cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Learning and Appropriate Testing: A First Step in Validity Assessment

AbstractThis study looked for evidence that the type of test used to assess computer-mediated learning can influence research findings. The findings from much of the recently published research on computer-mediated learning have been based on pencil-and-paper evaluation of criterion variables. In the present study, 90 university undergraduates served as subjects in order to assess the effects of testing mode on paired-associate learning. A 3 x 2 design was used to examine the effect of testing mode congruence with presentation mode on learning outcomes. One third of the subjects were presented with simple line drawings and associated nonsense names on computer screens, and one third were presented the same information in study books. One half of each treatment group was tested using the computer. The remaining half of each group was tested using pencil and paper. One third of the subjects served as a control group and were tested without a learning session. The interaction between study mode and testing m...
Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr), a positive allosteric modulator of the α4β2 nicotinic receptor modulates the hypnotic response to ethanol.

Abstract Background Binge drinking can increase an individual's risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ethanol targets multiple neurotransmitter systems; however, not much is known about its effects on the cholinergic system. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels, the heteromeric α4β2 nAChR being a commonly expressed subtype. Desformylflustrabromine (dFBr), a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), increases the efficacy of α4β2 nAChR in vitro and has previously been shown to have translational potential. In this study, we investigated whether dFBr modulates the hypnotic response to ethanol. Methods : Ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex (LORR) duration was measured in the presence and absence of dFBr. The β2 nAChR selective antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) was used to study the involvement of the β2 subunit. Additionally, we used a crosslinking-based western blot assay to estimate changes in total versus intracellular α4 nAChR protein in thalamic tissue of rats treated with vehicle, dFBr, ethanol, or ethanol and dFBr. Lastly, using Xenopus oocyte two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) studies, we determined the effects of ethanol and dFBr on α4β2 nAChR. Results Pretreatment with 6 mg/kg dFBr reduced ethanol-induced LORR duration as compared to rats treated with ethanol alone. LORR studies with DHβE suggest that dFBr reduced ethanol-induced LORR duration via the β2 nAChR subunit. Crosslinking-based western analyses revealed that ethanol caused early increases in total and presumably surface thalamic α4 nAChR subunit protein levels. This ethanol-induced α4 nAChR upregulation was significantly reduced in rats pretreated with 6 mg/kg dFBr. In TEVC studies, ethanol potentiated ACh-induced currents in α4β2 nAChR, while it slightly reduced dFBr potentiation of maximal ACh currents. Conclusions Our results suggest that thalamic nAChRs containing the α4 subunit are rapidly upregulated by a single intoxicating dose of ethanol. Furthermore, dFBr, an α4β2 nAChR-selective PAM, significantly attenuates the hypnotic response to ethanol via actions on β2 nAChR. Overall, these results indicate that dFBr represents an option to reverse ethanol intoxication.
Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine the intentions to receive the influenza vaccine during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey of US adults

Abstract Vaccine hesitancy, especially in the setting of an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming flu season, may pose a significant burden on US healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intentions of US adults to receive the influenza vaccine this flu season (2020–2021). A cross-sectional, population-based survey study of US adults age 18 years and older was distributed in early September 2020. The primary outcome was the intention to receive the flu vaccine assessed with a survey instrument based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Three-hundred sixty-four adults (59.1% female, 66.5% white), completed the survey. Twenty percent of participants had already received the flu vaccine, 54.3% indicated high probability of getting the flu vaccine this flu season, and 49% would get it at a doctor’s office. Concerns regarding adverse effects from the flu vaccine was a major barrier to vaccination and family (58.1%) was the primary influencer in participants’ decision to get vaccinated. Participants who indicated that getting the vaccine was beneficial to them and that their doctor thinks they should get the flu vaccine were significantly more likely to have the intent of getting vaccinated. Approximately half of US adults believed that the flu vaccine was beneficial to them and indicated intent to receive the vaccine this flu season. Doctors can help educate patients regarding the limited adverse effects of flu vaccines, and include patients and their families in vaccination discussions – because families are influential in the decision-making process – to increase flu vaccination uptake.
Factors influencing molecular tumor profiling in uterine cancer: overcoming health disparities in the Deep South

