cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pandemic Among the Amish: A Look at the Effects of COVID-19 on Amish Communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the First Four Months

March 2020 will be remembered as one of the most unusual months in living memory. When COVID-19 spread across the country, its reach and impact affected every region and every person in some way. The "new normal" forced much of the world to face a new reality of stay-at-home orders, food shortages, and rising death rates. Initially, the pandemic hit congested urban centers hardest, but the effects of the coronavirus were also felt among the rural Amish communities of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This study offers a preliminary look at how the pandemic affected these communities, focusing on the following themes: sources of news and information; effects of government mandates; and impact of the virus on the day-to-day lives of the Amish during the first four months of the pandemic, from late March 2020 through late July 2020. Findings suggest that the Amish experienced a mix of fear and hope, skepticism and optimism, but also a resolve in their faith, which they felt assured would carry them through the uncertainties of the coming months.
Chapter 4 Oogenesis and Oocyte Isolation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methodology used routinely in laboratory for biochemical studies on oocytes, not only with respect to endogenous events that occur during oogenesis, but especially with respect to the use of oocytes as an assay system for a variety of injected molecules. In doing so, it also presents some practical suggestions for obtaining material, culturing oocytes, and microinjecting them. Oogenesis in adult Xenopus laevis , maintained in the laboratory, is asynchronous, meaning that all stages of growth are usually found in the ovary at any given time. The process of oogenesis—namely, growth from stage I to stage VI, requires at least 8 months; however progression through the various stages does not occur at a constant rate. Once oocytes have reached stage VI, they do not continue to increase in size however can remain at this point for some time before undergoing atresia. The chapter also explains isolation of individual oocytes from the ovary.
CHAPTER 5 – Precancerous Lesions of the Ovary

The late diagnosis in the vast majority of ovarian carcinomas and the high lethality is often attributed to lack of symptoms and absence of any screening system. Ovarian tumors can become available for study in their early invasive or preinvasive stages. The identification of the actual tissue changes that characterize any early neoplastic process is crucial for any screening program. The progress to invasive cancer is however not predictable, and depends on non-morphological factors related to host defense mechanisms, heredity, and oncogenic activity. The vast majority of ovarian malignant neoplasms arise from the surface epithelium or germinal epithelium covering the ovarian surface as an extension of the peritoneal mesothelium, which is a cuboidal flat layer of cells, resting on a basement membrane and often displaying tall columnar cells or papillary infoldings due to inflammatory processes, such as ovulation, endometriosis, and periovarian adhesions due to a variety of causes. The histological identification of the precursors of epithelial cancer is very crucial and contributes to significant decrease in other gynecologic cancers, such as cervical carcinoma and endometrial carcinoma.
Religion and Environmental Education: Building on Common Ground

Environmental educators are beginning to consider how to incorporate religious resources into their curricula. Common concerns about religion pose a challenge for integration, but these concerns are manageable. Reflection on the precursors of environmental citizenship behaviour provides a framework for considering some of the ways that religious elements can enhance environmental education. Furthermore, faith-based environmental education programs have existed for decades, and their practices can suggest some starting points. Abundant ecotheology resources also exist, including environmental policy statements within most denominations. These resources can provide a common ground between religion and environmental education.
In Ethnographic Research, Might Two Heads Be Better Than One? A Book Review of Duoethnography: Dialogic Methods for Social, Health, and Educational Research, Edited by Joe Norris, Richard D. Sawyer, and Darren Lund

A common image of an ethnographer is someone sitting on the sidelines of an event (or a society), notebook in hand, observing the action and then retreating to an office to analyze what she or he w...
Zadie Smith's On Beauty

Like her two previous works, Smith's latest novel, On Beauty (2005) focuses on race, biraciality and the politics of belonging this time in British and American urban settings.
ADRENAL FUNCTION IN THE PREMATURE AND NEWBORN

THE special nature of adrenal function in newborn infants has excited the curiosity of physicians for half a century. Three groups of workers in 1911 nearly simultaneously described the strange involution which occurs in the cortex of the newborn9s adrenal gland. Since that time much speculation and a few experiments have added somewhat to our knowledge. The recent development of chemical techniques for the estimation of adrenal steroids in the urine and peripheral plasma of the newborn have provided some very interesting data. Let us review the earlier observations. The newborn adrenal glands weigh approximately .29 per cent of the total body weight, which is quite striking when compared with the adult glands averaging only about .014 per cent of total body weight. At the time of birth the infant9s adrenal cortex is composed of 2 histologically distinguishable zones. One is an outer region ("adult cortex"), which is composed of a zona glomerulosa and of short strands of zona fasciculata. The inner region is quite extensive and makes up about 80 per cent of the entire newborn adrenal gland. This inner zone goes by several names: fetal transitional zone, internal cortex, or fetal androgenic zone. This zone is made up of large cells reminiscent of the adult zona reticularis. There is intense vascularization of this area, so much so that one early worker even suggested that it participates as a fetal hematopoietic organ. Involution of the fetal cortex begins just prior to or at birth in both full-term and premature infants.
Perspectives on Engagement Barriers and Alternative Delivery Formats from Non-completers of a Community-Run Parenting Program

