cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave Glucose Concentration Classification by Machine Learning

This work aims to utilize machine learning algorithms to classify glucose concentration from the measured broadband microwave scattering signals $(\mathbf{S}_{\mathbf{11}})$ . The sweeping frequency signals are first measured from glucose aqueous solution with various concentrations from pure water to 1000 mg/dL. Dielectric parameters are then extracted based on the modified Debye dielectric dispersion model and utilized as the features to create a larger dataset by adding Gaussian noises at various levels. Two separate datasets are created; one containing $\mathbf{S}_{\mathbf{11}}$ parameters and another containing Debye dielectric parameters. Several machine learning algorithms are used to classify glucose concentrations. Results indicate that the best algorithm can achieve perfect glucose concentration classification accuracy for the Debye dielectric parameter-based feature sets. The study suggests an alternative way to develop the noninvasive glucose detection method using machine learning.
Integration of graphical approaches into optimization-based design of multistage liquid extraction

Abstract We propose two optimization models for designing two liquid extraction systems: simple multistage liquid extractors and extractors with extract reflux. Both models are motivated by the concepts of the modified McCabe-Thiele graphical method for multistage extractor design. The operating and equilibrium curves in the McCabe-Thiele method are represented by material balances and piece-wise linearized thermodynamics properties. The use of piece-wise approximations improves computational tractability of both optimization models. In addition, we consider some extensions such as dilute systems, insoluble solvents, and non-ideal stages. The applicability of the proposed models is demonstrated with four illustrative examples.
Orbital Angular Momentum Detection System Utilizing a Single Detector Mapped to Space and Time

We demonstrate a real-time OAM mode sorter based on a correlation based acoustooptic system with geometrical optical transforms to map the OAM spectrum in time using a single detector.
RNAMotifContrast: a method to discover and visualize RNA structural motif subfamilies

Understanding the 3D structural properties of RNAs will play a critical role in identifying their functional characteristics and designing new RNAs for RNA-based therapeutics and nanotechnology. While several existing computational methods can help in the analysis of RNA properties by recognizing structural motifs, they do not provide the means to compare and contrast those motifs extensively. We have developed a new method, RNAMotifContrast, which focuses on analyzing the similarities and variations of RNA structural motif characteristics. In this method, a graph is formed to represent the similarities among motifs, and a new traversal algorithm is applied to generate visualizations of their structural properties. Analyzing the structural features among motifs, we have recognized and generalized the concept of motif subfamilies. To asses its effectiveness, we have applied RNAMotifContrast on a dataset of known RNA structural motif families. From the results, we observed that the derived subfamilies possess unique structural variations while holding standard features of the families. Overall, the visualization approach of this method presents a new perspective to observe the relation among motifs more closely, and the discovered subfamilies provide opportunities to achieve valuable insights into RNA's diverse roles.
Smoking Treatment: A Report Card on Progress and Challenges

The impact of tobacco smoking treatment is determined by its reach into the smoking population and the effectiveness of its interventions. This review evaluates the reach and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions for smoking. Historically, the reach of smoking treatment has been low, and therefore its impact has been limited, but new reach strategies such as digital interventions and health care system changes offer great promise. Pharmacotherapy tends to be more effective than psychosocial intervention when used clinically, and newer pharmacotherapy strategies hold great promise of further enhancing effectiveness. However, new approaches are needed to advance psychosocial interventions; progress has stagnated because research and dissemination efforts have focused too narrowly on skill training despite evidence that its core content may be inconsequential and the fact that its mechanisms are either unknown or inconsistent with supporting theory. Identifying effective psychosocial content and its mechanisms of action could greatly enhance the effectiveness of counseling, digital, and web interventions.
A semi-empirical model for thermal resistance and dryout during boiling in thin porous evaporators fed by capillary action

Abstract Two-phase passive heat transport devices such as vapor chambers, loop heat pipes, and capillary pumped loops utilize porous evaporators for phase change and to drive fluid transport. Nucleate boiling can occur within such capillary-fed porous evaporators, especially under high-heat-flux operation, as has been visually observed in various experimental studies in the literature. However, prior modeling efforts have typically only considered single-phase flow of liquid through a completely saturated porous medium for characterizing the dryout limit and thermal performance. The present work offers a new semi-empirical model for prediction of thermal resistance and dryout during boiling in capillary-fed evaporators. Thermal conduction across the solid and volumetric evaporation within the pores are solved to obtain the temperature distribution in the porous structure. Capillary-driven lateral liquid flow from the outer periphery of the evaporator to its center, with vapor flow across the thickness, is considered to obtain the local liquid and vapor pressures. The capillary pressure and the relative permeabilities (fraction of single-phase permeabilities) for two-phase flow in the porous medium are modeled as a function of the local liquid saturation. The heat flux at which the liquid saturation at the center of the evaporator becomes zero is defined as the dryout limit of the evaporator. Experiments are conducted on sintered copper particle evaporators of different particle sizes and heater areas to collect data for model calibration. To demonstrate the wider applicability of the model for other types of porous evaporators, the model is further calibrated against a variety of dryout limit and thermal resistance data collected from the literature. The model is shown to predict the experimentally observed trends in the dryout limit with mean particle/pore size, heater size, and evaporator thicknesses.
Communication and social cognition: Theories and methods

