cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mercury and cadmium determination in water by prompt (n, γ) method—252Cf as the neutron source

An evaluation of the sensitivity of mercury and cadmium determinations in large volumes of water is presented. A 10-μg252Cf source immersed in the water sample served as a neutron source. The (n, γ) reaction on hydrogen and the inelastic scattering from oxygen produced a background count rate that limited sensitivity. A lower limit of 20 ppm for both mercury and cadmium was found. The procedures described here can be applied to most of the other heavy metals.
Pyrolysis of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) harvested at several stages of maturity

Abstract The pyrolysis of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) of the cultivar, “Cave-in-Rock” harvested at three stages of physiological maturity was studied in a PY–GC/MS system at the 600–1050 °C temperature range. Under these conditions, the decomposition was complete within 20 s yielding char, and two sets of pyrolysis gas, condensable and non-condensable. The former consisted of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and higher molecular weight compounds possibly from the hydroxyl group and from the methoxy groups of the cell wall components. The non-condensable gases were mainly CO, CO2 and C1–C3 hydrocarbons. For these, there was a 900 °C temperature boundary where dramatic change occurred in their evolution rates. Below this temperature, CO2 decreased but CO and the C1–C3 hydrocarbons increased almost linearly with temperature. Above this temperature boundary, the hydrocarbons leveled off but there was a rapid rise in CO and CO2 evolution at a constant CO/CO2 ratio. These suggest the appearance of secondary or tertiary pyrolysis reactions involving rearrangement and release of CO and hydrocarbons prior to this temperature boundary and the release of CO and CO2 from the tightly bond oxygen functionalities including C–C bonds thereafter. At
Prevalence of hypokalemia in ED patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract Objective Although patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are expected to have total body potassium depletion, measured levels may be normal or elevated due to extracellular shifts of potassium secondary to acidosis. Because insulin therapy decreases serum potassium levels, which creates potential to precipitate a fatal cardiac arrhythmia in a patient with hypokalemia, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends obtaining a serum potassium level before giving insulin. Although the ADA guidelines are clear, the evidence on which they are based is largely anecdotal. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with DKA before initiation of fluid resuscitation and insulin therapy. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study of patients with a capillary blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL or higher (at risk for DKA) seen in an urban county emergency department over a 1-year period. Those who consented provided basic demographic information and had a venous blood gas and chemistry panel drawn. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hypokalemia were defined using ADA recommendations. Results The mean age in our sample was 40.2 years, and 81% of patients were Hispanic. Of 503 analyzable patients with hyperglycemia, 54 (10.7%) met all criteria for DKA. Of patients with DKA, 3 (5.6%) of 54 (95% confidence interval, 1.2%-15.4%) had hypokalemia. Two of these patients had values of 3.0 mmol/L, and 1 had a value of 2.8 mmol/L. Conclusion Hypokalemia was observed in 5.6% of patients with DKA. These findings support the ADA recommendation to obtain a serum potassium before initiating intravenous insulin therapy in a patient with DKA.
Innovation and product liability

Abstract Over the last 30 years, the core of liability law has traversed from simple negligence to the far more complex and general concept of strict product liability. This change has been triumphed by many as a victory for consumers and safer products. In theory, enhanced quality, safety, and innovation should have resulted from this liability revolution. In actuality, the reverse occured. This article examines the product liability revolution, its effects upon international competitiveness and innovation and implications for U.S. businesses, and provides recommendations for a fairer, more just but still effective liability code.
Deposit drains on “interest-paying” banks before financial crises

Abstract This paper conducts an econometric test of Diamond and Dybvig’s [Diamond, D., Dybvig, P., 1983. Bank runs, deposit insurance, and liquidity. Journal of Political Economy 91, 401–420] theory of bank runs as interpreted by Chari [Chari, V.V., 1989. Banking without deposit insurance or banks panics: lessons from a model of the U.S. national banking system. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Quarterly Review 13, 3–19] and Calomiris and Gorton [Calomiris, C., Gorton, G., 1991. Origins of banking panics: models, facts, and bank regulation. In: Hubbard, R.G. (Ed.), Financial Markets and Financial Crises. NBER and Univ. Chicago press, Chicago, pp. 109–173]. We test whether or not seasonal deposit drains on New York banks coincide with the bank panics of 1873 and 1893 in the United States. We use individual bank level data to illuminate the reason for withdrawals. The evidence reveals that the panic of 1873 could have included a seasonal interior drain. A seasonal interpretation of Diamond and Dybvig’s model cannot be applied to the bank panic of 1893.
Systemic toxicity of aluminum in man