The purpose of our study was to learn about barriers to participation faced by families who had signed up for but not completed a community-based parenting program that was not part of a research project. We also sought to gauge interest in alternative, web-based methods of delivering a parent training intervention. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 27 parents who had signed up for but not completed a community-based parenting program. Results indicated that practical reasons such as scheduling were the most common barrier faced by parents. Results also suggested substantial interest in alternative web-based and hybrid models of program delivery. Hybrid models would allow participants to move between face-to-face small group classes and web-based classes; allowing for easy make-up of missed small-group sessions. Interventions designed by community organizations and researchers should consider using alternative methods, including hybrid models, of program delivery in order to reach a larger number of individuals.
Expression of βB2-Crystallin mRNA and Protein in Retina, Brain, and Testis

The crystallin proteins that make up the transparent eye lens were originally thought to be restricted to the lens and to have entirely refractive functions. It is now established that several crystallins, including members of the α-, β-, and γ-crystallin gene families, are expressed outside of the lens where they may have nonrefractive functions.1–11 Indeed, both αA- and αB-crystallins are expressed in nonlens tissues1,2,4,5 and are functional chaperones that protect other proteins against thermal insult.12,13 α-Crystallins are also phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent14,15 and cAMP-independent16–18 pathways, suggesting that they may participate in signal transduction pathways.18 Like α-crystallin, βB2-crystallin has also been detected outside of the lens.3,7,9,10 βB2-crystallin protein has been reported in chicken retina,3 and βB2-crystallin mRNA has been reported in rat brain, testis, lung, and other tissues.9,10 βB2-crystallin is also involved in cAMP-dependent19 and cAMP-independent phosphorylation pathways.9 Extralenticular expression of βB2-crystallin, coupled with its role in phosphorylation pathways, suggests that it may have an important nonrefractive function. To date, βB2-crystallin protein has not been reported outside of the eye, and no information about its human nonlens expression is available. In the present report, we investigated the mRNA and protein expression patterns of βB2-crystallin in rat, bovine, and human tissues. We show that both βB2-crystallin mRNA and protein are present in nonlens and nonocular tissues. The results support the possibility that βB2-crystallin has one or more nonrefractive functions in nonocular tissues.
Predictive control of particle size distribution in protein crystallization

This work focuses on control of a batch protein crystallization process that produces tetragonal hen egg-white (HEW) lysozyme crystals. First, a population balance model, which incorporates experimentally-determined nucleation and growth rates, is used to simulate the evolution of the entire crystal size distribution (CSD). Then, a reduced-order model, which describes the evolution of the dominant moments of the CSD and of the solute concentration and crystallizer temperature, is derived and used for controller design. A predictive controller is designed to achieve the objective of maximizing the volume-averaged crystal size while respecting constraints on the manipulated input variable and the process state variables including constraints on the shape of the CSD. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed predictive controller is able to increase the volume-averaged crystal size by 30% and 8.5% compared to constant temperature control (CTC) and constant supersaturation control (CSC) strategies, respectively, while reducing the number of fine crystals produced. The robustness of the proposed control method with respect to: (a) plant-model mismatch, and (b) open-loop operation, is also successfully demonstrated.
Programmed death-1 checkpoint blockade in acute myeloid leukemia.

Introduction: Immune checkpoints are regulatory pathways induced in activated T lymphocytes that regulate antigen responsiveness. These immune checkpoints are hijacked by tumors to promote dysfunct...
Protective Immunity against Chlamydia trachomatis Can Engage Both CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells and Bridge the Respiratory and Genital Mucosae

Understanding the cellular populations and mechanisms responsible for overcoming immune compartmentalization is valuable for designing vaccination strategies targeting distal mucosae. In this study, we show that the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis infects the murine respiratory and genital mucosae and that T cells, but not Abs, elicited through intranasal immunization can protect against a subsequent transcervical challenge. Unlike the genital infection where CD8(+) T cells are primed, yet fail to confer protection, we found that intranasal priming engages both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, allowing for protection against genital infection with C. trachomatis. The protection is largely dependent on IFN-γ secretion by T cells. Moreover, different chemokine receptors are critical for C. trachomatis-specific CD4(+) T cells to home to the lung, rather than the CXCR3- and CCR5-dependent migration observed during genital infection. Overall, this study demonstrates that the cross-mucosa protective immunity against genital C. trachomatis infection following intranasal immunization is not dependent on Ab response but is mediated by not only CD4(+) T cells but also by CD8(+) T cells. This study provides insights for the development of vaccines against mucosal pathogens that threaten reproductive health worldwide.
Estimation in a truncated bivariate poisson distribution