Objectives: Molecular tumor profiling has become increasingly utilized in gynecologic cancers in order to guide treatment management and predict prognosis. Prior data demonstrates that insurance status or race can impact a patient's ability to access molecular tumor profiling. We aim to examine factors that correlate with patients undergoing molecular tumor profiling in order to identify patients that are not receiving tumor profiling who could potentially benefit. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on uterine cancer patients diagnosed and treated at a large academic institute in the deep south between 2012 and 2018 with adequate follow up. Molecular profiling was performed via IHC and a 592 gene NextGen Sequencing platform. Clinicopathologic data was abstracted and used for comparative analyses. Results: Of 1013 uterine cancer patients that were identified, 11.1% (n=112) had molecular profiling performed. Black women were significantly more likely to have molecular testing than White women (19.4% vs 8.12%, p Conclusions: Utilization of molecular profiling in uterine cancers was performed in appropriate clinical scenarios of those who required adjuvant therapy or recurrence. Previously reported obstacles to molecular profiling were not seen in our dataset as payer status or race did not negatively affect appropriate use.
Data Integrity Security Spots Detected by Object Reference

The malicious code injected by an insider into a program can compromise sensitive data that is one of the most valuable assets in an organization. This paper describes the Integrity Breach Conditions (IBCs) used to determine security spots that change sensitive data values in a program. A malicious insider can create a security spot to compromise sensitive data using the reference to a class object. We have specified the IBCs by considering object references in the coupling relationships between objects. The IBCs have been implemented in a prototype tool to validate our approach with a case study.
The Unique and Interactive Effects of Faces, Postures, and Scenes on Emotion Categorization

There is ongoing debate as to whether emotion perception is determined by facial expressions or context (i.e., non-facial cues). The present investigation examined the independent and interactive effects of six emotions (anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, neutral) conveyed by combinations of facial expressions, bodily postures, and background scenes in a fully crossed design. Participants viewed each face-posture-scene (FPS) combination for 5 s and were then asked to categorize the emotion depicted in the image. Four key findings emerged from the analyses: (1) For fully incongruent FPS combinations, participants categorized images using the face in 61% of instances and the posture and scene in 18% and 11% of instances, respectively; (2) postures (with neutral scenes) and scenes (with neutral postures) exerted differential influences on emotion categorizations when combined with incongruent facial expressions; (3) contextual asymmetries were observed for some incongruent face-posture pairings and their inverse (e.g., anger-fear vs. fear-anger), but not for face-scene pairings; (4) finally, scenes exhibited a boosting effect of posture when combined with a congruent posture and attenuated the effect of posture when combined with a congruent face. Overall, these findings highlight independent and interactional roles of posture and scene in emotion face perception. Theoretical implications for the study of emotions in context are discussed.
Multiphysics Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Voltage Regulators in Power Delivery Architectures

Integrated voltage regulator (IVR) based power delivery architectures have become a growing trend in high performance computing systems. Integrated power delivery architectures typically feature high-frequency switching devices and embedded passive components, which can be integrated either inside the die or in the package. However, dense functional integration in such architectures though necessary brings a new set of challenges to system designers. In this paper, we study the impact of heterogeneous integration on the design of power delivery architectures that addresses issues related to electrical, thermal, and electromagnetic domains through test cases. The key design problems arising out of heterogeneous integration and the solutions for each of the domains are identified. Although the electrical impedance profile seen by the load becomes flatter in the frequency domain with fewer resonances, noise coupling at the load increases due to the close proximity of noise sources. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels are higher and therefore more EMI and noise mitigating filters are needed for judicious placement at the package and die-level. High thermal resistance associated with embedded passives results in a threshold for power losses in embedded inductors beyond which the conventional top-level cooling is insufficient and a local cooling solution is needed.
Superexchange-induced valley splitting in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides: A first-principles study for rational design

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with spin-valley coupling are a well-studied class of two-dimensional materials with potential for novel optoelectronics applications. Breaking time-reversal symmetry via an external magnetic field or supporting magnetic substrate can lift the degeneracy of the band gaps at the inequivalent $K$ and ${K}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ high symmetry points, or valleys, in the monolayer TMD Brillouin zone, a phenomenon known as valley splitting. However, reported valley splittings thus far are modest, and a detailed structural and chemical understanding of valley splitting via magnetic substrates is lacking. Here we probe the underlying physical mechanism with a series of density functional theory (DFT) calculations of magnetic atoms with varying coverage on the surface of prototypical monolayer ${\mathrm{WSe}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{MoS}}_{2}$ TMDs. Near-valence band edge energies for variable magnetic atom height, lateral registry, and magnetic moment are calculated with DFT, and trends are rationalized with a model Hamiltonian with second-order spin-dependent exchange coupling. From our analysis, we demonstrate how large valley splittings may be achieved and that the valley splitting can be understood with a superexchange mechanism, which strongly depends on overlaps of TMD Bloch states at the valley extrema with the localized $d$ states of the magnetic atom, as well as the out-of-plane component of the magnetic moment of the magnetic atom. Our calculations provide a basis for understanding prior measurements of valley splitting and suggest routes for enhancing valley splitting in future systems of interest.
Library networks—coauthorship, citation, and usage graphs

