cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity and item endorsement rates of personality assessment inventory over-reporting scales across ethnic, gender, and diagnostic groups in a forensic inpatient sample.

The accurate evaluation of response style, particularly with respect to overreporting, is imperative in forensic settings wherein an external incentive to feign exists. Given the high cost of false positive errors in this context, as well as the associated cost of false negative errors, evaluators need to ensure that overreporting methods are effective with the unique patient populations with whom they work. Complicating this issue is that forensic samples often differ in predictable ways from the normative samples upon which typical psychological assessment instruments were normed. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the specificity of the overreporting indices on the Personality Assessment Inventory, one of the most commonly used personality inventories, in a forensic sample with no ostensible incentive to feign. Although item endorsement and configural elevations on the Negative Impression Management (NIM) scale and the Malingering Index (MAL) were associated with genuine psychopathology, results indicated that the overall specificity estimates across groups were generally adequate. Further, and consistent with prior research, Rogers Discriminant Function (RDF) performed poorly in this sample.
Hilbert-Haar coordinates and Miranda's theorem in Lie groups

We study the interior regularity of solutions to a class of quasilinear equations of non-degenerate p-Laplacian type on Lie groups that admit a system of Hilbert-Haar coordinates. These are coordinates with respect to which every linear function has zero symmetrized second order horizontal derivatives. All Carnot groups of rank two are in this category, as well as the Engel group, the Goursat type groups, and those general Carnot groups of step three for which the non-zero commutators of order three are linearly independent.
Adapting in the Arctic: Habitual activity and landscape interaction in Late Holocene hunter-gatherers from Alaska.

Objectives This study compares lower limb diaphyseal robusticity between Native Alaskan hunter-gatherers to reconstruct patterns of mobility and engagement with terrain. Materials and methods Ancestral remains included in this study date between 600 and 1800 C.E. and were divided into three regions: Coastal Bay, Far North Coastal, and Inland/Riverine. Cross-sectional properties were determined at femoral and tibial midshafts and standardized by powers of body mass and bone length. Results Consistently elaevated areas and second moments of area were found in ancestral remains from the Far North Coastal, while the Coastal Bay remains had reduced diaphyseal robusticity. Individuals from the Inland/Riverine region were intermediate in robusticity for male femora, but similar to the Coastal Bay group for females. Sexual dimorphism was greatest in the Inland/Riverine ancestral remains and comparable between Coastal Bay and Far North Coastal regions. Conclusions Ancestral remains from the Far North Coastal region have the greatest diaphyseal robusticity in response to intensive hunting and travel over rugged terrain. Reduced sexual dimorphism in the Far North Coastal region suggest female participation in hunting activities. Intermediate diaphyseal robusticity among Inland/Riverine males and increased sexual dimorphism reflects diverse patterns of mobility in relation to the hunting cycle between males and females. Reduced diaphyseal robusticity and sexual dimorphism among the Coastal Bay group is associated with sedentary villages established around net fishing in regions with low relief. Such findings argue against technocentric views of sedentism in hunter-gatherer lifeways and generally reflect diverse adaptive strategies and interaction with local terrain among Indigenous Late Holocene hunter-gatherers of Alaska.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Residual Arachidonic Acid–Induced Platelet Activation via an Adenosine Diphosphate–Dependent but Cyclooxygenase-1– and Cyclooxygenase-2–Independent Pathway: A 700-Patient Study of Aspirin Resistance”

We thank Dr Kronish and his colleagues for their interest in our work.1 Kronish et al suggest that because of the patient population we studied, our work underestimates the role of noncompliance in aspirin resistance if applied to all patients taking aspirin.1 However, we did not suggest that …
Decentralized Control of Multi-Agent Systems using Local Density Feedback

In this paper, we stabilize a discrete-time Markov process evolving on a compact subset of $\mathbb{R}^d$ to an arbitrary target distribution that has an $L^\infty$ density and does not necessarily have a connected support on the state space. We address this problem by stabilizing the corresponding Kolmogorov forward equation, the \textit{mean-field model} of the system, using a density-dependent transition kernel as the control parameter. Our main application of interest is controlling the distribution of a multi-agent system in which each agent evolves according to this discrete-time Markov process. To prevent agent state transitions at the equilibrium distribution, which would potentially waste energy, we show that the Markov process can be constructed in such a way that the operator that pushes forward measures is the identity at the target distribution. In order to achieve this, the transition kernel is defined as a function of the current agent distribution, resulting in a nonlinear Markov process. Moreover, we design the transition kernel to be \textit{decentralized} in the sense that it depends only on the local density measured by each agent. We prove the existence of such
Metabolic profiles identify circulating biomarkers associated with heart failure in young single ventricle patients

