cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 21 – Ataxia-Telangiectasia

Publisher Summary Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive pleiotropic disease caused by mutations in the gene ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Affected children present as toddlers with truncal ataxia and oculomotor disturbances. The disease proceeds relentlessly with progressive neuro degeneration involving the cerebellum and multiple other brain regions leading to severe neurological compromise and death between 20–30 years of age. Patients also present with dilated blood vessels in the eyes and on the skin (telangiectasia), have immunodeficiency, are infertile, and more than one-third of the patients develop cancer. Patients are hypersensitive to ionizing radiation (IR) and reagents that cause DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Patients with Nijmegen breakage syndrome exhibit several similarities to A-T patients. They show extreme radiation sensitivity, radioresistant DNA synthesis (RDS), chromosomal instability, and predisposition to cancer. ATLD is characterized by radiation sensitivity, RDS, and progressive cerebellar degeneration, although the severity of the disease seems to markedly different. Unfortunately, the precise clinical characteristics of these patients remain to be established, in particular the nature of the progressive neurological dysfunction.
[Monitoring results of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in national surveillance site of Huaiyang County in Henan Province, 2006-2015].

Objective To understand the epidemic situation of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in the national surveillance site in Henan Province. Methods Over 1 000 fecal samples from inhabitants in Huaiyang County of Henan Province, which was a national surveillance site, were collected each year from 2006 to 2015, the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes and other intestinal helminths were examined by Kato-Kats technique. The cellophane swab method was used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs in children aged 3 to 12 years. In addition, the soil samples were collected from vegetable fields, lavatories, courtyards and kitchens of 10 families randomly selected in each year to examine Ascaris eggs by a modified saturated sodium nitrate floatation method. Results From 2006 to 2015, 10 419 persons were investigated, and the eggs of five species of intestinal helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, E. vermicularis, and Trichostrongylus orientalis, were detected, The average infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes in residents in Huaiyang County was 3.69%. The intensity of infection was mild and a family clustering was obvious. Both the infection rates of E. vermicularis in children and soil-transmitted nematodes in villagers had no significant differences between different genders (both P＞0.05). The infection rates of soil-transmitted nematodes, A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis all reached the highest in the age group of 1-10 years. For different education back-ground, the people with primary school education had the highest infection rate, and the infection rate showed a decreasing trend with the increase of the educational level. The infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes in the national surveillance site in Henan Province showed a decreasing trend from 2006 to 2015. Unfertilized and fertilized A. lumbricoides eggs were detected in the soil samples, but the positive rate was very low. Conclusions In the recent 10 years, the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes in the national surveillance site in Henan Province shows a decreasing trend and maintains at a low level. The infection shows a family clustering. The children, especially those aged 3-9 years are the main infected population, and E. vermicularis infection is the key point of prevention and control.
The Ideological Influence of Political Cartoons on the 1884 U.S. Presidential Race

During the 1884 presidential campaign, the battle between candidates Grover Cleveland and James Blaine signified a historic moment as cartoonists such as Thomas Nast, Joseph Keppler, and Bernhard G...
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Control Study.

The aim of this study is to compare health-related quality of life between inflammatory bowel disease patients and age-/gender-matched controls while taking into account comorbid conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease). Data from the 2015 and 2016 National Health Interview Survey were used. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (n = 951) were age- and gender-matched to noninflammatory bowel disease patients (n = 3,804). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease were more likely to be diagnosed with an airway disease (p < .000), heart disease (p < .000), or stomach cancer (p < .001) than age- and gender-matched individuals without inflammatory bowel disease. Even after controlling for these comorbidities, sociodemographic characteristics as well as health-related behaviors, patients with inflammatory bowel disease had significantly lower health-related quality of life than individuals of the same age and gender. Inflammatory bowel disease appears to be associated with particularly low levels of health-related quality of life. Alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index may be risk factors for a decreased health-related quality of life.
Pre-exposure to hydrogen sulfide modulates the innate inflammatory response to organic dust

