cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated electrodialysis-evaporation process for the treatment of aqueous process streams containing electrolytes

Abstract The use of electrodialysis to produce purified water and a concentrated brine solution from an aqueous stream directly is very expensive (or even impossible) if the water must be of high purity and/or the brine must be very concentrated. The use of evaporation alone to achieve this separation can also be very expensive. It may be more economical to concentrate the solute to an intermediate level with electrodialysis, followed by further concentration using evaporation. In this work, the optimum degree of water purification for the electrodialysis unit in an integrated electrodialysis/evaporation process is evaluated for various concentrations of aqueous Na 2 SO 4 feed. The designed process is capable of producing a continuous product at a constant solute concentration from a source that varies in concentration.
Potential of social networking sites for distance education student engagement

This chapter explores the potential of social networking sites for increasing student engagement for distance education learners. The authors present a modified student engagement model with a focus on the integration of technology, specifically social networking sites for community college distance education learners. The chapter concludes with challenges and implications for integrating social networking sites in the classroom and on the college level.
The Politics of "Ideational Policy"

Increasingly, technical models or "idea sets" are playing a prominent role in the crafting of public policy. Few frameworks exist in political science for the categorization and analysis of such models, yet their impact upon the policy process may someday be profound. This essay argues that the organization of policy ideas-as systems of central definitions, axioms, and deductive propositions-can be as important to the policy process as their content. In particular, idea sets that feature vague core concepts surrounded by formalized and long-linked deductive chains can be a source of considerable policy instability. This possibility is examined within the context of nuclear weapons procurement policy conducted under the intellectual rubric of deterrence theory. An argument is made for a "protected ambiguity" in connection with the use of technical models in public undertakings. This argument has important implications for the future of policy analysis as an effort to "rationalize" the process of public policy making. In his exploration of the new politics of "issue networks" Hugh Heclo observes that in many public policy disputes "any direct material interest is often secondary to intellectual or emotional commitment" (Heclo, 1978, p. 102). Perhaps as never before abstract concepts and ideas now march across the American policy-making landscape. We are witness to ideas not as mere assertions of economic and social interest, but as powers in themselves-organized, systematized and formalized into models of deductive rigor. The character of these "intellectual commitments" is coming to have an increasingly dominant effect upon the crafting of public policy. Consider the following examples: 1. A mathematical model of photochemical interactions in the upper atmosphere projects a deterioration of the ozone layer in the presence of chloro-fluorocarbons such as those released as propellants in ordinary aerosol cans. Such deterioration would, under present models of the atmosphere, permit significantly larger amounts of ultraviolet solar radiation to penetrate the biosphere, leading in turn (according to a statistical model) to higher incidences of cancer, particularly the dangerous skin cancer, melanoma. On the basis of this mathematical simulation, major public debate focuses upon aerosol can safety leading to both federal and state regulatory responses.
Struktur der Blei(IV)-carboxylate und ihre Zersetzung über elektronenspinresonanz-spektroskopisch nachweisbare Radikalzwischenstufen†

The position of the asymmetric COO- vibration of lead4+ carboxylates (at 6.50 to 6.58 μ) clearly indicates the absence of covalent bonding between oxygen and lead. These salts show strong UV. absorption in the region of 220 to 270 nm which is assigned to a charge transfer from oxygen to lead. UV.-irradiation of lead4+ carboxylates at −196°C in a solid benzene matrix leads to decarboxylation and production of alkyl radicals which were identified by ESR. spectrometry. These radicals react in the solid matrix by hydrogen abstraction from the α-position of a neighbouring carboxylate. In solution however rapid oxidation to carbonium ions occurs.
Development and characterization of rabbit proximal tubular epithelial cell lines

We have isolated rabbit kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell lines. The selection was based on their ability to form confluent monolayers on porous supports and to maintain receptor-mediated signal transduction and ion transport, characteristic of the proximal tubule. The isolation method consisted of several steps: (1) superficial cortical proximal tubule segments were microdissected and cultured on a matrix-coated porous support until cells formed a confluent monolayer; (2) primary cultures showing hormone-regulated ion transport typical for the proximal tubule were selected and co-cultured with irradiated fibroblasts; and (3) the epithelial cells surviving after several passages were expanded and passaged on porous substrates. Most of the cell lines developed in this manner were obtained by co-culture with irradiated fibroblasts producing a recombinant retrovirus encoding SV40 large T antigen and G418 resistance. However, SV40 T antigen expression was not essential for immortalization, since neither T antigen nor G418 resistance was detected in the isolated cell lines and co-culture with non-producing 3T3 cells gave similar results. One cell line (vEPT) has been characterized in some detail with respect to morphological, biochemical, and ion transport properties. This line forms confluent monolayers with apical microvilli, tight junctions, and convolutions of the basolateral plasma membrane. Once confluent, monolayers maintain conductances of 25 to 32 mS/cm2 for several weeks in culture and possess phlorizin-sensitive short-circuit current (Isc) in glucose containing media, indicative of apical Na(+)-glucose co-transport. vEPT cells also retain receptor and signaling mechanisms for angiotensin II (Ang II). Apical and basal Ang II and 5,6-epoxy-eicosatrienoic acid (5,6-EET) modulate the Isc in a manner similar to primary cultures. The cell lines share with primary cultures expression of the cytokeratins K8, K10/K11, and K19 ("nomenclature" [21]). They also retain several receptor and signal transduction mechanisms. For example, Ang II, arachidonate, bradykinin, 5,6-EET, parathyroid hormone (residues 1 through 34), and purine nucleotides increase cytosolic Ca2+, PTH elevates cAMP levels, and Ang II enhances proximal tubule-specific arachidonic acid metabolism.
Double-antibody homogeneous fluorescence immunoassay of phenytoin

