cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Use and High-Risk Sexual Behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contains 10% of the world’s population and 60% of all people living with AIDS. Consequently, research investigating risk factors associated with HIV acquisition is a public health priority and one such risk factor is alcohol consumption. This article is a review of empirical studies on the association of alcohol and high-risk sexual behavior in SSA, with a focus on measurable outcomes generated from quantitative data. A critique of the literature is provided, with attention to methodological concerns. Empirically based theoretical orientations were used to interpret the reviewed research and to stimulate discussion about how to improve the state of the current literature. Based on this discussion, a model of alcohol and high-risk sexual behavior in an African context is proposed in order to integrate the existing literature and highlight areas in need of continued research.
Zirconium sulphide in S stars

Les observations spectroscopiques a moyenne et a haute resolution sont rapportees pour 3 variables Mira, R And, X Cyg et R Cas, dans la region 1.0-1.4 μm. Ces etoiles ont ete observees au voisinage du minimum de lumiere et leur spectre revele des bandes d'absorption moleculaire. Des travaux recents au laboratoire effectues par Winkel R.J. (1987) soutiennent que plusieurs bandes K-W sont dus a ZrS. Le cas de ce compose est passe en revue a la lumiere des bandes intenses decouvertes dans le spectre de la bande J. Ces bandes fournissent une opportunite pour la mesure des abondances en soufre dans les photospheres des etoiles de type avance
Religious Suicide in Islamic Asia: Anticolonial Terrorism in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Most modern studies of terrorism have been synchronic or ahistorical, focusing on immediate problems and ignoring the more profound conflicts that give rise to terrorist attacks. This failure to take into account long-term conflicts that give rise to terrorist attacks is especially noticeable in the research on Middle Eastern terrorism, for most published studies ignore the shared historical experience of Muslims, especially their cultural memory of their centuries-long confrontation with the West. This article demonstrates that even the most intimidating form of modern terrorism, the suicidal attack, such as that which destroyed the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, has been used repeatedly over several centuries by Muslims in three Asian Muslim communities as a means of attacking militarily superior European and American colonial powers. A study of such incidents in Islamic Asia establishes a basis for understanding the attitudes of Middle Eastern Muslims, provides insights into the dynamics of terrorist ...
Translational bioinformatics applications in genome medicine

Although investigators using methodologies in bioinformatics have always been useful in genomic experimentation in analytic, engineering, and infrastructure support roles, only recently have bioinformaticians been able to have a primary scientific role in asking and answering questions on human health and disease. Here, I argue that this shift in role towards asking questions in medicine is now the next step needed for the field of bioinformatics. I outline four reasons why bioinformaticians are newly enabled to drive the questions in primary medical discovery: public availability of data, intersection of data across experiments, commoditization of methods, and streamlined validation. I also list four recommendations for bioinformaticians wishing to get more involved in translational research.
β-Trace Gene Expression Is Regulated by a Core Promoter and a Distal Thyroid Hormone Response Element

Abstract We isolated and characterized the human β-Trace protein (βTP) gene promoter. βTP, also known as prostaglandin D2 synthase, is a lipocalin secreted from the choroid plexus and meninges into cerebrospinal fluid. Basal transcription of the βTP gene is directed from a core promoter found within the first 325 bases of the 5′-flanking sequence. The βTP gene promoter is responsive to thyroid hormone (3,3′,5-triiodothyronine, T3) and efficiently repressed by unliganded human thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Functional analysis of the βTP promoter in TE671 cells revealed that responsiveness to T3 occurs in sequences 2.5 kilobase pairs 5′ of the start site. Within the hormone-responsive region we identified a thyroid hormone response element (TRE) located from −2576 to −2562 base pairs relative to the transcription start site. The βTP TRE is composed of two directly repeated consensus half-sites separated by a 3-base pair space (DR3). The βTP TRE forms specific complexes with TRβ. We have shown that a gene active in the choroid plexus and meninges is responsive to T3. T3 may play a role in the regulated transport of substances into the cerebrospinal fluid and ultimately the brain.
Ageing, reproductive value, and the evolution of lifetime fighting behaviour

The study of sexual selection has recently been enriched by an explicit life history focus. This lifetime perspective has much to offer the field; however, most existing interdisciplinary exchanges have restricted themselves to the context of mate choice and associated phenomena. The present study explores the consequences of an explicit life history view upon the evolution of male–male contest competition. Key to this view is the fact that fighting typically has lifetime consequences, and thus the costs involved with contests are best considered in lifetime currencies such as residual reproductive value. The rate of contemporary contest cost accrual may vary among contestants due to differences between them in what they ‘stand to lose’, in terms of future reproductive opportunities. It is also suggested that it may be fruitful to partition key life history parameters into components that are either dependent or independent of future choice of mating strategy. Using a simple simulation, it is demonstrated that the optimum pattern of lifetime contest participation may vary depending upon lifetime variation in ‘strategy-independent’ components of reproductive value (such as the rate of mortality experienced in contexts unrelated to mating behaviour). In line with previous models of age-specific sexual advertisement, increasing lifetime aggression appears as the most favoured strategy; however, young age aggression is predicted if resource holding potential is expected to decline with age irrespective of prior contest participation. The model is discussed, along with key concepts surrounding the life history viewpoint, in light of prior life history/sexual selection models and the existing empirical data regarding lifetime fighting strategies in the wild. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 565–578.
Interpretation of extreme centrifugal distortion in HNCO, HNCS and their deuterium derivatives