Animal production units produce and store many contaminants on-site, including organic dust (OD) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Workers in these settings report various respiratory disease symptoms. Both OD and H2S have shown to induce lung inflammation. However, impact of co-exposure to both H2S and OD has not been investigated. Therefore, we tested a hypothesis that pre-exposure to H2S modulates the innate inflammatory response of the lungs to organic dust. In a mouse model of H2S and organic dust extract (ODE) exposure, we assessed lung inflammation quantitatively. We exposed human airway epithelial and monocytic cells to medium or H2S alone or H2S followed by ODE and measured cell viability, oxidative stress, and other markers of inflammation. Exposure to 10 ppm H2S followed by ODE increased the lavage fluid leukocytes. However, exposure to 10 ppm H2S alone resulted in changes in tight junction proteins, an increase in mRNA levels of tlr2 and tlr4 as well as ncf1, ncf4, hif1α, and nrf2. H2S alone or H2S and ODE exposure decreased cell viability and increased reactive nitrogen species production. ODE exposure increased the transcripts of tlr2 and tlr4 in both in vitro and in vivo models, whereas increased nfkbp65 transcripts following exposure to ODE and H2S was seen only in in vitro model. H2S alone and H2S followed by ODE exposure increased the levels of IL-1β. We conclude that pre-exposure to H2S modulates lung innate inflammatory response to ODE.
Pelvic Fixation Using S2AI and Triangular Titanium Implants (Bedrock Technique)

Pelvic fixation is becoming an increasingly important caudal anchor point for long lumbar constructs, high-grade spondylolisthesis, fixation of sacral fractures, and support for 3-column osteotomies, by adding lumbosacral fixation anterior to the McCord pivot point. Iliac bolts were once common but have become less favorable due to screw head irritation and complications associated with connecting rods. S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screws have been shown to achieve equivalent anchoring strength of constructs to the pelvis, while being lower profile and in line with the lumbar instrumentation. More recently, surgeons have noted the potential for S2AI screws to toggle and loosen, commonly in the softer sacrum, leading to caudal anchor failure and possible pseudarthrosis. The addition of triangular titanium implants to augment S2AI screws (bedrock technique) is a relatively new adaptation to reduce toggling on the S2AI screw and improve the overall stability of the pelvic fixation. Video 1 shows the placement of an S2AI screw and triangular titanium implant for pelvic fixation. The patient is a 68-year-old woman who presented with flat back syndrome, spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, pseudarthrosis of previously instrumented levels, and bilateral sacroiliitis. She underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion of L1 to S1 with pelvic fixation, open bilateral sacroiliac joint fusion, and multilevel Smith-Peterson osteotomies and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions.
Robotic Approach to Ectopic Endometriosis in a Patient with Duplicated Ureters

Study Objective To demonstrate a minimally invasive approach to excision of ectopic urinary tract endometriosis in a patient with an anomalous duplicated left renal collecting system. Design Case report surgical video. Setting Single center academic institution. Patients or Participants A 45-year-old female with a history of endometriosis with prior robotic hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy presented with worsening urge incontinence, flank and pelvic pain. Patient was referred after evaluation revealed a mass adjacent to the left ureterovaginal junction and bladder trigone. Interventions Initial cystoscopy revealed a left non-intrusive bladder mass near the left ureteral orifices. A 2 cm firm, fixed nodule in the left fornix of the vagina was excised. Endometriosis was confirmed on frozen section. Upon laparoscopic entry, anatomy was noted to be distorted due to extensive scarring in the left pelvic sidewall including the vaginal cuff and bladder. The posterior cul-de-sac, pararectal, and paravesical spaces were then dissected open, allowing for visualization of the intersigmoid recess and the double ureters encased in scar tissue. After creating two small windows to open the peritoneum, continued dissection proceeded laterally along the pelvic sidewall. En bloc endometriosis was noted on the left infundibulopelvic ligament, vaginal cuff, bladder, and ureters. The scarred peritoneum was excised by encircling the affected areas. Concomitant ureteral dissection ensued with simultaneous removal of endometriotic nodules at the vaginal cuff and ureterovaginal junction. The patient then had an uncomplicated right salpingo-oophorectomy. Measurements and Main Results The patient was discharged home on postoperative day one and had an overall uncomplicated postoperative course. Final pathology was consistent with endometriosis. At her post-operative appointment, the patient experienced complete resolution of her symptoms. Conclusion In a patient with a known history of endometriosis and a newfound bladder mass, ectopic endometriosis should be considered. Robotic surgical excision is an appropriate minimally invasive approach after adequate preparation.
Conservative Management of Jones Fractures with Immediate Weight-Bearing in a Walking Boot Demonstrates Healing

