cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Policing knowledge: Disembodied policy for embodied knowledge

Steve Fuller's Social Epistemology offers a constructive program for integrating philosophy and sociology of science as normative knowledge policy, constrained by the linguistic, psychological, social, and political embodiment of knowledge. I endorse and elaborate upon Fuller's insistence that science studies should take seriously the embodiment of knowledge, but criticize his conception of knowledge policy on three grounds. Knowledge policy as Fuller conceives it seems committed to an untenable conception of a value‐free or politically neutral social science. Knowledge policy studies are also self‐defeating, since they provide good reasons to ignore the recommendations of the knowledge‐policy expert, and to prevent the successful development of a predictively adequate policy science. Finally, knowledge‐policy studies cannot adequately respond to political conflict over knowledge production and dissemination.
Inverse Problems in Stochastic Modeling of Mixed-Mode Power-Law and Diffusional Creep for Distributed Grain Size

We seek to develop analytical methods through which the high-temperature deformation behavior of polycrystals can be explained in terms of the statistical distribution of the grain size. Changes in the stress exponent and grain size exponent with the strain rate are related to mixed-mode deformation in which the large grains deform by power-law creep and the small grains by diffusional creep. Two results are obtained. The first is an expression (Eq. [13]) that relates the experimental values of the power-law exponent and the grain size exponent to the values predicted from the classical models for uniform grain size. This equation is independent of the standard deviation of the grain size distribution, the average grain size, and the temperature. In a second result, it is shown that measurements of the change in the stress exponent with the strain rate can be analyzed to estimate the standard deviation and the median value of the grain size. The possible significance of these results is tested against experiments on the superplastic deformation of aluminum, drawn from the literature.
Determination of lipids. A density gradient method

A method is described by which chloroform droplets containing dissolved lipids may be analyzed for their lipid content by comparison with similar solutions in a density gradient tube with aqueous cadmium chloride solution. The procedure offers a very simple way in which lipids may be determined regardless of their source. The absolute limit of detection was of the order of 0.15 micrograms.
Generating haptic texture models from unconstrained tool-surface interactions

If you pick up a tool and drag its tip across a table, a rock, or a swatch of fabric, you are able to feel variations in the textures even though you are not directly touching them. These vibrations are characteristic of the material and the motions made when interacting with the surface. This paper presents a new method for creating haptic texture models from data recorded during natural and unconstrained motions using a new haptic recording device. The recorded vibration data is parsed into short segments that represent the feel of the surface at the associated tool force and speed. We create a low-order auto-regressive (AR) model for each data segment and construct a Delaunay triangulation of models in force-speed space for each surface. During texture rendering, we stably interpolate between these models using barycentric coordinates and drive the interpolated model with white noise to output synthetic vibrations. Our methods were validated through application to data recorded by eight human subjects and the experimenter interacting with six textures. We present a new spectral metric for determining perceptual match of the models in order to evaluate the effectiveness and consistency of the segmenting and modeling approach. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) on the pairwise differences in the synthesized vibrations shows that the 54 created texture models cluster by texture in a two-dimensional perceptual space.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Layer‐by‐Layer Polymer Films

New developments in the area of hydrogen‐bonded layer‐by‐layer assembly composed of weak polyelectrolytes are reviewed, with emphasis on self‐assembly in an aqueous environment. Advances in fundamental understanding of polymer layering at surfaces are addressed. The effects of molecular weight of polymers, ionic strength, pH, and temperature on growth and post‐self‐assembly response of hydrogen‐bonded films are summarized and contrasted with trends known for electrostatically assembled films. Deposition of hydrogen‐bonded films onto particulate substrates and properties of produced capsules are discussed. Strategies to stabilize hydrogen‐bonded multilayers at neutral and basic pH through crosslinking and response properties of produced ultrathin hydrogel films deposited onto flat substrates or comprising the wall of capsules are also described. The potential of hydrogen‐bonding self‐assembly in surface modification and functionalization, in construction of responsive functional containers and membranes, o...
Complete endoscopic/transgastric retrieval of eroded gastric band: description of a novel technique and review of the literature

Complications of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) include band slippage, material infection, and band erosion. Band erosion can lead to chronic infection, obstruction, delayed perforation, and ineffectiveness; therefore, removal is indicated. A myriad of approaches exist for band removal and many authors have described novel techniques. A minimally invasive approach, including laparoscopic or endoscopic assistance, is favored given the reduction of postoperative complications compared with laparotomy. We present a novel approach to band retrieval following partial erosion involving a complete endoscopic/transgastric technique. Perioperative management and a review of the literature also are described.
Multiplexed sensor system for simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature

A novel multiplexed sensor system using two tunable lasers for simultaneous precise measurement of pressure and temperature is designed, tested, and simulated. The sensors are optical Fabry-Perot cavity-based pressure sensors similar to those fabricated by us using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. This system follows a different philosophy than that followed by other multiplexing systems. We use light sources in two wavelength regions for each sensor and two interrogation methods for pressure and temperature measurement. Sensors are designed to operate over the pressure range of 0 to 30 psi and the temperature range of 25 to 90°C. This multiplexed sensor system has the potential of multiplexing about seven sensors with temperature sensitivity of 0.15 nm/°C.
Management of the upper airway and congenital cystic lung diseases in neonates

Congenital upper airway obstruction can pose difficult problems immediately after birth. Newer strategies to maintain the airway in such situations include pharyngeal ventilation, the laryngeal mask airway and flexible fibreoptic intubation. These methods have decreased the potential for malformations such as Pierre Robin sequence to cause perinatal hypoxia. The most devastating upper airway problem is total obstruction at the supraglottic, glottic or tracheal level without tracheo-oesophageal communication. This can usually be detected prenatally and its management may include the use of the EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum) procedure. Congenital space-occupying lesions of the lung can be detected prenatally with ultrasound. Their management must be individualised, as their pre- and postnatal development is difficult to predict. Very large lesions can lead to lung hypoplasia or fetal hydrops. Management may include prenatal surgery, shunting and, rarely, an EXIT procedure during birth. A few children may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postnatally.
A computationally efficient method for the design of the heliostat field for solar power tower plant

Abstract A number of codes have been developed in order to optimize the heliostat field layout for solar power tower plants. These codes are intended to improve calculation accuracy as well as computational time. Of all the factors that need to be taken into account in these codes, shading and blocking calculations introduce significant complexity as they are computationally intensive. In this paper, a new and simple method is proposed to identify the heliostats with the greatest potential for shadowing and blocking a heliostat. Using the new method, the computational time is considerably reduced as unnecessary calculations are avoided. The Sassi method [1] is then used to calculate the shading and blocking efficiency. The results are compared with the literature and good agreement is obtained. As a case study, the paper also investigates optimization of a 50 MWth heliostat field layout for Dagget, California. Yearly insolation weighted efficiency is selected as the objective function while two parameters of the prophylaxis pattern [2] , which define the shape of the field layout, are the design variables. The acceptance angle of the cavity receiver and distance between the adjacent heliostats are the physical constraints which are included in the optimization. The optimization algorithm is explained in detail and the optimal field layout is presented.
Wetland Ecosystem Studies from a Hydrologic Perspective

: Selected studies from the literature were reviewed to determine the extent of knowledge about the relationship between hydrology and wetland ecosystem studies. Wetland studies of chemical input-output relationships have been the most dependent on hydrologic data of all wetland investigations; yet, very few of these studies have attempted to measure all components of a wetland's water balance. Usually, unmeasured components were calculated as the difference between measured inputs and outputs. Ground water frequently was overlooked. Chemical input-output investigations primarily were concerned with determining the amount of input retained in the wetlands. Few studies also included direct measurement of biogeochemical processes within wetlands of elements that were part of simultaneous input-output investigations. The importance of uncertainties in chemical budgets that are due to uncertainties in hydrologic budgets has been addressed in very few wetland investigations. Although many studies have emphasized the importance of hydrology to wetland ecosystem research, few studies have documented this, so that hydrology remains one of the least understood components of wetland ecosystems.
The Mystery of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy From Observation to Mechanistic Explanation

Only 24 years have elapsed from the time that the clinical profile of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) was first described.1 Since then, this entity has been found to have a prevalence of about 1 in 5000 persons2 and is well recognized in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The usual clinical presentation of ARVD/C is that of palpitations, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, and sustained ventricular arrhythmias. Uncommonly, sudden cardiac death may be the first manifestation of the disease. Most patients with this condition experience the onset of these symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40 years, and the disease shows a predisposition to occur in men. A familial incidence was noted in the early description of the disease. Article p 1799 Certain observations about the disease were intriguing but puzzling. Why did there appear to be a striking incidence of athletic individuals affected by this disease?3 Why is there a predilection for the disease to primarily affect certain locations of the right ventricle: the right ventricular outflow tract, the apex, and the subtricuspid area of the right ventricle, the so-called “triangle of dysplasia”?1 Why is there a latent period for the development of the clinical manifestations of ARVD/C, because it is seldom evident in childhood but is expressed in late puberty, adolescence, or early adulthood? Over the past 10 years, genetic studies …
Urea synthesis by perfused rat liver— Studies of CCI4-induced cirrhosis