Children and young adults with single ventricle (SV) heart disease frequently develop heart failure (HF) that is intractable and difficult to treat. Our understanding of the molecular and biochemical reasons underlying this is imperfect. Thus, there is an urgent need for biomarkers that predict outcome and provide a rational basis for treatment, and advance our understanding of the basis of HF. We sought to determine if a metabolomic approach would provide biochemical signatures of HF in SV children and young adults. If significant, these analytes might serve as biomarkers to predict outcome and inform on the biological mechanism(s) of HF. We applied a multi-platform metabolomics approach composed of mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which yielded 495 and 26 metabolite measurements respectively. The plasma samples came from a cross-sectional set of young SV subjects, ages 2–19 years with ten control (Con) subjects and 16 SV subjects. Of the SV subjects, nine were diagnosed as congestive HF (SVHF), and 7 were not in HF. Metabolomic data were correlated with clinical status to determine if there was a signature associated with HF. There were no differences in age, height, weight or sex between the 3 cohorts. However, statistical analysis of the metabolomic profiles using ANOVA revealed 44 metabolites with significant differences between cohorts including 41 profiled by MS and 3 by NMR. These metabolites included acylcarnitines, amino acids, and bile acids, which distinguished Con from all SV subjects. Furthermore, metabolite profiles could distinguish between SV and SVHF subjects. These are the first data to demonstrate a clear metabolomic signature associated with HF in children and young adults with SV. Larger studies are warranted to determine if these findings are predictive of progression to HF in time to provide intervention.
Ricci flow and a sphere theorem for Ln/2-pinched Yamabe metrics

Abstract We obtain a differential sphere and Ricci flow convergence theorem for positive scalar curvature Yamabe metrics with L n / 2 -pinched curvature in general dimensions n. Previously, E. Hebey and M. Vaugon obtained in [9] a corresponding result for L p -pinching with p > n / 2 .
Vector Fields on Surfaces

Let us look next at a surface X which is a torus, i.e., the surface of a doughnut. This can be realized concretely in several ways: as a surface of revolution, by an explicit equation in 3-space, as a Cartesian product S1 × S1, or by taking a square or rectangle and identifying opposite edges:
The Effectiveness of Using Computers for Software Training: An Exploratory Study

Both academic institutions and corporations have invested huge amounts of resources in computer-based training and education. The evidence in support of the effectiveness of computers and instructional technology in the classroom is mixed at best. and much of the practice is based on faith and ongoing trends in education. In this study, we conduct an exploratory experimental investigation into the effectiveness of four computer-based software training methods; traditional, delayed. asynchronous, and synchronous. We do not find any evidence to support the commonly held beliefs that there is an improvement in the computing literacy scores of students if the instructor has access to computers or if the students have access to computers during the software lesson. On the other hand, students find the practice of using computers both by themselves and by the instructors more satisfying than not being able to use them in the classroom. Our results have serious implications for instructors and decision-makers in both education and industry. While our results are directed at the lower levels of the Bloom's taxonomy of learning, we recommend research into higher levels in order to assess the full impact of computer-based education.
Effect of three‐dimensional slab geometry on deformation in the mantle wedge: Implications for shear wave anisotropy

Shear-wave splitting observations from many subduction zones show complex patterns of seismic anisotropy that commonly have trench-parallel fast directions. Three-dimensional flow may give rise to trench-parallel stretching and provide an explanation for these patterns of seismic anisotropy. Along-strike variations in slab geometry produce trench-parallel pressure gradients and are therefore a possible mechanism for three-dimensional flow. In this study we quantify the effects of variable slab dip, curved slabs, oblique subduction, and slab edges on flow geometry and finite strain in the mantle wedge of subduction zones. Temperature, dynamic pressure, velocity, and strain are calculated with high-resolution three-dimensional finite element models. These models include temperature- and stress-dependent rheology and parameterized slab and trench geometry. Thick layers (20–60 km) with strong trench-parallel stretching are observed in the mantle wedge when slab geometry involves a transition to slab dip less than 15° or strong curvature in the slab. In these cases, strong trench-parallel stretching develops when flow lines have an oblique to trench-normal orientation. This suggests that trench-parallel seismically fast directions may not indicate trench-parallel flow lines in systems with large along-strike variations. An oblique component of stretching is confined to a 20–30 km layer above the slab in systems with oblique subduction. The effects of slab edges include strong toroidal flow and focusing in the mantle near slab edges and trench-parallel flow that extends 50–100 km into the core of the mantle wedge.
Association of lung function with cognitive decline and dementia: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background—Previous studies reported a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia among individuals with impaired lung function. However, many did not adjust for important confounders or did not include women and nonwhites. Methods—We studied 10,975 men and women aged 47–70 (23% African-Americans), enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Pulmonary function tests and a cognitive assessment, including the Delayed Word Recall, the Digit Symbol Substitution, and the World Fluency Tests, were done in 1990–92. Repeated cognitive assessments were performed in 1996– 98 for the entire cohort, and in 1993–95 and 2004–06 in 904 eligible individuals. Dementia hospitalization was ascertained through 2005. Results—In analysis adjusted for lifestyles, APOE genotype, and cardiovascular risk factors, impaired lung function was associated with worse cognitive function at baseline. No association was found between lung function and cognitive decline over time. Impaired lung function at baseline was associated with higher risk of dementia hospitalization during follow-up, particularly among younger individuals. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of dementia hospitalization were 1.6 (0.9, 2.8) and 2.1 (1.2, 3.7) comparing the lowest to the highest quartile of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity, respectively. Presence of a restrictive ventilatory pattern, but not of an obstructive pattern, was associated with reduced cognitive scores and higher dementia risk. Conclusion—Reduced lung function was associated with worse performance in cognitive assessments and with an increased risk of dementia hospitalization. Future research should determine whether maintaining optimal pulmonary health might prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
Incremental anomaly detection approach for characterizing unusual profiles

