cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Responding to Feedback after Multiple-choice Answers: The Influence of Response Confidence

A model is proposed that describes how people choose multiple-choice answers and deal with subsequent feedback. Central to the model is the construct of likelihood, a signal that: (1) indexes the match between task demands and what is known, (2) gives a basis for decisions, and (3) is estimated by response confidence ratings. In two experiments, subjects answered an item, rated confidence, and studied feedback (for 100 items), and then answered the items again. All predictions of the model were confirmed. Specifically, for right/wrong feedback messages, feedback study intervals were longer after correct than incorrect choices (for correct choices, these intervals decreased as confidence increased). Also, there was no relation between the probability of correcting errors and level of confidence. For feedback messages that consisted of an item with correct alternative marked, there was a positive relation between probability of correcting errors and level of confidence.
Sexual Abuse Prevention for People with Severe Developmental Disabilities

The present manuscript reviews research examining sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities. Although the relevant studies are few in number and their methodology is not especially strong, their findings suggest that prevalence of sexual abuse is higher for people with developmental disabilities than for people with no disabilities and is highest in people with severe disabilities. Strategies for preventing sexual abuse and detecting its occurrence are considered and possibilities for future research are suggested, particularly in the area of training staff and other caregivers.
A minimax approach to combining means, with practical examples

Abstract Eberhardt, K.R., Reeve, C.P. and Spiegelman, C.H., 1989. A minimax approach to combining means, with practical examples. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems , 5: 129–148. This paper describes a method for combining sample means that accounts for bias in those means. It compares the unweighted mean, the weighted mean using reciprocal estimated variances for weights, and a minimax weighted mean. When the individual means are subject to nontrivial biases we show that the minimax estimator can lead to important decreases in mean squared error and confidence interval width. Our recommendations are based on statistical theory and on simulations based on three Standard Reference Material data sets.
Morphologic agrammatism following a right hemisphere stroke in a dextral patient.

Abstract There is evidence of two major components of grammatic function in the brain: (1) morphologic, probably based in the postcentral perisylvian cortex, encompassing the selection of individual words and inflectional endings according to the rules of grammar; and (2) syntactic, probably based in the frontal lobes, encompassing construction of the overall structure of a sentence (syntax) to match the concept being considered. We present a stroke patient with impaired morphology but, unlike Broca's aphasics, relative sparing of syntax. He omitted 43% of articles, 40% of complementizers, 20% of pronouns, 27% of semantically marked prepositions, 43% of purely grammatic prepositions, and 22% of auxiliary verbs, but his average sentence length was 9.8 words and 64% of his sentences contained embedded clauses. He frequently intermingled two sentences to convey a given concept, juxtaposing words in grammatically unacceptable ways. This intermingling may represent either a grammatic “conduite d'approche,” or a failure of the filtering function of a defective morphologic processor. His great difficulty in completing syntactic frames suggests that a more general form of the processes underlying grammatic morphology may play an important role in phrase structure generation.
USING GAP SEQUENCES TO ESTIMATE GAP ACCEPTANCE FUNCTIONS

Abstract Traditional gap acceptance functions have been estimated based on the first gap observed. In this paper we show that the critical gap of drivers is decreasing on the average, as they are waiting for an acceptable gap. Our gap acceptance function is based on a probit model which assumes a normal distribution of gaps across gaps and drivers.
A theoretical framework for analyzing the dimensions of manufacturing flexibility

Abstract The competitive environment of today has generated an increased interest in flexibility as a response mechanism. While the potential benefits of flexibility are familiar, the concept of flexibility itself is not well-understood. Neither practitioners nor academics agree upon, or know, how flexibility can be gauged or measured in its totality. Consequently, this study seeks to provide a framework for understanding this complex concept and to create a theoretical foundation for the development of generalizable measures for manufacturing flexibility. With this objective in mind, we first critically examine diverse streams of literature to define four constituent elements of flexibility: range-number (R-N), range-heterogeneity (R-H), mobility (M), and uniformity (U). The R-H element is new, and has not been proposed before in prior literature. These four elements can be applied to consistently define different types or dimensions of flexibility. Definitions for 10 flexibility dimensions pertaining to manufacturing are thus obtained. These definitions serve a dual purpose. First, they capture the domain of flexibility. Second, we show in this study how these definitions can be used to generate scale items, thereby facilitating the development of generalizable manufacturing flexibility measures. Several research avenues that can be explored once such measures are developed are also highlighted.
Neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes in 14 human neuroblastoma cell lines

Fourteen human neuroblastoma cell lines were studied for expression and regulation of neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes. All cell lines contained enzyme activities of adrenergic and/or cholinergic neurons and 13 expressed activities for both. None contained enzymes for serotonergic or G AB Aergic neurons. Enzyme activity was characteristic for a given cell line. Enzyme activity in cell lines was sensitive to growth phase, culture medium, and concentration of fetal bovine serum.
Apeiba trombetensis (Malvaceae: Grewioideae), a new species from northern Brazil

Apeiba trombetensis is described from northern Brazil, illustrated, and distinguished from related species. It is remarkable for its tetramerous calyx, sepal pubescence, and its large, globose capsules with stout spines.
Learning to Engage: How Positive Attitudes about the News, Media Literacy, and Video Production Contribute to Adolescent Civic Engagement.