Abstract Previous studies in man and experimental animals suggest that urea production is decreased in cirrhosis. In the present study, NH4Cl solutions of increasing concentrations were infused into isolated, perfused livers of normal rats and the rates of ammonia uptake and urea production were calculated for each pre-hepatic ammonia concentration. A pattern of saturation kinetics was generated and characterized through computer analysis. The Vmax was 7.4 μmoles/min and Km was 86.3 μmoles/100 ml. The livers of rats with experimental cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride produced less urea than controls (controls : 0.40 ± 0.03 ; cirrhotic 0.25 ± 0.02 μmole/min/g of wet liver weight ; P
Gastroparesis: Concepts, Controversies, and Challenges

Patients with gastroparesis often present a challenge to the treating physician. Postprandial symptoms with nausea and vomiting may not only lead to nutritional and metabolic consequences, but also cause significant disruptions to social activities that often center around food. While the definition of gastroparesis focuses on impaired gastric emptying, treatment options that affect gastric function are limited and often disappointing. The female predominance, the mostly idiopathic nature of the illness with a common history of abuse, and coexisting anxiety or depression show parallels with other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. These parallels provided the rationale for some initial studies investigating alternative therapies that target the brain rather than the stomach. This emerging shift in medical therapy comes at a time when clinical studies suggest that gastric electrical stimulation may exert its effects by modulating visceral sensory processing rather than altering gastric motility. Physiologic and detailed anatomic investigations also support a more complex picture with different disease mechanisms, ranging from impaired accommodation to apparent visceral hypersensitivity or decreased interstitial cells of Cajal to inflammatory infiltration of myenteric ganglia. Delayed gastric emptying remains the endophenotype defining gastroparesis. However, our treatment options go beyond prokinetics and may allow us to improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
Oxidative damage to DNA in diabetes mellitus

Abstract Summary Background Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation may contribute to vascular complications in diabetes. To test whether DNA is also oxidatively damaged in diabetes, we measured 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indicator of oxidative damage of DNA, in mononuclear cells. Methods For this laboratory-based study, 12 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 15 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were matched by age with ten healthy volunteers each. DNA was extracted from mononuclear cells from whole blood. 8-OHdG was assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and ROS were assayed by chemiluminescence. Findings IDDM and NIDDM patients had significantly higher median concentrations (p U test) of 8-OHdG in their mononuclear cells than their corresponding controls (in fmol/μg DNA): 128·2 (interquartile range 96·0-223·2) and 95·2 (64·0-133·5) vs 28·2 (21·7-43·4) and 21·9 (18·0-24·4), respectively. ROS generation by mononuclear cells was also significantly greater (p Interpretation IDDM and NIDDM patients showed greater oxidative damage to DNA, with increased generation of ROS, than controls. Such changes might contribute to accelerated aging and atherogenesis in diabetes and to the microangiopathic complications of the disease.
The effects of prior workplace behavior on subsequent sexual harassment judgments.

A dual processing model of sexual harassment judgments predicted that the behavior of a complainant in a prior case would influence evaluations in an unrelated subsequent case. In the first of two experimental scenarios depicting social–sexual conduct at work, the female complainant's conduct was manipulated to be aggressive, submissive, ambiguous, or neutral. Half of the participants were asked to reflect upon the first scenario after reading it and before answering responsibility questions. The other half simply reviewed the scenario and answered the questions. When the complainant acted aggressively, her behavior in the first scenario caused men who reflected on the fact pattern to find less evidence of harassment. Most interestingly, an aggressive complainant observed in the first scenario caused participants (especially women) to rate lower the likelihood that a neutral complainant in a second independent case was the victim of gender discrimination. Across cases, men found less evidence of harassment than did women.
Use of a domain model to drive an interactive knowledge-editing tool

The manner in which a knowledge-acquisition tool displays the contents of a knowledge base affects the way users interact with the system. Previous tools have incorporated semantics that allow knowledge to be edited in terms of either the structural representation of the knowledge or the problem-solving method in which that knowledge is ultimately used. A more effective paradigm may be to use the semantics of the application domain itself to govern access to an expert system's knowledge base. This approach has been explored in a program called OPAL, which allows medical specialists working alone to enter and review cancer treatment plans for use by an expert system called ONCOCIN. Knowledge-acquisition tools based on strong domain models should be useful in application areas whose structure is well understood and for which there is a need for repetitive knowledge entry.
Anomalous exit of the C-6 nerve root via the C-6, C-7 foramen.