Moment estimators for parameters in a truncated bivariate Poisson distribution are derived in Hamdan (1972) for the special case of λ1 = λ2, Where λ1, λ2 are the marginal means. Here we derive the maximum likelihood estimators for this special case. The information matrix is also obtained which provides asymptotic covariance matrix of the maximum likelihood estimators. The asymptotic covariance matrix of moment estimators is also derived. The asymptotic efficiency of moment estimators is computed and found to be very low.
Attention, Perception, and Perceived Effects: Negative Political Advertising in a Battleground State of the 2004 Presidential Election

Based on a statewide telephone survey before the 2004 presidential election, this study probes Ohioans' attention to and perception of campaign advertising and the perceived effects of those negative political ads. Citizens in this “battleground” state had a very high level of awareness of campaign advertising, characterizing it as more negative than in the past. Self-reported attention to the campaign and measured use of local and national television news were related to perceived campaign negativity. Evidence of a third-person effect regarding a specific type of negative advertising was found. However, the effect was moderated by candidate choice.
Quantifying adsorbed water monolayers on silicon MEMS resonators exposed to humid environments

Abstract This study investigated the influence of temperature and humidity on the adsorbed water layer on micron-scale monocrystalline silicon (Si) films in air, using a Si-MEMS kHz-frequency resonator. Both temperature and relative humidity induced a reversible change in resonant frequency, attributed to the temperature-dependent properties of Si and to a change in adsorbed water layer. The excellent precision in resonant frequency measurement (0.02 Hz, or 0.5 ppm) allowed precise calculation of the changes in adsorbed water layer thickness over the specimen surface. The increase in water thickness with relative humidity was a function of temperature and could not be described with simple multimolecular adsorption theories such as the BET theory. A likely explanation is the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants on the Si surface. Guidelines are provided to accurately measure the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the adsorbed water layer thickness on micron-scale Si surfaces, using this technique.
Extending the mirror neuron system model, I: Audible actions and invisible grasps

The paper introduces mirror neuron system II (MNS2), a new version of the MNS model (Oztop and Arbib in Biol Cybern 87 (2):116–140, 2002) of action recognition learning by mirror neurons of the macaque brain. The new model uses a recurrent architecture that is biologically more plausible than that of the original model. Moreover, MNS2 extends the capacity of the model to address data on audio-visual mirror neurons and on the response of mirror neurons when the target object was recently visible but is currently hidden.
Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in cockroach nymphs: free running and entrainment.

The temporal organization of locomotor activity was investigated in nymphs of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae. Approximately 40% of the animals examined between 1 and 50 days of age exhibited a circadian activity rhythm in constant darkness (n = 172) with an average free-running period of 23.7 ± 0.68 hr. Twelve of 17 animals in which activity was recorded for most or all of the final instar also exhibited periods of rhythmic activity. The rhythms of the nymphs could be entrained by light-dark (LD) cycles with periods of 22, 24, or 26 hr. In contrast, neither maternal influences during embryogenesis nor hatching from the egg was effective in synchronizing the rhythms. Although adult cockroaches can be readily entrained by temperature cycles, in nymphs temperature appeared at best to be a weak zeitgeber. Embryonic exposure to an LD cycle until 6 days prior to egg hatch was effective in synchronizing the activity rhythms of the nymphs, indicating that differentiation of an entrainable pacemaking system occu...
Choice of device size and results of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using the amplatzer septal occluder.

The impact of device size choice on closure results was analyzed in 138 (101 females, 37 males; age 0.5-84.0 years) consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter closure of the secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). The balloon stretched diameter (SD) of ASD was 19.5 +/- 7.2 mm in 123 patients with single defects, and 20.4 +/- 6.6 mm for the largest defects in 15 patients with multiple ASDs. The difference (delta) between ASO size chosen for closure and the stretched diameter of the defect was calculated and divided into groups: A (delta 2 mm). The results demonstrated that immediate and 24-hour complete closure rates were significantly higher in patients in groups C and D (P < 0.001). However, at 6-month follow-up, the complete closure rates were similar in patients of groups A-D, while patients of group E had a lower closure rate of 75%. The complication rates were similar in all groups. In conclusion, a choice of a device size identical to or within 2 mm larger than the SD of the defect should be used to maximize the closure rates of ASD using the ASO.
Energetics of Uterine Muscle Contraction

