cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Test of Cognitive Vulnerability to Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Cognitive models of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder [OCD; e.g., Rachman, 1997, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 35, 793–802; Salkovskis, 1985, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 23, 571–583] propose that negative interpretations of intrusive thoughts and images are central to the development and maintenance of OCD. Despite consistent findings that specific interpretations (e.g., heightened responsibility) contribute to the maintenance of OC symptoms [see Salkovskis & Forrester, 2002, Theory, assessment, and treatment, New York: Pergamon], no research has examined the role of these interpretations in the development of OCD or whether OCD-related beliefs predict changes in symptom levels. In the current study, 377 undergraduate students participated in a 6-week prospective study for which they completed measures of OCD-related beliefs, life events, and OC symptoms. OCD-related beliefs and negative life events each significantly predicted residual change in OC symptoms over 6-weeks. However, there was not support for a cognitive–vulnerability–stress interaction. Exploratory analyses suggest that OCD-related beliefs may be more predictive of some particular types of OCD symptoms (e.g., neutralizing, ordering, and obsessing) than others (e.g., hoarding and washing). Findings from this study are important for clarifying predictors of changes in OCD symptom levels and for stimulating research on vulnerability to OCD.
Contributing Factors Associated with Agoraphobia

24 agoraphobics, 6 panic subjects, and 27 normal controls were compared on several factors assumed to be associated with agoraphobia. As compared to controls, agoraphobics scored higher on these factors, but, in general, there were no differences between agoraphobics and panic subjects without agoraphobia.
Solution grown crystals of poly(vinylidene fluoride): The effect of ionic species on growth

Abstract For a range of solvents it is found that the addition of ionic impurities to PVF2 solutions causes polar phases to form. Single crystals of gamma phase grown from dilute (0.01%) solution of commercial polymer have a folded ribbon morphology, but from pure radiation polymerized PVF2 both alpha and gamma crystals are pseudo-hexagonal lamellae. Concentrated (1%) solutions of PVF2 in dimethyl-acetamide (DMA) give thin films on evaporation. The usual product is a mixture of alpha and gamma phase, and the addition of salts such as KBr causes more gamma to form. Care must therefore be taken when casting films on salt disks for IR analysis as KBr dissolves readily in DMA. LiCl causes growth in the gamma phase and also in the beta phase at above 3 ppm LiCl in solution. At LiCl levels of 10 ppm in solution the film is beta + gamma, with no alpha detectable. Simple models of polar gamma crystals indicate that ions are strongly attracted to their polar faces. The electrostatic energy of a growing crystal is ...
Automated construction of simulation models for a study of the electrical activity in the ventricular conduction system

A procedure for the automated construction of simulation models of the ventricular conduction system from limited anatomical data has been developed. A set of points on the endocardial surface is selected as early activation sites, or connections with the myocardium. These points are then completely interconnected to form a distal conduction system network. A set of points is similarly selected and interconnected to present the anatomical pathways of the proximal conduction system. The two systems are discretized into a network of membrane elements, and connected to one another before simulations. With this procedure, it is possible to generate anatomically detailed simulation models from text descriptions and stained photographs of the conduction system. >
The welfare effects of repealing the U.S. Offshore Assembly Provision

Abstract This paper develops new estimates of the welfare and domestic production effects of repealing the US Offshore Assembly Provision (OAP). Although the controversy surrounding the OAP has recently intensified, the only such estimates of repealing the OAP weredeveloped by Finger (1976). The estimates are developed by applying a partial equilibrium trade model of a two-stage production process to nineteen productct categories in which OAP trade was important in 1986. The paper find that repael of the OAP reduces domestic welfare. However, the effects are small and almost negligible in percentage terms. The important effects of repeal are distributional.
Complications of vision loss and ophthalmoplegia during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Objective To describe two rare cases of concurrent vision loss and external ophthalmoplegia following powered endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Design Observational case report. Results The records of two patients who underwent powered ESS and developed multiple concurrent ophthalmic complications were retrospectively reviewed for clinical history, neuro-ophthalmologic examination, and imaging findings. Patient 1 developed a retinal vascular occlusion and complete loss of adduction. Patient 2 developed an orbital hemorrhage, optic neuropathy, and a restrictive global ophthalmoplegia. Similar published case reports were also reviewed. Conclusion Despite advances in powered ESS technique and instrumentation, serious ophthalmic complications can still occur. Inadvertent entry into the medial orbital wall can result in a combination of blindness and ocular motility dysfunction. The variety of mechanisms responsible for these complications underscores the importance of thorough pre- and postoperative clinical examination and review of imaging studies.
Children as consumers: advertising and marketing.