Abstract The reasons for the extreme distortion in HNCO, DNCO, HNCS and DNCS and for the breakdown of the usual theoretical approach to the problem of centrifugal distortion are discussed. Several simple models are developed from which one can obtain semiquantitative estimates of the ground state Q -branch frequencies. The results satisfactorily account for the magnitude of the large centrifugal distortion in these quasi-linear molecules. An explanation is proposed for the supposedly anomalous behavior of D JK found by the microwave workers for these molecules.
Thermochemical conversion of livestock wastes: carbonization of swine solids.

Slow pyrolysis or carbonization promotes the conversion of animal manures such as swine manure into charcoal. In this paper, the carbonizing kinetics of swine solids taken from different treatment stages were investigated with a thermogravimetric analyzer. Compared to their biologically stabilized counterpart (lagoon sludge) with an activation energy of 160 kJ mol � 1 , the activation energies for fresh swine solid samples such as homogenized flushed manure and dewatered solids were much lower between 92 and 95 kJ mol � 1 . Compared to the kinetics of first order decomposition of cellulose, the pyrolytic decomposition of the swine manures were more complex with the reaction orders varying at 3.7 and 5.0. The two different mathematical methods employed in this paper yielded the similar values of activation energy (E) and pre-exponential factor (A), confirming the validity of these methods. The results of this study provide useful information for development of farm-scale swine solid carbonization process. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A unique, robust low-rate HF radio modem

Military HF radio modems are required to operate over a broad range of adverse channel conditions such as severe multipath and fading, partial-band and carrier-wave interference as well as Gaussian and impulsive noise. The theory of operation and simulation results for a modem capable of providing reliable, low error rate performance in the presence of these harsh forms of interference and distortion is described. The detection is maximum likelihood and is based on a partial-band noise/interference model and the assumption of slow fading. Rejection of interference is facilitated by processing in time and frequency domains. An implementation, allowing a data rate of 75 bits/s, which uses a PSK modulated carrier swept over a 3 kHz bandwidth is described in detail. Simulation results with carrier wave (CW) interference, multipath distortion, Gaussian and impulse noise conditions are presented, demonstrating the exceptional detection performance attainable. >
Propagation at 10 μm through smoke produced by atmospheric combustion of diesel fuel

Absorption and extinction due to the smoke produced by the atmospheric combustion of diesel fuel have been measured using a CO2 laser spectrophone at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. The absorption coefficient normalized to the aerosol mass density is 0.84 ± 0.076 m2/g, and the total scattering coefficient (the difference between the extinction and absorption values) normalized in the same way is 0.15 ± 0.014 m2/g. The largely fibrous aerosol was found to be 80% carbon, with most of the remainder consisting of hydrocarbons which are comparatively transparent at 10.6 μm and physically resemble the unburned fuel. The normalized coefficients of this study approximate those of diesel automobile effluents. This is not surprising since the aerosol composition and morphology appear to be similar.
Subsurface imaging of vegetation, climate, and root‐zone moisture interactions

[1] Changes in global climate and land use affect important processes from evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge to carbon storage and biochemical cycling. Near surface soil moisture is pivotal to understand the consequences of these changes. However, the dynamic interactions between vegetation and soil moisture remain largely unresolved because it is difficult to monitor and quantify subsurface hydrologic fluxes at relevant scales. Here we use electrical resistivity to monitor the influence of climate and vegetation on root-zone moisture, bridging the gap between remotely-sensed and in-situ point measurements. Our research quantifies large seasonal differences in root-zone moisture dynamics for a forest–grassland ecotone. We found large differences in effective rooting depth and moisture distributions for the two vegetation types. Our results highlight the likely impacts of land transformations on groundwater recharge, streamflow, and land-atmosphere exchanges.
Impact of low body weight on frequency of pediatric cardiac catheterization complications.