LUNDSGAARD1 has shown that the energy liberated by striated muscle, poisoned by monoiodoacetic acid under anaerobic conditions, is proportional to the breakdown of creatine phosphate. He has also shown that under these conditions adenosinetriphosphate2 also disappeared on stimulation. In view of these facts, and Lohmann's3 findings on the phosphate transfer between creatine phosphate and adenine compounds, it can be assumed that adenosinetriphosphate and creatine phosphate together form the store of immediately available energy in muscle. According to Lundsgaard, a muscle poisoned by monoiodoacetic acid can perform about a hundred contractions in nitrogen. The energy of these contractions is derived solely from the stored high-energy phosphates, which, under normal conditions, are regenerated by carbohydrate metabolism.
Trust Versus Paternalism

In his excellent essay “Nudging and Informed Consent,” Shlomo Cohen discusses the “potential clash” between two ethical duties of the medical practitioner—to respect the preferences of patients and...
C-COMP: COPICS---communications oriented manufacturing plan: "a paper-less factory approach"

CONTROL of manufacturing shipping schedules and costs implies there is control over the manufacturing process. Very often production control does not have the capability to control the execution of the manufacturing plan. Lack of control is largely because of the information environment that exists. Two problems are very apparent---the vast amount of paperwork on the plant floor and the untimeliness of its information. A plant floor communication system can help solve these problems.
Exact and analytical solutions for a nonlinear sigma model

We consider wave solutions to nonlinear sigma models in n dimensions. First, we reduce the system of governing PDEs into a system of ODEs through a traveling wave assumption. Under a new transform, we then reduce this system into a single nonlinear ODE. Making use of the method of homotopy analysis, we are able to construct approximate analytical solutions to this nonlinear ODE. We apply two distinct auxiliary linear operators and show that one of these permits solutions with lower residual error than the other. This demonstrates the effectiveness of properly selecting the auxiliary linear operator when performing homotopy analysis of a nonlinear problem. From here, we then obtain residual error-minimizing values of the convergence control parameter. We find that properly selecting the convergence control parameter makes a drastic difference in the magnitude of the residual error. Together, appropriate selection of the auxiliary linear operator and of the convergence control parameter is shown to allow approximate solutions that quickly converge to the true solution, which means that few terms are needed in the construction of such solution. This, in turn, greatly improves computational efficiency. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonparametric inference in n replicated 2 m factorial expriments

For experiments involvingm factors (A 1,…,A m), each at 2 levels (1, 2), and replicated inn(≧2) blocks, a class of nonparametric procedures for estimating and testing the various main effects and interactions are considered. The procedures are based on a simple alignment process and involve the use of some well known rank statistics. Their performance characteristics are compared with those of the standard (normal-theory) parametric procedures. Extensions to confounded or partially confounded designs are also considered.
T-cell co-stimulatory blockade in transplantation: two steps forward one step back!

Introduction: The concern about nephrotoxicity with calcineurin inhibitors led to the search of novel agents for immunosuppression. Based on the requirement of T-cell co-stimulatory signals to fully activated naive T cells, it became clear that blocking these pathways could be an appealing therapeutic target. However, some unexpected findings were noticed in the recent clinical trials of belatacept, including a higher rate of rejection, which warranted further investigation with some interesting concepts emerging from the bench. Areas covered: This article aims to review the literature of the B7:CD28 co-stimulatory blockade in transplantation, including the basic immunology behind its development, clinical application and potential limitations. Expert opinion: Targeting co-stimulatory pathways were found to be much more complex than initially anticipated due to the interplay between not only various co-stimulatory pathways but also various co-inhibitory ones. In addition, co-stimulatory signals have diffe...
Application of direct magnification radiographic technique to the jaws

Direct magnification radiography is widely applicable to situations in which enhanced definition and enlarged images are desirable. This technique is capable of providing high subject resolution when conventional radiography is not definitive. It serves as a variable supplementary radiograph for the diagnosis of conditions in the oral and maxillofacial region. The general mechanics of the technique as well as its possible use as a supplementary high detail film are discussed. Three cases are reported in which this technique was applied in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients.
Making Marketers Ethical: Background Variables for Sales Training Effectiveness

Though sales is a growing career within the marketing discipline, the effectiveness of sales ethics training is notkeeping pace. Relatively scant attention has been paid to ethics training, and the current study seeks to correctthis oversight through discussing important background values that impact ethical decision making in salessituations. These background values should be factored into the design of effective sales ethics training courses.The study reviews the roles that idealism, relativism, personal values, religiosity, money ethics and attitudestoward business play in the determination of sales ethics judgments and choices. Results indicate that sales ethicsevaluations are significantly impacted by idealism, relativism, and money ethics. Personal values indirectlyinfluence evaluations. Religiosity and attitudes toward business do not significantly impact evaluations.Recommendations include the development of a sales education ethics model that includes both principle-based(idealism and personal values) and situation-based (relativism and money ethics) perspectives.
Mechanism of resistance to spinosyn in the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens

Abstract Topical laboratory selection of tobacco budworm larvae, Heliothis virescens , with technical spinosad for multiple generations resulted in larvae 1068-fold resistant to topical applications of the insecticide and 316.6-fold resistant to insecticide treated diet as compared to the parental strain. The penetration of 2′-O-methyl[ 14 C]spinosyn A across the cuticle of the susceptible (parental) and selected (resistant) tobacco budworms increased with time 3–12 h after application. A trend of reduced penetration in the resistant strain was found but the differences were not statistically significant. 2′-O-methyl[ 14 C]spinosyn A when injected into the hemocoel was not metabolized 96 h after treatment in both the susceptible and resistant strain, suggesting that a change in metabolism was not the mechanism of resistance. Electrophysiological studies indicated that dose-dependent spinosyn A-induced currents occurred in neurons from spinosyn resistant and susceptible (adult) tobacco budworms. At both 10 and 100 nM spinosyn A, however, the amplitude of these currents in the resistant insects was significantly smaller than the amplitude of currents observed from neurons from susceptible tobacco budworm adults. This suggests that neurons from resistant insects have decreased sensitivity to spinosyn A. However, the reduced inward currents in the resistant strain may or may not be related to the mode of action of the spinosyns. No statistically significant cross-resistance was noted for the spinosad resistant tobacco budworms for topical applications of permethrin (Pounce ® ), profenofos (Curacron ® ), emamectin benzoate (Denim ® ), or indoxacarb (Steward ® ). A statistically significant reduction in susceptibility to acetamiprid (Mospilan ® ) in artificial diet as determined from a resistance ratio of 0.482 was found.
Public transit, obesity, and medical costs: assessing the magnitudes.

Objective. This paper assesses the potential benefits of increased walking and reduced obesity associated with taking public transit in terms of dollars of medical costs saved and disability avoided. Methods. I conduct a new analysis of a nationally representative U.S. transportation survey to gauge the net increase in walking associated with public transit usage. I translate minutes spent walking into energy expenditures and reductions in obesity prevalence, estimating the present value of costs and disability that may be avoided. Results. Taking public transit is associated with walking 8.3 more minutes per day on average, or an additional 25.7–39.0 kcal. Hill et al. [Hill, J.O., Wyatt, H.R., Reed, G.W., Peters, J.C., 2003. Obesity and the environment: Where do we go from here? Science 299 (5608), 853–855] estimate that an increase in net expenditure of 100 kcal/day can stop the increase in obesity in 90% of the population. Additional walking associated with public transit could save $5500 per person in present value by reducing obesity related medical costs. Savings in quality-adjusted life years could be even higher. Conclusions. While no silver bullet, walking associated with public transit can have a substantial impact on obesity, costs, and well-being. Further research is warranted on the net impact of transit usage on all behaviors, including caloric intake and other types of exercise, and on whether policies can promote transit usage at acceptable cost.
Colchicine Models: Synthesis and Binding to Tubulin of Tertamethoxybiphenyls

Syntheis of tetramethoxybiphenyl 21 was accomplished from 4-phenylcylohexane-1,3-dione 13 by aromatization to biphenyl 19 and reductive removal of the phenolic OH group as phenyltetrazolyl ether. Tertramethoxybiphenyls 34 and 40 were obtained from 4-phenylcyclohexenone 26via ester 27. The tetramethoxybiphenyls 21, 34, and 40, and analogs 28, 29, and 31 were evaluated for antitubulin activity and as antimitotic agents with L1210 murine leukemia cells. Compounds 31 and 34 had significant effects on the in-vitro polymerization of tubulin. Compound 31 was the most cytotoxic of the six new biphenyls studied (IC50 for cell growth, 0.6M) and caused the accumulation of cells in metaphase arrest.
Stability and Change in Adult Attachment Style over the First-Year College Transition: Relations to Self-Confidence, Coping, and Distress Patterns.

