Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A conditional expectation approach for associating ambient air pollutant exposures with health outcomes

Our research focuses on the association between exposure to an airborne pollutant and counts of emergency department (ED) visits attributed to a specific chronic illness. The motivating example for this analysis of measurement error in time series studies of air pollution and acute health outcomes was a study of ED visits from a 20‐county Atlanta metropolitan statistical area from 1993 to 1999. The research presented illustrates the impact of using various surrogates for unobserved measurements of ambient concentrations at the zip code level. Simulation results indicate that the impact of measurement error on the association between pollutant exposure and a health outcome can be substantial. The proposed conditional expectation (CE) approach provided reliable estimates of the association and exhibited good confidence interval coverage for a variety of magnitudes of association. Use of a single‐centrally located monitor, the arithmetic average, the nearest‐neighbor monitor, and the inverse‐distance weighted average surrogates resulted in biased estimates and poor coverage rates, especially for larger magnitudes of the association. A focus on obtaining reasonable exposure measurements within clearly defined subregions is important when the pollutant exposure of interest exhibits strong spatial variability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indigenous Resource Management Plans: Transporting Non-Indigenous People into the Indigenous World

Abstract The paper explores the degree to which Indigenous groups perceive that resource management plans they develop are able to help deliver outcomes they seek through formal planning systems. It does this by a case study of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some Indigenous groups are concerned they are being encouraged to devote considerable effort to production of major planning documents for use in interaction with environmental agencies, yet in practice, such plans can appear to have a limited role in bringing about desired change or affecting wider planning processes. The research contributes a New Zealand dimension to this international debate.
[The reconquest of the Madagascar highlands by malaria].

A strong malaria epidemic with a high mortality rate occurred on the Madagascar Highlands in 1986-88. Vector control and free access to antimalaria drugs controlled the disease. The authors have searched for the causes of the epidemic to propose a strategy avoiding such events. The Highlands on Madagascar were known as malaria free. In 1878 a very severe epidemic flooded all the country. Development of irrigated ricefields which house both An. arabiensis and An. funestus had created a new anthropic environment. Moreover manpower imported from malarious coastal areas for rice cultivation and also for building large temples, could have brought P. falciparum. After several outbreaks the disease became endemic up to 1949. In 1949 a malaria eradication programme based on DDT spraying and drug chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapy was launched. By 1960 malaria was eliminated and DDT spraying cancelled. Only 3 foci were kept under surveillance with irregular spraying until 1975. The prophylaxis and treatment centres ("centres de nivaquinisation") were kept open up to 1979. The catholic dispensary of Analaroa, 100 km N.E. of Tananarive, opened in 1971 and worked without interruption up to now. The malaria diagnosis has always been controlled by microscopy. Its registers are probably the more reliable source of information on malaria in the area. They show that malaria was already present on the Highlands in 1971 but at a low prevalence; in 1980 when the "centres de nivaquinisation" were closed the number of cases increased by three times the progressive increase of the number of cases became exponential from 1986 to 1988 which was the peak of the epidemic; malaria remained at a high level until the end of 1993; yearly DDT spraying since 1993 have decreased the number of malaria cases among the dispensary attendants by 90%. The epidemic peak of 1988 was well documented by the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar around Tananarive. Before the epidemic started it was observed a come back of An. funestus which had been previously eliminated of most of the villages by DDT spraying. More than an epidemic the malaria increase in 1988 was a reconquest by malaria of the land from which it had been eliminated in the years 1950. This episode became dramatic because the lack of immunity of the population and the shortage of medicaments. The global warming which was advocated to explain the epidemic has no responsibility because the temperature on the Madagascar Highlands has not changed during the last 30 years. Also the cyclones do not seem to have played any role. It is very likely that the gradual decline of control measures, first DDT spraying, later drug distributions, had the main responsibility in the Highlands drama. Everywhere An. funestus reached a high level during the time where the parasite reservoir was rebuilding. They synergised each other. These findings should be taken in account in drawing the strategy planning for the next years.
A Stock-Flow Theory of Unemployment with Endogenous Match Formation

We develop a tractable equilibrium model of stock-flow matching in the labor market. The economy consists of many labor markets, and workers and jobs continually flow into each labor market. Within a labor market, potential worker-job matches differ in quality. Accordingly, a worker newly arrived in a labor market may not find any acceptable matches; if so, she becomes part of the stock of unemployed workers and must wait for the arrival of a new vacancy in the flow which offers her a sufficiently high quality match. When labor market conditions change, the set of acceptable matches changes in response, a feature not allowed for in previous work on stock-flow matching. Our model is consistent with several stylized facts about the labor market, such as the importance of flows, as well as stocks, for matching rates, as well as with duration dependence in unemployment.
Comparison frequency doubling and charge pump matching techniques for dual-band /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ fractional-N frequency synthesizer

