cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precategorical acoustic storage for vowels of short and long duration

Ss gave immediate ordered recall for series of seven isolated vowel sounds from a vocabulary of three-/a, u, i/. In a 2 by 2 design, the stimulus vowels were either 50 or 300 msec in duration (though always presented at a 2/sec rate), and the seven-item series was followed by either a nonverbal recall cue or a verbal recall cue that is a stimulus suffix. There was an interaction such that the recall impairment caused by the verbal suffix was larger when the stimulus items were vowels of long duration than when they were vowels of short duration. Since short vowels tend to be more categorically perceived than long vowels, this result reinforces the view that vowels and stop consonants are differently represented in auditory short-term memory for reasons that have to do with the way m winch they are perceived or vice versa.
A 16 × 16 multi-electrode array with integrated CMOS amplifiers for neural signal recording

This paper reports on an active 16 × 16, low-noise, low-power, multi-electrode array (MEA) neural sensor chip designed in IBM BiCMOS 8HP 0.13µm process with a total gain of 60 dB per input, a 20 kHz sample rate, an input-referred noise of 5.3 µVrms over 10 Hz to 10 kHz and a total power dissipation of 15.8 mW, or 61.7 µW per channel. A C4 microelectrode is attached to the input of each amplifier forming a multi-electrode array with 200 µm pitch for extracellular neural recording.
Resonant frequencies of an arc with a varying radius of curvature

Abstract A mathematical model developed for the symmetric and antisymmetric free vibrations of an arc with varying radius of curvature is utilised to establish frequency coefficients for different configurations.
The power of thought experiments

According to popular opinion, thought experiments are limited in scope, since no novel empirical results could be expected to be produced by thought alone. Yet consider the spectacular 16th century experiment by Stevin. leading to the discovery of the principles of the resolution and combination of forces. He conducted no experiments, for he derived his novel and highly important conclusions by several steps of ingenious reasoning alone. To understand why mental experiments may serve as very effective scientific tools. we need to explicate carefully their underlying mechanism. Thought experiments invariably involve the widely debated notion of “counterfactual conditionals.” A variety of historical examples are offered designed to illustrate the nature of thought experiments, their associated counterfactual conditionals. as well a the nature of the vital link between the two.
Changes in the histones of the sea urchin strongylocentrotus purpuratus at fertilization

Abstract Both sperm and eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus contain specific histones in place of some of the histones found during later development. Whether these specific histones are lost upon fertilization or are retained is not known. Therefore, we have examined the histones present in the zygote nucleus to determine the fate of the gamete histones. Nuclei of zygotes which have completed DNA replication in preparation for the first mitosis were isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Histones were extracted from the isolated nuclei, and were analyzed by acid-urea and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses, and by two-dimensional electrophoresis in which both gel electrophoresis systems were combined. Electrophoretic patterns of the zygote histones were compared with those of sperm, unfertilized eggs and embryos. The results show that the zygote histone pattern is identical with the unfertilized egg histone pattern. Neither the sperm histones H1, H2A, or H2B, nor the embryonic H1, H2A, or H2B, are present in the zygote pattern. The egg and the zygote do contain a unique H2A and H2B, but not an H1. After fertilization, sperm specific histones are not present on the DNA. Egg histones become associated with both the sperm DNA and the newly replicated DNA. The association of the embryonic histones with the DNA, therefore, occurs sometime later in development.
Field Performance of Two Peanut Cultivars Relative to Aflatoxin Contamination

Abstract Two runner-type peanut cultivars, “Sunbelt Runner” and “Florunner,” were compared under differing field conditions for contamination of the seed by Aspergillus flavus Link and aflatoxin. L...
Perceptions of Barriers to the Evaluation of Workplace Learning Programs

The need to evaluate training programs is indisputable. Measurement can serve a range of purposes, from informing improvements to shaping existing and future courses, to determining the return on training investments. Yet research suggests that evaluation, when accomplished, is most often used to solicit participant reactions. This study examined barriers faced by learning and performance professionals when they attempt to conduct evaluation in their organizations. Lack of access to data in the workplace and reporting data in meaningful and actionable ways are two of the most prominent barriers identified by practitioners. Recommendations for addressing key barriers in the workplace are presented.
Classification with incomplete survey data

Survey data are often incomplete. Classification with incomplete survey data is a new subject. This study proposes a Hopfield neural network based model of classification for incomplete survey data. Using this model, an incomplete pattern is translated into fuzzy patterns. These fuzzy patterns, along with patterns without missing values, are then used as the exemplar set for teaching the Hopfield neural network. The classifier also retains information of fuzzy class membership for each exemplar pattern. When presenting a test sample, the neural network would find an exemplar that best matches the test pattern and give the classification result. Compared with other classification techniques, the proposed method can utilize more information provided by the data with missing values, and reveal the risk of the classification result on the individual observation basis.
Is there a role for sentinel lymph node biopsy in the management of sarcoma

