cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE OTHER CONFESSIONAL HISTORY: ON SECULAR BIAS IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION

The rejection of confessional commitments in the study of religion in favor of social-scientific or humanistic theories of religion has produced not unbiased accounts, but reductionist explanations of religious belief and practice with embedded secular biases that preclude the understanding of religious believer-practitioners. These biases derive from assumptions of undemonstrable, dogmatic, metaphysical naturalism or its functional equivalent, an epistemological skepticism about all truth claims of revealed religions. Because such assumptions are so widespread among scholars today, they are not often explicitly articulated. They were overtly asserted by Emile Durkheim in his Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912), however, and are implicit in the claims of two other thinkers influential in the study of early modern Christianity in recent years, namely Clifford Geertz and Michel Foucault. The use of such theories in the history of religion yields secular confessional history, parallel to traditional religious confessional history only with different embedded metaphysical beliefs. If scholars want to understand religious persons such that the latter would recognize themselves in what is said about them, rather than impose their own metaphysical convictions on them, then they should reject metaphysically biased reductionist theories of religion no less than confessional religious assumptions in the practice of their scholarship. Instead, a study of religion guided not by theories but by the question, “What did it mean to them?” and which is particularized in metaphysically neutral ways offers a third alternative that avoids confessional history, whether religious or secular. When carried out consistently for multiple traditions, such an approach can reconstruct disagreements that point beyond description to historical explanation of change over time.
Reverse Osmosis Separations of Free Radicals in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract The reverse osmosis separations of two piperidinooxy radicals from aqueous solutions were studied at operating pressures of 1724 to 6895 kPag. Both radicals are stable during the reverse osmosis experiment and positively separated by using cellulose acetate membranes. The liquid chromatography data indicates that piperidinooxy radicals are weakly adsorbed to cellulose acetate polymer, while their electrolyte analogues are rejected, and undissociated piperidine solute (also a structural analogue of the radicals) is strongly adsorbed.
Displaced lognormal volatility skews: analysis and applications to stochastic volatility simulations

We analyze the implied volatility skews generated by displaced lognormal diffusions. In particular, we prove the global monotonicity of implied volatility, and an at-the-money bound on the steepness of downward volatility skews, under displaced lognormal dynamics, which therefore cannot reproduce some features observed in equity markets. A variant, the displaced anti-lognormal, overcomes the steepness constraint, but its state space is bounded above and unbounded below. In light of these limitations on what features the displaced (anti-)lognormal (DL) can model, we exploit the DL, not as a model, but as a control variate, to reduce variance in Monte Carlo simulations of the CEV and SABR local/stochastic volatility models. For either use—as model, or as control variate—the DL’s parameters require estimation. We find an explicit formula for the DL’s short-expiry limiting volatility skew, which allows direct calibration of its parameters to volatility skews implied by market data or by other models.
Modeling chip-evacuation forces and prediction of chip-clogging in drilling

One of the fundamental difficulties of the drilling process is the evacuation of the chips from the drilled hole. As the hole depth increases, the chips tend to cluster together and clog the flutes, causing increased forces, poor hole quality, elevated drill temperatures, and drill breakage. In this paper, a model for chip evacuation has been developed to predict the force and torque arising from the evacuation of the discontinuous chips. The model considers the pressure on a differential chip section being created by the forces required to push the chips out of the hole. The two coefficients of friction required by the model are established via a calibration procedure. The effectiveness of both the calibration and the force models has been assessed via a set of validation experiments. The model can be used to predict the depth when chip-clogging occurs, indicating the need for a pecking cycle, and the depth where the drill experiences an excessive amount of torque, which may result in drill breakage.
A model and computer program for biological networks.

Abstract A general model in the form of a network of paths and nodes is embodied in a computer program. All topological and quantitative information about the network can be introduced into a computer through a time sharing system teletype. Paths are unidirectional, with thresholds and saturation values assigned by the user. Nodes are of several types, chosen to simulate elementary biological functions. The types include internal nodes, nodes for external stimulation and nodes at which observations are made and plotted or tabulated by the computer. The paper includes examples of application of the program to a biophysical system, a hypothetical neuro-muscular system and to a model designed to test the logical validity of a hypothesis about a self-optimizing system with biological components.
Drinking histories of fatally injured drivers

