cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poster 168 The Use of Kinesio Tape in Lieu of Splints to Maintain Neutral Wrist Positioning While Still Allowing Upper Extremity Bedside Therapies: A Case Report

Disclosures: D. Chung, No Disclosures. Case Description: A 63-year-old Hispanic male with a central cord syndrome secondary to a mechanical fall. The patient presented with bilateral upper extremity weakness after a fall. MRI revealed a right C6 laminar fracture and C4-C7 spinal cord contusion. He underwent a C4-C7 laminectomy and a C4-T1 posterolateral fusion with instrumentation. Post-op, he continued to have significant weakness in his upper extremities, specifically in his wrist extensors and finger flexors, consistent with a central cord syndrome. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Results or Clinical Course: On manual muscle testing, bilateral wrist extensors were 2/5 and bilateral finger flexors were 1/5. Kinesio tape was applied to his right forearm and wrist for a functional correction to maintain neutral wrist positioning and along the dorsal surface of digits 2-5 to facilitate muscle activity in his fingers. A resting hand splint was used for his left upper extremity, due to the need for an IV. On day 3, his right wrist extensors had improved to 3/5 and his right finger flexors digits 2-3 had improved to 2/5. No change was noted in his left upper extremity so his IV was removed and Kinesio tape was applied in the same fashion as the right. On day 8, his right finger flexors digits 4-5 had improved to 2/5 and his left wrist extensors had improved to 3/5. Discussion: Kinesio taping is a technique designed to assist in the body’s natural healing process. According to manufacturing specifications, Kinesio tape has an inherent 10% tension/recoil. Using different tensions when applying the tape, allows the tape to work in a variety of ways. “Functional correction” applications of the tape utilize 50-75% added tension to the tape help promote neutral positioning while “facilitation” applications use 15-35% appliedtape tension to assist underused muscles. Conclusions: The patient was noted to have increased strength and active range of motion on the kinesio taped side compared to the resting hand splint side. Using kinesio tape can be as effective as a resting hand splint in maintaining neutral positioning, while still allowing the patient to work on range of motion and strengthening exercises.
Self-assembly of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) induced by CaCl2: mechanistic study.

The interaction between CaCl2 and double hydrophilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)45-block-poly(acrylic acid)70, PEO45-b-PAA70, was investigated. At a stoichiometric ratio of Ca2+:COO− = 0.5, Ca2+ ions were bound to COO− groups on PAA segments via electrostatic interaction. Small particles of 4−8 nm in diameter were observed, suggesting the formation of coil-like polymeric globule induced by charge neutralization. At Ca2+:COO− ≥ 2.5, monodispersed aggregates of average hydrodynamic diameter of 52.0 ± 7.4 nm were produced. The ISE, ITC, surface tension and fluorescence spectroscopic data confirmed that the formation of these aggregates is not the result of interaction between excess Ca2+ ions and the polymer, but rather it is due to changes in the water activity that triggers the structural rearrangement of Ca2+/PEO45-b-PAA70 complex.
A study of the nickel-titanium oxide interaction

Previous studies have demonstrated that, when nickel supported on titanium oxide is reduced in hydrogen at 450 °C and higher, the system exhibits SMSI properties. We have employed several complementary experimental approaches in an attempt to gain an insight into the intimate details surrounding the nickel-titanium oxide interaction. High resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the changes in morphology of nickel particles following reduction at increasing temperatures. In situ ferromagnetic resonance studies have provided characterization of the state of the nickel as a function of reduction temperature. A geometrically designed catalyst in combination with scanning Auger surface analysis was used to probe transport phenomena involving nickel and titanium oxide during treatment in hydrogen. The combined results of these studies have enabled us to develop a model which involves the migration of titanium-oxygen moieties onto the surface of the nickel particles during reduction in hydrogen. This decoration model provides a mechanism whereby SMSI properties are observed.
A robust optimality criteria procedure for cross-sectional optimization of frame structures with multiple frequency limits

Abstract An efficient optimality criteria (OC) method is presented for cross-sectional optimization of two-dimensional frame structures supporting a sizeable amount of nonstructural mass and subjected to multiple natural frequency constraints and minimum and maximum gauge restrictions. The iterative method involves alternately satisfying the constraints (scaling) and applying the Kuhn-Tucker (optimality) condition (resizing). This being the case, a criterion, which uses previous scaled designs to ‘adaptively’ tune the step size, is established. As the step size is tuned, the convergence rate is decreased. Hence a modified Aitken's accelerator, which extrapolates from previous scaled designs to obtain an improved one, is used. When the frequency constraints are to be satisfied, the sizing variables (cross-sectional areas) are uniformly scaled to the constraint surfaces using a closed-form formulation. This exact formulation is introduced for the first time in the open literature. Design examples are presented to demonstrate the method. The method is also used to qualitatively survey the convergence of OC recursive relations compositely used to resize and to evaluate the Lagrange multipliers. The method is robust, as it quickly dissolves the (sometimes violent) oscillations of scaled weights in the iteration history. Also, it eliminates the need for adjustments of internal parameters during the redesign phase.
Lead Pollution: Records in Southern California Coastal Sediments