Is there a role for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the management of sarcoma? Sentinel node biopsy has dramatically changed the management of melanoma and breast cancer, helping surgeons avoid radical lymphadenectomies in node negative patients who would previously have undergone a more morbid operation with little benefit, or remained pathologically unstaged. Many investigators have explored the use of lymphatic mapping for malignancies other than breast cancer or melanoma. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy has not been investigated in the management of sarcomas, which is not surprising given that the majority of sarcomas spread by local extension or hematogenously. Regional lymph node metastases are rare; developing in about 3-10% of patients with localized disease. However, among certain subtypes of high-grade sarcomas there is a propensity for regional lymph node metastases. These include rhabdomyosarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and vascular sarcomas. It is in these particular subtypes that there may be a benefit to SLN biopsy.
Combined GC and High Resolution Mass Spectrometric Determination of Probenecid

A sensitive GC method for measurement of probenecid in biological fluids is described. This method involves the conversion of probenecid to its methyl ester by treatment with dimethylsulfate under basic conditions. Analysis was performed on Gas Chrom Q coated with DC-200. The major metabolic product of probenecid, the glucuronide conjugate of the unchanged drug, was identified by combined GC and high resolution mass spectrometry following enzymatic hydrolysis.
Feasibility of Weekly HIV Drug Delivery to Enhance Drug Localization in Lymphoid Tissues Based on Pharmacokinetic Models of Lipid-Associated Indinavir

Compare the simulated pharmacokinetics of lipid-associated and soluble indinavir (IDV) to determine the potential for greater control of virus replication in the lymphoid tissues. Two-compartment mathematical models were developed to simulate the human pharmacokinetics of soluble and lipid-associated forms of IDV in the central compartment and the lymphoid tissue. The lipid-associated IDV model was then used to determine the minimum dosing schedule needed to attain central or lymph drug concentrations comparable to the soluble form. Association of IDV to lipid nanoparticles has a favorable half-life and tissue distribution and allows comparable minimum drug concentration in the lymph (where the majority of viral replication occurs) to be achieved with a dosing schedule of every 95.5 h (∼4 days). Presuming pharmacodynamics of lipid-associated IDV are similar to soluble IDV, estimations based on the proposed kinetic model suggest the novel delivery system could have a tremendous impact on the current standard of HIV treatment, particularly for therapy targeted to clear virus sanctuaries in lymphoid tissues. With less frequent and more effective dosing, lipid-associated indinavir delivery as an adjunct to conventional antiviral therapy could lead to better suppression of viral replication, increased immunological benefit, and fewer treatment failures.
Design of flattening filters for the fast-neutron beam at TAMVEC by use of decrement lines.

Isodose distributions in a tissue-equivalent phantom produced by fast neutrons from 50-MeV deuterons incident on a thick beryllium target exhibit strong forward peaking, particularly for large fields. The design by use of decrement lines and the construction of polyethylene filters used to ''flatten'' those distributions are discussed and the results are illustrated. Also, the compromises of central-axis attenuation versus effective filter width and of off-axis peaking versus depth of ''flattening'' are discussed. (AIP)
Design of thermally-stable perpendicular media for 50-200 Gb/in/sup 2/

Summary form only given. Thermally-activated decay of magnetization limits high-density magnetic recording. Five stable perpendicular media designs have been found for reliable data storage at 50-200 Gb/in/sup 2/.
Internally catalyzed separation of adhered lipid membranes.

When a giant vesicle composed of POPC (rendered anionic with 5 mol % POPG) touches a giant POPC vesicle (rendered cationic with 5 mol % of DDAB), the two vesicles adhere strongly. When, however, low levels (0.1−2 mol %) of a perylene-substituted lipid are incorporated in to the bilayer, the vesicles separate at a rate that depends on the additive concentration. The vesicles that drift apart lose charge, indicating that the anionic and cationic components of the vesicles have interchanged upon contact. Presumably, the large perylene disrupts bilayer packing to allow the intervesicular exchange, and subsequent charge neutralization, to occur with up to 104 rate increases. It is possible that adhered living cells release one another by, similarly, producing low levels of a membrane-bound lipid or protein that induces so-called “kiss-and-run” vesicle events by promoting the release of adhesive elements.
Duplex-guided endovascular treatment for occlusive and stenotic lesions of the femoral-popliteal arterial segment: a comparative study in the first 253 cases.

