cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Affective cognition: Exploring lay theories of emotion.

Humans skillfully reason about others’ emotions, a phenomenon we term affective cognition. Despite its importance, few formal, quantitative theories have described the mechanisms supporting this phenomenon. We propose that affective cognition involves applying domain-general reasoning processes to domain-specific content knowledge. Observers’ knowledge about emotions is represented in rich and coherent lay theories, which comprise consistent relationships between situations, emotions, and behaviors. Observers utilize this knowledge in deciphering social agents’ behavior and signals (e.g., facial expressions), in a manner similar to rational inference in other domains. We construct a computational model of a lay theory of emotion, drawing on tools from Bayesian statistics, and test this model across four experiments in which observers drew inferences about others’ emotions in a simple gambling paradigm. This work makes two main contributions. First, the model accurately captures observers’ flexible but consistent reasoning about the ways that events and others’ emotional responses to those events relate to each other. Second, our work models the problem of emotional cue integration—reasoning about others’ emotion from multiple emotional cues—as rational inference via Bayes’ rule, and we show that this model tightly tracks human observers’ empirical judgments. Our results reveal a deep structural relationship between affective cognition and other forms of inference, and suggest wide-ranging applications to basic psychological theory and psychiatry.
Magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in the study of development.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a research tool in the study of development has increased in recent years due in part to improvements in spatial resolution, new imaging agents, and increased availability of MRI scanners. This chapter describes how contrast agent–enhanced MRI can be used to study development. In addition, we highlight some novel applications of contrast agent–enhanced MRI in biology that may be useful as tools for the study of development.
A plasma lens for linear collider final focus

Recent experimental and theoretical effort has been directed at designing a plasma lens for the Stanford Linear Collider final focus. Plasma lens of the type under consideration work on the principle that the self-forces of a beam pulse can be used to pinch the beam if electrostatic neutralization by the plasma is partially or wholly realized. It is predicted that the luminosity could be increased severalfold by such a lens. The plasma would be provided by a laser-ionized gas pulse. The operating modes of the lens are constrained by conflicting requirements of minimizing background and sensitivity to beam fluctuations. Preliminary focusing experiments using a 20-MeV linac and tests of a high-speed, pulsed valve for gas injection have been carried out. >
Status of global modeling of microwave circuits and devices

Global Modeling of Microwave and millimeter-wave circuits and systems means developing a comprehensive analysis and design tool that incorporates several physical aspects of the problem. This paper reviews some of the existing approaches for modeling microwaves and millimeter-wave circuits. It also presents an example based on Artificial Neural Networks.
The Role of Activity-Dependent Network Depression in the Expression and Self-Regulation of Spontaneous Activity in the Developing Spinal Cord

Spontaneous episodic activity occurs throughout the developing nervous system because immature circuits are hyperexcitable. It is not fully understood how the temporal pattern of this activity is regulated. Here, we study the role of activity-dependent depression of network excitability in the generation and regulation of spontaneous activity in the embryonic chick spinal cord. We demonstrate that the duration of an episode of activity depends on the network excitability at the beginning of the episode. We found a positive correlation between episode duration and the preceding inter-episode interval, but not with the following interval, suggesting that episode onset is stochastic whereas episode termination occurs deterministically, when network excitability falls to a fixed level. This is true over a wide range of developmental stages and under blockade of glutamatergic or GABAergic/glycinergic synapses. We also demonstrate that during glutamatergic blockade the remaining part of the network becomes more excitable, compensating for the loss of glutamatergic synapses and allowing spontaneous activity to recover. This compensatory increase in the excitability of the remaining network reflects the progressive increase in synaptic efficacy that occurs in the absence of activity. Therefore, the mechanism responsible for the episodic nature of the activity automatically renders this activity robust to network disruptions. The results are presented using the framework of our computational model of spontaneous activity in the developing cord. Specifically, we show how they follow logically from a bistable network with a slow activity-dependent depression switching periodically between the active and inactive states.
Super-resolved laser ranging using the Viterbi algorithm

We adapt two-dimensional Viterbi algorithm for use with a ladar imager. We exploit line-of-sight and smoothness constraints to reduce complexity and extract axial object details much smaller than the temporal response time of the system.
The simultaneous determination by stripping analysis of copper and silver in sulfuric acid supporting electrolyte using the platinum ring-disk electrode

Abstract The rotating platinum ring-disk electrode has been used to establish the conditions necessary for performing simultaneous stripping analysis for Cu(II) and Ag(I). A procedure is given for the simultaneous determination of Cu(II) and Ag(I) by stripping analysis using less than one monolayer CuAg deposits and greater than one monolayer CuAg deposits. If the deposit thickness is less than one monolayer, copper and silver strip in separate potential regions (0 to +0.4 and +0.4 to +1.0 V respectively) while if the deposit thickness exceeds one monolayer, first copper strips (−0.1 to +0.2 V) followed by a mixture of copper and silver (+0.2 to +0.5 V), and finally pure silver (+0.5 to +1.0 V).
A unified synthetic strategy toward oroidin-derived alkaloids premised on a biosynthetic proposal

