cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTEGRATED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT APPROACH FOR CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS UTILIZING STANDARDIZED MODELING LANGUAGES AND METHODOLOGIES

Systems development has often resulted as a hit-or-miss proposition before the advent of standardized analysis and design languages providing blueprints understood by both software and systems engineers. This paved the way for modeling cyber-physical systems using established, yet evolving standardized notation widely accepted by industry. In the past, system analysts would try to assess the needs of their clients, generate a requirements analysis in some notation that the analyst understood but not always the client, give that analysis to a programmer or team of programmers, and hope that the final product was the system the client wanted Schmuller, 2003. However, advances in UML and SysML have created new pathways to the design process when combined with Concurrent Object Modeling and Architectural Design Method COMET methodology that can assist in the realm of complex embedded system design for next generation cyber-physical systems Rajhans, 2009. In order for product development to meet a desired need, communicating the vision to the developers is of utmost importance. The UML is a visual modeling language that enables system builders to create blueprints that capture their design intentions in a standardized format for effective communication of engineering detail. The paper reviews some key benefits of using UML and SysML during the product development process with COMET. The UML process steps are briefly described, followed by an introduction to the SysML language which is an extension of the UML. The paper provides a process review of embedded system development using SysML for systems engineering that can be useful for modeling aspects of cyber-physical system development during integrated product development. Realizing the fact that SysML may be considered too generic to address embedded and real-time system design, the paper provides a brief review of COMET, a UML based method for the development of concurrent applications, in particular distributed and real-time applications Gomaa, 2008. The Artificial Intelligence Design Framework introduced as part of the thesis work supported by NASA Tanik, 2006 can be adapted to cyber-physical system design. The published book detailing the AIDF called Architecting Automated Design Systems is based on this thesis work Tanik, 2008 and is being used as a basis for supporting cyber-physical system design using artificial intelligence decision support with many application areas, including complex safety-critical medical and space systems design. This journal paper establishes the link between the conference paper on integrated product development Tanik, 2010, and the previous work on the PhD thesis completed in 2006 that relates to cyber-physical system design frameworks.
NON-CONTACT ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT AND LOWER EXTREMITY INJURY RISK PREDICTION USING FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN AND KNEE ABDUCTION MOMENT: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION OF FEMALE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETES.

Background Modifiable risk factors associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are highly debated, yet the incidence rate of ACL injury continues to increase. Measures of movement quality may be an effective method for identifying individuals who are at a high risk of injury. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a movement screen and/or a drop-jump landing (DJL) task identifies female individuals at a higher risk for sustaining non-contact lower extremity (LE) injuries, particularly ACL injuries. Study design Cohort study. Methods 187 women (mean age 19.5 ± 1.21 years) who played collegiate soccer, volleyball, or basketball completed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) and a drop-jump landing task. Weekly injury reports of participants who sustained a non-contact LE injury were collected. FMS™ scores (both total score and individual screens) and Knee Abduction Moment (KAM) values from the DJL task, were compared between injured and uninjured sample populations. Results A statistically significant difference (t = 1.98, p = 0.049) was observed in the FMS™ scores between the injured (ACL and LE injury) and uninjured groups. Prior ACL injury was also a significant predictor of LE injury (OR = 4.4, p = 0.01). Conclusions The FMS™ can be used to identify collegiate female athletes who are at an increased risk of sustaining a non-contact ACL or LE injury. Female collegiate athletes that score 14 or less on the FMS™ have a greater chance of sustaining a non-contact LE injury than those who score above 14. Level of evidence 3b.
Luxemburg and Lenin

Rosa Luxemburg and Lenin represent distinct approaches to revolutionary transformation, and these differences have become of increasing importance in light of the failure of numerous revolutions since 1917 to avoid succumbing to bureaucratic and authoritarian dictatorships. Although many presume that the divide between the two centers on matters of organization, a careful study of their work shows that this was less decisive than is often claimed, since they also shared many common approaches to the issue. The question that truly demarcates Luxemburg’s legacy from Lenin’s concerns what happens after the revolutionary seizure of power. This is most powerfully seen in her writings on revolutionary democracy and the critique of Lenin in ‘The Russian Revolution.’
A Descriptive Time Inventory of Emergency Department Nursing Workflows