Abstract The overall risk of pediatric cardiac catheterization remains low despite the enormous new complexity and potential for complications brought on by the growth of interventional catheterization techniques. For all patients aged < 21 years, balloon interventions carry the highest risk, diagnostic procedures carry more risk than non-balloon interventions, and although weight < or = 5 kg is a significant risk factor for complications, irrespective of the type of procedure performed, weight < or = 2.5 kg did not alter that risk.
Studying teamwork in global IT support

As modern organizations increasingly operate in a global economy, they need IT support around the globe; favorable economic conditions also encourage the use of offshore IT teams. However, when IT efforts "go global," issues and challenges typical of IT development and support are magnified. In this paper, we review and integrate three research areas that contribute to our understanding and management of global IT support teams: studies of global teamwork practices, small group dynamics theory, and studies of virtual teams. We review key findings from these areas and discuss a case example of global IT support to illustrate the insights possible through these research perspectives. We conclude by outlining an agenda for future research on teamwork in global IT support.
Wie die Natur Vitamin B12 synthetisiert – ein Überblick über die letzten vier Milliarden Jahre

Diese Ubersicht stellt neuere experimentelle Ergebnisse der Erforschung der unendlichen Geschichte der Vitamin-B12-Biosynthese vor, wobei hauptsachlich auf Arbeiten aus der Arbeitsgruppe des Autors zuruckgegriffen wird. Daruber hinaus gibt sie einen personlichen Ausblick auf die Zukunft der Naturstoff-Biosyntheseforschung. Von zentraler Bedeutung ist mittlerweile die leistungsfahige Kombination von molekularbiologischen und modernsten spektroskopischen Techniken. Jene dienen der Suche nach und der Expression von Genen, die fur die Enzyme der Biosynthese codieren, diese machen die biochemischen Vorgange im NMR-Rohrchen direkt beobachtbar. Als logische Weiterentwicklung dieser Ansatze wird die Durchfuhrbarkeit der Eintopf-Multienzymsynthese von Naturstoffen vorgestellt. Dank der Entwicklung und Nutzung von Klonierungstechniken und der daraus resultierenden Verfugbarkeit von Enzymen fur die C-C-Verknupfung hat sich ein grundlegender Wandel im “Handwerkszeug“ des Bioorganikers vollzogen. Gleichzeitig seien aber auch die Organiker angesprochen, die sich diesen technischen Fortschritt zunutze machen wollen. Ihnen wird sich eine neue Welt naturlicher Katalysatoren erschliesen, die Synthesen mit hohen Ausbeuten bei einem oftmals uberraschenden, aber durchaus willkommenen Mangel an Substratspezifitat versprechen. Und schlieslich hoffen wir, unsere Begeisterung fur diese modernen Methoden weiterzugeben, mit denen heutige wie auch kunftige Generationen von Chemikern die Synthesewege der Natur zu komplexen Naturstoffen erforschen konnen.
Pitfalls in ‘Biblical’ leadership

This article is about the pitfalls involved in writing a Christian handbook on leadership. By analysing some elements of the Rule of Benedict it is argued that it is impossible to write such a handbook without using non-Biblical sources. Moreover, there are typical pitfalls when authors attempt to develop a pure Biblical leadership theory. The first pitfall is typical of Christians representing Niebuhr’s type of ‘Christ against Culture’. As early as 1951, Niebuhr claimed that in the field of leadership in particular the radical exclusive Christians reintroduced rules from non-Christian cultures. Examples from the last decade support Niebuhr’s observation. The second pitfall, referred to as reconstruction, is typical of those authors who are open to secular sources but who seek to give Biblical evidence for their leadership theory. This pitfall is illustrated by analysing the process in which the secular concepts of transforming leadership and vision statements found their way into evangelical books on Christian leadership. Reconstruction typically consists of four steps: Perception (a secular model of leadership becomes popular), Acceptance (this model is examined and accepted for the context of the church) Assimilation (it is claimed that leaders in the Bible worked exactly as described in the model, books are written about Biblical leadership, exemplifying the model. The secular source becomes obsolete.) and Standardisation (this model of leadership is declared to be the Biblical norm for every Christian leader). I argue that step 3 is at least problematic and step 4 is a fatal error.
The vibrational spectra of methanethiol

Abstract The infrared spectra of CH 3 SH and CH 3 SD have been investigated in the gas, liquid and solid state with the purpose of resolving some inconsistencies in the fundamental frequency assignment of CH 3 SH. A study of the Raman spectra of liquid CH 3 SH and CH 3 SD to complement the infrared results was also carried out. A modified valence force field which included the diagonal symmetrized force constants plus a single added repulsive interaction constant coupling the methyl wagging with the SH bending vibrations was used in a normal coordinate treatment. Excellent agreement between the observed and calculated frequencies was obtained.
Signal transduction mechanisms in neurotensin-mediated cellular regulation