Abstract Jones fractures, or proximal metatarsal fractures at the level of the fourth and fifth intermetatarsal junction, have a high risk for nonunion due to a vascular watershed region. Classically, treatment consists of weight bearing restrictions in a cast or surgical fixation. Some studies have assessed immediate weight bearing following a Jones fracture. Due to conflicting results, the most appropriate treatment method remains unclear. This study analyzes outcomes after treating adults with acute Jones fractures non-operatively without weight bearing restrictions in a walking boot. We hypothesize that patients will not require future operative intervention following functional treatment. We conducted a retrospective review of 55 adult patients who sustained acute, closed Jones fractures. 47 were treated weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) in a walking boot and eight were treated non-weight bearing (NWB) in a cast. They were followed radiographically by an orthopedic surgeon for an average of 6.4 and 15.5 months, respectively. Three patients in each group (6.4% WBAT, 37.5% NWB) developed painful nonunion leading to surgical fixation. Thirty (66.7%) patients in the WBAT group demonstrated radiographic union on final radiographs. Only two (13.3%) of the 15 patients with partial union were seen at least six months from time of injury, one of whom had ongoing pain but declined surgery. The remaining 13 patients were asymptomatic at their final clinic appointment. Controversy still exists as to the best treatment methodology for acute Jones fractures. Due to a lack of clear guidelines, it can be difficult for the multiple medical specialties involved to evaluate and treat this injury. Our study suggests that non-operative management of minimally displaced Jones fractures, in the adult, low demand population, without weight bearing restrictions in a walking boot offers similar outcomes to cast immobilization with weight bearing restrictions, resulting in bony union or asymptomatic fibrous nonunion.
The long term effects of federal government debt accumulation on employment in the United States of America

Despite the financial benefits of government debt, its effectiveness in the economy and the transmission mechanisms of fiscal policy are still on debate. Given this situation, the general goal of this research article was to empirically assess the effects of debt on labor demand. By assuming that debt changes the foreign exchange value of the currency, and that these deviations in the underlying value of money generate price fluctuations of both output and labor, it was hypothesized that when there is an increase in the stock of accumulated debt, more labor is employed in the economy as the currency depreciates. For the period 1973-2010, using time series econometric methods, it was determined that– in The United States of America–the employed labor of the economy is, in the long run, significantly altered by government debt accumulation.
Seizing the Moment: Having Difficult Conversations About Race in the Workplace

Conversations about race in the workplace have long been silenced. Recently, though, leaders have begun to fervently embrace such conversations. Drawing upon academic research, Stephanie Creary provides a framework for having difficult conversations about race in US workplaces.
Fibrosis: Insights from the Stiff Skin Syndrome

Fibrillin-1 is a 350-kDa glycoprotein component of the extracellular matrix. It is a member of a small family of homologous glycoproteins that includes the fibulins and the latent TGFβ-binding proteins (LTBPs). Fibrillin-1 has 43 calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like (cbEGF-like) domains, 4 noncalcium-binding EGF-like domains, 7 TGFβ-binding protein-like (TB) domains, 2 hybrid domains, unique N and C-termini, and a 58-amino-acid proline-rich sequence. Fibrillin-1 is an integral constituent of complex structures in the extracellular matrix called microfibrils (Sakai LY, Keene DR, Engvall E. Fibrillin, a new 350-kD glycoprotein, is a component of extracellular microfibrils. J Cell Biol. 1986;103(3536967):2499–509). By electron microscopy (EM), microfibrils extracted from tissues or cell culture have a “bead-on-a-string” appearance, with periodically spaced globular domains connected by linear arms (McDowall M, Edwards NM, Jahoda CA, Hynd PI. The role of activins and follistatins in skin and hair follicle development and function. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2008;19(5–6):415–26; Xu MY, Porte J, Knox AJ, et al. Lysophosphatidic acid induces alphavbeta6 integrin-mediated TGF-beta activation via the LPA2 receptor and the small G protein G alpha(q). Am J Pathol. 2009;174(4):1264–79).
High-Intensity, Ultrashort Pulse Laser Heated Solids

Intense pulses of laser light with a duration of about 100 femtoseconds can be focused onto the surface of a solid to produce high energy electrons and highly ionized material just inside the surface.1,2,3 Immediately following the laser pulse the electrons will cool and rapidly recombine due to both thermal conduction to the bulk of the solid and inelastic collisions. The density of the solid will also rapidly decrease due to expansion of the high temperature material.
Massively Parallel Linear Stability Analysis with P_ARPACK for 3D Fluid Flow Modeled with MPSalsa

We are interested in the stability of three-dimensional fluid flows to small disturbances. One computational approach is to solve a sequence of large sparse generalized eigenvalue problems for the leading modes that arise from discretizating the differential equations modeling the flow. The modes of interest are the eigenvalues of largest real part and their associated eigenvectors. We discuss our work to develop an efficient and reliable eigensolver for use by the massively parallel simulation code MPSalsa. MPSalsa allows simulation of complex 3D fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer with detailed bulk fluid and surface chemical reaction kinetics.
Robust Schur-stability of Discrete-Time Interval Plants

The main contribution of this paper is a generalization of the Box Theorem which was originally introduced for Hurwitz case, for determining the robust Schur-stability of linear time-invariant discrete-time control systems containing an interval plant.
A convergence analysis of distributed dictionary learning based on the K-SVD algorithm