The present anthropogenic lead fluxes into sediments from the Santa Monica, San Pedro, and Santa Barbara basins of Southern California are, respectively, 0.9, 1.7, and 2.1 micrograms of lead per square centimeter of sea bottom per year; the natural (prepollution) rates for these three basins were, respectively, 0.24, 0.26, and 1.0 microgram of lead per square centimeter per year. Studies of isotopic composition indicate that lead pollutants in coastal sediments are derived mainly from the combustion of lead additives in gasoline.
Axonal transport cargo motor count versus average transport velocity: is fast versus slow transport really single versus multiple motor transport?

Abstract Cargos have been observed exhibiting a “stop-and-go” behavior (i.e. cargo “pause”), and it has generally been assumed that these multi-second pauses can be attributed to equally long pauses of cargo-bound motors during motor procession. We contend that a careful examination of the isolated microtubule experimental record does not support motor pauses. Rather, we believe that the data suggests that motor cargo complexes encounter an obstruction that prevents procession, eventually detach and reattach, with this obstructed-detach–reattach sequence being observed in axon as a “pause.” Based on this, along with our quantitative evidence-based contention that slow and fast axonal transport are actually single and multi-motor transport, we have developed a cargo level motor model capable of exhibiting the full range of slow to fast transport solely by changing the number of motors involved. This computational model derived using first-order kinetics is suitable for both kinesin and dynein and includes load-dependence as well as provision for motors encountering obstacles to procession. The model makes the following specific predictions: average distance from binding to obstruction is about 10 μm; average motor maximum velocity is at least 6 μm/s in axon; a minimum of 10 motors is required for the fastest fast transport while only one motor is required for slow transport; individual in-vivo cargo-attached motors may spend as little as 5% of their time processing along a microtubule with the remainder being spent either obstructed or unbound to a microtubule; and at least in the case of neurofilament transport, kinesin and dynein are largely not being in a “tug-of-war” competition.
Bone marrow regeneration and extension after extended field irradiation in Hodgkin's disease.

The dose response data for bone marrow suppression, following localized irradiation as recorded in the literature, are 3,000 rads. Since doses from 3,500 rads to 4,500 rads are widely utilized in extended field irradiation, the probability of ablation of a major portion of the bone marrow compartment exists with the current techniques of treatment for Hodgkin's disease. The ability of geographically mapping bone marrow distribution in a semiquantitative fashion is possible with modern radioisotope scanning procedures. 99mTc-S colloid activity parallels 59Fe and can be used to reflect hematopoietic activity although a disparity between the RES and erythron compartments has been reported. Clinical evidence utilizing 99mTc-S colloid bone marrow scanning techniques indicates that prolonged suppression of bone marrow occurs immediately following completion of segmental sequential irradiation in patients with Hodgkin's disease and persists for a period of 1 or 2 years. New evidence is presented of partial to complete bone marrow regeneration at 4,000 rads range in 85% of the exposed bone marrow sites at 2 years if the doses are fractionated. Mechanisms of bone marrow recovery which are discussed include: increased hematopoietic production in shielded marrow sites, expansion of bone marrow space, and infield regeneration of bone marrow.
Strain and lattice engineering for Ge FET devices

One of the main challenges to creating a GeOI-based FET is simply to create a high-quality single-crystal layer for the channel material. Due to the low cost and wide availability of Si substrates, the most popular approach to Ge FET material development has been to integrate Ge with existing Si wafers (either by wafer bonding or direct growth). The different strategies for integrating Ge layers with existing Si-based substrates will be reviewed and discussed. The strain and relaxation behavior in high-content SiGe and pure Ge layers will be shown to put serious limitations on the possible integration schemes if defects are to be minimized. A discussion of the formation of SGOI by high-temperature oxidation will be discussed and it will be shown that the residual strain follows a universal trend. This trend allows one to design and fabricate lattice-engineered substrates for heteroepitaxial growth. An analysis of the residual strain in thin strained Ge layers indicates that the response of these crystals also follows the universal trend and is described using a simple equilibrium model. Lastly, the effective Poisson ratio was measured for the strained Ge layers and was found to vary as a function of the in-plane strain. The Poisson ratio was measured to vary from near the bulk value (0.27) at low strain, and decrease nearly linearly to ∼0.17 at 4% compressive strain.
Polarizability of the ground state of the hydrogen molecular ion