The next six chapters step back from Semantic Web graphs to look at graph models of systems in various domains, starting with libraries. Traditional use of library resources often involves what is generically referred to as “research.” What is meant in this particular context is the process of locating materials on a particular topic or produced by a particular author, determining coauthorship and topical relationships, reviewing the citation relationships, and then exploring all of these various relationships to identify other items of potential interest. These organic, explicit networks grow over time and exhibit some of the characteristics found in other types of networks. This chapter looks at how this data can be modeled as graphs, and the process of analyzing and traversing these graphs. It illustrates the use of some common graph theory techniques in the context of library data and systems, including coauthorship analysis and citation graphs between papers. It also briefly explores how usage data can be modeled using graphs to explore research trends and generate recommendations for library patrons. It introduces first-mover advantage and scale-free networks.
Image-Based Tissue Distribution Modeling for Skeletal Muscle Quality Characterization

The identification and characterization of regional body tissues is essential to understand changes that occur with aging and age-related metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity and how these diseases affect trajectories of health and functional status. Imaging technologies are frequently used to derive volumetric, area, and density measurements of different tissues. Despite the significance and direct applicability of automated tissue quantification and characterization techniques, these topics have remained relatively underexplored in the medical image analysis literature. We present a method for identification and characterization of muscle and adipose tissue in the midthigh region using MRI. We propose an image-based muscle quality prediction technique that estimates tissue-specific probability density models and their eigenstructures in the joint domain of water- and fat-suppressed voxel signal intensities along with volumetric and intensity-based tissue characteristics computed during the quantification stage. We evaluated the predictive capability of our approach against reference biomechanical muscle quality (MQ) measurements using statistical tests and classification performance experiments. The reference standard for MQ is defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass. The results show promise for the development of noninvasive image-based MQ descriptors.
Rat liver DNA synthesis during the "catch-up" growth of nutritional rehabilitation.

When nutrionally rehabilitated, the malnourished suckling rat shows "catch-up" growth. This acceleration of growth rate was studied at the cellular level after varied nutritional rehabilitation by measuring the incorpora tion of tritiated thymidine into DNA and the activity of DNA polymerase. Changes in total liver DNA, protein and the protein/DNA ratio were also determined. Previously malnourished pups were "superfed" in litters of three and the outcome compared with previous data from pups "refed" in litters of 10(1). Control animals were reared 10 pups per litter throughout. After 240 hours (10 days) of rehabilitation, both groups demonstrated purely hyperplastic growth. Liver DNA in "superfed" pups increased to 88% of control and to 80% of control in "refed" pups (P < 0.025). The increases in thymidine uptake and DNA content were preceded by elevations in DNA polymerase activity. Enzyme activity, employing denatured DNA as template/primer, was greater than control in both groups from 24 to 96 hours, but at 48, 72 and 96 hours "superfed" values were significantly higher (P < 0.02 or less) than "refed" values (percent of control: 262 versus 181, 255 versus 190 and 176 versus 133, respectively). Thymidine uptake peaked sig nificantly over control levels at 72 hours of rehabilitation in both groups, but by 120 hours the levels in "superfed" rats had returned to control values and those in "refed" rats had fallen to 30% below control (P < 0.025). After 240 hours of rehabilitation both radiothymidine uptake and DNA polymerase activity were significantly reduced in the two groups to at least 40% below control. J. Nutr. 110: 2336-2340, 1980.
Understanding Glacier Flow in Changing Times

Subannual lurches of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets may reduce uncertainties about climate change effects on sea-level rise.
Histochemical patterns in the tadpole tail during normal and thyroxine-induced metamorphosis. I. Alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, esterase, and aminopeptidase.

Abstract The distribution of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, esterase, and aminopeptidase was demonstrated by histochemical methods in sections of both growing and resorbing tails of Rana pipiens tadpoles. In general, main sites of localization of each of the enzymes were the epidermis and connective tissue, but not striated muscle. In addition, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and esterase were present in the ependyma of the spinal cord and the endothelium of various blood vessels. The latter two enzymes were also found in spinal ganglia and, along with aminopeptidase, in the notochord. As the tail shortened during both normal and thyroxine-induced metamorphosis, activity of these enzymes increased; it became particularly prominent in the epidermis and in phagocytes in the connective tissue. These data on the differential distribution of four hydrolytic enzymes in the R. pipiens tail support histochemical and biochemical studies in other species.
When Diversity in Training Improves Dyadic Problem Solving