Abstract Although systematic aluminum has clearly been shown to be toxic in humans, the evidence for a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is lacking. In fact, given the relatively small concentrations of aluminum found in AD brains, and the clinical and anatomical dissimilarities between AD patients and other maladies with an established aluminum relationship, it seems unlikely that aluminum plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. More likely, the increased aluminum reported in AD brains is a result of damage associated with the disease and not a cause.
Sport, Violence and Society by Kevin Young

Kevin Young, Sport, Violence, and Society. New York: Routledge, 2012. Pp. 220. $49.95. ISBN: 978-0-415-54995-0 Kevin Young's argument in Sport, Violence and Society, is a simple one. The relationsh...
Cranioplasty in acoustic neuroma surgery

Objectives To measure the incidence of postoperative headaches after retrosigmoid resections of acoustic neuromas and to evaluate the impact of cranioplasty on the prevention and management of these headaches. Study Design A prospective evaluation was performed on 30 consecutive patients who underwent a cranioplasty after retrosigmoid excision of their acoustic neuroma. The results were compared with 30 historical control patients who underwent the same procedure but did not have reconstruction with a cranioplasty. The patients were evaluated by review of office records and via telephone questionnaire. Methods One group of patients (30 patients) had no cranioplasty, and the other group of 30 patients had primary reconstruction with a titanium mesh-acrylic cranioplasty. All 60 patients were asked to report on the duration and severity of their headaches by means of a standard questionnaire, grading their symptoms on a scale of 1 to 4. The data were subjected to χ2 and Student t test statistical analyses. Results New-onset, postoperative headaches occurred in 27% of patients, 23% in the cranioplasty group compared with 30% in the group without cranioplasty (a difference that was not statistically significant [P = .158]). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the severity of the headaches (P < .03). The headaches in the cranioplasty group were less severe and were not disabling. There were no complications, infections, or extrusions related to the cranioplasty. Conclusions Cranioplasty has not been able to eliminate postoperative headaches. However, the use of cranioplasty has significantly decreased the severity of postoperative headaches after retrosigmoid excision of acoustic neuromas.
Michel Henry and Soren Kierkegaard on paradox and the phenomenality of Christ

Abstract For Henry the question ‘Can the truth be learned?’ is as much an aporia as it was for Kierkegaard, and both thinkers ask this question not in order to solve some abstract or pedantic epistemological issue but because the truth they seek is the one that is appropriate to human beings and their salvation. This paper examines Henry’s and Kierkegaard’s answers to the question of how the truth is learned, and in the course of this examination will necessarily have occasion to compare the two thinkers’ accounts of paradox and the phenomenality of Christ, two themes that bring into focus the nature of truth in both thinkers. The paper begins with an analysis of Henry’s theory of two truths, one of the world and the other of life. These two truths collide in the crucial eleventh chapter of I Am the Truth, which elucidates Henry’s understanding of paradox and the role it plays in his phenomenology. Finally, the paper entertains some questions for his theory that a Kierkegaardian might raise. Throughout it...
Adaptive optics calibration for a wide-field microscope

Adaptive optics calibration of a novel wide-field scanning microscope is described, comparing relevant parameters for several optimization techniques. Specifically, comparisons of the optimization algorithm, image quality metrics, and the calibration image target are detailed. It is shown that stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm using image intensity as a metric provides robust, repeatable system optimization. Results also show that optimization performance improves when the feature sizes on the calibration target approach the diffraction limit and are more uniformly distributed. This paper further compares stochastic, image-based optimization performance to that of conventional adaptive optics optimization with a point source object and a Shack Hartmann wavefront sensor.
Oncological imaging: tumor surveillance in children.

As the need for accurate diagnostic imaging often continues throughout a cancer survivor’s life, imaging methods with the least toxicity must be used so as to provide needed information without contributing to long-term sequelae that might compound toxicities inherent with the primary disease and its treatment. In this regard, the costs, benefits and potential risks of post-therapy monitoring for disease recurrence warrant periodic review. Unfortunately, few analyses are available regarding the impact of surveillance imaging on the detection of disease recurrence, salvage rates of relapse disease and long-term survival outcomes for pediatric cancer survivors. This review will examine the role and limitations of surveillance imaging in pediatric oncology.
Practices and complications of vascular closure devices and manual compression in patients undergoing elective transfemoral coronary procedures.

