cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Process-Based Therapy

This article describes process-based therapy (PBT) as a natural evolution toward more effective and efficient mental health care. Using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as an example of an early prototype of PBT, the article explicates the broader features of PBT and the shift in mindset researchers and clinicians will need to take to fully embrace PBT with respect to assessment, conceptualization, and intervention. In addition, the article enumerates challenges to implementing the PBT model and proposes recommendations for circumventing these challenges in the areas of theory development, research methodology, and clinical practice. Finally, we make the argument that shifting to PBT is the logical next step for our field.
Early detection of Cu pooling with advanced CMP modeling

As we move to more advanced nodes, the number of Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) steps in semiconductor processing is increasing rapidly. CMP is known to suffer from pattern dependent variation such as dishing, erosion, recess, etc., all of which can cause performance and yield issues. One such yield issue seen in back end of line (BEOL) Cu interconnect CMP processes is pooling. Pooling exists when there is uncleared bulk Cu and/or barrier residue remaining after final CMP step, leading to shorts between neighboring interconnect lines. To detect potential pooling locations on a given design, for a given CMP process, predictive CMP models are needed. Such models can also aid in CMP process and chip design optimizations. In this paper we discuss how a pattern dependent CMP effect that we call the “local neighborhood effect” causes large recesses that can lead to pooling in Cu interconnect CMP processes. We also discuss modeling this effect as part of an advanced predictive CMP modeling system and show how the resulting modeling system accurately predicts Cu pooling on several 14 nm designs.
Long Noncoding RNAs: Molecular Modalities to Organismal Functions

We have known for decades that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play essential functions across most forms of life. The maintenance of chromosome length requires an lncRNA (e.g., hTERC) and two lncRNAs in the ribosome that are required for protein synthesis. Thus, lncRNAs can represent powerful RNA machines. More recently, it has become clear that mammalian genomes encode thousands more lncRNAs. Thus, we raise the question: Which, if any, of these lncRNAs could also represent RNA-based machines? Here we synthesize studies that are beginning to address this question by investigating fundamental properties of lncRNA genes, revealing new insights into the RNA structure-function relationship, determining cis- and trans-acting lncRNAs in vivo, and generating new developments in high-throughput screening used to identify functional lncRNAs. Overall, these findings provide a context toward understanding the molecular grammar underlying lncRNA biology.
Identity Passing in Intercultural Performance of K-pop Cover Dance

The global phenomenon of K-pop cover dance indicates the rise of imitation in social media and its production value wherein identity passing is necessary. Employing performance ethnography, this ar...
Engaging with wheelchair basketball: analyzing viewer attitudes and actions toward ‘the rebound: a wheelchair basketball documentary’

Film can be used as an educational tool in a number of ways, including being utilized to educate about disability and disability sport. The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and action...
Toll-like receptor 4 mediates blood-brain barrier permeability and disease in C3H mice during Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an encephalitic alphavirus that can cause debilitating, acute febrile illness and potentially result in encephalitis. Currently, there are no FDA-lice...
Early alterations of neurovascular unit in the retina in mouse models of tauopathy

The retina, as the only visually accessible tissue in the central nervous system, has attracted significant attention for evaluating it as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, most of studies focus on characterizing the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and degeneration of their axons. There is no integrated analysis addressing temporal alterations of different retinal cells in the neurovascular unit (NVU) in particular retinal vessels. Here we assessed NVU changes in two mouse models of tauopathy, P301S and P301L transgenic mice overexpressing the human tau mutated gene, and evaluated the therapeutic effects of a tau oligomer monoclonal antibody (TOMA). We found that retinal edema and breakdown of blood–retina barrier were observed at the very early stage of tauopathy. Leukocyte adhesion/infiltration, and microglial recruitment/activation were constantly increased in the retinal ganglion cell layer of tau transgenic mice at different ages, while Muller cell gliosis was only detected in relatively older tau mice. Concomitantly, the number and function of RGCs progressively decreased during aging although they were not considerably altered in the very early stage of tauopathy. Moreover, intrinsically photosensitive RGCs appeared more sensitive to tauopathy. Remarkably, TOMA treatment in young tau transgenic mice significantly attenuated vascular leakage, inflammation and RGC loss. Our data provide compelling evidence that abnormal tau accumulation can lead to pathology in the retinal NVU, and vascular alterations occur more manifest and earlier than neurodegeneration in the retina. Oligomeric tau-targeted immunotherapy has the potential to treat tau-induced retinopathies. These data suggest that retinal NVU may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and staging of tauopathy as well as a platform to study the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Total synthesis of ( -)-archazolid B