Summary Students learned how to solve binomial probability problems from either a procedurally based lesson or a conceptually based lesson and then worked in distributed pairs by using a computer-based chat environment. Cognitively homogeneous dyads (i.e. both members received the same lesson) performed more accurately on standard problems, whereas cognitively diverse dyads (i.e. each member received a different lesson) performed more accurately on transfer problems. The cognitively homogeneous dyads perceived a greater sense of common ground with their partner, but spent a greater proportion of their time communicating about low-level details (e.g. message verification) whereas the cognitively diverse dyads spent a greater proportion of their time on high-level discussion (e.g. solution development). Results help to clarify that common training leads to more positive perceptions of collaboration, but only improves performance on problems that are highly similar to those experienced during training, whereas diverse training improves the ability of a dyad to perform well in new situations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cD Galaxy in Abell Cluster 1775

Over the last 20 years, a number of workers have studied the multiple nuclei cD galaxy in the rich Abell cluster 1775, trying to discover its nature. In all the cases though, very little has been published concerning its morphology. The majority of arguments about the nature of this object have been based on the relative radial velocities of the 2 components with each other and with the other galaxies in the cluster, or its radio morphology. Very little work has been done on the optical morphology. To rectify that lack of data, the authors have obtained charge coupled device (CCD) images of the cD. The authors find from the CCD data that the cD is unlikely to be a bound object and that there is strong evidence for a collision.
Multi-user quantum cryptography networks

Summary form only given. Present quantum cryptography technologies can provide ultra-secure encryption key distribution between two parties. However, any practical implementation of encryption key distribution schemes requires establishing secure quantum communications amongst multiple users. In this talk, we briefly survey some of the latest quantum key distribution research going on in both industrial and academic research laboratories. In addition, recent efforts in deploying quantum cryptography technologies in the field are discussed. We also discuss some common topologies that are being considered for multi-user quantum encryption networks. The performance of the multi-user quantum key distribution systems is then compared in four common optical network topologies: the Sagnac-based fiber ring, the wavelength routed, the passive star and the bus network. Their performances are analyzed and compared using quantum bit error rate analysis.
Titanium(IV) catalysts with ancillary imino-spiroketonato ligands: synthesis, structure and olefin polymerization

New titanium(IV) complexes having two bidentate β-iminoethyl-spiro[4,5]decan-6-onato ligands with various N-aryl substituents have been synthesized. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that these titanium complexes all exhibit a C2-symmetric conformation with a distorted octahedral geometry, although the specific orientation of the ligands around the titanium center varies with the identity of the N-aryl moiety. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), these complexes catalyze the polymerization of ethylene and propylene. In the case of ethylene, most complexes exhibit the characteristics of a living polymerization between 0 °C and 25 °C, producing polyethylenes with narrow molecular weight distributions and number average molecular weights up to 100,000 g/mol. Depending on the N-aryl substituents, polymerizations of propylene result in products with tacticity ranging from slightly syndiotactic to slightly isotactic.
Addendum to Report of Committee on Lakes: Summary ‐ Great Salt Lake Studies

In response to request, the following resume of current study of Great Salt Lake has been submitted for the Report of the Committee on Lakes. To date my studies of Great Salt Lake have included the collection and analysis of all available records of fluctuations in lake-levels, areal surveys, and lake-soundings. The determination of areas and proximate volumes for different lake-depths have been given some time, also the chronological development of irrigated areas within the lake drainage-basin.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of the Measure of Understanding of Macroevolution: Introducing the MUM

The challenges in teaching and learning of biological evolution continue to be documented (NAS, 2008). Developers of science standards continue their work to increase emphasis on evolution. Although gains have been made, many K–12 science curricula focus on microevolution (i.e., natural selection, genetic drift), and a more limited effort is in place to provide exposure to macroevolution (i.e., speciation). Many of the public's fundamental questions concerning evolution actually stem from macroevolutionary changes. This research involved the development and psychometric evaluation of the Measure of Understanding of Macroevolution (MUM), an assessment of college undergraduate understanding of the scientific portrayal of macroevolution. The MUM comprises 27 multiple-choice items and 1 free-response item. The authors achieved content validity based on feedback from professional biologists and evolution educators. The MUM was field tested with 3 unique cohorts of undergraduate students (N = 795). The validity...
Photodynamic herbicides VIII. Mandatory requirement of light for the induction of protoporphyrin IX accumulation in acifluorfen-treated cucumber†