Contents: Preface. J. Monahan, D.R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, Celebrating Social Cognition and Communication. Part I: Message Production. J.O. Greene, A.R. Graves, Cognitive Models of Message Production. C. Berger, Communication: A Goal-Directed, Plan-Guided Process. S.R. Wilson, H. Feng, Interaction Goals and Message Production: Conceptual and Methodological Developments. D. Hample, Arguments. Part II: Interpersonal Communication. D.H. Solomon, J.A. Theiss, Cognitive Foundations of Communication in Close Relationships. V. Manusov, Attributions and Interpersonal Communication: Out of Our Heads and Into Behavior. M.E. Roloff, L.M. Van Swol, Shared Cognition and Communication Within Group Decision-Making and Negotiation. A. Koerner, Social Cognition in Family Communication. P.J. Lannutti, J. Monahan, Social Cognition Under the Influence: Drinking While Communicating. Part III: Mass Media. L.J. Shrum, Social Cognition and Cultivation. M.B. Oliver, S. Ramasubramanian, J. Kim, Media and Racism. W.P. Eveland, Jr., M. Seo, News and Politics. B. Roskos-Ewoldsen, D.R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, M. Yang, M. Lee, Comprehension of Media Stories. Part IV: Social Influence. L. Arpan, N. Rhodes, D.R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, Attitude Accessibility: Theory, Methods, and Future Directions. R. Nabi, Emotion and Persuasion: A Social Cognitive Perspective. J.R. Meyer, Compliance Gaining. M. Hamilton, Dual Process Models of Persuasion.
The Globalization of Public Health: Emerging Infectious Diseases and International Relations

In this article. Professor Fidler explains how the processes of globalization have altered traditional distinctions between national and international public health. Professor Fidler begins the article by familiarizing the reader with globalization, reminding the reader that globalization refers to the various factors that infringe upon a sovereign state's ability to control what occurs in its territory. Next, the article defines and discusses emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and examines the contributions made by globalization to the emergence and reemergence of EIDs. The article then develops a "pathology of the globalization of public health ", which helps the reader to understand better the relationship between public health and globalization. Professor Fidler suggests that the current EID crisis has made the globalization of public health a permanent feature of international relations. In response to the challenges posed by the globalization of public health, Professor Fidler explores three major international relations theories?realism, liberalism, and critical international theory?to see what lessons these theories offer about dealing with the globalization of public health. While each theory provides insights into the globalization of public health, he argues that the EID crisis creates serious challenges to our traditional frameworks of understanding international relations.
Digital Design for Computer Data Acquisition

This digital electronics text focuses on "how to" design, build, operate and adapt data acquisition systems. The material begins with basic logic gates and ends with a 40 KHz voltage measurer. The approach aims to cover a minimal number of topics in detail.The data acquisition circuits described communicate with a host computer through parallel I/O ports. The fundamental idea of the book is that parallel I/O ports (available for all popular computers) offer a superior balance of simplicity, low cost, speed, flexibility and adaptability. All circuits and software are thoroughly tested. Construction details and troubleshooting guidelines are included. This book is intended to serve people who teach or study one of the following: digital electronics, circuit design, software that interacts outside hardware, the process of computer based acquisition, and the design, adaptation, construction and testing of measurement systems.
Molecular Signatures of Anti-nuclear Antibodies: Contributions of Specific Light Chain Residues and a Novel New Zealand Black Vκ1 Germline Gene

Although the Ig H chains of anti-nuclear Abs (ANA) have been described to possess certain shared molecular signatures, it remains unclear whether the L chains of these Abs also possess distinctive molecular features. The present study examines this by generating and analyzing two comprehensive murine Ig L chain databases, one consisting of 264 monoclonal ANAs and the other consisting of 145 non-ANAs, drawn from previously published work. Importantly, clonal replicates were represented only once each, so as to minimize bias. ANAs and non-ANAs did not differ in Vκ family or Jκ gene usage, nor in their mutation frequencies. Interestingly, the L chains of ANAs exhibited differential usage of certain complementarity-determining region residues, arising almost entirely from the increased usage of certain Vκ germline genes, notably, Vκ ai4 among anti-dsDNA ANAs, Vκ23–45 among anti-ssDNA ANAs, and Vκ21–12 among non-ANAs. Finally, prompted by the increased prevalence of a particular Vκ1 family sequence among ANAs, we proceeded to clone a novel New Zealand Black Vκ1 germline gene, named bb1.1 , which appears to be frequently used to encoded anti-ssDNA Abs. Collectively, these studies underline the potential contribution of particular Vκ germline genes in promoting or thwarting DNA binding.
Uncertainty of centroid and full-width at half maximum determinations and the effect of binning data

The uncertainties in determining the centroid and FWHM of Gaussian-shaped peaks by moments calculations and least squares fitting have been studied. The theoretical uncertainty for the moment calculation method has been derived and found to be the limiting uncertainty for both the moment calculation and least squares fitting. The results of the uncertainty studies have been used to assess the legitimacy of assuming that histogrammed data can be approximated by the continuous Gaussian shape. Increasing the number of bins in the peak was observed to improve the approximation of a continuous distribution. For example, FWHM>or=11 and FWHM>or=15 bins were necessary for the experimental standard deviation of the FWHM to be >
Does grafting coronary arteries with only moderate stenosis affect long-term mortality?

