cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aging-related hyperinflammation in endotoxemia is mediated by the α2A-adrenoceptor and CD14/TLR4 pathways

Abstract Aims Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. In prior studies, we have shown that in vivo, the inflammatory response in aged animals is exaggerated as compared to young animals and that this response likely accounts for the increased morbidity and mortality. Part of this uncontrolled inflammatory response in sepsis is due to the innate immune response. However, recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of sepsis is much more complex. The adrenergic autonomic nervous system is now thought to play a key role in modulating the inflammatory response in sepsis. In this study, we hypothesize that not only is the innate immune response enhanced in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in aged animals, but that the adrenergic nervous system also plays a role in the release of excess inflammatory cytokines. Main methods Male Fischer-344 rats (young: 3 months; aged: 24 months) were used. Endotoxemia was induced by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 15 mg/kg BW). Splenic tissues were harvested and mRNA and protein were extracted. The protein expression of CD14 and TLR4, key mediators of LPS in the innate response, as well as alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) and phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), as the means by which the autonomic nervous system exerts its effects were analyzed. Key findings Splenic tissue concentrations of α2A-AR, PDE4D, CD14, and TLR4 were significantly increased in septic aged rats as compared to aged sham rats and septic young rats. The increased expression of α2A-AR in septic aged rats was further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of splenic tissues. Significance These data support the hypothesis that not only is the innate immune response increased in aged animals during sepsis, but that there is also an upregulated response of the adrenergic autonomic nervous system that contributes to excess proinflammatory cytokine release.
Rho-kinase inhibitor retards migration and in vivo dissemination of human prostate cancer cells.

The Rho-kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, inhibited in vitro chemotactic migration to bone marrow fibroblast conditioned media and metastatic growth in immune-compromised mice of highly invasive human prostatic cancer (PC3) cells. Y-27632 also reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation and markedly altered the morphology of cells that developed numerous processes containing microtubules. A strikingly different, rounded phenotype was induced by an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, ML9. The M(110-130) subunit of the myosin phosphatase that is regulated by Rho-kinase was present in PC3 cells that contained significantly more RhoA than the less invasive, LNCaP cells. Y-27632 also inhibited angiogenesis as measured by endothelial cell tube formation on Matrigel. We conclude that invasiveness of human prostate cancer is facilitated by the Rho/Rho-kinase pathway, and exploration of selective Rho-kinase inhibitors for limiting invasive progress of prostate cancer is warranted.
The impact of receiving genetic test results on general and cancer-specific psychologic distress among members of an African-American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have examined short-term and long-term psychologic responses to genetic testing for breast/ovarian carcinoma susceptibility in clinic samples and among families who participated in genetic linkage studies. However, to the authors' knowledge, the vast majority of studies focused on non-Latino whites and women. In this prospective study, the authors investigated the psychologic impact of receiving carrier-specific BRCA1 test results as part of a genetic education/counseling intervention in female and male members of an African-American kindred with a BRCA1 mutation. METHODS Eighty-five of 101 participating kindred members (84%) underwent genetic counseling/education and testing according to an established protocol. Participants completed in-person or telephone-administered, computer-assisted interviews. At baseline and after the receipt of test results (1 mo, 4 mos, and 12 mos), general psychologic distress (i.e., anxiety and depression) and cancer-specific distress were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-model approaches for longitudinal data. RESULTS The hypothesis that mutation carriers, particularly women who had no personal history of breast carcinoma, were expected to report greater distress than noncarriers was not supported. After controlling for socioeconomic status and personal history of breast/ovarian carcinoma, noncarriers reported significant declines in the distress measures (depressive symptoms, anxiety and cancer-related worries), whereas distress was not altered markedly in carriers after genetic risk notification. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggested that individuals receiving BRCA1 test results who learn that they are not carriers of a deleterious mutation may experience psychologic benefits. Furthermore, those who learned that they were mutation carriers did not appear to have adverse, clinically meaningful psychologic outcomes. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Solution combustion synthesis of nanomaterials

Abstract Solution combustion (SC) is an effective method for synthesis of nano-size materials and it has been used for the production of a variety (currently more than 1000) of fine complex oxide powders for different advanced applications, including catalysts, fuel cells, and biotechnology. However, it is surprising that while essentially all of the studies on SC emphasize the characterization of the synthesized materials, little information is available on controlling combustion parameters and the reaction mechanisms. This paper is devoted to the analysis of the combustion parameters for different SC reaction modes. First, the conventional volume combustion synthesis mode, which involves uniform reaction solution preheating prior to self-ignition, is briefly discussed. Second, for the first time, results of detailed experimental studies on steady-state self-propagating mode of SC synthesis of nano-powders are presented. Finally, the so-called solution + impregnation combustion mode is considered. The relationship between combustion parameters and product microstructures are emphasized. These results are crucial not only from the application stand-point, but more importantly lead to methodological benefits, allowing application of the developed approaches to investigate steady state heterogeneous combustion waves in new classes of reaction systems.
The perceptual guidance of grasping a moving object