Context: About 30% of drivers killed in crashes have high blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.10+ g/dl. There is a question about whether these drivers primarily are problem drinkers who chronically drink and drive—the so-called hard core drinking drivers. Objective: To investigate drinking histories of fatally injured drivers in relation to their BACs. Design and participants: Retrospective cohort study of 818 fatally injured drivers who were included in the 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey (a national sample of US deaths in which next of kin were interviewed) and whose BACs were recorded by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a census of US traffic deaths. Main outcome measure: Problem drinking indicators. Results: At least one indicator of potential problem drinking, primarily heavy drinking, was reported for 68% of drivers with very high BACs (0.15+ g/dl), 41% with BACs of 0.10–0.14 g/dl, 32% with BACs of 0.01–0.09 g/dl, and 7% with zero BACs. Spouses provided more credible responses than other relatives: they were more likely to report at least occasional drinking and driving among deceased drivers with high BACs. For the most direct signs of problem drinking (described as a problem drinker during the last month of life or frequently driving after having five or more drinks), spousal reports suggested the prevalence of problem drinking among drivers with very high BACs was 22% (having both indicators), 32% (frequently driving after having five or more drinks), 44% (described as problem drinker), or 57% (having either indicator). Conclusions: Drivers with BACs of 0.10+ g/dl were far more likely than sober drivers to be described as having markers of problem drinking. However, many did not have indicators suggestive of problem drinking. In addition to programs focused on repeat offenders or problem drinkers, countermeasures such as sobriety checkpoints that target a broader spectrum of drinking drivers are appropriate.
A Widely Used In Vitro Biofilm Assay Has Questionable Clinical Significance for Enterococcal Endocarditis

Biofilm formation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis, including endocarditis. Most biofilm studies use a polystyrene dish assay to quantify biofilm biomass. However, recent studies of E. faecalis strains in tissue and animal models suggest that polystyrene dish results need to be interpreted with caution. We evaluated 158 clinical E. faecalis isolates using a polystyrene dish assay and found variation in biofilm formation, with many isolates forming little biofilm even when different types of media were used. However, all tested clinical isolates were able to form biofilms on porcine heart valve explants. Dextrose-enhanced biofilm formation in the polystyrene dish assay was found in 6/12 (50%) of clinical isolates tested and may explain some, but not all of the differences between the polystyrene dish assay and the heart valve assay. These findings suggest that in studies assessing the clinical relevance of enterococcal biofilm-forming ability, ex vivo biofilm formation on a relevant tissue surface may be warranted to validate results of in vitro assays.
External photodetection of cavity radiation.

A simple model is introduced to simulate the detection of cavity radiation with the detector placed outside the cavity. Explicit expressions, in terms of initial photon-number distribution, for the time-dependent distributions of photoelectron number and conditional as well as unconditional waiting times are derived. The effect of photodetection on the quantum state of the radiation in the present arrangement is found to be unchanged from that with the detector placed inside the cavity. The well-known Q parameter introduced by Mondel [Opt. Lett. 4, 205 (1979)] is found to be exactly equal to the change in the expectation value of photon number due to the detection of a photon. Photon bunching or antibunching, reflecting classical or nonclassical radiation, is determined by whether conditional waiting time is less or greater than unconditional waiting time. When this criterion is applied to three specific examples, namely, coherent, thermal, and number states, the results are as expected.
Comparison of hatchability and fertility among Broad Breasted Bronze and Beltsville Small-type White turkeys and their reciprocal crosses.

Abstract Low fertility and low hatchability are common faults of certain strains of Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. The ultimate solution of this problem probably depends on additional emphasis on hatchability as part of a long-term breeding program. There is need however, for an interim solution of the problem. The following evidence indicates that crossbreeding may be a suitable technique for the immediate improvement of fertility and hatchability. Byerly, Knox, and Jull (1934), concluded that crossbreeding in chickens is likely to increase hatchability if breeds of low hatchability are crossed but not if the parental stock averaged above 80 percent in hatchability. Clark, Runnels, and Livesay (1944), reported a singificant increase in hatchability but not infertility when reciprocal crosses were made between Broad Breasted Bronze and Bronze, Bourbon Red, and Black varieties of turkeys. There was evidence, however, that matings of B.B. Bronze toms with hens of the medium sized varieties resulted . . .
Ca2+ Binding to Both the Heavy and Light Chains of Factor VIII Is Required for Cofactor Activity†

Previously, we demonstrated that Ca2+ was necessary for the generation of cofactor activity following reconstitution of factor VIII from its isolated light chain (LC) and heavy chain (HC) but that Ca2+ did not affect HC-LC binding affinity (Wakabayashi et al. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 10293−10300). Titration of EDTA-treated factor VIII with Ca2+ followed by factor Xa generation assay showed a two-site binding pattern, with indicated high-affinity (Kd = 8.9 ± 1.8 μM) and low-affinity (Kd = 4.0 ± 0.6 mM) sites. Analysis by equilibrium dialysis using 45Ca and <400 μM free Ca2+ verified a high-affinity binding (Kd = 18.9 ± 3.7 μM). Preincubation of either HC or LC with 6 mM Ca2+ followed by reassociation with the untreated complementary chain in the presence of 0.12 mM Ca2+ failed to generate significant cofactor activity (<0.5 nM min-1 (nM LC)-1). However, pretreatment of both HC and LC with 6 mM Ca2+ followed by reassociation (at 0.12 mM Ca2+) generated high activity (7.5 ± 0.4 nM min-1 (nM LC)-1). Progress c...
Depressive Symptoms, Coping Strategies, and Disordered Eating Among College Women