The detection of unusual profiles or anomalous behavioral characteristics from sensor data is especially complicated in security applications where the threat indicators may or may not be known in advance. Predictive modeling of massive volumes of historical data can yield insights on usual or baseline profiles, which in turn can be utilized to isolate unusual profiles when new data are observed in real-time. Thus, an incremental anomaly detection approach is proposed. This is a two-stage approach in which the first stage processes the available historical data and develops statistics that are in turn used by the second stage in characterizing the new incoming data for real-time decisions. The first stage adopts a mixture model of probabilistic principal component analyzers to quantify each historical observation by probabilistic measures. The second stage is a chi-square based anomaly detection approach that utilizes the probabilistic measures obtained in the first stage to determine if the incoming data is an anomaly. The proposed anomaly detection approach performs satisfactorily on simulated and benchmark datasets. The approach is also illustrated in the context of detecting commercial trucks that may pose safety and security risk. It is able to consistently identified trucks with anomalous features in the scenarios investigated.
Effects of Computerized Guidelines for Managing Heart Disease in Primary Care

BACKGROUND: Electronic information systems have been proposed as one means to reduce medical errors of commission (doing the wrong thing) and omission (not providing indicated care).
Effect of Size, Stress, and Ligation of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Larvae on Development of the Tachinid Parasite Compsilura concinnata Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Compsilura concinnata Meigen develops much faster in large gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), caterpillars than in small ones. Restricting the food of large caterpillars did not change developmental rates of parasites, but limiting the food available to small hosts lengthened parasite development by increasing the time hosts spent in early stages. If caterpillars were not severely stressed by disease, starvation, or ligation and decapitation, their contained parasites usually emerged at the end of the host's last larval stage, just before pupation. Parasites in severely stressed caterpillars usually emerged from hosts earlier, but only after the host had died. Parasites from caterpillars ligated behind the head or from isolated host abdomens developed faster than those from untreated hosts or caterpillars ligated just anterior to the anus. This suggests that host hormones, possibly juvenile hormone, may influence the development of parasites.
Rapid Scanning of Overheat Ratios Using a Constant Voltage Anemometer

References 1“Assessment ofExperimentalUncertaintywithApplicationtoWindTunnel Testing,” AIAA Standard S-071A-1999, Revision A of the Standard, AIAA, Reston, VA, 1999, pp. 11–17. 2Coleman, H. W., and Steele, W. G., Experimentation and Uncertainty Analysis for Engineers, 2nd ed., Wiley, New York, 1999, pp. 83–88, Eqs. (4.2–4.8). 3Meyn, L. A., “An Uncertainty Propagation Methodology That Simpli es Uncertainty Analyses,” AIAA Paper 2000-0149, Jan. 2000; Eqs. (4–12). 4Forsythe, G. E., Malcolm, M. A., and Moler, C. B., Computer Methods for Mathematical Computations, Prentice–Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1977, pp. 13, 14, 41. 5Press, W. H., Teukolsky, S. A., Vetterling, W. T., and Flannery, B. P., Numerical Recipes in FORTRAN 77, 2nd ed., Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, England, U.K., 1996, pp. 180–182.
Periostitis ossificans of the mandible secondary to congenital syphilis

Summary A case of late congenital syphilis in which none of the classical stigmata were present has been presented. The only sign manifested by the patient after almost twelve years was a periostitis with reactive bone formation of the right angle and right ramus of the mandible. Following correct diagnosis and treatment, the lesion regressed and the infection was eradicated. Diagnosis from a test tube is to be abhorred, and it is only when exhaustive case histories are supplemented with laboratory tests that patients receive optimal treatment.
Pycnogenol® protects neurons from amyloid-β peptide-induced apoptosis