Many students enroll in video production courses in high school as part of a vocational, career, or technical program. While there has been an explosion of scholarly work in digital literacy in informal settings, less is known about how digital and media literacy competencies are developed through school-based video production courses. This study explores the relationship between civic engagement and the various multimedia instructional practices used in a high school video production course with a single-school convenience sample and an ethnically diverse population of students. Findings reveal that the best predictors of the intent to participate in civic engagement are having positive attitudes about news, current events, reporting, and journalism. Media literacy attitudes and a range of in-classroom learning experiences with video production are also associated with civic engagement.
The Benefits of Switching Smoking Cessation Drugs to Over-the-counter Status

This paper provides an analysis of the benefits to society from the conversion of nicotine replacement drugs (nicotine patches and gum) in 1996 from sale by prescription only in the United States to over-the-counter (OTC) sales. To estimate these benefits, we first estimate statistical demand functions for nicotine patches and gum. Second, we calculate the effects of OTC conversion on sales of each type of nicotine replacement drug. Third, we survey the literature on the effects of nicotine replacement drugs on total quits of cigarette smoking. Fourth, we survey the literature on the effects of quits achieved on expected lifespan, and on the estimated monetary value of longer lives from smoking cessation. Finally, we use all this evidence to calculate the value of the social benefits of the OTC conversion to the US. As a result of the OTC conversion, consumption of nicotine replacement drugs has increased substantially, by 78-92% for nicotine patches and 180% for nicotine gum. We estimate that the resulting increase in smoking cessation generated annual net social benefits of the order of magnitude of 1.8-2 billion dollars, based on conservative estimates both of the number of quits achieved and the value of added quality-adjusted life years from the reduced smoking.
Secrecy and Genoese commercial practices

Genoese commercial practices, among the best known in medieval Europe, relied on notaries and their cartularies to create and preserve valid contracts. This system of generating records raises questions about how private or secret Genoese business was, and whether it was safe from fraud and forgery. Legal and notarial sources reveal methods of organizing commerce that fostered trust by involving suitable witnesses and discreet notaries. The Genoese sacrified some privacy in order to acquire a reputation for predictable and reliable contracts and markets.
Effects of Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Ligands on Food-Cocaine Choice in Socially Housed Male Cynomolgus Monkeys

Dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonists have been suggested as medications for cocaine dependence. The present experiments examined the effect of acute and repeated administration of drugs with varying intrinsic efficacy at D2/D3 receptors on the relative reinforcing strength of cocaine. Use of socially housed cynomolgus monkeys permitted the assessment of whether social status, known to alter D2/D3 receptor availability, influenced the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor compounds. The high-efficacy agonist R(−)−norpropylapomorphine [(−)−NPA], low-efficacy agonist aripiprazole (ARI), and antagonist eticlopride (ETIC) were administered acutely to monkeys self-administering cocaine under a food-cocaine choice procedure in which a cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve was determined daily. The effects of 5-day treatment with ARI and (−)−NPA were characterized under conditions in which monkeys did (ARI) or did not [ARI and (−)−NPA] self-administer cocaine during treatment. When administered acutely, ARI and ETIC increased the choice of low cocaine doses, and only (−)−NPA decreased the choice of higher cocaine doses and cocaine intake; effects were similar across social ranks. When administered repeatedly while self administration occurred only on days 1 and 5 of treatment, ARI, but not (−)−NPA, decreased cocaine choice in dominant monkeys, whereas (−)−NPA, but not ARI, did so in subordinates. When dominant monkeys self-administered cocaine on all five days of ARI treatment, however, these effects were not observed. The results indicate that the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor agonists can differ according to intrinsic efficacy and subject characteristics. Moreover, these results suggest that exposure to cocaine during treatment can counteract treatment-induced reductions in the reinforcing effects of cocaine.
Usability of an Interactive Educational Website for Statistics

As the use of online learning tools (e-tools) becomes increasingly prevalent, there is a strong need for practical design guidelines and recommendations to facilitate an efficient and effective e-learning environment. The main focus in this paper is to identify usability elements of educational websites. Finding usability problems was the main focus of the three usability studies conducted using twenty-six participants. One study evaluated the effectiveness of the navigational system; the two other studies assessed the usability of interactive simulations. While the initial focus was on the website specifically, collective information gathered from the three studies further identified usability guidelines useful for educational websites. The results from these studies support thirteen key guidelines that could inform guidelines for online educational tools that differ from those guidelines for commercially focused websites.
Cancer patients' information needs the first nine months after diagnosis.

