cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linked four-membered silicate rings: vibrational analysis of Gillespite

Raman spectra and lattice dynamics calculations are presented for the silicate mineral gillespite, BaFeSi4O10, which contains sheets of linked four-membered silicate rings. The results are analyzed in relation to earlier work done on the isolated four-membered ring silicate BaCuSi2O6 and to published claims that vibrational modes of four-membered rings are responsible for the sharp D 1“defect line” observed in the Raman spectra of SiO2 glass. The crystal structure of gillespite (space group P4/ncc or D ) consists of puckered Si4O12 rings, where each SiO4 tetrahedron is linked to two neighboring tetrahedra within a ring and to a third tetrahedron within a different ring. The rings are linked to each other in a staggered configuration to form sheets, which are also bonded together by Ba2+ and Fe2+. The calculation adjusts the bond bending and bond stretching force constants so that calculated fundamental mode frequencies best fit observed fundamental frequencies in the Raman spectra; eigenmodes associated with each calculated fundamental mode are then generated. Some eigenmodes calculated are unique to the gillespite structure, but many of the more localized four-membered ring modes are similar to those calculated for the four-membered rings in BaCuSi2O6 and for the three- and six-membered rings in the cyclosilicates studied earlier. The results for gillespite indicate that the Raman-active A 1g mode at 450 cm−1 is a four-membered ring bridging oxygen breathing mode that is mixed with other minor ring deformation displacements; because of this mixing, the calculated frequency of this mode is 45 to 61 cm−1 lower than that calculated for bridging oxygen binding breathing modes of puckered four-membered rings in BaCuSi2O6 and in simulated glass structures.
Massive Transfusion Protocols: The Role of Aggressive Resuscitation Versus Product Ratio in Mortality Reduction

Background Exsanguinating hemorrhage necessitating massive blood product transfusion is associated with high mortality rates. Recent data suggest that altering the fresh frozen plasma to packed red blood cell ratio (FFP:PRBC) results in significant mortality reductions. Our purpose was to evaluate mortality and blood product use in the context of a newly initiated massive transfusion protocol (MTP). Study Design In July 2005, our American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center implemented an MTP supporting a 1:1.5 FFP:PRBC ratio, improved communications, and enhanced systems flow to optimize rapid blood product availability. During the 4 years surrounding protocol implementation, we reviewed data on trauma patients directly admitted through the emergency department and requiring 10 or more units PRBCs during the first 24 hours. Results For the 2 years before and subsequent to MTP initiation, there were 4,223 and 4,414 trauma activations, of which 40 and 37 patients, respectively, met study criteria. The FFP:PRBC ratios were identical, at 1:1.8 and 1:1.8 (p = 0.97). Despite no change in FFP:PRBC ratio, mortality decreased from 45% to 19% (p = 0.02). Other significant findings included decreased mean time to first product: cross-matched RBCs (115 to 71 minutes; p=0.02), FFP (254 to 169 minutes; p=0.04), and platelets (418 to 241 minutes; p=0.01). Conclusions MTP implementation is associated with mortality reductions that have been ascribed principally to increased plasma use and decreased FFP:PRBC ratios. Our study found a significant reduction in mortality despite unchanged FFP:PRBC ratios and equivalent overall mean numbers of transfusions. Our data underscore the importance of expeditious product availability and emphasize that massive transfusion is a complex process in which product ratio and time to transfusion represent only the beginning of understanding.
Relations among verbal and nonverbal cognitive skills in normal language and specifically language-impaired children.

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that specifically language-impaired (SLI) children have a qualitatively different cognitive system from that of normal language (NL) children. Twenty NL and 20 SLI children between the ages of 4:2 (years: months) and 5:11 were presented with experimental language-learning measures, experimental nonverbal measures, and verbal and nonverbal norm-referenced tests. A confirmatory analysis of the covariance matrix structures of the two subject groups indicated that relations among cognitive skills differed between NL and SLI children. In addition, a planned comparison indicated that the relation between nonverbal rule-induction and novel bound-morpheme learning differed significantly between groups. The findings indicate that a “qualitative-differences” model of specific language impairment better accounts for the co-occurrence of poor verbal and poor nonverbal cognitive skills in SLI children than a “low-normal” model.
Is the media being fair in Iraq

Using original data to systematically assess individual outlets and the media overall, the authors conclude that broad criticism of the U.S. media is often badly overstated.
Commentary Paper 1 on "Robust Unattended and Stolen Object Detection by Fusing Simple Algorithms"

The paper presents methods for the detection of abandoned or stolen objects in a scene monitored by a video camera. Three weak detectors are combined to improve the overall performance of the system.
Numerical Solution of Stochastic Differential Equations with Jumps in Finance

by Eckhard Platen and Nicola Bruti-Liberati, Springer (2010). ISBN 978-3642120572. This book presents numerical methods for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with jumps via simulation, with ...
Autoradiographic and biochemical studies of hormone receptor localization.