Neuronal apoptosis is one of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Morphological pathology reveals that neuronal apoptosis is associated with senile plaques containing amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in AD brains. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been proposed to be involved in the apoptotic mechanism of Abeta-mediated neurotoxicity. In the present study, using a rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line, we investigated the effect of Pycnogenol (PYC), a potent antioxidant and ROS scavenger, on Abeta(25-35)-induced apoptosis and ROS generation. We used vitamin E, a known antioxidant agent, to verify the effect of PYC. Abeta(25-35)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells was demonstrated by: (1) a dose-dependent loss of cell viability; (2) a time- and dose-dependent increase in the apoptotic cells; (3) an induction of DNA fragmentation; and (4) an increase in caspase-3 activity and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Our data showed that a significant increase in ROS formation preceded apoptotic events after PC12 cells were exposed to Abeta(25-35). We further found that PYC not only suppressed the generation of ROS but also attenuated caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage, and eventually protected against Abeta-induced apoptosis. Vitamin E also suppressed cell death and caspase-3 activation induced by Abeta(25-35). Taken together, these results suggest that ROS may be involved in Abeta-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. They further suggest that PYC can reduce apoptosis, possibly by decreasing free radical generation in PC12 cells.
Indirect measures for characterizing light along a gradient of mixed-hardwood riparian forest canopy structures

Abstract Understanding the effect of canopy structure on the understory light environment is useful in the design of silvicultural strategies that facilitate sustainable tree recruitment. To address this need, a study was designed to quantify the relationship between forest structure and light along a gradient of 50–100% canopy cover. The gradient was created by applying 1 of 4 midstory removal treatments to each of fifty 0.05 ha plots located within a mixed-hardwood riparian forest corridor. The light environment was directly quantified with a linear ceptometer and regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and various metrics of vertical and horizontal structure. Vertical sighting tube estimates of canopy cover (R2 = 0.73), light estimates derived from hemispherical photography (R2 = 0.70), and spherical densiometer estimates of canopy closure (R2 = 0.68) were the best single predictors of understory light transmittance. Including top height and tree density improved the fit of canopy cover based models (R2 = 0.80). Canopy closure estimates derived from hemispherical photography generally showed a weaker relationship with PAR than other measures of stand structure. Further, the strength of this relationship depended upon photo analysis angle. In general, the vertical component of stand structure seems to influence light transmittance through the forest canopy. This vertical complexity must be addressed when evaluating structure–light relations.
Effects of adult-caregiver's behaviors on the activities, social interactions, and investments of Nascent preschool day-care groups

Abstract Changes in 16 preschool children's activities, social interactions, and degrees of initiative and investment are reported in the first and fourth weeks of shared day care experience. The effects of adult caretakers' involvements with these children were compared in two day care centers (eight children from each center). Seven adult caregivers from these centers (A and B) were observed to assess their interactions with the children. Adults in center B displayed a significantly greater number of adult-initiated contacts of a more positive nature than did center A adults. Univariate ANOVA's of children's behaviors reported significant time, center, and center-by-time differences. Between weeks 1 and 4 children displayed an increase in simultaneous involvement with peers, adults, and activities; an increase in the number of contacts with peers and adults; a decrease in time spent in transition between activities; and an increase in investment. The number of peer contacts decreased from weeks 1 to 4 in the center with fewer adult-initiated contacts and increased in the high adult-contact center. Descriptions of affiliated networks and a sequential analysis of state transitions further illustrated the effects of adult behavior on peer contacts and activity selections. Implications of the results are discussed for day care procedures and policies.
Critical appraisal and update on the clinical utility of agomelatine, a melatonergic agonist, for the treatment of major depressive disease in adults

This article describes the pharmacology of the novel atypical antidepressant drug agomelatine, critically reviews and evaluates its clinical use for the treatment of major depression, and suggests areas for further research. Agomelatine is a synthetic analog of the hormone melatonin. It stimulates the activity of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and inhibits the activity of serotonin 5HT-2C receptor subtypes. Three acute trials demonstrated clinically modest, but statistically significant benefits over placebo. Three acute trials did not find agomelatine more effective than placebo. A meta-analysis of these six trials demonstrated a small, statistically significant, marginally clinically relevant difference between agomelatine and placebo. The only placebo-controlled study in elderly patients did not demonstrate a significant benefit for agomelatine. It was more effective than placebo in only one of two relapse prevention studies. Agomelatine was generally well tolerated compared to placebo. Its side-effect profile is different than and compares favorably to other antidepressant drugs. The overall tolerability of agomelatine in head-to-head comparisons was not substantially better than active drug comparators. Agomelatine is contraindicated in patients with impaired liver function and in patients taking drugs that potently inhibit CYP-1A2 metabolic enzymes. Because elevated liver enzymes are common, and there is a rare risk of more serious liver reactions, routine laboratory monitoring of liver function is recommended periodically throughout treatment. Agomelatine does not have clinically significant advantages compared to other antidepressant drugs, and it has certain limitations and disadvantages. Because of its unique pharmacology and relatively benign tolerability profile, however, it may be a useful alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other antidepressant drugs.
On market price of risk in Asian capital markets around the Asian flu