Abstract Objective Cancer patients’ information needs about disease, diagnostic tests, treatments, physical care, and psychosocial resources during treatment are examined. Methods Information needs of newly diagnosed, Stages II-IV cancer patients receiving treatment ( N = 138) were studied over nine months. Information needs were assessed using The Toronto Informational Needs Questionnaire (TINQ). There are five subscales for the TINQ: disease, diagnostic tests, treatment, physical and psychosocial. Health literacy and amount of information wanted were also measured. A repeated measures, univariate two-level model for longitudinal data was analyzed. Separate models for each subscale were constructed and covariates were examined simultaneously for associations with information needs. Models were estimated using FIML. Results Although significant reduction of needs was observed over time, total information needs remained high throughout. Gender (women), age (younger), race (African American), education (lesser), and marital status (married) were significantly associated with higher information needs over time. Cancer type and stage were not significantly associated. Conclusion Cancer patients’ information needs decrease yet remain high over time. Patients’ information needs are highest near diagnosis and change throughout the course of their treatment. Practice implications As patients obtain and understand information, they will continue to need information in new areas relevant to their care.
Notes: On the Concept of Universal Knowledge in Organizational Science: Implications for Cross-National Research

This paper argues that the present conception of universal knowledge as generalized findings is incomplete and has limited the role of cross-national research to one of validating results obtained from single-nation studies. An alternative view is proposed which recognizes that there are two types of research findings that can be applied cross-nationally: 1 findings that are invariant across different national settings, and 2 findings that incorporate the societal context into the analysis of the phenomenon under study. This conception of universal knowledge is more inclusive in scope and suggests an expanded role for cross-national research in organizational inquiry. The new role will offer exciting opportunities for the field of organizational science, including its enhanced ability to discover knowledge that has both universal applicability and global relevance.
Towards the Middle Ages to come: The temporalities of walking with W. Morris, H. Adams and especially H.D. Thoreau

By reading and situating Henry David Thoreau’s essay ‘Walking’ alongside Henry Adams’s Mont-Saint-Michel and Chartres and the work of William Morris, this article argues that Thoreau conceived of the Middle Ages not as a past to be recuperated and recovered (as by Morris) or as a past to be gazed upon from our modern perspective (as by Adams), but rather as a future to remain perpetually before us as we saunter forwards, meandering between wildness and civilization.
CHARACTERIZATION OF EPITAXIAL GROWTH OF SEMICONDUCTING RHENIUM ''DISILICIDE'' FILMS

We have characterized, through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the ReSi2−x thin films grown by reactive deposition on (001) Si. ReSi2−x thin films exhibit a distorted body-centered tetragonal MoSi2-type structure, and have excellent epitaxy on (001) Si since the face diagonal of the Si unit cell is equal to the c lattice parameter of silicide. The Si-deficient composition in the “disilicide” may be accommodated by collapse and shear of missing Si planes to form planar faults. Kirkendall voids are also observed at the film-substrate interface. The engineering of the defect and interface structures of these complex, non-stoichiometric silicides for optimized optoelectronic properties are discussed.
Simple, standardized incorporation of genetic risk into non-genetic risk prediction tools for complex traits: coronary heart disease as an example.

Purpose: Genetic risk assessment is becoming an important component of clinical decision-making. Genetic Risk Scores (GRSs) allow the composite assessment of genetic risk in complex traits. A technically and clinically pertinent question is how to most easily and effectively combine a GRS with an assessment of clinical risk derived from established non-genetic risk factors as well as to clearly present this information to patient and health care providers. Materials & Methods: We illustrate a means to combine a GRS with an independent assessment of clinical risk using a log-link function. We apply the method to the prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. We evaluate different constructions based on metrics of effect change, discrimination, and calibration. Results: The addition of a GRS to a clinical risk score (CRS) improves both discrimination and calibration for CHD in ARIC. Results are similar regardless of whether external vs. internal coefficients are used for the CRS, risk factor SNPs are included in the GRS, or subjects with diabetes at baseline are excluded. We outline how to report the construction and the performance of a GRS using our method and illustrate a means to present genetic risk information to subjects and/or their health care provider. Conclusion: The proposed method facilitates the standardized incorporation of a GRS in risk assessment.
pH responsive soft nanoclusters with size and charge variation features

Size and surface properties of a drug delivery vehicle play a very crucial role in determining its biological fate. The success of nanotherapeutic systems depends on several features such as deeper tumor tissue penetration, good retention and rapid cellular uptake. These properties are strongly influenced by the size and surface properties of the delivery vehicles. In this study, we demonstrate a polymeric nanoparticle that exhibits the size and surface charge variation features in response to slight changes in pH, which are biologically relevant (pH 7.4 to 6.5). These features have been demonstrated using a pH sensitive interparticle crosslinking by dynamic covalent imine bond formation between nanogels. The pH sensitive interparticle crosslinking is demonstrated using DLS, TEM, SEC, fluorescamine assay and cell uptake study.
Estimating ground-level PM2.5 in the eastern United States using satellite remote sensing.