We report a case of the anomalous exit of the C-6 nerve root at the C-6, C-7 foramen. This caused intense radicular and cervical pain in a 25-year-old woman. At myelography, the 5th and 6th cervical roots appeared conjoined, and at operation the C-6 root and ganglion were found to turn acutely downw
Violence, crime, and abuse exposure in a national sample of children and youth: an update

Importance Because exposure to violence, crime, and abuse has been shown to have serious consequences on child development, physicians and policymakers need to know the kinds of exposure that occur at various developmental stages. Objectives To provide updated estimates of and trends for childhood exposure to a broad range of violence, crime, and abuse victimizations. Design The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence was based on a cross-sectional, US national telephone survey conducted in 2011. Setting Interviews by telephone. Participants The experiences of 4503 children and youth aged 1 month to 17 years were assessed by interviews with caregivers and with youth in the case of those aged 10 to 17 years. Results Two-fifths (41.2%) of children and youth experienced a physical assault in the last year, and 1 in 10 (10.1%) experienced an assault-related injury. Two percent experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse in the last year, but the rate was 10.7% for girls aged 14 to 17 years. More than 1 in 10 (13.7%) experienced maltreatment by a caregiver, including 3.7% who experienced physical abuse. Few significant changes could be detected in rates since an equivalent survey in 2008, but declines were documented in peer flashing, school bomb threats, juvenile sibling assault, and robbery and total property victimization. Conclusions and Relevance The variety and scope of children’s exposure to violence, crime, and abuse suggest the need for better and more comprehensive tools in clinical and research settings for identifying these experiences and their effects.
On computer simulation of Feynman-Kac path-integrals

Abstract Consider a path-integral Ex exp {∞toV(X(s))ds} f(X(t)) which is the solution to a diffusion version of the generalized Schrodinger's equation ∂u ∂t = Hu , u(0,x) = ƒ(x) . Here H = A + V, where A is an infinitesimal generator of a strong continuous Markov semigroup corresponding to the diffusion process {X(s), 0⩽s⩽t, X(0) = x}. To see a connection to quantum mechanics, take A = 1 2 Δ and replace V by −V. Then one obtains H = −H = − 1 2 Δ + V , which is a quantum mechanical Hamiltonian corresponding to a particle of mass 1 (in atomic units) subject to interaction with potential V. Path-integrals play a role in obtaining physical quantities such as ground state energies. This paper will be concerned with explanations of two approaches in the actual computer evaluations of path-integrals through simulations of the diffusion processes. The results will be presented by comparing, in concrete examples, the computational advantages or disadvantages depending on whether the diffusion process X(t) is ergodic or not.
Patient Awareness of the Risks for Heart Disease Posed by Air Pollution

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to assess patient awareness of the coronary heart disease (CHD) risks posed by air pollution. Methods We distributed a questionnaire to 500 patients at a University of Michigan cardiology clinic. Results More than half of patients (n = 264, 53%) did not believe that air pollution was "proven" or "likely" to cause CHD, whereas a similar percentage (n = 284, 57%) were not previously aware of its association with CHD. Most patients (n = 459, 92%) reported that a health care provider had not informed them of the potential CHD risks posed by air pollution nor discussed ways to lower their exposure (n = 471, 94%). Conclusion Patients were mostly unaware of the CHD risks posed by air pollution. These findings suggest that a serious knowledge gap exists among at-risk patients regarding this important CHD risk factor and support the need for educational efforts targeting patients and health care providers alike.
Modular development of certified program verifiers with a proof assistant1,2

We report on an experience using the Coq proof assistant to develop a program verification tool with a machine-checked proof of full correctness. The verifier is able to prove memory safety of x86 machine code programs compiled from code that uses algebraic datatypes. The tool's soundness theorem is expressed in terms of the bit-level semantics of x86 programs, so its correctness depends on very few assumptions. We take advantage of Coq's support for programming with dependent types and modules in the structure of the development. The approach is based on developing a library of reusable functors for transforming a verifier at one level of abstraction into a verifier at a lower level. Using this library, it is possible to prototype a verifier based on a new type system with a minimal amount of work, while obtaining a very strong soundness theorem about the final product.
Clinical Utility of the Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Infections due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Objective To evaluate the clinical utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of infections due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Design Clinical specimens were assayed by PCR for the presence of the insertion element IS6110, a DNA sequence unique to the M tuberculosis complex of organisms. The PCR results were then correlated with acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears, cultures, pathology, and clinical histories. Setting Bellevue Hospital, a large municipal teaching hospital Patients Inpatients on the Bellevue Chest Service Measurements and results Sixty-five patients were evaluated. The PCR for M tuberculosis was positive in 37 patients and negative in 28. When correlated with smears, cultures, pathology, and clinical history, the sensitivity of PCR for a diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) was 100 percent. However, the specificity for a diagnosis of active TB was only 70 percent, as the PCR assay was positive in a number of patients with only prior, treated TB, or asymptomatic tuberculous infection. For a diagnosis of any TB infection (active, treated, or asymptomatic), sensitivity of PCR was 87.5 percent and specificity was 90 percent. Conclusions The PCR assay for TB is extremely sensitive, but it lacks specificity for a diagnosis of active TB. Its role in clinical practice will likely be limited to well-defined situations, such as HIV-positive patients with intrathoracic adenopathy, and it may be most useful in excluding active TB from consideration in selected patients. Given the cost of the assay and the labor intensity it requires, it should not be part of the routine initial evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary TB.
Hypoxia increases nitric oxide concentrations that are not completely inhibited by L-NMMA.