Background: Previous emergency department (ED) process improvement efforts used probabilistic analytical or simulated models without considering the impact of specific tasks on ED patient flow and resource needs. We focus on the tasks and workflows that comprise nursing activity in an urban academic ED and level I trauma center receiving over 80,000 annual visits. Experimental Design: Using a time/motion observational methodology, we create a minute-by-minute time inventory account of nursing tasks and workflows as observed through the activities of 35 nurses over 124.5 hours, representative of 24/7 patient care in 7 ED care areas. “Tasks” were defined as discrete, measurable, and consequential step(s) to accomplish a clinically meaningful goal (“workflow”). The task with highest cognitive demand for each minute of observation was recorded. We also tracked 12 discrete highest-acuity (“shock”) events and catalogued second-by-second observational accounts of each nurse diverted. Results: Our data demonstrate significant variation in tasks based on time of day. We observed substantial operational load moving patients between care areas, with intake and discharge comprising 25% of nurse workflows. Downtime averaged 32%, with variation depending on care area. Downtime was highest (47%) with passive video monitoring of psychiatric care and lowest (22%) in high-turnover intake areas. Highest-acuity patient-care events result in significant and variable nurse diversion from other tasks averaging 1:03:29 in combined nursing effort. Conclusion and Potential Impact: Movement of patients between care areas represents significant operational load. Interruptions and task preparation accounted for a surprising portion of activity. Highest-acuity patient care events result in substantial and variable diversion of nurse care.
INTRA- AND INTER-RATER RELIABILITY OF THE SELECTIVE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT (SFMA) IN HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS.

Background The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a popular assessment tool used to observe and detect components of dysfunctional movement patterns. The goal of the assessment is to identify impairments throughout the kinetic chain that may be contributing to movement dysfunction and/or pain. Hypothesis/purpose The purpose of this research was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the 10 top-tier movements of the SFMA using the categorical scoring system. It was hypothesized the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the SFMA would be acceptable with variations based on the objectivity of the scoring criteria and the experience of the rater. Study design Cross-sectional reliability study. Methods 25 (17 male, 8 female), physically active participants (age: 21.2 ± 1.6years, height: 177.1 ± 10.7cm, weight: 74.9 ± 13.9kg) were independently assessed in real time by three clinicians during two separate visits to the lab using a standard instructional script. Clinicians had varying levels of experience with the SFMA and the two visits occurred a minimum of 48 hours and maximum of seven days apart. Results from each clinician were compared within and between raters using the Kappa coefficient and ratings of absolute agreement. Results Overall, slight to substantial intra- and inter-rater reliability were observed using the categorical scoring tool, although variations existed depending on the movement pattern. Kappa coefficients for intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.21-1.00, while % absolute agreement ranged from 0.64-1.00. Inter-rater reliability for the same measures ranged from 0.11-0.89 and 0.52-0.96 respectively. Clinicians certified in the SFMA with the greatest amount of experience using the SFMA demonstrated higher intra-rater reliability. Similarly, higher inter-rater reliability was found between certified raters with the most experience. Conclusions Certified SFMA raters with greater amounts of experience can demonstrate adequate intra- and inter-rater reliability using the categorical scoring method. Level of evidence 2, Reliability study.
Arabic as a heritage language: A scoping review:

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:Second language researchers have focused increasingly in recent years on “heritage language learners,” or adult learners who wish to learn, relearn, o...
Questioning the Perpetrator: The Evidence Is in the Electrocardiogram∗

Every physician who deals with acute and emergency care medicine knows the importance of prompt and effective resuscitation of patients following an episode of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and understands how identification of the potential cause of such cardiac arrest is a determinant in preventing
Parental denigration reports across parent–child dyads: Divorced parents underreport denigration behaviors compared to children

AbstractParental denigration is a phenomenon characterized by disparaging comments made by one parent about the other parent, in front of their children. It is an emerging area of research with imp...
Complications After Upper Extremity Surgery in Solid Organ Transplant Patients.

Purpose To determine the rate of and risk factors for complications in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients who have had surgery of the upper extremity. Methods All SOT recipients who had an upper extremity procedure performed by 1 of 6 surgeons at our institution were identified from 2006 to 2018. Demographic data, transplant date and type, upper extremity surgery procedure and date, antirejection medications, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA) score, and complications were recorded. Complications were defined as any surgical complication within 1 year and any medical complication within the first 30 days after surgery. Complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Results Fifty-one upper extremity procedures in 32 SOT patients were included. Of the 51 procedures, 21 were complicated, for an overall complication rate of 41%. Surgical complications occurred equally before and after 30 days with infection being the most common. Only 1 of the procedures resulting in surgical site infection had an implant (temporary K-wire fixation). The majority of complications were grade II, and there were no grade IV or V complications. Age, ASA score, type or number of SOT, and immunosuppressive regimens were similar between complicated and noncomplicated procedures. Procedures involving male patients were more likely to be complicated than those involving female patients. Conclusions Complications after upper extremity operations are common in SOT patients, and surgical complications often occur after 30 days. Surgeons should counsel this population that they carry a higher complication risk than the general population and may require longer-term monitoring after surgery. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Consumer Response to Virtual CSR Experiences