Abstract Details of the evolution of a synthetic strategy toward the spirocyclic chlorocyclopentane core of oroidin-derived alkaloids, including the axinellamines and potentially adaptable to palau'amine, are described. A proposed refinement of the Kinnel–Scheuer biosynthetic proposal for palau'amine is posited. Studies undertaken to improve the regioselectivity and efficiency of a key Diels–Alder reaction utilizing a novel protecting group strategy, microwave chemistry, and other strategies are described. Further insights regarding the suitability of different protecting groups during the epoxidation/chlorination/ring contraction sequence are disclosed. Several interesting by-products from this reaction sequence are reported. These studies have led to a unified synthetic strategy to the axinellamines and palau'amine.
Functional Assessment of Problem Behaviors in Adults with Mental Retardation

Functional assessment has significantly improved the success of behavioral treatment of problem behaviors in adults with mental retardation. Functional assessment methods (i.e., techniques that yield a hypothesis of functional relationships) include direct observation, interviews, and checklists. Functional analysis consists of empirical methods that demonstrate behavioral function in controlled settings. Each method has advantages and limitations that reflect differences in both available resources and individual client characteristics. These methods and issues are reviewed, and future directions for both the research field and the adult population are suggested.
Petrology and provenance of deep sea drilling project sand and sandstone from the north pacific ocean and the bering sea

Abstract Sand and sandstone compositions from different types of basins reflect provenance terranes governed by plate tectonics. One hundred and one thin sections of Upper Miocene to Holocene sand-sized material were examined from DSDP/IPOD Sites in the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. The Gazzi-Dickinson point-counting method was used to establish compositional characteristics of sands from different tectonic settings. Continental margin forearc sands from the western North America continental margin arc system are clearly different from backarc/marginal-sea sands from the Aleutian intraoceanic arc system. The forearc sands have average QFL percentages of 29-42-29, LmLvLst percentages of 32-34-34, 3 Fmwk%M and 0.82 P/F. Aleutian backarc sands have average QFL percentages of 8-22-69. LmLvLst percentages of 9-85-6, 0.5 Fmwk%M and 0.96 P/F. A trend of increasing QFL%Q and decreasing LmLvLst%Lv westward in the backarc region of the Aleutian Ridge reflects the influence of the Asiatic continental margin. Aleutian backarc sands without continental influence have average QFL percentages of 1-20-79, LmLvLst percentages of 1-98-1, 0 Fmwk%M and 0.99 P/F. Of the continental margin forearc samples, sands on the Astoria Fan (west of the Oregon—Washington trench) contain the highest LmLvLst%Lv and lowest P/F; sands from mixed transform-fault and trench settings (Delgada Fan and Gulf of Alaska samples) have slightly higher Qp/Q (0.03); and sands from the Pacific-Juan de Fuca-North America triple junction have the highest Fmwk%M. Delgada Fan and Gulf of Alaska sands have average QFL percentages of 27-38-35, LmLvLst percentages of 37-26-37, 2 Fmwk%M and 0.86 P/F. Astoria Fan sands have average QFL percentages of 35-41-24, LmLvLst percentages of 30-47-23, 3 Fmwk%M and 0.74 P/F. The triple-junction sands have average QFL percentages of 28-59-13, LmLvLst percentages of 25-26-49, 9 Fmwk%M and 0.87 P/F. The petrologic data from the modern ocean basins examined in this study can provide useful analogs for interpretation of ancient oceanic sequences. Our data suggest some refinements of, but generally substantiate, existing petrologic models relating sandstone composition to tectonic setting.
Electronic correlations and polarizability of the Thomas–Fermi–Dirac–Amaldi potential: applications to the singly ionized iron-peak species

We study electric correlations and polarizability effects with the Thomas?Fermi?Dirac? Amaldi central potential applied to atoms and ions. These effects are introduced by means of non-spherical multipole corrections to the potential, which are variationally optimized. In addition, we propose an optimization technique of the potential for systems where relativistic effects on term energies are large. This approach yields highly improved descriptions of the atomic system, particularly for complex ions such as the 3d-shell transition metals (from Ca to Cu). The method is illustrated through various calculations.
Pharmacodynamic and clinical endpoints for functional colonic disorders: statistical considerations.