The frequency synthesizer with two LC-VCOs is fully integrated in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. In supporting dual bands, all building blocks except VCOs are shared. A current compensation scheme using a replica charge pump improves the linearity of the frequency synthesizer and, thus, suppresses spurious tones. To reduce the quantization noise from a /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator and the noise from the building blocks except the VCO, the proposed architecture uses a frequency doubler with a noise-insensitive duty-cycle correction circuit (DCC) in the reference clock path. Power consumption is 37.8 mW with a 2.7-V supply. The proposed frequency synthesizer supports 10-kHz channel spacing with the measured phase noise of -114 dBc/Hz and -141 dBc/Hz at 100-kHz and 1.25-MHz offsets, respectively, in the PCS band. The fractional spurious tone at 10-kHz offset is under -54 dBc.
Hypoxic conditioned culture medium from fibroblasts grown under embryonic‐like conditions supports healing following post‐laser resurfacing

Objectives Treatment of facial skin perturbed by laser resurfacing with a novel, topical hypoxic conditioned culture medium (HCCM) product results in apparent, accelerated wound recovery time. The HCCM product is conditioned by neonatal fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions and used as the active ingredient in a formulated topical lotion. The HCCM contains significant quantities of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and interleukin‐8. As these molecules are known to play an important role in normal wound healing in vivo, we conducted a pilot clinical evaluation “Proof of Concept” in which individuals, after receiving laser resurfacing, were instructed to use either active or placebo lotion on their abraded skin.
Trophoblast apoptosis from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction is associated with enhanced p53 expression.

OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that apoptotic trophoblasts from pregnancies associated with fetal growth restriction caused by preeclampsia or cigarette use exhibit enhanced expression of the proapoptotic proteins p53 and Bax and diminished expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. STUDY DESIGN Placentas were obtained from women with uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 4) or from women with pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction associated with preeclampsia, cigarette use, or both (n = 7). Placental sections were examined by means of hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, as well as by detection of cytokeratin 18 cleavage products indicative of apoptosis. The expression of p53 was examined by means of Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Bak, and Bcl-X(L) was analyzed by immunoblotting. RESULTS More apoptosis was found in the trophoblast layer of villi from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction than in the trophoblast layer of villi from control pregnancies. The enhanced apoptosis correlated with up-regulation of p53, primarily in cytotrophoblast nuclei. There was no difference between the two groups in expression of the proteins from the Bcl-2 family. CONCLUSIONS The expression of p53, but not members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins is up-regulated in human placental villi from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. We speculate that conditions predisposing to placental hypoxia lead to p53-mediated apoptosis in trophoblasts and thereby contribute to placental dysfunction.
An intracellular study of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat and their relationship to catecholamine‐containing neurons

Intracellular recording and labelling with Lucifer yellow of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla were carried out in urethane‐anaesthetised rats. A combined immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase technique enabled an assessment of the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, as well as an examination of the morphology of inspiratory and expiratory neurons in this part of the medulla oblongata. The results demonstrate: (a) that respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat are intermingled with catecholamine‐containing neurons of the C1 cell group, but are not themselves catecholamine‐containing; (b) that many non‐spinally projecting respiratory neurons have axonal arborisations within the ventrolateral medulla in the same region as the C1 cell group, other respiratory neurons, and neurons reported to have a cardiovascular function; and (c) that the dendrites of respiratory neurons in this region radiate throughout the ventrolateral medulla and frequently approach the ventral surface.
Is double coverage of gram-negative organisms necessary?