Abstract A homogeneous fluorescence immunoassay suitable for quantifying 5–25 mg l −1 phenytoin (5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidenedione) in serum is described. The fluorophor-labeled phenytoin and unlabeled phenytoin (analyte) compete for a limited number of anti-phenytoin antibody binding sites in the presence of anti-fluorophor antibodies. The label employed is a sulfonamido derivative of 2-naphthol-8-sulfonic acid (2-8) which, at neutral pH, undergoes excited-state proton transfer. Binding of anti 2-8 antibodies to the drug-fluorophor conjugate results in quenching of the conjugate base emission at 480 nm. The relative standard deviations are about 5%.
Vanadium Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Complexes of Diphenyl Phosphate. Heterometallic Complexes of the [LV{(PhO)(2)PO(2)}(3)](-) Fragment.

The synthesis and characterization of nine trinuclear, mixed metal complexes of the type [LV{μ-(PhO)2PO2}3]2M, where the vanadium is in the 3+ oxidation state, L = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate, and M = Ba(II) (1), Ca(II) (2), Mg(II) (3), Mn(II) (4), Co(II) (5), Ni(II) (6), Fe(II) (7), 2 Na(I) (8), Al(III) (9), and La(III) (10), are described. X-ray crystal structural analysis of 1, 3, and 4 gave the following parameters: 1, C92H84B2N12O24P6Cl4BaV2, C2/c, a = 26.730(5) A, b = 15.521(3) A, c = 27.648(6) A, β = 100.53(3)°, Z = 4; 3, C94H80B2N14O24P6MgV2, P1, a = 13.410(3) A, b = 14.179(3) A, c = 15.694(3) A, α = 112.22(3)°, β = 101.31(3)°, γ = 106.15(3)°, Z = 1; 4, C111H80B2N12O28P6MnV2, R3c, a = 18.670(3) A, b = 18.671(3) A, c = 61.114(12) A, Z = 6. Magnetic measurements indicate that compounds containing an integral spin central ion display moderate antiferromagnetic coupling while those with half-integral spins give more complex behavior.
Reply [to “Numerical modeling strategies revisited”]

I thank D. Harry for bringing further attention to the questions of numerical modeling goals, strategies, and approaches, and for clarifying that simulation models—those designed to reproduce the behavior of specific natural systems as accurately as possible—can serve valuable scientific purposes. I agree with this point and allude to it in Murray [2003], a fuller version of the earlier discussion in Eos. In the situations Harry describes, we believe we know the main physical and/or chemical interactions that are important in a system. In such cases, simulation models can be useful for addressing more detailed questions, as Harry outlines, to help improve our understanding of particular natural examples in various ways.
Binary scattering model for Lennard-Jones potential: Transport coefficients and collision integrals for non-equilibrium gas flow simulations

A Lennard-Jones (LJ) binary interaction model for dilute gases is obtained by representing the exact scattering angle as a polynomial expansion in non-dimensional collision variables. Rigorous theoretical verification of the model is performed by comparison with exact values of diffusion and viscosity cross sections and related collision integrals. The collision quantities given by the polynomial approximation model agree within 3.5% with those of the exact LJ scattering. The proposed model is compared in detail with the generalized soft sphere (GSS) model which is the closest in terms of fidelity among existing direct simulation Monte Carlo collision models. The GSS model's performance for the collision integral used in the first approximate of viscosity coefficient is comparable to the proposed model for most reduced temperatures. However, other collision integrals deviate significantly, even at moderate reduced temperatures. The high fidelity of the proposed model at low reduced temperatures enables non-equilibrium simulations of gases with deep LJ potential well such as metallic vapors. The model is based on the scattering angle as opposed to viscosity or diffusion coefficients and provides a direct link to molecular dynamics simulations.
The Longue Durée of Racial Fixity and the Transformative Conjunctures of Racial Blending