Autoradiography has been used in the past to locate presumptive receptor systems for a number of steroids. It has provided information in rather complex tissues that could not have been obtained by biochemical procedures. In these studies we made use of autoradiography to redirect our biochemical efforts to study androgen receptors in the primate heart. Castrated-adrenalectomized female rhesus monkeys and baboons were injected with 1 μg of 5 α-dihydro-[1,2,4,5,6,7-3H]-testosterone per kilogram of body weight. The animals were killed 1 hour later and the hearts were removed and processed for autoradiography. A nuclear localization of androgen was found in most of the myocardial cells, but in few if any of the interstitial cells. After reviewing the autoradiographic data, we began a new series of biochemical studies using a new buffer system and unlabeled androgen to stabilize the receptor. This in combination with postlabeled gradients allowed us to demonstrate for the first time 8S binding on sucrose density gradients. We feel that autoradiography can be a useful adjunct to biochemical studies even in "less complex" tissue such as the cardiac muscle.
Web services and virtual communities

With escalating need for global and flexible interactions in increasingly networked society, virtual communities as a new model are becoming important for virtual communication and collaboration. From a technical perspective, the communicative and collaborative functionalities of virtual communities mostly consist of standard components, modules, and tools. These software components and functionalities increasingly come in a form of Web services discovered and invoked via the Internet. This article discusses what Web services are, why Web services are important, and where they are going. In addition, we are also going to look at Web service architecture, standards, advantages, development platforms, and semantic Web.
Control of the inflammatory response with poly(trolox ester) antioxidant nanoparticles

Poly(trolox ester) nanoparticles were screened for anti-inflammatory properties on two different rheumatoid arthritis cell lines. Trolox was polymerized to two different molecular weights and formed into nanoparticles, which were added to cultures of interleukin-1β stimulated MH7A synovial fibroblast cells and macrophage-like U937 cells. Poly(trolox ester) nanoparticles effectively reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators by both cell types.
Cross‐regulatory role of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), IL‐4 and IL‐10 in schistosome egg granuloma formation: in vivo regulation of Th activity and inflammation

This study examined the relationship of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma with regard to the local granuloma (GR) and draining lymph node (LN) response to Schistosoma mansoni eggs. Synchronized GR were induced in naive and schistosome-infected mice at the vigorous (8 weeks) and late chronic (20 weeks) stages. In LN cultures, IL-10 and IFN production peaked on day 4 and was greatest for 8 week-infected mice. All GR cultures contained IFN, but compared with naive mice IL-10 production was accelerated at 8 weeks and abrogated at 20 weeks, consistent with expansion and abatement of Th2 activity. Cytokine neutralization was performed in egg-challenged, naive mice that were adoptively sensitized with lymphoid cells from 8 week-infected donors. GR size, GR macrophage tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production and egg antigen-elicited IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN were examined on day 4 of GR formation. Anti-IFN augmented GR area by 40%, increased local IL-4 and IL-10, but decreased IFN and TNF production. In corresponding LN cultures, IFN decreased by about 50%, while IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-5 increased by nearly two-, four-, five- and six-fold, respectively. Anti-IL-10 did not affect GR size or GR cytokines, but abrogated GR area by 40%, along with a reduction in local IL-4 and TNF production. In LN, IL-4 depletion reduced IL-4 and IL-5 by 60-70% and increased IFN levels. These results support the notion of a cross-regulatory network in which IFN inhibits Th2 and IL-10 inhibits Th1 cells. IL-4 fosters Th2 cells differentiation in LN, but also performs a critical recruitment function in the eosinophil-rich schistosome egg-induced GR, whereas IFN contributes to enhanced GR macrophage function.
Are interest rate spreads viable policy targets

I° In recent years, economists have examined the relationship between interest rate spreads, the difference between two interest rates, and economic activity. Studies by Laurent [1988], Lown [1989], Friedman and Kuttner [1992] and Bernanke and Blinder [1992] demonstrate that interest rate spreads perform well as indicators of either real income or inflation. Karen Vorst [1993] conducted a more extensive study, comparing the performance of nine different spreads as indicators of real income. Her results support the contention of Bernake and Blinder that the best measure of interest rate spread is one that involves the Federal Funds Rate. while most researchers address the role of interest rate spreads as indicators of economic activity, Laurent goes as far as to advocate the use of interest rate spreads as policy targets. The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility of using interest rate spreads as policy targets. The method of analysis will be the Spearman Rank order correlation coefficient, specifically the Siegal t-test of significance for the Spearman coefficient. The next section will consider the relationship between monetary expansion and interest rate spreads. Section III will investigate the relationship between simple correlation coefficients and the feasibility of targeting. Section IV will provide the empirical analysis as well as discussion on the use of non-parametric measures. The last section will provide a summary and conclusions as well as suggestions for future research.
Sega Enterprises Ltd v Accolade Inc. (1993, 9th us circuit): Reverse engineering a defense to copyright infringement?