Abstract Background: Neurotensin, an important gut hormone, binds its receptor (NTR) to stimulate proliferation of intestinal cells; the molecular mechanisms remain largely undefined. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) translocate to the nucleus and induce transcription factors (eg, c-Fos) in response to certain trophic agents. The purpose of this study was (1) to define the signaling mechanisms regulating neurotensin and (2) to determine whether the AP-1 transcription factor c-Fos is induced. Methods: Expression of the NTR gene was determined in the human colon cancer cell lines KM12C, KML4A, and KM20 by Northern blot analysis and ribonuclease-protection experiments. To assess whether NTR was functionally coupled to the Ca 2+ -signaling pathway, intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) mobilization was assessed by fura-2 spectrofluorometry. To determine whether the MAPK signaling pathway was activated in KM20 cells by neurotensin, Western blots for the phosphorylated forms of MAPK (p42 and p44) and in vitro kinase assays were performed. In addition, Western blots were performed to assess levels of c-Fos after neurotensin treatment. Results: The NTR gene was expressed in the KM20 cell line but not in KM12C or KM12LA. The NTR in KM20 cells was functionally coupled to the Ca 2+ -signaling pathway as noted by a rapid (30 seconds) mobilization of [Ca 2+ ] i after addition of neurotensin; the neurotensin-mediated response was blocked by the NTR antagonist SR48692. Both p42 MAPK and p44 MAPK were stimulated by neurotensin ~3 to 6 minutes after treatment. Increased levels of c-Fos were demonstrated, with peak levels occurring 2 hours after addition of neurotensin. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that neurotensin binds to its endogenous NTR in KM20 cells with stimulation of the Ca 2+ - and MAPK-signaling pathways and an increase in the levels of the AP-1 protein c-Fos. Delineating the signal transduction mechanisms regulating the cellular effects of neurotensin will provide important insights into the molecular pathways responsible for gut hormone–mediated proliferation. (Surgery 1998;124:239-47.)
R.W. Bass: Mathematician/mentor

Reminiscences of the author's experiences with R.W. Bass, particularly those illustrating the role of mentor.
Multispectral detection of organic residues on poultry processing plant equipment based on hyperspectral reflectance imaging technique

Diluted organic residues, such as feces, ingesta and other biological substances on poultry processing plant equipment surfaces, not easily discernible by human eye, are potential contamination sources for poultry carcasses. Development of sensitive detection methods for diluted organic residues is essential to ensure safe production of poultry carcasses. Hyperspectral imaging techniques have shown good potential for detecting the presence of fecal and other biological contaminants on food and processing equipment surfaces. In this study, the use of high spatial resolution hyperspectral reflectance is presented as a tool for selecting a few multispectral bands to detect diluted organic residues on the surface of materials used for manufacturing processing equipment. Reflectance imaging methods were explored for use in the detection of a range of diluted organic residues for both wet and dry conditions. Results showed that low concentrations of wet and dry residues, diluted up to 1:100 by weight with double distilled water, could be differentiated from stainless steel background with accuracies of 94.0 and 99.7%, respectively. Spectral bands determined in this study could be used for developing a multispectral inspection system for sanitation monitoring of poultry processing plants.
Experiencing disruptive behavior in a team using “moles”

The ability to work on a team is a paramount skill for every engineer. The capability to understand, identify and work through team problems will significantly enhance the engineer's ability to deliver a high quality product on time and within budget. Far too often, however, the experience of working as a team, with its challenges, is overlooked in the student's education. The Department of Software Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology introduced an activity in their Freshman Seminar course to help students work in a team-based environment. The specific focus was interacting with problematic team members. This team activity involved student “moles” covertly being inserted to act in a disruptive fashion. At the end of the activity, the teams reassembled to discuss the task the team had been assigned to do. The instructor revealed the role of the “moles” at this point, and the teams discussed the effect their behaviors had on team effectiveness and the strategies used to deal with the disruptive behaviors. The students have praised the activity, finding it to be different, exciting and educational. This paper describes the “mole” activity, our observations of the results, and provides suggestions for future use in coursework.
Capacity of precoding for MU-MIMO systems

Spatial multiplexing have drawn a lot of attention for many years due to their great potential to achieve high throughput of MIMO systems implemented in wireless communication systems. It is well known that in a single user case the capacity scales linearly with the minimum number of transmit and receive antennas. Many linear precoding techniques require each antenna to transmit its own data. In this paper, we analyze the latest technology of MIMO with theoretic background. We compare the increasing features of capacity by using two precoding methods based on spatial multiplexed system. We apply two precodings to multiple antennas, considering MU-MIMO downlink. Finally, the simulation result demonstrates how the number of antennas has an effect on capacity.
Green Aircraft Operations

One way of reducing the environmental impact of aviation is to improve the efficiency of aircraft operations to reduce fuel burn and emissions. In the current air transportation system, there are many factors that can cause aircraft to be operated away from the environmentally optimal trajectory. This chapter outlines the factors that can impact the environmental efficiency of aircraft operations in the different planning and flight phases. These include decisions made by the airline, pilot and air traffic controller and limitations imposed by airspace design, congestion, and weather. Best practice aircraft operation techniques that may reduce environmental impact are then detailed. Keywords: aircraft operations; air traffic control; emissions; fuel burn; noise
Sequential Roentgenographic Changes Occurring in Massive Osteolysis

The literature establishing Gorham's massive osteolysis as a distinct entity has been briefly reviewed and the salient clinical and roentgenographic features of the disorder outlined.A previously unreported case of massive osteolysis has been presented with emphasis on the serial roentgenographic fi
Experimental glomerulonephritis. IX. factors influencing the development of kidney in adjuvant nephritis in rats.