Summary Marketing and advertising support the U.S. economy by promoting the sale of goods and services to consumers, both adults and children. Sandra Calvert addresses product marketing to children and shows that although marketers have targeted children for decades, two recent trends have increased their interest in child consumers. First, both the discretionary income of children and their power to influence parent purchases have increased over time. Second, as the enormous increase in the number of available television channels has led to smaller audiences for each channel, digital interactive technologies have simultaneously opened new routes to narrow cast to children, thereby creating a growing media space just for children and children’s products. Calvert explains that paid advertising to children primarily involves television spots that feature toys and food products, most of which are high in fat and sugar and low in nutritional value. Newer marketing approaches have led to online advertising and to so-called stealth marketing techniques, such as embedding products in the program content in films, online, and in video games.
Can Distance Education Prepare Future Public Health Nutritionists? A Case Study

Abstract Objective To assess student retention, readiness, support and outcomes among students completing the Professional Practice Program in Nutrition (PPPN). Design Qualitative evaluation using semistructured, in-depth interviews conducted with PPPN graduates. Course grades, grade point averages, and comprehensive exam results compared 10 PPPN students from 2 cohorts and 72 residential students from 3 cohorts. Setting The Professional Practice Program in Nutrition was a 3-year, pilot public health nutrition master’s (MPH) degree curriculum using distance education (DE) strategies. Analysis Ethnograph was used to assist with qualitative data analysis. Fisher exact test was used to compare quantitative outcomes. Results Qualitative findings revealed that PPPN students were highly motivated, sought out the DE MPH and initially had great support from family and employers; however, support from employers waned over time. Although several challenges to continued enrollment confronted PPPN students, those who completed the MPH all advanced in the workplace. Course grades and grade point averages were similar between the 2 groups. Students in the PPPN were more likely than residential students to retake the comprehensive exam. Conclusions and Implications The findings indicate that DE strategies were suitable to deliver an MPH curriculum in nutrition. The majority of PPPN graduates experienced job advancement and demonstrated leadership development.
Ethics in an Online Environment.

The blending of technology and education introduces ethical issues for colleges. In particular, those involved with online education may encounter unique dilemmas that have college-wide implications. In order for ethical decisions to be made in regard to online education, colleges must cultivate a culture of trust, define clearly the correct and incorrect usages of electronic material, and develop a clear understanding of privacy in the college's online environment.
WINDBREAKS ENHANCE SEED DISPERSAL INTO AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA

Planting windbreaks on degraded tropical lands may accelerate natural successional processes by attracting seed-dispersing animals and increasing the seed rain of forest plants. I examined the effects of planted windbreaks on seed deposition patterns in dairy farms in Monteverde, Costa Rica, by comparing annual seed rain patterns in windbreaks and adjacent pastures. I also examined the effects of windbreak connectivity and remnant trees on seed rain patterns. Traps placed in 19 windbreaks and in seven pastures collected more than 3 million seeds (of 199 species) during the year-long study. Windbreaks received significantly greater densities and species richness of seeds of tree and shrub species than pastures. Bird-dispersed seeds occurred in greater densities and species numbers in windbreaks than in pastures; in contrast, the seed rain of bat-dispersed seeds did not differ between windbreak and pasture habitats. Windbreak connectivity had no detectable effect on seed dispersal patterns, whereas the presence of remnant trees increased the number of tree species but not the density of tree seeds. This study suggests that windbreaks can dramatically increase the deposition of tree and shrub seeds within the agricultural landscape, and that the location of windbreaks within the landscape may be important in determining seed deposition patterns.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: a clinical controversy.

This report analyzes the literature on sphincter of Oddi dysfunction as it applies to biliary-type pain. The sensitivities and specificities of the tests used to diagnose this condition (e.g., size of bile duct, drainage time of bile duct, provocative tests with morphine, sphincter of Oddi manometry) are poorly defined. Recent studies suggest that noninvasive tests such as quantitative nuclear scintigraphy and fatty meal sonography may aid in diagnosing functional common bile duct obstruction. Continuous manometry of the biliary tree with microtransducer technologies may allow a greater understanding of the causes of pain in this group of patients. Only 1 case report of pharmacologic management for this disorder exists in the literature. Endoscopic sphincterotomy may be helpful in relieving the pain that occurs in this condition but is associated with increased risks. There is no consensus in the literature as to the best test that will predict response to sphincterotomy. Controlled trials of medical therapies are needed.
A method for calculating a meta-analytical prior for the natural mortality rate using multiple life history correlates