A highly convergent synthesis of archazolid B, a potent and highly selective V-ATPase inhibitor, is described. A relay ring-closing metathesis reaction was used to form the 24-membered macrocyclic lactone, whereas the sensitive cis-triene moiety of the archazolids was assembled with a modified Stille coupling.
Branching Tense Logic and Temporal Modality

Branching tense logics are simply described from the axiomatic perspective: they lack one, or both, of axioms A9 and A10. The reader will recall these schemata to have been singled out as ‘axioms of linearality’ in Chapter 2. But a more intuitive characterization is given in semantic terms: the temporal orders represented by such logics permit forks, or branches.
Water Plan Ranking and the Public Interest

The public interest, which often serves as the basis for ranking alternative Federal water resources plans, is defined in terms of the following: What factors should be considered, and how should the factors be weighed relative to one another in ranking proposals? Answers to this question provide the framework for an analysis of several approaches that have been used in ranking alternatives, (e.g., economic efficiency, weighted sum of objectives). In the course of examining these approaches, an argument is made in support of trends toward the direct involvement of citizens in the determination of factors and weights. The approaches examined, as they are commonly employed in practice, are shown to be less than satisfactory in terms of involving citizens in determining factors and weights. A process is outlined which integrates public involvement activities into the ranking of alternatives and which has been found useful in the context of Corps of Engineers' water resources studies.
Failure mode of laser welds in lap-shear specimens of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel sheets

In this paper, the failure mode of laser welds in lap-shear specimens of non-galvanized SAE J2340 300Y high strength low alloy steel sheets under quasi-static loading conditions is examined based on experimental observations and finite element analyses. Laser welded lap-shear specimens with reduced cross sections were made. Optical micrographs of the cross sections of the welds in the specimens before and after tests are examined to understand the microstructure and failure mode of the welds. Micro-hardness tests were also conducted to provide an assessment of the mechanical properties in the base metal, heat-affected and fusion zones. The micrographs indicate that the weld failure appears to be initiated from the base metal near the boundary of the base metal and the heat-affected zone at a distance away from the pre-existing crack tip, and the specimens fail due to the necking/shear of the lower left load carrying sheets. Finite element analyses based on non-homogenous multi-zone material models were conducted to model the ductile necking/shear failure and to obtain the J integral solutions for the pre-existing cracks. The results of the finite element analyses are used to explain the ductile failure initiation sites and the necking/shear of the lower left load carrying sheets. The J integral solutions obtained from the finite element analyses based on the 3-zone finite element model indicate that the J integral for the pre-existing cracks at the failure loads are low compared to the fracture toughness and the specimens should fail in a plastic collapse or necking/shear mode. The effects of the sheet thickness on the failure mode were then investigated for laser welds with a fixed ratio of the weld width to the thickness. For the given non-homogenous material model, the J integral solutions appear to be scaled by the sheet thickness. With consideration of the plastic collapse failure mode and fracture initiation failure mode, a critical thickness can be obtained for the transition of the plastic collapse or necking/shear failure mode to the fracture initiation failure mode. Finally, the failure load is expressed as a function of the sheet thickness according to the governing equations based on the two failure modes. The results demonstrate that the failure mode of welds of thin sheets depends on the sheet thickness, ductility of the base metal and fracture toughness of the heat-affected zone. Therefore, failure criteria based on either the plastic collapse failure mode or the fracture initiation failure mode should be used cautiously for welds of thin sheets.
Control and measurement of quantum wave packets

Summary form only given. Many realized or potential applications of optically driven ultrafast quantum dynamics require specially shaped quantum states, with the ability to detect these shapes and modify them using active feedback. We have developed methods to sculpt wave packets using shaped ultrafast optical pulses. We can also view these wave packets using quantum interference methods that have been adapted from holographic techniques used to characterize classical light. These quantum state holograms have been used as feedback to sculpt specific target shapes.
Organic thin film transistors with field effect mobility >2 cm/sup 2//V-s

We report pentacene-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) with field effect mobility as large as 2.1 cm/sup 2//V-s. To our best knowledge this is the highest field-effect mobility reported for an OTFT.
Investigation of KIT gene mutations in women with 46,XX spontaneous premature ovarian failure

Spontaneous premature ovarian failure presents most commonly with secondary amenorrhea. Young women with the disorder are infertile and experience the symptoms and sequelae of estrogen deficiency. The mechanisms that give rise to spontaneous premature ovarian failure are largely unknown, but many reports suggest a genetic mechanism in some cases. The small family size associated with infertility makes genetic linkage analysis studies extremely difficult. Another approach that has proven successful has been to examine candidate genes based on known genetic phenotypes in other species. Studies in mice have demonstrated that c-kit, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, plays a critical role in gametogenesis. Here we test the hypothesis that human KIT mutations might be a cause of spontaneous premature ovarian failure. We examined 42 women with spontaneous premature ovarian failure and found partial X monosomy in two of them. In the remaining 40 women with known 46,XX spontaneous premature ovarian failure we evaluated the entire coding region of the KIT gene. We did this using polymerase chain reaction based single-stranded conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. We did not identify a single mutation that would alter the amino acid sequence of the c-KIT protein in any of 40 patients (upper 95% confidence limit is 7.2%). We found one silent mutation at codon 798 and two intronic polymorphisms. Mutations in the coding regions of the KIT gene appear not to be a common cause of 46,XX spontaneous premature ovarian failure in North American women.
Fast high-temperature proton transport in nonstoichiometric mixed perovskites