In a 2-phase study with a total of 392 participants, depressive symptoms mediated the association between disordered eating and lower problem-solving confidence and an avoidance problem-solving style. Depressive symptoms did not mediate the association between the ability to generate competent solutions to hypothetical stressful situations and disordered eating. Depressive symptoms appeared to influence responses to problem-solving inventories/coping checklists but had less of an influence on open-ended problem-solving measures.
Poor taxon sampling, poor character sampling, and non‐repeatable analyses of a contrived dataset do not provide a more credible estimate of insect phylogeny: a reply to Kjer

The wealth of data available for phylogenetic analysis of the insect orders, from both morphological and molecular sources, is steadily increasing. However, controversy exists among the methodologies one can use to reconstruct ordinal relationships. Recently, Kjer (2004) presented an analysis of insect ordinal relationships based exclusively on a single source of information: 18S rDNA sequence data. Kjer claims that his analysis resulted in a more “credible” phylogeny for the insect orders and strongly criticized our previous phylogenetic results. However, Kjer only used a subset of the data that are currently available for insect ordinal phylogeny, misrepresented our analyses, and omitted other analyses we have published on insect ordinal phylogeny. In our estimation, Kjer did a poor job of representing the current state of affairs in insect ordinal phylogenetics. Furthermore, we examine a number of analytical issues that are relevant not only for insect phylogeny, but systematics as a science, such as: repeatability and objectivity, locating alignment boundaries, secondary structure, goodness of fit measure, epistemological coherence, practicality and homology. © The Willi Hennig Society 2005.
The mRNA interferases, MazF-mt3 and MazF-mt7 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis target unique pentad sequences in single-stranded RNA

mRNA interferases are sequence-specific endoribonucleases encoded by toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in bacterial genomes. Previously, we demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains at least seven genes encoding MazF homologues (MazF-mt1 to -mt7) and determined cleavage specificities for MazF-mt1 and MazF-mt6. Here we have developed a new general method for the determination of recognition sequences longer than three bases for mRNA interferases with the use of phage MS2 RNA as a substrate and CspA, an RNA chaperone, which prevents the formation of secondary structures in the RNA substrate. Using this method, we determined that MazF-mt3 cleaves RNA at UU CCU or CU CCU and MazF-mt7 at U CGCU ( indicates the cleavage site). As pentad sequence recognition is more specific than those of previously characterized mRNA interferases, bioinformatics analysis was carried out to identify M. tuberculosis mRNAs that may be resistant to MazF-mt3 and MazF-mt7 cleavage. The pentad sequence was found to be significantly underrepresented in several genes, including members of the PE and PPE families, large families of proteins that play a role in tuberculosis immunity and pathogenesis. These data suggest that MazF-mt3 and MazF-mt7 or other mRNA interferases that target longer RNA sequences may alter protein expression through differential mRNA degradation, a regulatory mechanism that may allow adaptation to environmental conditions, including those encountered by pathogens such as M. tuberculosis during infection.
Extraction of thermalized projectile fragments from a large volume gas cell

Abstract Experiments to determine the stopping and extraction efficiency of energetic (90 MeV/u) 76Ga fragments in a 1.2 m long gas cell filled with helium at 123 mbar are reported. The thermalized ions were transported by DC and RF fields as well as gas flow, then jetted through a supersonic nozzle into a RF quadrupole ion-guide and accelerated into an electrostatic beam line. The ions were collected in either a Faraday cup or a silicon beta-detector immediately after acceleration or after magnetic analysis. The range distributions of the ions and extraction efficiency of the system were measured for different implantation rates and compared with the theoretically calculated values. The singly charged 76Ga ions were observed as [76Ga(H2O)n]+ molecular ions with n=0, 1, and 2. The stopping efficiency and the extraction efficiency were obtained from the measured distributions and compared to previous results from other devices.
Collodion Particle Adsorption of Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus

ConclusionsOnly a small amount of the virus of western equine encephalomyelitis is adsorbed upon collodion particles from the clear supernates of virus-containing tissue suspensions during an overnight period in the icebox. This amount is not sufficient to give a positive agglutination reaction with specific antiserum. Experiments with collodion particles sensitized with protein mixtures indicate that it will probably be necessary to concentrate and partially purify the W.E.E. virus in order to obtain collodion particles adequately sensitized for agglutination with virus antisera.
A third, ultraviolet-sensitive, visual pigment in the Tokay gecko (Gekko gekko)