Objective The standard technique of balloon angioplasty with or without subintimal dissection of infrainguinal arteries requires contrast arteriography and fluoroscopy. We attempted to perform this procedure with duplex guidance to avoid the use of nephrotoxic contrast material and eliminate or minimize radiation exposure. Methods From September 2003 to June 2005, 196 patients (57% male) with a mean age of 73 ± 10 years (range, 42-97 years) had a total of 253 attempted balloon angioplasties of the superficial femoral and/or popliteal artery under duplex guidance in 218 limbs. Critical ischemia was the indication in 38% of cases, and disabling claudication was the indication in 62%. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal insufficiency, smoking, and coronary artery disease were present in 78%, 51%, 41%, 39%, and 37% of patients, respectively. The TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) classification was used for morphologic description of femoral-popliteal lesions. The common femoral artery was cannulated under direct duplex visualization. Still under duplex guidance, a guidewire was directed into the proximal superficial femoral artery, across the diseased segment(s), and parked at the tibioperoneal trunk. The diseased segment(s) were then balloon-dilated. Balloon diameter and length were chosen according to arterial measurements obtained by duplex scan. Hemodynamically significant defects causing diameter reductions greater than 30% and peak systolic velocity ratios greater than 2 were stented with a variety of self-expandable stents under duplex guidance. Completion duplex examinations and ankle-brachial indices were obtained routinely before hospital discharge. Results There were 11 (4%) TASC class A lesions, 31 (12%) TASC class B lesions, 177 (70%) TASC class C lesions, and 34 (14%) TASC class D lesions in this series. The overall technical success was 93% (236/253 cases). Eight of the 17 failed subintimal dissections belonged to TASC class C and the remaining 9 to TASC class D. End-stage renal disease was the only significant predictor of subintimal dissection failure in patients with femoral-popliteal occlusions (5/17 cases; P P Conclusions Duplex-guided balloon angioplasty and stent placement seems to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease. Technical advantages include direct visualization of the puncture site, accurate selection of the proper size balloon and stent, and confirmation of the adequacy of the technique by hemodynamic and imaging parameters. Additional benefits are avoidance of radiation exposure and contrast material.
USING SUPER-EFFICIENCY DEA TO EVALUATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF E-BUSINESS INITIATIVE IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY

Electronic Business (EB) on the Internet is an attractive technology for traditional business organizations to improve their financial performance. The Web-based economic model is supposedly more efficient at the transaction cost level. It also provides cost-effective marketing, global market access, and a disintermediation of costly distribution channels. The current paper uses super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to evaluate the financial performance of e-business initiatives in the retail industry. Because of the possible infeasibility of the super-efficiency DEA model, the use of super-efficiency DEA model has been restricted. This paper demonstrates that if super-efficiency is interpreted as input saving or output surplus achieved by a specific efficient DMU, infeasibility does not necessary indicate the best performance. A new approach is applied to correctly characterize and rank the performance of a set of EB companies and non-EB companies in the retail industry. This analysis indicates that the EB companies perform better in some areas than their non-EB counterpart.
Mapping the human connectome.

Knowledge of the properties of white matter fiber tracts is a crucial and necessary step toward a precise understanding of the functional architecture of the living human brain. Previously, this knowledge was severely limited, as it was difficult to visualize these structures or measure their functions in vivo. The Human Connectome Project has recently generated considerable interest because of its potential to explore connectivity and its relationship with genetics and behavior. For neuroscientists and the lay public alike, the ability to assess, measure, and explore this wealth of layered information concerning how the brain is wired is a much sought after prize. The navigation of the human connectome and the discovery of how it is affected through genetics, and in a range of neurological and psychiatric diseases, have far reaching implications. From a range of ongoing connectomics related activities, the systematic characterization of brain connectedness and the resulting functional aspects of such connectivity will not only realize the work of Ramon y Cajal and others, but will also greatly expand our understanding of the brain, the mind, and what it is to be truly human. The similarities and differences that mark normal diversity will help us to understand variation among people and set the stage to chart genetic influences on typical brain development and decline during aging. What is more, an understanding of how brains might become disordered will shed light on autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases that exact a tremendous and terrible social and economic toll.
Geometry and properties of the plasma in a quadrupole ion pump

The diameter of the plasma in a quadrupole ionization gauge and quadrupole ion pump has been measured as a function of pressure. The radio-frequency quadrupole systems are tuned in such a way that electrons remain on stable trajectories in the center of the tube. Being emitted at one end, the electrons encounter an inverted field at the other end so that they travel on spiral paths back and forth until they collide with the rest gas molecules, producing ions which are collected as an ion current at a cylinder surrounding the four hyperbolically shaped quadrupole electrodes.
Adenohypophysial metabolism, thyrotropic activity and oncogenesis in rats on a goitrogenic diet.

Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 0.02% propylthiouracil (PTU) and 0.02% thyroid powder for periods varying from 4 to 16 months. Observations were made on basal metabolic rate (BMR), pituitary and serum TSH levels, various aspects of adenohypophysial metabolism and the occurrence of pituitary tumors. The thyroid powder helped in sustaining the animals long enough to observe any oncogenic effect of the chronic PTU treatment. However, the thyroid powder was too low in concentration to prevent goiter formation, pituitary hypertrophy or the reduction in BMR elicited by PTU. Four of the 27 rats that survived on the diet for 16 months developed hemorrhagic adenohypophyses that were about 3 times the size of the control glands. Histologic examination of one of the hemorrhagic glands revealed a chromophobic adenoma composed of large cells with giant nuclei. Serum TSH rose to 7.2 mU/ml in the rats on the diet for 16 months, but was undetectable in the control animals. Pituitary TSH levels in the rats ...
Single-shot fast spin-echo MR imaging of the fetus : a pictorial essay

Ultrasonography (US) is the modality of choice for prenatal screening, but occasionally additional imaging information is needed. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an attractive alternative but un...
Kinetics modeling predicts bioaugmentation with Sphingomonad cultures as a viable technology for enhanced pharmaceutical and personal care products removal during wastewater treatment

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) discharged with wastewater treatment effluents are a surface water quality concern. PPCPs are partially removed during wastewater treatment and biological transformation is an important removal mechanism. To investigate the potential for enhanced PPCP removal using bioaugmentation, bacteria were previously isolated from activated sludge capable of degrading PPCPs to ng/L concentrations. This study examined the degradation kinetics of triclosan and bisphenol A by five of these bacteria, both in pure culture and when augmented to activated sludge. Sorption coefficients were determined to account for the influence of partitioning during bioremoval. When the bacteria were added to activated sludge, degradation increased. Experimentally determined kinetic parameters were used to model a full-scale continuous treatment process, showing that low biomass could achieve reduced effluent PPCP concentrations. These results demonstrated that bioaugmentation may improve PPCP removal using established wastewater infrastructure under conditions of high solids partitioning.
From chemical structure to environmental biosynthetic pathways: navigating marine invertebrate–bacteria associations

Many natural products from marine invertebrates are promising drugs or drug leads but the problem of supply has delayed the development of these agents. Bacteria living in complex associations with animals are often proposed to be the real producers of "invertebrate" metabolites. Recent advances in biosynthetic pathway discovery from these symbiotic bacteria herald a new era in which biosynthetic genes will be cloned rapidly to provide promising molecules from marine invertebrates.
Communication and empathy as precursors to burnout among human service workers

This research considers the role of communicative responsiveness, empathic concern, and emotional contagion as precursors to burnout among human service workers. Theory and research drawn from the areas of stress and burnout, empathy, and patient‐doctor communication are used to formulate a causal model of the burnout process. The model is tested with data from employees at a large psychiatric hospital. The results indicate that empathic concern leads to communicative responsiveness but that emotional contagion decreases responsiveness. Communicative responsiveness, in turn, leads to the prediction of three dimensions of burnout and occupational commitment. The implications of the model for theory and practice are discussed.
OCS-RELATED OIL SPILL IMPACTS ON NATURAL RESOURCES: AN ECONOMIC RISK ANALYSIS1

ABSTRACT Risk analyses of oil spills are important in the development of outer continental shelf (OCS) leasing policy as well as other marine policies relating to oil. This paper explores the use of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Model for Coastal and Marine Resources (NRDAM/CME) to provide a risk analysis of oil spills related to OCS oil development. For the categories of natural resources included in NRDAM/CME, the expected value of damages from large oil spills appears quite small relative to the value of oil developed. Expected damages range from $300,000 to $19.7 million per billion barrels of oil developed. Ongoing research by the authors will refine these estimates by including additional categories of damages, which will increase the damage estimates, and oil spill cleanup and the effect of OCS production on reducing imports, which will reduce the estimated net costs of OCS development.
THE ENDOTOXIC PROPERTIES OF LYSATES OF GROUP A HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

Suspensions of group A streptococci were subjected to mechanical disruption by shaking with glass beads. The supernatant solutions produced severe delayed inflammatory reactions on intradermal injection into normal rabbits. Intravenous injections caused systemic reactions characterized by fever, leucopenia, and peripheral vasomotor phenomena. These effects were more pronounced in rabbits which had previously been infected with group A streptococci. The local and generalized Shwartzman phenomena were reproduced with these crude streptococcal lysates, and the data suggest that streptococci possess an endotoxin similar to those of Gram-negative bacterial species.
“Malignant” Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm: Risk Stratification and Treatment Strategies