This study examines a unique context for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the form of a virtual reality (VR) video featuring a quasi-experimental design that was sponsored by an...
Chapter 12 – Electric Energy

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals that electricity serves as a carrier of energy to the user. Energy present in a fossil fuel or a nuclear fuel is converted to energy in the form of electricity in order to transport and readily distribute it to customers. Electric power plants are not often located at the point of end use; they are generally situated away from the metropolitan areas at dam sites or near sources of cooling water. The electric power generated is then transmitted to the user by means of transmission lines. Electricity has become an essential ingredient of business, industry, and everyday living in the developed countries and the future trend is towards greater dependence on it.
Residual risk in public health and disaster management

Abstract In the United States, there is a disconnect between critical stakeholders in the risk management and risk reduction fields – notably public health, emergency and disaster management, and vulnerability and resilience science. Nationally mandated hazard mitigation plans tend to focus on physical exposure, overlook socioeconomic analysis, and routinely omit public health considerations. At present, there is a lack of research on the intersection of vulnerability studies, risk assessments, and public health risk assessments and healthcare systems. Through the inclusion of stakeholder input and feedback, the case study within this article from the Idaho public health sector develops an objective, science-informed, and data-driven methodology that advances the state of risk assessments. This Idaho Public Health Jurisdictional Risk Assessment (PHJRA) distinguishes itself as an assessment tool that employs a sub-county vulnerability model, and to couple socioeconomic, demographic, and public health indicators allowing multiple stakeholders improved visualization of risk in their jurisdictions. This case study helps define a new method for identifying the risk that remains after mitigation measures are implemented - labeled here as Residual Risk Assessment (RRA). Results demonstrate spatially variable social and health system vulnerability across the study area, in addition to variable mitigation capabilities and residual risk of the health districts. This outcome showcases an RRA driven vulnerability index that carries national or international applicability for disaster management and public health sectors.
Highly efficient long-wavelength infrared, step-tapered quantum cascade lasers

Step-taper active-region (STA) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) allow for both carrier-leakage suppression and fast, miniband-like lower-laser (ll) level depopulation. That has led to an internal-efficiency value of ~ 77 % for ~ 5 μmemitting devices, a record-high value for 4.5-6.0 μm-emitting QCLs. We have recently shown that that value can be basically accounted for when considering both LO-phonon- and interface-roughness (IFR)-triggered carrier leakage from the upper-laser (ul) level and injector states. The same carrier-leakage analysis is applied to MOCVD-grown ~ 8.0 μmemitting, STA-type QCLs, and we find that the internal efficiency reaches a high value of ~ 73.6 %, due to a record-high injection-efficiency value (86.7 %) and to an IFR-enhanced laser-transition efficiency value of ~ 85 %. In contrast, for a conventional MOCVD-grown, ~ 8.0 μm-emitting QCLs the internal efficiency is found to be only ~ 55 %, typical of values extracted from experimental data of mid-infrared-emitting conventional QCLs. The ul-level lifetime is found to be controlled by LO-phonon and alloy-disorder (AD) scattering for typical MOCVD-grown QCLs, just like for 4.5-5.0 μm-emitting QCLs. However, for typical MBE-grown QCLs the ul-level lifetime is controlled by LO-phonon, AD and IFR scattering. The ll-level lifetime is found to controlled by both LO-phonon and IFR scattering. Besides the high internal-efficiency value, the use of excited-state injection and a low voltage defect result in the STA QCL reaching a single-facet wall-plug efficiency value of 10.6 %, a record-high single-facet value for 8-11 μm-emitting QCLs grown by MOCVD and holding potential for CW operation.
Astrocyte and microglial aging: morphology and modeling

Abstract Astrocytes have long been regarded as space filler cells, or at best providing trophic support for neurons. Recent evidence has shown that even in eugeric aging there is activation of both astrocytes and microglia, including decreases in the total length of processes emanating from the cell body. This is duplicated in several chronic inflammatory conditions including in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. The loss of the total length of characteristic processes emanating from the cell soma will be directly linked to synaptic dysfunction, and increased proinflammatory cytokines. Further, there is increasing evidence that long-term exposure to these cytokines (including tumor necrosis factor and interleukins) during chronic neuroinflammatory conditions or eugeric aging induces astrocytes and microglia to enter a senescent state as evidenced by increased expression of senescence markers and decreased release of ATP. Thus, senescence is likely to be a result of mitochondrial dysfunction providing a potential target for therapeutics.
The Landscapes for Comparative and International Education