Abstract The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is regarded by many as one of the more progressive courts in the country. Because it encompasses California and its ‘Silicon Valley’, the Ninth Circuit has been especially active in the law governing computers and related technology.[1] The Court's recent decision in Sega Enterprises Ltd v. Accolade Inc.[2] has already added considerably to its reputation as a progressive court, and has evoked considerable response from the bar. Yet, a closer analysis reveals that the Sega decision does not fundamentally change United States copyright law. Instead, the decision represents a reasoned approach to a complex problem of copyright law, a problem that the court itself analogized to trying “to fit the proverbial square peg into a round hole”.[3]
Fire-Driven Flows in Enclosures

A two-dimensional Boussinesq model describing heat-driven, buoyant convection in a polygonal enclosure is presented. The hydrodynamic model is based on the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations with constant viscosity and thermal conductivity; no turbulence model or other empirical parameters are introduced. The polygonal domain is mapped via a numerical Schwarz-Christoffel transformation onto a rectangle, where the equations of motion are written in terms of the vorticity and stream function. An alternating direction implicit (ADI) difference scheme, second-order in space and first-order in time, is used to integrate the evolution equations, and a standard elliptic solver is used to solve the Poisson equation for the stream function. Computational results which are of interest to the fire research community are presented.
Vasomotor Response to Pentoxifylline Mediates Improved Renal Blood Flow in Bacteremia

Abstract Bacteremia leads to rapid intrarenal vasoconstriction, mediated by endogenous vasoconstrictors such as TXA2 and endothelin. These changes occur before the onset of neutrophil adherence, platelet aggregation, or increases in proinflammatory cytokines. Pentoxifylline (PTX) increases red cell deformability, reduces neutrophil adhesion, abrogates rises in TNFα, and lessens the deleterious effects of other cytokines during prolonged sepsis. PTX also improves renal function in models of established sepsis, but the specific mechanisms of this effect are unclear. Because PTX is a relatively selective visceral vasodilator we sought to determine whether PTX improves renal microvascular hypoperfusion during bacteremia and whether the mechanism involves altered vascular reactivity. Rat hydronephrotic kidneys were studied by videomicroscopy. Interlobular (ILA) arteriolar diameter and flow, afferent (AFF) and efferent (EFF) arteriolar diameters, and cardiac output (CO) were measured at 15-min intervals for 120 min. PTX was infused alone or prior to a bolus injection of liveEscherichia coli.The responses were compared to controls infused with equivalent volumes of normal saline alone. PTX led to improved renal blood flow and to pre- and postglomerular vasodilatation. This improvement remained significant compared to bacteremic animals throughout the period of observation. We conclude that PTX improves renal blood flow during bacteremia due to pre- and postglomerular vasodilation. These responses may be a consequence of increased intracellular cAMP and release of vasodilator prostanoids.
Light-induced scattering in CdSe quantum dots

The CdSe quantum dots have been synthesized and their optical properties have been investigated at 775 nm. It was found that both linear absorption and linear scattering were negligible in these colloidal cadmium selenide quantum dots when the light intensity was weak. A strong light-induced scattering was observed when a strong 150 fs Ti:Sapphire laser incident on the sample. The physical origins and the possible photonic applications of this phenomenon were investigated.
Is short-stay coronary angioplasty safe?

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is usually performed as an inpatient procedure and the patients are monitored for several days afterward. Over a 13-month period, in 91 of 373 PTCA procedures, the clinical condition of the patient did not necessitate inpatient status before PTCA. PTCA was done the day of admission and discharge planned the following. Overall hospital stay was planned as less than 24 hours. PTCA was done in one vessel in 62 patients, two vessels in 24, three vessels in 3, and four vessels in 2 patients. PTCA was initially successful (<50% residual stenosis) in 85 patients (93%). In one of these, acute occlusion occurred the next morning and urgent bypass surgery was done. PTCA failed in 6 patients who left the catheterization laboratory with unchanged coronary anatomy. Bypass surgery was performed that day in 2 patients, on another admission in 1 patient, and medical therapy continued in the other 3 patients. Of the 88 patients not receiving same admission bypass surgery, 84 (95%) were discharged in less than 24 h. Hospitalization was prolonged (1–5 days) in 4 patients. This was because of nonobstructive dissection treated with heparin for approximately 24 h in 2 patients; a catheterization site hematoma in 1 patient, and post-PTCA noncardiac chest pain in another. No patient had inhospital myocardial infarction or death. The only late complication was in a patient treated with heparin and monitored for 2 days; 3 weeks later angina returned and he died suddenly. These data suggest PTCA can safely be done in selected patients with both single and multivessel disease in a short stay inhospital setting. Savings of hospital days and costs are obvious.
Balancing the effects of firm-university collaborations on value creation and value capture