Background Intra- and inter-subject coefficients of variation (COV) of scintigraphic colonic transit (SCT) are well characterized. SCT response to therapy predicts clinical efficacy of experimental medications in lower functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID).
Describing Intimate Partner Stalking Over Time An Effort to Inform Victim-Centered Service Provision

Stalking has increasingly been the subject of legislation and research in the past 20 years. Within intimate partner violence, the context where it is most likely to occur, stalking predicts both greater danger and greater distress for the victim. However, research shows that practitioners are often unsure how to address stalking, and that the remedies available may not be effective. This longitudinal exploration of stalking focused on the experience of victims of intimate partner stalking and was conducted by Safe Horizon, an organization providing assistance to victims of violence and abuse in New York City. The sample of 82 women was interviewed monthly over 7 months, and the data were analyzed using growth curve models. We found that stalking decreased over time at a marginally significant level, and that change in stalking varied among participants. Perceived safety followed a similar pattern, increasing but not significantly, while stalking-related distress decreased significantly. The slopes of these variables were correlated, such that as stalking frequency decreased, perceived safety increased and distress decreased. Help-seeking was greater from court sources than victim services over the course of the study, but neither help source was related to a significant decrease in the stalking trajectory. According to victim report, orders of protection (OP) were helpful at some points and not at others. Implications of these results for offering victim-centered services are discussed.
Low levels of serum ionized magnesium are found in patients early after stroke which result in rapid elevation in cytosolic free calcium and spasm in cerebral vascular muscle cells

Ninety-eight patients admitted to the emergency rooms of three urban hospitals with a diagnosis of either ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke exhibited early and significant deficits in serum ionized Mg2+ (IMg2+), but not total Mg, as measured with a unique Mg2+-sensitive ion-selective electrode. Twenty-five percent of these stroke patients exhibited >65% reductions in the mean serum IMg2+ found in normal healthy human volunteers or patients admitted for minor bruises, cuts or deep lacerations. The stroke patients also demonstrated significant elevation in the serum ionized Ca2+ (ICa2+)/IMg2+ ratio, a sign of increased vascular tone and cerebrovasospasm. Exposure of primary cultured canine cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells to the low concentrations of IMg2+ found in the stroke patients, e.g. 0.30-0.48 mM, resulted in rapid and marked elevations in cytosolic free calcium ions ([Ca2+]i) as measured with the fluorescent probe, fura-2, and digital image analysis. Coincident with the rise in [Ca2+]i, many of the cerebral vascular cells went into spasm. Reintroduction of normal extracellular Mg2+ ion concentrations failed to either lower the [Ca2+]i overload or reverse the rounding-up of the cerebral vascular cells. These results suggest that changes in Mg2+ metabolism play important roles in stroke syndromes and in the etiology of cerebrovasospasm associated with cerebral hemorrhage.
Glucose Kinetic Responses to Protein Supplementation and Exogenous Somatotropin in Late Gestation Dairy Cows

Abstract Glucose kinetics were measured in late gestation multiparous Holstein dairy cows fed diets with different amounts of dietary crude protein (13.3 vs. 17.8%), with and without exogenous somatotropin. The trial was conducted as a completely randomized design; 35 cows were used in the final analysis. Kinetic measurements were made using the single injection technique with uniformly labeled 13 C-labeled glucose. A diet that contained 17.8% crude protein appeared to increase glucose utilization without a corresponding increase in supply. The evidence was an increased rate of glucose disposal. In contrast, exogenous bovine somatotropin (Posilac ® , Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO) appeared to enhance glucose conservation, as indicated by a tendency for a decreased fractional catabolic rate and an increased glucose pool size. Somatotropin appeared to modify glucose metabolism in a pattern favorable for supporting terminal fetal development and lactogenesis and for maintaining or enhancing maternal glycemia. The latter pattern could have implications for improving the health of periparturient dairy cows.
Consuming Transgenic Goats' Milk Containing the Antimicrobial Protein Lysozyme Helps Resolve Diarrhea in Young Pigs

Childhood diarrhea is a significant problem in many developing countries and E. coli is a main causative agent of diarrhea in young children. Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein highly expressed in human milk, but not ruminant milk, and is thought to help protect breastfeeding children against diarrheal diseases. We hypothesized that consumption of milk from transgenic goats which produce human lysozyme (hLZ-milk) in their milk would accelerate recovery from bacterial-induced diarrhea. Young pigs were used as a model for children and infected with enterotoxigenic E. coli. Once clinical signs of diarrhea developed, pigs were fed hLZ-milk or non-transgenic control goat milk three times a day for two days. Clinical observations and complete blood counts (CBC) were performed. Animals were euthanized and samples collected to assess differences in histology, cytokine expression and bacterial translocation into the mesenteric lymph node. Pigs consuming hLZ-milk recovered from clinical signs of infection faster than pigs consuming control milk, with significantly improved fecal consistency (p = 0.0190) and activity level (p = 0.0350). The CBC analysis showed circulating monocytes (p = 0.0413), neutrophils (p = 0.0219), and lymphocytes (p = 0.0222) returned faster to pre-infection proportions in hLZ-milk fed pigs, while control-fed pigs had significantly higher hematocrit (p = 0.027), indicating continuing dehydration. In the ileum, pigs fed hLZ-milk had significantly lower expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (p = 0.0271), longer intestinal villi (p<0.0001), deeper crypts (p = 0.0053), and a thinner lamina propria (p = 0.0004). These data demonstrate that consumption of hLZ-milk helped pigs recover from infection faster, making hLZ-milk an effective treatment of E. coli-induced diarrhea.
Aerosol measurement of airspace diameter correlates with morphometry in normal and papain-exposed air dried lungs.