PURPOSE The appropriateness of combination therapy for infections caused by gram-negative organisms is examined. SUMMARY Mortality from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is particularly high; therefore, empirical regimens are often selected to ensure coverage for this organism. The initial use of combination antimicrobial therapy for gram-negative infections is usually justified by one of three reasons: the potential for synergistic activity between two classes of antimicrobial agents, the broad empirical coverage provided by two antimicrobial agents with differing spectra of activity and resistance patterns, or the prevention of resistance development during antimicrobial therapy. Disadvantages of using combination therapy are increased drug toxicity, increased costs, and increased risk of superinfection with more-resistant bacteria or fungi. There are no clinical data that suggest that the combination of a β-lactam plus a fluoroquinolone results in improved patient outcomes compared with a β-lactam alone or a β-lactam plus an aminoglycoside. Results from studies that evaluate combination therapy versus monotherapy for gram-negative bacilli conflict with the common practice of use of double coverage. Strong evidence to support the administration of antimicrobials for double coverage of gram-negative organisms is lacking. Antimicrobial overuse may lead to antibiotic resistance, unnecessary adverse effects, and increased costs. CONCLUSION The available clinical evidence does not support the routine use of combination antimicrobial therapy for treatment of gram-negative infections. Patients with shock or neutropenia may benefit from combination therapy that includes an aminoglycoside.
Determinants of human papillomavirus‐negative, low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions triage study (ALTS)

Although low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) most often are the result of infection by human papillomaviruses (HPV), a small proportion of women with LSIL have negative HPV tests. Using the Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance/LSIL Triage Study (ALTS) population, the authors evaluated the significance of HPV‐negative LSIL.
Isolation and characterization of human fecal bacteria capable of 21-dehydroxylating corticoids

It has been known for a decade that human intestinal flora include organisms capable of 21-dehydroxylating corticoids. Yet the identity of the organisms synthesizing 21-dehydroxylase has remained unknown. Using diluted human feces, we determined the prevalence of colonies of 21-dehydroxylating organisms on a variety of media. Isolation from the medium of colonies with the highest prevalence yielded an obligate anaerobe capable of 21-dehydroxylating deoxycorticosterone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone. This transformation could be carried out in a prereduced medium by the microbial culture alone or in an aerobic medium reduced by growth of Escherichia coli. The culture shares many characteristics with Eubacterium lentum, the neotype strain of which elaborated both 21-dehydroxylase and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Transposon Mutagenesis of the Obligate Intracellular Pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii

ABSTRACT Genetic analysis of Rickettsia prowazekii has been hindered by the lack of selectable markers and efficient mechanisms for generating rickettsial gene knockouts. We have addressed these problems by adapting a gene that codes for rifampin resistance for expression in R. prowazekii and by incorporating this selection into a transposon mutagenesis system suitable for generating rickettsial gene knockouts. The arr-2 gene codes for an enzyme that ADP-ribosylates rifampin, thereby destroying its antibacterial activity. Based on the published sequence, this gene was synthesized by PCR with overlapping primers that contained rickettsial codon usage base changes. This R. prowazekii-adapted arr-2 gene (Rparr-2) was placed downstream of the strong rickettsial rpsL promoter (rpsLP), and the entire construct was inserted into the Epicentre EZ::TN transposome system. A purified transposon containing rpsLP-Rparr-2 was combined with transposase, and the resulting DNA-protein complex (transposome) was electroporated into competent rickettsiae. Following selection with rifampin, rickettsiae with transposon insertions in the genome were identified by PCR and Southern blotting and the insertion sites were determined by rescue cloning and inverse PCR. Multiple insertions into widely spaced areas of the R. prowazekii genome were identified. Three insertions were identified within gene coding sequences. Transposomes provide a mechanism for generating random insertional mutations in R. prowazekii, thereby identifying nonessential rickettsial genes.
Understanding Contingent Faculty: A Quantitative Study of Engagement, Satisfaction, Commitment, and Mentoring Needs

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv DEDICATION vi LIST OF TABLES x LIST OF FIGURES xii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 Problem Statement 3 Purpose of the Study 4 Significance of the Study 4 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks 5 Definition of Terms 9 Summary 11 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 12 The Contingent Workforce 12 Mentoring Relationships 28 Summary 48 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 50 Research Questions 50 Research Design 51 Instrumentation 55 Sampling Procedures 62 Procedures 67 Data Analysis 70 Assumptions 81 Limitations 82 Delimitations 83 Summary 84 CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 86 Overview 86 Results of Qualitative Data Analysis 87 Descriptive Statistics 88 Test for Nonresponse Bias 103 Assumptions of Normality 107 Inferential Statistics 112 Summary of Findings 117
Episomal Maintenance of Plasmids with Hybrid Origins in Mouse Cells