Abstract This study investigates a contemporaneous relationship between realized market risk premia, and conditional variance and covariance in nine Asian markets and the US. The time period for this study is before, during, and after the Asian financial crisis. A contemporaneous state-dependent capital asset pricing model (CAPM) that allows for negative and positive market prices of variance and covariance risk is investigated. In the light of significant upstate and downstate reward to local and world variance risk for all markets and all periods, we conclude that a market return-generating process is a piecewise function of local and world variance over time. Furthermore, a cross-sectional analysis of upstate and downstate market prices of variance and covariance risk indicates that reward to risk is a mix of reward to local and world variance, depending on the ever-changing correlation with the world market. Our findings are consistent with the one-factor conditional international CAPM.
Crustal heterogeneities and the thermal structure of the continental crust

The observed linear relationship between surface heat flow (q0) and the radiogenic heat production of near surface rocks (A0) discovered almost two decades ago has been a primary tool used to infer the distribution of heat production in the continental crust. Recent evidence on the nature of compositional heterogeneities in the continental crust has led us to reexamine the q0-A0 relationship and the likely implications for the thermal structure of the lower continental crust. Numerical simulations of crustal thermal models indicate that some interpretations derived from this relation may be flawed. In particular, the length scale determined from the q0-A0 function, normally thought to describe the depth distribution of crustal heat sources, is significantly affected by the horizontal scale of crustal heterogeneity. As a consequence, most estimates of lower crustal heat flow and lower crustal temperatures obtained using heat flow data with the q0-A0 relationship are overestimates. This overestimation is (proportionally) largest in areas of low mantle heat flux such as cratons, where basal heat flux may be overestimated by more than a factor of two.
Development of a Kinetic Nucleation Model for a Free-Expanding Argon Condensation Flow

Using classical nucleation theory (CNT), a homogeneous condensation model has been developed in previous work to simulate condensation in a free-expanding plume using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. However, the accuracy of the CNT nucleation theory is questionable due to unphysical assumptions such as the use of macroscopic cluster surface tension for small clusters and the lack of an incubation time for nucleation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed in previous work confirm that the fundamental mechanism for the initiation of condensation is through dimer formation in two-stage ternary collisions of monomers. We propose a kinetic nucleation model based on the mechanism whereby stable dimers are created from triple collisions. The new hybrid MD-DSMC kinetic nucleation model is implemented in a DSMC simulation of cluster growth processes, starting from dimers, in a condensation plume
Absolute Two-photon Absorption Spectra Of Orange And Red Fluorescent Proteins

Two-Photon laser scanning microscopy, which makes use of genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP) probes, is becoming a method of choice for studying biological systems from sub-cellular to the whole body level. However, reliable information on two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of FPs, specially for the more popular orange and red variants, is still very fragmentary. 2PA spectra, measured in absolute cross section values, will allow us to select the two-photon brightest FP variant with desired fluorescence properties and also to choose the optimum laser system and excitation wavelength. Here we study 2PA spectra of a large set of orange and red FPs, including DsRed2, mRFP, TagRFP, and mFruits series in a wide range of excitation wavelengths, 600 -1200 nm. We have found the the 2PA spectra and maximum cross sections are very sensitive to either changes in chromophore structure (mOrange vs mRFP) or to mutations in chromophore surrounding (DsRed and mFruits series). All red FPs show two pronounced 2PA transitions, the first peaking in the 1000 - 1100 nm region, and second - near 700 - 760 nm. We quantitatively describe the first transition within the framework of two-level model, and the second - within three-level model with strong resonance enhancement. Excitation in the longer wavelength region, accessible for Nd- and Yb-doped short-pulse lasers, has advantages of producing less two-photon autofluorescence and deeper penetration. For each region of wavelengths, we have found a mutant, which is 3-4 times two-photon brighter than the benchmark EGFP.
Linear and nonlinear response of inhomogeneous media: exact theory and mean field approximation

We present an exact theory of the linear and nonlinear response of inhomogeneous media based on a fully multipolar approach. The theory considers parallel-plate or substrate configurations, appropriately including all image multipoles. The theory applies to inclusions of arbitrary structure and linear and nonlinear response, having introduced corresponding polarization coefficients. For disordered systems with arbitrary particle distributions, we develop a rigorous mean field theory. We show that the various orders of multipolar contributions are precisely determined by the form of the two-particle distribution. In particular, the Clausius-Mossotti relation and the Debye's result are rigorous mean field results for isotropic distributions. In the area of nonlinear composites, we have investigated the nonlinear optical response of both uniform and coated spheres. We show that the effective third-order nonlinear susceptibility can be greatly enhanced in magnitude (up to 107 factors) and tuned in frequency through the combined effect of the particle structure and distribution.
Rotational relaxation rates in HF and Ar–HF from the direct inversion of pressure broadened linewidths