Two different nonstoichiometric mixed perovskites: Sr2(Sc1+)xNb1−xO6−σ (with x=0.05 and 0.1) and Ba3(Ca1.18Nb1.82)O9−σ, are shown to become good high-temperature protonic conductors upon exposure to H2O (or D2O) atmospheres. Conductivity is studied in the temperature range of 300 ∼550 K where the proton concentration is frozen in. The activation energies EH for proton migration in these compounds are 0.62 and 0.54 eV, respectively. The conductivities fall in the same range as those for M3+-doped SrCeO3 and BaCeO3, but the present materials do not show electronic conduction after treatment in highly reducing atmospheres as do the cerates. It is therefore concluded that these compounds deserve serious consideration as fast high-temperature protonic conductors.
A β3-Adrenergic-Leptin-Melanocortin Circuit Regulates Behavioral and Metabolic Changes Induced by Chronic Stress

Background Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of developing several psychiatric illnesses, including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Likewise, these stress-related disturbances are associated with a higher rate of obesity; yet, the neurobiological mechanisms linking obesity and stress remain incompletely understood. Methods Following exposure to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), mice were given free access to either regular chow or a Western-style diet high in triglycerides and cholesterol. Comprehensive metabolic and behavioral testing was then conducted. Results Mice subjected to CSDS and then fed a high-fat diet for 30 days display severe behavioral deficits accompanied by redistribution of body fat. Stressed mice have decreased adipose tissue as well as decreased serum leptin levels compared with control mice. Pharmacological inhibition of β 3 -adrenergic signaling during CSDS normalizes these metabolic abnormalities but worsens behavioral symptoms. Furthermore, mice subjected to CSDS display central leptin resistance including reduced expression of pro-opiomelanocortin in hypothalamus. Administration of a central melanocortin agonist worsens stress-induced behavioral deficits, while mice lacking the melanocortin-4 receptor display attenuated symptoms. Conclusions These results indicate that chronic signaling through β 3 -adrenergic receptors during social stress is an adaptive response that improves behavioral function. However, these responses come at the expense of central leptin resistance and melanocortin signaling alterations that contribute to significant and long-lasting metabolic abnormalities.
Stochastic Fluctuations Link Promoter Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

Gene expression noise is characterized by random fluctuations in the number of mRNA and protein molecules produced from single genes throughout a cell population. The underlying molecular basis for this random on/off switching of genes was unknown, but hypothesized to arise from stochastic fluctuations in promoter chromatin structure. To address this question, we isolated single PHO5 gene molecules from yeast and mapped their steady-state promoter nucleosome configurations by electron microscopy. We found that the activated PHO5 promoter adopted eight distinct nucleosome configurations including the fully nucleosomal and nucleosome-free states. The probability of observing each of these eight configurations was explained by a stochastic process of nucleosome assembly, disassembly, and sliding and was tuned by the strength of Pho4, the transcriptional activator for PHO5. Downstream PHO5 expression was strongly influenced by promoter nucleosome fluctuations, mechanistically linking gene expression noise to promoter nucleosome dynamics. Further analysis has focused on chromatin remodelers and the role they play in generating promoter nucleosome probability distributions. Our findings suggest that stochastic promoter chromatin remodeling is the basis for transcriptional bursting and that activators, and the remodeling proteins they recruit, play a critical role in generating distinct promoter nucleosome probability distributions.
A safe and fast technique for isolated hepatic perfusion