SummaryAn investigation was made into the importance of the immunization, strain of host rat, and antigen in the induction of kidney in adjuvant nephritis. It was found that variations in each of these 3 elements could significantly alter the development and course of the disease. Nephritogenic streptococci were ineffective substitutes for mycobacterium in the adjuvant. However, replacement of the usual emulsifying agent in the adjuvant, Arlacel C, with a more phlogogenic agent, Arlacel A, led to increased severity of disease. The strain of rat used was also important: inbred Lewis rats were most susceptible, inbred Fisher rats were next, outbred Sprague-Dawley rats were next and inbred Buffalo rats were refractory to development of nephritis. Several observations relating to the effectiveness of antigen were made. First, the most potent source of antigen appeared to be Sprague-Dawley kidneys. Second, isologous kidneys and heterologous kidneys provided less effective antigens than homologous kidneys. Thir...
A Teenie Weenie amount of ‘Goodwill’: Cross-media character brand merchandizing in the 1920s

This article analyses correspondence and legal documents pertaining to William Donahey’s efforts to merchandize his Teenie Weenies comic strip in the 1920s, with particular emphasis on Donahey’s ne...
Extreme resistance to infection by potato virus Y and potato virus X in an advanced hybridSolanum phureja — S. Stenotomum diploid potato population

Samples of 4285 individuals from a hybridSolanum phureja Juz. et Buk. —S. stenotomum Juz. (Phu-Stn) and 105 individuals ofSolanum phureja (Phu) diploid potato populations were twice inoculated with potato virus Y strain “o” (PVY∘) using the air brush technique. After discarding seedlings with PVY visual symptoms both in the greenhouse and in the field, 1508 seedlings were judged to be resistant to PVY∘ (35.2%). Only 5.7% of the Phu seedlings were PVY∘ resistant compared to 35.2% of the Phu-Stn seedlings. At harvest, a mild selection pressure for yield and tuber appearance was applied and 602 Phu-Stn clones were chosen for further evaluation. Selected clones were re-evaluated for PVY∘ resistance in the greenhouse. Clones were mechanically inoculated twice with PVY∘. Clones susceptible to PVY∘ were determined by visual observations, ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests, grafting of tobacco PVY∘ infected shoots on potato clones, and infectivity tests usingNicotiana tabacum as a PVY∘ plant indicator. In the process, 224 clones were found to be extreme resistant to infection by PVY∘, with an overall frequency for PVY∘ extreme resistance of 5.2%. In another experiment, the first year Phu-Stn PVY∘ resistant clones (554 clones) were mechanically inoculated twice with “common” strain of potato virus X (PVX). Similarly, we discarded clones susceptible to PVX by combining visual evaluation and ELISA with PVX re-inoculation of negative clones and an infectivity test, usingGomphrena globosa as a PVX plant indicator. After this process, seven extreme resistant and eight resistant clones to infection by PVX were found; the overall frequency of PVX extreme resistance was 1.3%. Five clones were extreme resistant to both PVY∘ and PVX.
Progression of Navel Orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infestation and Damage of Almonds on the Ground and on the Tree During Harvest

At harvest, female moths of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), did not oviposit on almonds of the ‘Nonpareil’ cultivar that had been knocked to the ground. Oviposition continued on nuts still remaining in trees and ranged as high as 60 to 80 eggs per 100 almonds. In one 3-week test, damage to nuts remaining in trees increased from 9.2 to 18.6%, whereas damage to grounded nuts essentially did not increase. Seventy to 90% of the larvae and pupae in grounded nuts receiving direct sunlight were killed by excessive heat. In addition, other larvae exited these heated almonds and were killed on the hot soil surface. This mortality was in contrast to that for larvae and pupae, either in nuts still on trees (no more than 3% mortality) or in nuts on the ground which were continually shaded. Nut, air, and ground temperatures recorded in one test are reported. These results demonstrate that navel orangeworm oviposition is halted and that further nutmeat damage can be restrained significantly when the crop is knocked to the ground.
Symmetry of Molecular H 2 in Si from a Uniaxial Stress Study of the 3618.4 cm − 1 Vibrational Line

Uniaxial stress has been used in conjunction with vibrational spectroscopy to probe the structure and microscopic properties of interstitial ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in Si. The stress splitting pattern observed for the $3618.4\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line assigned to ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ is consistent with triclinic ( ${\mathrm{C}}_{1}$) symmetry of a static center. The piezospectroscopic tensor determined in these experiments suggests a near $〈100〉$ orientation for the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecular axis. The low symmetry that has been found in these experiments on the $3618.4\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ line is unexpected.
Association of low non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopic measurements during initial trauma resuscitation with future development of multiple organ dysfunction