It is shown that continuous illumination is mandatory for the induction of tetrapyrrole accumulation in acifluorfen-sodium-treated plants and for the photosensitization of tetrapyrrole-dependent photodynamic damage. At low concentrations of acifluorfen-sodium (up to 20 μM), photoporphyrin IX appears to be the major light-induced tetrapyrrole that accumulates in the treated plants. At higher concentrations of acifluorfen-sodium, monovinyl chlorophyllide a accumulates in addition to protoporphyrin IX. In the light, the development of photodynamic injury appears to be directly related to the accumulation of the light-induced tetrapyrroles. For example when acifluorfen-sodium-treated plants are returned to darkness, or are treated with tetrapyrrole biosynthesis inhibitors, tetrapyrrole accumulation and photodynamic injury come to a halt. In-vivo and in-organello studies failed, however, to support the commonly held hypothesis that the induction of tetrapyrrole accumulation in the light, in acifluorfen-sodium-treated plants, is only dependent on the inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase. Indeed, when plastids capable of very high rates of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and accumulation were incubated with δ-aminolevulinic acid and acifluorfen-sodium, either in darkness or in the light, a severe inhibition of protoporphyrin IX and total terapyrrole formation was observed. Althoung these results are compatible with the inhibition of tetrapyrrole formation by acifluorfensodium at the level of protoporphyrinogen oxidase, they indicate that, in addition to that inhibition, other cuellular processes are probably involved in the light-dependent accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in acifluorfensodium-treated plants.
Teacher Learning and Mathematics Manipulatives: A Collective Case Study About Teacher Use of Manipulatives in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Lessons

This collective case study analyzes the use of manipulatives in math lessons developed and taught by 4 groups of elementary teachers (K-8) involved in lesson study as part of a professional development program. The study found that in three of four lessons studied manipulative use was turned into an end in and of itself, rather than a tool, and that in the fourth lesson manipulative use hindered rather than helped student learning. These problems with manipulative use by teachers in the lessons provide helpful guidance for planning of future professional development for math teaching. Our conclusion contains recommendations for successful implementation of manipulatives for both teachers and professional developers. Most importantly, we stress the need to emphasize the link between pedagogy and content, not the specific use of manipulatives.
Problem Posing at All Levels in the Calculus Classroom

This article explores the use of problem posing in the calculus classroom using investigative projects. Specially, four examples of student work are examined, each one differing in originality of problem posed. By allowing students to explore actual questions that they have about calculus, coming from their own work or class discussion, or questions arising from studying supplementary material, all students can successfully engage in problem posing.
Controlling the familywise error rate in functional neuroimaging: a comparative review:

Functional neuroimaging data embodies a massive multiple testing problem, where 100 000 correlated test statistics must be assessed. The familywise error rate, the chance of any false positives is ...
New antiestrogens from a library screen of homoallylic amides, allylic amides and C-cyclopropylalkylamides

A new structural scaffold for antiestrogens was identified from the cell-based screening of transcriptional regulation properties of a 67-member library of homoallylic amides, allylic amides, and C-cyclopropylalkylamides. C-Cyclopropylalkylamide 3a (O-ethyl-N-{2-[(1S*,2R*)-2-{(R*)-[(diphenylphosphinoyl)amino](phenyl)methyl}cyclopropyl]ethyl}-N-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]carbamate) had antagonistic activity similar to that of tamoxifen and was further evaluated. Compound 3a inhibited estradiol-induced proliferation of the ER-positive MCF-7 cells but had no effect on ER-negative MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, high micromolar concentrations of 3a exhibited minimal cytotoxicity to the ER-negative line. The biological activities of the enantiomers of 3a did not differ from one another nor from that of racemic 3a.
Comparing Legal Professions

The comparative essays in Richard Abel and Philip Lewis's Lawyers in Society: The Common Law World and Richard Abel's The Legal Profession in England and Wales provide an excellent opportunity to reconsider the usefulness of the monopoly-control approach to the legal profession, an approach that has dominated the study of professions for the last decade. Abel, one of the major proponents of the monopoly-control thesis, uses it in the England and Wales volume and in his contribution to the edited work on the common law world. However, his discussions of the English and American professions serve more to illustrate the theory than to assess it. The wealth of information Abel and the other authors provide-most of whom take a more skeptical approach to the theory-furnish a rich data base from which to evaluate the monopoly-control framework.' The au-
Delay-Constrained Energy Efficient Data Transmission over a Wireless Fading Channel

We study optimal rate control for transmitting deadline-constrained data over a time-varying channel. Specifically, we consider a wireless transmitter where the channel gain varies stochastically over time and the packets in the queue have strict delay constraints. The transmitter can adapt the rate over time by varying the power and the goal is to obtain the rate-control policy that minimizes the expected energy expenditure while meeting the deadline constraints. We first consider the case of B bits of data that must be transmitted by a deadline T and using a novel continuous-time stochastic control formulation obtain the optimal policy. Based on a cumulative curves methodology and a decomposition approach, we then obtain the optimal policy when the queue has packets with variable deadline constraints. Finally, we present a heuristic policy for the case of arbitrary packet arrivals to the queue and compare its performance using simulation results with a non-adaptive scheme.
Theoretical considerations of biopolymer synthesis.