Femoral arterial puncture is the most common access method for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Access complications, although infrequent, affect morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of hospital stay. Vascular closure devices (VCDs) are used for rapid hemostasis and early ambulation, but there is no consensus on whether VCDs are superior to manual compression (MC). A retrospective review and nested case–control study of consecutive patients undergoing elective transfemoral coronary angiography and PCI over 3 years was performed. Hemostasis strategy was performed according to the operators' discretion. Vascular complications were defined as groin bleeding (hematoma, hemoglobin decrease ≥3 g/dl, transfusion, retroperitoneal bleeding, or arterial perforation), pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula formation, obstruction, or infection. Patients with postprocedure femoral vascular access complications were compared to randomly selected patients without complication. Data were available for 9,108 procedures, of which PCI was performed in 3,172 (34.8%). MC was performed in 2,581 (28.3%) and VCDs (4 different types) were deployed in 6,527 procedures (71.7%). Significant complications occurred in 74 procedures (0.81%), with 32 (1.24%) complications with MC and 42 (0.64%) with VCD (p = 0.004). VCD deployment failed in 80 procedures (1.23%), of which 8 (10%) had vascular complications. VCD use was a predictor of fewer complications (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.83). In the case–control analysis, older age and use of large (7Fr to 8Fr) femoral sheaths were independent predictors of complications. In conclusion, the retrospective analysis of contemporary hemostasis strategies and outcomes in elective coronary procedures identified a low rate of complications (0.81%), with superior results after VCD deployment. Careful selection of hemostasis strategy and closure device may further decrease complication rates.
Amplitude modulated and chaotic dynamics in resonant motion of strings

Abstract The weakly non-linear, resonant motions of a stretched string to a harmonic, planar excitation are investigated. One mode truncation of the in-plane and out-of-plane equation results in a two-degree-to-freedom system which is examined by using the method of averaging and the method of integral manifolds. It is shown that the averaged equations, for small enough damping, possess non-planar constant solutions which become unstable by a Hopf bifurcation. The resulting limit cycle solutions correspond to amplitude modulated whirling or ballooning motions of the string. There are two limit cycle branches for the averaged equations, one arising due to the Hopf bifurcation and the other due to a global saddle-node bifurcation. The two branches merge as the damping is further reduced. Also, with variation in detuning, the isolated branch exhibits period-doubling bifurcations, chaotic attractors and merging of attractors, giving rise to Rossler as well as Lorentz-type solutions. The truncated string equations are also directly integrated. It is shown that there are non-planar periodic responses that bifurcate into amplitude modulated motions on a 2-torus. Changes in detuning result in torus-doubling, merging of tori and then destruction of the torus leading to chaotic amplitude modulations. The results of asymptotic analysis via the method of averaging are found to be in qualitative agreement with the actual response.
The ideology of social justice in economic justice for all

Although both the American Catholic bishops and their commentators seem to agree that the economics pastoral is capitalist, if anything, in its ideology, a careful reading of the pastoral shows that the principle of social justice implicit in it is actually socialist, indeed communist, in nature. The bishops arrived at such a principle because of their interpretation of the biblical sense of justice as entailing a “preferential option for the poor.” To justify this option on a rational basis, they developed a theory of social justice that may be summarized in the principle, familiar from Marx's writings, “From each according to one's ability, to each according to one's needs.” Whether or not the bishops intended such a convergence in principle, this development sets them at odds with the capitalist ideology of the United States.
466 CHILDHOOD LEAD TOXICITY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ABNORMALITIES IN SERUM THYROXINE (T4) CONCENTRATIONS

Adult Pb poisoning has been associated with depressed thyroid function (Arch. Intern. Med. 143:220, 1983). We have examined whether Pb poisoned children are also ar risk of Pb-associated thyroid dysfunction. 16 children, 6 years of age or less, referred for evaluation of mildly elevated blood Pb (bPb) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentrations (bPb 30-47 μg/dl, EP 56-160 μg/dl), underwent EDTA provocative testing (EPT). All had pre-EPT T4 measurements performed. 10 children qualified for chelation Rx (uPb≥200 μg/8 hr, and/or, uPb/EDTA ≥.70). Post-Rx bPb, EP and T4 measurements were repeated in these children. T4 was measured by RIA; Pb by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and EP by fluorometry. Pearson product moment correlations were calculated: No correlations were found to be significant (P>.05). There was no difference in the mean T4 concentration pre- and post-Rx (x = 11.1 and 11.6 μg/dl, respectively) in the 10 treated children. Conclusion: 1) We failed to find a significant effect of mild Pb poisoning (↑Pb, +EPT) on serum T4 concentrations. 2) These data provide additional evidence to indicate that clinical and biochemical toxicity of Pb differs in children compared to adults.
Scale‐up and economic analysis for the design of supercritical fluid extraction equipment for remediation of soil