Abstract Introduction. Recent investigations have demonstrated a wealth of knowledge about the biology of nitric oxide (NO) and the synthases (NOS) that generate it, under both physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. In this study, we investigated the generation of NO under conditions of hypoxia in the absence of confounding functions such as blood loss or hypovolemia. Methods. Rats were subjected to either 30 or 60 min of hypoxia and sacrificed immediately or after 1 or 24 h of recuperation. Splenocyte proliferative ability and NO concentrations were determined in whole splenocytes and purified T-cell populations, with and without the use of 20 mg/kg l -NMMA, a potent NOS inhibitor. RT-PCR was performed to determine the presence or absence of inducible NOS transcription after hypoxia and hypoxia followed by reoxygenation with and without l -NMMA. Results. Hypoxia followed by reoxygenation stimulated NO production in whole splenocytes, which correlated with a decrease in splenocyte proliferation. T-cell stimulation and NO production were not upregulated under these conditions. Additionally, NO generation occurred following hypoxia, even in the presence of l -NMMA. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that NO production after hypoxia may be due to an alternate, O 2 -independent pathway. Further investigations into the generation of NO through alternate pathways may identify treatments for hypoxia-related injury.
Mantle Transition Zone Discontinuities beneath the Baikal Rift and Adjacent Areas

Like most other major continental rifts, the Baikal rift zone (BRZ) in Siberia ispresumably underlain by a hot and partially molten mantle, which has a reduced seismicvelocity relative to surrounding areas. Recent seismic tomography studies, however, gaveconflicting results about the depth extent and even the existence of the low-velocityanomaly beneath the BRZ, suggesting that additional constraints are needed. Here wepresent results from stacking of about 1700 radial P-to-S receiver functions from asingle long-running seismic station, TLY, located at the SW tip of Lake Baikal. A clearuplift of the 410 km discontinuity (d410) with a magnitude of about 47 km relative tothe south margin of the Siberian platform is observed beneath the rift. Currently availableseismic results suggest that the uplift is unlikely to be caused by addition of water tomantle transition zone (MTZ) silicates but is the result of a 550 C reduction in temperaturein the vicinity of the d410. In addition, the 660 km discontinuity (d660) shows adownward trend toward the rift from the south, suggesting that the entire MTZ might havea low temperature beneath the rift. The thickening of the MTZ suggests a high-velocityanomaly of about 2% in the MTZ, and rules out the possibility that the rifting is caused bya mantle plume originated in or beneath the mantle transition zone.
Clarifying concepts about macronutrients’ effects on satiation and satiety

It seems that many people, including dietetics professionals and other nutrition experts, are unclear about some of the fundamental yet complex concepts behind the influence of dietary macronutrients (ie, protein, carbohydrate, and fat) on appetite regulation. Recent research has begun to unravel some of the more complicated physiological processes of appetite control and regulation generated by hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, and the gut hormone peptide YY3-35. Although the processes by which the macronutrients in our foods influence appetite regulation have been a topic of study for decades, they remain confusing and are often misunderstood. The objective of this article is to define the terminology commonly used to discuss the macronutrients' roles in appetite regulation and to discuss the interrelated concepts and roles of taste, palatability, and energy density.
Magnetic Transitions in Cubic Spinels

Magnetization curves of the cubic spinels MnCr2O4, CoCr2O4, MnV2O4, and CoV2O4 have been obtained between 4.2°K and their Curie points. With the possible exception of MnV2O4, all the curves indicate the presence of a magnetic transition within this temperature range. Although all these materials have been reported to be normal spinels, inconsistencies between our results and the recent theory of spin configurations in normal cubic spinels led to further experiments which established that CoV2O4 is not, in general, normal.Theory suggests the presence of two types of transition in MnCr2O4 and CoCr2O4, but only one has been observed in each case. The temperatures at which the observed break in the magnetization curves of these materials occurs can be interpreted by ascribing them to different types of transitions. The interpretation of the MnCr2O4 magnetization curve is compatible with the neutron diffraction results of Corliss and Hastings.
Long-term hermeticity and biological performance of anodically bonded glass-silicon implantable packages