BACKGROUND Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) non-invasively monitors muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). It may provide a continuous noninvasive measurement to identify occult hypoperfusion, guide resuscitation, and predict the development of multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) after severe trauma. We evaluated the correlation between initial StO2 and the development of MOD in multi-trauma patients. METHODS Patients presenting to our urban, academic, Level I Trauma Center/Emergency Department and meeting standardized trauma-team activation criteria were enrolled in this prospective trial. NIRS monitoring was initiated immediately on arrival with collection of StO2 at the thenar eminence and continued up to 24 hours for those admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU). Standardized resuscitation laboratory measures and clinical evaluation tools were collected. The primary outcome was the association between initial StO2 and the development of MOD within the first 24 hours based on a MOD score of 6 or greater. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed; numeric means, multivariate regression and rank sum comparisons were utilized. Clinicians were blinded from the StO2 values. RESULTS Over a 14 month period, 78 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 40.9 years (SD 18.2), 84.4% were male, 76.9% had a blunt trauma mechanism and mean injury severity score (ISS) was 18.5 (SD 12.9). Of the 78 patients, 26 (33.3%) developed MOD within the first 24 hours. The MOD patients had mean initial StO2 values of 53.3 (SD 10.3), significantly lower than those of non-MOD patients 61.1 (SD 10.0); P=0.002. The mean ISS among MOD patients was 29.9 (SD 11.5), significantly higher than that of non-MODS patients, 12.1 (SD 9.1) (P<0.0001). The mean shock index (SI) among MOD patients was 0.92 (SD 0.28), also significantly higher than that of non-MODS patients, 0.73 (SD 0.19) (P=0.0007). Lactate values were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION Non-invasive, continuous StO2 near-infrared spectroscopy values during initial trauma resuscitation correlate with the later development of multiple organ dysfunction in this patient population.
Spinoza's Critique of Religion and its Heirs: Marx, Benjamin, Adorno

Spinoza's heritage has been occluded by his incorporation into the single, western, philosophical canon formed and enforced by theologico-political condemnation, and his heritage is further occluded by controversies whose secular garb shields their religious origins. By situating Spinoza's thought in a materialist Aristotelian tradition, this book sheds new light on those who inherit Spinoza's thought and its consequences materially and historically rather than metaphysically. By focusing on Marx, Benjamin, and Adorno, Idit Dobbs-Weinstein explores the manner in which Spinoza's radical critique of religion shapes materialist critiques of the philosophy of history. Dobbs-Weinstein argues that two radically opposed notions of temporality and history are at stake for these thinkers, an onto-theological future-oriented one and a political one oriented to the past for the sake of the present or, more precisely, for the sake of actively resisting the persistent barbarism at the heart of culture.
Delayed-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis following radial keratotomy

We report a case of a patient with a corneal ulcer involving the inferonasal incision in the left eye 10 months following bilateral 8 incisional radial keratotomies, with multiple enhancement operations. The ulcer was culture positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and responded to fortified antibiotic therapy over a 2-week period. Radial keratotomy incisions that have undergone repeat enhancement operations may predispose patients to late-onset keratitis.
A Hunger for God: Embodied Metaphor as Cultural Cognition in Action

Drawing from an ethnographic study of fasting among converts to Eastern Orthodox Christianity in the United States, this article develops a conceptualization of embodied metaphor as a form of cultural cognition in action. The findings demonstrate that fasting reshaped converts’ subjectivities and subsequent actions through the creation of a series of metaphorical associations between concrete, bodily experiences related to food, hunger, and appetite and more abstract religious discourses pertaining to the soul, sin, and the acquisition of religious virtue. While current influential models of cultural cognition in sociology have focused on explaining the divide between cognition at the semantic level of discourse (i.e., discursive consciousness) and the somatic level of bodily perception and habit (i.e., practical consciousness), this study argues that embodied metaphor is a cognitive process that accounts for the dynamic, mutually informing interactions between these two cognitive registers. By way of conclusion, I argue for the broader theoretical, methodological, and empirical significance of this study for sociological scholarship on culture and cognition.
Three-Dimensional Target Reconstruction From Multiple 2-D Forward-Scan Sonar Views by Space Carving