The magnitude of the contaminated site clean-up in the United States indicates the need for more effective, less costly remediation technologies. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) using carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as a supercritical fluid is a possible alternative technology for remediation of soils contaminated with volatile organic compounds. The feasibility of this process is mainly dependent on two factors : the extent and extraction rate of heavy molecular weight organic compounds from soil by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ). This paper presents results of a bench-scale study for remediation of soils contaminated with naphthalene and 1,2,4 trimethyl benzene as a function of the flow rate (Qco 2 ) and supercritical fluid density (ρco 2 ). These data are used to perform a basic economic analysis of the process by using these two organics selected as model soil contaminants. An additional aim of this study was to develop scale-up methodology from laboratory SFE devices to industrially useful equipment. Laboratory scale data, such as mass transfer coefficients, have implications for the sizing and control ofprocess units including reactors and separation columns since high mass transfer rates allow smaller reactors. Furthermore, this study included the collection and analysis of the experimental data to support the application of the supercritical fluid extraction technology and to provide the conceptual design and operational processes required for the construction of a pilot plant unit. The experimental data were presented as an outlet concentration profile of solute (naphthalene or 1,2,4 trimethyl benzene) desorption at different flow rates. This qualitative analysis of the desorption experiments suggested that a promising model should include external and intraparticle mass transfer and be based upon equilibrium at a desorption site. Thus, a simulation has been performed using an equilibrium desorption model [1] and fitted using MATHEMATICA© software (version 2.2.2). Finally, a preliminary economic analysis using these results showed that the proposed process (SFE) is feasible for soils contaminated with two different pure (naphthalene or 1,2,4 trimethyl benzene) hazardous organics as a model system.
Evolutionary computation-based kernel optimal component analysis for pattern recognition

Kernel methods are mathematical tools that provide higher dimensional representation of given data set in feature space for pattern recognition and data analysis problems. Optimal Component Analysis (OCA) [4] poses the problem of finding an optimal linear representation. In this paper we present the results of six kernel functions and their respective performance for Evolutionary Computation-based kernel OCA on the Pima Indian Diabetes database. Empirical results show that we outperform existing techniques on this database.
Transactions costs and the optimal instrument and intensity of air pollution control

To what extent do the transactions costs of implementing alternative instruments for pollution control affect the choice of the optimal instrument and the efficient intensity of control under that instrument? In a comparison of Least-Cost Regulatory Standards and Revenue-Neutral Pigouvian Taxes, it is the higher transactions costs of implementing the taxes that make Pigouvian Taxes the more costly of the two instruments. However, a more practical comparison of instruments is between Politically Feasible Standards, Marketable Discharge Permits, and Revenue-Raising Pigouvian Taxes. Here, the relationship between the transactions costs of implementation and total pollution costs are in an almost linear inverse relationship. The lower the pollution costs associated with a particular instrument, and therefore the more desirable the instrument, the higher the transactions costs of implementation. Other factors such as political distortion and welfare gains prove to be more important than the transactions costs of implementation.
Diagnostics for multivariate smoothing splines

Abstract Measures to detect influential data are developed for multivariate smoothing splines. In part, these measures are based on a Bayesian interpretation of the smoothing spline estimator. The proposed measures parallel some well-known linear regression diagnostics; namely, leverage values, studentized residuals and a general measure of influence proposed by Cook and Weisberg. These diagnostics are shown to perform well on the Stack Loss data.
Methodology to assess the environmental impact of a product and its processes

This study presents a methodology for capturing the environmental impact of a product and its processes throughout the life cycle in discrete part manufacturing. The objectives of the study are to identify opportunities to enhance environmental friendliness of a product in its design stage, and assess whether the environmental impact has actually been reduced or has simply been shifted elsewhere in the life cycle of the product. Using the bill of materials and the process route sheet, we build the environmental status of its operations as a vector of measurable attributes, categorized under the taxonomy of social, ecological, and economic impact that can be aggregated and evaluated at a business unit level. The vector of social impact deals with the effects of materials used and wastes produced on people through the life cycle. The vector of ecological impact consists of effects of recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing of a product based on the notion of materials balance. Finally, the vector of economic impact represents the conversion of the previous two vectors into managerially relevant costs to firm expressed in dollar amounts so that managers in any positions visually appraise their operations and communicate each other with the same language.
Same as It Ever Was? New Labor, the CIO Organizing Model, and the Future of American Unions

Jane McAlevey makes a significant contribution in her critique of labor’s growing use of the corporate campaign to stem union decline. But in placing the blame for the strategy’s adoption on the excessive influence of Saul Alinsky’s organizing model, she misses a much more fundamental cause: the changed nature of capital.
Anonymity to Promote Peer Feedback: Pre-Service Teachers' Comments in Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication:

In this quasi-experimental case study, we compared five sections of a basic undergraduate technology course. Within an asynchronous web forum, preservice teachers wrote short critiques of websites designed by their classmates. This peer feedback was provided anonymously by students in two classes (n = 35) whereas providers and recipients of peer feedback were identified by their real names in three other classes (n = 37). Computermediated discourse analysis methods (Herring, 2004) were used to code student written comments according to substance and tone of feedback. Next, we estimated likelihoods of specific feedback patterns through Analysis of Patterns in Time (Frick, 1990). Results indicated that students who were anonymous were approximately five times more likely to provide substantively critical feedback than were those whose identities were known to their recipients. When feedback was given anonymously, students were approximately four times more likely to provide reasons for needed improvement to a website, and then to suggest design alternatives. In light of advantages afforded by this form of pseudonymity, we conclude with a discussion of pedagogical prescriptions for supporting learners’ production of feedback.
Cytokine gene expression profiles in kidney medulla and cortex of obese hypertensive dogs.