This paper provides a convergence analysis of a recent distributed algorithm, termed cloud K-SVD, that solves the problem of data-adaptive representations for big, distributed data. It is assumed that a number of geographically-distributed, interconnected sites have massive local data and they are collaboratively learning a sparsifying dictionary underlying these data using cloud K-SVD. This paper provides a rigorous analysis of cloud K-SVD that gives insights into its properties as well as deviations of the dictionaries learned at individual sites from a centralized solution in terms of different measures of local/global data and topology of the interconnections.
Cancer Prevalence among a Cross-sectional Survey of Female Orthopedic, Urology, and Plastic Surgeons in the United States

Abstract Background Exposure to ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy performed during surgery, although low and within established limits, remains a health concern among surgeons. Estimates of breast cancer prevalence among women across surgery specialties with different patterns of fluoroscopy use are needed to evaluate this concern. Methods Female U.S. surgeons in urology, plastics, and orthopedics were identified using national directories and mailed surveys to collect information on occupational and medical history, including cancer diagnoses. Standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) and 95% CIs were calculated by dividing the observed number of cancers among female surgeons in each specialty by the expected number, based on the gender-specific, age-specific, and race-specific cancer prevalence statistics in the general U.S. population. Results Standard fluoroscopy use more than once per week was common among urologists (54%) and orthopedists (37%); the same frequency of mini fluoroscopy use was only common among orthopedics (31%) and hardly ever used by urologists. Plastic surgeons reported very infrequent use of any fluoroscopy. For orthopedic surgeons, a significantly greater than expected prevalence of any cancer (SPR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.19–2.76) and breast cancer (SPR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.66–4.71) were observed. There was no difference between the observed and expected prevalence of any cancer or breast cancer for urology or plastics. Conclusions Using the first available cancer prevalence data comparing female surgeons across three specialties, we report that orthopedic surgeons have a greater than expected prevalence of cancer that may or may not be owing to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.
On-site delivery of BS in electro-mechanical engineering technology a collaborative effort between Penn State and Sony Electronics

As part of increasing industrial outreach programs in Penn State University's (USA) Commonwealth Education System, the School of Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Engineering, the Penn State Campus at New Kensington and Sony Electronics have teamed together to offer a 2+2 Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Electromechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) at the Sony Manufacturing Center in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. The atypical manufacturing constraints and work schedules at the center prohibit Sony's technical employees from enrolling in educational programs organized along traditional schedules. However, rapid expansion at the site both in size and product mix has increased the need for employees with enhanced technical skills and advanced academic training. Onsite offering of the BS EMET program is expected to help Sony meet this need as well as to expand career opportunities for qualified employees. The entirety of lecture courses for the EMET curriculum will be offered at the Sony facility. Laboratory classes will be held at the Penn State campus where suitable facilities are available. Classes will be scheduled in nontraditional ways to ensure that they mesh with employee work schedules and off-work hours. All instruction will be done by program faculty from the campus to ensure the quality, and ultimately the accreditation of the program. The entire program is expected to take approximately three and a half years to complete. The Sony program will also be used as a model for similar activities with other industrial partners in the New Kensington campus service area.
Assessment of foundation courses for recruiting non-CS students into master program in computer science

This paper assesses the impact of foundation courses in computer science on the recruitment effort that targeted non-CS students. These foundation courses, so called Concepts and Programming courses, give an opportunity to admitted students with no prior background in computer science to learn essential computing concepts and programming skills in just one semester. The assessment data show that these foundation courses enabled us to increase the number of newly admitted graduate students in our master program. However, the data on the passing rates from these two courses also revealed that we have to turn a significant portion of these students away due to their poor performance.
T-cell replete haploidentical donor transplantation using post-transplant CY: an emerging standard-of-care option for patients who lack an HLA-identical sibling donor