The dipole polarizabilities of the ground states of the ions ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}^{+}$ have been calculated without making use of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Instead, the ions were treated as three-body systems whose ground states are spherically symmetric, and the polarizabilities were calculated using second-order perturbation theory with intermediate p pseudostates. The wave functions of both the ground and intermediate states are taken to be of generalized Hylleraas form, but it is necessary to use quite high powers of the internuclear coordinate to simulate the localized motion of the nuclei. We obtain good values of the ground-state energies, and report values of the polarizabilities, to be compared with recent measurements.
Effects of osmotic conditions on ultrastructure of rat mammary epithelium

Effects of osmotic conditions on secretion of milk serum were examined using standard transmission electron microscopy. Rat mammary glands were infused with hyper-, iso-, and hypo-osmotic solutions. The intramammary infusion of these agents elicited distinct and repeatable morphological responses from lactating epithelial cells. The response to hyperosmolarity was an increase in compound exocytotic figures and an increase in secretory vesicle size (¯x=1.65 Μm in diameter). Glands infused with hypo-osmolar solutions exhibited the opposite response; reduction in compound exocytotic figures and reduced vesicle size (¯x=0.34 Μn in diameter). The response to iso-osmotic solutions was indistinguishable from untreated control tissue. The ratio of vesicular projections to depressions (vesicle membrane/plasma membrane interactions) could be experimentally altered through the intramammary infusion of solutions with different osmotic potentials. These observations support the suggestion that osmotic conditions may influence exocytosis of milk serum.
Parallel algorithms for the segment dragging problem

Abstract We address a geometric problem called the segment dragging . We have n “obstacles” in the plane and want to preprocess them so that, given a query vertical line segment s , intersecting no obstacles, the first obstacle hit by s when we drag s horizontally to the right can be found efficiently. We present an O(log n ) time, O( n ) processor parallel algorithm for preprocessing when the obstacles are points or nonintersecting line segments. After preprocessing, a query can be answered in O(log n ) time using a single processor. Our model of parallel computation is the EREW PRAM.
Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome are not related in sleep disorders center patients.

Summary Background : Studies suggest obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) frequently manifests in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and that there may be a causal relationship. Aim : To determine the relationship between OSAS and symptoms of GERD. Methods : Consecutive patients referred to the Sleep Disorders Center (SDC) 18 years and older with polysomnographically defined OSAS were evaluated prospectively for GERD using a validated symptoms questionnaire. The GERD and OSAS relationship was assessed by 1) determining frequency of GERD in patients with and without OSAS; 2) ascertaining the relationship between OSAS severity categories and presence of GERD; 3) examining GERD score in relation to those factors that might affect both GERD and OSAS, e.g. obesity. Results : One thousand and twenty-three SDC patients met entry citeria. Amongst participants, GERD was common (29% of women and 17% of males) and OSAS extremely common (58% of women and 80% of males). GERD score did not correlate with OSAS variables. The severity of OSAS did not influence the prevalence of GERD. Conclusion : In a large group of patients referred to a sleep disorders center, there was no relationship between OSAS and GERD symptoms. Also, there was no relationship between the severity of OSAS and the likelihood of GERD symptoms.
Hume the Sociable Iconoclast: The Case of the Four Dissertations

Abstract Though each of its four constituent essays has received scholarly attention in itself, Hume’s Four Dissertations (1757) has received virtually no consideration from scholars as a unified whole. This article offers such an assessment, and argues that two crucially Humean themes link the four texts. First, they show the applicability of Hume’s theory of the passions to a wide range of questions: to the philosophy of religion, to psychology, and to aesthetics. Second, they show Hume grappling with the tension between his iconoclastic religious skepticism and his valorization of tolerant and sociable exchange between thinkers with differing views.
PHENOMENOLOGICAL MODELS OF CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS

Abstract Using data in the literature we develop phenomenological models of chlorinated hydrocarbon emissions from modular incinerators. These models suggest that pollution prevention (“front end”) measures, and good combustion conditions could lower HCl and dioxin emissions to manageable levels.
Zinc availability and alkaline phosphatase activity in Emiliania huxleyi: Implications for Zn-P co-limitation in the ocean

Zinc (Zn) serves as a cofactor in several extracellular phosphatases, which allow microorganisms to acquire phosphorus from organic P compounds. In oligotrophic ocean water, where both phosphate and Zn concentrations are low, orthophosphate regeneration through enzymatic hydrolysis of organic compounds may be restricted by Zn availability. We examined the possibility of co-limitation by P and Zn in batch cultures of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi grown at very low biomass. Both growth rates and extracellular phosphatase activity were inhibited by low Zn. Cultures grown at nanomolar P and subpicomolar, unchelated Zn concentrations had higher phosphatase activity and slower growth rates when grown on organic P than when grown on inorganic P. We calculated that the additional Zn demand for phosphatase activity in the culture with organic P amounted to 16% of the cellular Zn quota. This percentage would be lower at higher organic P concentrations. Extrapolating from our data, we surmise that Zn-P co-limitation may prevail in highly oligotrophic systems such as the Sargasso Sea, but it is not likely to be widespread in the ocean. Nonetheless, the observation of a significant enhancement of extracellular phosphatase activity in Zn-amended water samples from the Bering Sea demonstrates the potential for Zn-P colimitation during phytoplankton blooms.
Fission Yeast Rad26 Is a Regulatory Subunit of the Rad3 Checkpoint Kinase