Abstract Objective Stenting coronary arteries with non–ischemia-producing moderate stenosis leads to worse outcomes than leaving them unstented. We sought to determine whether grafting coronary arteries with angiographically moderate stenosis is associated with worse long-term survival than leaving them ungrafted. Methods From 1972 to 2011, 55,567 patients underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); 8531 had a single coronary artery with moderate (50%-69%) stenosis, bypassed in 6598 (77%) and not bypassed in 1933 (23%). These arteries were grafted with internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) in 1806 patients (27%) and with saphenous veins (SVs) in 4625 (70%). Mean follow-up for all-cause mortality was 13.0 ± 9.7 years. Results Survival was similar for patients with and without a graft to the moderately stenosed coronary artery ( P = .3): 97%, 76%, 43%, and 18% at 1, 10, 20, and 30 years among patients receiving no graft; 97%, 74%, 41%, and 18% among those receiving an SV graft; and 98%, 82%, 51%, and 23% among those receiving an ITA graft. After adjusting for patient characteristics, SV grafting versus nongrafting of moderately stenosed coronary arteries was associated with similar long-term mortality ( P = .2), whereas ITA grafting was associated with 22% lower long-term mortality (hazard ratio 0.78; 68% confidence interval 0.75-0.82; P Conclusions Grafting coronary arteries with angiographically moderate stenosis is not harmful. Instead, ITA grafting of such coronary arteries is associated with lower long-term mortality. Thus, after placing the first ITA to the left anterior descending, the second ITA should be placed to the second most important coronary artery, even if it is moderately stenosed.
When Tweets Get Real: Applying Traditional Contract Law Theories to the World of Social Media

While the popularity of social networking in today’s society continues to sky rocket, so do the inevitable issues surrounding the legality of statements and agreements made using social media sites such as Twitter. This paper will address recent cases and controversies involving Twitter, while discussing and applying contract law — both traditional and modern — to such incidents. Part I will give a background on Twitter, discussing its role and popularity in today’s society. Part II will discuss the legal issues involved with contractual agreements made over Twitter, and whether the reward tweet authored by Ryan Leslie indeed constituted a valid offer. Part III of this paper will address the case of Mendenhall v. Hanesbrands, Inc., and will discuss the issue of whether a tweet made in violation of a Morals Clause is sufficient grounds for termination of a Talent Agreement contract. Part IV will discuss scandals involving public figures that took place as a result of Twitter. Finally, part V will conclude and discuss legal issues that may arise in the future.
Hexacoordinated amine compounds of silver (I) and thallium (I)

Abstract Two complexes of racemic p,p′-diamino-2,3-diphenylbutane (DBP), Tl(DBP)3ClO4 and Ag (DBP)3NO3, are reported. Infrared spectroscopic evidence is used to show that these are hexacoordinated complexes of Tl(I) and Ag(I), with the former being the first reported example of hexacoordinated Tl(I).
Dimer spectra of rhodamine B

Abstract The visible absorption fluorescence and phosporescence spectra and the polarized fluorescence and phosphorescence excitation spectra have been measured for the dimer form of rhodamine B. The rhodamine B dimer is somewhat unique in that it exhibits both fluorescence and phosphorescence whereas other dyes usually exhibit only phosphorescence from the dimer. This unusual situation has permitted us to carry out the first detailed study of the polarized absorption and emission spectra of rhodamine B dimers. Simple exciton theory, commonly used to interpret the spectral properties of dimers, cannot account for the polarization properties of the absorption and emission spectra of the rhodamine B dimer.
Theoretical Study of the Water-Assisted Aminolysis of β-Lactams: Implications for the Reaction between Human Serum Albumin and Penicillins

The ring opening of 2-azetidinone via a neutral H2O-assisted aminolysis process is studied using different quantum chemical methods (MP2/6-31G**, B3LYP/6-31G**, and G2(MP2,SVP) levels of theory) as a further step to the theoretical investigation of the aminolysis reaction of β-lactam antibiotics (Diaz, N.; Suarez, D.; Sordo, T. L. Chem. Eur. J. 1999, 5, 1045−1054; Diaz, N.; Suarez, D.; Sordo, T. L. J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 9144−9152). The calculated pathways are analogous to those previously described for the amine-assisted aminolysis reaction, a syn stepwise mechanism being the most favored one both in the gas phase and in solution with an energy barrier of around 39.7 kcal/mol (ΔGsolution). For this process the strong catalytic action of one water molecule amounts to 23.0 (G2(MP2,SVP) electronic energy), 12.6 (ΔGgas-phase), and 9.1 kcal/mol (ΔGsolution). The water-assisted reaction between methylamine and the 3α-carboxypenam anion was also studied at the B3LYP/6-31+G* level of theory to model the specifi...
Evaluation of the economic burden of diseases associated with poor nutrition status