Numerous extraction and microspectrophotometric studies have shown that the nocturnal Tokay gecko (Gekko gekko), has two visual pigments: a "green" with lambda max at 521 nm and a "blue" at 467 nm. In addition, similar studies on other nocturnal gecko species have found only the same two classes of visual pigment. With the finding that some diurnal species of gecko have a third visual pigment class with lambda max peaking in the UV, doubts were raised concerning the presence of only two visual pigment classes in nocturnal forms. Therefore, a microspectrophotometric re-examination of the Tokay gecko was undertaken to look specifically for a UV visual pigment. A UV-absorbing pigment (364 nm lambda max) was found in approx. 20% of the thin outer segments of type C double rods, thought previously to contain only the 467 nm pigment. That this UV-absorbing pigment was truly a visual pigment was confirmed by its dichroism, behaviour following exposure to UV radiation and "nomogram" fit. It is suggested that this visual pigment had been seen in previous microspectrophotometric studies, but its similarity to known photoproducts peaking in the same spectral region resulted in a case of mistaken identity.
Constancy and change in the U.S. age distribution of crime: A test of the “invariance hypothesis”

The recent controversy over the age relationship with criminal behavior can be traced to Hirschi and Gottfredson's (Am. J. Sociol.89, 552–584, 1983) failure to define “invariance.” In this paper, I distinguish two types of invariance—parametric andmathematical form— that explains both the pattern of stability claimed by Hirschi and Gottfredson and the pattern of variability observed in more recent research. I then directly test for each type of invariance using age-specific arrest data for index offenses in the United States from 1952 to 1987. The results are largely consistent with recent research showing variability in the characteristics (i.e., parameters) of the age distribution of crime, but at the same time, the results provide evidence for a persistent, underlying mathematical form to the age distribution of crime, regardless of year or offense type.
Representations of Odor in the Piriform Cortex

Olfactory perception is initiated by the recognition of odorants by a large repertoire of receptors in the sensory epithelium. A dispersed pattern of neural activity in the nose is converted into a segregated map in the olfactory bulb. How is this representation transformed at the next processing center for olfactory information, the piriform cortex? Optical imaging of odorant responses in the cortex reveals that the piriform discards spatial segregation as well as chemotopy and returns to a highly distributed organization in which different odorants activate unique but dispersed ensembles of cortical neurons. Neurons in piriform cortex, responsive to a given odorant, are not only distributed without apparent spatial preference but exhibit discontinuous receptive fields. This representation suggests organizational principles that differ from those in neocortical sensory areas where cells responsive to similar stimulus features are clustered and response properties vary smoothly across the cortex.
Peripubertal Decline in Ovarian LHRH Receptor Content: Characterization and Distribution

In the rat, ovarian LHRH receptor content, as measured by the binding of 125I-D-Ala6, Pro9-LHRH (A-LHRH) to ovarian membranes, decreases markedly during the days preceding the first preovulatory gonadotropin surge. The present study shows that the decrease in LHRH receptor number occurs exclusively in granulosa cells, and that the greatest rate of decline takes place between the juvenile period and the early proestrous phase of puberty. In contrast to granulosa cells, membranes prepared from ovarian tissues after removal of these cells demonstrated no significant change in LHRH binding capacity throughout puberty. Scatchard analysis of competition curves, constructed using membranes from whole ovaries, revealed that receptor affinity remains unchanged (Ka = 9 × 109M–1) as the receptor number decreases. Kinetic binding studies demonstrated that LHRH binding to its receptor reaches equilibrium within 40 min and can be displaced by addition of unlabeled hormone. A kinetic estimate of receptor affinity provided values similar to those obtained by Scatchard analysis. Treatment of ovarian membranes with MgCh to uncover occupied binding sites results in more than 70% dissociation of bound labeled ligand. Dissociation of endogenous LHRH using this procedure resulted in some increase in available binding sites only in juvenile rats, but not in first proestrous or first estrous animals in which receptor content was low. The results demonstrate that the decline in ovarian LHRH receptors observed during peripubertal days is confined to granulosa cells, is not due to changes in receptor affinity, and represents a true loss of binding sites.
The Role of Encapsulation and Host Age in the Clearance of Haemophilus influenzae Bacteremia

Nonimmune rats given intravenous inoculations of 10(8) encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae type b cleared the bacteria at an exponential rate for 10 min; thereafter, the bacteremia plateaued at approximately 10(6) organisms/ml of blood. With 10(8) unencapsulated organisms, the initial clearance rate was significantly faster (P less than 0.001) and was complete by 30 min. The rate of clearance of a mutant strain of H. influenzae type b containing 0.1% as much capsular polysaccharide as the wild type was significantly faster (P less than 0.01), and H. influenzae type b from which a portion of the capsule had been removed physically had an intermediate clearance pattern. The addition of 1-1,000 mug of capsular polysaccharide to an inoculum of 10(8) organisms did not alter the clearance of the capsular polysaccharide-deficient mutant. The quantity of bacteria cleared during the 30 min after inoculation increased with the age of the animal. The initial bacterial clearance rate, corrected for animal and organ weight, also increased with age. These data are consistent with the proposal that physically integrated capsular polymer increases the virulence of H. influenzae type b by rendering it resistant to clearance from the bloodstream and that there may be an age-related increase in phagocytic activity that is reflected in increased clearance.
INBREEDING ESTIMATION FROM POPULATION DATA: MODELS, PROCEDURES AND IMPLICATIONS