Herein we describe our modified technique of isolated hepatic perfusion that is simpler and faster compared to the initial ones reported in the literature. Previous techniques [7] of isolated hepatic perfusion included total vascular isolation of the liver with portal and systemic venous by pass. The venous by pass was performed either using a cut-down technique or by percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vein. Another important step of previous described techniques was the continuous intra-operative monitoring of complete vascular isolation of the liver by 131-I labeled serum albumin. The technique we describe herein does not include portal vein by pass but shunting of the blood is limited solely to the inferior vena cava. Complete vascular isolation of the liver is demonstrated by a steady volume of the reservoir during the entire procedure, without using labeled albumin. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE The patient is placed in the supine position and general anesthesia through orotracheal intubation is provided. The patient is invasively monitored by radial artery catheter and Swan-Ganz catheter in the pulmonary artery. An 18-French cannula is also placed in the right jugular vein (right if possible) for veno-venous by-pass (see below). The operation begins with a mini-laparotomy on the midline to asses the feasibility of the operation. Once peritoneal carcinomatosis or massive extra-hepatic neoplastic disease is ruled out, the midline incision is extended up to the xyphoid process and to a subcostal laparotomy. The quality of the liver is assessed, with special attention to the steato-hepatitis following chemotherapy. In case of severe steatosis the procedure is not indicated due to increased risk of liver failure after the perfusion. The liver is fully mobilized by division of the right and left triangular ligaments, the round ligament and all the retroperitoneal attachments. The vena cava is dissected off the retroperitoneum and attention is paid to ligate and divide all the collateral veins from the retro
College students' perceptions of the acceptability of below average salary offers

Abstract The effects of subject gender and presence of average starting salary information on acceptability ratings for below average salary offers were examined. Ninety-eight college men and women evaluated three male-dominated, three female-dominated, and three neutral occupations. Subjects were randomly administered either a questionnaire that contained average starting salary information for comparison with the below average offers presented or one that did not. An additional open-ended questionnaire surveyed the factors involved in these decisions. Regression results indicated that gender, but not presence of salary information, predicted acceptability ratings over and above subjects' reported interest in the occupations. Gender composition of the occupations was also an important factor in the prediction equations. Results were interpreted in light of the supplemental information gathered.
Minimum-dissipation transport enhancement by flow destabilization: Reynolds’ analogy revisited

A classical transport enhancement problem is concerned with increasing the heat transfer in a system while minimizing penalties associated with shear stress, pressure drop, and viscous dissipation. It is shown by Reynolds' analogy that viscous dissipation in a wide class of flows scales linearly with the Nusselt number and quadratically with the Reynolds number. It thus follows that transport enhancement optimization is equivalent to a problem in hydrodynamic stability theory; a more unstable flow will achieve the same Nusselt number at a lower Reynolds number, and therefore at a fraction of the dissipative cost. This transport-stability theory is illustrated in a numerical study of supercritical (unsteady) two-dimensional flow in an eddy-promoter channel comprising a plane channel with an infinite periodic array of cylindrical obstructions.It is shown that the addition of small cylinders to a plane channel results in stability modes that are little changed in form or frequency from plane-channel Tollmien-Schlichting waves. However, eddy-promoter flows are dramatically less stable than their plane-channel counterparts owing to cylinder-induced shear-layer instability (with critical Reynolds numbers on the order of hundreds rather than thousands), and thus these flows yield heat transfer rates commensurate with those of a plane-channel turbulent flow but at much lower Reynolds number. Small-cylinder supercritical eddy-promoter flows are shown to roughly preserve the convective-diffusive Reynolds analogy, and it thus follows from the transport-stability theory that eddy-promoter flows achieve the same heat transfer rates as plane-channel turbulent flows while incurring significantly less dissipation.
The concomitant effects of mild sleep loss and an anticholinergic drug.

Thirty-seven young men were tested in drug-along, sleep-loss-alone, and sleep-loss-drug groups to determine the separate and combined effects of mild sleep loss and scopolamine hydrobromide. Scopolamine was administered intravenously in either a sedative dose (5 μg/kg) or a low deliriant dose (10 μg/kg); sleep deprivation was for either one or two nights. Attention, accuracy, motor skill and behavior were measured and rated.
Some Overlooked Zoological Generic Names

IN the course of my reading, I have found a few generic names of animals which have been overlooked in the preparation of the invaluable “Index Zoologicus,” recently published by the Zoological Society of London. It may be as well to direct attention to them, so that zoologists may take note of them, and avoid duplicating them for other animals. They are:—
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE STABILITY OF PROTEIN-DNA COMPLEXES DURING GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

The gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay is widely used for qualitative and quantitative characterization of protein complexes with nucleic acids. Often it is found that complexes persist within electrophoresis gels for much longer than expected on the basis of their free-solution lifetimes. Volume exclusion, direct interaction with gel matrices and the reduction of water activity by the gel have been proposed as mechanisms enhancing the stability of complexes during electrophoresis. We have used the well-characterized interaction of the E. coli cyclic AMP receptor protein (CAP) with lactose promoter DNA to test these proposals. We found that the activity of water within polyacrylamide gels differs little from that of the buffer in which they were cast and that the dependence of the dissociation rate constant on water activity is too small for osmotic stabilization to contribute significantly to the lifetimes of CAP-DNA complexes. In addition, we found that a cross-linked gel matrix is not required for the stabilization of CAP-DNA complexes, that comparable stabilization is produced by three dissimilar polymers (linear polyacrylamide, dextran and polyethylene glycol), and that these polymers stabilize complexes more effectively than equivalent weight concentrations of their cognate monomers. While these results challenge the notion that direct interaction with the gel matrix contributes to the stability of protein-DNA complexes, they are all features expected of excluded volume mechanisms.
Sephadex G-10 adsorption chromatography of purines and related compounds