ABSTRACT Bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 8 genomes are stably maintained as episomes in dividing host cells during latent infection. The mitotic segregation/partitioning function of these episomes is dependent on single viral protein with specific DNA-binding activity and its multimeric binding sites in the viral genome. In this study we show that, in the presence of all essential viral trans factors, the segregation/partitioning elements from both BPV1 and EBV can provide the stable maintenance function to the mouse polyomavirus (PyV) core origin plasmids but fail to do so in the case of complete PyV origin. Our study is the first which follows BPV1 E2- and minichromosome maintenance element (MME)-dependent stable maintenance function with heterologous replication origins. In mouse fibroblast cell lines expressing PyV large T antigen (LT) and either BPV1 E2 or EBV EBNA1, the long-term episomal replication of plasmids carrying the PyV minimal origin together with the MME or family of repeats (FR) element can be monitored easily for 1 month under nonselective conditions. Our data demonstrate clearly that the PyV LT-dependent replication function and the segregation/partitioning function of the BPV1 or EBV are compatible in certain, but not all, configurations. The quantitative analysis indicates a loss rate of 6% per cell, doubling in the case of MME-dependent plasmids, and 13% in the case of FR-dependent plasmids in nonselective conditions. Our data clearly indicate that maintenance functions from different viruses are principally interexchangeable and can provide a segregation/partitioning function to different heterologous origins in a variety of cells.
Evaluation of the Quantum Opportunities Program (QOP). Did the Program Work? A Report on the Post Secondary Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of the QOP Program (1989-1993).

The Quantum Opportunities Project (QOP) was a multisite youth development demonstration project funded by the Ford Foundation in San Antonio (Texas), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Milwaukee (Wisconsin), Saginaw (Michigan), and Oklahoma City (Oklahoma). The programs, organized around educational activities, guaranteed up to 250 hours of education, 250 hours of development activities, and 250 hours of service each full year from the ninth grade through high school for in-school youth or youth who had dropped out or left their original schools or neighborhoods. Students received hourly stipends between $1 and $1.33 with eventual bonuses. Twenty-five youths were enrolled in each program. Program evaluation undertaken by Brandeis University's Center for Human Resource included respondent surveys and subgroup comparisons for four sites, excluding Milwaukee, where data were not complete. Analysis indicates that QOP members, when compared to control groups, were more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to enroll in college, less likely to drop out, more likely to have received awards, and less likely to have children. Although QOP members were not immune from the many hazards of inner city life, the benefits of the program were made apparent by the evaluation. Seventeen figures, 16 tables, and newspaper clippings illustrate the discussion at the end of the document. (SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Freeze‐fracture study of muscle plasma membrane in obligate carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Diminution of intramembranous particles and increase in the number of caveolae have been reported in freeze-fractured muscle plasma membrane of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We searched for similar alterations in a population of muscle plasma membranes from obligate carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There were no significant changes in muscle plasma membrane morphology in carriers and normal controls.
Solid-State Lasers From an Efficiency Perspective

Solid-state lasers have remained a vibrant area of research because several major innovations expanded their capability. Major innovations are presented with emphasis on the laser efficiency. A product of efficiencies approach is developed and applied to describe laser performance. Efficiency factors are presented in closed form where practical and energy transfer effects are included where needed. In turn, efficiency factors are used to estimate threshold and slope efficiency, allowing a facile estimate of performance. Spectroscopic, thermal, and mechanical data are provided for common solid state laser materials.
Using data from drug discovery and development to aid the aquatic environmental risk assessment of human pharmaceuticals: Concepts, considerations, and challenges

Over recent years, human pharmaceuticals have been detected in the aquatic environment. This, combined with the fact that many are (by design) biologically active compounds, has raised concern about potential impacts in wildlife species. This concern was realized with two high‐profile cases of unforeseen environmental impact (i.e., estrogens and diclofenac), which have led to a flurry of work addressing how best to predict such effects in the future. One area in which considerable research effort has been made, partially in response to regulatory requirements, has been on the potential use of preclinical and clinical pharmacological and toxicological data (generated during drug development from nonhuman mammals and humans) to predict possible effects in nontarget, environmentally relevant species: so‐called read across. This approach is strengthened by the fact that many physiological systems are conserved between mammals and certain environmentally relevant species. Consequently, knowledge of how a pharmaceutical works (the “mode‐of‐action,” or MoA) in nonclinical species and humans could assist in the selection of appropriate test species, study designs, and endpoints, in an approach referred to as “intelligent testing. ” Here we outline the data available from the human drug development process and suggest how this might be used to design a testing strategy best suited to the specific characteristics of the drug in question. In addition, we review published data that support this type of approach, discuss the potential pitfalls associated with read across, and identify knowledge gaps that require filling to ensure accuracy in the extrapolation of data from preclinical and clinical studies, for use in the environmental risk assessment of human pharmaceuticals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010; 6:38–51. © 2009 SETAC