An empirical model based on the regression between daily PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 μm) concentrations and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) measurements from the multiangle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) was developed and tested using data from the eastern United States during the period of 2001. Overall, the empirical model explained 48% of the variability in PM2.5 concentrations. The root-mean-square error of the model was 6.2 μg/m3 with a corresponding average PM2.5 concentration of 13.8 μg/m3. When PM2.5 concentrations greater than 40 μg/m3 were removed, model results were shown to be unbiased estimators of observations. Several factors, such as planetary boundary layer height, relative humidity, season, and other geographical attributes of monitoring sites, were found to influence the association between PM2.5 and AOT. The findings of this study illustrate the strong potential of satellite remote sensing in regional ambient air quality monitoring as an extension to ...
Computing insertion loss in MEMS optical switches caused by non-flat mirrors

Summary form only given. Recent advances in the field of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) have made MEMS based micro-optical switches a promising technology. Optical switches are a very important component in WDM optical fiber communication networks as they allow reconfiguration of the network and add/drop of selected WDM channels with little interference to other channels. One of the key components in MEMS switches is a mirror that directs the incident signal beam. This mirror is a movable structure usually fabricated by surface micromachining. Mirror non-flatness is known to increase the insertion loss and crosstalk in MEMS micro-optical switches. In this paper, we propose a simple model to compute the insertion loss and crosstalk caused by non-flatness and present some representative numerical examples.
Development and initial psychometric properties of the Computer Assisted Maltreatment Inventory (CAMI): A comprehensive self-report measure of child maltreatment history

Objectives The present study reports on the development and initial psychometric properties of the Computer Assisted Maltreatment Inventory (CAMI), a web-based self-report measure of child maltreatment history, including sexual and physical abuse, exposure to interparental violence, psychological abuse, and neglect. Methods The CAMI was administered to a geographically diverse sample of college students (N=1398). For validation purposes, participants also completed a widely used measure of maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) as well as measures of social desirability. To examine test-retest reliability, a subset of participants (n=283) completed the CAMI a second time 2-4 weeks after the initial administration. Results Short-term test-retest reliability of the CAMI subscales was good to strong, as was internal consistency on applicable scales. Criterion-related validity of the CAMI's composite abuse severity scores was supported through predicted discriminative correlations with subscales of the CTQ. The CAMI subscales showed comparable or weaker associations with measures of social desirability than did the CTQ. Although both measures were more strongly associated with a need for approval than other aspects of social desirability, these correlations were still rather low in magnitude and in a range typical of many clinical measures. Conclusions The present findings as well as the rich descriptive data and flexibility offered by computer administration suggest that the CAMI is a promising instrument for the comprehensive assessment of maltreatment history from adults.
To these Wet and Windy Shores Recent Immigration Policy in the UK

This article examines recent British immigration policy particularly with regards to the panic responses to the 2001 riots in Northern English cities. It places policy in the context of the social inclusionary project of New Labour, which it argues makes the fundamental mistake of assuming that the problem is because of lack of assimilation. In fact the problem is not because of lack of citizenship but of citizenship thwarted. Crime and social disturbance occurs in the second generation of immigrants who expect economic and legal equality but experience unfairness. This is exacerbated by social segregation that sets one group of marginalized people up against another. A policy of economic inclusion together with a critical multiculturalism is advocated.
A Resonance Mode Tracker for the Electromagnetic Earth-Ionosphere Cavity

An analog tracking device has been constructed which continuously monitors the peak frequency and Q of the first (8 Hz) resonance mode of the earth-ionosphere cavity. The device employs a phaselock technique to keep a tracking filter tuned to the center frequency of the natural spectral peak. Data from the resonance mode tracker illustrate the response of the cavity resonance to ionospheric disturbances, and to the source-receiver geometry.
Elementary orbifold differential topology

Abstract Taking an elementary and straightforward approach, we develop the concept of a regular value for a smooth map f : O → P between smooth orbifolds O and P . We show that Sardʼs theorem holds and that the inverse image of a regular value is a smooth full suborbifold of O . We also study some constraints that the existence of a smooth orbifold map imposes on local isotropy groups. As an application, we prove a Borsuk no retraction theorem for compact orbifolds with boundary and some obstructions to the existence of real-valued orbifold maps from local model orbifold charts.
An Ecosystems and Vulnerable Populations Perspective on Solastalgia and Psychological Distress After a Wildfire