Norman E. Whitten The new human beings of the modern world�espanol, indio, negro, mestizo, mulato, sambo�were born out of the same upheaval that made "nations," "bureaucrats," "slavers," "global merchants," and "colonies." It was the modern world's signature to etch economic dominance and political supremacy into a radical cultural design. It was also its signature to hide the social relations that were brewing supremacy and conflict behind a semblance of "race things". Irene Silverblatt (2004:5) As tends to happen with martyrs and saints, any undercurrent of doubt is usually excised from the biographies of key figures associated with the defense of Latin America's unique mesticity. Marilyn Grace Miller (2004:14)
Battery-free RFID-enabled wireless sensors

This paper introduces the realization of batter-free RFID-enable wireless sensors by integrating conformal RFID antennas with inkjet-printed carbon nanotubes (CNT) composites in a chipless RFID fashion for gas detection. The whole module is realized by inkjet printing on a low-cost paper-based substrate and the RFID tag is designed for the European UHF RFID band. The electrical conductivity of the CNT film changes in the presence of very small quantities of gases like ammonia, methanol, ethanol, acetone and nitrogen oxide (NO x ), resulting in the variation of the backscattered power level which can be easily detected by the RFID reader to realize reliable wireless toxic gas sensing. The electrical performance characterization of the inkjet-printed CNT film is also reported in the UHF band.
Building a Better M.I.C.E. Trap: Using Virtual Focus Groups to Assess Subject Guides for Distance Education Students

Subject guides are often used as an alternative to in-person library instruction for distance education students. However, when students are not on-campus, it can be difficult to assess if they are getting all of the relevant information they need. In an organization that serves students located across the United States and even outside of the country, a method was needed to assess the effectiveness of library information provided to distance learners on specific topics. The William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration (Hotel College) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), offers a number of on-campus and distance education courses, including classes taught at a satellite campus in Singapore. With diverse course offerings via distance education, the conventions and exhibitions subject area was chosen as a case study. Often referred to as M.I.C.E., the study of meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions in a hospitality context is a major subdiscipline within the Hotel College. After researching different approaches to studying the effectiveness of subject guides, a virtual focus group was chosen to gather feedback from students. This paper will demonstrate how focus groups can be created and how the information gathered can be used to increase effectiveness of subject guides. Readers will discover effective techniques and pitfalls for using virtual focus groups in conjunction with subject guides assessment.
Psychosocial Well-Being and the Relationship between Divorce and Children's Academic Achievement.

As an unprecedented number of children live in families experiencing divorce, researchers have developed increasingly complex explanations for the consequences associated with marital dissolution. Current accounts focus on changes to family finances, destabilized parenting practices, elevated parental conflict, and deterioration of the parent–child relationship, to explain the impact of divorce. A less studied explanation draws attention to children's diminished psychosocial well-being following divorce. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten cohort (ECLS-K) (N = 10,061), I examined the role of psychosocial well-being in the relationship between divorce and children's outcomes. The results suggest that divorce is associated with diminished psychosocial well-being in children, and that this decrease helps explain the connection between divorce and lower academic achievement.
Optically active iridium imidazol-2-ylidene-oxazoline complexes: preparation and use in asymmetric hydrogenation of arylalkenes.

This work explores the potential of iridium complexes of the N-heterocyclic carbene oxazoline ligands 1 in asymmetric hydrogenations of arylalkenes. The accessible carbene precursors, imidazolium salts 2, and robust iridium complexes 5 facilitated a discovery/optimization approach that featured preparation of a small library of iridium complexes, parallel hydrogenation reactions, and automated analysis. Three of the complexes (5ab, 5ad, and 5dp) and a similar rhodium complex (6ap) were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. This revealed molecular features of 6ap, and presumably the corresponding iridium complex 5ap, that the others do not have. In enantioselective hydrogenations of arylalkenes complex 5ap was the best for many, but not all, substrates. The enantioselectivities and conversions observed were sensitive to minor changes to the catalyst and substrate structure. Ligands with aliphatic N-heterocyclic carbene substituents gave complexes that are inactive, and do not lose the 1,5...
Percutaneous intracerebral navigation by duty-cycled spinning of flexible bevel-tipped needles.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral drug delivery using surgically placed microcatheters is a growing area of interest for potential treatment of a wide variety of neurological diseases, including tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, trauma, epilepsy, and stroke. Current catheter placement techniques are limited to straight trajectories. The development of an inexpensive system for flexible percutaneous intracranial navigation may be of significant clinical benefit. OBJECTIVE: Utilizing duty-cycled spinning of a flexible bevel-tipped needle, the authors devised and tested a means of achieving nonlinear trajectories for the navigation of catheters in the brain, which may be applicable to a wide variety of neurological diseases. METHODS: Exploiting the bending tendency of bevel-tipped needles due to their asymmetry, the authors devised and tested a means of generating curvilinear trajectories by spinning a needle with a variable duty cycle (ie, in on-off fashion). The technique can be performed using image guidance, and trajectories can be adjusted intraoperatively via joystick. Fifty-eight navigation trials were performed during cadaver testing to demonstrate the efficacy of the needle-steering system and to test its precision. RESULTS: The needle-steering system achieved a target acquisition error of 2 6 1 mm, while demonstrating the ability to reach multiple targets from one burr hole using trajectories of varying curvature. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the needle-steering system was demonstrated in a cadaveric model. Future studies will determine the safety of the device in vivo.
Microarray Gene Expression Analysis Using Combinatorial Fusion