The adsorption chromatography of purines and related heterocyclic compounds on Sephadex G-10 was investigated under different conditions of pH, ionic strength and flow rate and found to give excellent separations. The elution volumes were highly reproducible and recovery quantitative. A relation between a log function of the elution volumes and substituents on the purine ring was shown and the additivity of the resulting Δ log V6° values used to predict elution volumes. Some analytical and preparative applications have been undertaken.
Household behaviour and attitudes with respect to recycling food waste--experiences from focus groups

It is a challenge to reduce the ever-increasing flow of waste. In Norway the systems for recycling of organic waste, paper, glass, metals, etc. differ between municipalities, both with regard to organizational and to technological structures. Our hypothesis is that people's attitudes and behaviour may differ with different systems of waste management. People's behaviour and attitudes regarding (organic) waste recycling were investigated in two municipalities with differing technical and organisational systems. Data came from interviews with municipal employees, questionnaires, focus groups and multi-criteria mapping. People seem to be better informed and more positive about organic waste recycling in one of the municipalities (MH, which has recycling of organic waste) than in the other (MS, which has no such recycling). The two municipalities had similar sets of important criteria for waste management (price, environmental friendliness, easy solutions, information). Many participants stated that they had learned from the group process, though only a few reported changed preferences. The institutional context seems to be important for people's behaviour and attitudes towards waste management. This implies that people's recycling behaviour does not only depend on technical and organisational aspects, but also on institutions. These are important messages for policy makers. On an individual basis, the different systems in the two municipalities seem to affect people's stated attitudes. These differences diminish when they are in a common setting where process and dialogue stimulate new thoughts and encourage people to act more altruistically.
The association of psoriasis with autoimmune diseases

Background Previous studies provide evidence that there is a greater frequency of autoimmune diseases among patients with psoriasis than in the general population. Objective This study examined the association between psoriasis and 21 common autoimmune diseases, specified a priori . Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among persons who were members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California from 2004 to 2011. A total of 25,341 patients with 2 or more diagnosis codes for any psoriatic disease were evaluated. Five persons not meeting this case definition were matched to each psoriatic patient based on age, sex, and length of enrollment. Results Patients with psoriasis were more likely to have at least 1 other autoimmune disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-1.7) and to have at least 2 other autoimmune diseases (1.9; 95% CI 1.6-2.4). Of the 17 conditions evaluated, associations with 14 were found to be statistically significant. The strongest association was with rheumatoid arthritis (3.6; 95% CI 3.4-3.9). Limitations Patients with autoimmune conditions are likely to have a greater number of health care encounters, which may result in overascertainment and misascertainment of immune-mediated conditions, although the patients included in the study averaged 5.2 years of observation and the comparison subjects were matched on length of enrollment. Conclusions The study suggests a genetic or environmental cause common across autoimmune diseases. Further investigation of individuals with multiple autoimmune diseases may yield important clues about the origin and pathogenesis of the disease.
Moving beyond "bridges".

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the care of heart failure. They now provide another therapeutic option for many patients, transplant eligible or ineligible, with symptoms refractory to medical therapy and resynchronization therapy. For appropriately selected patients,
An algorithm for solving piecewise-linear networks that include elements with discontinuous characteristics

In this paper, an algorithm for solving piecewise-linear networks that include elements with discontinuous characteristics is presented. The algorithm is based on modifications of the Katzenelson algorithm that traces the solution curve through regions where boundary conditions are satisfied. Jumps in the network output variables, caused by state changes of elements with discontinuous characteristics, may in turn result in additional state changes of piecewise-linear elements. To resolve these state changes, the network solution point is dragged over the line segment that connects the solution points at the discontinuity, and the network state is changed whenever boundary conditions are violated. Since the algorithm traces cause and effect sequence of state changes, it is well suited for application in time-domain simulations. The algorithm has been implemented in a simulator for piecewise linear networks, and extensively tested on networks encountered in power electronics. An example of such application is presented.
Athlete: A cargo handling and manipulation robot for the moon

A robotic vehicle called ATHLETE—the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed, Extra-Terrestrial Explorer—is described, along with initial results of field tests of two prototype vehicles. This vehicle concept is capable of efficient rolling mobility on moderate terrain and walking mobility on extreme terrain. Each limb has a quick-disconnect tool adapter so that it can perform general-purpose handling, assembly, maintenance, and servicing tasks using any or all of the limbs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical management of congenital coronary arterial anomalies in adults

Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries are an uncommon, but important, cause of pain in the chest, myocardial ischaemia and even sudden cardiac death, especially in young individuals. This paper focuses on the surgical treatment of congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries in adults; indications for surgery and the different surgical options will be reviewed.
Early-onset severe preeclampsia by first trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and total human chorionic gonadotropin.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between early-onset severe preeclampsia and first trimester serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and total human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Study Design The association between early-onset severe preeclampsia and abnormal levels of first trimester PAPP-A and total hCG in maternal serum were measured in a sample of singleton pregnancies without chromosomal defects that had integrated prenatal serum screening in 2009 and 2010 (n = 129,488). Logistic binomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of early-onset severe preeclampsia in pregnancies with abnormal levels of first trimester PAPP-A or total hCG as compared with controls. Results Regardless of parity, women with low first trimester PAPP-A or high total hCG were at increased risk for early-onset severe preeclampsia. Women with low PAPP-A (multiple of the median [MoM] ≤ the 10th percentile in nulliparous or ≤ the 5th percentile in multiparous) or high total hCG (MoM ≥ the 90th percentile in nulliparous or ≥ the 95th percentile in multiparous) were at more than a threefold increased risk for early-onset severe preeclampsia (RR, 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0–5.9 and RR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.1–5.2, respectively). Conclusion Routinely collected first trimester measurements of PAPP-A and total hCG provide unique risk information for early-onset severe preeclampsia.
Halothane augments event-related γ oscillations in rat visual cortex

Abstract Cortical γ oscillations have been associated with neural processes supporting cognition and the state of consciousness but the effect of general anesthesia on γ oscillations is controversial. Here we studied the concentration-dependent effect of halothane on γ (20–60 Hz) power of event-related potentials (ERP) in rat primary visual cortex. ERP to light flashes repeated at 5-s intervals was recorded with chronically implanted, bipolar, intracortical electrodes at selected steady-state halothane concentrations between 0 and 2%. γ-Band power was calculated for 0–1000, 0–300 and 300–1000 ms poststimulus periods and corresponding prestimulus (PS) periods. Multitaper power spectral analysis was used to estimate γ power from both single-trial and average ERP in order to differentiate between phase-locked (evoked) and non-phase-locked (induced) γ activities. Significant PS γ power was present at all halothane concentrations. Flash elicited an increase in γ power that lasted up to 1 s poststimulus at all halothane concentrations. Halothane at intermediate concentrations (0.5–1.2%) augmented both PS and ERP γ power two to four times relative to the waking baseline. γ Power was not different between waking and deeply anesthetized (2%) levels. γ Power reached maximum, as predicted by a Gaussian fit of power-concentration data, at halothane concentration (0.86%) similar to the concentration (0.73%) that abolished the righting reflex, a behavioral index of loss of consciousness. Evoked, i.e. stimulus-locked, γ power was present during the first 300 ms poststimulus but not later, and was approximately 50% of single-trial ERP γ power. Single-trial γ power was present also at 300–1000 ms poststimulus, reflecting ERP not phase-locked to the stimulus. In summary, these observations suggest that (1) γ activity is present in states ranging from waking to deep halothane anesthesia, (2) halothane does not prevent the transfer of visual input to striate cortex even at surgical plane of anesthesia, and (3) anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness, as reflected by the loss of righting reflex, is not correlated with a reduction in γ power. Variance with other studies may be due to an underestimation of γ power by ERP signal averaging as compared with single-trial analysis.
Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays

The siting of cellular phone base stations and other cellular infrastructure such as roof-mounted antenna arrays, especially in residential neighborhoods, is a contentious subject in land-use regul...
Failure to find positive key-press contrast for milk reinforcers using a within-session procedure.

Rats pressed keys for sweetened condensed milk delivered by multiple schedules. Component duration varied from five seconds to 16 minutes. Positive contrast did not occur for any duration. That is, the rate of responding emitted during a variable interval component of a multiple schedule was not greater when the other component was extinction than when it was an identical variable interval schedule. The function that related key pressing to component duration also differed from that reported by past studies of pigeons pecking keys. Finding such functional differences suggests that behavioral contrast may be mediated by different mechanisms for different responses. It also implies that neither differences in the rates of responding, nor differences in the parts of the body utilized by the response, produced past functional differences in the observation of contrast for different responses.
The conflict of harmony: Intergroup contact, commonality and political solidarity between minority groups