Building 3-D object models from 2-D images is a key capability for target classification and identification, reacquisition, and environmental mapping, among many applications in underwater with poor visibility. We present a novel approach in utilizing multiple 2-D forward-look sonar images from known sonar poses to localize an acoustically opaque target and reconstruct its 3-D shape. Based on projections onto various images, the 3-D space not occupied by an imaged target within the sonar field of view is sequentially carved out, leaving the remaining volume as the estimate of the 3-D object region. The estimation generally improves with information from new distinct views, and moreover with images acquired through sonar roll motions, rather than circumnavigating the target. Computer simulations allow assessing the convergence properties and performance of the approach for convex and concave polygons. Additionally, results from experiments with real images of amorphous coral rocks and a miniature wood table demonstrate performance in the 3-D modeling of small objects with varying reflectance properties.
Aligned interference neutralization and the degrees of freedom of the 2×2×2 interference channel with interfering relays

Previous work showed that the 2×2×2 interference channel, i.e., the multihop interference network formed by concatenation of two 2-user interference channels, achieves the min-cut outer bound value of 2 DoF. This work studies the 2×2×2 interference channel with one additional assumption that two relays interfere with each other. It is shown that even in the presence of the interfering links between two relays, the min-cut outer bound of 2 DoF can still be achieved for almost all values of channel coefficients, for both fixed or time-varying channel coefficients. The achievable scheme relies on the idea of aligned interference neutralization as well as exploiting memory at source and relay nodes.
Method Variance in Adolescents', Mothers', and Observers' Reports of Peer Management: Nuisance or Information?

The purpose of this investigation was to examine discrepancies among three informants’ (adolescents, mothers, and observers) reports of maternal consulting in regard to peer relationships and the relation of the discrepancies to four social adjustment variables (prosocial behavior, loneliness, positive friendship quality, and physical victimization). An ethnically diverse sample of 70 early adolescents (51 % female) and their mothers participated in this multimethod investigation. Adolescent reports of parental consulting, but not mother or observer reports, were significantly associated with adolescent reports of four psychosocial outcomes. Recognizing that comparison of equivalent regression models can inform interpretations of the data such as the monomethod associations found in this study, this article describes and discusses a strategy for analyzing data from multiple informants. The associations of adolescent reports of parental consulting with loneliness and physical victimization could be fully explained in terms of adolescent bias or other systematic variance uniquely associated with adolescent reports, but those with prosocial behavior and positive friendship quality could not. The view that discrepancies between mother and adolescent reports of parental consulting reflect poor relationship quality appeared most applicable in models of positive friendship quality, somewhat applicable in models of prosocial behavior and physical victimization, and not applicable in models of loneliness. The view that discrepancies might reflect normative and adaptive autonomy was not supported. In addition to adding to our understanding of maternal consulting in regard to peer relationships, it is also hoped that the analytic approach developed for this study will stimulate developments in research that uses multiple informants.
Evaluation of Factors Associated with Death in Patients with Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Abdominal Wall.

Abstract Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening soft tissue infection. The prognostic factors associated with death from abdominal wall NF are not well un...
Understanding the roles of randomized trials for robotic prostatectomy

The long-standing debate on the relative benefits of robotic surgery reached a milestone this July with the publication of early results from the first randomized trial comparing open versus robotic radical prostatectomy. In their study, “Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Versus Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Early Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Study”, Yaxley et al . randomized 326 men at their institution to receive either radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) or robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) (1). Men were compared based on functional outcomes including urinary and sexual function (as measured by validated survey instruments, EPIC and IIEF) and oncologic outcomes including positive margin status and imaging or biochemical recurrence (at 24 weeks—not reported in the current paper). There was no significant difference in urinary and quality of life outcomes at 12 weeks post-operatively. In terms of oncologic outcomes the authors found a non-significant trend towards more positive surgical margins in the robotic surgical group.
Orbit Equivalence Beyond Amenability

The Ornstein-Weiss theorem (Theorem 4.84) asserts that the ergodic p.m.p. actions of countably infinite amenable groups are collectively responsible for a single orbit equivalence class. As soon as one moves beyond amenability, however, this triviality gives way to a staggering richness that is far from being completely understood.
TDDB-emerald: A methodology for estimating memory reliability degradation resulting from time-dependent dielectric breakdown

One of the major wearout mechanisms in modern microprocessors is time-dependent dielectric breakdown. Beyond the 28 nm technology node, time-dependent dielectric breakdown from not only the frontend-of-line and backend-of-line, but also the middle-of-line, yields a significant number of failures in VLSI circuits. In this paper, we investigate the impact of time-dependent dielectric breakdown in all phases of fabrication processes (i.e., frontend/middle/backend-of-line) on static random access memory in modern microprocessors. With the analysis of potential resistive short defect locations in a memory cell, we propose a methodology for accurately estimating memory reliability degraded by time-dependent dielectric breakdown. Using activity profiles and device-level wearout models, we also propose a method for statistically estimating the lifetime of a memory cell. Using the simulation methodology, we investigate the lifetime degradation of a memory system while taking all three time-dependent dielectric breakdown mechanisms into account.
Relationship between Native Copper Deposits and Tectonic Development of the North American Midcontinent Rift System