Thenaturalmortality rateM is an importantparameter for understandingpopulationdynamics, and is extraordinarily difficult to estimate formany fish species. The uncertainty associated withM translates into increased uncertainty in fishery stock assessments. Estimation ofM within a stock assessment model is complicated by its confounding with other life history and fishery parameters which are also uncertain, some of which are typically estimated within the model. Ageing error and variation in growth, which may not be fully modelled, can also affect estimation of M, as can various assumptions, including the form of the stock–recruitment function (e.g. Beverton–Holt, Ricker) and the level of compensation (or steepness), which may be fixed (or limited by a prior) in the model. To avoid these difficulties, stock assessors often assume point estimates forM derived frommeta-analytical relationships betweenM andmore easilymeasured life history characteristics, such as growth rate or longevity. However, these relationships dependonestimatesofM for a great numberof species, and those estimates are also subject to errors andbiases (as are, to a lesser extent, the other life history parameters). Therefore, at the very least, somemeasure of uncertainty inM should be calculated andused for evaluating uncertainty in stock assessments and management strategy evaluations. Given error-free data on M and the covariate(s) for a metaanalysis, prediction intervals would provide the appropriate measure of uncertainty inM. In contrast, if the relationship between the covariate(s) andM is exact and the only error is in the estimates ofM used for the meta-analysis, confidence intervals would appropriate. Using multiple published meta-analyses ofM’s relationship with various life history correlates, and beginning with the uncertainty interval calculations, I develop a method for creating combined priors forM for use in stock assessment.
Speech enhancement for crosstalk interference

Speech signals are often degraded by additive interference over single-channel communication systems. For stationary and well defined noise sources, effective solutions exist. However, it is often difficult to formulate a model for nonstationary and speechlike noise sources such as crosstalk or multispeaker babble, which exist in real scenarios. In this paper, we propose a solution to this problem under the assumption that we have access to the clean speech signal prior to transmission. A novel method for tracking transmission noise characteristics is described. Based on this noise estimate, a new speech enhancement technique is proposed. The enhancement method is evaluated for multispeaker babble noise, and shown to substantially improve both the quality and intelligibility of the processed speech signal.
RESISTIVITY INVERSION WITH RIDGE REGRESSION

The problem of direct interpretation of apparent resistivity curves from horizontally layered earth models is solved by using the ridge regression estimator. This ridge regression estimator is more stable than the generalized linear inverse estimator that was advocated in a previous paper. The generalized linear inverse method is unstable if the problem is nearly singular. The problem of estimating the standard deviations of the estimated parameters is analyzed. In some layered models the covariance matrix is an accurate estimate of the standard deviations. However, in problems where there is high correlation between parameters, the covariance matrix is not always an accurate estimate. Confidence regions can be contoured in selected parameter spaces to give an accurate estimate of the range of possible layered models that fit the data. Five soundings were chosen to test the inversion scheme. Two of the soundings were theoretical, and the remaining three were field cases. The method works well since it is ...
The Candida albicans lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (ERG11) gene promoter is maximally induced after prolonged growth with antifungal drugs

The azole antifungal drugs that target lanosterol 14-α-demethylase, encoded by the ERG11 gene, are used to treat a variety of infections caused by Candida albicans. Azoles are known to induce expression of ERG11 mRNA. The ERG11 promoter was cloned 5′ of the luciferase-coding region, and the induction of ERG11 expression by azoles was monitored by luciferase assays. Maximal induction of the ERG11 promoter by azoles occurs not during logarithmic growth but after the diauxic shift and requires azoles to be present throughout logarithmic growth. The effects of pH, carbon source, and aerobic or anaerobic growth on induction of the ERG11 promoter by azoles were analyzed. Treatment with terbinafine and fenpropimorph, which target other enzymes in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway, also resulted in a delayed induction of ERG11 promoter activity. Nascent sterol synthesis was shown to parallel ERG11 promoter activity, and total sterols were reduced coincident with the timing of ERG11 promoter activation. These results as a whole suggest that expression of the ERG11 promoter is regulated in response to sterol depletion.
Role of Tannerella forsythia NanH Sialidase in Epithelial Cell Attachment