Abstract A simple kinetic model for biopolymer synthesis has been studied. The model allows template mediated synthesis to be expressed in terms of the concentrations and adsorption energies of the molecules that can interact with the template. These results show the power of small energy changes to modulate polymer synthesis. Use of transition-state theory has allowed the evaluation of some of the thermodynamic parameters of bacterial and mouse DNA, and bacterial RNA and protein synthesizing systems.
Physics-Based Anomaly Detection Defined on Manifold Space

Current popular anomaly detection algorithms are capable of detecting global anomalies but often fail to distinguish local anomalies from normal instances. Inspired by contemporary physics theory (i.e., heat diffusion and quantum mechanics), we propose two unsupervised anomaly detection algorithms. Building on the embedding manifold derived from heat diffusion, we devise Local Anomaly Descriptor (LAD), which faithfully reveals the intrinsic neighborhood density. It uses a scale-dependent umbrella operator to bridge global and local properties, which makes LAD more informative within an adaptive scope of neighborhood. To offer more stability of local density measurement on scaling parameter tuning, we formulate Fermi Density Descriptor (FDD), which measures the probability of a fermion particle being at a specific location. By choosing the stable energy distribution function, FDD steadily distinguishes anomalies from normal instances with any scaling parameter setting. To further enhance the efficacy of our proposed algorithms, we explore the utility of anisotropic Gaussian kernel (AGK), which offers better manifold-aware affinity information. We also quantify and examine the effect of different Laplacian normalizations for anomaly detection. Comprehensive experiments on both synthetic and benchmark datasets verify that our proposed algorithms outperform the existing anomaly detection algorithms.
An Improved Testing Protocol for Evaluating Anterior Spinal Instrumentation Using Graft Loads in a Single-Level Cervical Discectomy or Corpectomy Model

Anterior cervical instrumentation used in discectomy or corpectomy graft fusion should restore the mechanical integrity of the operated spine and decrease graft complications. For fusion to occur, the spinal instrumentation must load-share with the interbody graft. Recent design changes in anterior cervical plates (ACP) aim to allow motion across the fusion site and load share with the graft [1]. However, existing American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards (F1717-96) for static and fatigue testing of spinal implant constructs in a corpectomy model do not include an interbody graft in the test method [2]. The objective of this study was to develop a non-destructive testing protocol and apparatus to rank the static and low-endurance performance of ACP instrumentation in single-level discectomy and corpectomy graft-plate models.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Orbital emphysema: how common, how significant?

Study Objective: To describe the natural history of orbitalemphysema and its management in the emergency setting. Design: Retrospective medical record review. Setting: Inner-city integrated hospital system (four divisions)including one Level I trauma center. Participants: All cases of orbital floor fracture and orbitalemphysema from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 1993. Results: The average patient was aged 33 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 7 to 1. Trauma was the underlying etiology in all patients. Seventy-four percent of patients required hospitalization, and 43% developed significant complications. Eighty-three percent were managed with antibiotics. Orbital emphysema was identified on conventional radiographs in 65% of cases. Conclusion: Identification of orbital emphysema in the EDshould prompt a careful search for associated injury. Consultation should be sought in the presence of orbital or ocular injury. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary for clean wounds.
Beyond 51Cr release: new methods for assessing HIV‐1‐specific CD8+ T cell responses in peripheral blood and mucosal tissues

Much scientific effort has been directed towards elucidating the complexities of cell-mediated immune responses to HIV-1 (reviewed in [1,2]). These studies have attempted to explain the immune system's ultimate failure to contain viral replication, leading to development of AIDS disease, and to identify immune responses that will be useful in developing immunomodulatory therapies and novel vaccine strategies. Although many of the complex interactions involved in AIDS pathogenesis remain unsolved, great progress has been made in characterizing the kinetics, specificity and functional dynamics of HIV-1-specific T cell responses. These investigations have come at a time when advances in virology, cellular immunology and molecular biology have converged to provide a variety of methodological approaches not available at the onset of the AIDS pandemic. Application of these tools to other infectious diseases and immunopathological conditions will provide a fertile area of research for future years. This review focuses on recent developments in the assessment of HIV-1-specific T cell responses in peripheral blood and tissues, with a particular emphasis on flow cytometry-based approaches.
Cylindrical waveguide as a power transmission medium&#8212;Limitations due to mode conversion