Microarray technology is a popular and informative technique widely used in experimental molecular biology, which can produce quantitative expression measurements for thousands of genes in a single cellular mRNA sample. Analysis methods for determining significant genes are essential to extracting information from the multitude of data generated from a single microarray experiment. Raw gene expression measurements alone, most often, do not indicate significant genes for the given condition. While analysis methods are abundant, there is a need for enhanced performance when attempting to identify significant genes from such experiments. Additionally, the ability to more accurately predict informative genes from cross-laboratory and/or cross-experiment data can certainly aid in disease detection. We propose the application of Combinatorial Fusion Analysis (CFA) in order to enhance and expedite the identification of significant genes in a cross-experiment analysis. Previous methods to identify significant genes applied SAM to analyze the data sets and then took the intersection of top ranked genes. In this paper, we used CFA to combine the scoring functions of two data sets produced by SAM. Moreover, both score and rank combinations are used. Both combinations can achieve better results than the previous approach of taking the intersection. In addition, by using the Rank-Score Characteristic function as a diversity measure, we are able to show that rank combination performed better than score combination. CFA can robustly identify significant genes from multiple microarray data sets so that experimental biology researchers can efficiently perform the next phase of analysis on a smaller subset of genes.
Throwing Away the Ladder

Whether one is reading Wittgenstein's Tractatus or his later writings, one must be struck by his insistence that he is not putting forward philosophical doctrines or theses; or by his suggestion that it cannot be done, that it is only through some confusion one is in about what one is doing that one could take oneself to be putting forward philosophical doctrines or theses at all. I think that there is almost nothing in Wittgenstein which is of value and which can be grasped if it is pulled away from that view of philosophy. But that view of philosophy is itself something that has to be seen first in the Tractatus if it is to be understood in its later forms, and in the Tractatus it is inseparable from what is central there, the distinction between what can be said and what can only be shown.
Purification of pcna as a nucleotide excision repair protein

Human cell free extracts carry out nucleotide excision repair in vitro. The extract is readily separated into two fractions by chromatography on a DEAE column. Neither the low salt (0.1 M KCl) nor the high salt (0.8 M KCl) fractions are capable of repair synthesis but the combination of the two restore the repair synthesis activity. Using the repair synthesis assay we purified a protein of 37 kDa from the high salt fraction which upon addition to the low salt fraction restores repair synthesis activity. Amino acid sequence analysis, amino acid composition and immunoblotting with PCNA antibodies revealed that the 37 kDa protein is the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) known to stimulate DNA Polymerases delta and epsilon. By using an assay which specifically measures the excision of thymine dimers we found that PCNA is not required for the actual excision reaction per se but increases the extent of excision by enabling the excision repair enzyme to turn over catalytically.
The Effect of Goal Specificity on Consumer Goal Reengagement

Consumers often need to decide if they want to reengage a goal, such as a goal of losing weight, a goal of saving money, or a goal of performing well on a video game. This research finds that consumers are more likely to reengage a goal when they have set a high-low range goal (e.g., lose 2–4 pounds this week) than when they have set a single number goal (e.g., lose 3 pounds this week). This effect is driven by the greater attainability and greater challenge of the high-low range goal, which then leads to a greater feeling of accomplishment. Thus, these findings suggest that in order to keep a consumer motivated over time to continue with an activity or continue using a product, that consumer should first set or be given a high-low range goal.
Stoichiometry of G protein subunits affects the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mating pheromone signal transduction pathway.