Background: Geriatric acutely ill patients may frequently have insufficient nutrition intake, leading to malnutrition and increased susceptibility to additional morbidity. This compromised health status can increase costs by extending length of stay in the hospital, promoting the development of comorbidities, and requiring more intensive care. Understanding the value of measures improving the health of these patients depends in part on estimating the costs of prevented adverse outcomes. Because clinical trials often do not record these costs, it is difficult to assess the value of nutrition interventions. Materials and Methods: This article comprehensively reviews 15 years of clinical trials of nutrition interventions to identify salient diseases and complications measured by previous clinical trials and then estimates costs corresponding with these conditions associated with poor nutrition status. Results: The most costly complication associated with poor nutrition status is acute respiratory infections ...
Differential effects of arginine vasotocin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone on sexual behaviors in an anuran amphibian.

Abstract Both arginine vasotocin (AVT) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are known to influence sexual behavior in many vertebrate taxa. We investigated the effects of both of these peptides on two different sexual behaviors, calling and amplexus, in the Great Plains toad (Bufo cognatus). AVT, at a dosage of 100 μg/100 g toad, significantly increased both the amount of calling behavior per individual and the probability that an individual would call. GnRH, however, had no effect on calling behavior. There was a reciprocal effect of these peptides on amplexus: AVT did not induce amplexus, while GnRH significantly induced this behavior. Furthermore, AVT-induced calling could be inhibited by Manning compound (an arginine vasopressin receptor antagonist). This is the first report of GnRH influencing sexual behavior in an anuran amphibian. These results suggest that specific sexual behaviors inB. cognatusmay be under the regulation of independent peptide control.
The Double-Diffusive Modes of Symmetric Instability on an Equatorial Beta-Plane.

Abstract The symmetric instability due to horizontal shear on an equatorial beta-plane exhibits two distinct modes of instability. The classical monotonic non-oscillatory instability exists for all Prandtl numbers but is favored when the Prandtl number is approximately less than 3/2. For values of Prandtl number approximately larger than this we find that an oscillating “overstability” is the preferred mode of instability. This result contrasts with the baroclinic centrifugally stable case in which overstabilities exist but are never preferred. Similar results can be demonstrated analytically on an artificially bounded f-plane which mimics the finite latitudinal scale imposed by the equatorial beta-plane geometry. Radiative relaxation would favor the monotonic mode, but the effect might be insignificant if breaking internal gravity waves are present.
Coparenting behavior moderates longitudinal relations between effortful control and preschool children’s externalizing behavior

Models seeking to explain children’s socioemotional adjustment and maladjustment are increasingly taking into account both within-person vulnerabilities with a posited genetic basis, such as temperament (e.g., Deater-Deckard, Petrill, & Thompson, 2007), and factors external to the individual, such as social environments, which may increase children’s vulnerability or protect them from risk (e.g., Feinberg, Button, Neiderhiser, Reiss, & Hetherington, 2007). This framework reflects a developmental psychopathology perspective (Luthar, Ciccetti, & Becker, 2000), and is also in keeping with other conceptualizations of the etiology and maintenance of maladjustment that have placed increased emphasis on person-by-environment interactions (Collins, Maccoby, Steinberg, Hetherington, & Bornstein, 2000; Rothbart & Bates, 2006). One within-person vulnerability that recent research has consistently identified as a risk for child maladjustment, particularly externalizing behavior, is low temperamental effortful control, or deficits in the ability to voluntarily control one’s attention and behavior (Posner & Rothbart, 2000). At the same time, research on sources of vulnerability and protection for children within the family environment, guided by family systems theory (e.g., Minuchin, 1974), has expanded to implicate coparenting behavior as a unique source of risk or protection for children (McHale et al., 2002). Informed by both developmental psychopathology and family systems perspectives (Cicchetti & Davies, 2004), the present study examined whether coparenting behavior moderated the link between preschool-aged children’s effortful control and their externalizing behavior.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: A Tutorial Review*

Atomic absorption spectroscopy is one of the important instrumental techniques for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of metallic and nonmetallic elements in inorganic or organic materials....
Effects of Growth Temperature on Indium Incorporation in InAlN Alloys Grown by GSMBE on Si(111)

In x Al1−x N alloys with low indium content (0.025 < x < 0.080) were grown on Si(111) substrates, with an AlN buffer layer, using gas source molecular beam epitaxy with ammonia under nitrogen-rich conditions. Composition was varied by changing the growth temperature from 580°C to 660°C. Growth temperature in excess of 580°C was found to be necessary to obtain compositional uniformity. As temperature was varied from 590°C to 660°C, both the growth rate and indium incorporation decreased substantially. Rising In content observed near the surface of each sample was attributed to native indium oxide formation.
Work in progress: En route to lifelong learning? Academic motivations, goal orientations, and learning conceptions of entering first-year engineering students