Availability of an HLA-identical sibling (MRD) or suitably matched unrelated donor (MUD) has historically been a limiting factor in the application of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. Although almost all patients have an HLA-haploidentical family donor, prior attempts at transplantation from such donors using T-cell replete grafts and conventional immunosuppression were associated with unacceptable rates of GVHD, and when stringent ex vivo T-cell depletion was used to control GVHD, rates of graft rejection and post-transplant infections were prohibitive. The recent approach to HLA-haploidentical donor transplantation developed in Baltimore that uses T-cell replete grafts and post-transplant CY (Haplo-post-HCT-CY) to control post-transplant allo-reactivity appears to have overcome many of the obstacles historically associated with haploidentical donor transplantation. In particular, TRM rates of <10% are usual and rapid reconstitution of immunity leads to a low rate of post-transplant infections and no post-tranplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), consistent with the hypothesis that post-transplant CY selectively depletes proliferating alloreactive T cells responsible for GVHD and graft rejection while preserving resting memory T cells essential for post-transplant immunologic recovery. In parallel trials using similar non-myeloablative conditioning regimens, Haplo-post-HCT-CY produced similar overall survival to double umbilical cord blood transplantation(DUCBT) in adult patients (62% vs 54%), with low rates of TRM (7% vs 24%), severe acute GVHD (0% vs 21%) and chronic GVHD (13% vs 25%). Furthermore, recent non-randomized comparisons adjusted for risk factors show that Haplo-post-HCT-CY achieve at least equivalent outcomes to conventional MRD and MUD transplants. Although most experience has been obtained using BM, emerging data suggest that a G-CSF mobilized PBSC graft can also safely be used for Haplo-post-HCT-CY. Haplo-post-HCT-CY also avoids the graft acquisition costs of DUCBT and MUDs and the cost of cell selection associated with T-depleted grafts. Although randomized comparisons will be forthcoming, Haplo-post-HCT-CY can already be considered a valid standard-of-care in patients who lack conventional donors thus extending the availability of allogeneic transplants to almost all patients. This donor source may also challenge the routine preference for a MUD in patients lacking an MRD.
Annular bed reactor‐methanation of carbon dioxide

Catalytic methanation of carbon dioxide has been studied in a new type of annular bed reactor. In this new design, the central core is packed with large inert spheres; the catalyst occupies the annular space between the inert spheres and the wall. A first-generation model, representing insothermal operation of the annular bed, prepicts improved conversion for the packed compared to the unpacked-core reactor. On a etudie la methanation catalytique de l'anhydride carbonique dans un nouveau type de reactcur a lit annulaire dans lequel l'espace interieur, le coeur, est garni de grosses splieres inertes; le catalyseur occupe l'espace annulaire entre les splieres inertes et la paroi. Un modele preliminaire, qui represente le fonctionnement isotherme du lit annulaire, prevoit une meilleure conversion dans le cas du reacteur a coeur garni que dans le cas sans garnissage.
Mathematical modeling of multicylinder compressor discharge system interactions

Abstract Gas oscillations are complicated in a multicylinder compressor discharge system because of the cylinder interactions. These are identified and modeled here as kinematic and geometric types of coupling. The kinematic coupling effect is incorporated with the input volume velocities, at the values, which are derived from the discharge mass flow rates. To account for the geometric interactions arising because of the interconnected cavities and passages, impedance matrices are formulated. The discharge system components are described by steady state acoustic impedances, in distributed parameters format. The overall discharge system mathematical model (in the frequency domain) is then coupled with the time domain compressor cylinder thermodynamic, and valve fluid and structural dynamic models. An iterative is used to account for the back pressure effect. The theory is applied to a two cylinder high speed refrigeration compressor. Unsteady flow pressures are predicted in the valve chamber (for capacity and energy consumption considerations), and at the manifold end (for muffling effectiveness consideration). Excellent agreements between theory and experiment are obtained. The technique as outlined in this paper should be applicable to any multicylinder/interstaged positive displacement type of fluid machine.
Clutter effects on airborne tracking resolution requirements for urban vehicles

This paper details the development, experimentation, collected data and the results of research designed to gain an understanding of the effects of clutter on the temporal and spatial image collection guidelines for tracking urban vehicles. More specifically, a quantitative understanding of the relationship between human observer performance and the spatial and temporal resolution is sought. Performance is measured as a function of the number of video frames per second, imager spatial resolution and the ability of the observer to accurately determine the destination of a moving vehicle target as it encounters vehicles with similar infrared signatures. The research is restricted to data and imagery collected from altitudes typical of modern low to mid altitude persistent surveillance platforms using a wide field of view. The ability of the human observer to perform an unaided track of the vehicle was determined by their completion of carefully designed perception experiments. In these experiments, the observers were presented with simulated imagery from Night Vision's EOSim urban terrain simulator. The details of the simulated targets and backgrounds, the design of the experiments and their associated results are included in this treatment.
Strain and species variations in pulmonary responses to inhaled Min-U-Sil crystalline silica particles in mice