This study explored whether patterns of stability or change in adult attachment styles were associated with corresponding changes in self-confidence, problem coping styles, and distress. Two hundred seven students completed measures of the key variables near the start and toward the end of their freshman year. Participants were classified into change groups on the basis of their successive scores on a measure of adult attachment style. Results indicated that (a) change group had significant main effects on self-confidence ratings and problem coping styles, and (b) time and change group had significant main and interaction effects on the set of distress measures. Implications of the findings for an attachment theory-informed perspective on the transitional adjustment of entering freshmen are discussed.
High-Level and Long-Lived Radioactive Waste Disposal

No uniform international approach for handling the problem of high-level radioactive waste disposal exists. All the while, the volume of these wastes continues to grow. The only viable solution to the disposal problem is a geologic one. Burial of these wastes in solid form for long periods of time in mined cavities in salt or Precambrian crystalline rock formations is technically possible. Several steps in the burial process have already been demonstrated in Germany. The problem becomes more serious as the number of countries committed to the use of nuclear energy grows. If one considers the problems of seismic stability and worldwide distribution of salt deposits, the overwhelming need for an international solution to the waste disposal problem seems obvious.
An introduction to state notation and SKED

SKED is a minicomputer operating system based on the functional use of state notation as a programming language. An overall view of the operating system, state notation, and the hardware necessary to simultaneously control as many as 12 experimental stations is provided.
Turbulent Trailing Vortices in Stratified Fluids

The effects of stable atmospheric-density stratification, vortex core size, and turbulent scale on the descent of aircraft-trailing vortices are investigated using numerical solutions of a second-order closure turbulence model. A Boeing 747 vortex descent is simulated numerically and compared to reported measurements of descent distance, velocity, and circulation profiles. It is concluded that the pair was halted in its descent by a diffuse region of countersign vorticity primarily outboard and above the vortex cores. It is shown that the core size and turbulent macroscale have significant effects on vortex behavior through their influence on turbulence production, diffusion, and dissipation.
WHAT I BELIEVE: A MEMOIR OF PROCESSUALISM TO NEOHISTORICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

In North America, historical anthropology is closely linked with political-economic studies. The materialist and comparative emphases of the political economy approach have had a strong impact on archaeological research in the Southeast and elsewhere. The increasing popularity of idealist positions in some quarters of archaeological theory has led to a waning of traditional political-economic research. However, recent trends in postcolonial theory suggest that a neohistorical anthropology can accommodate both materialist and idealist viewpoints. Current research on warfare in the Southeast exemplifies the advantages of multivariate vantage points for investigating the past.
Performance enhancements of dye sensitized nanostructured solar cells using PbS quantum dots

Solar energy conversion concept based on nanostructured materials has attracted much attention as an avenue to develop cheaper and more efficient solar cells. Both dye molecules and quantum dots can sensitize high band gap semiconductor by injecting carriers to the conduction band (CB) or valence band (VB) of the high band gap material, if energy band levels are in appropriate configuration and have a suitable bond between them. However, other physical properties of dye anchored and quantum dot embedded nanostructured semiconductor films offers the possibility of designing hybrid systems of higher efficiency. The low efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells is partly attributed to the poor electron transport properties of the dye coated nanocrystalline matrix. Encapsulation of PbS quantum dots could enhance the electronic conductivity of nanostructured ZnO films. PbS quantum dot sensitized ZnO films shows sensitizing response to light absorption in ZnO, PbS QDs and dyes anchored to ZnO. As a result of the improvement of transport properties by the QDs, photocurrent response of composite system due to light absorption by ZnO and dye are also enhanced. Possibilities of adopting this concept in solar cells and multi-band photon detectors will be discussed.
Serum lipoproteins in preclinical and in manifest ischemic heart disease.

Abstract 1. 1. Of 115 middle-aged, white, male office workers, 76 were considered clinically free of ischemic heart disease, although 27 were obese, hypertensive, diabetic, or had a strong family history of heart disease. Of the remaining 48 men, 28 had survived a myocardial infarction and 20 had only angina pectoris. 2. 2. The survivors of myocardial infarction as a group showed significant increases in the lipoprotein-cholesterol and -phospholipid which were accounted for by increases in the β-lipoprotein fractions; there were also significant increases in the -S1.21 flotation fractions above -S1.211–10. The wide overlap of values in all groups nullified the individual diagnostic value of the measurements. 3. 3. The presently available techniques for measuring the blood lipoproteins are neither qualitatively nor quantitatively satisfactory indices of atherogenicity in a homogeneous population highly susceptible to ischemic heart disease.
Enhanced liquid–liquid anion exchange using macrocyclic anion receptors: effect of receptor structure on sulphate–nitrate exchange selectivity