Abstract Recent work on social change has complicated the picture regarding the influence of intergroup contact with majority groups on minority group members' perceptions of inequality and willingness to engage in social action. The present research investigated the ability of a commonality-focused message to inspire political solidarity between minority groups, as well as the potential moderating role of intergroup contact with a majority group on the efficacy of this message for political solidarity. Across two experiments, as hypothesized, political solidarity from one minority group to another was highest within a commonality condition, relative to group-boundaries salient and control conditions, which was explained by increases in commonality perceptions. As expected, however, these effects were moderated by majority group contact, such that those with high levels of contact with majority group were less likely to show the commonality-to-political solidarity relation. Implications for intergroup contact and more broadly social change are discussed.
Energetics of Concerted Two-Electron Transfer and Metal−Metal Bond Cleavage in Phosphido-Bridged Molybdenum and Tungsten Carbonyl Complexes

The kinetics and thermodynamics of concerted two-electron transfer and metal−metal bond cleavage in the binuclear phosphido-bridged complexes [M2(μ-PPh2)2(CO)8]0/2- [M = Mo (10/2-), W(20/2-)] have been determined by variable scan-rate cyclic voltammetry in 0.3 M TBAPF6/acetone. The reductions of 1° and 2° are accompanied by an increase of 1.08 A in M−M distance and expansion and contraction by 29° of the M−P−M and P−M−P angles, respectively, within an intact M2(μ-PPh2)2 unit. The one-electron electrode potentials of these systems are highly inverted: ΔE°‘ = − = +0.17 V for 10/2- and +0.18 V for 20/2-, and the rate constant of the second heterogeneous electron-transfer reaction is smaller than the first: ksh,2/ksh,1 = 0.1 for Mo and 0.018 for W. Results are consistent with progressive cleavage of the metal−metal bond in two one-electron steps, of which the second is rate-limiting, because it is accompanied by a larger part of the structural change. EHMO calculations reveal that the redox-active orbital i...
A Classic Problem

How you respond to this would depend crucially on when you believe it was written; at this juncture you might glance back at the title page to peek at the publication date. If the passage was written, say, in 1969, you might regard it as a daringly new proposition for its time, heralding what would soon be brilliant efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) programming. If it was written in 1981, you might regard it as somewhat more debatable but still perhaps reflecting the then-current views of mainstream cognitive science. If the passage was written in 1996, it seems downright controversial to the point of orneriness-at the very least, a conclusion like this should acknowledge the problem of reconciling this view with the burgeoning literature in mental imagery (summarized in works like Kosslyn's, 1994, Image and Brain). In point of fact, these sentences were written in 1969-so the most positive interpretation is the appropriate one. But the third edition of the late Herbert Simon's
Use of bovine single nucleotide polymorphism markers to verify sample tracking in beef processing.

Objective---To determine whether a selected set of 20 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from beef cattle populations can be used to verify sample tracking in a commercial slaughter facility that processes primarily market (ie, culled) dairy cows. Design---Prospective, blinded validation study. Animals---165 cows and 3 bulls from 18 states (82% Holstein, 8% other dairy breeds, and 10% beef breeds). Procedure---Blood was collected by venipuncture from randomly chosen animals just prior to slaughter. The purported corresponding liver samples were collected during beef processing, and genotype profiles were obtained for each sample. Results---On the basis of SNP allele frequencies in these cattle, the mean probability that 2 randomly selected individuals would possess identical genotypes at all 20 loci was 4.3 X 10--8. Thus, the chance of a coincidental genotype match between 2 animals was 1 in 23 million. Genotype profiles confirmed appropriate matching for 152 of the 168 (90.5%) purported bloodliver sample pairs and revealed mismatching for 16 (9.5%) pairs. For the 16 mismatched sample pairs, 33% to 76% of the 20 SNP genotypes did not match (mean, 52%). Discordance that could be attributed to genotyping error was estimated to be < 1% on the basis of results for split samples. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance---Results suggest that this selected set of 20 bovine SNP markers is sufficiently informative to verify accuracy of sample tracking in slaughter plants that process beef or dairy cattle. These or similar SNP markers may facilitate high-throughput, DNA-based, traceback programs designed to detect drug residues in tissues, control of animal diseases, and enhance food safety.
Preparation of tungsten microneedles with a propane torch.