Four different estimation procedures for models of population structure are compared. The parameters of the models are shown to be equivalent and, in most cases, easily expressed in terms of the parameters Wright calls "F-statistics." We have estimated the parameters of each of these models with data on nine codominant allele pairs in 47 Yanomama villages, and we find that the different estimators for a given parameter all yield more or less equivalent results. F-statistics are often equated to inbreeding coefficients that are defined as the probability of identity by descent from alleles taken to be unique in some founding population. However, we are led to infer from computer simulation and general historical considerations that all estimates from genotype frequencies greatly underestimate the inbreeding coefficient for alleles in the founding population of American Indians in the western hemisphere. We surmise that in the highly subdivided tribal populations which prevailed until the recent advent of civilization, the probability of identity by descent for homologous alleles was roughly 0.5. We consider some consequences of working with the customary, much lower, estimates—0.005 to 0.01—if, on the time scale of human evolution, these represent only a very recent departure from the inbreeding intensity that prevailed before civilization.
Highly Divergent Strains of Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Incorporate Multiple Isoforms of Nonstructural Protein 2 into Virions

Viral structural proteins form the critical intermediary between viral infection cycles within and between hosts, function to initiate entry, participate in immediate early viral replication steps, and are major targets for the host adaptive immune response. We report the identification of nonstructural protein 2 (nsp2) as a novel structural component of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) particle. A set of custom α-nsp2 antibodies targeting conserved epitopes within four distinct regions of nsp2 (the PLP2 protease domain [OTU], the hypervariable domain [HV], the putative transmembrane domain [TM], and the C-terminal region [C]) were obtained commercially and validated in PRRSV-infected cells. Highly purified cell-free virions of several PRRSV strains were isolated through multiple rounds of differential density gradient centrifugation and analyzed by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) and Western blot assays using the α-nsp2 antibodies. Purified viral preparations were found to contain pleomorphic, predominantly spherical virions of uniform size (57.9 nm ± 8.1 nm diameter; n = 50), consistent with the expected size of PRRSV particles. Analysis by IEM indicated the presence of nsp2 associated with the viral particle of diverse strains of PRRSV. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of nsp2 in purified viral samples and revealed that multiple nsp2 isoforms were associated with the virion. Finally, a recombinant PRRSV genome containing a myc-tagged nsp2 was used to generate purified virus, and these particles were also shown to harbor myc-tagged nsp2 isoforms. Together, these data identify nsp2 as a virion-associated structural PRRSV protein and reveal that nsp2 exists in or on viral particles as multiple isoforms.
Maternal Buffering of Human Amygdala-Prefrontal Circuitry During Childhood but Not During Adolescence

Mature amygdala-prefrontal circuitry regulates affect in adulthood but shows protracted development. In altricial and semialtricial species, caregivers provide potent affect regulation when mature neurocircuitry is absent. The present investigation examined a potential mechanism through which caregivers provide regulatory influences in childhood. Children, but not adolescents, showed evidence of maternal buffering, such that maternal stimuli suppressed amygdala reactivity. In the absence of maternal stimuli, children exhibited immature amygdala-prefrontal connectivity. However, in the presence of maternal stimuli, children's connectivity was more mature, resembling adolescents' connectivity. Children showed improved affect-related regulation in the presence of their mothers. Individual differences emerged, with greater maternal influence on amygdala-prefrontal circuitry associated with stronger mother-child relationships and maternal modulation of behavioral regulation. These findings suggest a neural mechanism through which caregivers modulate children's regulatory behavior by inducing more mature connectivity and buffering against heightened reactivity. Maternal buffering in childhood, but not adolescence, suggests that childhood may be a sensitive period for amygdala-prefrontal development.
Communication After Laryngectomy

The purpose of this study was to identify variables that discriminate between methods of communication after a laryngectomy. Data were collected from each laryngectomee on the following: support from family, friends, and other laryngectomees; characteristics of the voice therapy experience; extent of surgery; time since surgery; and demographic characteristics. Discriminant analysis of these variables showed significant differences between laryngectomees who use esophageal speech, electrolaryngeal speech, or nonverbal methods. The greatest contributor to the difference between the three groups was support perceived from family and friends, followed by the amount of time the laryngectomee practiced esophageal speech. The results clearly indicated the importance of social support from family and friends and the individual's motivation to practice during voice therapy. Laryngectomees who used nonverbal methods of communication were discriminated on the basis of the time that had elapsed since surgery; these ...
Strategies to promote reporting of Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures: a pilot survey of anesthesia department leaders