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to examine the type of strategy subjects used in catching an object approaching on a non-intersection trajectory at different, but predictable, constant velocities. A small treadmill mounted on a table top supported a target dowel to be ‘caught’ by the subject's hand, which rested at the end of the treadmill. The treadmill produced six constant velocity approaches administered in blocks of trials in ascending order. The object and the subject's finger movements were kinematically examined using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The results indicated that a type of perceptual-motor coupling between the value of the optical variable tau (τ) at initiation of the catching movement and the duration of the catching movement was being used, rather than a consistent τ strategy. In addition, a relatively constant ratio of the value of τ at initiation and τ at the start of the catching movement was observed across the six object velocities. These results show limitations in the use of a critical τ strategy, at least in this type of task. A functional relationship between the information in τ and how a movement is performed may allow for greater flexibility in the coordination of interceptive acts.
Design Features to Enhance External Hip Protector Adherence in the Nursing Home Setting

Objective To determine the preferences for external hip protector (EHP) design features of both certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and nursing home laundry personnel, and to test the durability of favored model features. Design Cross-sectional descriptive study of CNAs’ and laundry personnels’ preferences and a prospective experimental study of EHP fastener durability under institutional laundry conditions. Setting Three urban nursing homes and a hospital-based laundry service. Participants Twenty-seven CNAs, 4 laundry service supervisors. Intervention Five focus groups with CNAs and a survey of laundry supervisors were conducted to elicit preferences of EHP design features with an emphasis on convenience and durability. A laundry test of 20 EHPs was conducted to compare these design features. Results There was wide agreement among CNAs and laundry personnel that EHPs with soft pads in garments of light neutral colors, and cotton-blend fabrics were most preferred. CNAs preferred sewn-in pads to removeable ones, but laundry personnel had no consensus on this issue. For dependent residents, wraparound (front opening) garments using Velcro were preferred by CNAs, whereas laundry supervisors preferred snap closures. When EHP underwent repeated washing in the laundry test, Velcro and snaps were functionally comparable at 52 cycles. Garments constructed of heavyweight cotton blends, polyester, or cotton with spandex maintained elasticity at 52 weeks, whereas the lightweight cotton blend stretched significantly. Conclusions Based on CNAs’ preferences, laundry personnels’ input, and a laundry test, EHP design features that could enhance both caregiver efficiency and resident comfort include soft pads sewn into a light-colored (but non-white) heavier weight cotton-blend garment, with the availability of both a pull-up style and a wraparound style using Velcro fasteners. Snaps did not demonstrate superior durability in the laundry test, but further comparison with Velcro under clinical conditions is indicated. Education and inclusion of CNAs in EHP decision making are important ways to improve EHP adherence.
Interaction of Tidal and Fluvial Processes in the Transition Zone of the Santee River, SC, USA

This study was conducted in the freshwater reach of the Santee River approximately 55 ± 4 km from the mouth, a transition zone from a fluvial to an estuarine tidal regime. The dataset comprises bathymetric surveys, current profile and bottom pressure measurements at two locations, and time series of discharge. Our data indicate that the transition zone is characterized by strong tidal dissipation and distinctive channel geometry. Tidal dissipation is evident in the rapid decrease of the M2 amplitude to the mean along-channel velocity ratio from 2.1 to 0.9 over a ∼6-km distance. Channel cross-sectional area in the transition zone converges at a higher rate than both upstream and downstream while channel depth reveals threefold variations in the form of adjacent shoals and deeps. We hypothesize that the enhanced tidal dissipation is at the same time a cause and a result of strongly convergent bathymetry in the transition zone.
Nonlinearity of two-photon Ca2+ imaging yields distorted measurements of tuning for V1 neuronal populations