A cylindrical waveguide operating in the TE 01 mode can transmit powers of the order of thousands of megawatts in frequency ranges below 10 Gc/s with acceptable copper losses over distances of hundreds of miles, provided it can be made with sufficient accuracy to avoid excessive power transfer into other unwanted high-loss modes. The tolerances on the guide straightness appear to be the most severe limitation on the use of this type of guide as a high power system component. These tolerances are evaluated here and found to be of the order of 10 to 100 mils in distances of a few hundred feet for typical values of the other parameters such as 1.0 Gc/s in a 2-meter-diameter guide providing 1 dB power loss in a distance of 200 miles. Tolerances on diameter variations and cross-section ellipticity are also evaluated and found to be of the same order of magnitude as the deviations from straightness, but should be easier to control by the proper manufacturing process. It is also shown that low loss bends (about 0.01 dB/mile) with bending radii of the order of 0.5 mile are possible if the length of the bend is accurately controlled and the guide has a dielectric lining of the proper thickness.
Robotic Material Handling of Flexible Fuel Cell Membranes

One of the biggest challenges in the manufacturing of high temperature fuel cells is the creation of the Membrane Exchange Assembly (MEA). This is the heart of the fuel cell, where the 4–5 components must be assembled with very high tolerances to perform successfully. One of the key components, the membrane, is similar to plastic food wrap. Handling plastic wrap alone in a wrinkle free mode, with precision cut edges is difficult enough. But it also must be saturated in acid, creating a very slippery product. And the membrane will grow or shrink in a matter of 5 minutes when exposed to moisture in the air. So this material handling effort is orders of magnitude more difficult than the established methods for “simple” items like paper. This paper will document the research conducted into the robotic material handling of the fuel cell membranes. It requires a mix of traditional robotic techniques, some techniques from the fabric handling arena, and some new approaches. The issues from lifting a wet film from a PET backer sheet consistently and the sensing requirements for accurate placement have made this a challenging effort.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
SEASAT altimeter height calibration

The Seasat altimeter was calibrated for height bias using four overflight passes of Bermuda which were supported by the Bermuda laser. The altimeter data was corrected for: tides, using recorded tide gauge data; propagation effects, using meteorological data taken around the time of each pass; acceleration lag; and sea state bias, including both surface effects and instrumental effects. Altimeter data for each of the four passes was smoothed and extrapolated across the island. Interpolation between passes then produced an equivalent altimeter measurement to the geoid at the laser site, so that the altimeter bias could be estimated without the use of a geoid model. The estimated height bias was 0.0 + or - 0.07.
Challenges in implementing center-based and home-based early head start programs

Abstract Early Head Start services are typically offered through home- or center-based delivery models. A formative evaluation of an example of each service delivery model was conducted. The purpose was to examine the issues involved in the implementation of these two service delivery models relative to the content of services, intensity of services, opportunities for family involvement, and efficiency of program management. Findings suggest that the two delivery models differ in content and intensity of services. Both models faced challenges in program implementation and management and both struggled with family involvement and engagement. Implications for future research are discussed.
Delayed neurotoxicity of excitatory amino acids in vitro.

Abstract The acute neurotoxicity produced by glutamate and related excitatory amino acids is probably caused by depolarization leading to excessive anionic and cationic fluxes and osmotic lysis. Recently, a more delayed form of glutamate neurotoxicity, which is critically dependent upon calcium influx, has been described in cultured neocortex. We investigated this phenomenon in cultures of dispersed rat hippocampal neurons. When these cultures were briefly incubated with various excitatory amino acids in low extracellular chloride, there was no acute toxicity, but a gradual drop-out of neurons occurred over the next day. When calcium was removed from the extracellular medium during amino acid incubation, this late neuronal loss was not seen. Interestingly, blocking excitatory amino acid receptors in cultures after the amino acid exposure also prevented this delayed neuronal death. In addition, these treated cultures contained neurons with normal physiological properties, and had concentrations of adenosine triphosphate that were close to control values. The findings suggest an amino acid-induced calcium influx may elevate the release of endogenous excitatory transmitter, likely glutamate, and/or increase the sensitivity of these neurons to glutamate. These in vitro observations may partially explain the delayed neuronal loss seen in some pathological conditions affecting man.
Strawberry and its anthocyanins reduce oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

Because strawberries are known to contain higher concentrations of phytochemicals and have higher antioxidant capacity among common fruits, their neuroprotective activity was tested in vitro on PC12 cells treated with H2O2. Their protective effect and antioxidant capacity were also compared with those of banana and orange, which are the fresh fruits consumed at highest levels in the United States. The cell viability test using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay showed that strawberry phenolics significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity. Because oxidative stress is also known to increase neuronal cell membrane breakdown, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and trypan blue exclusion assays were also performed. Strawberry showed the highest cell protective effects among the samples. The overall relative neuronal cell protective activity of three fruits by three tests followed the decreasing order strawberry > banana > orange. The protective effects appeared to be due to the higher phenolic contents including anthocyanins, and anthocyanins in strawberries seemed to be the major contributors.
Relationship of maternal creatinine to first neonatal creatinine in infants <30 weeks gestation.