This introductory chapter highlights the overall objectives and purposes of the volume, to articulate the research and significance of the field of comparative and international education and affairs experienced by Fellows of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES). They will explicate critical components of their research and policy modalities and postulate how future directions of the field may evolve, based upon ongoing professional involvement in their specialties. Rationales for the subcategories are expounded regarding the salience of crosscutting and interdisciplinary themes. Important dimensions of the field include how the social sciences, humanities, and international affairs have affected the evolving nature of comparative and international education. Hence, the volume is centered around the following themes: (1) succinct history and selection of Fellows by professional societies; (2) conceptual, historical, and theoretical frameworks for enriching the field; (3) pedagogical epistemologies, teachers, and genders to deepen global engagement; (4) policies, practices, and paradigms emerging from applied research; and (5) movements in the new decade.
The Relationship Between Unemployment and Health Insurance Coverage: Before and After the Affordable Care Act's Coverage Expansions.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) major coverage expansions mitigated the impact of unemployment on health insurance coverage status. Data source A 2011-2019 versions of the American Community Survey developed by the University of Minnesota Integrated Public Use Microdata Series program. Research design We use difference-in-difference-in-differences (ie, triple difference) regressions to compare changes in the short-run impacts of local unemployment rates before and after the ACA. Principal findings Before the ACA, rises in local unemployment were associated with uninsurance due to losses in private coverage (ie, both nongroup and employer sponsored).Following the ACA's full implementation, the link between employment and coverage was attenuated by access to publicly subsidized qualified health plans on the ACA's nongroup market, and enhanced access to Medicaid in states that expanded. Our findings suggest protections from unemployment-linked uninsured spells are largest in states that expanded Medicaid. Conclusions Expanded access to coverage under the ACA could mitigate the adverse effects on insurance status and access to care historically linked to job loss. However, should the ACA be repealed, many households stand to lose their ability to turn to Medicaid or subsidized nongroup coverage as safety-net resources to offset the burdens of job loss.
Client preference accommodation for religious/spiritual integration and psychotherapy outcomes in naturalistic practice settings.

The purpose of this practice-research network study was to examine client preferences for religious/spiritual (R/S) integration and test whether preference accommodation in this area is linked to positive treatment outcomes (i.e., less dropout and greater client change). Thirteen independent practice psychotherapists and their 175 clients completed measures of R/S integration preferences and use of R/S techniques and approaches throughout treatment. Psychotherapists also completed an assessment of treatment dropout and change for each participating client. Overall, participating clients expressed moderate preferences for R/S integration, time spent on R/S topics, and an R/S match with their psychotherapists. Preferences in each of these 3 areas were stronger for R/S identifying clients (compared with non-R/S clients) and when clients believed that R/S integration was more essential to produce positive treatment outcomes. Both client R/S identification and client R/S integration preferences predicted psychotherapist's use of R/S techniques in treatment sessions. Importantly, clients' ratings of R/S preference accommodation significantly predicted psychotherapists' ratings of client treatment completion and client change. Specifically, with each unit increase on a 5-point measure of client perceptions of R/S preference accommodation, clients were 1.63 times more likely to be rated as treatment completers and 1.83 times more likely to be identified as having improved while in treatment. Implications for R/S integration in psychotherapy and future research directions are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Cyclic Sparsely Connected Architectures: From foundations to applications

Deep neural networks (DNNs) are compute-intensive nonlinear mathematical functions that employ matrix/tensor operators at their core to identify temporal and/or spatial correlations within input data. Common techniques, such as pruning, quantization, and compact model design, have been proposed by researchers and extensively utilized by developers to reduce the computation and bulky size of DNNs.
VALLEY MODIFICATION BY SAPPING PROCESSES IN SOUTHERN INDIANA

Valleys in Crawford County, Indiana, display characteristics that are suggestive of both surface flow and groundwater outflow. Steep-walled, amphitheater-headed alcoves with massive breakdown blocks deposited at the base of sidewalls typify valleys modified by sapping processes. Valleys controlled primarily by surface flow have less pronounced sidewalls, gentler longitudinal profiles, and tapered headward sections. Drainage patterns are regionally dendritic; however some local third order basins display asymmetric configurations which indicate multiple flow processes and geologic controls. The massive Tick Ridge Sandstone Member overlies impermeable silty shale. The shale acts as an aquiclude controlling lateral groundwater flow paths along the sandstone/shale contact. Thin sections analyzed from rock samples taken from selected valley sidewalls suggest that as surface water infiltrates joints and zones of weakness, it weathers the sandstone by removing iron oxide cement, and redeposits it along valley si...
A short proof of Bing's characterization of S3