Aerosol measures of effective airspace diameter (EAD) were correlated with morphometric parameters in a series of 8 canine lungs, 5 of which had been exposed to papain in order to cause experimental emphysema. In an effort to preserve alveolar dimensions without shrinkage, the lungs were fixed by air drying at total lung capacity. EAD was measured with 400-cm2 boluses, with mean penetration index (Pen), defined as volumetric bolus penetration / total lung capacity, equal to 0.34 (EAD400), and with 800-cm2 aerosol boluses, with mean Pen equal to 0.59 (EADdeep). Morphometric analysis, following measurement of EADs, determined the mean linear intercept and other parameters of the chordlength distribution, including the 90th, 95th, and 99th percentiles (p90, p95, p99), the standard deviation, and the geometric standard deviation (GSD). EAD400 was significantly correlated with Lm (r2=.68, P <. 05), p95, (r2=. 85, P <. 01), p99 (r2=. 94, P <. 001), and GSD (r2=. 94, P <. 001). Similar results were f...
Brief heat treatment increases cytotoxicity of Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin in an LFA-1 independent manner.

Abstract Mannheimia haemolytica is an important respiratory pathogen in cattle. Its predominant virulence factor is a leukotoxin (LKT) that is a member of the RTX family of exotoxins produced by a variety of Gram negative bacteria. LKT binds to the CD18 chain of β 2 integrins on bovine leukocytes, resulting in cell death. In this study, we show that brief heat treatment of native LKT (95 °C for 3 min) results in increased cytotoxicity for BL-3 (bovine lymphoblastoid) cells. Similar heat treatment restored the activity of LKT that had been rendered inactive by incubation at 22 °C for 3 days. A hallmark of LKT is that its toxicity is restricted to leukocytes from cattle or other ruminant species. Surprisingly, heat treatment rendered LKT cytotoxic for human, porcine and canine leukocytes. Membrane binding studies suggested that heat-treated LKT binds to membrane proteins other than LFA-1, and is distributed diffusely along the BL-3 cell membrane. Circular Dichroism spectroscopy studies indicate that heat treatment induced a small change in the secondary structure of the LKT that was not reversed when the LKT was cooled to room temperature. Thus, we speculate that these structural changes might contribute to the altered biological properties of heat-treated LKT.
Molecular Spectroscopy and Astrophysical Problems

Molecular problems of astrophysics, such as the question of the presence of molecular hydrogen in planets and in the interstellar medium or the question of the composition of comets, have stimulated a good deal of laboratory and theoretical work in molecular spectroscopy. Conversely, advances in molecular spectroscopy have made possible a better understanding of many astrophysical phenomena. Examples for this mutual cross-fertilization are discussed.
Can Membrane Cascades Replace Chromatography? Adapting Binary Ideal Cascade Theory of Systems of Two Solutes in a Single Solvent

Abstract It is suggested that the adoption of efficient counterflow cascades may accelerate the continuing encroachment of membranes on chromatography for downstream processing of biologicals, and a specific numerical example is provided to demonstrate their effectiveness. Emphasis is on three‐stage ideal cascades, and it is shown that one may begin using the traditional batch operating mode. Conversion to continuous operation is then both simple and straightforward. Membrane cascades are the only means so far available for true continuous downstream processing of therapeutic proteins, which is a natural extension of the continuous upstream processes already beginning to be used for industrial production. Membranes are also attractive for larger entities such as plasmids or viruses whose low diffusivities can severely limit use of chromatographic processes.
Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements in sooting flames

Abstract FT-IR absorption measurements of gas-phase species in highly sooting hydrocarbon flames are presented. These measurements were made on a kerosene lantern flame and a linear propane/air diffusion flame supported on a modified surface-mixing burner. In addition to the usual products of combustion (H 2 O, CO 2 , and CO), we have identified several smaller hydrocarbons (CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , and C 2 H 2 ) and have observed broad bands indicative of long-chain aliphatic and olefinic hydrocarbons. Rotational temperatures computed from the CO spectrum and hydrocarbon optical absorbance values are presented as a function of distance above the burner surface.
NiMoO4 selective oxidation catalysts containing excess MoO3 for the conversion of C4 hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride. I. Preparation and characterization

Abstract NiMoO 4 catalysts containing “excess” MoO 3 are active for the selective oxidation of C 4 hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride. The synthesis and characterization of the active component of this catalyst are reported. Synthesis techniques included precipitation, solid-state reaction, and impregnation. Extensive characterization of the catalyst has been performed using complementary instrumentation techniques, including laser Raman spectroscopy, Raman microprobe spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Past, present, and future approaches for testing metals for environmental concerns and regulatory approaches

Abstract Procedural approaches used for sample preparation have remained relatively unchanged in recent years except for a trend toward extracting or digesting larger numbers of samples and the possible use of microwave digestion. The use of sequential extraction schemes for metals and metalloids has increased as a result of a growing interest in in suti remediation of contaminated soils. Here questions focus on how soil amendments or treatments have rendered metals or metalloids less reactive or bioavallable. The use of computers for control of instruments, sample presentation, and interference correction represent significant advancements for many of the routine analytical instruments in use today. The development of inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) allows for much lower detection limits for certain elements and the possibility of performing isotope ratio analysis. Synchrotron radiation‐based techniques have become more common in recent years and offer nondestructive methods for exa...
Invasion of plant tissue by bacteria under in vitro conditions.