When certain macrocyclic anion receptors are added to a chloroform solution of the nitrate form of a lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt (methyltri-C8,10-ammonium nitrate, Aliquat 336N), the extraction of sulphate from an aqueous sodium nitrate solution via exchange with the organic-phase nitrate is significantly enhanced. Eight macrocycles were surveyed, including two derivatives of a tetraamide macrocycle, five derivatives of calix[4]pyrrole and β-decafluorocalix[5]pyrrole. Under the hypothesis that the enhancement originates from sulphate binding by the anion receptors in the chloroform phase, it was possible to obtain reasonable fits to the sulphate distribution survey data based on the formation of 1:1 and 2:1 receptor:sulphate complexes in the chloroform phase. Apparent 1:1 sulphate-binding constants obtained from the model in this system fell in the range . Comparison of the results for the various anion receptors included in this study reveals that sulphate binding is sensitive to the nature of th...
Stereotactic body radiotherapy and treatment at a high volume facility is associated with improved survival in patients with inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Background This study examined the comparative effectiveness of no treatment (NoTx), conventional fractionated radiotherapy (ConvRT), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer. This population based cohort also allowed us to examine what facility level characteristics contributed to improved outcomes. Methods We included patients in the National Cancer Database from 2003 to 2006 with T1-T2N0M0 inoperable lung cancer ( n =13,036). Overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard regression. Results The median follow up was 68months (interquartile range: 35–83months) in surviving patients. Among the cohort, 52% received NoTx, 41% received ConvRT and 6% received SBRT. The 3-year OS was 28% for NoTx, 36% for ConvRT radiotherapy, and 48% for the SBRT cohort ( p p p =0.01). Conclusions Patients with early stage inoperable lung cancer treated with SBRT and at a high volume facility had a survival benefit compared to patients treated with ConvRT or NoTx or to those treated at a low volume facility.
Rubbing salt in the wound

The case against isotonic parenteral maintenance solution In a recent review, Moritz and Ayus have suggested that isotonic parenteral maintenance solution (PMS) should be used to prevent hospital acquired hyponatraemia in children.1 Hospital acquired hyponatraemia may be exacerbated by non-osmotic production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) associated with conditions such as bronchiolitis (33%), pneumonia (31% and 45%), bacterial meningitis (50%), and postoperative pain or nausea.2–7 Although it has been termed a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), it may be more accurate to refer to non-osmotic ADH production, since haemodynamic baroreceptor stimuli, such as hypovolaemia, may be physiologically appropriate despite the adverse effect on sodium.1,6,7 The reported morbidity and mortality associated with hospital acquired hyponatraemia have given momentum to calls for increasing the tonicity of PMS.1–3,8–11 Implicit in such proposals are the assumptions that hyponatraemia results from a net sodium deficit, exacerbated by hypotonic PMS, and that this sodium deficit may be avoided by using an isotonic solution.1–3,8–11 Therefore, if we contemplate a change in practice, we must consider whether hyponatraemia is indeed caused by a deficit of sodium, or by an excess of water, and whether the logical response should be a change to the electrolyte content, or the prescribed volume of PMS. ### Theoretical effects of variation in the volume of PMS Both examples apply to a 10 kg child with non-osmotic ADH production, TBW = 6 l, estimated isotonic (Na + K = 154 mmol/l) urine output of 1 ml/kg/h, estimated IWL of 35 ml/kg/day, and initial sodium = 140 mmol/l. Example 1 100 ml/kg/day hypotonic solution (0.2% sodium chloride equivalent, Na + K = 34 mmol/l).1 | Water | | Sodium/potassium | | || | Input 100 ml/kg | = 1 l | Input (Na+K) | = 34 mmol | | Urine output 25 ml/kg/day | = 0.25 l | Urine output (Na+K) | = 39 mmol | | IWL output … |
An NCME Instructional Module on Multistage Testing

Multistage tests are those in which sets of items are administered adaptively and are scored as a unit. These tests have all of the advantages of adaptive testing, with more efficient and precise measurement across the proficiency scale as well as time savings, without many of the disadvantages of an item-level adaptive test. As a seemingly balanced compromise between linear paper-and-pencil and item-level adaptive tests, development and use of multistage tests is increasing. This module describes multistage tests, including two-stage and testlet-based tests, and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of multistage testing as well as considerations and steps in creating such tests.
Neural Mechanisms of Anticipatory Balance Control

Anticipatory balance control is complex motor control ability that human use at workplace and other everyday physical activities. This study investigated the neural mechanism of anticipatory postural balance when participants were exposed to controlling upright stance posture in various balance difficulty levels. A total of 15 healthy male participants without any prior history of physical or neurological disorders took part in the study. A Biodex balance system was utilized to perform the balance control task. A 10-20 international system was used to collect EEG data on 19 brain locations. The participants were assigned three upright stance conditions: 1) standing on the balance platform when the platform was completely stable (baseline), 2) balancing on the platform in gradually increasing instability level, and 3) balancing on the platform in gradually increasing the stability level. Each of second and third condition consisted of a 30-second trial. Each channel EEG data was further decomposed into fiv...
Societal images of youth: representations and interpretations by youth actively engaged in their communities