The North American Midcontinent Rift System (MRS) is host to the world’s largest native-copper mining district in the Keweenaw Peninsula (Fig. 1). Beneath Lake Superior the rift is filled by more than 18 km of subaerial basalt lava flows with minor interflow sedimentary beds overlain by up to 12 km of dominantly red clastic sedimentary rocks (Cannon et al. 1989). Magmatism (passive rifting) lasted from 1109 to 1087 Ma while sedimentation (post-rift thermal subsidence) is likely older than about 1040 Ma (Davis & Paces 1990; Hutchinson et al. 1990; Nicholson et al. 1992;). Progressive syn-depositional downwarping of rift-filling strata resulted in 40° of steepening of dip down section (towards the Keweenaw Fault) (White 1960, 1968). During the last phase of development of the Midcontinent Rift System, original graben-bounding normal faults were transformed into high-angle reverse faults at about 1060+/−20 Ma (Cannon et al. 1990; Nicholson et al. 1992). Continued movements on the Keweenaw fault with multiple kilometers of reverse displacement, caused further steepening of dips to present attitudes. Within rift-filling strata, the faults, fractures, and broad open folds are related to this compressional event. The reverse faulting played a role in development of a rift-flanking basin filled with the red Jacobsville Sandstone (Kalliokoski 1988; Hedgman 1992).
Immersive Simulation on Collaborative Learning about a Complex Dynamic System.

This mixed methods study examined the effect of Astronaut Challenge, an immersive, flight-simulation-based learning program, on the collaborative learning process and science knowledge development of high-school students (9 graders). The study findings suggested that simulation-based collaborative learning activities promoted students’ scientific understanding about the dynamics of the space flight system. Although the knowledge test results did not indicate a significant differential effect of the two immersive settings (exclusive space versus classroom flight simulator) on the learning outcome, qualitative findings suggested that the higher level of the sensory immersion in a simulation-based learning environment may foster engagement while impeding collaborative conceptual understanding.
Work and Identity Flexibility

This chapter considers the turbulence of today's work environment and how its uncertainty requires flexibility in employees' identities. Erik Erikson's concept of identity and distinctions between identity and identification are focal as the backdrop against which the potential reconstitution of a more malleable, reconstituted identity is examined. Three ways in which workers can reshape their work-based identities are explored, those of knowledge upgrading, adapting to changing role functions, and transitioning to positions that may better express their identity needs. Self efficacy, flexibility, and openness to experience are emphasized as attributes that make workers more attractive to current organizations and to potential employers.
Cacti and other succulents: stem anatomy of “other succulents” has little in common with that of cacti

Summary: The anatomy of non-cactus stem-succulent dicots was examined in the families Apocynaceae (Plumeria, Pachypodium), Asclepiadaceae (Caralluma, Hoodia, Huernia, Pseudolithos, Stapelia, Larryleachia), Asteraceae (Senecio), Crassulaceae (Tylecodon), Euphorbiaceae (Monadenium, Euphorbia) and Vitaceae (Cissus). Some specimens have large, persistent photosynthetic leaves, others are stem-photosynthetic and “leafless”; all had succulence based on pith and cortex, not wood. These specimens had remarkably few of the adaptations that commonly occur in cacti: none had cortical bundles, none had a multilayered hypodermis of extremely thick-walled cells, none had deeply sunken stomata. Few had a thick cuticle or thick-walled epidermis. Many did have some form of collapsible cortex (either cells with plicate walls or extremely thin walls) and members of Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae had internal phloem or medullary bundles. Despite being desert-adapted succulents, none of the species had really wide, massively ...
Realist Ethics: Just War Traditions as Power Politics

Just war thinking and realism are commonly presumed to be in opposition. If realists are seen as war-mongering pragmatists, just war thinkers are seen as naive at best and pacifistic at worst. Just war thought is imagined as speaking truth to power - forcing realist decision-makers to abide by moral limits governing the ends and means of the use of force. Realist Ethics argues that this oversimplification is not only wrong, but dangerous. Casting just war thought to be the alternative to realism makes just war thinking out to be what it is not - and cannot be: a mechanism for avoiding war. A careful examination of the evolution of just war thinking in the Christian, Islamic, and Hindu traditions shows that it is no stranger to pragmatic politics. From its origins, just war thought has not aimed to curtail violence, but rather to shape the morally imaginable uses of force, deeming some of them necessary and even obligatory. Morkevicius proposes here a radical recasting of the relationship between just war thinking and realism.
OS project implementation: multiprogramming with threads

This paper describes the implementation of a Multi-Programming Batch Operating System (MOS) project [3] using threads. Two other papers [7, 8], both of which include issues from earlier implementations, describe the characteristics of MOS. This paper outlines the specification and implementation of the MOS project (both past and present), discusses the theoretical use of threads and their correlation with deadlocks, and concludes with the authors' recommendation of using MOS as an educational project in upper level Operating System courses.