chambers for 5 days at 100 or 250 mg m~ 3 . Following the exposure period, cells and fluids from sham and silica-exposed animals were recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Granulocytes, as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), N-acetylglucomsaminidase (NAG) and protein values were measured in BAL fluids at several postexposure time periods. In addition, the lungs of exposed mice were processed for BrdU pulmonary cell labeling, histopathological and morphometric analysis. The results showed that a 5 day exposure to silica produced a sustained, but low-level inflammatory response, measured up through 6 months postexposure in the lungs of black and beige mice. Cell labelling of terminal airway and lung parenchymal cells in beige and black mice were enhanced over corresponding unexposed controls. The results demonstrated minor differences in the pulmonary inflammatory or cell proliferative responses between the two strains of silicaexposed mice. Preliminary morphometric analysis of pulmonary lesions among silica-exposed beige and black mice did not show a dose response relationship, however, the lesions were similar in nature and in distribution at 6 months postexposure. In general, the mice demonstrated a mild response to silica exposure when compared to the two strains of rats. We had expected to observe a reduced pulmonary response to inhaled silica particles in the neutrophil-defective beige mouse relative to the normal C57 black mouse. However, the species effect (i.e. reduced responsiveness in mice) seemed to take precedence over the differences in response among the two strains. Although it has been reported by others that exposure to silica may cause pulmonary fibrosis in mice, our results following acute exposures indicate that the two strains of mice tested here are much less responsive to the toxic effects of silica when compared to exposed rats.
Creep-sintering of zinc oxide

The simultaneous creep and densification of zinc oxide powder compacts was studied, using a loading dilatometer, at 725° C subjected to uniaxial stresses of up to 0.25 M Pa. Between relative densities of 0.50 and 0.85, the dependence of the uniaxial creep rate on density can be described in terms of a stress intensification factor,ϕ, of the formϕ ∼ exp (aP), wherea is constant equal to 5.0 andP is the porosity. Comparison of the creep and densification rates showed that the ratio of the linear densification rate to the creep rate is nearly constant over a density range between 0.55 and 0.85, and permitted the evaluation of the sintering effective stress, which is found to decrease with increasing density. The results are compared with those obtained earlier for cadmium oxide and a soda-lime glass powder.
Recent advances in the development of GTR/GBR membranes for periodontal regeneration--a materials perspective.

Abstract Periodontitis is a major chronic inflammatory disorder that can lead to the destruction of the periodontal tissues and, ultimately, tooth loss. To date, flap debridement and/or flap curettage and periodontal regenerative therapy with membranes and bone grafting materials have been employed with distinct levels of clinical success. Current resorbable and non-resorbable membranes act as a physical barrier to avoid connective and epithelial tissue down-growth into the defect, favoring the regeneration of periodontal tissues. These conventional membranes possess many structural, mechanical, and bio-functional limitations and the “ideal” membrane for use in periodontal regenerative therapy has yet to be developed. Based on a graded-biomaterials approach, we have hypothesized that the next-generation of guided tissue and guided bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) membranes for periodontal tissue engineering will be a biologically active, spatially designed and functionally graded nanofibrous biomaterial that closely mimics the native extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Objective This review is presented in three major parts, including (1) a brief overview of the periodontium and its pathological conditions, (2) currently employed therapeutics used to regenerate the distinct periodontal tissues, and (3) a review of commercially available GTR/GBR membranes as well as the recent advances on the processing and characterization of GTR/GBR membranes from a materials perspective. Significance Studies of spatially designed and functionally graded membranes (FGM) and in vitro antibacterial/cell-related research are addressed. Finally, as a future outlook, the use of hydrogels in combination with scaffold materials is highlighted as a promising approach for periodontal tissue engineering.
Mechanical and Ionic Relaxation in Na2O·3SiO2 Glass

Mechanical relaxation in Na2O·3SiO2 glass was measured. The data are compared with dielectric relaxation results for the same glass. The mechanical and electrical relaxation processes have not only the same activation energy but also (within experimental error) the same average relaxation time and distribution of relaxation times. From this result, it may be concluded that the mechanical loss in single-alkali silicate glass arises from the same ionic process that is associated with long-range ionic diffusion.
Photocrosslinkers illuminate interactions in living cells

Transient and low-affinity interactions among macromolecules underlie many physiological events. Often, these interactions are difficult to study because they are not maintained when the participating molecules are removed from their cellular context. To circumvent this challenge, crosslinking reagents can be used to introduce covalent bonds between interacting macromolecules. Photoactivatable crosslinkers are particularly attractive because they allow crosslinking to proceed in time- and location-specific ways. Once the interacting partners have been crosslinked, they can be isolated and then analyzed by mass spectrometry or other analytical techniques to determine the identity of the interacting molecules and to pinpoint the interacting regions. This review highlights recent methodological developments that make it possible to introduce photocrosslinking groups into polypeptides or glycans as they are synthesized in cells. We also describe how these methods offer a non-invasive way to study macromolecular interactions in a native context.
Evaluating A Multiple‐Family Group Access Intervention for Refugees with PTSD

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a multiple-family group in increasing access to mental health services for refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated a nine-session multiple-family group called Coffee and Families Education and Support with refugee families from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Chicago. Adults with PTSD (n = 197) and their families were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention or a control condition. The results indicated that a multiple-family group was effective in increasing access to mental health services and that depression and family comfort with discussing trauma mediated the intervention effect. Further well-designed studies of family interventions are needed for developing evidence-based interventions for refugee families.
Shoe allergens: retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from the north american contact dermatitis group, 2001-2004.