The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) is a quality improvement initiative focused on reducing surgical complications. Reporting SCIP performance measures helps determine whether hospitals receive the full payment update from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Strategies in use by hospitals to motivate departmental participation in SCIP reporting are poorly understood. A 12-item pilot survey exploring strategies to promote reporting of SCIP measures was developed and mailed to department of anesthesiology chairs at 1,426 US hospitals. Descriptive statistics and χ2 analysis were used to summarize respondent and survey data. In all, 29.5% of the sample responded to the survey, with 96.9% indicating SCIP participation; 62.5% participated primarily for voluntary reasons, and 4.2% reported an incentive from their hospital as the primary reason for participation. Hospital strategies promoting physician participation in SCIP currently vary. A minority of survey respondents indicated that an incentive was used to encourage adherence to SCIP measures. Further research to optimize such strategies may support future efforts to improve perioperative care.
Image-guided Control of Flexible Bevel-Tip Needles

Physicians perform percutaneous therapies in many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Image guidance promises to improve targeting accuracy and broaden the scope of needle interventions. In this paper, we consider the possibility of automating the guidance of a flexible bevel-tip needle as it is inserted into human tissue. We build upon a previously proposed nonholonomic kinematic model to develop a nonlinear observer-based controller. As a first step for control, we show that flexible needles can be automatically controlled to remain within a planar slice of tissue as they are inserted by a physician; our approach keeps the physician in the loop to control insertion speed. In the proposed controller, the distance of the needle tip position from the plane of interest is used as a feedback signal. Numerical simulations demonstrate the stability and robustness of the controller in the face of parametric uncertainty. We also present results from pilot physical experiments with phantom tissue under stereo image guidance.
Between development and decay: Anarchy, tyranny and progress under Idi Amin

(1980). Between development and decay: Anarchy, tyranny and progress under Idi Amin. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 44-58.
Components of Gender Stereotypes Their Implications for Inferences on Stereotypic and Nonstereotypic Dimensions

This study is a partial replication and extension of research by Deaux and Lewis (1983, 1984) in which a multicomponent view of gender stereotypes was described. Information about gender label, gender role behaviors and one aspect of physical appearance, attractiveness, was provided. Ratings of stimulus persons (SPs) on the gender stereotypic trait dimensions of instrumentality and expressivity and on the nonstereotypic dimensions of likability and adjustment were examined. Results indicated that gender label and gender role behavior information interacted to influence ratings on three of the four dimensions. SPs who endorsed gender role behaviors incongruent with their gender were more unfavorably evaluated, whereas SPs who endorsed both male and female role behaviors were rated as most likable and well adjusted. The importance of considering both the type of information provided and the nature of the linkage between that information and the required judgment in understanding the effects of gender stereo...
A silicon based electrode array for intracortical stimulation: structural and electrical properties

Preliminary results are presented of efforts to produce a silicon-based, three-dimensional electrode array that could be used for stimulation of neurons in the central nervous system. The authors have produced monocrystalline silicon structures which could form the mechanical foundation for such a cortical electrode array. The structures consist of 100 needles on a 4-mm*4-mm substrate. Each needle in the array is 1.5-mm in length and tapers from 80 mu m at its base to a sharpened tip. Also described are the electrical properties of the electrodes in the array. >
Leading zero anticipation and detection-a comparison of methods

Design of the leading zero anticipator (LZA) or detector (LZD) is pivotal to the normalization of results for addition and fused multiplication-addition in high-performance floating point processors. This paper formalizes the analysis and describes some alternative organizations and implementations from the known art. It shows how choices made in the design are often dependent on the overall design of the addition unit, on how subtraction is handled when the exponents are the same, and on how it detects and corrects for the possible one-bit error of the LZA.
A Knowledge Mapping Technique for Project-level Knowledge Flow Analysis

A pilot study was conducted within a software development domain using "knowledge mapping" (K-mapping) as a research technique to locate and indicate improvements to problematic software project-level knowledge flows (K-flows). The goal of the study is to show that the mitigation or removal of obstacles to project-level K-flow will result in software process improvement (SPI) by lowering project labor cost, improving schedule adherence, and/or enhancing end-product quality. Results show support for the efficacy of the study's K-mapping technique for the identification and management of software project K-flow obstacles. Additionally, the suggested alleviation of such obstacles was acknowledged by project team members as having the potential for a positive effect on SPI.
Sequential Compressed Sensing