We give a short proof of Bing's characterization of S 3 : a compact, connected 3-manifold M is S 3 if and only if every knot in M is isotopic into a ball.
Identifying Faulty Modifications in Software Maintenance

Software maintenance involves making changes to a program to correct errors, to improve efficiency, or to extend the program functionality. The existing algorithmic debuggers generally only take into account the modified software, i.e., they do not take into account the original software and modifications being made. However, in software maintenance the original software has been tested and analyzed previously. In software maintenance the goal of debugging is to identify those modifications that cause incorrect program behavior, rather than to identify faulty statements. In this paper we present an approach that uses the information about the original software and determines those modifications that more likely contain fault. In this approach, the modifications that are made to the program are first identified. Then, forward dynamic dependence analysis is used to determine the most suspicious modifications.
The Institutional-Transaction-Cost Framework for Public Policy Analysis

This article presents the institutional-transaction-cost framework for public policy analysis. While many economists have considered institutional effects, none has presented a complete view of how these institutions affect the desirability of policies. By integrating many diverse insights into a single framework, this article provides a means for examining the role of the complete range of institutional factors. It offers a cost effectiveness framework for systematically comparing policies over costs incurred during their enactment, implementation, enforcement, and operation. It also provides a checklist of variables and parameters that are necessary to construct estimates of these costs. With these estimates, an analyst can properly weigh the relevance of these institutional factors. This article then offers two comparisons of water quality policies to demonstrate how this framework is used.
Test Automation for Tire Force and Moment Measurement

Existing apparatus and test procedures at Firestone for determining cornering force, self-aligning torque and rolling resistance have been additionally mechanized through computer usage along with a complex hydraulic control system. Upon completion of the operational function of the force and moment apparatus, the data are analyzed. A polynomial surface analysis is used to obtain cornering force and self-aligning torque as a function of tire load and slip angle. These results can be displayed in tabular and/or graphical form.
Axon regeneration after spinal cord injury: Insight from genetically modified mouse models

The use of genetically modified mice to study axon regeneration after spinal cord injury has served as a useful in vivo model for both loss-of-function and gain-of-function analysis of candidate proteins. This review discusses the impact of genetically modified mice on axon regeneration after spinal cord injury in the context of axon growth inhibition by myelin, the glial scar, and chemorepellent molecules. We also discuss the use of mice which transgenically express fluorescent proteins in specific axons for increasing our understanding of how spinal cord axons behave after injury.
Asymptotic automorphism groups of Cayley digraphs and graphs of abelian groups of prime-power order

We show that almost every Cayley graph Γ of an abelian group G of odd prime-power order has automorphism group as small as possible. Additionally, we show that almost every Cayley (di)graph Γ of an abelian group G of odd prime-power order that does not have automorphism group as small as possible is a normal Cayley (di)graph of G (that is, G L is normal in Aut(Γ)).
DOPA AS AN ANTIMETABOLITE IN HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Abstract A point mutation affecting the primary structure of an enzyme which usually distinguishes between dopa or a dopa metabolite and tyrosine could explain the neuronal cell death which is characteristic of Huntington's disease. The dopa metabolite would then act as an antimetabolite, inhibiting the tyrosine t-R.N.A. acylation step, blocking protein synthesis, and eventually causing cell death.
The transport of progesterone in blood.

This study was undertaken with the objective of determining the order of concentration of progesterone in the blood of certain representative mammalian species and of ascertaining the form in which this hormone is transported in the blood. It seems generally supposed that steroid hormones in the blood are intimately associated with protein (Edsall, 1947), although evidence for this relationship has, so far as we are aware, been presented only for estrogen (Haussler, 1936; Muhlbock, 1939; Rakoff, Paschkis, and Cantarow, 1943; Szego and Roberts, 1946, 1947; Roberts and Szego, 1946; Boettiger, 1946). methods No effort was made to examine any reproductive state; the only consideration was to be reasonably confident that the blood to be examined would contain progesterone. Accordingly, blood was obtained from pseudopregnant rabbits (virgins, six or seven days after injection of gonadotrophin), a rhesus monkey in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, a woman considered to be in the eighth week of pregnancy, ...
Infection of phaseolus vulgaris by bean golden mosaic virus: Ultrastructural Aspects

Abstract Bean golden mosaic virus, a single-stranded DNA plant virus, induced striking changes in the nuclear structure which were distinct from those known to occur in cells infected with other plant viruses. The changes, in order of occurrence, included 1) hypertrophy of the nucleolus so that it occupied up to 3 4 of the nuclear volume, 2) segregation of nucleolur components into discrete granular and fibrillar regions which were similar to those induced by certain carcinogens or antibiotics in animal cells, 3) appearance of electron dense, condensed fibrillar rings in various numbers and sizes, and 4) appearance of viruslike particles either as loosely compacted aggregates or in hexagonally close-packed arrays. Cytochemical studies revealed that the segregated nucleoli were composed mainly of ribonucleoprotein while the fibrillar rings were deoxyribonucleoprotein. Virus particles occurred only in the nuclei of infected cells. Only phloem cells showed nucleopathic effects and/or contained virus particles.
ISOLATION IN PURE CULTURE OF GREEN ALGAE FROM SOIL BY A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE

There have been several procedures described for the isolation of green algae in pure culture, free from bacteria and molds. Among the ones most often cited are those of Chodat (3), Schramm (7), and Pringsheim (6). These methods are essentially alike. Some of the material from which the algae are to be obtained is inoculated into an inorganic nutrient solution. After incubation in sunlight and when growth is apparent, a small amount is inoculated into an agarized inorganic nutrient solution which is incubated in the light. After incubation, when green colonies appear, some of these are carefully picked out of the agar and each one inoculated into a flask of inorganic liquid media. This "enrichment culture method " is repeated until all the contaminating forms are eliminated. Then, instead of planting in inorganic media, the colonies dissected from the agar are planted in media containing dextrose. In case no molds nor bacteria develop and none can be found under the microscope, the culture is thought to be free from bacteria and fungi, and can be maintained in a manner similar to bacterial cultures.
Ecosystem and decomposer effects on litter dynamics along an old field to old-growth forest successional gradient

Identifying the biotic (e.g. decomposers, vegetation) and abiotic (e.g. temperature, moisture) mechanisms controlling litter decomposition is key to understanding ecosystem function, especially where variation in ecosystem structure due to successional processes may alter the strength of these mechanisms. To identify these controls and feedbacks, I measured mass loss and N flux in herbaceous, leaf, and wood litter along a successional gradient of ecosystem types (old field, transition forest, old-growth forest) while manipulating detritivore access to litter. Ecosystem type, litter type, and decomposers contributed directly and interactively to decomposition. Litter mass loss and N accumulation was higher while litter C:N remained lower in old-growth forests than in either old fields or transition forest. Old-growth forests influenced litter dynamics via microclimate (coolest and wettest) but also, apparently, through a decomposer community adapted to consuming the large standing stocks of leaf litter, as indicated by rapid leaf litter loss. In all ecosystem types, mass loss of herbaceous litter was greater than leaf litter which, in turn was greater than wood. However, net N loss from wood litter was faster than expected, suggesting localized N flux effects of wood litter. Restricting detritivore access to litter reduced litter mass loss and slowed the accumulation of N in litter, suggesting that macro-detritivores affect both physical and chemical characteristics of litter through selective grazing. These data suggest that the distinctive litter loss rates and efficient N cycling observed in old-growth forest ecosystems are not likely to be realized soon after old fields are restored to forested ecosystems.
The uses of intravenous immune globulin in collagen vascular disorders.

Abstract Studies in our laboratory demonstrated that the long-term administration of intravenous immune serum globulin in patients with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia produced increased suppressor activity, which resulted in diminished in vitro B cell immunoglobulin synthesis. These studies suggested that intravenous immune globulin therapy might be a useful modality in altering immunoregulation in patients with collagen vascular autoimmune disease. In the present preliminary study, two groups of patients with collagen vascular disease were chosen: systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjogren's syndrome. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with mild clinical disease were chosen to minimize the risk of adverse effects on the disease process, particularly specific organ involvement (e.g., lupus nephritis). Each patient was used as his or her own clinical and laboratory control. Patients received 300 mg/kg of intravenous immune globulin every 4 weeks. As a whole the patient group did not experience any adverse effects from the intravenous immune globulin therapy. No clinical or laboratory changes were observed in one patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and one patient with Sjogren's syndrome. In the other patient with Sjogren's syndrome, there were subjective changes of improved well-being and increased energy levels without any objective changes in the sicca syndrome. There was a slight steroid-sparing effect (10 to 3 mg/day) but no effects on the sedimentation rate, the antinuclear antibody, or rheumatoid factor serologic studies. In a patient with steroid-dependent systemic lupus erythematosus, there was marked clinical improvement of the cutaneous vasculitis after the third infusion, with reduction in her oral steroid requirements from 25 to 7.5 mg/day. The fifth patient, with a lupus anticoagulant and multiple miscarriages, was treated with an induction regimen of 0.4 gm/kg of intravenous immune globulin for 4 days after she became pregnant. Shortly thereafter for the first time, the lupus anticoagulant became negative with a decrease in anticardiolipin serologies. However, despite maintenance infusions given every 3 weeks at 500 mg/kg, the anticardiolipin antibody titers increased, and her lupus anticoagulant levels returned to previous ranges. This patient was treated concomitantly with low-dose anticoagulants (aspirin) and low-dose heparin. She delivered a normal, healthy child at 36 weeks' gestation. The placenta was grossly and microscopically normal, with no evidence of thrombosis. These preliminary studies indicate that select patients with collagen vascular disorders may benefit, although in some cases transiently, from intravenous immune globulin therapy. Further studies are needed to identify better those patients with collagen vascular disorders that might respond to intravenous immune globulin as adjunct therapy and select an optimal dosage regimen.
Matrix scaling, entropy minimization, and conjugate duality (II): the dual problem