Although lifelong learning is among the most critical skills required of today's engineering graduates, the complex processes through which individuals develop the attitudes, beliefs, and skills of lifelong learners remains unclear. Instructors have only begun to understand the impacts of academic background, institutional climate, and pedagogy on students' development of the motivations and learning strategies characteristic of lifelong learners. In this ongoing mixed-methods investigation, we draw on existing motivation and self-regulated learning theories to examine how undergraduate students at a small private college and a large public university become more self-directed as they progress through the first two years of their engineering programs. Preliminary findings indicate that first-year students at the two institutions report significant differences in their motivations and goal orientations. Students at the small private college express higher intrinsic motivation and learning orientation, and lower external regulation and grade orientation, compared to students at the large public university. The two groups also show differences in their beliefs about individual versus social learning. We briefly discuss how differences in motivations, goals, and beliefs may impact student responses to early program experiences, and require instructors to tailor their approaches to support the needs of emerging lifelong learners.
Effect of Atmospheric Gases Alone or in Combination on the Mortality of Granary and Rice Weevils

The time required to obtain 50 and 95% mortality of the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), and the rice weevil, S. oryzae (L.), in atmospheres of CO2, N2, or He and in various combinations of CCvair and CO2-O2 was determined. The order of susceptibility of granary and rice weevil adults in CO2, N2, or He atmospheres was 80° > 70° > 60°F. Granary weevil adults were the most susceptible stage to atmospheres of CO2, N2, or He, followed by larvae, pupae, and eggs. Rice weevil adults were the most susceptible stage to atmospheres of CO2, N2 or He, followed by larvae, eggs, and pupae. CO2 concentrations of 90–40% in air were more toxic to rice weevil adults than 100% CCy Concentrations of 90–60% CO2 in air were more toxic to granary weevil adults than 100% CO2. The time required for 50 or 95% kill of granary weevil adults was about the same whether exposed to various CO2-air or CO2-O2 combinations, and a similar response was obtained for rice weevil adults.
State-of-the-art chamber facility for studying atmospheric aerosol chemistry.

A state-of-the-art chamber facility is described for investigation of atmospheric aerosol chemistry. Dual 28 m^3 FEP Teflon film chambers are used to simulate atmospheric conditions in which aerosol formation may occur. This facility provides the flexibility to investigate dark, single oxidant reactions as well as full photochemical simulations. This paper discusses the environmental control implemented as well as the gas-phase and aerosol-phase instrumentation used to monitor atmospheric aerosol formation and growth. Physical processes occurring in the chamber and procedures for estimating secondary organic aerosol formation during reaction are described. Aerosol formation and evolution protocols at varying relative humidity conditions are presented.
Optical Absorption by the Cu+ Center in NaI

The color center which exhibits absorption in NaI at 4.84 eV and emission at 3.30 eV when measured at liquid nitrogen temperature is found to be the Cu+ impurity center. The oscillator strength is determined by performing copper analysis on the same crystals which were measured optically. The value is found to be 0.24 ± 0.03 and to have a weak temperature dependence. The selection of the free ion transition responsible for the absorption is discussed with relation to the oscillator strength and its temperature dependence, the free ion energies of candidate transitions, and ionic size. It is felt that evidence for a choice between the allowed 3d10 3d94p and the parity forbidden 3d10 3d94s free ion transition is inconclusive at this time. Das Farbzentrum, das eine Absorption in NaJ bei 4,84 eV und Emission bei 3,30 eV bei der Temperatur des flussigen Stickstoffs zeigt, wird als Cu+-Verunreinigungs-Zentrum identifiziert. Die Oszillatorenstarke wird durch eine Kupferanalyse an denselben Kristallen, die optisch gemessen wurden, bestimmt. Es wird der Wert 0,24 ± 0,03 gefunden, seine Temperaturabhangigkeit ist gering. Die Auswahl des Ubergangs des freien Ions, der fur die Absorption verantwortlich ist, wird in bezug auf die Oszillatorenstarke und seine Temperaturabhangigkeit, die Energien des freien Ions der in Frage kommenden Ubergange und die Ionengrose diskutiert. Es scheint, das zur Zeit keine schlussigen Hinweise fur eine Wahl zwischen dem erlaubten 3d10 3d94p und dem wegen der Paritat verbotenen 3d10 3d94s Ubergang des freien Ions vorliegen.
A preliminary study of π+π− scattering in the reaction π+p→(π+π−)Δ++ at 13 GeV/c☆

Abstract Aphase shift analysis of π + π − scattering in the mass range 0.6→1.4 GeV confirms the rapid rise of the I =0 s-wave through the KK threshold.
Serum protein response to acute dietary manipulation

