fast methods, and time-space optimal methods. Alternative solutions based on a preprocessing of the text are described in Chapter 3. Parallel algorithms for the problem, presented in Chapter 2, sometimes also generate new serial algorithms. Finally, methods that search for approximate occurrences of a pattern are the subject of Chapters 4, 5, and 6. The problem is of main importance for several reasons. From a theoretical point of view, it is a paradigm for the design of efficient algorithms, in the same way as are, for instance, sorting methods. From a practical point of view, the algorithms developed in this chapter often serve as basic components in text facility software. In the whole chapter, x denotes the pattern of length m (m = |x|), and t is the text of length n (n = |t|). To avoid trivial situations, the pattern is assumed to be a non-empty string (x ≠ λ, m ≠ 0). Since the problem becomes a simple counting exercise when the alphabet reduces to only one symbol, the reader may consider in the following that the common alphabet Σ of the text and the pattern contains at least two symbols (|Σ| > 1). We assume that the pattern is given first. The text is given at search time only. This allows us to preprocess the pattern in order to accelerate the future search in the text. An instance of the problem arises when we try to recognize a specific pattern in various texts or streams of symbols arriving through a communication channel.

The compact and highly functionalized Gelsemium alkaloids, exemplified by gelsemine (OHL20060403) and gelsemoxonine 3, offer a substantial challenge. The cytotoxicity of closely related alkaloids adds to the interest in this class. Tohru Fukuyama of the University of Tokyo envisioned (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 17634) that cyclopropane-accelerated Cope rearrangement of 1 could deliver 2, ready for further functionalization to 3. The starting material for the synthesis was the enantiomerically pure acetate 4, for which a practical synthetic route was developed. Conjugate addition of 5 then proceeded away from the acetoxy group to give, after intramolecular alkylation, the cyclopropane 6. Selective protection of the derived triol 7 led to a monopivalate that was oxidized to the keto aldehyde 8. Condensation with the oxindole 9 followed by silylation then completed the assembly of 1. The trisubstituted alkene of 1 was established as a single geometric isomer. It followed that in the product 2, the oxindole and the bridging ether had the appropriate relative stereochemical arrangement. The product silyl enol ether was deprotected with fluoride to liberate the ketone 2. With 2 in hand, the next challenge was the kinetic installation of the less stable secondary aminated stereogenic center. To this end, the aldehyde 10 was exposed to TMS-CN and DBU. Under the reaction conditions, the alkene of the intermediate β,γ-unsaturated silylated cyanohydrin was brought into conjugation. Kinetic quench with allyl alcohol gave 11 with a 4:1 preference for the desired endo diastereomer 11. Inversion of the carboxyl then led to the protected amine 12. The ketone 12 was formylated under modified Vilsmeier-Haack conditions, first with Bredereck’s reagent 13 and then with oxalyl chloride, leading to the chloro aldehyde 14. The chlorine was removed by selective Pd-catalyzed reduction, and the product aldehyde was exposed to ethyl magnesium bromide followed by IBX to give the ethyl ketone 15. Epoxidation of the α,β-unsaturated ketone proceeded across the expected exo face leading to 16. The deprotected amine then opened the epoxide to establish the aminated quaternary center and complete the synthesis of gelsemoxonine 3.

(12 MAY 2014) [Trans.: Abdulbasit Kassim] Available at: http://jihadology.net/2014/05/12/new-video-message-from-boko-%e1%b8%a5arams-jamaat-ahl-al-sunnah-li-dawah-wa-l-jihad-shaykh-abu-bakr-shekau-message-about-the-girls/ On 14 April 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. Fifty-seven of the schoolgirls managed to escape soon after their abudction and another girl, Amina Ali Nkeki, escaped on 17 May 2016 after two years in captivity. Negotiations between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram brokered by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss government led to the release of twenty-one girls on 12 October 2016. Another Chibok girl, Maryam Ali Maiyanga, escaped on 5 November 2016 while another batch of eighty-two Chibok girls were released on 6 May 2017 following intense negotiations led by barrister Mustapha Zanna and the intervention of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss government. The Zanna-led negotiation involved the swapping of five Boko Haram prisoners and the payment of an undisclosed amount to Boko Haram...