Self‐ and argon‐broadened HF linewidths have been inverted to obtain state‐to‐state rate constants using the energy corrected sudden (ECS) scaling theory inversion procedure. Both rotation–translation and rotation–rotation rates are presented as a function of vibrational level. We find that rotation–rotation processes are dominant for relaxation in pure HF and that these processes decrease with increasing vibrational excitation of one of the collision partners. We also find that the contribution of rotation–translation mechanisms increases with increasing vibrational excitation.
Fatigue during acute isovolemic anemiain healthy, resting humans.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion guidelines recommend that clinicians assess patients for signs and symptoms of anemia before the transfusion of RBCs. However, studies of signs and symptoms associated with acute isovolemic anemia are limited. The objective of this study was to determine whether acute reduction of Hb concentration to 5 g per dL would result in fatigue, tachycardia, or hypotension in resting, young, healthy, isovolemic humans, and whether changes were reversible with RBC transfusion. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Conscious, resting, healthy adults less than 35 years old (n = 8) underwent acute isovolemic hemodilution to Hb of 5 g per dL and self-scored their energy level at various Hb concentrations. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. For controls, measurements of each subject were made during a comparable period of rest without hemodilution. RESULTS: During acute isovolemic hemodilution, energy levels decreased progressively and were lower at Hb of 7, 6, and 5 g per dL than at baseline (p<0.01) or in control sessions (p<0.05). The energy level was lower at Hb 7 g per dL than at 14 ( p = 0.005), lower at Hb 6 g per dL than at 7 (p = 0.0l), and lower at Hb 5 g per dL than at 6 (p =0.01). Energy levels rose and were not different from baseline or control levels after transfusion of all autologous RBCs. Similarly, median heart rate increased with hemodilution to Hb of 7, 6, and 5 g per dL and decreased with transfusion of autologous RBCs. Supine blood pressure did not decrease with isovolemic hemodilution. CONCLUSION: In resting, young, healthy humans, acute isovolemic anemia to Hb levels of 7, 6, and 5 g per dL results in decreased self-scored energy levels and in an increase in heart rate but not in hypotension. Changes in energy and heart rate are reversible with the transfusion of autologous RBCs.
Numerical Study of Single Bubble Dynamics During Flow Boiling

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of single bubble dynamics during nucleate flow boiling is performed in this work. The range of bulk liquid velocities investigated is from 0.076 to 0.23 m/s. The surface orientations at earth normal gravity are varied from an upward facing horizontal surface to vertical through 30, 45, and 60 deg. The gravity levels on an upward facing horizontal surface are varied from 1.0g e to 0.0001g e . Continuity, momentum, and energy equations are solved by finite difference method and the level set method is used to capture the liquid-vapor interface. Heat transfer within the liquid micro layer is included in this model. The numerical results have been compared with data from experiments. The results show that the bulk flow velocity, heater surface orientation, and gravity levels influence the bubble dynamics.
Regulation of macronutrient balance in healthy young and older men

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of age on the ability to adjust macronutrient oxidation to changes in diet composition. Our hypothesis was that the ability to adjust macronutrient oxidation to changes in diet composition would be impaired with age. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, randomized to three different isocaloric diets containing a constant percentage protein but varying in percentage fat and percentage carbohydrate: mixed diet (M; 15/30/55); high-fat diet (HF; 15/60/25), and high-carbohydrate (HC; 15/15/70). SUBJECTS: Six young (YM; age=25±1 y) and five middle-aged and older men (OM; age=63±3 y). MEASUREMENTS: Each subject underwent 24 h whole-room calorimetry on day 4 of each diet to determine 24 h macronutrient oxidation rates. Macronutrient balance was calculated from the individual macronutrient oxidation rates and the corresponding macronutrient intake. RESULTS: Body mass, percentage fat, and fat-free mass were similar in the two groups. Twenty-four-hour energy expenditure (EE) and energy balance did not differ across diets or between groups; 24 h EE was ∼7% lower (NS) in the OM. Macronutrient oxidation rates were not significantly different in YM vs OM during M. Protein oxidation was similar across diets, but higher (P<0.05) in OM. Fat oxidation contributed 28.8±7.0% vs 37.8±4.7% to 24 h EE on M (NS) in the OM vs YM, respectively. This increased to 58.4±6.7 vs 51.9±5.3% of 24 h EE (NS) in the OM vs YM, respectively, during HF and decreased to 25.4±9.7 vs 20.2±14.3% (NS) during HC (diet effect, both P<0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation contributed 54.3±10.5% vs 56.6±2.4% of 24 h EE (NS) on M in the OM vs YM, respectively. This decreased to 19.5±10.6 vs 29.9±12.6% (NS) during HF and increased to 53.6±12.3 vs 64.7±14.3% (NS) in the OM vs YM, respectively during HC (diet effect, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that the ability to adjust macronutrient oxidation to changes in diet composition is maintained in OM and, thus, is unlikely to contribute to the increased susceptibility to weight gain and obesity development that accompanies aging.
Root Loci Approach in the Study of Stability of Linear Homogeneous Space-Time Reactors