Abstract Serum protein levels are used to assess nutritional status, but the dynamics of serum protein response to acute dietary manipulation has not been adequately defined. Using a nonstressed primate nutritional model, the effects of acute short-term nutritional depletion and repletion were studied. The oral and parenteral routes of nutrient delivery were also compared during repletion and found to be equally effective. The serum protein response to acute changes in nutritional status is variable and dependent on nutrient supply for protein synthesis as well as turnover times of the individual serum proteins. Serum transferrin, C 3 , and IgG decreased significantly with starvation and returned to baseline with repletion. Serum albumin, prealbumin, and IgM were insensitive indicators of nutritional status in this model. Serum transferrin was the most responsive protein to acute, short-term nutritional depletion and repletion. Furthermore, serum transferrin was the only protein that demonstrated a significant positive correlation with nitrogen balance during all dietary periods. This relationship permits the estimation of nitrogen balance from changes in serum transferrin occurring during a given period of nutritional therapy.
Self-directedness in nontraditional college students: a behavioral factor in computer anxiety?

This paper reports on the results of a study of nontraditional undergraduate students enrolled in a business communication course. The focus of the study was to determine whether or not self-directedness in learner profile was a predictor of computer anxiety. Analysis was carried out to assess the factor structure of the Oddi Continuing Learning Inventory and Oetting's Computer Anxiety Scale. Self-directedness was indicated to be a predictor of computer anxiety in nontraditional college students.
Trichotillomania and related disorders in children and adolescents.

Eleven chronic hair pullers, 11 subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and 11 subjects with a non-OCD anxiety disorder were assessed with structured interviews and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Only 4 hair pullers (36%) reported both rising tension and relief with hair pulling. Each group had significantly more internalizing than externalizing symptoms on the CBCL. Seven hair pullers (64%) had a lifetime history of at least one other axis I diagnosis. The results provide further evidence that trichotillomania in referred children and adolescents is usually a chronic disorder often associated with internalizing symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity. Rising tension followed by relief with hair pulling may be an unnecessary restriction in the diagnosis of childhood trichotillomania.
The ontogeny of facultative superposition optics in a shrimp eye: hatching through metamorphosis

1Compound eyes of larval and first postlarval grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis) were studied with light and electron microscopy following adaptation to darkness or bright light. Larvae have well-developed apposition eyes, including 3 main types of accessory screening and reflecting pigments and a fourth class of putatively reflective granules recently described in adult shrimps. Rhabdoms contain orthogonally layered microvilli, and by the last larval stage, 8 retinular cells. Ocular accessory pigments in both light- and dark-adapted larvae are distributed much like those of light-adapted adults, but the distal mass of reflecting pigment is concentrated dorsally in larvae and ventrally in adults. Since larvae swim upside-down, reflecting pigment is oriented downward in all developmental stages and may function for countershading. Light and dark adaptational migrations of all 3 major accessory pigments commence abruptly at metamorphosis to the first postlarva. Upon dark adaptation in postlarvae, superposition optics remain impossible because (1) distal screening pigment migrates only slightly, (2) no clear zone has developed, and (3) the crystalline cones remain circular in cross section. Nevertheless, a slight improvement in photon catch is expected due to extensive redistributions of reflecting pigment and retinular cell screening pigment granules.
Progression of soot cake layer properties during the systematic regeneration of diesel particulate filters measured with neutron tomography

Although particulate filters (PFs) have been a key component of the emission control system for modern diesel engines, there remain significant questions about the basic regeneration behavior of the filters and how it changes with accumulation of increasing soot layers. This effort describes a systematic deposition and regeneration of particulate matter in 25-mm diameter × 76-mm long wall-flow PFs composed of silicon carbide (SiC) material. The initial soot distributions were analyzed for soot cake thickness using a nondestructive neutron imaging technique. With the PFs intact, it was then possible to sequentially regenerate the samples and reanalyze them, which was performed after nominal 20, 50, and 70 % regenerations. The loaded samples show a relatively uniform distribution of particulate with an increasing soot cake thickness and nearly identical initial density of 70 mg/cm3. During regeneration, the soot cake thickness initially decreases significantly while the density increases to 80–90 mg/cm3. After ∼50 % regeneration, the soot cake thickness stays relatively constant, but instead, the density decreases as pores open up in the layer (∼35 mg/cm3 at 70 % regeneration). Complete regeneration initially occurs at the rear of the PF channels. With this information, a conceptual model of the regeneration is proposed.
The effects of captopril (SQ 14,225) on bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in the anesthetized guinea pig.