This chapter provides the reader with the newest empirical contributions available on the use of assistive technology-based interventions aimed at enhancing life skills of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and developmental or intellectual disabilities. A selective overview along the last decade was carried out. Eighteen studies were reviewed, and 155 participants were involved. Five main categories of studies were identified, namely (1) emotional regulation, (2) communication skills, (3) academic performance, (4) social inclusion, and (5) challenging behavior. Results were fairly positive, although occasional failures occurred. Clinical, educational, psychological, and rehabilitative implications of the findings were critically discussed. Some useful guidelines for future research and practice were highlighted.

The monograph presents a theoretical generalization and a new solution for the research target to study the state of the pineal gland structural components in sexually mature rats under different terms of extracellular dehydration. The experiment was performed on 24 white sexually mature male rats aged 5-6 months. The animals of the experimental group were simulated extracellular dehydration of mild and heavy severity. Animals were kept and manipulated in compliance with national and international bioethics standards. Different degrees of extracellular dehydration severity caused negative changes in all structural components of the pineal gland in experimental animals: stromal, vascular and parenchymal, with the greatest intensity in animals with heavy severity course. Morphological rearrangements were nonspecific and polymorphic in nature. In the pineal gland of animals with a mild severity course there was a tension of adaptive processes, increased secretory activity by both indole-producing and polypeptide-producing pinealocytes (with predominance of the latter), formation of the gland’s reserve capacity. There was a moderate increase in the expression of heat shock proteins in pinealocytes, which, certainly, made these cells more resistant to apoptotic rearrangements and the subsequent action of extreme factors. With increasing duration of the experiment (severe degree), there was a significant decrease in the size of the gland, thickening and swelling of the stromal component, sharp impairment of hemodynamics in the organ. Blood viscosity increased, its rheological properties were impaired (stasis, sludge), vascular wall permeability increased, processes of accelerated apoptosis in part of pinealocytes developed. The heat shock proteins level and the proliferative activity of astrocytic glia were significantly reduced, indicating a weakening of the mechanisms of anti-apoptotic and anti-stress protection. The 90-day effect of extracellular dehydration on the experimental animals’ body caused the phenomenon of chronic stress “subcompensation”, which was expressed in the depletion of pineal indolamines reserve and their urgent evacuation into the blood to maintain general adaptive capacity of the body. However, disturbances in the morphology of the vascular wall and increased blood viscosity negatively affected the mechanisms of pineal hormones diffusion into the vascular bed, the development of compensatory-adaptive processes in the body as a whole and the course of general adaptation syndrome.

The purpose of this chapter is to use the concept of folie à deux (or shared delusion disorder) to examine the phenomena of “Q” and the “QAnon” movement in the 21st century. The insurrection which occurred on January 6, 2021 during the attack on the United States' capitol, drew the authors' attention to try to understand the reason for this mass violence and to determine what individuals, motivations, and beliefs brought this violence to life. The allegory of Plato's Cave is used by the authors to offer the reader a context to place the current increasingly bizarre claims and conspiracies that those following the QAnon espouse. Moreover, a discussion is presented of why these beliefs are so attractive to some and how difficult it is to get one to leave the movement.

Counterfeiting affects many different sectors of the world trade, including the pharmaceutical and the aerospace industries, and, therefore, its impact is not only of financial nature but can also have fatal consequences. This chapter introduces a new robust RFID system with enhanced hardware-enabled authentication and anti-counterfeiting capabilities. The system consists of two major components, namely the near-field certificates of authenticity (NF-CoAs), which complement typical RFID tags and serve as authenticity vouchers of the products they are attached to, and a microcontroller-enabled, low-power and low-cost reader. The high entropy and security of this framework stem from the unique, conductive, and dielectric, physical structure of the certificate instances and the highly complex electromagnetic effects that take place when such a certificate is brought in the reactive near-field area of the reader’s antenna array. In particular, the reader’s main task is to accurately extract the 5 to 6 GHz near-field response (NF fingerprint) of the NF-CoAs. The characterization of the reader’s components, with an emphasis on the accuracy achieved, is provided. Rigorous performance analysis and security test results, including uniqueness among different instances, repeatability robustness for same instance and 2D to 3D projection attack resistance, are presented and verify the unique features of this technology. Rendering typical RFID tags physically unique and hard to near-exactly replicate by complementing them with NF-CoAs can prove a valuable tool against counterfeiting.