This paper examines the stability of linear homogeneous distributed-parameter reactor systems using the familiar root-loci method commonly used by control system engineers. The result provides information on the absolute stability as well as the relative stability of the reactor systems.
Rants, Ratings and Representation: ethical issues in researching online social practices

This article takes as its field of interest education-related research that is conducted online. It engages directly with issues concerning ethical research conduct when investigating online practices, with reference to studies whose data is drawn solely from cyberspaces, as well as to studies that include an Internet-based investigation component (e.g. studies of what children do when participating in online social spaces outside school, compared with what they do in class in terms of Internet and computer use). The aim of this article is to develop a set of principles that will serve as a starting point for developing guidelines for ethical online research within education arenas. In keeping with this aim, the article is organised in the first instance by addressing front end, in process and back end ethical concerns within the research process. These ‘points’ of focus are applied directly to what can be called ‘bearers of moral consequences’; that is, groups of people or communities most directly affec...
Malebranche's theory of the soul

This book offers a provocative interpretation of the theory of the soul in the writings of the French Cartesian, Nicolas Malebranche (1638-1715). Though recent work on Malebranche's philosophy of mind has tended to emphasize his account of ideas, Schmaltz focuses rather on his rejection of Descartes' doctrine that the mind is better known than the body. In particular, he considers and defends Malebranche's argument that this rejection has a Cartesian basis. Schmaltz reveals that this argument not only provides a fresh perspective on Cartesianism but also is relevant to current debates in the philosophy of mind.
Abstract 1380: Engineered toxin bodies with specific activity against EGFR and HER2 expressing cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Antibody approaches that abrogate signaling from the HER2 or EGFR receptors have been proven effective in patients with breast or colorectal cancer, respectively. These antibodies do not have an effect however in colorectal patients with KRAS mutations or breast cancer patients that lack HER2 gene amplification as signal interruption is not sufficient to induce cell death. Here we identify several novel compounds that specifically recognize and kill HER2 and EGFR expressing cells irrespective of receptor signaling. These compounds were identified from a screen of a novel biologic library derived from a de-immunogenized Shiga-like toxin 1 A subunit (SLT1A); SLT1A has no intrinsic binding ability of its own but can drive internalization, retrograde transport to the cytosol, and enzymatic inhibition of ribosome activity. This modified library of engineered toxin bodies (ETBs) was created through the insertion of random amino acids near the C-terminus of the SLT1A scaffold to confer binding ability to SLT1A while preserving the therapeutic PK and ADME profile of the scaffold. HER2 and EGFR specific ETBs have been identified that exhibit potent cell-kill activity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1380. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1380
Population balance models of autonomous periodic dynamics in microbial cultures. Their use in process optimization

Les oscillations survenant dans les cultures microbiennes continues sont bien documentees pour la levure de boulangerie. Ces oscillations peuvent etre modelisees par des modeles d'equilibres des populations non structures dans lesquels un paramere cle du cycle des cellules, tel l'âge de la division, est une fonction de la concentration du substrat ou du produit. Les variables d'etat des solutions periodiques montrent des valeurs moyennes differentes de celles des cultures en regime permanent. Cette observation suggere que les cultures en mode oscillatoire peuvent etre utilisees pour optimiser les procedes microbiens. Les modeles analyses ici indiquent que les ameliorations possibles de ce type de cultures par rapport aux cultures en regime permanent ne sont pas significatives lorsque les cultures sont recoltees en continu et non periodiquement.
Brief report: total pelvic exenteration--A retrospective clinical needs assessment.

This clinical needs assessment retrospectively identified 11 women with a history of gynecologic cancer who had undergone pelvic exenteration within the last 4 years, of whom six were available for interview. All patients agreed to telephone interviews, which lasted approximately 45–60 min and addressed their surgical experience. Seven themes emerged from the interviews: concerns about recovery, complications, ostomies, social support, sexuality, disclosure, and fear. The findings of our needs assessment concur with the existing literature noting decreased sexual interest/activity and difficulties with body image. An improvement in mood and an increase in activities over time postoperatively were noted. We also found reluctance by participants to disclose information about their exenterative procedure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple, computer-assisted system for measuring latencies of contact placing

A system for measuring the latencies of two components of contact placing, limb withdrawal and landing, is described. Timing functions are performed by a microcomputer, which also records and displays the latencies, and summarizes the data. Procedures for testing contact placing are also described, and data collected from morphine-treated, Long-Evans hooded rats are presented.
Oral vs repository corticosteroid therapy in acute asthma.

