Analytical, numerical and experimental investigations of transverse fracture propagation from horizontal wells

This paper presents results of a comprehensive study involving analytical, numerical and experimental investigations into transverse fracture propagation from horizontal wells. The propagation of transverse hydraulic fractures from horizontal wells is simulated and investigated in the laboratory using carefully designed experimental setups. Closed-form analytical theories for Mode I (opening) stress intensity factors for idealized fracture geometries are reviewed, and a boundary element-based model is used herein to investigate non-planar propagation of fractures. Using the mixed mode fracture propagation criterion of the model, a reasonable agreement is found with respect to fracture geometry, net fracture pressures and fracture propagation paths between the modeled fractures and the laboratory tested fractures. These results suggest that the propagation of multiple fractures requires higher net pressures than a single fracture, the underlying reason of which is theoretically justified on the basis of local stress distribution.     

Word-specific precoding of contention bursts for broadband wireless networks

A precoding technique for pre-equalising contention bursts in a slotted-ALOHA access request scheme, for use in single-carrier broadband fixed wireless access (FWA) networks is presented. Multipath channel distortion is compensated for at the transmitter, so that the contention burst arrives undistorted at the receiver.     

Estimation of stream channel geometry in Idaho using GIS-derived watershed characteristics

This paper describes estimation of stream channel geometry with multiple regression analysis of GIS-derived watershed characteristics including drainage area, catchment-averaged precipitation, mean watershed slope, elevation, forest cover, percent area with slopes greater than 30 percent, and percent area with north-facing slopes greater than 30 percent. Results from this multivariate predictor method were compared to results from the traditional single-variable (drainage area) relationship for a sample of 98 unregulated and undiverted streams in Idaho. Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) was calculated for both multiple- and single-variable predictions for 100 independent, random subsamples of the dataset at each of four different subsample levels. The multiple-variable technique produced significantly lower RMSE for prediction of both stream width and depth when compared to the drainage area-only technique. In the best predictive equation, stream width depended positively on drainage area and mean watershed precipitation, and negatively on fraction of watershed consisting of north-facing slopes greater than 30%. Stream depth depended positively on drainage area and precipitation, and negatively on mean watershed elevation. Our results suggest that within a given physiographic province, multivariate analysis of readily available GIS-derived watershed variables can significantly improve estimates of stream width and depth for use in flow-routing software models.     

The unanticipated difficult airway with recommendations for management

PURPOSE: To review the current literature and generate recommendations on the role of newer technology in the management of the unanticipated difficult airway. METHODS: A literature search using key words and filters of English language and English abstracted publications from 1990-96 contained in the Medline, Current Contents and Biological Abstracts databases was carried out. The literature was reviewed and condensed and a series of evidence-based recommendations were evolved. CONCLUSIONS: The unanticipated difficult airway occurs with a low but consistent incidence in anaesthesia practice. Difficult direct laryngoscopy occurs in 1.5-8.5% of general anaesthetics and difficult intubation occurs with a similar incidence. Failed intubation occurs in 0.13-0.3% general anaesthetics. Current techniques for predicting difficulty with laryngoscopy and intubation are sensitive, non-specific and have a low positive predictive value. Assessment techniques which utilize multiple characteristics to derive a risk factor tend to be more accurate predictors. Devices such as the laryngeal mask, lighted stylet and rigid fibreoptic laryngoscopes, in the setting of unanticipated difficult airway, are effective in establishing a patient airway, may reduce morbidity and are occasionally lifesaving. Evidence supports their use in this setting as either alternatives to facemask and bag ventilation, when it is inadequate to support oxygenation, or to the direct laryngoscope, when tracheal intubation has failed. Specifically, the laryngeal mask and Combitube have proved to be effective in establishing and maintaining a patent airway in "cannot ventilate" situations. The lighted stylet and Bullard (rigid) fibreoptic scope are effective in many instances where the direct laryngoscope has failed to facilitate tracheal intubation. The data also support integration of these devices into strategies to manage difficult airway as the new standard of care. Training programmes should ensure graduate physicians are trained in the use of these alternatives. Continuing medical education courses should allow physicians in practice the opportunity to train with these alternative devices.     

Cover Picture: Fabricating Microlens Arrays by Surface Wrinkling (Adv. Mater. 24/2006)

The unique lateral confinement of a swelling polymer network leads to surface wrinkles that define a multitude of surface structures, including microlens arrays (background). The versatility of this approach, which is reported on p. 3238 by Crosby and Chan, allows for the realization of a variety of functional devices on both planar and nonplanar surfaces, such as synthetic compound lens structures (see inset).     

An inexpensive spray-freezing unit for preparing specimens for freeze-etching

Photomicrographs of thick sections taken with reciprocal, lateral illumination in a compound microscope produce stereo-pairs. The method is particularly useful with thick celloidin sections of nervous tissue impregnated with the Golgi selective silver technique.     

高级触摸感应技术普遍应用于玩家界面

正现在,消费性电子产品(最早是MP3播放器,现在则是智能手机、电子阅读器和平板电脑)上复杂精致的触摸屏互动应用日渐受到人们的青睐;它能使游戏机更加现代化,能吸引更年轻、更热衷高端技术的玩家。它能让玩家享受一系列功能和操作上的优势,同时使得开发商能够提供与其竞争对手截然不同的产品类型,在     

Cycle time distribution in circulating systems

The cycle time distribution (CTD) within closed, continuously circulating systems is defined and related to the residence time distributions of flow regions which make up such systems. Examples of the application of the CTD are noted and experimental methods for determining CTDs for various systems are summarized.