Harvest aids are traditionally used to desiccate weeds to improve crop quality and harvest efficiency. Field studies were conducted in Texas to determine the effect of harvest aids (glyphosate, diquat-dibromide, glufosinate-ammonium, and carfentrazone-ethyl) on sesame drydown and yield. The objective was to identify one or more harvest aids that could (1) accelerate drydown, (2) burn-down green weeds, (3) even up a field with varying levels of drydown, (4) stop regrowth, (5) stop vivipary, and (6) prepare to plant a new crop. Other than diquat-dibromide, the herbicides were chosen based on the effect on weeds in other crops. The plan was to apply the herbicides 1 week before physiological maturity (PM), at PM, and 1 week after PM. However, sesame maturity is very sensitive to ground moisture, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. The weather was different in all trials and some stages could not be completed. In two cases, the trials had to be abandoned; however, certain patterns emerged. All the herbicides accelerated drydown compared to the untreated check. Diquat-dibromide and glufosinate-ammonium dried sesame faster than glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl. The higher rates of the herbicide dried down the sesame faster than the low rate. Although there were some differences in yields across the three application periods, there was no consistent pattern.

This chapter examines Annals 5–6, in which Tiberius’ life draws to a close and the issues of fate and divine punishment are linked to the decline in religious memory that has characterized his principate. Commemorations of Sejanus, Livia, and Agrippina the Younger show the Senate’s tendency to use cult practice for the flattery of the Imperial house. Episodes such as the appearance of a phoenix in Egypt and Tiberius’ own predictions of the future, made with the help of astrology, give Tacitus’ reader the impression that Rome will be punished for its actions.

1. Read your work out loud. You will be able to hear rhythm and flow of language this way, and you really cannot hear it when reading silently. 2. Don't be shy. Ask other writers to read a draft for you. Everyone gets too close to the story to see the glitches, and a dispassionate reader is a writer's best friend. Good writers gather readers around them for everything from newspaper stories to whole books (which require really good friends). 3. Think of your lead as seduction. How are you going to get this wary, perhaps uninterested reader, upstairs to see your etchings? You need to begin your story in a way that pulls the reader in. My favorite basic approach goes seductive lead, so-what section (why am I reading this), map section (here are the main points that will follow in this story). That approach leads me to my next tip, which is 4. Have a dear sense of your story and its structure before you begin writing. If you think of a story as an arc, in the shape of a rainbow, then it's helpful to know where it will begin and where it will end so that you know in advance how to build that arc. 5. Use transitions. A story has to flow. Leaping from place to place like a waterstrider on a pond will not make your prose easy to follow. 6. Use analogies. They are a beautiful way to make science vivid and real—as long as you don't overuse them. 7. In fact, don't overwrite at all. And never, never, never use clichés. If you want to write in your voice, generic language will not do. In my class, there are no silver linings, no cats let out of bags, no nights as black as pitch. A student who uses three clichés in a story gets an automatic C from me. 8. Write in English. This applies not only to science writing but to all beats in which a good story can easily sink in a sea of jargon.

In the course of studies conducted by IAET SB RAS in the Lower Ob in 2016–2019, the understanding of the conditions for settlement of the Paleolithic population in the north of Western Siberia was significantly supplemented. Dating of a series of paleontological finds was carried out at the "Accelerated mass spectrometer of the Budker Institute of Nucle- ar Physics of SB RAS". The dates obtained show the distribution of the main representatives of the Upper Pleistocene fauna of Subarctica: Mammuthus primigenius – 50,000–15,000 BP, Coelodonta antiquitatis – 43,000–38,000 BP and 27,000–25,000 BP, Rangifer tarandus, Equus ferus – 40,000–10,000 BP, Bison sp. – 50,000–40,000 BP, Ovibos moschatus – 41,000–32,000 BP.

Metallic materials are chosen for orthopedic implants because of their high load-bearing capacity, low cost and low wear rates. However, repeated contact loading at taper-locked or clamped of metallic implant interfaces results in formation of soluble and particulate debris due to the simultaneous action of mechanical loading and electrochemical reactions in the corrosive physiological environment [1–3]. Previous work on understanding metallic implant surface damage due to mechanical load assisted dissolution has run the gamut from examination of retrieved implants [4, 5, 6 ] to in-vitro implant scale experiments (see for instance [7] and references in review articles [2, 5]). Results of these studies indicate that there is a synergistic interaction of mechanical loading and electrochemical oxidation i.e. material degradation is accelerated by the combined effects of contact loading and corrosion.