Acutely ill asthmatic patients treated in the usual fashion in an emergency room setting and discharged within six hours were studied to determine whether therapy with a single injection of a repository corticosteroid (methylprednisolone sodium acetate) could be as effective as a tapering course of oral corticosteroids in decreasing asthma symptomatology and relapse within seven days. Seventeen patients (18 episodes of asthma) formed the study population. Eight episodes occurred in patients who received depot methylprednisolone (group 1) and ten episodes in patients who received oral corticosteroid treatment (group 2). All patients in both groups improved following emergency room treatment. Relapse occurred in two of ten patients in group 2 and none in group 1. Symptoms attributable to asthma recurred in significantly more patients in group 2 than in group 1 (9 vs 0, p less than .01). Side effects from therapy with corticosteroids were rare. This study indicates that intramuscular repository corticosteroids are at least as effective as oral corticosteroids in the management of the acute asthmatic outpatient, with a distinct advantage with regard to patient compliance.
Inherited and acquired long QT syndromes: new insights and evolving technology

The long QT syndrome is characterized by prolongation of the cardiac action potential resulting in increased heterogeneity of repolarization and early afterdepolarizations, which trigger the life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia torsades de pointes. Advances in understanding the specific ion channel-related gene mutations linked to the congenital long QT syndrome and mechanisms underlying the acquired long QT syndrome are described, along with emerging technologies to study these diseases.
Organization of the cytoskeleton in pollen tubes of Pyrus communis: a study employing conventional and freeze-substitution electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and rhodamine-phalloidin

The structure and organization of the cytoskeleton in the vegetative cell of germinated pollen grains and pollen tubes ofPyrus communis was examined at the ultrastructural level via chemical fixation and freeze substitution, and at the light microscopic level with the aid of immunofluorescence of tubulin and rhodamine-phalloidin. Results indicate that cortical microtubules and microfilaments, together with the plasma membrane, form a structurally integrated cytoskeletal complex. Axially aligned microtubules are present in cortical and cytoplasmic regions of the pollen grain portion of the cell and the distal region of the pollen tube portion. Cytoplasmic bundles of microfilaments are found in association with elements of endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles. Axially aligned microfilaments are also found in this region, associated with and independent of the microtubules. Microtubules are lacking in the subapical region where short, axially aligned microfilaments are found in the cell cortex. In the apical region, which also lacks microtubules, a 3-dimensional network of short microfilaments occurs. Microfilaments, but not microtubules, appear to be associated with the vegetative nucleus.
Efficacy of attention regulation in preschool-age children who stutter: a preliminary investigation.

Abstract Purpose This preliminary investigation assessed the attentional processes of preschool-age children who do (CWS) and do not stutter (CWNS) during Traditional cueing and Affect cueing tasks. Method Participants consisted of 12 3- to 5-year-old CWS and the same number of CWNS (all boys). Both talker groups participated in two tasks of shifting and focusing attention: (a) Traditional cueing and (b) Affect cueing. The Affect cueing task was preceded by stress-heightening instructions intended to influence participants’ emotionality. In both tasks participants provided non-speech motor responses (i.e., button pressing) to computer-presented target stimuli. Targets were preceded by a visual cue (i.e., highlighted box) occurring in the same (i.e., Valid trials) or opposite (i.e., Invalid trials) location as the target stimuli. Reaction times (RT) were measured (in ms) from the onset of the target stimuli to the onset of the non-speech motor response. Errors were tallied for both experimental conditions and were categorized by type. Results Findings of this preliminary investigation indicated that there were no significant between-group differences in RT or frequency of erroneous responses. There were differences in error type that were correlated with RT for both CWS and CWNS when stress-heightening instructions were introduced. Conclusion Preliminary findings suggest that speed of attentional disengaging, shifting and re-engaging does not differ between preschool-age CWS and CWNS during the experimental paradigm employed in this study and that introducing stress-heightening instructions does affect components of performance for both preschool-age CWS and CWNS. Caveats for the present study include a limited sample size of young preschool-aged children as well as methodological concerns. Learning outcomes: Readers will be able to: (1) Define attention regulation and describe findings that investigate the role of attention regulation in developmental stuttering of preschool-age children; (2) Describe the components of attention regulation employed during a Posner Cueing Task; (3) Describe the findings of the present study in relation to other studies investigating attention regulation and developmental stuttering in preschool-age children.