Purpose. Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are a rare collection of tumors characterized by a myomelanocytic phenotype, and PEComas occurring in “nonclassic” anatomic distributions are known as perivascular epithelioid cell tumor not otherwise specified (PEComa-NOS). This review aims to compile and analyze cases of PEComa-NOS in an effort to better define their natural history. Design. We evaluated all 234 cases of PEComa-NOS reported in the English literature, extracting information regarding diagnostic features, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Multivariate analysis of a number of variables evaluable on pathologic review was performed to refine preexisting risk stratification criteria. Outcomes for patients receiving nonsurgical treatment are also reported. Results. Primary tumor size ≥5 cm ( <path id="x1D443" d="M619 482q0 -69 -40.5 -119t-96 -72.5t-118.5 -26.5h-44l-70 20l-31 -151q-14 -67 0.5 -83t89.5 -22l-5 -28h-287l8 28q65 7 81.5 22t29.5 83l79 398q12 56 0.5 70.5t-78.5 20.5l7 28h255q108 0 164 -43t56 -125zM524 478q0 141 -146 141q-25 0 -47 -8q-16 -6 -20.5 -13.5 t-10.5 -39.5l-43 -241q37 -13 83 -13q67 0 125.5 45t58.5 129z" /> <path id="x30" d="M241 635q53 0 94 -28.5t63.5 -76t33.5 -102.5t11 -116q0 -58 -11 -112.5t-34 -103.5t-63.5 -78.5t-94.5 -29.5t-95 28t-64.5 75t-34.5 102.5t-11 118.5q0 58 11.5 112.5t34.5 103t64.5 78t95.5 29.5zM238 602q-32 0 -55.5 -25t-35.5 -68t-17.5 -91t-5.5 -105 q0 -76 10 -138.5t37 -107.5t69 -45q32 0 55.5 25t35.5 68.5t17.5 91.5t5.5 105t-5.5 105.5t-18 92t-36 68t-56.5 24.5z" /> ) and a high (1/50 HPF) mitotic rate ( ) were the only factors significantly associated with recurrence following surgical resection. Cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy have shown little benefit in treating PEComa-NOS; mTOR inhibition is emerging as a treatment option. Conclusion. Progress has been made in understanding the natural history and molecular biology of PEComa-NOS. This review further clarifies risk of recurrence in this disease, allowing clinicians to better risk stratify patients. Further work should focus on applying this knowledge to making treatment decisions for patients with this disease.
Structural analyses of CREB-CBP transcriptional activator-coactivator complexes by NMR spectroscopy: implications for mapping the boundaries of structural domains.

A number of signal-dependent and development-specific transcription factors recruit CREB binding protein (CBP) for their transactivation function. The KIX domain of CBP is a common docking site for many of these transcription factors. We recently determined the solution structure of the KIX domain complexed to one of its targets, the Ser133-phosphorylated kinase inducible transactivation domain (pKID) of the cyclic AMP response element binding protein. The NMR studies have now been extended to a slightly longer KIX construct that, unlike the original KIX construct, is readily amenable to structural analysis in both the free and pKID-bound forms. This addition of six residues (KRRSRL) to the C terminus of the original construct elongates the C-terminal alpha3 helix of KIX by about eight residues. On the basis of the NMR structure of the original KIX construct, residues in the extended helix are predicted to be solvent exposed and thus are not expected to contribute to the hydrophobic core of the domain. Their role appears to be in the stabilization of the alpha3 helix through favorable electrostatic interactions with the helix dipole, which in turn confers stability on the core of the KIX domain. These results have important implications for the identification of novel protein domain boundaries. Chemical shift perturbation mapping firmly establishes a similar mode of pKID binding to the longer KIX construct and rules out any additional intermolecular interactions between residues in the C-terminal extension and pKID.
Hepatic explant pathology of pediatric intestinal transplant recipients previously treated with omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsion.

Objective To evaluate and compare the biochemical and histologic effect of parenteral fish oil lipid emulsion that is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3FAs), Omegaven (Fresenius Kabi AG, Bad Homburg, Germany) with standard omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (O6FA) parenteral nutrition. Study design Comparison of hepatic explant pathology and biochemical outcome on pediatric patients with intestinal failure treated with either parental O3FA or O6FA who had received a liver-inclusive intestine transplant. Results Seven liver-inclusive intestinal transplants were performed in 7 patients who received O3FA for a mean of 62% ± 13% of total patient life-span (16.1 ± 7.0 months) before transplant. Median total bilirubin fell from 6.9 mg/dL at the start of treatment to 0.7 mg/dL at the time transplant ( P P = .012). All 7 of the 03FA-treated patients received a liver-inclusive intestinal transplant had advanced fibrosis (stage 3 or 4) noted on explant pathologic examination, despite a resolution of cholestasis at the time of transplant. Histologic inflammatory scores were lower ( P = .056) in the 03FA group with similar degrees of advanced fibrosis as in the O6FA group. Conclusions In a matched comparison of patients undergoing intestinal transplantation with a history of extended O3FA lipid emulsion therapy that successfully reversed hyperbilirubinemia, significant hepatic fibrosis was present in the explanted livers despite a reduction in inflammation. This result confirms concern that the use of O3FA may have a limited role in altering the development of hepatic fibrosis from parenteral nutrition.
The Pore of Voltage-Dependent Potassium Channels

Using a combination of electrophysiological and mutational analyses, the pore of K+ channels has been localized. Experiments have now been started on the mechanism of permeation and the value and limitations of the combined approach should soon become apparent.
Religious Iconography in "Twilight": Veneration and Fandom