This paper reviews long-term test results obtained from a series of tests on glass-silicon (Si) hermetically sealed packages. Results are presented from 1) a 9.9-year ongoing room temperature phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) soak test of four packages; 2) accelerated soak tests in high temperature saline of 28 samples resulting in an extrapolated mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) at 37/spl deg/C of 177 years; 3) a 2.7-year in vitro 97/spl deg/C PBS soak test of a single package; and 4) in situ hermeticity and biocompatibility tests from 12 packages implanted in four guinea pigs-three packages implanted in two guinea pigs (each) for 1 month and another two guinea pigs for 20 and 22 months. All of the packages remained hermetically sealed over the lifetime of the implant. A detailed histological report of the implants is provided suggesting that they elicit no profound adverse reaction from the body.
Expressive style and culture: Individualism and group orientation contrasted

Herein I examine the parallel, contrasting analyses of expressive patterns proposed by Bernstein for language, by Lomax for song, and by my interpretation of the arts and cultures of two Melanesian societies. The general thesis of this paper is that expressive patterns are related to cultural patterns in systematic ways, and that analysis of societies in terms of a contrast between individualism and group orientation reveals and documents one of those ways. Description of social structures in relation to this contrast is old, but its extension to expressive patterns is recent in anthropology. I argue that this model accounts for fundamental structural distinctions which underlie cultural contrasts in expressive patterns. (Sociolinguistics, conversational analysis, Melanesia, anthropological linguistics, ethnography of speech, isomorphism of expressive forms and social structure)
From Necropolis to Blackpolis: Necropolitical Governance and Black Spatial Praxis in São Paulo, Brazil

Based on ethnographic work on police-linked death squads and with black women's organizations, this article analyzes current urban governance policies and the spatial politics of resistance embraced by communities under siege in Brazil. Space matters not only in terms of defining one's access to the polis, but also as a deadly tool through which police killings, economic marginalization, and mass incarceration produce the very geographies (here referred to as “the black necropolis”) that the state aims to counteract in its war against the black urban poor. Yet, within the context of necropolitical governance, blackness appears as a spatially grounded praxis that enables victims of state terror to reclaim their placeless location as a political resource for redefining themselves and the polis.
Statistical Learning Using Real-World Scenes Extracting Categorical Regularities Without Conscious Intent

Recent work has shown that observers can parse streams of syllables, tones, or visual shapes and learn statistical regularities in them without conscious intent (e.g., learn that A is always followed by B). Here, we demonstrate that these statistical-learning mechanisms can operate at an abstract, conceptual level. In Experiments 1 and 2, observers incidentally learned which semantic categories of natural scenes covaried (e.g., kitchen scenes were always followed by forest scenes). In Experiments 3 and 4, category learning with images of scenes transferred to words that represented the categories. In each experiment, the category of the scenes was irrelevant to the task. Together, these results suggest that statistical-learning mechanisms can operate at a categorical level, enabling generalization of learned regularities using existing conceptual knowledge. Such mechanisms may guide learning in domains as disparate as the acquisition of causal knowledge and the development of cognitive maps from environmental exploration.
Neonatal blood cultures: survey of neonatologists’ practices

Background There are currently no standard recommendations regarding the optimal method to obtain a blood culture in neonates.
Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase gene expression in the developing mouse brain and retina: Implications for early loss of vision in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

Mutations in the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase (PPT) gene cause infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), the clinical manifestations of which include the early loss of vision followed by deterioration of brain functions. To gain insight into the temporal onset of these clinical manifestations, we isolated and characterized a murine PPT (mPPT)-cDNA, mapped the gene on distal chromosome 4, and studied its expression in the eye and in the brain during development. Our results show that both cDNA and protein sequences of the murine and human PPTs are virtually identical and that the mPPT expression in the retina and in the brain is temporally regulated during development. Furthermore, the retinal expression of mPPT occurs much earlier and at a higher level than in the brain at all developmental stages investigated. Since many retinal and brain proteins are highly palmitoylated and depalmitoylation by PPT is essential for their effective recycling in the lysosomes, our results raise the possibility that inactivating mutations of the PPT gene, as occur in INCL, are likely to cause cellular accumulation of lipid-modified proteins in the retina earlier than in the brain. Consequently, the loss of vision occurs before the deterioration of brain functions in this disease.
The Contribution of Environmental Monitoring in the Epidemiological Assessment of Exogenous Risk: The Experience of ARPA in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy

: The aim of the Emilia Romagna-Region Agency for Prevention and Environment (ARPA) is to define and improve interactions among the various prevention departments of the Emilia-Romagna Local Health Authorities in order to attain better knowledge about the health status of the population by using epidemiology and etiology studies, as well as predictive models. This is the basis for the environmental health risk assessment strategy of ARPA. The priority activity areas for ARPA are: urban areas, environmental and health effects of traffic (atmospheric pollution and noise pollution); industrial areas (Ravenna chemical plants, Modena/Reggio-Emilia ceramic factories and Ferrara chemical plants); high-speed trains; pesticides; asbestos; and pollution of the Adriatic Sea.
Measurement of T-cell kinetics: recent methodologic advances.

Abstract Measurement of T-cell proliferation and turnover has been limited by methodologic problems, especially in humans. Here, the theory of cellular proliferation measurements is discussed, including special problems arising from T-cell biology.
The instability of the ocean to Langmuir circulations

It has been proposed that Langmuir circulations arise as an instability of the equations describing the Eulerian-mean flow in bodies of water supporting surface waves and subject to an applied wind stress. In infinitely deep density-stratified water, the solution of an appropriate initial-value problem is a unidirectional, time-dependent current. The stability of this current to two-dimensional (roll) disturbances is investigated by an energy analysis and by linear theory. It is found that the energy stability estimates and linear stability limits are very close, showing that subcritical instability, if it occurs, is limited to a very narrow region in parameter space. According to the present results, conditions typically occurring in the ocean are highly unstable to the Langmuir circulation instability.
An analysis of the kinematics and dynamics of underactuated manipulators

The dynamics and kinematics of manipulators that have fewer actuators than degrees of freedom are studied. These underactuated manipulators arise in a number of important applications such as free-flying space robots, hyperredundant manipulators, manipulators with structural flexibility, etc. In the analysis such underactuated manipulators are decomposed into component active and passive arms. This decomposition allows techniques previously developed for regular (fully actuated) manipulators to be applied to underactuated systems. Spatial operator identities are used to develop closed-form expressions for the generalized accelerations for the system. These expressions form the basis for a recursive O(N) dynamics algorithm. The structure of this algorithm is a hybrid of known forward and inverse dynamics algorithms for regular manipulators. Expressions and computational algorithms are also developed for the generalized and disturbance Jacobians for underactuated manipulators. The application of the results in the paper to space manipulators is also described. >
Diagnostic overview of blood-based dysferlin protein assay for dysferlinopathies.

Introduction: Dysferlin deficiency causes dysferlinopathies. Among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the dysferlin protein is expressed specifically in CD14+ monocytes. Methods: We quantified dysferlin protein levels in PBMC lysates of 77 individuals suspected clinically of having a dysferlinopathy to screen for true positives. Subsequent molecular confirmation was done by Sanger sequencing and comparative genomic hybridization arrays to establish diagnosis. Results: Of the 44 individuals who had significantly reduced dysferlin levels (≤10%), 41 underwent molecular testing. We identified at least 1 mutation in 85% (35 of 41), and 2 mutations, establishing a dysferlinopathy diagnosis, in 61% (25 of 41) of these individuals. Among those with dysferlin protein levels of >10% (33 of 77), only 1 individual (of 14 who underwent molecular testing) had a detectable mutation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that dysferlin protein levels of ≤10% in PBMCs, are highly indicative of primary dysferlinopathies. However, this assay may not distinguish carriers from those with secondary dysferlin reduction. Muscle Nerve 50: 333–339, 2014
Levels of the Secreted Vibrio cholerae Attachment Factor GbpA Are Modulated by Quorum-Sensing-Induced Proteolysis

Vibrio cholerae is the etiologic agent of cholera in humans. Intestinal colonization occurs in a stepwise fashion, initiating with attachment to the small intestinal epithelium. This attachment is followed by expression of the toxin-coregulated pilus, microcolony formation, and cholera toxin (CT) production. We have recently characterized a secreted attachment factor, GlcNAc binding protein A (GbpA), which functions in attachment to environmental chitin sources as well as to intestinal substrates. Studies have been initiated to define the regulatory network involved in GbpA induction. At low cell density, GbpA was detected in the culture supernatant of all wild-type (WT) strains examined. In contrast, at high cell density, GbpA was undetectable in strains that produce HapR, the central regulator of the cell density-dependent quorum-sensing system of V. cholerae. HapR represses the expression of genes encoding regulators involved in V. cholerae virulence and activates the expression of genes encoding the secreted proteases HapA and PrtV. We show here that GbpA is degraded by HapA and PrtV in a time-dependent fashion. Consistent with this, ΔhapA ΔprtV strains attach to chitin beads more efficiently than either the WT or a ΔhapA ΔprtV ΔgbpA strain. These results suggest a model in which GbpA levels fluctuate in concert with the bacterial production of proteases in response to quorum-sensing signals. This could provide a mechanism for GbpA-mediated attachment to, and detachment from, surfaces in response to environmental cues.
Profiling turns in interaction: discourse structure and function