We studied the relative accuracy of drifting gratings and noise stimuli for functionally characterizing neural populations using two-photon calcium imaging. Calcium imaging has the potential to distort measurements due to nonlinearity in the conversion from spikes to observed fluorescence. We demonstrate a dramatic impact of fluorescence saturation on functional measurements in ferret V1 by showing that responses to drifting gratings strongly violate contrast invariance of orientation tuning, a fundamental property of the spike rates. The observed relationship is consistent with saturation that clips the high-contrast tuning curve peaks by ∼40%. The nonlinearity was also apparent in mouse V1 responses to drifting gratings, but not as strong as in the ferret. Contrast invariance holds, however, for tuning curves measured with a randomized grating stimulus. This finding is consistent with prior work showing that the linear portion of a linear-nonlinear system can be recovered with reverse correlation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a noise stimulus is more effective at keeping spike rates in the linear operating regime of a saturating nonlinearity, which both maximizes signal-to-noise ratios and simplifies the recovery of fast spike dynamics from slow calcium transients. Finally, we uncover spatiotemporal receptive fields by removing the nonlinearity and slow calcium transient from a model of fluorescence generation, which allowed us to observe dynamic sharpening of orientation tuning. We conclude that for two-photon recordings it is imperative that one considers the nonlinear distortion when designing stimuli and interpreting results, especially in sensory areas, species, or cell types with high firing rates.
The non-resonant multiphoton ionization and fragmentation of benzene, phenylacetylene and benzonitrile

Abstract The non-resonant multiphoton ionization fragmentation patterns of benzene, phenylacetylene and benzonitrile have been obtained at laser wavelengths of 532 and 355 nm. Observed ion fragmentation patterns are quite different from those obtained by electron impact, but show some similarities among themselves and with previously reported multiphoton ionization spectra of other aromatic molecules. The energy dependencies of the non-resonant ionic fragmentation patterns for all three systems show different behaviors in the low and high energy ranges studied. A mechanism for the fragment ion formation process which is consistent with the observed experimental data is proposed and discussed.
Applications of liquid crystal polymers

The science and technology of liquid crystal polymers is selectively reviewed with an emphasis on those aspects key to successful commercial utility. The importance of the low viscosity demonstrated by nematic polymers under commercial processing conditions, coupled with the low volume change on cooling and high thermal stability associated with these nematogens, is identified as the major factor behind the success of the thermotropic copolyester as a high-performance molding resin. The developing area of side-chain liquid crystal polymers as electro-optical media is discussed, stressing the importance of combining function and processibility for ultimate commercial viability. Potential markets and projected commercial growth rates are discussed from the point of view of the enabling science needed to successfully define and implement new commercial applications for liquid crystal polymers.
Advances in Cognitive Theory and Therapy: The Generic Cognitive Model*

For over 50 years, Beck's cognitive model has provided an evidence-based way to conceptualize and treat psychological disorders. The generic cognitive model represents a set of common principles that can be applied across the spectrum of psychological disorders. The updated theoretical model provides a framework for addressing significant questions regarding the phenomenology of disorders not explained in previous iterations of the original model. New additions to the theory include continuity of adaptive and maladaptive function, dual information processing, energizing of schemas, and attentional focus. The model includes a theory of modes, an organization of schemas relevant to expectancies, self-evaluations, rules, and memories. A description of the new theoretical model is followed by a presentation of the corresponding applied model, which provides a template for conceptualizing a specific disorder and formulating a case. The focus on beliefs differentiates disorders and provides a target for treatme...
A 5A's communication intervention to promote physical activity in underserved populations

The present study protocol describes the trial design of a clinician training intervention to improve physical activity counseling in underserved primary care settings using the 5As. The 5As (Ask, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) are a clinical tool recommended for health behavior counseling in primary care. The study is a two-arm randomized pilot pragmatic trial to examine a primary care clinician communication intervention on use of the 5As in discussion of physical activity in audio-recorded office visits in an ethnically diverse, low-income patient population. The study setting consists of two federally qualified community health centers in Rochester, NY. Eligible clinicians (n=15) are recruited and randomized into two groups. Group 1 clinicians participate in the training intervention first; Group 2 clinicians receive the intervention six months later. The intervention and its outcomes are informed by self-determination theory and principles of patient-centered communication. Assessment of outcomes is blinded. The primary outcome will be the frequency and quality of 5As discussions as judged by evaluating 375 audio-recorded patient visits distributed over baseline and in the post-intervention period (immediately post and at six months). Secondary outcomes will be changes in patients’ perceived competence to increase physical activity (Aim 2) and patients and clinicians beliefs regarding whether pertinent barriers to promoting exercise have been reduced. (Aim 3). Exploratory outcomes (Aim 4) are potential mediators of the intervention’s effect and whether the intervention affects actual enrollment in the community program recommended for exercise. The analysis will use repeated measures (in the form of recorded office visits) from each clinician at each time point and aggregate measures of Groups 1 and 2 over time. Results will help elucidate the role of 5As communication training for clinicians on counseling for physical activity counseling in primary care. Results will explore the effectiveness of the 5As model linked to community resources for physical activity promotion for underserved groups.
The lower bounds on Q for lossy electric and magnetic dipole antennas