The mysterious and dark atmosphere, the overwhelming focus on the main characters, and the constant contrast of dark and light in Twilight (2009) recall traditional Christian religious imagery. But more than that, this paper will argue that Twilight, the first of the romantic fantasy films adapted from the successful book series by Stephenie Meyer, draws explicitly on traditional Catholic religious imagery and ceremony to engender religious devotion in its fans. Images from the first Twilight film suggest that the creators of Twilight used religious imagery to captivate their audience. Christian constructs such as Eden’s eternity, Edward’s Christ-like abstinence, and Bella’s wonder and submission, like the Virgin Mary’s, all parallel traditional Catholic art and reinforce the story line, while also providing a twenty-first century audience with a new spiritual experience. Twilight uses well-known Catholic tropes to subconsciously encourage viewers to venerate the images, and the story. Recent work on the Gothic literature of the twenty-first century strongly contends that the Gothic’s supernatural is a new spiritual movement for secular society, and Twilight’s iconography uses this new trend to market itself. There is some obviously Christian imagery in the Twilight Saga films. The mysterious and dark atmosphere, the overwhelming focus on the main characters, and the constant contrast of dark and light recall traditional religious imagery. Twilight (2009), the first of the romantic fantasy films adapted from the successful book series by Stephenie Meyer, draws explicitly on traditional Catholic religious imagery and ceremony to engender religious devotion in its fans. Images from the first Twilight film suggest that the creators of Twilight used religious imagery to captivate their audience. Recent work on the Gothic literature of the twenty-first century strongly contends that the Gothic’s supernatural is a new spiritual movement for secular society. This is not to say that audiences recognize every instance of Bella’s paralleling the Virgin Mary, or Edward’s Christ-like suffering. But I do argue that the filmmakers chose powerful compositions and iconography that have a long history in the Christian tradition. The filmmakers found these images compelling, and they must have thought that audiences would as well. Christian constructs such as Eden’s eternity, Edward’s Christ-like abstinence, and Bella’s wonder and submission, like the Virgin Mary’s, all parallel traditional Catholic art and reinforce the story line, while also providing a twenty-first century audience with a new spiritual experience. Twilight uses these well-known Catholic tropes to subconsciously encourage viewers to venerate the images, and the story. 1 Swaidan: Religious Iconography in "Twilight"
Heart rate variability biofeedback: Theoretical basis, delivery, and its potential for the treatment of substance use disorders.

AbstractHeart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a biobehavioural clinical intervention that is gaining growing empirical support for the treatment of a number of psychological disorders, several of which are highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUDs). The present article reviews the autonomic nervous system bases of two key processes implicated in the formation and maintenance of addictive pathology—affect dysregulation and craving—and asks if HRV BFB may be an effective intervention to ameliorate autonomic nervous system dysregulation in these processes, and as such, prove to be an effective intervention for SUDs. A detailed description of HRV BFB and its delivery is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests HRV BFB may be an effective addendum to current first-line SUD treatments, though no firm conclusions can be drawn at this time; more research is needed.
Static-hole energies in the t-J model and a t-J- epsilon model of the high-temperature superconductors.

We present Monte Carlo results for the energies of static holes in the {ital t}-{ital J} model. We consider the cases of zero, one, two, and four holes on square lattices of side {ital L}=4, 6, and 8 and extrapolate these results to give estimates for the bulk limit. We find that the hole energies and finite-size effects are in good agreement with spin-wave theory. Our results are consistent with phase separation in the static limit of the {ital t}-{ital J} model, but indicate that the incorporation of long-range Coulomb repulsion between holes prevents phase separation. We find that hole pairs alone are bound for a certain range of dielectric constant {epsilon}, which is 52{lt}{epsilon}{lt}104 in the static limit of a {ital t}-{ital J}-{epsilon} model with 1/{ital r} Coulomb repulsion, given the currently accepted value of {ital J}. The large observed value of the in-plane dielectric constant of La{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}, {epsilon}=30{plus minus}3, is not far from the lower limit of this theoretical pairing range, so the {ital t}-{ital J}-{epsilon} model may provide a useful approximate description of the mechanism of hole pairing in the high-temperature superconductors. Hole Cooper pairs that act as mediators of high-temperature superconductivity may thus arisemore » from a competition between the large antiferromagnetic coupling {ital J}, which encourages hole clustering, and the {epsilon}-suppressed hole Coulomb repulsion, which restricts hole binding to pairs.« less
Numerical assessment of uniform asymptotic solutions for a class of Sommerfeld integrals for microstrip antenna problems

Uniform asymptotic solution of Sommerfeld integrals for microstrip antenna problems, related to topologies with single- or double-layered dielectrics backed by a perfect electric conductor (PEC), are most suitable for electrically large problems. In this context a numerical comparison of Sommerfeld integrals evaluated by asymptotic and rigorous methods is presented. The focus of this comparison is to assess the numerical accuracy of the asymptotic solution for electrically small lateral separations with applications to mutual coupling between elements in densely packed microstrip antenna arrays. The two methods of evaluation are also distinct because the uniform asymptotic method requires TM0 proper surface wave pole contribution, while the alternate rigorous approach is immune from considering surface wave pole effects. Preliminary results for single-layer geometry,included here, show that the uniform asymptotic solution remains remarkably accurate even for small lateral separations (ρ over λ ≈ 0.3).
Electron Linacs for High Energy Physics