Cytokine gene expression profiles in kidney medulla and cortex of obese hypertensive dogs. Background The molecular mechanisms linking abnormal kidney function and obesity hypertension are poorly understood. This study compared gene expression profiles in the kidney medulla and cortex of obese and lean dogs. Methods Lean dogs ( N = 4) were fed a standard kennel ration and obese dogs ( N = 4) were fed the standard diet plus 0.5 to 0.9 kg of cooked beef fat per day for 10 weeks. The dogs were instrumented for continuous monitoring of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and effective renal plasma flow (RPF). The relative mRNA levels of 375 genes in renal cortex and medulla were determined simultaneously using cDNA membrane arrays (RD P Conclusion A high fat diet in dogs is associated with marked changes in renal gene expression profiles that provide potential molecular links to pathways associated with altered renal function and structure in obesity hypertension.
microRNAs as Developmental Regulators.

SUMMARY The field of miRNA biology is relatively young, but its impact on our understanding of the regulation of a wide array of cell functions is far-reaching. The importance of miRNAs in development has become nearly ubiquitous, with miRNAs contributing to development of most cells and organs. Although miRNAs are clearly interwoven into known regulatory networks that control cell development, the specific modalities by which they intersect are often quite distinct and cleverly achieved. The frequently emerging theme of feed-back and feedforward loops to either counterbalance or reinforce the gene programs that they influence is a common thread. Many of these examples of miRNAs as developmental regulators are presently found in organs with different miRNAs and targets, whereas novel, unexpected themes emerge in the context of mouse development as we learn more about this rapidly developing area of biology.
Quantifying the potential impact of measurement error in an investigation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI), an ongoing study of a risk-enriched pregnancy cohort, examines genetic and environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We simulated the potential effects of both measurement error (ME) in exposures and misclassification of ASD-related phenotype (assessed as Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) scores) on measures of association generated under this study design. We investigated the impact on the power to detect true associations with exposure and the false positive rate (FPR) for a non-causal correlate of exposure (X2, r=0.7) for continuous AOSI score (linear model) versus dichotomised AOSI (logistic regression) when the sample size (n), degree of ME in exposure, and strength of the expected (true) OR (eOR)) between exposure and AOSI varied. Exposure was a continuous variable in all linear models and dichotomised at one SD above the mean in logistic models. Simulations reveal complex patterns and suggest that: (1) There was attenuation of associations that increased with eOR and ME; (2) The FPR was considerable under many scenarios; and (3) The FPR has a complex dependence on the eOR, ME and model choice, but was greater for logistic models. The findings will stimulate work examining cost-effective strategies to reduce the impact of ME in realistic sample sizes and affirm the importance for EARLI of investment in biological samples that help precisely quantify a wide range of environmental exposures.
Trends in research on information retrieval—the potential for improvements in conventional Boolean retrieval systems

Abstract Operational retrieval systems are firmly embedded within the pure Boolean framework, and the theoretical model underlying these systems is based on the implicit assumption that documents and user information needs can be precisely and completely characterized by sets of index terms and Boolean search request formulations, respectively. However, this assumption must be considered grossly inaccurate since uncertainty is intrinsic to the document retrieval process. The inability of the standard Boolean model to deal effectively with the inherent fallibility of retrieval decisions is the main reason for a number of serious deficiencies exhibited by present-day operational retrieval systems. This article reviews recent advances in information retrieval research and examines their practical potential for overcoming these deficiencies. The primary source for this review is the subsequent articles that comprise this special issue of Information Processing & Management, although earlier results published elsewhere have also been considered.
Estimation of phase diagrams and solubilities for aqueous multi‐ion systems

Calculation of the phase diagram for saturated aqueous multi-ion solutions of strong electrolytes, based upon use of the thermodynamic solubility products, is illustrated for the four-ion system: Na+, K+, Mg++, SO4=. Solid phases are identified along with the ion concentrations of the associated saturated solutions.
A functional difficulty and functional pain instrument for hip and knee osteoarthritis