Abstract The Saccharomyces cerevisiae GPA1, STE4, and STE18 genes encode products homologous to mammalian G-protein alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, respectively. All three genes function in the transduction of the signal generated by mating pheromone in haploid cells. To characterize more completely the role of these genes in mating, we have conditionally overexpressed GPA1, STE4, and STE18, using the galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter. Overexpression of STE4 alone, or STE4 together with STE18, generated a response in haploid cells suggestive of pheromone signal transduction: arrest in G1 of the cell cycle, formation of cellular projections, and induction of the pheromone-inducible transcript FUS1 25- to 70-fold. High-level STE18 expression alone had none of these effects, nor did overexpression of STE4 in a MATa/alpha diploid. However, STE18 was essential for the response, since overexpression of STE4 was unable to activate a response in a ste18 null strain. GPA1 hyperexpression suppressed the phenotype of STE4 overexpression. In addition, cells that overexpressed GPA1 were more resistant to pheromone and recovered more quickly from pheromone than did wild-type cells, which suggests that GPA1 may function in an adaptation response to pheromone.
Literacy and Learning across Transnational Online Spaces

This article reviews the emerging research literature on literacy in transnational migrant contexts and extends research in this area through an-depth study of how two immigrant teenagers navigated online media across countries to participate in a domain of interest, which included online forum discussion of philosophy and websites related to global Japanese animation and manga (graphic novels). In particular, it examines how the transnational affiliation and frame of reference of the youth affect their literacy development and knowledge making in these interest-based communities. Data consisted of observations, interviews, screen recordings, and think-aloud demonstrations by the youth of how they participated in the online communities. The analyses examine how the youth participated in the specialist language of their domain of interest and, in the case of one of them, how multiple languages were used to gather diverse sources of information and media content distributed across Internet sites in his native and adopted countries. Implications are drawn for an understanding of literacy in transnational migrant contexts as involving knowledge making with people and textual artifacts in distributed networks that reach across national boundaries.
Separating Beads and Cells in Multi-channel Microfluidic Devices Using Dielectrophoresis and Laminar Flow

Microfluidic devices have advanced cell studies by providing a dynamic fluidic environment on the scale of the cell for studying, manipulating, sorting and counting cells. However, manipulating the cell within the fluidic domain remains a challenge and requires complicated fabrication protocols for forming valves and electrodes, or demands specialty equipment like optical tweezers. Here, we demonstrate that conventional printed circuit boards (PCB) can be used for the non-contact manipulation of cells by employing dielectrophoresis (DEP) for bead and cell manipulation in laminar flow fields for bioactuation, and for cell and bead separation in multichannel microfluidic devices. First, we present the protocol for assembling the DEP electrodes and microfluidic devices, and preparing the cells for DEP. Then, we characterize the DEP operation with polystyrene beads. Lastly, we show representative results of bead and cell separation in a multichannel microfluidic device. In summary, DEP is an effective method for manipulating particles (beads or cells) within microfluidic devices.
Level Set Segmentation Using Statistical Shape Priors

A novel and robust 3-D segmentation approach is proposed using level sets based on shape constraints. The approach depends on both the gray level and shape information. A partial differential equation (PDE) is developed to control the evolution of the level sets. The PDE does not include weighting coefficients to be tuned, overcoming the disadvantages of other PDE approaches. The shape information is gathered from a set of the signed distance maps representing the training data as a histogram of the occurrences of the points inside and outside the object. We use a novel statistical approach to get a probability density function (pdf) for the signed distance map of the points inside and outside and also the distribution of gray level inside and outside the object. The proposed statistical approach is based on modelling the empirical density function (normalized histogram of occurrence) for either the gray level distribution or signed distance map with a linear combination of Gaussians (LCG) with positive and negative components. We modify an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm to deal with the LCGs and also propose a novel EM-based sequential technique to get a close initial LCG approximation for the modified EM algorithm to start with. The pdfs of the signed distance and intensity gray level are embedded in the speed function of the level set specifying the direction of evolution. Experimental results show how the approach is accurate in segmenting different types of 2-D and 3-D data sets including medical images.
Conveying visual information with spatial auditory patterns

Humans can perceive their spatial surroundings both by the visual and the auditory senses. Even though the auditory system has much lower spatial resolution, it can still serve as an alternative or supplementary information channel for the visual modality. We investigate the feasibility of conveying elaborate visual information by auditory patterns. A system is developed that transforms 2-D binary images into "auditory images." Such images are based on slow raster scanning of a perceptual auditory surface around the subject while emitting sounds that correspond to the brightness level of the images at each location. The parameters involved in such a system are quantitatively investigated with respect to their effect on performance. These parameters include resolution, level difference, sound color contrast, speed, surface curvature, etc. The graphic percepts of synthetic auditory images that correspond to simple shapes are also analyzed. The experimental results show that sound localization can be used to convey visual information quite successfully for simple shapes and low-resolution patterns.
The metropolis keyboard - an exploration of quantitative techniques for virtual keyboard design