Turn-taking provides a basis for comparing interactions in different communication environments, and this paper demonstrates that readily observable features of turns can be linked to principles that organize and manage the interaction. Results are based on 150 decision-making interactions elicited in a face-to-face environment, an asynchronous e-mail environment and several types of synchronous computer-mediated environments. We show that three features of turns can be linked to discourse structure and function. First, as turns increase in size, participants switch from serial to parallel strategies to organize their decision-making. Second, pivot turns, which are turns that are much shorter than the turns that precede or follow them, can reflect the discourse functions of the relevant turns. Finally, turns can be used for measures of dominance based on turn size. We conclude that designers of communication systems can take advantage of peoples' ability to develop effective strategies for packaging messages in different environments.
Of Multipliers and Market Value: Just Compensation in a Post-Kelo World

In the wake of the US Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. The City of New London, several state passed regulation increasing the statutory compensation for eminent domain takings. Some of the increases were based on multipliers of market value, yet there has been little attempt to provide an economic justification for the magnitude of the multipliers. In this note, I propose a mechanism to compensate property owners at the average willingness-to-pay rather than the marginal willingness-to-pay.
Primus Automation Division, 2002

In early 2002, an analyst, Tom Baumann, must propose terms for leasing one of his company's advanced factory-automation systems to a major customer. From the lessor's standpoint, the challenge is simply to design an annuity stream that yields a present value equal to, or greater than, the value of the asset being leased. Certain factors, however, serve to complicate the analysis. The tax exposure and debt rating of the customer are uncertain, leaving the analyst to estimate the impact of alternative lease terms under different tax and interest-rate assumptions. Also, the customer is considering leasing competing systems from companies in Germany and Japan; these competing proposals limit Primus's flexibility in tailoring its proposal. In short, the students task is to design lease terms that exploit the lessee's tax and interest-rate exposure within constraints set by competitive terms.
Clinical significance of drug resistance in HIV-1 infection.

Overview: The limited duration of clinical benefit from nucleoside analogue therapy for HIV-1 infection may be explained, in part, by the emergence of virus isolates resistant to the drugs used. Additional reasons may include the presence of syncytium-inducing variants of HIV-1, progressive increase in viral load and progressive immunologic decline despite antiretroviral therapy. Discussion: Antiretroviral therapy may inevitably select for mutational changes in HIV-1 populations. However, recent advances in the understanding of drug resistance in HIV-1 infection suggest that, in certain cases, genotypic and phenotypic changes associated with drug resistance in vitro are not always synonymous with clinical drug failure. We consider the following examples: (1) the benefit of switching therapy may be independent of drug resistance; (2) patients may progress on therapy despite persistence of'sensitive' virus; (3) drug susceptibility testing may underestimate the significance of drug resistance, and antiviral activity may persist despite resistance; and (4) resistance may be overcome with higher dosing. Conclusion: Laboratory evidence for drug resistance does not necessarily imply clinical drug failure. Emergence of (-)-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (3TC, lamivudine) resistance may potentiate activity of zidovudine in patients treated with 3TC/zidovudine combination therapy. Novel therapeutic strategies that exploit this mutational interaction, or challenge the limits of adaptation of the virus, may lead to more effective long-term suppression of HIV-1.
Effectiveness of an electronic booster session delivered to mandated students

College student drinking continues to be a problem in the United States. Students who have violated campus alcohol policy are at particularly high risk for dangerous drinking. While Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) has been found to be an effective strategy in reducing high-risk drinking and associated consequences, questions remain about ways to further reduce risk or sustain changes associated with a face-to face intervention. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a computer-delivered personalized feedback (electronic booster) delivered to policy violators who completed a mandated BASICS program. At 3-month post-intervention, 346 participants (60.4% male and 39.6% female) were randomized to one of two conditions: assessment only (n = 171) or electronic booster feedback (n = 175). Follow-up assessments were given to all participants at 3, 6, and 12-month post-initial intervention. Both groups showed reductions in drinking after the in-person BASICS intervention, but no additional reductions were seen with the addition of an electronic booster session. FINDINGS suggest that although brief motivational interventions delivered in person to mandated students have been shown to be effective with mandated students, there is no additional benefit from an electronic booster session delivered 3-month post-intervention for this population. Language: en