To examine the relationship between maternal and neonatal creatinine (Cr) in preterm infants in the context of antenatal and intrapartum maternal and neonatal factors. In this 5½-year, single-center, retrospective study, paired maternal and neonatal Cr were compared by t-test. Linear regression for correlated outcomes employing generalized estimating equations was used to examine neonatal Cr as a function of antenatal maternal Cr and potential confounders. A total of 157 neonates of 124 mothers met study criteria. Neonatal Cr values in the first 24 h of life were significantly higher than antenatal maternal values. Linear regression modeling showed that maternal Cr, neonatal lactate, hypoxic–ischemic villous changes on placental pathology and multiple gestation were each significant determinants of the first neonatal Cr. No neonatal Cr was less than its paired maternal value. Maternal Cr, neonatal lactate, hypoxic–ischemic villous changes in the placenta and multiple gestation were each significantly associated with neonatal Cr.
Biological Studies of Euphorocera edwardsii (Diptera: Tachinidae), an Endoparasitoid of Pieris rapae

At 25°C, the tachinid parasitoid, Euphorocera edwardsii (Williston), developed from egg to adult in the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), in ca. 18 days. Fecundity averaged 198 eggs for mated females; the maximum was 428 eggs. Virgin females did not oviposit until 10 days after eclosion. Longevity of mated adults was ca. 12 days for males and 23 days for females. The male: female sex ratio was 1:1.5. Larvae of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) were not as suitable for rearing E. edwardsii as larvae of Heliothis zea (Boddie) and of P. rapae. Tachinid eggs oviposited on T. ni larvae were successfully parasitized by the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood.
Effect of diffusion in solid acid catalyzed inulin hydrolysis

Hydrolysis of inulin was investigated employing various solid acids as hydrolytic catalysts. The catalytic performances of several ion exchange resins were compared. The effects of the particle size and porosity on the hydrolysis reaction were found to be significant, indicating that the intraparticle diffusion of reactants controls the reaction rate. Theoretical models were developed, therefore, to analyze the effects of intraparticle diffusion occurring in a sequential reaction. The results were found to be consistent with experimental observations regarding the adverse effects of pore diffusion and the reaction pattern.
Parametric Modeling of a Highly-Adjustable Race Damper

As sanctioning bodies impose more restrictions on the number of days race teams are allowed to test, the successful use of component models and simulation becomes the division between a winning team, and all the rest. One of the main components race teams use to adjust the handling characteristics of their racecar is the damper. Damper adjustments allow the team to control body attitude, maximize the grip of the tires and fine-tune the car for driver feel. During track testing, teams make multiple damper adjustments based on the dampers they have characterized on their dynamometers back at the shop. To help expedite this process, a damper model is developed so a large range of adjustments can be quickly characterized without having to rebuild the damper and then run each adjustment on the dynamometer. This paper considers modeling of a highly-adjustable race damper made by Penske Racing Shocks for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. In addition to flow through piston bleed orifices, and valves in the piston, as considered in previous models, this model also considers flows through a head valve. With the completed model, a parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of varying different damper parameters. The results of this study will show the effects various parameters have on the damper's output force. The final model will not only allow race teams to see the results of a damper adjustment, but will also aid in damper design and give an improved damper model for vehicle simulation.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Challenges in the development of environmental management systems on the modern university campus

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe challenges and lessons learned in the design and development of a comprehensive, flexible environmental management system (EMS) in a real university setting; also to inform development of similar systems elsewhere and provide a modular, extensible software architecture for such efforts.Design/methodology/approach – A modular, flexible software architecture was designed as the cornerstone of a comprehensive, secure web‐based data collection and analysis framework. Environmental data such as utility usages, waste generation and transportation services were identified, collected, and entered into the evolving system. The system is easily extensible to new environmental data types, and supported manual and automated data entry, custom “at‐the‐source data entry” mechanisms, and flexible tools for visually analyzing environmental data captured.Findings – Development of automated EMS systems for large institutions is significantly complicated by profound heterog...