The effect of captopril (SQ 14,225) a potent inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE: kininase II) on the bronchoconstrictor response to bradykinin was studied in the anesthetized guinea pig. The i.v. administration of captopril caused a profound long lasting hypotension without affecting pulmonary resistance or dynamic compliance. Similarly, the i.v. administration of bradykinin caused small increases in pulmonary resistance and decreases in dynamic compliance which were not altered by the administration of captopril. However, after beta-receptor blockade with propranolol, bradykinin-induced changes in resistance and compliance were enhanced; additional captopril administration further potentiated the bradykinin effects. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor indomethacin antagonized the bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in beta-blocked animals and its potentiation by captopril. In the isolated perfused guinea pig lung, bradykinin caused a dose dependent release of a prostaglandin-like substance which was significantly increased by captopril and antagonized by indomethacin. These results suggest that bradykinin causes a prostaglandin-mediated bronchoconstriction. Captopril, a potent inhibitor of ACE, prevents the degradation of bradykinin thus potentiating the bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction, an effect observed in intact animals only in the absence of pulmonary beta-receptor activation.
Endovascular therapy for hepatic artery stenosis and thrombosis following liver transplantation.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular management of steno-oclusive disease in liver transplants. Methods: Retrospective review of liver transplant recipients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) or thrombosis (HAT) was performed. The HAS group was treated with balloon angioplasty with selective stent placement. The HAT group was treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. Primary, unassisted, and assisted patency and graft survival rates were calculated. Results: In all, 31 patients were identified (21 males; mean age, 51 years). A total of 25 of 31 (81%) patients had HAS and 6 of 31 (19%) had HAT. Collectively, a total of 35 endovascular procedures were performed to treat HAS in 25 patients. Overall technical success rate was 91%, with 11% major complication rate. Primary-assisted patency rate and graft survival at 6 and 12 months were 87% and 81%, and 76% and 72%, respectively. Only 1 successful thrombolysis of HAT was achieved. Conclusion: Endovascular management is effective for HAS bu...
Chronology of Cenozoic primate localities in South America

The available fossil record indicates that primates have occurred in South America since the middle Tertiary. The oldest known primate-bearing locality, Salla, Bolivia, of Deseadan age, was previously thought to be about 35 myr old, or early Oligocene age. However, 12 radioisotopic dates from Salla using 40 K- 40 Ar and fission-track methods and magnetostratigraphic correlations indicate a late Oligocene age for this site. The exact level that produced the earliest-known South American primate, Branisella , lies just above a tuffaceous zone that yielded dates of 26·4 ± 1·0 and 25·1 ± 0·7 Ma. The revision of the “primate datum” in Bolivia from early to late Oligocene has ramifications for: (1) the calibration of other, younger primate-bearing localities in South America; and (2) biogeographic hypotheses concerning primate origins in light of plate tectonics. The other known Tertiary primate localities in South America are of Colhuehuapian (ca. 18–19 Ma). Santacrucian (ca. 15–18 Ma) and possible Friasian (ca. 14–15 Ma) ages. There is a major gap of some 14 myr that exists between these primate occurrences of middle Miocene age and the next younger localities, which are all late Pleistocene.
Complement depletion affects demyelination and inflammation in experimental allergic neuritis

The effect of systemic complement depletion by cobra venom factor (CVF) on experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) was studied in rats immunized with variable amounts of bovine peripheral nerve myelin. Low-dose myelin EAN rats treated with CVF i.p. (n = 10) had lower clinical scores (0.3 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.1 +/- 1.1), less demyelination (0.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.9 +/- 1.1) and inflammation (0.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 2 +/- 1) than EAN animals treated with i.p. saline (n = 10). Endoneurial infiltrates had fewer ED1-positive (phagocytic) macrophages (0.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 1.6 +/- 1.1) and CD11bc-positive (expressing iC3b receptor or CR3) cells (1 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.8) (mean +/- S.D.) detected by immunocytochemistry. This effect was partially abrogated by immunizing animals with a higher dose of myelin. Our studies suggest that complement may play a role in the recruitment of macrophages into the endoneurium and in opsonizing myelin for phagocytosis.
Electron-transfer absorption of sterically bulky donor–acceptor pairs: electron donor–acceptor complexes or random pairs?

Abstract Electron-transfer absorption of substituted benzene donors with tetracyanoethene (TCNE) is studied in dichloromethane and at several temperatures. For quantitative comparison of the intensities of electron-transfer absorbance, A of different electron donor/acceptor (D/A) pairs at various free donor and acceptor molar concentrations ( C D and C A ) an absorption coefficient κ = A /( C D C A ) is introduced. The results indicate that κ values of sterically bulky alkyl substituted D/A pairs are several orders of magnitude lower than those of the corresponding sterically unhindered pairs with similar structures and electron transfer properties. For a series of comparable sterically bulky and unhindered donors, when strong donors are compared to weak donors, a more than 10-fold increase in κ values is observed for the sterically unhindered donors, while the change is less than two-fold for sterically bulky donors. This supports the view that the electron transfer absorption of the sterically bulky D/A pairs originates from unassociated random pairs. Further evidence comes from the fact that κ values of sterically bulky D/A pairs show very weak or no temperature dependence. By fitting the absorption spectra of the CT bands of the electron D/A complexes formed between TCNE and sterically unhindered donors, electronic coupling elements and reorganization parameters are obtained. Based on these parameters, the electron transfer absorption spectra of the random pairs discussed earlier are simulated and compared with experiments.
MR imaging of the biliary system.