We studied the relationship between psychological distress and relative resource and risk predictors, including loss of solace from the landscape (solastalgia), one year after the Wallow Fire, in Arizona, United States. Solastalgia refers to the distress caused by damage to the surrounding natural environment and it has not been examined for its relationship to psychological health. Doing so opens avenues of research that inquire into how land management might be able to support improved community resilience and psychological health outcomes after a wildfire. In 2012, we conducted a household survey mailed to all 1387 households in the five communities surrounding the fire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale assessed psychological distress. In the multivariate analysis, higher solastalgia score and an adverse financial impact of the fire were associated with clinically significant psychological distress. Annual household income ≥ $80,000 and a higher family functioning score were associated with less psychological distress. Part-time residents were no more likely to have psychological distress than full-time residents. We conclude that dramatic transformation of a landscape by an environmental event such as a wildfire can reduce its value as a source of solace. These results call for novel post-wildfire community recovery interventions that wed forest management and community psychology.
Algorithms for Single Link Failure Recovery and Related Problems

We investigate the single link failure recovery problem and its application to the alternate path routing problem for ATM networks, and the k-replacement edges for each edge of a minimum cost spanning tree. Specifically, given a 2-connected graph G, a specified node s, and a shortest paths tree Ts = {e1, e2, . . . , eni1} of s, where ei = (xi, yi) and xi = parentTs(yi), find a shortest path from yi to s in the graph G\ei for 1 · i · n i 1. We present an O(m + n log n) time algorithm for this problem and a linear time algorithm for the case when all weights are equal. When the edge weights are integers, we present an algorithm that takes O(m + Tsort(n)) time, where Tsort(n) is the time required to sort n integers. We establish a lower bound of ­(min(m p n, n 2 )) for the directed version of our problem under the path comparison model, where Ts is the shortest paths destination tree of s. We show that any solution to the single link recovery problem can be adapted to solve the alternate path routing problem in ATM networks. Our technique for the single link failure recovery problem is adapted to find the k-replacement edges for the tree edges of a minimum cost spanning tree in O(m + n log n) time.
Synthesis and phosphorylation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein during brain development: A tissue slice study

Brain slices were incubated with either [3H] amino acids or [32P] orthophosphate in order to characterize the synthesis and phosphorylation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the rat nervous system. The incorporation of [3H] amino acids into GFAP was found to increase significantly during early postnatal development, reaching a peak of activity on day 5 of life and then declining over the next 2 weeks. Concomitant with this peak of synthetic activity the content of GFAP in rat brain was also observed to increase dramatically. GFAP continued to accumulate in brain through postnatal day 30 despite a decrease in the synthesis of the protein. These results indicate that the increase in GFAP during the first month of life cannot be ascribed solely to the rate of GFAP synthesis. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that during later stages of astrocytic development the accumulation of GFAP may be primarily dependent upon a low rate of protein degradation. The pattern of GFAP phosphorylation in the developing rat brain differed from that observed for the incorporation of [3H] amino acids. The peak incorporation of 32P into GFAP occurred on postnatal day 10 at a time when synthesis of the protein had declined by 43%. These findings suggest that during development phosphorylation of GFAP is mediated by factors different from those directing its synthesis. In addition, phosphorylation of GFAP did not alter its solubility in cytoskeletal preparations indicating that GFAP phosphorylation is probably not a major regulatory mechanism in disassembly of the astroglial filaments.
Endovascular repair of traumatic pseudoaneurysm by uncovered self‐expandable stenting with or without transstent coiling of the aneurysm cavity

Various surgical options for internal carotid or subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm repair have been reported; however, in general they have resulted in poor outcomes with high morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, these open surgical procedures have been partly replaced by percutaneous transluminal placement of endovascular devices. We evaluated the potential for using flexible self-expanding uncovered stents with or without coiling to treat extracranial internal carotid, subclavian and other peripheral artery posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm. Three patients with posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm were treated by stent deployment and coiling (two cases) of the aneurysm cavity. In one case, a 5.0 x 47 mm Wallstent (Boston Scientific) was positioned to span the neck of the 9 x 5 mm size pseudoaneurysm (left internal carotid artery) and deployed. Angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm without coiling. In the second patient, a 5.0 x 31 mm Wallstent (Boston Scientific) was positioned to span the neck of the 9 x 7 mm size pseudoaneurysm (right internal carotid artery) and deployed. A total of six coils (Guglielmi Detachable Coils, Boston Scientific) were deployed into the pseudoaneurysm cavity until it was completely obliterated. In the third case, an 8.0 x 80 mm SMART (Cordis) stent was advanced over the wire, positioned to span the neck of the 10 x 7 mm size pseudoaneurysm of the left subclavian artery, and deployed. Fourteen 40 x 0.5 mm Trufill (Cordis) pushable coils were deployed into the pseudoaneurysm cavity until it was completely obliterated. At long-term follow-up (6-9 months), all patients were asymptomatic without flow into the aneurysm cavity by Duplex ultrasound. We conclude that uncovered endovascular flexible self-expanding stent placement with transstent coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm cavity is a promising new technique to treat posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm vascular disease by minimally invasive methods, while preserving the patency of the vessel and side branches.
Determination of stress intensity factors in cracked bonded composite joints