Text entry user interfaces have been a bottleneck of non traditional computing devices. One of the promising methods is the virtual keyboard on touch screens. Various layouts have been manually designed to replace the dominant QWERTY layout. This paper presents two computerized quantitative design techniques to search for the optimal virtual keyboard. The first technique simulated the dynamics of a keyboard with “digraph springs” between keys, which produced a “Hooke’s” keyboard with 41.6 wpm performance. The second technique used a Metropolis random walk algorithm guided by a “Fitts energy” objective function, which produced a “Metropolis” keyboard with 43.1 wpm performance. The paper also models and evaluates the perfo rmance of four existing keyboard layouts. We corrected erroneous estimates in the literature and predicted the performance of QWERTY, CHUBON, FITALY, OPTI to be in the neighborhood of 30, 33, 36 and 38 wpm respectively. Our best design was 40% faster than QWERTY and 10% faster than OPTI, illustrating the advantage of quantitative user interface design techniques based on models of human performance over traditional trial and error designs guided by heuristics.
A review of the genus Ditylometopa Kertész (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

The genus Ditylometopa Kertesz (Diptera: Stratiomyidae, Clitellariinae), which occurs only in the Neotropical Region, is reviewed. Euryneura rufifrons Curran, 1934 is synonymized with Ditylometopa elegans Kertesz, 1923. A neotype is designated for D. elegans. Two species are recognized, including Ditylometopa centralensis sp. nov., which is described from Costa Rica (type locality) and Nicaragua and may occur in Brazil.
CHAMPION NETWORKS IN FEDERATED INTERORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS: CASE STUDIES IN TELEMEDICINE

Champions are critical to the success of an information system implementation. When implementing a large information system, research shows that success may require more than one type of champion. This study investigates the types of champions used in federated interorganizational systems (FIOS) in a state telemedicine context. Case studies were conducted in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin to identify the network of champions in state telemedicine systems. We found that FIOS that relied on a network of champions, including a sponsorship champion at the state level, as well as a technical champion and user champion at site locations, were more successful than those that lacked such a network. We suggest that our model of champions in FIOS applies not only to state telemedicine, but also to any large-scale system implementation spanning a federation of loosely coupled organizations.
Spectral analysis of heart rate variability using diaphragmatic EMG burst activity as a time base

Spectral analysis of heart-rate variability (HRV) normally reveals a harmonic mode associated with breathing activity. Since this mode is locked to the breathing rate, temporal variations in breathing rate lead to a broadening of the HRV spectral peak width. It is shown that specific knowledge of breathing activity can be used to eliminate this broadening. >
Ectopic liver masquerading as a floating intracaval mass

Ectopic liver is defined as liver parenchyma situated outside the liver proper with no connection to native hepatic tissue. This rare developmental anomaly is most commonly described as an attachment to the gallbladder with an incidence
Envisioning systemic effects on persons and society throughout interactive system design

The design, development, and deployment of interactive systems can substantively impact individuals, society, and the natural environment, now and potentially well into the future. Yet, a scarcity of methods exists to support long-term, emergent, systemic thinking in interactive design practice. Toward addressing this gap, we propose four envisioning criteria --- stakeholders, time, values, and pervasiveness -- distilled from prior work in urban planning, design noir, and Value Sensitive Design. We characterize how the criteria can support systemic thinking, illustrate the integration of the envisioning criteria into established design practice (scenariobased design), and provide strategic activities to serve as generative envisioning tools. We conclude with suggestions for use and future work. Key contributions include: 1) four envisioning criteria to support systemic thinking, 2) value scenarios (extending scenario-based design), and 3) strategic activities for engaging the envisioning criteria in interactive system design practice.
Evaluation of Elements of the Nursing Worklife Model Using Unit-Level Data.

The practice environment is important to nurse satisfaction and patient outcomes. Laschinger and Leiter posited causal relationships by development and testing of the Nursing Worklife Model (NWLM). Using a secondary analysis of unit-level data (N = 3,203; medical, surgical, medical–surgical, critical-care, and step-down units) from the 2011 National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators®, hypothesized pathways of the NWLM were tested using structural equation modeling. Practice Environment subscales developed by Lake were used to operationalize model variables with job enjoyment being the outcome variable. Positive pathways identified in the original causal model were supported. However, using an iterative process, additional pathways were identified that improved model fit (comparative fit index = 0.99; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; standardized root mean square residual = 0.002). Nurse manager ability, leadership, and support had direct links to job enjoyment as well as other element...
Transportation as Outreach, Driver as Mental Health Worker

Case finding and early detection and referral of elderly persons with mental problems can be accomplished by trained and supervised drivers as part of a transportation service. Increased access to community programs and services as a result of provided transportation helped clients maintain their independence and self-esteem.
HALO (highly addictive, socially optimized) software engineering

In recent years, computer games have become increasingly social and collaborative in nature. Massively multiplayer online games, in which a large number of players collaborate with each other to achieve common goals in the game, have become extremely pervasive. By working together towards a common goal, players become more engrossed in the game. In everyday work environments, this sort of engagement would be beneficial, and is often sought out. We propose an approach to software engineering called HALO that builds upon the properties found in popular games, by turning work into a game environment. Our proposed approach can be viewed as a model for a family of prospective games that would support the software development process. Utilizing operant conditioning and flow theory, we create an immersive software development environment conducive to increased productivity. We describe the mechanics of HALO and how it could fit into typical software engineering processes.
Co-trimoxazole versus nafcillin in the therapy of experimental meningitis due to Staphylococcus aureus