We present a matrix scaling problem calledtruncated scaling and describe applications arising in economics, urban planning, and statistics. We associate a dual pair of convex optimization problems to the scaling problem and prove that the existence of a solution for the truncated scaling problem is characterized by the attainment of the infimum in the dual optimization problem. We show that optimization problems used by Bacharach (1970), Bachem and Korte (1979), Eaves et al. (1985), Marshall and Olkin (1968) and Rothblum and Schneider (1989) to study scaling problems can be derived as special cases of the dual problem for truncated scaling. We present computational results for solving truncated scaling problems using dual coordinate descent, thereby showing that truncated scaling provides a framework for modeling and solving large-scale matrix scaling problems.
Exploring the genetic underpinnings of brain and behavioral disorders.

The pursuit of the links between genes, brain, and behavior began in the mid 20th century, led by the physicist-turned-biologist Seymour Benzer. Driven by the belief that neural traits as complex a...
Reallocating labor to initiate changes in capital structures: Hayek revisited

Abstract Hayek posits that monetary policy alters the capital structures pursued. Job reallocation initiates, implements and operates these structures. A partial adjustment model is estimated using US manufacturing data. The results suggest Hayek's theory to be operative but lacking economic significance.
A Study of the Effect of Sustained, Whole-School Professional Development on Student Achievement in Science

This longitudinal study of middle school science teachers explored the relationship, if any, between teacher participation in whole-school, sustained, collaborative professional development and student achievement in science. Eleven teachers from Glendale Middle School participated in the Discovery Model Schools Initiative 2-week summer institute, followed by monthly release day professional development sessions focused on implementing instruction outlined in the National Science Education Standards. Student achievement was assessed using the Discovery Inquiry Test in Science. The same students completed the test in grades 6–8. Students of teachers at Glendale Middle School significantly outperformed students at the control school. Findings in this study revealed the positive impact that whole-school, sustained, collaborative professional development programs have on student achievement, indicating that programs of this nature could be a means to narrowing or eliminating achievement gaps in science. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 775–786, 2007
Multiresolution constrained least-squares algorithm for direct estimation of time activity curves from dynamic ECT projection data

We present an algorithm which is able to reconstruct dynamic emission computed tomography (ECT) image series directly from inconsistent projection data that have been obtained using a rotating camera. By finding a reduced dimension time-activity curve (TAC) basis with which all physiologically feasible TAC's in an image may be accurately approximated, we are able to recast this large non-linear problem as one of constrained linear least squares (CLLSQ) and to reduce parameter vector dimension by a factor of 20. Implicit is the assumption that each pixel may be modeled using a single compartment model, as is typical in 99mTc teboroxime wash-in wash-out studies; and that the blood input function is known. A disadvantage of the change of basis is that TAC non-negativity is no longer ensured. As a consequence, non-negativity constraints must appear in the CLLSQ formulation. A warm-start multiresolution approach is proposed, whereby the problem is initially solved at a resolution below that finally desired. At the next iteration, the number of reconstructed pixels is increased and the solution of the lower resolution problem is then used to warm-start the estimation of the higher resolution kinetic parameters. We demonstrate the algorithm by applying it to dynamic myocardial slice phantom projection data at resolutions of 16 X 16 and 32 X 32 pixels. We find that the warm-start method employed leads to computational savings of between 2 and 4 times when compared to cold start execution times. A 20% RMS error in the reconstructed TAC's is achieved for a total number of detected sinogram counts of 1 X 105 for the 16 X 16 problem and at 1 X 106 counts for the 32 X 32 grid. These errors are 1.5 - 2 times greater than those obtained in conventional (consistent projection) SPECT imaging at similar count levels.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Assessment of Calcific Aortic Stenosis by Measurement of Area Circumscribed by Calcium on Plain Film Orifice-View Roentgenograms