Epiphytic bacteria have been reported to be responsible for the indoleacetic acid formed from tryptophian in incubation mixtures including plant tissues from pea seedlings as well as a variety of of other plant tissues l(2, 4, 14, 1 5). Bacteria which are claimed to be endemic to tuberous tissue of numerous plant species, to the caryopses of 2 plant varieties, and to the embryo of 1 plant species (8,9) have been reported to be capable of synthesizing auxins as well as gibberellins (9). The majority of these experiments were run under conditions which are well beyond time periods for enzyme assays, i.e., 1 to several days. The possibility that bacterial contamination could account for the auxin synthesis ascribed to plant tissues in recent reports (7, 13) was dismissed for a number of reasons including the following: surface sterilization procedures were employed and were followed by a thorough washing of the tissue; high speed centrifugation techniques were used; a short time interval was used for the enzyme assays; and antibiotics were included in the reaction mixtures. The use of the above techniquies would presumably eliminate the participation of any significant number of epiphytic bacteria in auxinl formation in the assay flasks. However, if bacteria were present within the tisstse, these methods would be much less effective in controlling contamination. By the use of sterile culture techniques it is extremelv difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether the origin of the bacteria is from external surfaces or from within the plant tissue. Accordingly, a study, was uindertaken to examine, with the electron microscope, plant tissue which is used in auxin formation studies. The tissue examined was taken from the uppermost internode of Alaska pea seedlings (Pisurn satiVum L.). Tissue was obtained from intact seed-
Embryonic origin and Hox status determine progenitor cell fate during adult bone regeneration

The fetal skeleton arises from neural crest and from mesoderm. Here, we provide evidence that each lineage contributes a unique stem cell population to the regeneration of injured adult bones. Using Wnt1Cre::Z/EG mice we found that the neural crest-derived mandible heals with neural crest-derived skeletal stem cells, whereas the mesoderm-derived tibia heals with mesoderm-derived stem cells. We tested whether skeletal stem cells from each lineage were functionally interchangeable by grafting mesoderm-derived cells into mandibular defects, and vice versa. All of the grafting scenarios, except one, healed through the direct differentiation of skeletal stem cells into osteoblasts; when mesoderm-derived cells were transplanted into tibial defects they differentiated into osteoblasts but when transplanted into mandibular defects they differentiated into chondrocytes. A mismatch between the Hox gene expression status of the host and donor cells might be responsible for this aberration in bone repair. We found that initially, mandibular skeletal progenitor cells are Hox-negative but that they adopt a Hoxa11-positive profile when transplanted into a tibial defect. Conversely, tibial skeletal progenitor cells are Hox-positive and maintain this Hox status even when transplanted into a Hox-negative mandibular defect. Skeletal progenitor cells from the two lineages also show differences in osteogenic potential and proliferation, which translate into more robust in vivo bone regeneration by neural crest-derived cells. Thus, embryonic origin and Hox gene expression status distinguish neural crest-derived from mesoderm-derived skeletal progenitor cells, and both characteristics influence the process of adult bone regeneration.
A comparison of outcomes and cost in VHWG grade II hernias between Rives-Stoppa synthetic mesh hernia repair versus underlay biologic mesh repair.

The current literature is void of evidence-based guidelines regarding optimal choice of mesh. We aim to perform a comparative outcome analysis of synthetic mesh and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in Ventral Hernia Working Grade (VHWG) grade II hernias with primary fascial closure. A retrospective review of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR) by the senior author (S.J.K.) from 2007 to 2012 was performed. Patients undergoing VHR with primary fascial closure were risk stratified using the VHWG defined grading system. Seventy-two patients met the abovementioned inclusion criteria with 45 receiving synthetic mesh and 27 receiving ADM. The mean length of follow-up was 12.1 ± 9.1 months. Patients were, on average, 53.2 ± 11.6 years of age with a BMI of 33.9 ± 10.6 kg/m2. The overall incidence of surgical site occurrence (SSO) in the cohort was 41.7 % and the incidence of hernia recurrence was 5.6 %. 30-day mortality was 1.2 %. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that obesity (P = 0.038) and number of comorbidities (P = 0.043) were associated with SSO. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that prior failed hernia, use of ADM, and operative time were associated with higher rates of hernia recurrence; however, adjusted multivariate regression found only prior failed hernia (OR = 4.1, P = 0.03) and biologic mesh (OR = 3.4, P = 0.046) to be independently associated with recurrent hernia. Comparison of mesh types revealed few differences in preoperative or operative characteristics between synthetic mesh and acellular dermal matrices (ADM). The rate of hernia recurrence was significantly higher with ADM (14.8 % vs. 0.0 %, P = 0.017). Patients receiving ADM repairs incurred significantly greater cost ($56,142.1 ± 54,775.5 vs. $30,599.8 ± 39,000.8, P < 0.001). These data suggest synthetic mesh is indicated in higher risk VHWG grade II repairs. In comparison to ADM, synthetic mesh was associated with significantly fewer hernia recurrences and lower cost utilization at 1-year. Prognostic/risk category, level III
Using common salt to impart pseudocapacitive functionalities to carbon nanofibers