In this letter, the lower bound on Q is considered for a lossy electric and magnetic dipole antenna formed by a straight wire and a circular wire loop, respectively. Simple expressions for the lower bound on Q are written directly in terms of the dipole antenna's electrical size and loss resistance and are compared with numerical simulations. It is shown that the lower bound on Q for the lossy straight-wire electric dipole increases without bound with decreasing frequency, whereas the lower bound on Q for the lossy circular-loop magnetic dipole approaches zero with decreasing frequency.
Automated economic analysis model for hazardous waste minimization

Abstract The U.S. Army has established a policy of achieving a 50 percent reduction in hazardous waste generation by the end of 1992. To assist the Army in reaching this goal, the Environmental Division of the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USACERL) designed the Economic Analysis Model for Hazardous Waste Minimization (EAHWM). The EAHWM was designed to allow the user to evaluate the life cycle costs for various techniques used in hazardous waste minimization and to compare them to the life cycle costs of current operating practices. The program was developed in C language on an IBM compatible PC and is consistent with other pertinent models for performing economic analyses. The potential hierarchical minimization categories used in EAHWM Include source reduction, recovery and/or reuse, and treatment. Although treatment is no longer an acceptable minimization option, its use is widespread and has therefore been addressed in the model. The model allows for economic analysis for mini...
Differential determinants for coupling of distinct G proteins with the class B secretin receptor.

The secretin receptor is a prototypic class B G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by binding of its natural peptide ligand. The signaling effects of this receptor are mediated by coupling ...
Equivalence of competitors in plant communities: a null hypothesis and a field experimental approach.

One of the underlying assumptions of both theoretical and empirical community ecology is that the processes determining community composition and abundance of species are interactions specific to particular pairs of species. However, we argue that, in sessile plants at least, competitive interactions are not usually species-specific and that there exists a large degree of equivalence of the effect of species of similar growth form on the ability of any particular species to establish within a community. This null hypothesis of equivalence of competitive effects is based on three characteristics of plants: homogeneity of resource requirements among autotrophs; low encounter probabilities between individuals of any particular species pair; and the predominance of size asymmetries between competing individuals (e.g., seedling-adult interactions.) We present an experimental design to quantify competitive interactions among plant species under field conditions and therefore enable statistical comparisons of competitive abilities among species. The competitive effect of one "neighbor" species on one "target" species is measured as the slope of a regression of performance of target individuals on biomass (or other measure of amount) of its immediate neighbors. Use of the design to test for equivalence of competitive effects and other advantages are described.
Compressive response of circular cell polycarbonate honeycomb under inplane static and dynamic loads

The crushing response of polycarbonate circular cell honeycombs to inplane uniaxial load- ing is studied through a combination of static and dynamic experiments. The circular cell hexagonally packed honeycomb material has a nearly periodic microstructure. The static experiments correspond to a uniaxial loading condition under displacement control in two different principal inplane directions. The corresponding dynamic experiments are carried out using a low velocity impact drop test facility. Three different initial conditions (corresponding to different drop heights) are used in the dynamic tests. In the initial part of the response, the specimens de- form in a almost uniform fashion. Next, a nonlin- ear phase characterized by progressive localization of deformation is observed. The progressive local- ization causes the walls of each cell to contact. The reasons for the observed orthotropic response of the honeycombs are discussed. A comparison of the col- lapse mechanisms between static and dynamic ex- periments is included.
DEEPS: Deterministic Energy-Efficient Protocol for Sensor networks

Energy consumption in monitoring and communication protocols for wireless sensor networks became one of the most important performance objective. We assume a commonly accepted sensor network model in which sensors can interchange idle and active modes both for monitoring and communicating. We introduce a reliability requirement for distributed target-monitoring protocols and prove that previously considered protocols (P. Berman et al., 2004) are reliable. In this paper we propose a new deterministic energy-efficient protocol for sensor networks (DEEPS) aimed at prolonging the lifetime. We prove that DEEPS is reliable and compare DEEPS with several known target-monitoring protocols in NS2 environment using LEACH (W. Heizelman et al., 2002) protocol for data delivery to the base. We implemented the full-fledged simulation of the monitoring protocols on NS2 combined with LEACH as a communication protocol, and performed extensive experimental study of several protocols showing almost 2 times increase in the lifetime for DEEPS over known protocols
Genetic purgatory and the cardiac channelopathies: Exposing the variants of uncertain/unknown significance issue