Co-trimoxazole was compared with nafcillin against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in the therapy of experimental Staph. aureus meningitis in rabbits. Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim:sulphamethoxazole in a 1:20 ratio) was synergistic against 22/24 strains of Staph. aureus in vitro. The MBC90 of co-trimoxazole and nafcillin were 0.156-3.12 mg/l and 0.25 mg/l, respectively, concentrations below those achievable in purulent cerebrospinal fluid. The rate of bacterial killing (Staph. aureus) by co-trimoxazole and nafcillin were similar in both broth and pooled CSF in vitro. However, the MBC increased and the rate of bactericidal activity of both agents declined when tested in CSF at a higher inoculum (10(7) cfu/ml). During continuous intravenous infusion therapy of a reproducible, uniformly fatal (if untreated) model of experimental Staph. aureus meningitis, serum concentrations of all agents closely approximated those found in humans receiving standard parenteral regimens. The mean percent penetration into CSF ([CSF]/[serum] X 100) was 2.9, 35.6 and 27.1% for nafcillin, trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole, respectively. Although both nafcillin and co-trimoxazole therapy reduced CSF Staph. aureus concentrations significantly more rapidly (P less than 0.001) when compared to untreated controls, the bactericidal rate was modest. The CSF was rendered sterile in 0/64 animals treated with either regimen for 8 h. Nafcillin was more rapidly bactericidal in vivo (P less than 0.03) than co-trimoxazole in this model. Caution is advised in the use of co-trimoxazole for infections of the central nervous system caused by Staph. aureus.
The Effects of Aural Versus Notated Instructional Materials on Achievement and Self-Efficacy in Jazz Improvisation:

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of aural versus notated pedagogical materials on achievement and self-efficacy in instrumental jazz improvisation performance. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate how achievement and self-efficacy may be related to selected experience variables. The sample for the study consisted of collegiate instrumentalists (N = 62) enrolled as music majors at one of six Midwestern universities. All study participants received identical instructional materials but were assigned to one of two differing instructional modalities. Participants engaged in three 70-minute instructional treatment sessions over 4 days and completed pre- and postinstruction improvisation performances that were evaluated by four expert judges using the researcher-constructed Jazz Improvisation Performance Achievement Measure. Self-efficacy was measured using the researcher-constructed Jazz Improvisation Self-Efficacy Scale. Results indicated a significant (p < .05) ...
Underwater acoustic communication by passive-phase conjugation: theory and experimental results

A new method for coherent underwater acoustic communication called passive phase conjugation is evaluated. The method is so named because of conceptual similarities to active phase conjugation methods that have been demonstrated in the ocean. In contrast to active techniques, however, the array in passive phase conjugation needs only receive. The procedure begins with a source transmitting a single probe pulse. After waiting for the multipathed arrivals to clear, the source then transmits the data stream. At each element in the distant receiving array, the received probe is cross-correlated with the received data stream. This cross-correlation is done in parallel at each array element and the results are summed across the array to achieve the final communication signal suitable for demodulation. As the ocean changes, it becomes necessary to break up the data stream and insert new probe pulses. Results from an experiment conducted in Puget Sound near Seattle are reported. Measurements were made at multiple ranges and water depths in range-dependent environments.
Evidence based for exercise program in physical therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects more frequently young women. It is a progressive and unpredictable disease, resulting in some cases of disabilities and limitations to physical, psychological and social level. Purpose: To review the literature for evidence based of the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention in Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: The research was performed in the databases SCIELO, MEDLINE and PEDRO, where articles in English and Portuguese idioms published from 2003 to 2013 were selected. We used the following keywords “multiple sclerosis, exercise and Physiotherapy”, having as result 58 articles. We applied the following Exclusion criteria in the selection of articles: All articles that did not register data recommendation for exercise, all exercise programs that are applied to patients with EDSS less than 7 and those patients submitted to pharmacological tests. At the end articles 26 were selected. Results: Exercise programs in physical therapy for a successful management of functional limitations, disabilities, and to improve the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis. Various studies of exercise in multiple sclerosis recommend performing aerobic exercise of moderate intensity for a total of 20–30 min per session, alternating with rest periods, two to three times per week. For people with EDSS index less than 7. Several studies have implemented specific programs to increase muscle strength, composed of 8–15 repetitions increased in the following months. The number of series of exercises should start with 1–3 series, progressively increasing to 3–4 series. The resting between series of exercises should be 2–4 minutes. Some authors advise the combination of aerobic and strength training with 3 sessions/week of strength training and 1 session of aerobic exercise. Conclusion(s): Through the reading of the results we can see that exercise programs in physical therapy plays a key role in the prevention and rehabilitation of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Implications: The basis of scientific evidence of exercise for the intervention of physiotherapy treatments in patients with multiple sclerosis programs is critical to the effectiveness of treatments.
Acute Care Surgery and the Elderly