The objectives of this study were to develop a functional outcome instrument for hip and knee osteoarthritis research (OA-FUNCTION-CAT) using item response theory (IRT) and computer adaptive test (CAT) methods and to assess its psychometric performance compared to the current standard in the field. We conducted an extensive literature review, focus groups, and cognitive testing to guide the construction of an item bank consisting of 125 functional activities commonly affected by hip and knee osteoarthritis. We recruited a convenience sample of 328 adults with confirmed hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Subjects reported their degree of functional difficulty and functional pain in performing each activity in the item bank and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess scale uni-dimensionality, and IRT methods were used to calibrate the items and examine the fit of the data. We assessed the performance of OA-FUNCTION-CATs of different lengths relative to the full item bank and WOMAC using CAT simulation analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed distinct functional difficulty and functional pain domains. Descriptive statistics for scores from 5-, 10-, and 15-item CATs were similar to those for the full item bank. The 10-item OA-FUNCTION-CAT scales demonstrated a high degree of accuracy compared with the item bank (r = 0.96 and 0.89, respectively). Compared to the WOMAC, both scales covered a broader score range and demonstrated a higher degree of precision at the ceiling and reliability across the range of scores. The OA-FUNCTION-CAT provided superior reliability throughout the score range and improved breadth and precision at the ceiling compared with the WOMAC. Further research is needed to assess whether these improvements carry over into superior ability to measure change.
Detection performance of spread spectrum signatures for passive, chipless RFID

Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) RFID tags are passive, chipless tags that use discontinuities along a transmission line to create reflections. The discontinuities may be designed to produce a bipodal signal encoded with the unique identifier of the tag. When multiple tags are co-located and interrogated simultaneously, multiple access interference degrades the ability of the reader to detect the tags accurately. Reader detection can be improved by using spread spectrum signatures as the unique identifiers to limit interference. This work evaluates the ability of Gold codes and Kasami-Large codes to improve detection performance of a passive, chipless TDR RFID system. Simulations were conducted for varying numbers of simultaneously interrogated tags using synthetic tag responses constructed from the measured waveform of a prototype TDR tag. Results indicate that the Gold Code signature set outperforms the Kasami-Large Code signature set and a random, naive set for simultaneous interrogation of less than 15 tags. For larger numbers of simultaneous tags, a random set performs nearly as well as the Kasami-Large Code set and provides more useful signatures.
Integrating Sustainable Design into Architectural Engineering Education: UNL-AE Program

Given the profound impact of the built environment on the resources of the earth, a growing number of institutions of higher education are preparing engineers to make sustainable design a standard in the construction industry. This paper looks at the diverse ways in which education in sustainable design can be integrated into engineering curricula using the architectural engineering (AE) program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) as a case study example. The UNL program is unique in that it prepares students for careers in sustainable development through a curriculum that promotes both traditional and hands-on, experiential learning. Through coursework, research, workshops, student competitions, and even interaction with the UNL engineering facility, students learn how to make our built environment more sustainable. A key facet of this program is to connect the institution with the local community and industry to give students an opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-world ...
Non‐Observational Knowledge of Action

Intuitively, the knowledge of one’s own intentional actions is different from the knowledge of actions of other sorts, including those of other people and unintentional actions of one’s own. But how are we to understand this phenomenon? Does it pertain to all actions, under every description under which they are known? If so, then how is this possible? If not, then how should we think about cases that are exceptions to this principle? This paper is a critical survey of recent attempts to answer these questions. I consider views under three headings: “special source” views, which hold that the knowledge of one’s intentional actions has a non-perceptual source; “special domain” views, which hold that some but not all aspects of one’s intentional actions are known in this way; and “special character” views, which hold that the knowledge of intentional actions is special not because of where it comes from, but because of some other respect in which it is different in kind from the knowledge of other things.
Resilience and Disruption in Observed Family Interactions in Youth With and Without Spina Bifida: An Eight-Year, Five-Wave Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE To examine differences between families of youth with spina bifida (SB) and families of typically developing (TD) youth on family-, parent-, and youth-level variables across preadolescence and adolescence. METHODS Participants were 68 families of youth with SB and 68 families of TD youth. Ratings of observed family interactions were collected every 2 years at 5 time points (Time 1: ages 8-9 years; Time 5: ages 16-17 years). RESULTS For families of youth with SB: families displayed less cohesion and more maternal psychological control during preadolescence (ages 8-9 years); parents presented as more united and displayed less dyadic conflict, and youth displayed less conflict behavior during the transition to adolescence (ages 10-13 years); mothers displayed more behavioral control during middle (ages 14-15 years) and late (ages 16-17 years) adolescence; youth displayed less engagement and more dependent behavior at every time point. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight areas of resilience and disruption in families of youth with SB across adolescence.
M2M infrastructure to integrate humans, agents and robots into collectives