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines purgatory as "an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification" or more specifically as "a place or state of punishment wherein according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God׳s grace may make satisfaction for past sins and so become fit for heaven." Alternatively, it is defined as "a place or state of temporary suffering or misery." Either way, purgatory is a place where you are stuck, and you don't want to be stuck there. It is in this context that the term genetic purgatory is introduced. Genetic purgatory is a place where the genetic test-ordering physician and patients and their families are stuck when a variant of uncertain/unknown significance (VUS) has been elucidated. It is in this dark place where suffering and misery are occurring because of unenlightened handling of a VUS, which includes using the VUS for predictive genetic testing and making radical treatment recommendations based on the presence or absence of a so-called maybe mutation. Before one can escape from this miserable place, one must first recognize that one is stuck there. Hence, the purpose of this review article is to fully expose the VUS issue as it relates to the cardiac channelopathies and make the cardiologists/geneticists/genetic counselors who order such genetic tests believers in genetic purgatory. Only then can one meaningfully attempt to get out of that place and seek to promote a VUS to disease-causative mutation status or demote it to an utterly innocuous and irrelevant variant.
Technical Writing in a Technological University: Attitudes of Department Chairs

Le cadre de reflexion ayant conduit a cette enquete sur l'importance donnee au cours de redaction technique dans une universite technologique est celui,plus large de la demande croissante de transfert des technologies, necessairement liee a des competences de tranfert d'informations sur les technologies et donc de communication.
Top-down estimate of surface flux in the Los Angeles Basin using a mesoscale inverse modeling technique: assessing anthropogenic emissions of CO, NO x and CO 2 and their impacts

Abstract. We present top-down estimates of anthropogenic CO, NOx and CO2 surface fluxes at mesoscale using a Lagrangian model in combination with three different WRF model configurations, driven by data from aircraft flights during the CALNEX campaign in southern California in May–June 2010. The US EPA National Emission Inventory 2005 (NEI 2005) was the prior in the CO and NOx inversion calculations. The flux ratio inversion method, based on linear relationships between chemical species, was used to calculate the CO2 inventory without prior knowledge of CO2 surface fluxes. The inversion was applied to each flight to estimate the variability of single-flight-based flux estimates. In Los Angeles (LA) County, the uncertainties on CO and NOx fluxes were 10% and 15%, respectively. Compared with NEI 2005, the CO posterior emissions were lower by 43% in LA County and by 37% in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). NOx posterior emissions were lower by 32% in LA County and by 27% in the SoCAB. NOx posterior emissions were 40% lower on weekends relative to weekdays. The CO2 posterior estimates were 183 Tg yr−1 in SoCAB. A flight during ITCT (Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation) in 2002 was used to estimate emissions in the LA Basin in 2002. From 2002 to 2010, the CO and NOx posterior emissions decreased by 41% and 37%, respectively, in agreement with previous studies. Over the same time period, CO2 emissions increased by 10% in LA County but decreased by 4% in the SoCAB, a statistically insignificant change. Overall, the posterior estimates were in good agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) inventory, with differences of 15% or less. However, the posterior spatial distribution in the basin was significantly different from CARB for NOx emissions. WRF-Chem mesoscale chemical-transport model simulations allowed an evaluation of differences in chemistry using different inventory assumptions, including NEI 2005, a gridded CARB inventory and the posterior inventories derived in this study. The biases in WRF-Chem ozone were reduced and correlations were increased using the posterior from this study compared with simulations with the two bottom-up inventories, suggesting that improving the spatial distribution of ozone precursor surface emissions is also important in mesoscale chemistry simulations.
Working in Pajamas: Telecommuting, Unfairness Sources, and Unfairness Perceptions

We utilize organizational justice theory and the multifoci framework to illustrate that coworkers are seen as unfairness sources in the telecommuting context. We show that nontelecommuters often perceive unfairness when their coworkers telecommute. However, working in pajamas is not a panacea as telecommuters also perceive unfairness owing to their remoteness. We support our arguments by highlighting representative quotes from employees and managers in four telecommuting organizations.
Impact of Trap Elevation on Estimates of Abundance, Parity Rates, and Body Size of Culex pipiens and Culex restuans (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Trapping success, abundance, parity rate, and body size indices of Culex pipiens (L.) and Culex restuans Theobald, important vectors of West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV), were determined for specimens captured from both ground level (≈1-m) and elevated (≈6- to 7-m) CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps. Mosquitoes were collected from six study sites in Albany County, New York, from mid-May to mid-October 2004. There was no significant difference in abundance or mean parity for either Cx. pipiens or Cx. restuans between the elevated and the ground-level traps. Mosquitoes collected in elevated traps tended to be larger than mosquitoes collected at ground level. Elevated traps captured significantly fewer mosquitoes per trap-night than did ground traps, but a greater proportion of those captured were Culex spp. Therefore, elevated traps more efficiently captured Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans with similar reproductive status and body size and reduced the time necessary to sor...
Achieving dietary recommendations: whole-grain foods in the Food Guide Pyramid.