Abstract A 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) was pre-stretched to 5% and subsequently aged at 850 °C for 0–120 minutes, to explore the effects of pre-strain and aging treatment on the corrosion behavior of the DSS in 6% FeCl3 solution at 50 °C for 72 hours. The microstructure, hardness and corrosion behavior of the pre-strained and aged DSS were investigated based on statistical data and physical metallurgy in comparison with the counterparts without pre-strain. The results showed that the sigma (σ) phase precipitated firstly in δ-ferrite grain boundaries and then in δ-ferrite/γ-austenite (δ/γ) phases boundaries by consuming the volume fraction of δ-ferrite. The volume fraction of σ phase in the DSS with and without pre-strain increased with increasing aging times following a classical Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) relationship, and the kinetics of the precipitation of σ phase was accelerated by pre-strain throughout the aging time of 60–120 min. The hardness of the non-pre-strained DSS (NP-DSS) was lower than that of pre-strained DSS (P-DSS) throughout 0–120 min at 850 °C. The hardness of NP-DSS increased continuously with increasing aging time, and the hardness of P-DSS decreased firstly and then increased continuously with increasing aging time. The aged NP-DSS displayed a gradually serious pitting with increasing aging time, and the corresponding corrosion behavior of the aged P-DSS exhibited pitting firstly and then mainly cracking, and the pitting occurred in the vicinity of δ/σ and γ/σ boundaries.

In a search for compounds that can enhance tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) synthesis in cultured human endothelial cells we found that dibutyryl cyclic AMP (at a concentration of 2 mM) led to a several-fold increase in t-PA production by endothelial cells over a 24 h incubation period. Further researchshowed that this stimulating effectcould be explained by the slow liberation of butyrate, as the effect could be reproduced by addition of free butyrate to the medium, but notby addition of 8-bromo cyclic AMP. With butyrate, an accelerated accumulation of t-PA antigen in the conditioned medium (CM) was observed after a lag period of about 6 h. Increasing amounts of butyrate caused anincreasingly stimulatory effect, reaching a plateau with 5 mM butyrate. The relative increase in t-PAproduction in thempresence of 5 mM butyrate varied among different endothelial cell cultures from 6 to 25-fold in 24 h CM. The butyrate-induced increase in t-PA production wasaccompanied by increased t-PA mRNAlevels.Analysis of radiolabelled CM andcell extracts by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography indicated that the potent action of butyrate is restricted to a limited group of proteins. We found that theaccumulation of PA-inhibitor activity in CM from butyrate-treated cells increased only moderately.In our study of the relationshipbetween structure and stimulatory activity we found that butyrate wasby far the most effective inducer oft-PA synthesis. Shortening or lengthening the carbon chain by one carbon atom decreased the stimulatory effect after 24 h of incubation by 50-70%. Further changes in the length of the carbon chain almost completely suppressed the stimulatory activity. Similarly, alterations of the aliphatic chain by introduction of functional groups, a double bond or a branched structure rendered butyrate ineffective in increasing t-PA synthesis. Thus, a straight-chain C4 monocarboxylate structure with a methyl group at one end and a carboxyl moiety at the other seems to be required for the rather specific induction of t-PA synthesis in cultured human endothelialcells.

Silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites (SiC/SiC CMC’s) are attractive for use in gas turbine engines as combustor liner materials because the temperature capability allows for reduced cooling. This enables the engine to operate more efficiently and enables the design of very stringent emission goals for NOx and CO. It has been shown, however, that SiC/SiC CMC’s and other silica formers can degrade with time in the high steam environment of the gas turbine combustor due to accelerated oxidation and subsequent volatilization of the silica due to reaction with high pressure water (ref.s 1, 2, 3, & 4). As a result, an environmental barrier coating (EBC) is required in conjunction with the SiC/SiC CMC in order to meet long life goals. Under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Solar Turbines Incorporated Ceramic Stationary Gas Turbine (CSGT) engine program (ref. 5), EBC systems developed under the HSCT EPM program and improved under the CSGT program have been applied to both SiC/SiC CMC coupons and SiC/SiC CMC combustion liners which have been evaluated in long term laboratory testing and in ground based turbine power generation. This paper discusses the continuing evaluation (see ref. 6) of EBC application to SiC/SiC CMC’s and the results from laboratory and engine test evaluations along with refurbishment considerations.