Fission yeast Rad3 is a member of a family of phosphoinositide 3-kinase -related kinases required for the maintenance of genomic stability in all eukaryotic cells. In fission yeast, Rad3 regulates the cell cycle arrest and recovery activities associated with the G2/M checkpoint. We have developed an assay that directly measures Rad3 kinase activity in cells expressing physiological levels of the protein. Using the assay, we demonstrate directly that Rad3 kinase activity is stimulated by checkpoint signals. Of the five other G2/M checkpoint proteins (Hus1, Rad1, Rad9, Rad17, and Rad26), only Rad26 was required for Rad3 kinase activity. Because Rad26 has previously been shown to interact constitutively with Rad3, our results demonstrate that Rad26 is a regulatory subunit, and Rad3 is the catalytic subunit, of the Rad3/Rad26 kinase complex. Analysis of Rad26/Rad3 kinase activation in rad26.T12, a mutant that is proficient for cell cycle arrest, but defective in recovery, suggests that these two responses to checkpoint signals require quantitatively different levels of kinase activity from the Rad3/Rad26 complex.
Detecting pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) using DNA extracted from fecal pellets of mixed-species groups

Noninvasive genetic sampling is an essential tool for studying elusive and endangered species. However, the DNA from noninvasive genetic sampling tends to be low in quantity and quality, which leads to poor DNA amplification. Using fecal pellets of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) collected in February, March, and November 2011, we tested a possible solution of increasing the amount of sample by combining multiple pellet groups during DNA extraction. One potential drawback of this approach is accidental mixing of samples from multiple species. This study evaluates the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) species identification success rate for pygmy rabbit (PY) fecal DNA when mixed with eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus; EC) fecal pellet DNA at lower frequencies (1PY:3EC and 2PY:6EC) and eastern cottontail or mountain cottontail (S. nuttalli) pellet samples at an equal frequency (4:4). We found that successful detection of pygmy rabbit DNA using a species-specific mtDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test varies from 0% to 95% depending on the competing species and PCR protocol. From these results, we conclude that if samples are unintentionally mixed, the species with a greater number of pellets within the sample will be more likely to be detected. Also, if pellet piles are intentionally mixed to reduce sampling cost, the protocol should be optimized to maximize DNA amplification for the focal species; however, there will be reduced detection rates depending on the quality and quantity of the focal species DNA within the sample. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
The Mouse Arteriovenous Fistula Model

Purpose The first aim of the present study was to create a mouse carotid artery–to–jugular vein arteriovenous (AV) fistula model. This model was used to test the hypothesis that there is increased gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)–2 and MMP-9 at the venous stenosis. Materials and Methods Ten male FVB/NJ mice underwent the creation of an AV fistula between the left carotid artery and ipsilateral jugular vein, with the contralateral vessels serving as controls. Two mice died 1 day after surgery and the other eight were euthanized at day 28. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed in five mice, with the grafted vein and control vein tissue used to determine the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Immunohistochemical analysis of the grafted vein and control vein was performed in three mice. Results Venous stenosis formed at the outflow vein, characterized by a thickened neointima with cells staining positive for α–smooth muscle actin. There was increased expression of MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)–1, and TIMP-2 by day 28 at the venous stenosis compared with control vein. Conclusions A mouse carotid artery–to–jugular vein AV fistula model was developed and used to demonstrate increased expression of several markers known to be associated with AV fistula stenosis. The model may be useful in investigating mechanisms responsible for AV fistula venous stenoses.
Ballots and Barricades: On the Reciprocal Relationship between Elections and Social Movements

Why do two cognate literatures—social movements and electoral studies—travel along parallel paths with little conversation between them? And what can be done to connect them in the future? Drawing on their work with the late Charles Tilly on Dynamics of Contention (2001), Doug McAdam and Sidney Tarrow examine two important studies that approach (but do not effect such a linkage), propose a mechanism-based set of linkages between elections and social movements, and apply their approach in a preliminary examination of the relations between the American anti-war movement after 9/11 and the Democratic Party.
Nickel(II) complexes of 3,3′-bis(aminopropyl)ether