Extant literature highlights the positive impact that collaborations between firms and universities have on external knowledge sourcing. Yet, while acknowledging that firm-university collaborations also can undermine a firm’s ability to protect its knowledge, the literature has stopped short of explaining factors that enable a firm to balance the beneficial impact that such collaborations have on value creation against their potential detrimental effect on value capture. This study argues that the deterrent effects associated with intrafirm collaborations make a firm more likely to form collaboration linkages with a university when the innovative activities of its corresponding R&D unit exhibit a higher degree of intrafirm collaborations. Further, this study argues that collaboration linkages that a university maintains with rival firms exacerbate such influence. Empirical tests using data on co-authorship linkages between researchers affiliated with 189 pharmaceutical firms and scientists affiliated with...
Development of nodal and paranodal membrane specializations in amphibian peripheral nerves

Abstract Peripheral nerves from the hind legs of frog tadpoles were examined in order to ascertain the pattern of development of nodal and paranodal specializations in myelinated fibers. In thin sections the earliest detectable node-related specializations resemble ‘intermediate’ junctions between axons and Schwann cell processes. These occur in individually ensheathed axons near the edges of the sheath segments and could represent early nodal or paranodal components or transient structures. The characteristic nodal ‘undercoating’ is indistinct and highly variable in thickness in immature fibers and its density is lower in developing nodes than in adult nodes. Corresponding freeze-fracture replicas of developing axons demonstrate aggregates of nodal E face particles whose concentration is lower than that in the adult. Such aggregates usually occur immediately adjacent to Schwann cell indentations, even though early in development the latter may not exhibit the paracrystalline pattern seen in the adult paranodal axolemma. On rare occasions, node-like particle aggregates and presumptive nodal undercoatings have been observed without recognizable paranodal junctions or indentations nearby. However, neither specialization has been found in axons not individually ensheathed by Schwann cells. Paranodal Schwann cell loops are widely separated and irregularly arranged in the developing nodes, and the paranodal regions flanking a node usually mature asymmetrically. Differentiated paranodal junctions appear early in axons ensheathed by only a few loose Schwann cell lamellae. However, such junctions are not formed by all paranodal loops; they consistently appear first in the loops close to the node and only later in those further removed. No junctional specialization has been observed in either the axolemma or the Schwann cell membrane without the close association of the other. Our results indicate that both nodal and paranodal specializations appear early in development and mature gradually together and that the axon and the Schwann cell are consistently in close association where node-related specializations appear. No evidence of ‘independent’ differentiation in either partner was observed.
Environmental contextualization of uncertainty for moving objects

Abstract Spatiotemporal objects are frequently characterized not only in terms of their position, but also by the uncertainty associated with the measurement of that position. Uncertainty metrics are typically parametric and serve in support of the estimation of probable location for a given object. Unfortunately, this parametric approach fails to model the manner in which the environment influences the movement of a spatiotemporal object and, commensurately, the effect of the environment on uncertainty. This research systematically considers the effect of environmental objects and fields in terms of their influence on movement of spatiotemporal objects. Utilizing a simple ontology of spatiotemporal uncertainty, the manner in which the semantic characteristics of environmental objects serve to contextualize an otherwise purely parametric estimation of spatiotemporal uncertainty is examined. The ontology allows for reallocation of positional probability through the environmental contextualization of each probable point of occurrence and spatial reallocation of the contextualized points via an approach wherein “hindrances” such as buildings serve to repel probability of occurrence, and “enablers” such as roads serve to attract probable occurrences. The demonstrated characterization of uncertainty offers opportunities for increased efficiency with respect to spatiotemporal database queries and the possibility for increased accuracy with regard to the representation of probable historic, current and future trajectories.
The Use of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) in Assessing Offenders

The intersection between the legal and mental health professions is sometimes marked by controversy, and the application of psychological assessments to forensic issues is no exception. However, the field of psychological assessment holds particular promise for clarifying decision making within the forensic arena, as it can bring a particularly well-established body of theory and data to bear upon clinical forensic practice. This article describes one psychometric instrument, the Personality Assessment Inventory, as an example of how particular assessment instruments can help inform this process.
Accuracy of the spanish emotional labour scale