High pressure screw plug (also called breech lock) exchangers are arguably the most complicated bolted connection in a refinery. After traveling around the world helping facilities turn these exchangers from chronic leakers (from internal tubesheet and external diaphragm and B style shell leaks) to one of the most reliable heat exchangers in the plant, it is very clear to me that manufacturers, engineers and mechanics struggle to correctly understand the interactions between gaskets, internal pressure, the two circles of external push bolts that are part of A style exchangers and all the internal parts. Some manufactuers have given up on trying to make these connections operate leak free, and prefer to weld in the tubesheets and diaphragms. This significantly adds to the cost and time needed to open and close these exchangers, as special equipment is needed to machine out the parts and weld them back together again. There are a handful of equipment manufacturers that build these exchangers, and while there are differences from one manufacturer to the next, once the basic design is understood, the reader should be able understand that they are all basically the same when it comes to the few critical steps that must be followed when opening and closing these exchangers. In order to obtain reliable leak free performance, all the basic sealing tools must be employed, including: 1. A spreadsheet that will easily analyze the critical variables; 2. Correct gasket selection; 3. Correct assembly procedures that focus on important steps including proper spacing of internal parts and obtaining consistent thread friction; 4. And finally hot torqueing the exchangers after startup. The goal of this paper to provide the end-user with a good understanding for how parts interact and how the bolted connections function, so that they might also achieve reliable, leak free performance. This paper will explain: 1. How the connections work; 2. Common misunderstanding about screw plug exchangers; 3. Pressure Testing Screw Plug Exchangers; 4. Analyzing the design and calculating the important variables; 5. The key assembly steps that must be included in all assembly procedures; 6. Important design considerations when building new exchangers.

Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), has developed an iterative rail wear prediction model in the NUCARS® vehicle/track interaction multibody simulation program through internal research and development efforts and with funding from Network Rail (NR) in the UK. The rail wear model was built upon the NUCARS® penetration model1 to take advantage of the wheel/rail (W/R) contact calculation methodology for conformal W/R profiles. In addition to the advantages of NUCARS vehicle and track modeling capabilities, it modifies the rail profile online based on the Wear Indices (Tγ) and penetrated W/R profile shapes in the multipoint contact patches, and automatically updates the rail profile for the next run. The penetrated wheel profile segments or “wheel footprints” are blended into the modified rail profile. The worn rail shape eventually resembles the wheel shapes in the wheel database, and the wear process results in conformal W/R profile shapes. Rail wear prediction was validated using rail wear test results based on 515 million gross tons (MGT) of heavy axle load (39-ton (35-tonne) axle loads) freight traffic accumulated from 2003 to 2007 at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) on the nonground test zone (Section 25, 6-degree (291-meter (m)) curve with 5 inches (127 millimeter (mm)) superelevation). A wheel database, consisting of 50 measured new, mildly worn and heavily worn FAST train wheel profiles, was used to reflect the wheel shape effects during the wear process. This model has been used to predict rail relative wear trends of ground rail profiles for NR.2,3,4 A quantified W/R gap loss function has been implemented in NR’s Track-Ex© program5 for prioritizing rail grinding.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.

This HKH Call to Action is based on the HKH Assessment, which was drafted in response to requests from governments in the region, meeting a demand for a comprehensive assessment of the region’s mountains, environments, and livelihoods and proposes actions towards a shared vision for the future of the HKH region, in which its societies and its people are prosperous, healthy, peaceful, and resilient in a healthy environment. To realize this vision, this HKH Call to Action elaborates six urgent actions, including: 1) promote and strengthen regional cooperation at all levels to sustain mountain environment and livelihoods; 2) recognize and prioritize the uniqueness of the HKH mountain people; 3) take concerted climate actions; 4) take accelerated actions to achieve the SDGs, consistent with the nine mountain priorities; 5) take decisive actions to enhance ecosystem resilience; and 6) promote regional data and information sharing.