Abstract Nickel(II) complexes of 3,3′-bis(aminopropyl)ether (dape) have been prepared and characterized which are formulated as Ni(dape)(SCN) 2 and Ni(dape) 2 X 2 where X = Br − , I − , NO 3 − , ClO 4 − , SCN − and SeCN − . Magnetic and visible spectral data indicate the complexes are 6-coordinated pseudo-octahedral structures in solution and the solid state. When X = Br − , I − , NO 3 − and ClO 4 − i.r. data in the solid state strongly supports coordination of the ether oxygen in each dape ligand in conjunction with both primary amine groups. A trans meridonal or facial configuration is postulated for these complexes based on a study of stereomodels as well as the observation of strong tetragonal distortion from octahedral symmetry in the electronic spectra of these complexes at room temperature. The ligand exerts a strong ligand field, having Dq xy = 1247 cm −1 and Dq z = 477 cm −1 . When X = SCN − and SeCN − , the better donor anions coordinated in place of the ether oxygens as indicat ed by i.r. and visible spectral measurements. Dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide, solvent molecules appear to displace the coordinated ether linkages in the case of non-coordinating anions whereas for the thiocyanate and selenocyanate derivatives solvent molecules only partially replace the anions as suggested by conductivity data.
Exact theory of interaction between whispering gallery modes in microspheres and a dipole scatterer

Interaction of whispering gallery modes in a microsphere with a dipole scatterer is described exactly. The theory disproves the traditional understanding of this phenomenon and explains a real origin of doublets in spectra of microspheres.
REDUCING THE RISK OF NEEDLESTICKS: METHODS USED TO RELOAD SYRINGES

To achieve local anesthesia, dentists may need to administer a second injection. One widely used textbook advocates removing the needle before replacing the used cartridge. To determine the extent to which practicing dentists follow this recommendation, the author surveyed 144 practicing dentists in an upstate New York community and found that only 3 percent use this method. The rest leave the needle on to minimize their risk of a needlestick.
Newly Diagnosed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Arsenic Moves Front and Center

Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with alltrans retinoic acid (ATRA), anthracyclines, and increasingly, cytarabine (ara-C) is often prohibitively expensive in the developing world. This encouraged Ghavamzadeh et al 1 in Iran to treat newly diagnosed APL without these standard drugs and rather to rely on arsenic trioxide (ATO), a drug with well-known activity in relapsed APL. 2 As reported in the article that accompanies this editorial, Ghavamzadeh et al observed a complete remission (CR) rate of 86% in 197 patients. Typical of APL, failure to enter CR resulted essentially exclusively from death, most often resulting from hemorrhage before CR could occur (“early death”). As is usual, early death was more frequent (42%v 6%) in patients with a WBC count greater than 10,000/L (hereafter high risk). Patients in CR continued receiving ATO, initially only for one 4-week course, but later, patients were given four such courses. With a median follow-up of 38 months of patients entering CR, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) probability is 67% 4%, and 5-year overall survival (OS) probability is 64% 4% ( standard deviation). These rates will likely remain stable given that only one relapse was seen among 36 patients who were observed for more than 5 years. Patients given more than one consolidation course had a 5-year DFS of approximately 90% compared with the 5-year DFS of approximately 60% in patients given only one consolidation course; this observation appears somewhat self-fulfilling, given that patients had to remain in CR for more than 1 year to receive the third consolidation course and more than 2 years to receive the fourth. Recently, Mathews et al 3,4 in India administered ATO 10 mg daily until CR in 72 patients with newly diagnosed disease; 24% of these patients had a WBC count greater than 10,000/L, and most could not afford standard therapy. Eleven percent received one to two doses of an anthracycline during induction, but once in CR, patients received only ATO 10 mg each day for one month and then 10 days per month for 6 months. The CR rate was 86%; with a median follow-up of 5 years, DFS and OS probabilities were 80% 5% and 74% 5%, respectively. 4
Use of Preoperative Paravertebral Block Decreases Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy Plus Immediate Reconstruction

Background. A prior study in patients undergoing breast surgery with and without the use of paravertebral blocks (PVB) found no significant difference in patient length of stay (LOS). However, patients undergoing bilateral procedures and those undergoing immediate reconstructions were excluded. We sought to determine if the use of PVB in patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral mastectomy plus immediate reconstruction decreases patient LOS. Methods. We undertook a retrospective review of patients who had mastectomies with immediate reconstructions with and without the use of preoperative PVB. Outcomes including LOS, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and time to oral narcotics were compared between groups. Results. Mean LOS for the PVB group was 42 h. This was significantly less than the mean LOS of 47 h for the nonblock group (p = .0015). The significantly lower LOS for the PVB group was true for patients undergoing bilateral procedures (p = .045), unilateral procedures (p = .0031), tissue expander placement (p = .0114), and immediate implant placement (p = .037). Mean time to conversion to oral narcotics was significantly shorter in the PVB group (15 h) compared with the nonblock group (20 h) (p \ .001). The incidence of postoperative nausea in the PVB group (42.8 %) was also significantly less than in the nonblock group (54.7 %) (p = .031). Conclusions. The routine use of preoperative PVB in patients undergoing mastectomy plus immediate reconstruction significantly decreased patient LOS. In addition to improved pain control from the block itself, quicker conversion to oral narcotics because of less postoperative nausea likely contributed to a decreased LOS.
Social Action, Behavior and Verstehen*