The recent study by Picardo et al. (2013) thatwaspublished inNurse Education Today concluded that their Spanish version of the Emotional Labour Scale has “an acceptable congruence” (Picardo et al., 2013) with the English version of Brotheridge and Lee (2003). However, that conclusion is not supported by the findings in the study because the translated version of the ELS is not shown, key information on the congruence of eigenvalue structure is missing, and last, the outcomes differ between the two versions, as explained below. The fact that the English version was presented but not the Spanish version that is being tested prevents the reader from independently assessing the translated version. The value of presenting the Spanish version is indicated by signs of discrepancies in the translation version. While discussing the instrument, the authors state that, “The Duration subscale consists in an open-ended question directed to know how many times the professional dedicate to one emotional interaction with the client” (Picardo et al., 2013). In the original article, Brotheridge and Lee describe this subset as a question of howmuch timeworkers devote to client interactions (Brotheridge and Lee, 2003). The difference in wording by Picardo et al. significantly changes the meaning of the phrase and would be expected to affect the findings. A key criterion of whether or not the original and translation are equivalent is the nature of the eigenvalues. Brotheridge and Lee (2003) found that the first four eigenvalues were greater than one, where one is a conventional cutoff point in selecting the number of eigenvalues to use, and hence the number of factors. If the translated version also had four eigenvalues greater than one, or perhaps even three or five, then this would argue for the equivalence of the original and translated version. However, no information about the eigenvalue series is provided in the Picardo et al. (2013) study. Four eigenvalue terms are used
Optimization and Modeling Studies for Obtaining High Injection Efficiency at the Advanced Photon Source

In recent years, the optics of the Advanced Photon Source storage ring has evolved to a lower equilibrium emittance (2.5 nm-rad) at the cost of stronger sextupoles and stronger nonlinearities, which have reduced the injection efficiency from the virtual 100% of the high emittance mode. Over the years we have developed a series of optimizations, measurements, and modeling studies of the injection process, which allows us to obtain or maintain low injection losses. The above will be described along with the injection configuration.
The determination of effective diffusivity by gas chromatography. Time domain solutions

Abstract Time domain solutions applicable to the GC pulse dispersion experiment are presented in the form of dimensionless numerical plots. It is shown that when the particles are nonporous, or diffusion in both the macro- and micropore systems is rapid, a Gaussian peak results. In this case the peak broadening is due to axial dispersion alone. When either the macro- or micropore resistance becomes significant, the peak assumes a skewed shape. The experiment should be conducted under these circumstances if possible. Selection of the proper particle size to employ in the experiment is important. Large particles should be employed in measurements of macropore diffusion. Small particles enhance the microparticle contribution to peak broadening and measurements of micropore diffusion in amorphous materials should be conducted over crushed samples. With some materials, namely zeolite systems in which strong molecule-pore entrance interactions exist, the tailing may be impossible to determine over crushed particles. This situation can sometimes be improved by using full-size particles.
Cyber agent on the World Wide Web

ABSTRACT The World Wide Web (WWW)' has brought the information from a distributed environment into a global information universe. As users keep on surfing the Web and adding their book-marks, it is increasingly difficult for them to find their desired information even though there are many search tools available. In this paper, a smart engineering system called Cyber Agent isproposed to help users search and organize the information. It contains two major subsystems,namely, WebTracer and WebOrganizer. They adapt their behavior dynamically according to theenvironment and the special preferences of each individual. WebTracer is the wavefront of theCyber Agent while WebOrganizer is the brain of the Cyber Agent.Keywords: Cyber Agent, WebTracer, WebOrganizer, Smart Engineering Systems,World WideWeb, Cyberspace, Intenet, Neural Networks, Fuzzy Systems 1 INTRODUCTION The World Wide Web (WWW) is a distributed hypermedia system for information discovery,retrieval, and collaboration. It has proven its usefulness for browsing large, distributed document
Circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells: novel players in plaque stability.

Our understanding of the role of stem cells in the pathogenesis of vascular disease has been rapidly evolving. It is generally accepted that bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in arterial repair and angiogenesis after injury by homing to the injured vessel and differentiating into endothelial cells.1 BM-derived cells with smooth muscle cell (SMC)-like phenotype also participate in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.2 Recently, Simper et al .3 reported the existence of smooth muscle progenitor cells (SPCs) in human blood. Hashimoto et al .4 demonstrated the existence of BM-derived progenitors for collagen-producing fibroblasts. Inflammatory cells are clearly mobilized to sites of vascular injury.5 Intriguingly, a recent paper revealed an important role for T cells in hypertension and vascular dysfunction.6 The cytokines that recruit, activate, and promote differentiation of BM-derived vascular cells have been extensively studied and include GM-CSF,7 SDF-1,8 and erythropoietin.9,10 These accumulating data establish a close relationship between BM-derived cells and vascular pathogenesis. However, the role of BM-derived vascular progenitor cells in atherosclerosis remains poorly defined ( Figure 1 ). Figure 1 Progenitor … *Corresponding author. Tel: +1 585 275 3407; fax: +1 585 273 1059. E-mail address : bradford_berk{at}urmc.rochester.edu
Robust state dependent Riccati equation based guidance laws

A robust state dependent Riccati equation based guidance/control is investigated in this study. In order to have a better design tool in terms of required interceptor accelerations, the target intercept geometry is formulated in a set of polar coordinates. With this formulation, we formulate a cost function with state dependent weights. In this study, we investigate the effects of such cost functions on the levels of interceptor accelerations. We also synthesize a neural network based extra controller to achieve the robustness in the presence of the target acceleration. In this manner, we will not need target acceleration estimation explicitly in the guidance law.
Spectral networks: a new approach to de novo discovery of protein sequences and posttranslational modifications.