A novel and simple method of incorporating pseudocapacitive surface functionalities on free-standing carbon nanofibers using common salt (sodium chloride) is presented. The blend of sodium chloride (NaCl) and polyacrylonitrile is electrospun together, followed by pyrolysis and mild acid treatment to obtain functionalized free-standing (binder-free) carbon nanofibers. The synthesized materials have a low surface area of only 24 m2 g−1, however the electrochemical studies show a five-fold increase in specific capacitance on incorporation of NaCl compared to that without NaCl. The XPS characterization demonstrates that the presence of NaCl leads to enhanced oxygen on the surface of carbon nanofibers, particularly in the form of carboxyl groups. These carboxyl groups then facilitate the adsorption of sulfur functional groups on acid treatment. A high specific capacitance of 204 F g−1, areal capacitance of 1.15 F cm−2, and volumetric capacitance of 63 F cm−3 in 1 M H2SO4 are obtained, which are attributed to the surface functional groups participating in the pseudocapacitive redox reactions. The fabricated nanofibers demonstrate good capacitance retention at high current densities and high cyclability.
Anterograde transport blockade precedes deficits in retrograde transport in the visual projection of the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma.

Axonal transport deficits have been reported as an early pathology in several neurodegenerative disorders, including glaucoma. However, the progression and mechanisms of these deficits are poorly understood. Previous work suggests that anterograde transport is affected earlier and to a larger degree than retrograde transport, yet this has never been examined directly in vivo. Using combined anterograde and retrograde tract tracing methods, we examined the time-course of anterograde and retrograde transport deficits in the retinofugal projection in pre-glaucomatous (3 month-old) and glaucomatous (9-13 month old) DBA/2J mice. DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ mice were used as a control strain and were shown to have similar retinal ganglion cell densities as C57BL/6J control mice—a strain commonly investigated in the field of vision research. Using cholera toxin-B injections into the eye and FluoroGold injections into the superior colliculus (SC), we were able to measure anterograde and retrograde transport in the primary visual projection. In DBA/2J, anterograde transport from the retina to superior colliculus (SC) was decreased by 69% in the 9-10 month-old age group, while retrograde transport was only reduced by 23% from levels seen in pre-glaucomatous mice. Despite this minor reduction, retrograde transport remained largely intact in these glaucomatous age groups until 13-months of age. These findings indicate that axonal transport deficits occur in semi-functional axons that are still connected to their brain targets. Structural persistence as determined by presence of estrogen-related receptor beta label in the superficial SC was maintained beyond time-points where reductions in retrograde transport occurred, also supporting that transport deficits may be due to physiological or functional abnormalities as opposed to overt structural loss.
Unspeakably cruel--torture, medical ethics, and the law

George Annas reviews international and U.S. laws and U.S. Supreme Court decisions relevant to torture in wartime. He also discusses the controversy over physicians' roles in the torture of prisoners in the prisons at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay and argues that physicians have a special responsibility to prevent and report torture.
A comparison of “influenza C” with prototype myxoviruses: Receptor-destroying activity (neuraminidase) and structural polypeptides

Abstract “Influenza C” virus agglutinates chicken erythrocytes and elutes rapidly from them, in the process destroying receptors for the virus. Virions of influenza C purified by centrifugation into a density gradient retain the ability to agglutinate and elute from red blood cells and to destroy their receptors for influenza C. However, the receptor-destroying activity of influenza C does not affect receptors for prototype ortho- and paramyxoviruses. Purified and concentrated bacterial neuraminidase destroys receptors for influenza A and B and Newcastle disease viruses without affecting receptors for influenza C. These results confirm and extend previous observations by Hirst that influenza C receptors differ from receptors for myxoviruses and suggest they do not contain sialic acid. Direct assay for neuraminidase activity in “influenza C” was carried out employing as substrates compounds containing predominantly N -acetyl, 4-O-acetyl N -acetyl, or 7-O-acetyl and 8-O-acetyl N -acetyl neuraminic acid in 2–3′-, 2–4′-, 2–6′- and 2–8′-α-O-glycosidic linkage. Although differences in specificity were observed between Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase, influenza A and B neuraminidase, and Newcastle disease virus neuraminidase, each neuraminidase was active against several of the substrates whereas “influenza C” did not liberate sialic acid from any substrate. It is concluded that “influenza C” lacks an α-neuraminidase. By acrylamide-gel electrophoretic analysis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate influenza C virions were found to contain three glycoproteins, of sizes about 83,000, 66,000 and 26,000 daltons. The main structural polypeptide was nonglycosylated, had a size of about 28,000 daltons, and was the only polypeptide present in enveloped structures recovered after prolonged proteolytic digestion which destroys all morphologically identifiable components of influenza C virions except for the structural envelope. This component is thus identified as the internal membrane protein. An additional non-glycosylated major polypeptide component in virions, of size about 62,000 daltons, is believed to be the nucleoprotein. The pattern of structural polypeptides is distinct from that of paramyxoviruses, but in some respects similar to orthomyxoviruses. Classification and nomenclature of “influenza C” virus are discussed.
Functional analysis and response covariation in the assessment of personality disorders: a reply to Staats and to Bissett and Hayes