Compressed sensing allows perfect recovery of sparse signals (or signals sparse in some basis) using only a small number of random measurements. Existing results in compressed sensing literature have focused on characterizing the achievable performance by bounding the number of samples required for a given level of signal sparsity. However, using these bounds to minimize the number of samples requires a priori knowledge of the sparsity of the unknown signal, or the decay structure for near-sparse signals. Furthermore, there are some popular recovery methods for which no such bounds are known. In this paper, we investigate an alternative scenario where observations are available in sequence. For any recovery method, this means that there is now a sequence of candidate reconstructions. We propose a method to estimate the reconstruction error directly from the samples themselves, for every candidate in this sequence. This estimate is universal in the sense that it is based only on the measurement ensemble, and not on the recovery method or any assumed level of sparsity of the unknown signal. With these estimates, one can now stop observations as soon as there is reasonable certainty of either exact or sufficiently accurate reconstruction. They also provide a way to obtain ?run-time? guarantees for recovery methods that otherwise lack a priori performance bounds. We investigate both continuous (e.g., Gaussian) and discrete (e.g., Bernoulli) random measurement ensembles, both for exactly sparse and general near-sparse signals, and with both noisy and noiseless measurements.
The Use of Queuing Networks in the Evaluation of Egress from Buildings

Egress problems within buildings are evaluated with the theory and computational methods of analytical queuing network models. Floor layouts of buildings are modeled as hierarchical queuing networks. Overall exit times are estimated together with variation in occupant exit times during the evacuation. Additionally, the effects of blocking and congestion in the exits and corridors are examined.
Relationship of volumetric bone density and structural parameters at different skeletal sites to sex steroid levels in women.

Context: Although estrogen clearly plays a central role in regulating bone mass in women, studies in men have suggested that there may be a threshold bioavailable (bio) estradiol (E2) level below which aging men begin to lose bone and that the threshold for estrogen deficiency in cortical bone may be considerably lower than that in trabecular bone. There are no data testing this in women. Objective: Our objective was to assess volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone geometry by quantitative computed tomography and relate these to circulating bio E2 and bio testosterone levels. Design: We studied a cross-sectional, age-stratified population sample of 235 women (age, 21–97 yr). Results: vBMD/structural parameters were not related to sex steroid levels in young premenopausal women (age, 20–39 yr) with a median bio E2 level of 17 pg/ml (63 pmol/liter). By contrast, bio E2 and bio testosterone levels were both significantly associated with trabecular and cortical vBMD and cortical area at multiple site...
Vitamin D deficiency and its supplementation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

We studied 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) levels in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the effect of vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D levels were checked in 37 consecutive patients with ALS. Demographic data, vitamin D supplementation, change in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score, and side effects from vitamin D were noted over a 9 month follow-up period. ALSFRS-R scores were compared between patients who took vitamin D and those who did not. The median age was 55 years and median time since symptom onset was 61 months. The mean vitamin D level was 22.3 ng/mL (normal range, 30-80 ng/mL). Eighty-one percent of patients had a vitamin D level lower than 30 ng/mL and 43% had a vitamin D level lower than 20 ng/mL. Twenty patients took 2000 international units of vitamin D daily. After adjustment for age and baseline vitamin D levels in a linear regression model, the ALSFRS-R score decline was smaller in patients taking vitamin D at 9 months (p=0.02) but was not significantly different at 3 or 6 months. Median vitamin D levels rose from 18.5 to 31.0 ng/mL at 6 months in the group taking vitamin D. No side effects secondary to vitamin D supplementation were reported. Vitamin D supplementation at 2000 international units daily was safe over a period of 9 months and may have a beneficial effect on ALSFRS-R scores. Further studies are warranted to determine whether there is a benefit in vitamin D supplementation for all ALS patients.
HLA Class I-Restricted T-Cell Responses May Contribute to the Control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, but Such Responses Are Not Always Necessary for Long-Term Virus Control

A rare subset of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals maintains undetectable HIV RNA levels without therapy ("elite controllers"). To clarify the role of T-cell responses in mediating virus control, we compared HLA class I polymorphisms and HIV-specific T-cell responses among a large cohort of elite controllers (HIV-RNA < 75 copies/ml), "viremic" controllers (low-level viremia without therapy), "noncontrollers" (high-level viremia), and "antiretroviral therapy suppressed" individuals (undetectable HIV-RNA levels on antiretroviral therapy). The proportion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that produce gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in response to Gag and Pol peptides was highest in the elite and viremic controllers (P < 0.0001). Forty percent of the elite controllers were HLA-B*57 compared to twenty-three percent of viremic controllers and nine percent of noncontrollers (P < 0.001). Other HLA class I alleles more common in elite controllers included HLA-B*13, HLA-B*58, and HLA-B*81 (P < 0.05 for each). Within elite and viremic controller groups, those with protective class I alleles had higher frequencies of Gag-specific CD8(+) T cells than those without these alleles (P = 0.01). Noncontrollers, with or without protective alleles, had low-level CD8(+) responses. Thus, certain HLA class I alleles are enriched in HIV controllers and are associated with strong Gag-specific CD8(+)IFN-gamma(+)IL-2(+) T cells. However, the absence of evidence of T cell-mediated control in many controllers suggests the presence of alternative mechanisms for viral control in these individuals. Defining mechanisms for virus control in "non-T-cell controllers" might lead to insights into preventing HIV transmission or preventing virus replication.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Speakers With Repaired Cleft Palate