Tannerella forsythia is a Gram-negative oral anaerobe which contributes to the development of periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting tissues leading to tooth loss. The mechanisms by which this bacterium colonizes the oral cavity are poorly understood. The bacterium has been shown to express two distinct sialidases, namely, SiaHI and NanH, with the latter being the major sialidase. Bacterial sialidases can play roles in pathogenesis by cleaving sialic acids on host glycoproteins, destroying their integrity, and/or unmasking hidden epitopes on host surfaces for colonization. In the present study, we investigated the roles of the SiaHI and NanH sialidases by generating and characterizing specific deletion mutants. Our results showed that the NanH deficiency resulted in a total loss of sialidase activity associated with the outer-membrane and secreted fractions. On the other hand, the SiaHI deficiency resulted in only a slight reduction in the total sialidase activity, with no significant differences in the levels of sialidase activity in the outer membrane or secreted fractions compared to that in the wild-type strain. The results demonstrated that NanH is both surface localized and secreted. The NanH-deficient mutant but not the SiaHI-deficient mutant was significantly attenuated in epithelial cell binding and invasion abilities compared to the wild-type strain. Moreover, the NanH-deficient mutant alone was impaired in cleaving surface sialic acids on epithelial cells. Thus, our study suggests that NanH sialidase might play roles in bacterial colonization by exposing sialic acid-hidden epitopes on epithelial cells.
Turnover and proliferation of NK cells in steady state and lymphopenic conditions.

To gain insight into NK cell dynamics, we investigated the turnover and proliferation rates of NK cells in normal and lymphopenic conditions. In contrast to previous reports suggesting a very rapid turnover of NK cells, continuous 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeling studies demonstrated that the time necessary for labeling 50% of splenic NK cells in mature mice was 17 days, similar to the rate of labeling of memory T cells. In contrast, in young mice, splenic NK cells labeled very rapidly with BrdU, although cell cycle analyses and BrdU pulse-labeling studies suggested that most of this proliferation occurred in a precursor population. A somewhat larger percentage of bone marrow NK cells was cycling, suggesting that these proliferating cells are the precursors of the mostly nondividing or slowly dividing splenic NK cells. Splenic NK cells from mature mice also did not proliferate significantly when transferred to normal mice, but did proliferate when transferred to irradiated mice. Thus, NK cells, like T cells, undergo homeostatic proliferation in a lymphopenic environment. Homeostatic proliferation of NK cells was not dependent on host cell class I molecules or host production of IL-15. Nevertheless, the number of recovered NK cells was much lower in IL-15−/− hosts. These results suggest that IL-15 is not essential for homeostatic proliferation of NK cells, but is necessary for survival of the NK cells. Our results provide important basic information concerning the production and replacement of NK cells.
Possible applications of topological insulator thin films for tunnel FETs

We have begun to explore the possibility of thin film three dimensional (3D) topological insulator (TI) based tunnel FETs (TFETs), specifically Bi 2 Se 3 here, using quantum ballistic transport simulations with a tight-binding Hamiltonian in the atomic orbital basis including spin degrees of freedom. TI-based TFETs would be analogous in some ways to graphene nanoribbon TFETs, but without the sensitivity to ribbon width and edge roughness, and in some ways to narrow gap III-V TFETs but with substantially thinner quantum well widths.
Indentation and Adhesive Probing of a Cell Membrane with AFM: Theoretical Model and Experiments

In probing adhesion and cell mechanics by atomic force microscopy (AFM), the mechanical properties of the membrane have an important if neglected role. Here we theoretically model the contact of an AFM tip with a cell membrane, where direct motivation and data are derived from a prototypical ligand-receptor adhesion experiment. An AFM tip is functionalized with a prototypical ligand, SIRPa, and then used to probe its native receptor on red cells, CD47. The interactions prove specific and typical in force, and also show in detachment, a sawtooth-shaped disruption process that can extend over hundreds of nm. The theoretical model here that accounts for both membrane indentation as well as membrane extension in tip retraction incorporates membrane tension and elasticity as well as AFM tip geometry and stochastic disruption. Importantly, indentation depth proves initially proportional to membrane tension and does not follow the standard Hertz model. Computations of detachment confirm nonperiodic disruption with membrane extensions of hundreds of nm set by membrane tension. Membrane mechanical properties thus clearly influence AFM probing of cells, including single molecule adhesion experiments.
A Linear Model of Wintertime Low-Frequency Variability. Part I: Formulation and Forecast Skill

Abstract A linear inverse model (LIM) suitable for studies of atmospheric extratropical variability on longer than weekly timescales is constructed using observations of the past 30 years. Notably, it includes tropical diabatic heating as an evolving model variable rather than as a forcing, and also includes, in effect, the feedback of the extratropical weather systems on the more slowly varying circulation. Both of these features are shown to be important contributors to the model's realism. Forecast skill is an important test of any model's usefulness as a diagnostic tool. The LIM is better at forecasting week 2 anomalies than a dynamical model based on the linearized baroclinic equations of motion (with many more than the LIM's 37 degrees of freedom) that is forced with observed (as opposed to the LIM's predicted) tropical heating throughout the forecast. Indeed, at week 2 the LIM's skill is competitive with that of the global nonlinear medium-range forecast (MRF) model with nominally O(106) degrees of...
Bulletin of the Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, Japan (APPIE)

The Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, Japan, supervises the compilation of a monthly journal, Powder Science & Engineering, which contains general articles relating to Powders and particulate matters. The articles appearing in the journal are printed in Japanese with English titles, but there are many outstanding papers which may be of great interest to the readers of Advanced Powder Technology. In this bulletin, the titles of the articles appearing in the journal, Powder Science & Engineering, and other important information about the APPIE, will be introduced to the international readers of Advanced Powder Technology. The journal, Powder Science & Engineering, is published monthly by Funtaito Kogyosha Co. (4-10-35-402 Hiyoshihonmachi, Kohoku-ku,Yokohama 223-0062, Japan).
A Social Cognitive Perspective on Channel Preference: A Study of Online Investing

Understanding the mechanisms by which consumers choose to conduct their business activities via the online channel represents an important concern for Web designers, marketers, and public policy makers alike. This study develops a research model based on Social Cognitive Theory to explain and predict channel preference. The model is subsequently tested in an online investing context using observations obtained via survey. The results suggest that task-specific self-efficacy beliefs serve as the activating mechanism kicking off a chain of psychological events that entice consumers to favor a particular channel. In addition to its direct effects on preference for the online approach, higher levels of self-efficacy influence ones propensity to take risks and expectations of performance-oriented rewards, which, in turn, sway consumers to favor the online channel. Furthermore, self-efficacy and perceptions concerning the credibility of online information interact to influence channel preference. Consumers are most likely to conduct their business activities online when they view themselves as capable and perceive online sources to be credible. Implications for theory and practice are discussed in light of the findings.
DB2 LOBs: the teenage years

Previous versions of DB2 Common Server had large objects (LOBs) that were neither large nor functional. Their size was limited to 32,700 bytes and, until recently when support for SUBSTR and CONCAT was added, there was no function available on these objects at all. DB2 LOBs were infants. However, with the latest release of DB2 Common Server, Version 2.1, LOBs have matured considerably supporting significantly larger sizes and many new language features. To give the reader a feeling for the extent of this new language support, we compare our new SQL LOB language features with that of three other major relational database competitors: Sybase, Informix and Oracle. Users will find the new DB2 LOBS easy to load and store, easy to search, and easy to integrate into the DB2 user-defined functions (UDFs) and user-defined types (UDTs). In addition, when used in serial mode, the performance of LOB I/O rivals that of file systems and, when used in parallel mode, is a clear winner. DB2 LOBs have now entered the teenage years.
Accelerator-rich architectures: Implications, opportunities and challenges

Providing high performance at ultra-low power for a domain of applications is possible by designing and integrating accelerators. Accelerators may be fixed-function, programmable or re-configurable in nature. Integration of many such accelerators in a system-on-chip (SoC) or chip-multiprocessor (CMP) introduces several major implications on architecture, power/performance and programmability. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the key challenges and outline research opportunities and challenges for accelerator-rich architectures and devices. We will also describe example solutions in some of these areas as a potential direction for further exploration.
Gracilimiris litoralis Stonedahl and Henry (Hemiptera: Miridae): New Distribution and Host-Plant Records of a Little-Known Plant Bug, with Notes on Seasonality

Abstract. Gracilimiris litoralis Stonedahl and Henry is an infrequently collected mirine plant bug previously recorded from a total of 14 locales in Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. It is newly reported from Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, with additional records given for Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. Although adults have been taken on cordgrasses, Spartina species, the bug's host-plant relationships have remained undocumented. During extensive sampling of spartinas and other grasses in the southern United States, I found nymphs of G. litoralis near the coast and inland only on three species of Spartina: sand cordgrass (S. bakeri), saltmeadow cordgrass (S. patens), and gulf cordgrass (S. spartinae). The mirid was not observed on two less architecturally complex species, big cordgrass (S. cynosuroides) and smooth cordgrass (S. alterniflora). Seasonal history of G. litoralis was followed from 2002 to 2010 (19 visits) by periodically sampling an inland colony of sand cordg...
Comprehensive Rotorcraft Analysis: Past, Present, and Future

Comprehensive rotorcraft analysis programs are traced from their origins in the 1960s to the present. Many first generation comprehensive analyses began as special-purpose codes, which were subsequently enhanced to perform additional computational tasks. These analysis tools provided significant value to their developers, but all were limited by major deficiencies. One of the principal objectives for developing second generation analysis programs was to eliminate the deficiencies identified in first generation codes. While a great many of these deficiencies were indeed alleviated in second generation codes, shortcomings remain, particularly in the areas of loads prediction, usability, and documentation. For third generation comprehensive analysis programs, that are yet to be developed, four areas of improvement are identified; and potential approaches are suggested.
Comparing Child, Parent, and Family Characteristics in Usual Care and Empirically Supported Treatment Research Samples for Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