EVER SINCE Watson fixed the meaning of the term "behavior" in a neuromuscular context, there have been reactions to its use in sociology. At times these reactions emerge as explicit disavowals of the appropriateness of the term in a sociological vocabulary, but often it is reluctantly used with a variety of proscriptive and definitional statements that make it something other than what Watson had in mind. These problems with "behavior" are not merely matters of terminological preference. The use of the term often involves a set of commitments that are methodological and metaphysical as well as substantive. The reactions and qualifications have to do with these orientations. The basic issue in this controversy is whether the scientific observation of human action can encompass meaning or whether all observation of action reduces to the observation of neuro-muscular movement in space and time. In this latter case meaning does not exist as a scientifically comprehensible fact or else it is an inference from or extrapolation of relations among these basic facts. This problem of the role and nature of meaning in scientific observation of human phenomena periodically reoccurs in every specialty in the social sciences. For example, in recent years the development of componential analysis in ethnology has again raised the issue in linguistics. As recently as 1962, Hill asserted that the "investigation of sound is our only avenue to knowledge of the mental linguistic substances." Chafe (1965:23), quoting Hill, then says: "My own view is rather at the other extreme: that meaning is in every way as important as sound in our approach to an understanding of language as a whole." The behaviorist treatment of this issue is a special case because Watson's position on meaning became confused with the more general methodological directive to pay attention to that which is observable. The emphasis upon the necessity for following scientific canons was intermingled with a much more particular prescription and judgment about what was observable. This confusion was sustained by the assumption that physical facts have a greater reality than others and by the
Interorganizational conflict: a labor-management bargaining experiment:

The recent growth of research on conflict has been stimulated principally by the work of game theorists and psychologists.2 Relatively few recent contributions have been made by sociologists whose interest in conflict is of long standing (cf. Bernard, 1965). One outstanding exception is Coser's work in codifying Simmel's analysis of conflict and in advancing the thesis that conflict often has positive functions in social systems (Coser, 1956). Another exception is Lipset's work on the importance of conflict for democracy and societal integration (Lipset, 1960, pp. 1-2, 27-28, 428ff). Several decades ago, Ross formulated the proposition that noncoincident multiple lines of cleavage have a stabilizing function
Regulation of Human B Lymphocyte Responsiveness

Regulation of human B cell responses is a complex process involving the activities of a variety of cells and cytokines. There are important differences between the regulation of human and murine B lymphocytes, especially with regard to the action of IL2 and IL4. In man, IL2 appears to play a central role in regulating B cell activation, proliferation and differentiation, whereas ILA plays a regulatory role by inhibiting initial B cell activation. Above and beyond providing regulatoly cytokines, activated human T cells can also directly stimulate B cell differentiation by a process that requires cellular contact. A better understanding of the nature of signal transduction during interactions between B cells and activated T cells and provided by the various cytokines should provide additional insight into the regulation of B cell function in man.
Terminal versus transient cumulus congestus : A CloudSat perspective

[1] While cumulus congestus as an important mode of tropical convection has been established, many of the previous studies that rely on radar observations usually capture them as snapshots. A logical question to consider is: are the statistics gathered from snapshot observations of cumulus congestus really reflective of this mode of convection that ceases its growth at these intermediate levels (terminal cumulus congestus), or will the convection being observed continue to ascend to greater altitudes to become deep convection at a later time (transient cumulus congestus)? This short article strives to answer this question by analyzing simultaneous, independent measurements of CTH and CTT from CloudSat and MODIS, together with CloudSat radar profile and collocated ECMWF analysis. It is found, based on analysis of one year of data, that a significant fraction (30–40%) of the tropical cumulus congestus observed by the snapshot views are in transient mode that will ascend to greater altitude at a later time. The analysis concept used in this study, which gives ‘‘static’’ snapshot observations some ‘‘dynamic’’ context, can be applied to analyze convection of all types. Citation: Luo, Z., G. Y. Liu, G. L. Stephens, and R. H. Johnson (2009), Terminal versus transient cumulus congestus: A CloudSat perspective, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L05808, doi:10.1029/2008GL036927.
Borderline intellectual functioning and the intellectual disability construct.

