It is time to move from the nursing process to critical thinking

As we reflect on the concept of critical thinking in perioperative nursing practice, we should ask ourselves whether we think critically. If not, we must learn the principles of critical thinking and apply them in our clinical practice settings. Our perioperative nurse managers and directors must demonstrate critical thinking in leading other nurses in the delivery of quality, cost-effective, service-oriented patient care. They also must identify peers who use critical thinking skills to support and sustain them in their quest.     

Efficiency and fuel utilization of methane-powered single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells

The single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SC-SOFC) is a simplification of the conventional dual-chamber SOFC and has great potential for meeting portable power generation needs. While the high energy density of hydrocarbon fuels makes SC-SOFC a promising candidate as a power source for scenarios where portability is most preferred, the low efficiency and fuel utilization reported by many experimental groups have presented a major barrier keeping it from real application.     

Low energy sputter yields for diamond, carbon–carbon composite, and molybdenum subject to xenon ion bombardment

Sputter yields have been measured for polycrystalline diamond, single crystal diamond, a carbon–carbon composite, and molybdenum subject to xenon ion bombardment. The tests were performed using a 3-cm Kaufman ion source to produce incident ions with energy in the range of 150–750 eV and a profilometry-based technique to measure the amount of sputtered material. The yields increased monotonically with energy with values ranging from 0.16 at 150 eV to 0.80 at 750 eV for the molybdenum and 0.06 to 0.14 for the carbon–carbon. At 150 eV the yield for both diamond samples was 0.07 and at 750 eV 0.19 and 0.17 for the CVD and single crystal diamond, respectively. A number of experimental factors affecting sputter yield measurements using this technique are described.     

马尔克海的眼睛

West 8是一个国际性的城市设计和景观设计事务所,由Adriaan Geuze于1987年成立。在过去20年West 8已经成长为一个由景观建筑师和工程师组成的国际领先的实践性公司。     

A three-choice discrimination procedure dissociates the discriminative stimulus effects of d-amphetamine and (±)-MDMA in rats.

(±)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces subjective effects in humans that are similar to, but distinguishable from, those of psychostimulants. Drug discrimination studies in nonhumans have yielded inconsistent results regarding the similarities between MDMA and the psychomotor stimulant d-amphetamine. This study successfully used a 3-choice operant procedure to establish MDMA and d-amphetamine as discriminative stimuli in rats. Cocaine produced complete substitution for d-amphetamine, and LSD produced dose-dependent increases in MDMA-appropriate responding with nearly complete substitution (78%) for MDMA. The hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine only partially substituted for MDMA and severely disrupted response rate. Fenfluramine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine-hydrochloride([+]-MDA), and (-)-MDA all produced complete substitution for MDMA. The serotonin-receptor antagonist pirenpirone only partially blocked MDMA discrimination. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Synaptic plasticity based model for epileptic seizures

In this paper, a new dynamic model describing the epileptic seizure initiation through transition from interictal to ictal state in a brain predisposed to epilepsy is suggested. The model follows Freeman’s approach where the brain is viewed as a network of interconnected oscillators. The proposed nonlinear model is experimentally motivated and relies on changes in synaptic strength in response to excitatory spikes. This model exhibits a threshold beyond which a bifurcation toward a short-term plasticity state occurs leading to seizure onset. A resulting explanatory assumption is that when considering epilepsy, brain regions are characterized by abnormally low thresholds toward short-term synaptic plasticity. It is shown by simulation that the proposed model enables some experimentally observed qualitative features to be reproduced. Moreover, a preliminary discussion on the impact of the underlying assumptions on the fundamental issue of seizure control is proposed through an EEG based feedback control scheme.     

Unusual case of tracheal agenesis

We describe the clinical presentation and pathological features of an unusual case of tracheal agenesis. The axial derivatives of the primitive foregut between the larynx and stomach were represented by a single structure featuring sequential segmentation into regions showing exclusively tracheal or esophageal differentiation in a pattern that is not easily classified by existing nosologic systems nor explained by the conventional hypothesis of dysontogenesis.     

Measurement myths and misconceptions.

Presents frequently encountered measurement misconceptions and various measurement "rules." Four misconceptions pertaining to the estimation of validity and reliability, and 6 rules often used during instrument development are included. Of these 6 rules, 2 pertain to the estimation of internal consistency reliability and item analysis, and 4 pertain to factor analysis. Whenever possible, the origins of the misconceptions and rules are described, along with the reasons why they are problematic. Alternate approaches or considerations also are given. When estimating validity and reliability, researchers are encouraged to be "ruled" by logical and critical evaluation of data rather than by arbitrary rules. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)