Significant technological advances have accelerated high-throughput proteomics to the automated generation of millions of tandem mass spectra on a daily basis. In such a setup, the desire for great...
A validation of the Functional Independence Measurement and its performance among rehabilitation inpatients

Abstract The Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) is a new functional status instrument for use among rehabilitation inpatients, but its validity and reliability have been only partially established. Because of its rapid dissemination, we sought further evidence concerning the FIM's internal consistency, responsiveness over time, and construct validity. We examined Uniform Data System (UDS) data on 11,102 general rehabilitation inpatients from the Pacific Northwest. Mean age was 65 and 51% were male. The most common diagnoses were stroke (52%), orthopedic conditions (10%), and brain injury (10%). Internal consistency of the FIM was calculated using Cronbach's α. To assess FIM responsiveness, we examined differences between admission and discharge FIM scores. For construct validation purposes, we hypothesized that the FIM would vary with age, comorbidity, discharge destination, and impairment severity. Comorbidity was quantified with the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The FIM had a high overall internal consistency (discharge FIM α = .93). The FIM registered significant functional gains during rehabilitation (33% FIM score improvement, p
Objective Determination of Minimum Engine Mapping Requirements for Optimal SI DIVCP Engine Calibration

In response to marketplace demand for increased engine performance and economy, spark-ignition (SI) engine applications with dual-independent variable camphaser actuators (DIVCP) are now commonplace. In this paper, the minimum number of test measurements required to optimally calibrate the steady-state spark advance and cam-phaser settings of a SI DIVCP engine was determined, using a high-fidelity model of a 2.2L SI DIVCP engine with predictive combustion capability as a basis. A calibration development process was designed to objectively determine the minimum number of torque vs. spark advance sweeps required for the SI DIVCP engine.
Anthropoid phalanges from the Oligocene of Egypt

Abstract Proximal phalanges recovered from Oligocene sediments of the Jebel Qatrani Formation, Fayum Province, Egypt, are attributed to the anthropoids Aegyptopithecus and Apidium . A multivariate discriminant function analysis using phalangeal shape indices proved reliable for distinguishing between manual and pedal proximal phalanges of extant primates, and these data can be applied to classify phalanges of fossil primates. Manual and pedal phalanges of Aegyptopithecus show features clearly related to a quadrupedal arboreal lifestyle involving frequent and powerful digital flexion: plantar tubercles are prominent, the flexor sheath ridges are well developed, shaft height increases proximally, shaft cortices are thickest in their distal halves, and the phalanges display strong dorsoventral curvature. Proximal phalanges of Aegyptopithecus resemble those of extant Alouatta , and to a lesser extent those of colobine primates, in these respects. These fossil phalangeal specimens resemble quadrupedal cercopithecids in having large palmar and plantar tubercles, flaring basal apophyses, robust shafts, and dorsally extended and proximodorsally tilted metacarpal and metatarsal facets. Manual and pedal phalanges of Apidium have straight, robust shafts with cortices of equal thickness throughout, relatively dorsoventrally compressed condyles, weak flexor ridges, and a flared base for insertion of the collateral ligaments and interosseous musculature. These features suggest a locomotor repertoire for Apidium that is well suited for stable digital extension during quadrupedal running on horizontal substrates with little emphasis on grasping capabilities. These features compare most favourably with those of the phalanges of extant Saimiri .
Diurnal variation in xylem hydraulic conductivity in white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.)

Xylem hydraulic conductivity and percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) were measured on a ring-porous (Fraxinus americana L., white ash), a diffuse porous (Acer rubrum L., red maple) and a coniferous (Picea rubens Sarg., red spruce) tree species in a temperate deciduous forest in central Massachusetts, USA. Measurements were made on current and 1-year-old branch segments in the afternoon and on the following morning. Afternoon PLC was 45 to 70% for the current year's extension growth in both white ash and red maple. Morning PLC was significantly lower (10–40%). Conductivity also varied diurnally suggesting, on average, a 50% recovery from cavitation overnight. Red spruce showed lower PLC and conductivity and a less pronounced night-time recovery. Diurnal variation in hydraulic conductivity and PLC suggests that embolism removal occurred in all three species despite the existence of tension within the xylem. Further evidence for embolism removal was observed with an in situ double-staining experiment in which dyes were fed to a transpiring branch during the late afternoon and the following morning. Examination of stem cross-sections showed that a larger number of vessels were conductive in the morning than on the preceding afternoon. Results of this study suggest that hydraulic capacity is highly dynamic and that conductivity measurements reflect a balance between two processes: cavitation and embolism removal.
Designing micromachined accelerometers with interferometric detection