You are asked to evaluate an 80-year-old retired railroad porter who stumbled and fell while walking his dog. He has left upper extremity and forehead abrasions. According to his family, he lives alone and is completely independent. The patient denies any medical problems with the exception of diabetes mellitus and benign prostate hypertrophy. He has a normal mental status and is hemodynamically stable. Outside of the abrasion, patient’s physical examination is unremarkable. Which of the following should be the management plan for this patient? (A) Overnight observation in the hospital (B) Outpatient management (C) Refer patient to a rehabilitation center (D) Obtain plain radiography of the head (E) Obtain head computed tomography scan
“Get Fruved:” A Peer-Led, Trained-the-Trainer Social Marketing Intervention to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Prevent Childhood Obesity

from each state are responsible for creating and implementing one nutrition and one physical activity program addressing overweight and obesity among 6-8th grade youth. Evaluation: Using mixed method baseline data, a questionnaire was developed, disseminated to youth in the six communities and analyzed to capture youth health behaviors, determinants of behaviors, and youth engagement and empowerment prior to program intervention. Conclusions and Implications: Identifying a potential framework for creating community-focused, sustainable and effective adolescent obesity prevention programs. Funding: USDA Grant #2012-68001-19619, Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
Government response to climate change in China: a study of provincial and municipal plans

In this paper, we provide an overview of local and regional climate change plans in China by scrutinizing planning documents from 16 cities, four autonomous regions, and 22 provinces. We develop and apply an evaluation protocol to understand goals, process, and strategies in these plans. We also conduct interviews with government officials to provide a context for subnational climate change planning. The results indicate that current climate change planning in China is characterized by the ‘top-down’ approach, in which the central governmental incentives play a vital role in shaping provincial and municipal plans. In addition, most plans have the following issues: vague definition of what characterizes a low-carbon city/region; deficiency in the quality of greenhouse gas inventory and reduction targets; insufficient strategies provided to respond to climate change; inadequate stakeholder engagement; and weak horizontal coordination. Finally, we offer recommendations to improve climate change planning in C...
Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of nuclei with A 7

We report quantum Monte Carlo calculations of ground and low-lying excited states for nuclei with $Al~7$ using a realistic Hamiltonian containing the Argonne ${v}_{18}$ two-nucleon and Urbana IX three-nucleon potentials. A detailed description of the Green's-function Monte Carlo algorithm for systems with state-dependent potentials is given and a number of tests of its convergence and accuracy are performed. We find that the Hamiltonian being used results in ground states of both ${}^{6}$Li and ${}^{7}$Li that are stable against breakup into subclusters, but somewhat underbound compared to experiment. We also have results for ${}^{6}$He, ${}^{7}$He, and their isobaric analogs. The known excitation spectra of all these nuclei are reproduced reasonably well and we predict a number of excited states in ${}^{6}$He and ${}^{7}$He. We also present spin-polarized one-body and several different two-body density distributions. These are the first microscopic calculations that directly produce nuclear shell structure from realistic interactions that fit $\mathrm{NN}$ scattering data.
Effects of Plasma Electrolyte Abnormalities on Total Peripheral Resistance and other Hemodynamic Parameters in Dogs

SummaryThe effects of electrolyte and water abnormalities on total peripheral resistance (TPR) were studied in anesthetized dogs. Cardiac input was maintained constant by means of a pump. A 5 min intranvenous (IV) infusion of isotonic KCl (N = 11) or MgCl2 (N = 11) solution at 1.91 cc/min increased plasma [K+] by 0.64 mEq/1 and increased [Mg2+] by 1.83 mEq/1. These abnormalities did not significantly alter TPR. A 5 min infusion of hypertonic saline solution at 7.64 cc/min increased plasma osmolality (Osm) 20 mOsm/1 (N = 10). TRP decreased an average of 5% (P < 0.05). Simultaneously increasing plasma [K+], [Mg2+], and Osm (N = 10) 0.4 mEq/1, 1.95 mEq/1, and 22 mOsm/1 respectively, produced a decrease in TPR of 11% (P < 0.05). Identical experiments were carried out in spinally anesthetized (procainized) dogs. Singly increasing plasma [K+] (N = 10), [Mg2+] (N = 10) or simultaneously increasing plasma [K+] and [Mg2+] (N = 8), produced significant decreases in TPR. Hypersomolality (N = 11) and the combination ...