In this paper, a method is presented that facilitates the determination of stress intensity factors in composite bonded joints with interfacial or interlaminar cracks. The method is based on a global/local concept, where the displacements and stresses away from the crack tip are found by a conventional finite element analysis. In the neighborhood of the crack tip singularity, where the finite element results alone no longer converge, an elasticity solution is constructed using an eigenfunction expansion of the stresses and displacements. It was shown that the method allows accurate determination of stresses and stress intensity factors at the crack tip (within 5% of reference solutions) with a relatively small computational effort by using a coarse FE mesh. In addition, the method does not require special finitelements and can be used with any existing finite element code. An equivalent intensity factor [ILLEGIBLE] that captures the combined effect of KI and KII on failure was defined. Numerical results i...
Clinical experience with the surgicel family of absorbable hemostats (oxidized regenerated cellulose) in neurosurgical applications: a review.

Introduction. Oxidized regenerated cellulose has a long his- tory of safe and effective use in the surgical setting. Surgicel Origi- nal, Fibrillar and Nu-Knit absorbable hemostats are composed of oxi- dized regenerated cellulose and are sterile, absorbable knitted fabrics that are flexible and adhere readily to bleeding surfaces. The purpose of this paper is to discuss neurosurgical applications for these absorbable hemostatic agents. Methods. The authors reviewed the literature and described their clinical experience with Surgicel hemostatic products. Results. Neurosurgical applications of the hemostatic products include the management of diffuse capillary oozing following bipolar cautery in brain tumor resection beds and the control of epidural oozing during spinal surgery. As an adjunct to standard hemostatic procedures, these products facilitate rapid hemostasis and have bactericidal activity that extend to antibiotic-resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pneumonia, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although generally safe and well-tolerated, these hemostatic agents should be removed when used around, in, or in proximity to, foramina in bone, areas of bony con- fine, the spinal cord, and/or the optic nerve or chiasm because it may otherwise swell and cause unwanted pressure. Conclusion. The physical, hemostatic, and bactericidal characteristics of this material makes it a useful adjunct for conventional hemostatic and controlling capillary, venous, and small arterial hemorrhage during neurosurgery.
Scalable and Invertible PMNN Model for MagnetoRheological Fluid Dampers

To advance the state of the art of physical-principle-enhanced hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, network configurations with parallel modules (PMNN) reflecting the structural informa- tion of the physical principles have been developed (Cao, 2001). In this paper, the PMNN configuration is applied to develop a scalable and invertible dynamic magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper model. To ad- vance the state of the art and address issues of the current ANN-based MR damper models found in the open literature, two ANN-based MR damper models are developed in this study. The first one is a conventional first-principle-enhanced hybrid neural network model (defined as the baseline model in the current study) that improves upon the previous ANN-based MR damper models by introducing feedback loops to represent the dynamic behaviors of the MR damper. A PMNN-based MR damper model is then derived to further im- prove the control-input-output scalability and realize the invertible model concept. "Input-output scalability" refers to the model's capability to accurately estimate the system response with input profiles significantly different from the training data. "Invertible model" means that the resultant forward model can be directly transformed into an inverse model through a simple algebraic operation. The network training/testing re- sults indicate that while both models provide satisfactory performance, the PMNN model outperforms the baseline model by showing superior control-input-output scalability. The candidacy of PMNN as a control- oriented actuator modeling tool is further strengthened by the fact that it is invertible, in other words, the inverse model with desired force as input and the control signal-voltage as output can be easily established by algebraically manipulating the forward model. This study indicates that PMNN, as a scalable and invert- ible dynamic modeling tool, is feasible for developing system-design-oriented models of vibration control purposes.
Model-based engineering for change-tolerant systems