Abstract In this reply to Bissett and Hayes (this issue) and Staats (this issue) we address critical comments in response to our initial proposal and highlight points of agreement. The overall thesis of our reply is that classification schemes based on nomothetic response covariation, such as DSM, complement, but do not substitute for, an idiographically-based functional analysis and behavioral assessment. In the context of our reply, we address the following primary concerns raised by Bissett, Hayes, and Staats: (a) we are essentially proposing the melding of two theoretically incongruent approaches, and that such a melding is inherently not viable or useful; (b) the behavior analytic approach cannot account for personality or psychological constructs; and (c) that categories based on topography do not have demonstrated treatment utility. We also discuss points of agreement with our respondents: (d) a theoretically-based descriptive classification system is required to ultimately advance clinical science, (e) the DSM personality disorder classification system, to remain viable, needs a stronger empirical base; and (f) that alternatives to DSM classification that more strongly emphasize behavioral principles are in need of development.
Transparent magnetic photoresists for bioanalytical applications

Microfabricated devices possessing magnetic properties are of great utility in bioanalytical microdevices due to their controlled manipulation with external magnets. Current methods for creating magnetic microdevices yield a low-transparency material preventing light microscopy-based inspection of biological specimens on the structures. Uniformly transparent magnetic photoresists were developed for microdevices that require high transparency as well as consistent magnetism across the structure. Colloidal formation of 10 nm maghemite particles was minimized during addition to the negative photoresists SU-8 and 1002F through organic capping of the nanoparticles and utilization of solvent-based dispersion techniques. Photoresists with maghemite concentrations of 0.01-1% had a high transparency due to the even dispersal of maghemite nanoparticles within the polymer as observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These magnetic photoresists were used to fabricate microstructures with aspect ratios up to 4:1 and a resolution of 3 μm. Various cell lines showed excellent adhesion and viability on the magnetic photoresists. An inspection of cells cultured on the magnetic photoresists with TEM showed cellular uptake of magnetic nanoparticles leeched from the photoresists. Cellular contamination by magnetic nanoparticles was eliminated by capping the magnetic photoresist surface with native 1002F photoresist or by removing the top layer of the magnetic photoresist through surface roughening. The utility of these magnetic photoresists was demonstrated by sorting single cells (HeLa, RBL and 3T3 cells) cultured on arrays of releasable magnetic micropallets. 100% of magnetic micropallets with attached cells were collected following release from the array. 85-92% of the collected cells expanded into colonies. The polymeric magnetic materials should find wide use in the fabrication of microstructures for bioanalytical technologies.
Successful repair of left ventricular rupture after redo mitral valve replacement

A patient with an extensive type I left ventricular rupture after a redo mitral valve replacement was successfully treated using a patch of glutaraldehyde-preserved pericardium sutured to the endocardium around the tear.
Experimental Acoustic Ground Cloak in Air

We present the design, fabrication, and performance analysis for a class of two-dimensional acoustic cloaking coatings in air. Our approach takes advantage of transformation acoustics and linear coordinate transformations that result in shells which are homogeneous, broadband, and compact. The required material parameters are highly anisotropic; however, we show that they are easily achievable in practice in metamaterials made of perforated plastic plates. The good performance of the fabricated design is assessed from measurements of the sound field produced around the cloak by a broadband source. The remarkably low complexity of the device made of perforated plastic plates shows that sound in air can be fully and effectively manipulated using realizable transformation acoustics devices.
An application-level content generative model for network applications

Generating application-level content within network simulations and/or testbed environments tends toward an ad-hoc process reliant primarily on evaluator expertise. Such ad-hoc approaches are laborious and often fail to capture important aspects of how content is distributed within traffic. Further, while many tools allow for the generation of a wide-range of content types, there exists no coherent model for populating these tools with the necessary data. In this work, we create a content generative model for identifying, harvesting, and assigning application-level content to simulated traffic. This model ties consumers of content to the producers of the content as well as to a particular content category. This approach then allows for said content to be tied to a workload generator or simulator of choice to evaluate a given network application.
Implosion of the superpinch

It is shown that a programmed fast rising current, making an excursion in excess of the Pease-Braginskii current, can isentropically compress a thermonuclear plasma to very high densities. Such a dynamic superpinch can satisfy the Lawson criterion for theD T thermonuclear reaction. The pinch current has to be driven by a large fast rising multimegavolt pulse power source. It is anticipated that electric pulse power sources employing both the magnetic insulation and double disc principles can satisfy the needed requirements in high voltages large currents and short discharge times.
Effects of cholera toxin on vasoconstriction and cyclic AMP content of the isolated rabbit ear artery.