A direct measurement of the severity of stenosis of heavily calcified aortic valves was accomplished by a noninvasive roentgenographic technique. This was accomplished in 12 patients, using plain roentgenograms obtained at a projection specifically derived for this purpose. The x-ray beam was directed obliquely through the heart at a 45° superior elevation in the frontal plane. At this angle, the aortic valve can be visualized as if looking directly into the orifice. In patients in whom there was a fully circumferential ring of calcium, the area circumscribed by calcium served as a reliable indicator of the upper limit of the size of the orifice, which was not exceeded in any of the patients. This was of practical clinical value in patients in whom the perimeter of calcium circumscribed a markedly narrowed area. The very presence of a complete circumferential ring of calcium, as delineated on these roentgenograms, indicated a maximum functional orifice area of 0.5 cm 2 . A linear relation between dimensions of the deposits of calcium and the actual dimensions of the orifice permitted an estimation of the actual length of the axes of the valves from the regression equation.
K Fluorescence Yield of Several Metals

The $K$ fluorescence yield (${w}_{K}$) of iron, nickel, copper, and zinc has been measured by the solid angle method. By varying the solid angle subtended by a sample foil at a NaI(Tl) crystal one can distinguish between the collimated primary beam and the isotropically emitted fluorescent x-rays. The following new values were obtained: iron -0.308\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.015, nickel -0.366\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011, copper -0.410\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012, and zinc -0.446\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012. In addition, the values for the $K$ fluorescence yield of zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, and tin reported earlier, have been redetermined. With the single exception of the value for zirconium, these new values agree quite closely with the earlier values. The average change is approximately 1% or about one third of the previously estimated error. The redetermined values of ${w}_{K}$ are as follows: Zr -0.70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, Nb -0.73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, Mo -0.73\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, Rh -0.786\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.015, Pd -0.790\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.015, Ag -0.821\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.019, Cd -0.827\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.015, Sn -0.846\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012. A phosphorescence of the NaI(Tl) crystals with a decay time of 8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 milliseconds was found, while no sign of a reported 0.2-millisecond decay was observed.
Rubber-elasticity of hybrid organic–inorganic composites evaluated using dynamic mechanical spectroscopy and equilibrium swelling

Estimations of the average molar mass between crosslinks for sol-gel-derived poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO)–polysilicate hybrid composites have been made using both dynamic tensile modulus and equilibrium swelling techniques. Modulus-based calculations have been performed using storage modulus values obtained from dynamic mechanical spectroscopy at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 Hz. The analysis revealed that gels containing either 4 or 19% polysilicate (by volume) had an average molar mass between crosslinks significantly less than that predicted by a PTMO and SiO2 rule of mixtures. Thus, the analysis indicates that there is extensive restriction of PTMO chain mobility in these gels. Aging of the 19% polysilicate-loaded gels in a basic ethylamine and water solution for 25 h, which has previously been shown to enhance phase separation without loss of optical transparency, results in increasing average chain length. To verify this approach, the values obtained using the dynamic mechanical spectroscopy-based technique were compared with those calculated using the Flory-Rehner equation. Somewhat surprisingly, the analyses by both techniques were in excellent agreement, thereby suggesting that, in the absence of chemical change, elementary rubber elasticity theory is a good tool for investigating the phase interactions in these seemingly nonideal hybrid composites. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 947–957, 1998
Dental Composites Based on Amorphous Calcium Phosphate — Resin Composition/Physicochemical Properties Study

This study explores how the resin composition/structure affects the physicochemical properties of copolymers and their amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-filled composites. A series of photo-polymerizable binary and ternary matrices are formulated utilizing 2,2-bis[ p-(2(')-hydroxy-3(')methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[ p-(2(')-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]-propane (EBPADMA), or a urethane dimethacrylate as base monomers, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate or hexamethylene dimethacrylate (HmDMA) with or without 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as diluent monomer. Unfilled copolymers and composites filled with 40% by mass zirconia-hybridized ACP are evaluated for biaxial flexure strength (BFS), degree of conversion (DC), mineral ion release, polymerization shrinkage (PS), and water sorption (WS). The average DC values are 82-94% and 74-91% for copolymers and composites, respectively. Unrelated to the resin composition, the PS values of composites are up to 8.4 vol. % and the BFS values of wet composite specimens are on average 51 +/- 8 MPa. The maximum WS values attained in copolymers and composites reach 4.8 mass%. Inclusion of hydrophobic HmDMA monomer in the matrices significantly reduces the WS. The levels of Ca and PO(4) released from all types of composites are significantly above the minimum necessary for the re-deposition of apatite to occur. Elevated Ca, and to a lesser extent PO(4) release, is observed in HEMA-containing, ternary EBPADMA formulations. Further resin reformulations may be needed to improve the PS of composite specimens. Poor dispersion of ;as-synthesized' ACP within the composite contributes to their inferior mechanical performance.