Abstract Although ultrasound, computed tomography, and cholescintigraphy play essential roles in the evaluation of suspected biliary abnormalities, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR cholangiopancreatography can be used to evaluate inconclusive findings and provide a comprehensive noninvasive assessment of the biliary tract and gallbladder. This article reviews standard MR and MR cholangiopancreatography techniques, clinical applications, and pitfalls. Normal biliary anatomy and variants are discussed, particularly as they pertain to preoperative planning. A spectrum of benign and malignant biliary processes is reviewed, emphasizing MR findings that aid in characterization.
Status of prophylactic and therapeutic genital herpes vaccines

A half billion people have genital herpes infections worldwide. Approximately one-fifth of American women between ages 14 and 49 are HSV-2 seropositive. The development of an effective genital herpes vaccine is a global health necessity based on the mental anguish genital herpes causes for some individuals, the fact that pregnant women with genital herpes risk transmitting infection to their newborn children, and the observation that HSV-2 infection is associated with a 3-fold to 4-fold increased probability of HIV acquisition. We review the strengths and limitations of preclinical animal models used to assess genital herpes vaccine candidates and the goals of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. We also discuss the current pipeline of vaccine candidates and lessons learned from past clinical trials that serve as a stimulus for new strategies, study designs and endpoint determinations.
The protective role of MnTBAP in oxidant-mediated injury and inflammation in a rat model of lung contusion.

Background Lung contusion (LC) is a unique direct and focal insult that is considered a major risk factor for the initiation of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We have shown recently that consumption of nitric oxide (due to excess superoxide) resulting in peroxynitrite formation leads to decreased vascular reactivity after LC. In this study, we set out to determine whether the superoxide scavenger Mn (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP) plays a protective role in alleviating acute inflammatory response and injury in LC. Methods Nonlethal, closed-chest, bilateral LC was induced in a rodent model. Administration of the superoxide dismutase mimetic MnTBAP concurrently in LC in rats was performed, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung samples were analyzed for degree of injury and inflammation at 5 and 24 h after the insult. The extent of injury was assessed by the measurement of cells and albumin with cytokine levels in the BAL and lungs. Lung samples were subjected to H&E and superoxide staining with dihydro-ethidium. Protein-bound dityrosine and nitrotyrosine levels were quantified in lung tissue by tandem mass spectrometry. Results The degrees of lung injury after LC as determined by BAL albumin levels were significantly decreased in the MnTBAP-administered rats at all the time points when compared to the corresponding controls. The release of proinflammatory cytokines and BAL neutrophils was significantly less in the rats administered MnTBAP after LC. Administration of MnTBAP decreased tissue damage and decreased necrosis and neutrophil-rich exudate at the 24-h time point. Staining for superoxide anions showed significantly greater intensity in the lung samples from the LC group compared to the LC+ MnTBAP group. High-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry revealed that MnTBAP treatment significantly attenuated dityrosine and nitrotyrosine levels, consistent with decreased oxidant injury. Conclusion Superoxide dismutase mimetic-MnTBAP reduced permeability and oxidative injury in LC and may have a therapeutic role in diminishing inflammation in LC.
Usability evaluation of eye tracking on an unmodified common tablet

This paper describes the design, implementation, and usability evaluation of a neural network based eye tracking system on an unmodified common tablet and discusses the challenges and implications of neural networks as an eye tracking component on a mobile platform. We objectively and subjectively evaluate the usability and performance tradeoffs of calibration, one of the fundamental components of eye tracking. The described system obtained an average spatial accuracy of 3.95° and an average temporal resolution of 0.65 Hz during trials. Results indicate that an increased neural network training set may be utilized to increase spatial accuracy, at the cost of greater physical effort and fatigue.
Mechanisms of blocking by contextual stimuli

Abstract The influence of contextual stimuli on the conditioning and performance of responding to a discrete stimulus was examined in the US preexposure paradigm using both context shift manipulations and a measure of context conditioning. Four groups of rats received both repeated exposure to an electric shock US in one context (Context 1), and repeated nonshocked exposure to a second context (Context 2). Two additional groups of rats received exposure to these contexts, but never received shock presentations. Rats exposed to shock learned to escape from the stimuli of Context 1, but did not escape from the stimuli provided by Context 2. Rats not exposed to shock failed to escape from either context. All rats then received a single CER conditioning session in which four pairings of a 3-min noise CS and shock US were presented. Half the rats received those CS-US pairings in the excitatory Context 1, while the remaining rats received those pairings in the neutral Context 2. Finally, half the rats in each of the CER conditioning treatments received extinction test trials of the noise CS in Context 1, while the remaining rats received those test trials in Context 2. Thus, this design factorially manipulated the presence of excitatory or neutral contextual stimuli during both conditioning and testing of a discrete CS. In comparison with the two groups of rats never preexposed to shock alone, attenuation in acquisition of conditioned suppression observed during test trials occurred only when CER conditioning had been administered in the excitatory Context 1, and this effect was manifested when testing occurred in either the excitatory Context 1 or the neutral Context 2. These results support the model of R. A. Rescorla and A. R. Wagner (1972) (in A. H. Black & W. F. Prokasy (Eds.) Classical Conditioning II , pp. 64–99, New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts) which asserts that contextual stimuli and sicrete CSs compete for limited associative strength supportable by a given US.