Abstract We have studied the effect of cholera toxin on the constrictor responses of the isolated, perfused rabbit ear artery to nerve stimulation and to norepinephrine infusion. We found that when we perfussed arteries with cholera toxin (1–9 μg/ml) for five minutes or longer, the toxin gradually inhibited the responses to intermittent stimulation of the adrenergic nerves and to brief infusion of norepinephrine. The constrictor responses began to decrease between one and two hours after we added cholera toxin, and the responses were still depressed after 24 hours. Cholera toxin inhibited both the rapid, initial phase and the slower, sustained phase of the biphasic response of the ear artery to nerve stimulation. Propranolol and indomethacin did not block the effect of cholera toxin on vasoconstriction. However, when we mixed the toxin with antitoxin or GM1 ganglioside, we prevented the inhibitory effect on vasoconstriction. Levels of adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in arteries treated with cholera toxin were greater than levels of cyclic AMP in untreated arteries. The cyclic AMP content increased and the constrictor responses decreased with a similar time course after the arteries were exposed to the toxin. Thus an increase in cyclic AMP may be involved in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle induced by cholera toxin.
LC-MS/MS method for the determination of carbamathione in human plasma

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodology is described for the determination of S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)glutathione (carbamathione) in human plasma samples. Sample preparation consisted of a straightforward perchloric acid medicated protein precipitation, with the resulting supernatant containing the carbamathione (recovery ∼98%). For optimized chromatography/mass spec detection a carbamathione analog, S-(N,N-di-i-propylcarbamoyl)glutathione, was synthesized and used as the internal standard. Carbamathione was found to be stable over the pH 1–8 region over the timeframe necessary for the various operations of the analytical method. Separation was accomplished via reversedphase gradient elution chromatography with analyte elution and re-equilibration accomplished within 8 min. Calibration was established and validated over the concentration range of 0.5–50 nM, which is adequate to support clinical investigations. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision determined and found to be <4% and <10%, respectively. The methodology was utilized to demonstrate the carbamathione plasma-time profile of a human volunteer dosed with disulfiram (250 mg/d). Interestingly, an unknown but apparently related metabolite was observed with each human plasma sample analyzed. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evolutionary divergence and length of repetitive sequences in sea urchin DNA

The organization of repetitive and single copy DNA sequences in sea urchin DNA has been examined with the single strand specific nuclease Sl fromAspergillus. Conditions and levels of enzyme were established so that single strand DNA was effectively digested while reassociated divergent repetitive duplexes remained enzyme resistant. About 25% of sea urchin DNA reassociates with repetitive kinetics to form Sl resistant duplexes of two distinct size classes derived from long and short repetitive sequences in the sea urchin genome. Fragments 2,000 nucleotides long were reassociated to Cot 20 and subjected to controlled digestion with Sl nuclease. About half of the resistant duplexes (13% of the DNA) are short, with a mode size of about 300 nucleotide pairs. This class exhibits significant sequence divergence, and principally consists of repetitive sequences which were interspersed with single copy sequences. About one-third of the long duplexes (4% of the DNA) are reduced in size after extensive Sl nuclease digestion to about 300 nucleotide pairs. About two-thirds of the long resistant duplexes (8% of the DNA) remains long after extensive SI nuclease digestion. These long reassociated duplexes are precisely base paired. The short duplexes are imprecisely paired with a melting temperature about 9°C below that of precisely paired duplexes of the same length. The relationship between length of repetitive duplex and precision of repetition is confirmed by an independent method and has been observed in the DNA of a number of species over a wide phylogenetic area.
Cable and Damper Vibration Studies

Discussion and author's closure of a paper by L. A. Pipes published in the June 1936 issue, pages 600–14, and presented for oral discussion at the conductor vibration session of the AIEE summer convention, Pasadena, Calif., June 23, 1936.
Globally inconsistent figure/ground relations induced by a negative part

Figure/ground interpretation is a dynamic and complex process involving the cooperation and competition of a number of perceptual factors. Most research has assumed that figure/ground assignment is globally consistent along the entire contour of a single figure, meaning that the one side of each boundary is interpreted as figure along the entire length of the boundary, and the other side interpreted as ground. We investigated a situation that challenges this assumption, because local cues to figure/ground conflict with global cues: a “negative part,” a contour region that appears locally convex but that the global form requires be concave. To measure figure/ground assignment, we use a new task based on local contour motion attribution that allows us to measure border ownership locally at points along the contour. The results from two experiments showed that the more salient a negative part is, the more border ownership tended to locally reverse within it, creating an inconsistency in figure/ground assignments along the contour. This suggests that border ownership assignment is not an all-or-none process, but rather a locally autonomous process that is not strictly constrained by global cues.