Developing and evolving today’s systems are often stymied by the sheer size and complexity of the capabilities being developed and integrated. At one end of the spectrum, we have sophisticated agent-based software with hundreds of thousands of collaborating nodes. These require modeling abstractions relevant to their complex workflow tasks as well as predictable transforms and mappings for the requisite elaborations and refinements that must be accomplished in composing these systems. At the other end of the spectrum, we have ever-increasing capabilities of reconfigurable hardware devices such as field-programmable gate arrays to support the emerging adaptability and flexibility needs of these systems. From a model-based engineering perspective, these challenges are very similar; both must move their abstraction and reuse levels up to meet growing productivity and quality objectives. Model-based engineering and software system variants such as the model-driven architecture (MDA) are increasingly being applied to systems development as the engineering community recognizes the benefits of managing complexity, separating key concerns, and automating transformations from high-level abstract requirements down through the implementation. However, there are challenges when it comes to establishing the correct boundaries for change-tolerant parts of the system. Capabilities engineering (CE) is a promising approach for defining long-lived components of a system to ensure some sense of change tolerance. For innovative initiatives such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s autonomous nanotechology swarms (ANTS), the development and subsequent evolution of such systems are of considerable importance as their missions involve complex, collaborative behaviors across distributed, reconfigurable satellites. In this paper, we investigate the intersection of these two technologies as they support the development of complex, change-tolerant systems. We present an effective approach for bounding computationally independent models so that, as they transition to the architecture, capabilities-based groupings of components are relevant to the change-tolerant properties that must convey in the design solution space. The model-based engineering approach is validated via a fully functional prototype and verified by generating nontrivial multiagent systems and reusing components in subsequent systems. We build off of this research completed on the collaborative agent architecture, discuss the CE approach for the transition to architecture, and then examine how this will be applied in the reconfigurable computing community with the new National Science Foundation Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. Based on this work and extrapolating from similar efforts, the model-based approach shows promise to reduce the complexities of software evolution and increase productivity—particularly as the model libraries are populated with canonical components.
Disulfide bond formation in the Escherichia coli cytoplasm: an in vivo role reversal for the thioredoxins

Cytoplasmic proteins do not generally contain structural disulfide bonds, although certain cytoplasmic enzymes form such bonds as part of their catalytic cycles. The disulfide bonds in these latter enzymes are reduced in Escherichia coli by two systems; the thioredoxin pathway and the glutathione/glutaredoxin pathway. However, structural disulfide bonds can form in proteins in the cytoplasm when the gene (trxB) for the enzyme thioredoxin reductase is inactivated by mutation. This disulfide bond formation can be detected by assessing the state of the normally periplasmic enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) when it is localized to the cytoplasm. Here we show that the formation of disulfide bonds in cytoplasmic AP in the trxB mutant is dependent on the presence of two thioredoxins in the cell, thioredoxins 1 and 2, the products of the genes trxA and trxC, respectively. Our evidence supports a model in which the oxidized forms of these thioredoxins directly catalyze disulfide bond formation in cytoplasmic AP, a reversal of their normal role. In addition, we show that the recently discovered thioredoxin 2 can perform many of the roles of thioredoxin 1 in vivo, and thus is able to reduce certain essential cytoplasmic enzymes. Our results suggest that the three most effective cytoplasmic disulfide-reducing proteins are thioredoxin 1, thioredoxin 2 and glutaredoxin 1; expression of any one of these is sufficient to support aerobic growth. Our results help to explain how the reducing environment in the cytoplasm is maintained so that disulfide bonds do not normally occur.
Theoretical and experimental studies of the adsorption geometry and reaction pathways of furfural over FeNi bimetallic model surfaces and supported catalysts

Abstract Controlling the activity and selectivity of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass-derivatives is critical for the utilization of biomass as renewable sources for chemicals and fuels. Furfural, produced by the hydrolysis and dehydration of xylose from hemicellulose, is a promising biomass-derivative to produce important biofuels like 2-methylfuran. Using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and surface science measurements on Fe/Ni(1 1 1) model surfaces, our results indicate that furfural bonds to the bimetallic surfaces primarily through the C O bond with the furan ring tilted away from the surface, leading to the production of 2-methylfuran through the HDO reaction with furfuryl alcohol being identified as the likely intermediate. Similar preferential interaction of the C O group over the furan ring is also confirmed on SiO 2 -supported FeNi bimetallic catalysts. The similar trends observed on model surfaces and supported catalysts demonstrate the feasibility of using single crystal surfaces to identify precious-metal-free bimetallic catalysts for biomass conversion.
Gadolinium-Induced Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Summary Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a new disease whose incidence has peaked and receded over the past decade. It occurs in the presence of significant renal impairment, either acute or chronic (MDRD creatinine clearance of 2 ), and is associated with the administration of gadolinium-based contrast (GBC). Since 2006, the incidence of this disease has decreased markedly in patients with renal impairment, mainly owing to protocols that have not administered GBC to patients with creatinine clearances of less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , and in some cases with the use of less toxic and lower doses of GBC. The purpose of this article is to review the current status of GBC use for imaging in patients with kidney disease.
An analysis of trade-size clustering and its relation to stealth trading.