Wehmeyer et al. (2008) recently published a particularly instructive paper in this journal on the construct of intellectual disability. The authors carefully distinguished between operational definitions of the term and those intended to describe and explain the potential basis for the condition; the latter they referred to as constitutive. They also discussed a multidimensional model of human functioning as a preferred way of conceptualizing intellectual disabilities, particularly in contrast to those that have been based on biological traits and defects. However, although they asserted that there are differences at the level of construct between the terms intellectual disability and mental retardation, they reaffirmed Schalock et al.’s (2007) point that this does not translate into any difference in the diagnostic process and that ‘‘the term intellectual disability covers the same population (as those) diagnosed previously with mental retardation in number, kind, level, type, and duration’’ (p. 317). The authors also called for input from the field in preparation for the upcoming manual on Definition, Classification and Systems of Support. This article provides input by calling attention to borderline intellectual functioning, a term referring to a potentially large group of people who may also manifest intellectual disabilities. I begin with a brief overview of the history of the term and then address the need for meaningful dialogue of this issue, both to enhance understanding of the intellectual disability construct and to refine clinical practice and education while developing a clear agenda for reinvigorated research.
Stabilizing control of discrete systems with jump Markov parameters

A controller is presented for stabilizing linear, discrete-time systems with discrete-time, discrete state jump Markov parameters. Under the conditions given, the controller is shown to be stabilizing in the mean-square-exponential sense. These results can be extended in a straightforward manner to stabilize systems with additive white noises. The calculation of the control action involves the finite-time solution of a set of Riccati-like equations as opposed to the use of infinite-horizon solutions of the same equations in previous designs. >
Cognitive, behavioral, and personality correlates of HIV-positive persons' unsafe sexual behavior

This study examined sexually risky behaviors of HIV-positive men and women within the framework of social cognitive theory. Condom use was found to be associated with high self-efficacy, positive influeces from social models, and specific condom use expectancies. As risky sexual behavior may be the manifestation of a more general pattern of risk taking that emerges from personality dispositions such as impulsiveness or psychoticism, this possibility was explored with discriminant analyses. Self-reported impulsivity, substance abuse, promiscuity, and deception served as markers of the presumed disposition. While these variables did not reliably distinguish between consistent and inconsistent condom users, they did enhance significantly the classification of individuals who, during the past 6 months, had been sexually abstinent, monogamous, or nonmonogamous. Those who reported more sex partners scored higher on impulsivity, disclosed more involvement with illegal drugs, and showed greater willingness to mislead potential partners about their sexual history than monogamous or sexually abstinent persons with HIV.
Evolution of operative strategies in open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.

Objective During a 24-year interval, we managed >90% of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA) repairs with a clamp-and-sew (clamp/sew) approach supplemented with protective adjuncts, including renal hypothermia and epidural cooling with aggressive intercostal reconstruction for spinal cord protection. A finite paraplegia rate led to operative modifications using distal aortic perfusion (DAP) through atriofemoral bypass to support cord collateral circulation and selective intercostal reconstruction based on motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. This study evaluated the effect of DAP/MEP on perioperative outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing repair of nonruptured Crawford extent I–III TAA using DAP/MEP were compared with propensity-matched patients treated with the clamp/sew technique. Outcomes included 30-day mortality and paraplegia. Results There were 52 patients in the DAP cohort vs 127 undergoing clamp/sew. The DAP and clamp/sew cohorts differed in age (62.6 vs 69.5 years, P = .0003), presence of Marfan disease (10% vs 2%, P = .01), and chronic dissection (37% vs 8%, P = .001). Operative mortality was low (DAP, 2%; clamp/sew, 5%; P = .38). Postoperative renal insufficiency, although doubled in clamp/sew (17%) vs DAP (8%; P = .10), was not significant. DAP patients had a significantly lower incidence of intercostal reconstruction than the clamp/sew group (10% vs 34%, P P = .11). The composite death/paraplegia rate was decreased with DAP at 1 of 52 (2%) vs clamp/sew at 11 of 127 (9%; P = .01). Paraparesis with complete recovery occurred in 5 of 52 (10%) of the DAP group. Conclusions Elective TAA repair was accomplished with a low mortality in the DAP and clamp/sew cohorts. The use of MEP in the DAP cohort (despite a higher spinal cord ischemic risk due to the number of chronic dissection patients) decreased the need for intercostal reconstruction, with no paraplegia to date. DAP with MEP is the preferred operative strategy for extent I to III TAA repair.
CORTICOSTERONE SECRETION, ENERGETIC CONDITION, AND A TEST OF THE MIGRATION MODULATION HYPOTHESIS IN THE HERMIT THRUSH (CATHARUS GUTTATUS), A SHORT-DISTANCE MIGRANT

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that migration may be extremely important in limiting populations of migratory songbirds. Understanding the relationship between changes in cor- ticosterone secretion and energy reserves during migration is essential to understanding how environmental conditions such as weather, food availability, predation pressure, and habitat quality may be affecting birds en route. Several studies have found that baseline corticosterone is often elevated, and response to capture and handling stress reduced (migration modulation hypothesis), in birds sampled during the migratory period. However, because neither corticos- terone secretion nor energetic condition within groups of birds sampled either in laboratory or in field varied significantly (Holberton et al. 1996, Holberton 1999), it was unknown whether corticosterone secretion could be modulated to track changes in energetic condition within the migratory period. Here, we investigated patterns of corticosterone secretion associate...
Figure-ground mechanisms provide structure for selective attention