Organizations are pervasive in all aspects of human society. Most large-scale goals are carried out through the cooperation of a group of humans typically working with technologies such as robots and machines. The main goal of this research is the creation of a model and architecture to support networking, communication, interaction, organization and collective intelligence features between machines, robots, software agents, and humans. The model will allow each of these actors to cooperatively work together to accomplish large-scale goals. While machines, robots, software agents and humans are very different in their capabilities, embodiment and inherent behaviors, a core goal is to make them indistinguishable in terms of acting in an organization. When a robot communicates to another actor, it is not concerned with the physical makeup of that actor, only in its ability to solve a goal or execute a task. The goal of indistinguishable actors is not at the level of a Turing test, it gives the organization the flexibility to act as an open system, where the actors can come and exit as needed by the requirements of the overall goal set.
A topical aqueous oxygen emulsion stimulates granulation tissue formation in a porcine second-degree burn wound.

Abstract Background Oxygen is an essential substance for wound healing. Limited studies have shown that topical oxygen can influence healing. This study evaluated the effects of a Topical Oxygen Emulsion (TOE) on burn wound healing. Methods A porcine second-degree burn wound model was used in the study. Burn wounds were randomly assigned to TOE, vehicle control, and no-treatment (air) groups. Effects of TOE on the granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis were studied using hematoxylin and eosin histological analysis. Protein production and gene expression of types I and III collagen and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined using immunofluorescent staining and Reverse Transcription and Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Results The TOE treated wounds exhibited better angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation by histology examination. The immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that protein production and mRNA expression of VEGF and collagen III were significantly higher in TOE treatment group than vehicle alone and air control groups, while there was no significant difference in the level of collagen I. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that TOE enhances burn wound healing via stimulating the expression of VEGF and type III collagen and strongly indicates the potential use of TOE in wounds.
Studies of Regulation of Expression of the Propionate (prpBCDE) Operon Provide Insights into How Salmonella typhimurium LT2 Integrates Its 1,2-Propanediol and Propionate Catabolic Pathways

Expression of the prpBCDE operon of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 required (i) the synthesis of propionyl-coenzyme A (CoA) by the PrpE protein or the acetyl-CoA-synthesizing systems of the cell and (ii) the synthesis of 2-methylcitrate from propionyl-CoA and oxaloacetate by the PrpC protein. We propose that either 2-methylcitrate or a derivative of it signals the presence of propionate in the environment. This as yet unidentified signal is thought to serve as a coregulator of the activity of PrpR, the member of the sigma-54 family of transcriptional activators needed for activation of prpBCDE transcription. The CobB protein was also required for expression of the prpBCDE operon, but its role is less well understood. Expression of the prpBCDE operon in cobB mutants was restored to wild-type levels upon induction of the propanediol utilization (pdu) operon by 1,2-propanediol. This effect did not require catabolism of 1,2-propanediol, suggesting that a Pdu protein, not a catabolite of 1,2-propanediol, was responsible for the observed effect. We explain the existence of these redundant functions in terms of metabolic pathway integration. In an environment with 1,2-propanediol as the sole carbon and energy source, expression of the prpBCDE operon is ensured by the Pdu protein that has CobB-like activity. Since synthesis of this Pdu protein depends on the availability of 1,2-propanediol, the cell solves the problem faced in an environment devoid of 1,2-propanediol where propionate is the sole carbon and energy source by having cobB located outside of the pdu operon and its expression independent of 1,2-propanediol. At present, it is unclear how the CobB and Pdu proteins affect prpBCDE expression.
A kinetic transport and reaction model and simulator for rarefied gas flow in the transition regime

We present a model for rarefied gas flows that are characterized by reactive species as minor constituents in a dominant inert carrier species. The kinetic transport and reaction model consists of a system of transient linear Boltzmann equations for the reactive species in the flow. This model applies to a wide range of transport regimes, including the transition regime in which both transport and collisions between molecules must be taken into account, characterized by Knudsen numbers on the order of unity. A numerical simulator based on a spectral Galerkin method in velocity space approximates each linear Boltzmann equation by a system of transient conservation laws in space and time with diagonal coefficient matrices, which are solved using the discontinuous Galerkin method. This deterministic solver gives direct access to the kinetic density that is the solution to the Boltzmann equation, as a function of position, velocity, and time. It is valuable to have direct access to the velocity dependence in order to analyze the underlying kinetic causes of macroscopic observeables. Using chemical vapor deposition as an important application example, the influence of process parameters is studied in two-dimensional reference studies and transient studies for a three-dimensional domain that represents structures seen during integrated circuit fabrication.
Child rearing in the new independent states: a review of the literature.