Background:Chemicals used in leather tanning, rubber processing, and/or adhesives are the most often-cited culprits in footwear dermatitis. Patch testing patients with suspected shoe dermatitis is essential for diagnosis and management.Objectives:The four goals for this study were to (1) determine t
Molecular Cloning of the Human Edg2 Protein and Its Identification as a Functional Cellular Receptor for Lysophosphatidic Acid

Abstract A cDNA homologous to that encoding sheep Edg2 protein was cloned from a human lung cDNA library. The full-length sequence encodes a 364-amino acid protein which belongs to the superfamily of guanine nucleotide-binding (G) protein-coupled receptors. Human Edg2 mRNA is widely distributed in human tissues with the highest abundance in brain. HEK293 cells expressing the human Edg2 protein showed an elevated response to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in a serum response element reporter gene assay, which was LPA concentration-dependent and specific to LPA compared to other lysophospholipids. Over-expression of human Edg2 in CHO cells correlated with increases in specific binding of [3H]-LPA. Recently, the mouse counterpart of Edg2 protein also was identified as a receptor for LPA (Hechtet al.,1996,J. Cell Biol.135, 1071). Therefore, it is concluded that the human Edg2 protein functions as a cellular receptor for LPA.
Potent inhibitors of LpxC for the treatment of Gram-negative infections.

In this paper, we present the synthesis and SAR as well as selectivity, pharmacokinetic, and infection model data for representative analogues of a novel series of potent antibacterial LpxC inhibitors represented by hydroxamic acid 1a.
Band parameters of semiconductors with zincblende, wurtzite, and germanium structure

Abstract The k · p method is used for calculating the band parameters of semiconductors with germanium, zincblende, and wurtzite structure at k = 0 and at the L and X points of the zincblende structure. At k = 0, the interaction between the highest valence band and the two lowest conduction bands is considered. The energy gaps between these states are obtained from reflectivity measurements. The wave functions of a polar material are obtained from the wave functions of the isoelectronic non-polar material by the application of an antisymmetric perturbing potential. The matrix elements of p between two given states of the non-polar material are assumed to be the same for all materials. The band parameters of the wurtzite materials are obtained by the application of a small hexagonal crystal-field to the corresponding zincblende-type compound. It is possible by this method to account for the existing experimental data and to predict the band parameters of many materials for which they have not been measured. It is suggested that the absolute valence band maximum in several II–VI compounds may not be at the center of the Brillouin zone.
The Effects of Maize Market and Policy Reforms on Price Discovery and Competitiveness in Zimbabwe, 1991–1997

Abstract Maize is Zimbabwe's staple food. An adequate supply of maize is essential to food security and domestic stability. A series of droughts and government mismanagement of the economy led to a maize production and food security problem in the 1980s. Zimbabwe's maize marketing system was transformed dramatically from a government monopoly to a competitive market system in which prices are determined by market forces in the 1990s. This paper examines the steps that Zimbabwe took towards maize market reform and the benefits of that reform. The movement to a competitive market led to formation of a commodity exchange to improve price discovery and increase price transparency. De-regulation has increased entry and competitiveness from new private sector hammer millers and traders. Farmers, millers, and traders face new profit opportunities and new price and financial risks that have increased management responsibilities. Consumers enjoy lower cost maize meal products and more convenient service. The benef...
Comprehensive School Guidance Programs in the United States: A Career Profile

An overview of the origin, evolution, and current status of comprehensive school guidance programs in the United States is presented. Specific emphasis is given to the important and central roles that career development concepts and practices have within these programs in the elementary, middle, and high schools of the United States. Possible implications for international career guidance leaders and practitioners are provided.
HHV-8: A new herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal neoplasm that develops in a high proportion of HIV-infected homosexual men. KS lesions contain novel herpes-like DNA sequences (HHV-8), and recent studies characterizing HHV-8 and its association with KS, and with other diseases, suggest that HHV-8 may represent the etiological viral pathogen.
General motors cancer research foundation awards. Charles F. Kettering Award. Stepwise progress in the treatment of disseminated cancers

Remarkable progress has been made in curing a significant number of disseminated cancers, but at times the pace has seemed discouragingly slow. When I look back at both the successes and failures, and relate them to current concepts, I cannot help but wonder if the rate of future progress might be accelerated by application of basic tenets of the 40-year-old somatic mutation theory. By this I mean serious consideration of the implications of this theory in interpretation of available data and in the design of future therapeutic regimens.
On the Curve X(9)