The purpose of this article is to introduce some of the basic physical principles underlying the operation of electron linear accelerators (electron linacs). Electron linacs have applications ranging from linacs with an energy of a few MeV, such that the electrons are approximately relativistic, to future electron–positron linear colliders having a collision energy in the several-TeV energy range. For the most part, only the main accelerating linac is treated in this article.
The relaxation of europium ions in the iron garnet

Abstract The relaxation time of the 7F1 levels of Eu3+ in the iron garnet is calculated assuming that the dominant mechanism is the phonon modulation of the rare earth-iron exchange integral. The value obtained is in agreement with experiment (0.2 × 10−11 sec at 0°K).
Constitutive production of inflammatory and mitogenic cytokines by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts

Conditioned media obtained from fibroblasts cultured from rheumatoid and certain other inflammatory synovia were observed to stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation in an indicator murine fibroblast line. Synovial fibroblasts derived from the joints of patients with osteoarthritis did not display this property. This effect persisted in culture for many weeks and occurred in the absence of co-stimulatory immune cells. Antibody neutralization studies implicated a role for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) in the increased proliferative activity of synovial fibroblast-conditioned media. Synovial cell synthesis of bFGF, TGF beta 1, GM-CSF, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 was confirmed by 35S-methionine labeling and immunoprecipitation. The constitutive production of inflammatory and mitogenic cytokines by synovial fibroblasts may represent the result of long-term, phenotypic changes that occurred in vivo. Persistent cytokine production by synovial fibroblasts may play an important role in the continued recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in chronic arthritis and in the formation of rheumatoid pannus.
Field study of the removal of linear alkylate sulfonate detergents by the activated sludge process

Field evaluation of the removal of linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS) detergents by the activated sludge process was carried out at the Kettle Moraine Boys’ School near Plymouth, Wisconsin. The procedures and controls afforded by the school’s central supply system along with its new and well-operated “extended aeration” activated sludge plant, provided an excellent arrangement for controlled field comparison of the removal of LAS and ABS (alkyl benzene sulfonate) material. In addition, the sewage treatment plant was operated intentionally to produce poor results in order to observe the effects of such conditions on removals. Previous work showed that, with products containing ABS in use at the school, removals of methylene blue active substance could be expected to fall in the region of 75 to 85%. Removals with LAS material in use at the school were shown to be from 95 to 99% as long as the plant was operated satisfactorily. Further, the results showed that there was a strong correlation between LAS removal and BOD removal with a one to one slope. The results support the conclusion that for biological treatment processes, the removal of LAS material corresponds to the removal of BOD.
P300 and sleep-related positive waveforms (P220, P450, and P900) have different determinants.

Stimulus factors known to influence the amplitude of the well known endogenous event-related potential (ERP) component P300 were manipulated to determine whether they have the same, or a different, influence on the amplitude of positivities of the sleep ERPs identified as P220, P450, and P900. Behavioral responsiveness and ERPs were recorded as subjects moved from wakefulness to sleep while performing an oddball task. The task consisted of sequential presentation of target and non-target tone stimuli with instructions to respond to targets with a finger–lift response. The probability of the target and non-target stimuli was varied (0.2/0.8, 0.5/.05 and 0.8/0.2) across three test conditions. While subjects were awake, P300 was maximal parietally with amplitude inversely related to the relative probability of the evoking stimulus and directly related to its task relevance. Positive waveforms (P220, P450, P900) recorded in sleep were largest at frontal and central recording sites. P220 and P900 amplitudes were inversely related to stimulus probability. P220 was smaller following target relative to non-target stimuli. Processes underlying P220, P450, and P900 sleep-related waveforms are different from those underlying the P300 component seen in alert wakefulness. The sleep positivities may be state-related waveforms subject to modulation by psychological processes.
Developmental regulation of group i metabotropic glutamate receptors in the premature brain and their protective role in a rodent model of periventricular leukomalacia

Cerebral white matter injury in premature infants, known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), is common after hypoxia-ischemia (HI). While ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) can mediate immature white matter injury, we have previously shown that excitotoxic injury to premyelinating oligodendrocytes (preOLs) in vitro can be attenuated by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists. Thus, we evaluated mGluR expression in developing white matter in rat and human brain, and tested the protective efficacy of a central nervous system (CNS)-penetrating mGluR agonist on injury to developing oligodendrocytes (OLs) in vivo. Group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) were strongly expressed on OLs in neonatal rodent cerebral white matter throughout normal development, with highest expression early in development on preOLs. Specifically at P6, mGluR1 and mGLuR5 were most highly expressed on GalC-positive OLs compared to neurons, axons, astrocytes and microglia. Systemic administration of (1S,3R) 1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3,-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) significantly attenuated the loss of myelin basic protein in the white matter following HI in P6 rats. Assessment of postmortem human tissue showed both mGluR1 and mGluR5 localized on immature OLs in white matter throughout development, with mGluR5 highest in the preterm period. These data indicate group I mGluRs are highly expressed on OLs during the peak period of vulnerability to HI and modulation of mGluRs is protective in a rodent model of PVL. Group I mGluRs may represent important therapeutic targets for protection from HI-mediated white matter injury.
The antecedents of man the manipulator