Abstract The Food Guide Pyramid illustrates USDA's food guide developed to help people follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Unlike earlier food guides, the new food guide specifies foods for a total diet; that is, it addresses both concerns about adequacy and moderation. The food guide recommends increased intakes of the vegetable, fruit, and grain groups with special emphasis on dark‐green leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole‐grain products. These foods are important sources of several vitamins and minerals, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber, and they are generally low in fat. Analyses of expected nutrient levels provided by the food guide diet patterns indicate that the nutrient contribution of whole‐grain products is particularly important for diets at lower calorie levels. In these diets, it is recommended that at least half the number of servings in the grain group be whole‐grain products. In all diets, it is recommended that several servings of whole‐grain products be included each da...
Iron Deficiency: Global Prevalence and Consequences

Iron deficiency is considered to be one of most prevalent forms of malnutrition, yet there has been a lack of consensus about the nature and magnitude of the health consequences of iron deficiency in populations. This paper presents new estimates of the public health importance of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), which were made as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2000 project. Iron deficiency is considered to contribute to death and disability as a risk factor for maternal and perinatal mortality, and also through its direct contributions to cognitive impairment, decreased work productivity, and death from severe anemia. Based on meta-analysis of observational studies, mortality risk estimates for maternal and perinatal mortality are calculated as the decreased risk in mortality for each 1 g/dl increase in mean pregnancy hemoglobin concentration. On average, globally, 50% of the anemia is assumed to be attributable to iron deficiency. Globally, iron deficiency ranks number 9 among 26 risk factors included in the GBD 2000, and accounts for 841,000 deaths and 35,057,000 disability-adjusted life years lost. Africa and parts of Asia bear 71% of the global mortality burden and 65% of the disability-adjusted life years lost, whereas North America bears 1.4% of the global burden. There is an urgent need to develop effective and sustainable interventions to control iron-deficiency anemia. This will likely not be achieved without substantial involvement of the private sector.
Differentiating Emotions in a Sample of Men in Treatment for Hypersexual Behavior

This study investigated distinct emotions in a sample of men (n = 103) seeking help for hypersexual behavior compared to a control group of college students (n = 100) using the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory and the Differential Emotions Scale. Significant differences between groups emerged on several domains of emotion and hypersexual behavior. Self-hostility was the most significant predictor of hypersexual behavior. These findings suggest that self-critical affect, such as shame, might exert an influence in precipitating or perpetuating hypersexual behavior.
Global Law in American Law Schools: Prospects and Difficulties of Incorporating a Transnational Element in Legal Education

Many law schools are now wrestling with issues relating to the incorporation of a transnational legal component  including elements of international, comparative, foreign and transnational law  within their teaching and scholarship missions. These changes mirror discussions within the legal academy over a move from a "national law practice" to a multi-jurisdictional practice model of legal education. There is a sense that, just as American law schools shifted from a local to a national legal orientation about a century ago, today law schools must shift from a national to a transnational focus in this century. The paper suggests a possible structure for analysis of the value of integrating the transnational element within the teaching, research and service of law school stakeholders. It will then propose a set of framework structures for incorporating the transborder element in law school curricular, research and service activities. The paper will consider three traditional models for incorporating the transborder element into law school curricula: the integration, aggregation and segregation models. Each seeks to modify existing resources and teaching/research models to incorporate a transnational element into the curriculum. The paper then considers two emerging framework structures for the incorporation of transnational elements in legal education. The first, the immersion model, depends on the ability of a law school to forge effective networks with law schools in other states. The second, the multi-disciplinary departmental model, is based on the idea that the transnational element in law is distinct enough to merit a substantial treatment in its own right. This last approach represents a substantial departure from traditional approaches to law teaching and research. The paper ends with a consideration of implementation issues for developing a multi-disciplinary departmental approach to incorporating the transnational element in legal education.
Performing research in pregnancy: Challenges and perspectives

There are numerous barriers to conducting clinical research in pregnancy, including ethical considerations, logistical difficulties, and federal regulations. Due to these challenges, there is a paucity of data on the safe and appropriate use of dermatologic therapies in pregnancy, even for easily accessed over-the-counter topical products, as well as for commonly prescribed medications. Given the lack of human safety data, the Food and Drug Administration pregnancy labeling system previously placed a high priority on animal data but was recently revised to highlight human data and pregnancy registries. The latter can provide prospective observational data on medication use in pregnant women, while avoiding many of the pitfalls of conducting clinical trials in this population; nevertheless, registry enrollment for dermatologic drugs remains low. Dermatologists must increase awareness of pregnancy registries and encourage patient enrollment to close this knowledge gap.
Un hombre que nunca existió: otra vez Ṭālūt y el judío