This study compared data from 34 research trials of five empirically supported treatments (ESTs) with one large usual care (UC) sample on child, parent, and family characteristics for children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Large variations were found within and across ESTs on sample characteristics during the past two decades. Most parent and family characteristics were not reported in EST studies. Statistical comparisons between UC and EST samples revealed that occurrences of child demographics and symptom severity levels were similar, but occurrences of most parent and family characteristics were different, with higher rates of problems for the UC sample. Results indicate that UC clients have complex needs, with multiple child, parent, and family issues. The findings are discussed in relation to the importance of acknowledging parent and family contextual variables in implementation efforts.
The Effect of Cold Climate upon North Atlantic Deep Water Formation in a Simple Ocean–Atmosphere Model

Abstract The sensitivity of North Atlantic Deep Water formation to variations in mean surface temperature is explored with a meridional-vertical plane ocean model coupled to an energy balance atmosphere. It is found that North Atlantic Deep Water formation is favored by a warm climate, while cold climates are more likely to produce Southern Ocean deep water or deep-decoupling oscillations (when the Southern sinking region is halocline covered). This behavior is traced to a cooling-induced convective instability near the North Atlantic sinking region, that is, to unstable horizontal spreading of a halocline that stratifies part of the region. Under the convective instability it is found that climate cooling is generally equivalent to increased freshwater forcing. This is because in a cold climate, high-latitude water masses approach the temperature of maximum density and the convection-driving, upward thermal buoyancy flux induced by surface cooling becomes insufficient to overcome the stratifying effect o...
Need for species-specific models for body-composition estimates of small mammals using EM-SCAN®

Abstract We evaluated the accuracy in using the Small Animal Composition Analyzer (EM-SCAN®, Model SA-2) for estimating body composition of live meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). To investigate the necessity for a species-specific calibration equation, we compared the average error in estimates of lipid mass using meadow vole data in calibration equations derived for meadow voles in this study to equations derived for prairie voles (very similar in size and shape to meadow voles) and to those provided by the manufacturer. Analyses using a complete data set (n = 27 voles) and 2 subsets representing “lean” voles (n = 16) and “fat” voles (n = 11) were performed. The equation derived for meadow voles more accurately estimated lipid mass than the other equations with an average error of 1.55 g compared to 3.64 g using the prairie-vole equation and 4.73 g with the manufacturer equation, supporting the need for a species-specific equation even with species of very similar size and morphology.
Managing the inventory control system

The four functions of management--planning, organizing, directing, and controlling--are described in relation to the hospital pharmacy inventory control system. Planning includes the development of inventory system objectives and identification of the resources needed to complete them. Organizing requires the manager to decide on the best method of grouping system activities and resources to complete the objectives in order of priority. Directing is a continual activity that involves obtaining optimal performance from the inventory system resources available. Controlling consists of regulation and verification of inventory system activities. The effective inventory system manager integrates planning, organizing, directing, and controlling in a continuous cycle.
ASMA: A System for Automatic Segmentation and Morpho-Syntactic Disambiguation of Modern Standard Arabic

In this paper, we present ASMA, a fast and efficient system for automatic segmentation and fine grained part of speech (POS) tagging of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). ASMA performs segmentation both of agglutinative and of inflectional morphological boundaries within a word. In this work, we compare ASMA to two state of the art suites of MSA tools: AMIRA 2.1 (Diab et al., 2007; Diab, 2009) and MADA+TOKAN 3.2. (Habash et al., 2009). ASMA achieves comparable results to these two systems’ state-of-theart performance. ASMA yields an accuracy of 98.34% for segmentation, and an accuracy of 96.26% for POS tagging with ar ich tagset and 97.59% accuracy with an extremely reduced tagset. 1I ntroduction
Detection of DNA adducts by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A method for the detection of rare adducts in DNA has been developed by combining the resolution of high-performance liquid chromatography with the specificity and sensitivity of electrochemical detection. Many adducts are electrochemically active, while the normal bases, except for guanine, are not. Enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA is used to obtain the deoxynucleosides for analysis, or where appropriate, acid hydrolysis or thermal depurination of DNA is used to free the adduct base for analysis. Various types of DNA damage have been induced by in vitro exposure of DNA to acrolein, dimethyl sulfate, sodium nitrite, ascorbate/Cu2+ and gamma-irradiation. Several adducts are detected at a level of one adduct in 10(5)-10(6) normal bases in micrograms of DNA. The method is also useful for measuring O6-methylguanine (O6MeGua) in DNA from rats treated with N-nitrosodimethylamine and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (oh8dG), and O6-MeGua in DNA from bacteria treated with hydrogen peroxide and dimethyl sulfate. oh8dG, which appears to be the most suitable marker for measuring the steady-state level of oxidative DNA damage, can be measured at fmol levels in DNA from normal rat tissues. The method is applicable to the analysis of DNA base damage caused by major endogenous processes relevant to aging, such as deamination, methylation and oxidation. The analysis of DNA adducts with this simple assay also may be potentially useful for studies on carcinogenesis and as a tool in studies on the epidemiology of cancer.
Longitudinal Metabolite Profiling of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Links Brain Metabolism with Exercise-Induced VEGF Production and Clinical Outcome