Tungsten microneedless are easily fabricated from. 005′ to. 010′ diameter tungsten wire by exposing the free end of the wire to the blue inner cone of a fine-pointed flame from a propane gas torch. The needle is completed when the tip glows white hot and appears to shorten. The blue coating that results in biologically harmless but may be removed by dipping the needle briefly into fused NaNO2 or Na2SOs3. Needles prepared in this way, and attached to suitable handles, are useful instruments in the fields of experimental embryology, tissue culture and electron microscopy.
Gastrointestinal chronic graft-versus-host disease: management options.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common and debilitating condition afflicting a number of allogeneic stem cell recipients more than 100 days after their transplant. Limited options are available for the acute management of patients with severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including gastric bleeding. Along with increased immunosuppression and aggressive supportive care, we report here the use of aminocaproic acid in the management of patients with GI bleeding resulting from severe GVHD. The use of aminocaproic acid enabled us to reduce the frequency and number of blood product transfusions required to manage our patient. Anti-fibrinolytic agents may therefore serve as useful adjunctive but underutilized therapy in the management of patients with severe GI chronic GVHD. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2007) 13: 49–51.
Stable Bipedal Locomotion Using Biomimetic IPMC Actuators

Ionic conducting polymer-metal composites (abbreviated as IPMC) are interesting actuators that can act as artificial muscles in robotic and microelectromechanical systems. The electrochemical-mechanical behavior of these materials has been modeled by various black or gray box models. In this study, the governing partial differential equation of the behavior of IPMC is solved using finite element methods to find the critical actuation parameters such as strain distribution, maximum strain, and response time. 1D results of the FEM solution are then extended to 2D to find the tip displacement of a flap actuator. Model of a seven-degree of freedom biped robot, actuated by IPMC flaps, is then introduced to study. Possibility of fast and stable bipedal locomotion using IPMC artificial muscles is the main motivation of this study. Taking the actuator limits into account, joint path trajectories are generated to achieve a fast and smooth motion. The stability of the proposed gait is then evaluated using ZMP criterion and motion simulation. Fabrication parameters of each actuator such as length, platinum (or gold) plating thickness and installation angle are also studied using the generated trajectories.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A bibliometric analysis of geographic publication variations in the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia from 1990 to 2011.

Objective The bibliometrics of the anesthesiology literature has shifted substantially during the past 3 decades. The present authors analyzed the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia (JCVA) at selected time intervals from 1990 to 2011 to quantify temporal variations in geographic publication patterns. The authors also determined whether previously described reductions in North American research productivity were accompanied by similar decreases in the number of other forms of publication in JCVA. Design An observational study. Setting Internet analysis. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results The number of research articles, case reports and conferences, review articles, and letters in each issue of the journal were quantified in each of 4 time intervals consisting of consecutive 4-year periods (1990-1993, 1996-1999, 2002-2005, and 2008-2011). Forty-three countries published a total of 2,587 articles (ie, 1,141 research articles, 735 case reports, 175 review articles, and 536 letters) during the 4 time periods examined. Progressive decreases in the percentage of research articles, case reports, and letters, but not review articles, from North America were observed over time. Significant increases in the percentage of research articles and letters contributed by European authors in 2008 to 2011 were observed compared with 1990 to 1993. The percentage of all publications from the Middle East and Australasia increased significantly, whereas South America and Africa were relatively minor contributors to JCVA throughout the study period. Conclusions The present bibliometric analysis indicates that JCVA has changed from a journal that primarily published work from countries in North America and Europe to one in which the Middle East and Australasia now make a substantial number of contributions. These results suggest that JCVA has evolved into a truly international journal since its inception in 1987.
Strength size effect of laminated composites

Abstract This paper presents results of theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of size on the strength of laminated composites. On the basis of the suggested probabilistic analytical model of the composite, which is determined by sequential multi-step failure of single sublaminates, expressions for prediction of the random strength distribution and reliability are presented. The influence of the number of sublaminates (composite thickness) on general regularities of the strength size effect is shown, analyzed in detail, and explained. Experimental analysis of the strength size effect is carried out on examples of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites with lay-ups [0]n at n =10, 20, 40, 60, and [( 0 2 90 ° ) s ] n at n = 4 and 10, under uniaxial tension. Good agreement with the predicted mean values of the tensile strength is shown. Standardized tables of the mean statistical characteristics of the laminated composite random strength in a plane stress state (mean value, coefficient of variation) are offered for practical engineering applications.
Resisting the Urge to Merge

The article presents a research brief of three studies being conducted on the psychological aspects of and employee reactions to corporate mergers. It references three studies by S. R. Giessner et al in a 2006 issue of “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.” The studies focused on issues such as premerger perceptions, merger patterns, and employee attitudes. The first two studies involved hypothetical situations; the third study involved actual employees involved in a merger. The researchers found that group identity played a large part in merger attitudes.
Automating Administrative Systems in a Law School Teaching Clinic: Designing a Computer System to Process Case and Time Data for Management and Research

The authors describe the design and installation of a computerized administration system in a law school clinic. The automated system gathers, maintains, and reports data about the cases and the activities of clinical teachers and students. It is found that automated case and time data systems can improve the quality of client service and education and simultaneously support empirical research. The authors propose that a national coding protocol for computer management systems be established to facilitate uniform data gathering about clinical education.