This paper explores designs for the implementation of high sensitivity accelerometers based on Fabry-Perot interferometers. Although such structures have the potential to achieve mug resolutions, design and implementation challenges can be limiting. This paper discusses the creation of such devices using two distinct proof mass and optical designs: one of a monolithic flexure with a thin film metallic reflector and another of an elastomeric flexure with a thin film multilayer dielectric reflector. Each device was fabricated, tested and characterized and conclusions about the advantages and disadvantages of the different design features are presented
Techniques and applications of analog fiber optic links

Analog fiber-optic links have a number of design challenges that are not found in their more popular digital link counterparts. This article begins with a brief introduction to the field, then concentrates on the principles and experimental state of the art for both directly and externally modulated links. The utility of these links is then demonstrated by applications in cable television distribution, cellular telephone and phased array antennas.
The Interaction of Content and Control in Group Problem Solving and Learning

The traditional theory of mind views it as a metaphysical entity (the soul). This entitative conception was revised by modern cognitive theory viewing it as a function in the head. The shift to a functional view of mind eliminates many difficulties with the entitative approach but elements of the latter persist in locating mind inside the head or brain. This creates many problems including inability to account for the collective creation of artifacts that no individual participant fully understands. Greeno attempts to deal with these issues by shifting a functional, symbol processing approach from the individual to the group level. This analysis focuses primarily on the interaction of external problem representations (knowledge) and participant status or authority (control). The resulting approach offers something new to theories of group problem-solving or learning but ignores individual learning and, in treating authority statically, does not live up to Greeno’s initial goal of synthesizing cognitive and socio-linguistic theory.
Investigation of Swelling and Elastic Property Changes Resulting from CO2 Injection into Cuboid Coal Specimens

To study and quantify the effect of CO2 injection on sorption-induced strain (swelling) and coal elastic properties, specifically ultrasonic velocity (Vp and Vs) and elastic moduli, an experimental approach was followed. Two cuboid coal specimens with approximate dimensions of 25 cm (9.8 in.) × 17 cm (6.7 in.) × 6 cm (2.4 in.) were prepared. The coal specimens used were from the Lower Sunnyside Coal Seam of the Books Cliffs Coalfields in Utah. A specially designed steel frame was used to contain the specimens. Two extreme cases were tested using the specimens. For case one, a high injection pressure and a high confining pressure were used, and for case two, both injection pressure and confining pressure were dramatically decreased. The conventional pulse transmission method was used to determine P- and S-wave velocities. This method uses transducers to send an ultrasonic wave through the specimen, where corresponding transducers on the other end of the specimen then pick up the signal. Pre-injection measu...
Attempt at Percutaneous Introduction of d-Tubocurarine with a Direct Current into Muscles of Rabbits.

Summary and ConclusionsThe question of the effective depth of percutaneous penetration of substances introduced by direct galvanic current was explored, utilizing the effect of d-tubocurarine upon muscle as an indicator system.Observations on 6 rabbits indicated that threshold values to electrical stimulation of a suitable nerve muscle preparation was not altered after electrophoresis with d-tubo-curarine.Curarization of a rabbit with an intravenous dose revealed that to achieve an effect with tubocurarine electrophoresis only a maximum of 0.011 mg tubocurarine need reach the muscle.Thus, further evidence is adduced that penetration of substances through the skin by electrophoresis is limited.
Availability of information about airborne hazardous releases from animal feeding operations.

Introduction Air from animal feeding operations (AFOs) has been shown to transport numerous contaminants of public health concern. While federal statutes like the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) generally require that facilities report hazardous releases, AFOs have been exempted from most of these requirements by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We assessed the availability of information about AFO airborne hazardous releases following these exemptions. Methods We submitted public records requests to 7 states overlapping with or adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay watershed for reports of hazardous releases made by AFOs under EPCRA. From the records received, we calculated the proportion of AFOs in each state for which ≥1 reports were available. We also determined the availability of specific types of information required under EPCRA. The numbers of AFOs permitted under the Clean Water Act (CWA) or analogous state laws, as determined from permitting databases obtained from states, were used as denominators. Results We received both EPCRA reports and permitting databases from 4 of 7 states. Across these 4 states, the mean proportion of AFOs for which ≥1 EPCRA reports were available was 15% (range: 2-33%). The mean proportions of AFOs for which the name or identity of the substance released, ≥1 estimates of quantity released, and information about nearby population density and sensitive populations were available were 15% (range: 2-33%), 8% (range: 0-22%), and 14% (range: 2-8%), respectively. Discussion These results suggest that information about the airborne hazardous releases of a large majority of AFOs is not available under federal law in the states that we investigated. While the results cannot be attributed to specific factors by this method, attention to multiple factors, including revision of the EPA’s exemptions, may increase the availability of information relevant to the health of populations living or working near AFOs.
Left ventricular systolic resistance in rats with hypertension and hypertrophy.