Abstract Four individuals of each of ten Primates species were presented with a length of nylon rope and their manipulative responses recorded in detail. The 172 specific types of actions observed were consolidated into 69 generic categories and then further taxonomized into Primary actions, in which the rope was directly acted upon, of two types depending on whether the rope was grasped or not, and Secondary actions, in which the rope was manipulated with respect to objects, with two types depending upon whether the second object was a part of the body or part of the environment. The ten species tended to fall into two groups: (1) the lemurs, highly arboreal monkeys, and gibbons, and (2) a less arboreal monkey and the great apes. The latter group generally engaged in more different types of actions, more secondary actions, more intentional contacts, more action away from the body, more proximal body contact, and more species-unique actions. It was inferred from these and other data that the antecedents of Man were more object-interested and manipulative than the precursors of nonhuman Primates at comparable levels of brain size development.
Reducing Underresponding Improving System Response to Mandated Reporters

Douglas J. Besharov, J.D., LL.M., is a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Washington, DC. He was the first director of the U.S. National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, from 1975 to 1979. His most recent book is Recognizing Child Abuse: A Guide for the Concerned (Free Press, 1990).
The effect of environmental temperature upon the physical characteristics of the smoke produced by burning wood and PVC samples

Data are presented which show the effect of elevated environmental temperature upon smoke particle characteristics of wood (Douglas fir) and a rigid PVC, under both flaming and nonflaming combustion in air. The physical data obtainbed include the smoke particle average diameter, the smoke optical densities in red and blue light, and the weight loss of the sample. The average particle dimeter, the smoke optical densities in red and blue light, and the weight loss of the sample. The average particle diameter and optical densities in red and blue light, and the weight loss of the sample. The average particle dimater and optical densities were obtained uwing in in situ optical system which measures forward scattered light at two angles and transmitte light at two wavelengths. Data were taken for vertically mounted samples exposed to a radiant flux of 5 W cm−2 in environments at a room temperatures, 100°C, 200°C and 300°C. The result indicate that in flaming test higher environmental temperatures general result in greater smoke optical densities and larger smoke particles, while in nonflaming tests higherl temperatures in lower smoke densities and smaller smoke particles, for wood. These results may explain why small-scale test data (room temperature environment) do not often correlate well with full-scale data (often at elevated environmental temperatures).
The latent-TGFβ-binding-protein-1 (LTBP-1) is expressed in the organizer and regulates nodal and activin signaling

The latent TGF- binding proteins (LTBP) are believed to control the availability of TGF- in the extracellular milieu. To gain insight into the potential roles of LTBP in early development, we isolated the Xenopus LTBP-1 (xLTBP-1) cDNA. The cDNA encodes a protein similar to the mammalian LTBP-1 in both size and domain structure. In addition, we found a novel longer splice isoform of xLTBP. The RNAs for both forms of xLTBP displayed temporal regulation and the shorter transcript is expressed maternally. Both transcripts also display spatial regulation and are found in the dorsal mesoderm of the organizer. In animal cap experiments, LTBP-1 potentiates the activity of activin and nodal. The activity of LTBP-1 did not appear to require covalent association with activin as the addition of medium containing activin and LTBP-1 to animal caps enhanced the activin effect. These results indicate that LTBP-1 may be part of the regulatory system that establishes the threshold of morphogen activity for activins and nodals in the dorsal side of the embryo during gastrulation. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)
Acetabular labrum and capsule (limbus) blocking reduction of a left hip dislocation

A failed closed reduction of a hip dislocation, owing to infolding of the acetabular labrum and capsule during reduction, is presented in this report.
Letter Writing in an Italian Immigrant Community: A Transatlantic Tradition

Alfonso Arbib-Costa's 1909 Manuale di Corrispondenza Commerciale, Familiare, e Amorose Italiana-Inglese offered letter-writing instruction to Italian immigrants hoping to succeed in American business and social circles. The book contained some theory, but was primarily a collection of model letters, or formulary. This article identifies the text as one of a distinct type of bilingual, bicultural letter-writing handbooks for immigrants that arose in the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, situates it in the American parlor rhetoric tradition, and analyzes its theoretical content and models. Although formularies are often overlooked by scholars, they are rich texts that reveal important connections between rhetoric and culture. Formularies for immigrants are particularly interesting because they clearly demonstrate how attempts at social engineering may be embedded in rhetorical pedagogy. The study concludes with a call for additional research into this area of rhetorical his...