Abstract NYSE and Nasdaq trades increasingly cluster on multiples of 500, 1,000, and 5,000 shares. Such clustering varies over time and across stocks, and tends to increase with the level of trading activity. Furthermore, rounded trades tend to have more persistence both in occurrence and in trade initiation. Finally, medium-sized rounded trades tend to have greater relative price impact than large rounded trades. From these observations we surmise that trade-size clustering is consistent, at least in part, with the actions of stealth traders who tend to use medium-sized rounded transactions in an attempt to disguise their trades.
A Case Study Describing the Experiences of the Sexually Abused Children and Non-Offending Parents who Attended the Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Team After Care Clinic

A CASE STUDY DESCRIBING THE EXPERIENCES OF THE SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN AND NON-OFFENDING PARENTS WHO ATTENDED THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION TEAM AFTER CARE CLINIC by Danielle DiMauro Williams Chair: James A. Tucker ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH DissertationOF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University School of Education Title: A CASE STUDY DESCRIBING THE EXPERIENCES OF THE SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN AND NON-OFFENDING PARENTS WHO ATTENDED THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATION TEAM AFTER CARE CLINIC Name of researcher: Danielle DiMauro Williams Name and degree of faculty chair: James A. Tucker, Ph.D. Date of completion: October 2009 Purpose This study examines the experiences of children and their non-offending parents who attended the Multi-disciplinary Investigation Team‘s (MIT) After Care Clinic. The study seeks to understand the ways in which the care provided at the After Care Clinic helped stabilize the child and the non-offending parent. Additionally, this study explores what strategies were effective in stabilizing the families and resulted in their cooperation with prosecution of the perpetrator.
Circadian regulation of chick electroretinogram: effects of pinealectomy and exogenous melatonin

Melatonin is an important component of the avian circadian system. This study investigates the effects of pinealectomy (Pin-X) and melatonin implantation (Mel) on electroretinogram (ERG) rhythms in chicks. Feeding rhythms were monitored to obtain a phase reference for ERG recordings. Pin-X and Mel had little or no effect on feeding rhythms. Sham-operated Pin-X and vehicle implantation had no effect on ERG rhythms in the light-dark (LD) cycle or constant darkness (DD). ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes were higher during the day than during the night. The a- and b-wave implicit times were shorter during the day than during the night. a-Wave sensitivity was higher during the night than during the day, whereas b-wave sensitivity was not rhythmic. Pin-X abolished the circadian rhythm of b-wave amplitude and implicit time in DD but had no effect on a-wave rhythmicity. Mel abolished the rhythm of b-wave amplitude and of a- and b-wave implicit time in DD. Neither treatment affected ERG in LD. These results suggest that the circadian system regulates rhythmic visual function in the retina at least partially through Mel. The role played by the pineal gland and Mel may be specific to some physiological modalities (e.g., vision) while not influencing others (e.g., feeding).
Making the Leap to Being a Law Library Director

This article addresses my experience in going from being a mild-mannered Associate Director of an academic law library to that of a dynamic leader of an academic law library. While I do enjoy hyperbole, I should stop right here and tell you that I'm pretty much the same person I was before I became a Director. I didn't undergo any cognitive self-transformation after I accepted the position to be the new Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Omer Poos Law Library at Saint Louis University Law School, none that I am aware of anyway. What I did bring to the job was what all of you who are seeking to make the move one day will do and those of you who have already made the move have already done, and that is to bring your own experience, knowledge, abilities and skills to the position.
CALCULATIONS OF BIOELECTRIC POTENTIALS I. EFFECTS OF KCl AND NaCl ON NITELLA

The P.D. of 0.01 Mvs. 0.001 M KCl (concentration effect) in Nitella is 54.7 mv. and that of NaCl is 20.9 mv. The P.D. of 0.01 M NaCl vs. 0.01 M KCl is 82.9 mv. If we assume that diffusion potentials predominate we may calculate the relative mobilities of the ions in the outer layer of the protoplasm. If we put v(Cl) = 1 we obtain u(K) = 85.45 and u(Na) = 2.18. (These values depend upon the fact that the mean ionic activities in this layer must be equal at equilibrium to the mean ionic activities in the external solution.) Using these values the calculated P.D. of 0.01 M NaCl vs. 0.005 M NaCl + 0.005 M KCl is 66 mv. (the observed value is 68.8 mv.) and the conductance of KCl in the outer layer of the protoplasm is 27 times as great as that of NaCl (the observed conductance for the whole protoplasm is 25 to 50 times greater for KCl than for NaCl). Calculations on the basis of phase boundary potentials are less satisfactory.