Traditional indexes of ventricular performance often fail to identify differences between the normal and hypertrophied ventricle. This may not be the case for load-independent mechanical properties...
Feasibility test of an online nutrition algorithm on a tablet computer versus additional patient care time in improving patient outcomes: A pilot study

A previous pilot test on an online nutrition care algorithm for patients on hemodialysis showed that the algorithm was able to track nutrition changes over time; however, use of the algorithm took time beyond usual care. This study piloted methodology to compare outcomes between patients who receive
Judging dream keepers: Latino assessments of schools and educators

ABSTRACTThere is consensus among scholars, policy experts, and ordinary Latinos that a Latino education crisis exists, and that education is the primary vehicle for achieving the American Dream. Yet we know surprisingly little about what predicts Latinos' views of the bureaucrats and organizations charged with translating their educational hopes into reality. This study links disparate literatures to provide theory and evidence about how group features and elements of citizen-bureaucracy relations explain Latinos' judgments of schools and their assessments of contact with school officials. Using the 2006 Latino National Survey, we find that nativity, acculturation, and discrimination undermine positive evaluations. Our results also indicate that some of these negative associations might be countered with Latino-salient outreach, including providing school-relevant information in Spanish language.
Preparation Reaserch of Danshen Shuxi Soft Capsule

Objective:To discuss the best condition of Danshen Shuxi soft capsule preparation.Method:Based on the investigation of the soft capsule preparation,the proportion and formula were determined.Results:The ration of extract and big soy-bean oil was 1∶1;in the bag hull,clear gum∶glycerin∶water=1∶0.4∶1,which was the property of soft capsule.Conclusion:This craft is more simple and easily operated,and the product sign is up to standard.
Influence of hydrogen ion concentration versus carbon dioxide tension on pulmonary vascular resistance after cardiac operation

Disturbances of respiratory acid-base status are common in patients supported with mechanical ventilation of the lungs after cardiac operations. This study was conducted with two protocols. The purpose was to determine whether respiratory acid-base status influences pulmonary vascular resistance in adults after cardiac operations and whether the influence is mediated by hydrogen ion concentration or carbon dioxide tension. Patients were studied while under general anesthesia immediately after aorta-coronary bypass. In the first protocol, with seven patients, arterial carbon dioxide tension was manipulated by the addition of 5% carbon dioxide to the breathing circuit. Pulmonary vascular resistance index was determined as arterial carbon dioxide tension rose from 30 mm Hg to 50 mm Hg and back to 30 mm Hg. In the second protocol, with 10 different patients, hydrogen ion concentration was manipulated by the addition of 0.2N hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate, or both as arterial carbon dioxide tension was held constant. We used analysis of variance for statistical data. The results of the first protocol showed that pulmonary vascular resistance index rose by 44% (p < 0.05) as arterial carbon dioxide tension rose from 30 to 50 mm Hg. The results of the second protocol showed that changes in pulmonary vascular resistance index were parallel to changes in hydrogen ion concentration as arterial carbon dioxide tension was held constant (p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that respiratory acid-base status is an important determinant of pulmonary vascular resistance in the adult after cardiac operations. Furthermore, these data suggest the effect is mediated by hydrogen ion concentration, not carbon dioxide tension.
Using Liberating Structures to Increase Engagement in Identifying Priorities for the APNA Research Council

Background: In 2015, the Co-Chairs and Steering Committee of the Research Council members recognized the need to reevaluate the council’s priorities. Objective: To determine the top priorities for ...
Capstone: impact of a successful undegraduate research program: faculty poster abstract

We present evidence of how a new model of Capstone has transformed the computing curriculum. The Capstone course in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester (UNH-M), introduced in spring 2011, was designed as an undergraduate research group focused on speech recognition [1][2]. After five iterations, the course has impacted the program and its curriculum beyond its original scope [3]. Among its goals was to engage undergraduate students in the STEM disciplines through research, in the hopes that some chose to continue their education at the graduate level, and to create infrastructure that could expand beyond the course itself to enable industry involvement. Though these goals have started to come to fruition, there have been other developments that have been somewhat surprising.
Augen. Blicke. Augenblicke Metaphern des Sehens zwischen Charlotte von Stein und Goethe

Goethes Billets und Briefe an Charlotte von Stein zeigen eine merkwurdige Zeitlosigkeit. Die ununterbrochene Aufmerksamkeit der Adressatin ist dabei immer schon vorausgesetzt; sie wird Goethe erst nach seiner Abreise nach Italien entzogen. Schauplatz dieses Abwendens ist Charlotte von Steins Gedicht An den Mond nach meiner Manier.
BOOK REVIEW: Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (1st ed.). New York, NY: HarperCollins. 336 pp. ISBN 978-0-06-133920-2.

BOOK REVIEW: Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. New York, NY: HarperCollins. 336 pp. ISBN 978-0-06-133920-2. The full text of the article can be found at 10.18275/fire201603011100