The story of Ṭālūt and the Jew (known from our sources for the Revolt of the Suburb, in the early third/ninth century), has been studied recently by Luis Molina (Al-Qanṭara, 32, 2011), who argues that the Jew is an invention. Here it is argued that the entire story, including also the character of Ṭālūt himself, is an invention, created probably in the fourth/tenth century. Our apparent evidence is extremely weak: the sources for Ṭālūt’s existence are shown to be thin and unreliable; severe chronological problems make it almost impossible for him to have existed; the story has all the character of invention. Its aim, far from being to say something about Jews in al-Andalus or about a participant – Ṭālūt or any other – in the revolt – seems to be to glorify the ruler, al-Ḥakam I.
Interstate Variation in the Allocation of State Aid To Local Schools

Do state governments attempt to reduce the disparities among local school districts with well targeted aid programs? This article examines this question with a study of virtually the entire universe of U.S. independent school districts and of the distribution of state aid in forty-four states in 1982. In a pooled analysis of states and in separate state analyses, state aid is found to be powerfully linked to enrollment. Despite the general pattern of enrollment-based aid programs, thirteen states are shown to be targeting a modest amount of state aid to school districts with greater needs, such as lower per capita income or lower district revenues and greater school debt per pupil.
Isolation of Exophiala jeanselmei From Light-Green Staining Solution

A 7-year-old boy underwent an open lung biopsy as part of a workup for unexplained pulmonary infiltrates. Gomori's methenamine silver-stained sections revealed fungal hyphae in a background of chronic interstitial pneumonitis, with no evidence of abscess or granuloma formation. To explain this discrepancy, we cultured the light-green solution used as the counterstain. A dematiaceous fungus was isolated and identified as Exophiala jeanselmei. Without cultural identification of this fungus, observation of the hyphal forms in tissue sections could have led to the misdiagnosis of the patient's illness and inappropriate treatment.
Emissivity of rough silicon surfaces: measurement and calculations

The directional reflectance and approximate emissivity of rough silicon wafers were measured by reflection measurements using a single point detector and a broad area illumination source. Experiments were also performed to determine the cone angle of the incident light required to properly measure the emissivity of rough backsides. Based on surface roughness parameters acquired with an Atomic Force Microscope, reflectance calculations were performed within the framework of the Beckmann-Spizzichino model. The results are qualitatively consistent with experimental observations.
Observation of Therapeutic Effect of Ambroxol Hydrochloride Nebulization in 80 Infants with Bronchopneumonia

Objective To discuss the clinical effect of ambroxol hydrochloride nebulization in infants with bronchopneumonia. Methods 80 infants from January 2006 to January 2007 were chosen and randomly divided into two groups. Based on regular anti-infection and treatment,the infants in treatment group were also received ambroxol hydrochloride nebulization,while the infants in control group were received chymotrypsin nebulization. The disappearing time of cough,wheezy sound in lung and admission duration were observed and compared. Results In treatment group,28 cases were obvious effect,10 cases were effective effect,2 cases were ineffective,the total effective rate was 95%;In control group,20 cases were obvious effect,8 cases effective effect,12 cases ineffective,the total effective rate 70%. There was significant difference between two groups(P0.05). The disappearing time of cough,wheezy sound in lung and admission duration in treatment group were shorter than in control group. Conclusion Ambroxol hydrochloride nebulization is quick and reliable in treatment of bronchopneumonia,it can shorten the cause of disease of the infants with bronchopneumonia,and easy admistration and is worth applying in clinic.
On the Feasibility of Extending Social Experiments to Wider Applications

Background: When deciding how to allocate limited funds for social programs, policymakers and program managers increasingly ask for evidence of effectiveness based on studies that rely on solid methodology, providing credible scientific evidence. The basic claim for the “social experiment”—that the “coin flip” of randomization creates two statistically equivalent groups that do not diverge except through an intervention’s effects—makes resulting estimates unbiased. Despite the transparency and conceptual strength of the experimental strategy for revealing the causal connection between an intervention and the outcomes of its participants, the wisdom or feasibility of conducting social experiments is often questioned on a variety of grounds. Purpose: This article defines 15 common concerns about the viability and policy reliability of social experiments, in order to assess how much these issues need constrain the use of the method in providing policy evidence. Setting: NA Intervention: NA Research Design: The research uses the authors’ experience designing and conducting dozens of social experiments to examine the basis for and soundness of each concern. It provides examples from the scholarly literature and evaluations in practice of both the problems posed and responses to each issue. Data Collection and Analysis: NA Findings: We conclude that none of the 15 concerns precludes substantially extending the use of randomized experiments as a means of evaluating the impacts of government and foundation social policies and programs.
A New Species of Huckleberry Sawfly of the Former Tribe Pristolini (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) from Montana