Computations using theta functions with characteristic show that the modular curve X(9) is the complete intersection of two cubics. The holomorphic differentials and Weierstrass gap sequence are also computed.
Water economy of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L.: Coping with the terrestrial environment

Although it displays many characteristics of a freshwater ani-mal, the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris survives well in moist terrestrial environments. Earthworms in soil are only partially hydrated and gain weight when transferred to pond water. Worms in air of 70–80% relative humidity (RH) have a much higher dehydration rate than do animals at 100% RH. Compared with animals at 100% RH, the integumental water exchange rate of worms at 70–80% RH is significantly lower than expected based on the amount of water in the atmosphere. Lumbricus may reduce its integumental permeability to re-strict water loss in terrestrial environments, but cannot regulate the osmotic pressure of its coelomic fluid at relative humidities lower than 100%.
Respiration during flight in birds.

Abstract The respiratory systems of birds have several peculiar properties that are related to the habit of flight. In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system streamlines the body and alters its mass distribution. The respiratory movements can be coordinated with wing movements, and flying birds seem to hyperventilate relative to exercising man. Birds that use up 25 % or more of their body mass during long migrations must have Iow rates of evaporative water loss by mammalian standards. Birds that have been seen in flapping flight at altitudes of 8000 meters must have lower partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the gas exchange regions of their lungs than man can tolerate.
Separation of Sulfa Drugs by High Speed Liquid Chromatography

The high speed liquid chromatographic behavior of 21 sulfonamides was studied. Analysis of the effect of the ionic strength of the mobile phase upon retention times and of concomitant effects on peak widths resulted in a scheme that can be applied to the separation of many combinations of sulfonamides.
Parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) represses decidualization of human uterine fibroblast cells by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.

Parathyroid hormone-like hormone acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner to repress human decidualization.
Optimal contest design: volume and timing of rent seeking in contests

Abstract This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of rent-seeking contests in terms of the amount and the timing of effort they elicit from the participants. The optimal contest structure—the one that maximizes the discounted sum of efforts—is found to hinge on the degree of impatience of the contest organizers, the more patient of whom prefer longer contests consisting of pairwise matches among the contestants. Heterogeneity of the contestants' quality also turns out to play an important role in the comparison.
Behavioral Assessment of Couples' Communication in Female Orgasmic Disorder

Communication problems are believed to play a central role in many sexual dysfunctions. The present study behaviorally assessed communication patterns within heterosexual couples in which the woman was experiencing female orgasmic disorder and within two groups of control couples. The sexually dysfunctional couples evidenced significantly poorer communication than controls, primarily but not exclusively when discussing sexual topics. Specifically, women with orgasmic disorder or their male partners demonstrated more blame and less receptivity. We discuss the etiologic and treatment implications of these findings.
The Tully-Fisher Relation as a Function of Redshift: Disentangling Galaxy Evolution and Selection Biases

We review the status of current observations of the fundamental parameters of inter- mediate redshift (z 1.2) disk galaxies. Advances in instrumentation of 8-10m class telescopes have made possible detailed measurements of galaxy luminosity, morphology, kinematics and mass, in both the optical and the infrared passbands. By studying such well known star forma- tion indicators as (OII)3727A (in the optical) and Hα (redshifted to the infrared), the internal velocity structure and star formation rates of galaxies can be traced through this entire redshift regime. The combination of throughput and optimum seeing conditions yields spectra which can be combined with high resolution multiband imaging to explore the evolution of galaxies of various morphologies, and to place constraints on current models of galaxy formation and star formation histories. Out to redshifts of unity, these data form a high redshift Tully-Fisher relation that spans four magnitudes and extends to well below L ∗ , with no obvious change in shape or slope with respect to the local relation. A comparison of disk surface brightness between local and high redshift samples yields an offset in accordance with distance-dependent surface brightness selection ef- fects, as can the apparent change in disk size with redshift for disks of a given mass. These results support low Ω0 models of formation, and provide further evidence for modest increases in luminosity with lookback time for the bulk of the observed field spiral galaxy population. Finally, a comparison of spatially resolved spectra versus integrated emission line widths for distant galaxies suggests that observational constraints bias each type of observational sam- ple toward different sub-groups of galaxies, with different evolutionary histories. Like varying selection effects, this will lead to a wide range of projected evolutionary trends.
The Affinity of Foreign Investors for Authoritarian Regimes

Military coups in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile in the 1960s and 1970s cast doubt on the liberals' belief that democracy and economic development are mutually reenforcing. Indeed, Guillermo O'Donnel...