Abstract Objective: To obtain detailed anatomic and physiologic information on the levator veli palatini muscle from MRI in individuals with repaired cleft palate and to compare the results with those from normal subjects reported by Ettema et al. (2002). Design: Prospective study. Setting: University-based hospital. Participants: Four men (ages 22 to 43 years) with repaired cleft lip and palate. Main Outcome Measures: Four quantitative measurements of the levator veli palatini muscle from rest position and dynamic speech magnetic resonance images were obtained: the distance between the origins of the muscle, angle of origin of the muscle, muscle length, and muscle thickness. Results: The length and thickness of the levator veli palatini muscle varied among the subjects and were different from measurements obtained from normal subjects in a previous study. The distance between origin points, length, and thickness of the levator veli palatini muscle were smaller than those of the normal subjects. There wer...
Kidney Transplantation Among the Elderly: Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Outcomes.

Elderly patients (>65 years old) represent the fastest growing population among the ESRD patients and those awaiting kidney transplantation. There is ample evidence to suggest that kidney transplant in the elderly population offers the best chance of survival and improves health-related quality of life compared to remaining on dialysis. Although all these emerging facts are encouraging, this population brings with them complex medical problems including frailty, cognitive impairment, and multiple comorbidities. These issues can be barriers to transplantation and threaten the well-being of the patients after transplantation. Furthermore, aging results in changes to the immune system and affects the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressants. All these changes can increase risk of complications such as infections and malignancy. Because death with a functioning graft is a common cause of graft loss, the new kidney allocation system has been implemented in an attempt to maximize allograft utilization and minimize unrealized graft years. This may result in longer wait-times for the elderly. In this review, we will highlight the barriers to kidney transplant, characterize transplant-related issues in the elderly, and propose alternative strategies under the new allocation system.
Jaguar medicine: a qualitative study of healing and transformation

Shamanic practices frequently create hypnotic-like states, with altered states of consciousness, heightened suggestibility, and a perception of an abundance of meaning in everyday events. Jaguar medicine (JM) is a form of shamanic healing with roots in the indigenous cultures of South and Central America. Recent years have seen increasing interest in translating shamanic practices for use in North American community settings, for emotional and spiritual healing and life transformation. This study examines the experiences of five individuals who participated weekly for five weeks in 5-h-long seminars in 2011 in North Carolina. For one-year thereafter the participants continued to gather monthly to deepen their experience and knowledge of JM. The researchers implemented a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Case narrative and thematic analysis (TA) provided an excellent qualitative base for acquiring knowledge about the transformative healing experience of the participants. Th...
The Biology of Tabanus lineola lineola F.

Tabanus lineola lineola F. oviposits near the upland on the tips of the salt marsh grasses, mainly Spartina alterniflora . The egg masses contain an average of 208 eggs. The larvae are spindle-shaped and vermiform, ca. 2 mm in length at hatching and increase to 20-24 mm before pupation. They pupate after 8-10 instars, males averaging one fewer molt than the females. The pupa is 11-19 mm and the adult emerges from it in 7-16 days. The adults in captivity live 3-42 days, with an average of 16 days. Frequently, Telenomus etnersoni (Girault), a parasite, and Naemia seriata Melsheimer, a predator, attacked the egg masses on the salt marsh.
Easier than getting blood from a bone.

Similar to bone marrow transplant, this new treatment has some significant advantages for some patients with certain types of cancer. Here's what you need to know to care for both the blood donor and the patient receivinga transplant.
Immunologic Interactions Between Host Cells and Mycoplasmas: An Introduction

In addition to eliciting host immune responses, many mycoplasmas interact nonspecifically with host cells. Early reports revealed peculiar inhibitory and stimulatory effects of mycoplasmas on the immune response in vivo; several investigators have now clearly defined nonspecific stimulation of B and T lymphocytes and also a nonspecific immunosuppressive effect on experimental animals and humans. These interactions relate to attachment of mycoplasmas to host cell membranes and perhaps involve sharing of membrane components. The implications of these peculiar effects of mycoplasmas on host cells suggest that much of the disease seen in the infected host is due to a nonspecific, inflammatory response to the mitogenic properties of the organism. Since the organism becomes intimately involved with the host cell membrane, this could enable the organism to evade the immunologic surveillance system and thus achieve the prolonged surface colonization characteristic of many mycoplasmas.
Tilorone-mediated protection against murine B16 melanoma.

AbstractC57B1/6 mice injected subcutaneously with B16 melanoma cells and treated intraperitoneally with 1 mg tilorone daily following tumor challenge demonstrated a reduction in tumor incidence and prolongation of survival in comparison with controls. While tilorone exhibited nonselective toxicity for B16 cells in vitro, it also induced macrophage-mediated inhibition of B16 tumor cell growth in culture. Thus, both cytotoxic effects and enhanced macrophage functions appear to have contributed to the reduced B16 melanoma growth observed here in tilorone-treated animals.