Attention depends on figure-ground organization: figures draw attention, whereas shapes of the ground tend to be ignored. Recent research has revealed mechanisms for figure-ground organization in the visual cortex, but how these mechanisms relate to the attention process remains unclear. Here we show that the influences of figure-ground organization and volitional (top-down) attention converge in single neurons of area V2 in Macaca mulatta. Although we found assignment of border ownership for attended and for ignored figures, attentional modulation was stronger when the attended figure was located on the neuron's preferred side of border ownership. When the border between two overlapping figures was placed in the receptive field, responses depended on the side of attention, and enhancement was generally found on the neuron's preferred side of border ownership. This correlation suggests that the neural network that creates figure-ground organization also provides the interface for the top-down selection process.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Convection Produced by Interacting Thunderstorm Outflows. Part I: Control Simulation and Low-Level Moisture Variations

Abstract The Klemp–Wilhelmson three-dimensional numerical cloud model is used to investigate cloud development along intersecting thunderstorm outflow boundaries. The model initial environment is characterized by a temperature and moisture profile typically found in strong convective situations, and the initial wind field is prescribed by a constant unidirectional shear 2.9 m s−1 km−1 from 0.8 to 8.9 km, with a constant wind everywhere else. The wind shear vector is perpendicular to the line containing the two initial outflow-producing clouds (which are spaced 16 km apart and are triggered by thermal impulses centered at the top of the boundary layer). The dynamics of the outflow collision are documented using time-dependent, kinematic air parcel trajectories and thermodynamic data. We find that ambient air in the outflow collision region is literally “squeezed” out of the way as the two outflows collide. Some of this air is lifted to saturation, triggering two convective clouds. The upshear member of the...
Acute Lung Parenchymal Changes

This chapter has images of different diseases involving the lungs with similar pattern with intent to recognize pattern of different types of densities. Each disease is also dealt individually to depict the different image presentations. An attempt is also made to show subtle differences in image patten to distinguish different diseases.
The Rationality of Revolt and Fanon's Relevance, 50 Years Later

What does it mean to speak of Fanonâs relevance i¬fty years after his death? I suggest that one element to consider might be an epistemological challenge signaled by social movements of the wretched of the earth. Fanonâs wretched of the earth is not a story of wretchedness and suffering but of self-fashioning movements which through action become aware of themselves as subjects as they become aware of the betrayals of the leaders who speak in their name. The challenge to university-trained intellectuals who want to aid these popular movements is to hear these voices and support their articulation. Fanonian practices call for a shift in epistemology. Critical of research paradigms developed by the World Bank or other international funding agencies, and focused instead on the articulation of needs from the bottom up, dialogues about education (in and outside the academy) for liberation can be rekindled.
Analysis of Optimal Conditions for Retroviral-Mediated Transduction of Primitive Human Hematopoietic Cells

We sought to define optimal conditions for retroviral-mediated transduction of long-lived human hematopoietic progenitors from bone marrow and peripheral blood. CD34+ cells were transduced by the LN and G2 retroviral vectors in the presence or absence of stromal support and with or without cytokine addition. After transduction, a portion of the cells was plated in methylcellulose colony-forming assay, with or without G418, to assess the extent of gene transfer into committed progenitors. The remaining cells from each experiment were transplanted into immunodeficient mice to allow analysis of transduction of long- lived progenitors. Human colony-forming cells contained within the murine bone marrow were analyzed after engraftment periods of 2 to 11 months. Cells were plated in a human-specific colony-forming assay with and without G418 to assess the extent of transduction of primitive progenitors. Individual human colonies were also analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of provirus. Bone marrow progenitors were efficiently transduced only when stroma was present, whereas mobilized peripheral blood progenitors were effectively transduced in the presence of either stroma or cytokines. Inclusion of the cytokines interleukin-3, interleukin-6, and stem cell factor did not further augment the extent of gene transfer in the presence of a stromal support layer. Additionally, human CD34+ progenitors from bone marrow or mobilized peripheral blood that had been transduced for 3 days in the absence of stroma failed to produce sustained, long-term engraftment of bnx mice. Mice transplanted with the same pools of human progenitors that had been transduced in the presence of stroma for 3 days had significant levels of human cell engraftment at the same timepoints, 7 to 11 months after transplantation. Our data show loss of long-lived human progenitors during 3-day in vitro transduction periods in the absence of stromal support. Therefore, the presence of bone marrow stroma has dual benefits in that it increases gene transfer efficiency and is essential for survival of long-lived human hematopoietic progenitors.