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurological disease caused by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid flow and presents with symptoms such as dementia. Current therapy involves the removal of excess cerebrospinal fluid by shunting. Not all patients respond to this therapy and biomarkers are needed that could facilitate the characterization of patients likely to benefit from this treatment. Here, we measure brain metabolism in normal pressure hydrocephalus patients by performing a novel longitudinal metabolomic profiling study of cerebrospinal fluid. We find that the levels of brain metabolites correlate with clinical parameters, the amount of vascular endothelial growth factor in the cerebrospinal fluid, and environmental stimuli such as exercise. Metabolomic analysis of normal pressure hydrocephalus patients provides insight into changes in brain metabolism that accompany cerebrospinal fluid disorders and may facilitate the development of new biomarkers for this condition.
Rare and unusual clinicopathologic presentation of renal AL amyloidosis

LessonRarely, renal light chain (AL) amyloidosis may present without significant proteinuria owing to glomerular sparing and amyloid deposition confined to the vasculature and tubulointerstitium.
The syndrome of the torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Summary We have presented the syndrome of the torn anterior cruciate ligament. This syndrome has been considered in light of our past experience, which we entitled “The Isolated Tear,” and a recent five year follow-up in such patients. The term “isolated” is no longer tenable, for associated injuries and interstitial tearing are all too often present. There was a marked deterioration of resultant repair between the second and fifth years warranting a reconsideration of the efficiency of our surgical techniques. For this reason we are now committed to augmentative surgery using the iliotibial band to splint the repaired anterior cruciate ligament. Our experience is still too limited for the results to be presented with confidence, but the natural history of the unrepaired cruciate ligament warrants serious consideration for bolder intra-articular augmentation. Lastly we have reviewed the experience and contributions of others and noted how this influence has affected our current thinking. It is our present intent to continue to repair the primary tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the young athlete, to augment this repair with autogenous tissue such as the iliotibial band, and to stress the importance of immobilization and rehabilitation as well as brace support in protecting the healing structures. The last chapter relating to the syndrome of the torn anterior cruciate ligament has not yet been written and the foregoing are presented as observations not recommendations. However, we do make a plea for a complete and accurate diagnosis of acute knee injuries, for only then will we know whether a conservative approach to the acutely torn anterior cruciate ligament is still justified.
A Mixed Coding Scheme for Inverted File Index Compression

Cluster property of d-gaps in inverted lists provides valuable information for improving index compression and subsequently improving the performance of web search engines. By clustering d-gaps of an inverted list strictly based on a threshold, and then encoding clustered and non-clustered d-gaps using different methods, we can tailor to the specific properties of different d-gaps and achieve better compression ratio. Based on this idea, in this paper we propose a cluster based mixed coding scheme for inverted file index compression: mixed gamma/flat binary code. Experiment results show that the new coding scheme achieves at least equal performance in terms of compression ratio comparing to interpolative code which is considered as one of the most efficient bitwise codes at present. By adjusting the parameters for the new code, even better results can be achieved. Besides, the new code has lower complexity comparing to interpolative code and therefore enables faster encoding and decoding.
Assessing Foreign Language Students’ Spoken Proficiency: Stakeholder Perspectives on Assessment Innovation, By M. East

Validation research for a new assessment is crucial in providing empirical evidence and theoretical rationale in support of the adequacy and appropriateness of interpretations, uses, and consequenc...
Is there subduction on Venus

How like the Earth is Venus? In particular, does Venus's surface exhibit the circulation of crustal material out of, and back into, its interior, as is seen in the plate tectonics that occurs on the Earth? Past space explorations have suggested not, but David Sandwell and Gerald Schubert of the University of California have now used recent data from the Magellan spacecraft mission to challenge conventional wisdom (Science (1992) 257 766).
Uncovering reviewing and reflecting behaviors from paper-based formal assessment