In this paper, the authors explore representations and interpretations of images of youth that surfaced in discussions with groups of adolescents in four community youth organizations. As part of a larger multi‐method study, adolescents created photo‐essays on the theme ‘Youth Making a Difference in the Community.’ These projects then served as triggers for small‐group discussions around the product and meaning of the exercise. In the analysis of the discussion‐group transcripts, one of the striking findings was how these youth, in the processes of creating and reflecting on their photo‐essays, perceived and challenged dominant societal images; reconstructed alternative images based on their personal and peer experiences; and valued visibility and recognition of youth's contributions to the community as a way of changing the image of youth. The authors discuss implications for research and educational practices aimed at youth empowerment and recasting societal images.
Data embedding method

Data embedding is a new steganographic method for combining digital information sets. This paper describes the data embedding method and gives examples of its application using software written in the C-programming language. Sandford and Handel produced a computer program (BMPEMBED, Ver. 1.51 written for IBM PC/AT or compatible, MS/DOS Ver. 3.3 or later) that implements data embedding in an application for digital imagery. Information is embedded into, and extracted from, Truecolor or color-pallet images in MicrosoftTM bitmap (BMP) format. Hiding data in the noise component of a host, by means of an algorithm that modifies or replaces the noise bits, is termed `steganography.' Data embedding differs markedly from conventional steganography, because it uses the noise component of the host to insert information with few or no modifications to the host data values or their statistical properties. Consequently, the entropy of the host data is affected little by using data embedding to add information. The data embedding method applies to host data compressed with transform, or `lossy' compression algorithms, as for example ones based on discrete cosine transform and wavelet functions. Analysis of the host noise generates a key required for embedding and extracting the auxiliary data from the combined data. The key is stored easily in the combined data. Images without the key cannot be processed to extract the embedded information. To provide security for the embedded data, one can remove the key from the combined data and manage it separately. The image key can be encrypted and stored in the combined data or transmitted separately as a ciphertext much smaller in size than the embedded data. The key size is typically ten to one-hundred bytes, and it is derived from the original host data by an analysis algorithm.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamic Incentives and the Optimal Delegation of Political Power

We propose a theory to explain why, and under what circumstances, a politician delegates policy tasks to a technocrat in an independent institution, and analyze under what conditions delegation is optimal for society. Our theory builds on Holmstrom's hidden effort principal-agent model. The election pressures faced by politicians, together with the absence of such pressures for technocrats, give rise to a dynamic incentive structure that formalizes two rationales for delegation, one advanced in the eighteenth century by Alexander Hamilton and the other in a 1998 work by Blinder. Delegation trades off the cost of having a possibly incompetent technocrat with a long-term job contract against the benefit of having a technocrat who (i) invests more effort into the specialized policy task and (ii) is better insulated from shifts in public opinion. A natural application of our framework leads to a new theory of central bank independence.
A test of two models of adolescent egocentrism

The present study investigated two predictors of adolescent egocentrism: formal operational ability and interpersonal understanding. Participants included 87 adolescents from four age groups. Two measures of adolescent egocentrism, two formal operations tasks, and an interview assessing level of interpersonal understanding were administered. Results showed that interpersonal understanding level predicted egocentrism as measured by the personal fable subscale of the Adolescent Egocentrism-Sociocentrism scale, whereas formal operations was not a predictor of any form of adolescent egocentrism. Implications for future research and the relationship between egocentrism and social cognitive development are discussed.
Laser Lead Extraction in the Octogenarian Patient

Background— In the United States, patients aged >75 years are the most rapidly growing segment in the population, with an expected increase of 126% by 2050. These patients account for >70% of the pacemakers and up to two thirds of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillators implanted annually. Our aim was to explore the clinical outcomes of device complications in the octogenarian population. Methods and Results— We performed a retrospective chart review of 506 patients undergoing laser lead extraction from January 2004 to September 2009. This population was divided into the following 2 groups based solely on age: octogenarians and nonoctogenarians. These 2 groups were compared on the basis of several characteristics and clinical outcomes. There were 118 patients in the octogenarian group (78 men) and 388 in the nonoctogenarians group (301 men) aged 85±3.8 and 64.2±12.4 years, respectively. A total of 253 leads (atrial, 99; ventricular, 145; coronary sinus, 9) were removed from the patients in the octogenarian group, and 814 leads (atrial, 295; ventricular, 442; coronary sinus, 77) were removed from the patients in the nonoctogenarian group. The main indication for extraction for both groups was infection. The lead implant duration was 59.6±52.8 and 38.6±43.9 months for octogenarians and nonoctogenarians, respectively. There was no significant difference with respect to the proportion of minor ( P =0.65), major ( P =0.56), and total ( P =0.50) complications. Conclusions— Laser lead extraction is demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment method in octogenarian patients with multiple comorbidities.