Abstract Child rearing in the New Independent States (NIS) is explored through a literature review examining child rearing practices in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the NIS. As exchanges between the NIS and other countries are underway, this information will help nurses understand issues faced by citizens of the NIS, families immigrating from the NIS, and health care professionals visiting the NIS. This review raises questions about NIS child rearing practices and may serve as a stimulus for further exploration of issues related to the health of children and families living in or emigrating from the NIS. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Analysis of the complex dielectric permittivity behavior of porous Al2O3-SiC composites in the 1 MHz to 18 GHz frequency range

The complex dielectric permittivity of electrically lossy, porous Al2O3−SiC composites was measured as a function of frequency over the range of 0.001 to 18 GHz. These composites were fabricated by an infusion method of incorporating SiC polymer precursor into porous alumina disks. Repeat polymer infusions and pyrolysis steps to 1000 °C were carried out, with some samples undergoing an additional air fire prior to each subsequent step. Generally, it was found that for non-air-fired samples, moderate, controllable losses were attainable over a broad frequency range. By contrast, the dielectric loss attainable for air-fired samples was generally very low. For all samples, various aspects of the variation of permittivity components ∈′ and ∈″ with frequency were analyzed, with a view to determine the various factors contributing to dielectric response. Microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscopy was also performed.
Hospital Length of Stay following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database

Demand and cost of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased significantly over the past decade resulting in decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) to counterbalance increasing cost of health care. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence LOS following primary TKA. Discharge data from the 2009-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used. Patients included underwent primary TKA and were grouped based on LOS; 3 days or less, and 4 days or more. Majority of patients had a hospital LOS of 3 or less (74.8%). The most significant predictors of increased hospital LOS (≥ 4 days) were age ≥ 80 years, Hispanic race, Medicaid payer status, lower median household income, weekend admission, rural non-teaching hospital, discharge to another facility and any complication.
Bonding Corneal Tissue: Applications of Photoactivated Diazopyruvoyl Cross-linking Agent

Photoactivated bis-diazopyruvamide—N,N9-bis(3-diazopyruvoyl)-2,29-(ethylenedioxy)bis-(ethylamine), (DPD)—was previously shown to bond materials containing type I collagen. However, tensile strength of bonded collagenous tissue (~78% water) was low compared with that of dehydrated collagenous gelatin (~14% water). Here we investigated the role of water in corneal tissue bond strength and in bonding corneal tissue to glass. Bonding corneal tissue to glass may be of value in surgically anchoring keratoprostheses to corneas to alleviate problems with extrusion. Bovine corneal samples were lyophilized for various times resulting in tissue hydrations of zero (no water content) to ~3.7 (normal water content). The lyophilized corneal tissue was bonded to solid gelatin sheets, to other corneal samples and to glass using 0.3M DPD in chloroform. Control runs used chloroform only. Samples were irradiated with 100 or 200 J of 320–500 nm light. Strong bonds formed with all three materials when corneal tissue hydration was •1. No bonds or extremely weak bonds formed when tissue hydration levels were >1. No bonding occurred with chloroform alone. Formation of strong bonds only occurs with hydration levels •1 because corneal collagen fibrils are tightly packed and close enough to cross-link with the 1.78 nm long DPD.
Simple Graphene Synthesis via Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Graphene’s unique combination of exceptional mechanical, electronic, and thermal properties makes this material a promising candidate to enable next-generation technologies in a wide range of fields, including electronics, energy, and medicine. However, educational activities involving graphene have been limited due to the high expense and complexity associated with fabricating and characterizing graphene. Here, we demonstrate an economical, safe, and simple technique to synthesize multilayer graphene films via chemical vapor deposition in 30–45 min in a classroom setting. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the graphene is of high quality, scanning electron microscopy shows that the films are continuous over large areas, and oxidation studies demonstrate graphene’s high impermeability. The films are also transferred to insulating, optically transparent substrates, which enables measurement of the high electrical conductivity of graphene and direct visualization of several layers of atoms. This graphene syn...
Numerical Studies of 3-D Flow Regimes in a Toroidal Thermosyphon

7. In the model system, the lower half of the loop is heated and maintained at a constant high temperature, while the upper half is cooled and maintained at a constant low temperature. A three-dimensional numerical model based on the finite volume method was used to solve the system of governing flow equations. Simulations were performed using water as the working fluid (Pr = 5.83) and detailed numerical results are presented and discussed for conduction, steady convection, and chaotic flow regimes. Although this subject has attracted researchers for decades, there have been no detailed three-dimensional numerical simulations of the dynamics of flow in the thermal convection loop. The objective of the present study is to fill this gap by presenting the temporal evolution of the velocity and temperature fields at key locations within the system. Emphasis is given to the analysis of dynamical behavior of the flow during the chaotic regime. The complexity of flow in the loop, which is characterized by vortical structures and localized flow recirculation, is visualized using 3-D direct numerical simulations.