In this paper, we study students' learning effectiveness through their use of a homegrown educational technology, Web Programming Grading Assistant (WPGA), which facilitates grading and feedback delivery of paper-based assessments. We designed a classroom study and collected data from a lower-division blended-instruction computer science class. We tracked and modeled students' reviewing and reflecting behaviors from WPGA. The results show that students demonstrated an effort and desire to review assessments regardless of if they were graded for academic performance or for attendance. Hardworking students achieved higher exam scores on average and were found to review their exams and the correct questions frequently. Additionally, student cohorts exhibited similar initial reviewing patterns, but different in-depth reviewing and reflecting strategies. Ultimately, this work contributes to the aggregation of multidimensional learning analytics across the physical and cybersphere.
Inflammatory Activation of Microglia and Astrocytes in Manganese Neurotoxicity

Neurotoxicity due to excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) has been described as early as 1837 (Couper, Br Ann Med Pharm Vital Stat Gen Sci 1:41–42, 1837). Extensive research over the past two decades has revealed that Mn-induced neurological injury involves complex pathophysiological signaling mechanisms between neurons and glial cells. Glial cells are an important target of Mn in the brain, both for sequestration of the metal, as well as for activating inflammatory signaling pathways that damage neurons through overproduction of numerous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and inflammatory cytokines. Understanding how these pathways are regulated in glial cells during Mn exposure is critical to determining the mechanisms underlying permanent neurological dysfunction stemming from excess exposure. The subject of this review will be to delineate mechanisms by which Mn interacts with glial cells to perturb neuronal function, with a particular emphasis on neuroinflammation and neuroinflammatory signaling between distinct populations of glial cells.
Construction ergonomics: Concrete bit wear increases handle vibration and drilling time

The use of large electric hammer and pneumatic drills exposes construction workers to high levels of hand vibration that may lead to hand arm vibration syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders....
Application of templates to early-stage ship design

Current efforts to bring design of distribution systems earlier in the ship design process will advance the Navy's abilities to assess the impact of ship systems on overall ship performance. System design in the early stages of ship design is currently a labor-intensive manual process. Streamlining and automating system design will enable incorporating the capability into exploration of broad trade spaces such as accomplished using the Navy's Rapid Ship Design Environment (RSDE). The work presented herein produces distributed system designs in a semi-automated manner appropriate for eventual inclusion in RSDE, based on a small amount of input provided in template format.
A Bi-Level fuzzy analytical decision support tool for assessing product remanufacturability

Abstract Remanufacturing as an end-of-life disposal option poses challenges due to product and process complexities, customer requirements, and uncertainties associated with product take back and the remanufactured products’ market-base. To address these challenges, this study presents a decision support system based on a bi-level fuzzy computing approach that incorporates qualitative and quantitative product attributes in determining the remanufacturability of a product. The model uses fuzzy inference approach in assessing four key performance metrics herein referred to as sub models, namely; technological, economic, resource utilization and environmental metrics that influence product remanufacturability. The four sub-models are then aggregated to establish a unified fuzzy-based remanufacturability index. The model is applied to assess the remanufacturability of two control drive families manufactured by a multi-national company as case examples in this paper. The study shows that one of the control drives, which is larger in size, has been ten years in the market, has a higher percentage of billable returns and thus not relatively labor restrictive, has a higher remanufacturability index of 0.662. The second product, which is relatively small, has been in the market for less than five years, has a higher proportion of returns under warranty and thus labor restrictive, has a lower remanufacturability index of 0.448. The proposed model is versatile for comparing families of product and can therefore aid in making tactical decisions regarding product remanufacture.
"As Good as Your Word": Face-Threat Mitigation and the Use of Instructor Nonverbal Cues on Students' Perceptions of Digital Feedback.

ABSTRACTResearch has established that students often consider the delivery of instructor feedback to be a face-threatening event. To minimize the potential negative effects of feedback, verbal and nonverbal face-threat mitigation (FTM) strategies are utilized by instructors. Advances in digital feedback systems, like online documents and learning management platforms, allow instructors to add nonverbal elements, such as profile pictures or emojis, to this feedback. Two mixed-method studies were employed to investigate the role of these nonverbal cues in digital feedback. Study 1 (N = 236) employed a 2 by 2 experiment (presence or absence of FTM tactics by presence or absence of instructor picture), showing that FTM strategies have substantial positive impact on feedback and instructor perceptions, and that the inclusion of instructor pictures with this feedback has no effect. Study 2 (N = 218) utilized a 2 by 2 experimental design (presence or absence of FTM tactics by presence or absence of matched-valen...