Abstract. Pristiphora fructicola Smith and Dolan, n. sp., is described from Montana. It would belong to the former genus Melastola Wong of the former tribe Pristolini, recently synonymized with Pristiphora Latreille. Adults were numerous around Vaccinium globulare Rydberg (Ericaceae), the presumed host, where larvae feed in the fruits. The species is distinguished from the other two species previously placed in Melastola, P. resinicolor (Marlatt) and P. ferruginosa (Wong) (n. comb.). Several new distribution records and host plant associations are given for the species of “Pristolini.”
A Unique Winged Euthycarcinoid from the Permian of Antarctica

Abstract. Euthycarcinoid arthropods (Cambrian—Triassic) were likely the first animals to transition from oceanic to freshwater and emergent environments. Although their basic bauplan is well known, they have a poor fossil record because their non-sclerotized exoskeleton was rarely preserved. Euthycarcinoids' unusual morphology (varying numbers of body segments, seemingly dichotomous possession of either mandibles or a labrum, specialized or generalized limbs, and possession by some euthycarcinoid species of sternal pores—structures possibly analogous to coxal vesicles in myriapods) contribute to uncertainty regarding their relationship to other arthropod groups; while their poor fossil record masks the evolutionary transitions within and between the separate realms they inhabited (marine, freshwater, emergent). A new euthycarcinoid from a Permian polar proglacial lake is described herein that is morphologically unlike all other euthycarcinoids, and interpreted as being well adapted for a nekton-benthic li...
Gastrointestinal Helminths of the Spotted Forest Skink, Sphenomorphus scotophilus (Squamata: Scincidae), from Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Twenty-four scincid lizards (spotted forest skink, Sphenomorphus scotophilus) from Peninsular Malaysia were examined for gastrointestinal helminths. Six species of Nematoda, mature individuals of Bakeria schadi, Meteterakis singaporensis, Parapharyngodon maplestoni, Physalopteroides grismeri, and Spinicauda sp., and larvae of Acuariidae gen. sp. were found. Bakeria schadi had the largest number of individuals (38) and the highest prevalence (48%). Larvae of Acuariidae had the greatest mean intensity (6.5 ± 6.4 SD). All represent new host records for S. scotopilus. Our findings indicate that Sphenomorphus scotophilus is parasitized by generalist helminths that also infect other lizards.
Possible Future Military Options

The demise of Communism, important reductions in armaments — both conventional and nuclear — attempts by Central European countries to join NATO, the creation of NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” project, the re-activation of the WEU, the creation of the Eurocorps, and, most recently, statements made by Russia’s Minister of Defence (critical of the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty) — all tend to create confusion in Europe where defence policy is concerned.
Who Should Look After the “Acute Abdomen” and Where?

The majority of patients suspected as having an acute abdomen or other abdominal emergency do not require an operation. Nevertheless, it is you — the surgeon who should take, or be granted, the leadership in assessing, excluding or treating this condition, or at least, play a major role in leading the managing team. To emphasize how crucial this issue is, we dedicate to it an entire chapter — although its scope would fit into a paragraph.
APM task force on psychosocial interventions in the general hospital inpatient setting. A review of cost-offset studies.

Several investigations of interventions with psychiatric and medical comorbidity (CM) in the medical inpatient setting have been reported. These studies include psychiatric liaison screening and interventions, psychosocial screening, and standard consultation. The studies had a variety of outcome variables: 1) altered psychiatric morbidity: 2) lag time to identification of CM; 3) lag time to referring to mental health disciplines; 4) cost offset; and 5) discharge placement. Methodological and design problems confound many of the results, in particular, the lack of random control procedures. However, similarity of findings of the frequency of CM in the inpatient setting and patient response to early detection and treatment should stimulate further research into the effects of psychiatric interventions in the acute inpatient medical setting.
UNIFORM LARGE DEVIATIONS FOR HEAVY-TAILED QUEUES UNDER HEAVY TRAFFIC

We provide a complete large and moderate deviations asymptotic for the steady-state waiting time of a class of subexponential M/G/1 queues under heavy traffic. The asymptotic is uniform over the positive axis, and reduces to heavy-traffic asymptotics and heavy-tail asymptotics on two ends, both of which are known to be valid over restricted asymptotic regimes. The link between these two well-known asymptotics is a transition term that is expressible as a convolution-type integral. The class of service times that we consider includes regularly varying and Weibull tails in particular.