cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in a surveillance site of river and lake regions in Haining City, 2012-2014].

OBJECTIVE To understand the endemic dynamics and situation of schistosomiasis in a provincial surveillance site in Haining City, Zhejiang Province. METHODS The Oncomelania hupensis snail status, schistosome infection situations of permanent residents and floating population in Qinmin Village, Haining City were monitored from 2012 to 2014 according to The Surveillance Programs of Schistosomiasis in Surveillance Sites of Zhejiang Province. RESULTS Totally 600 permanent residents were examined from 2012 to 2014. The total positive rate of the serum antibody against Schistosoma japonicum was 3.17% (19/600). The rates in each year were 2.50% (5/200), 0 (0/200), and 7.00% (14/200), respectively, and the rate in 2014 were significantly higher than that in 2013 (χ2 = 14.508, P 0.05). The positive rates of serum antibody among each year were 1.50% (8/534), 0.56% (3/531), and 0.76% (4/526), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 2.752, P >0.05), but no positives were found in the fecal examination. The snail surveillance showed that there were no environments with infected snails and imported snails. CONCLUSIONS There exist the infection sources of schistosomiasis in Haining City. Therefore, we should be on high alert for the potential of local endemic of the disease. Meanwhile, we still should strengthen the snail surveillance as well as the infection surveillance among the floating population.
Prospective survey study regarding the implementation of new communication skills curriculum for medical oncology trainees.

9058 Background: After a diagnosis of cancer, many patients suffer from anxiety and distress from uncertainty of symptoms, treatments, and prognosis. Clinicians must recognize opportunities to expl...
An Unusual Cause of Seizures in a Nine-month-old Infant: A Medicine-pediatrics Perspective of a Common Brain Finding

Case: A nine-month-old male presents in status epilepticus with recurrent rhythmic body and leg posturing preceded by three days of depressed activity and irritability. He was evaluated on two separate occasions in the previous few weeks for vomiting and was misdiagnosed with viral gastroenteritis. Family history was positive for seizures and intracranial hemorrhage during infancy in the patient’s mother. Exam revealed lethargy with intermittent high-pitched cries, poor attention, sun-setting, stiff neck and decerebrate posturing. Head circumference was 53 cm (>99th%) with a tense, bulging fontanel. Initial labs (CBC, CMP, Procalcitonin and Urinalysis) were unremarkable. A CT head and MRI/MRA revealed hydrocephalus with …
Coordinate transformation methodology for simulating quasistatic elastoplastic solids

Molecular dynamics simulations frequently employ periodic boundary conditions where the positions of the periodic images are manipulated in order to apply deformation to the material sample. For example, Lees-Edwards conditions use moving periodic images to apply simple shear. Here, we examine the problem of precisely comparing this type of simulation to continuum solid mechanics. We employ a hypoelastoplastic mechanical model, and develop a projection method to enforce quasistatic equilibrium. We introduce a simulation framework that uses a fixed Cartesian computational grid on a reference domain, and which imposes deformation via a time-dependent coordinate transformation to the physical domain. As a test case for our method, we consider the evolution of shear bands in a bulk metallic glass using the shear transformation zone theory of amorphous plasticity. We examine the growth of shear bands in simple shear and pure shear conditions as a function of the initial preparation of the bulk metallic glass.
Associations of Actigraphic Sleep Parameters with Fatigability in Older Adults

BACKGROUND Poor sleep may increase the likelihood of fatigue, and both are common in later life. However, prior studies of the sleep-fatigue relationship used subjective measures or were conducted in clinical populations; thus, the nature of this association in healthier community-dwelling older adults remains unclear. We studied the association of actigraphic sleep parameters with perceived fatigability-fatigue in response to a standardized task-and with conventional fatigue symptoms of low energy or tiredness. METHODS We studied 382 cognitively normal participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (aged 73.1 ± 10.3 years, 53.1% women) who completed 6.7 ± 0.9 days of wrist actigraphy and a perceived fatigability assessment, including rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after a 5-minute treadmill walk or the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS). Participants also reported non-standardized symptoms of fatigue. RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, race, height, weight, comorbidity index, and depressive symptoms, shorter total sleep time (TST; <6.3 hours vs intermediate TST ≥6.3 to 7.2 hours) was associated with high RPE fatigability (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 5.06, p = .007), high PFS physical (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.38, p = .035), and high mental fatigability (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.02, 4.50, p = .044), whereas longer TST was also associated with high mental fatigability (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.02, 4.71, p = .043). Additionally, longer wake bout length was associated with high RPE fatigability (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.07, p = .005), and greater wake after sleep onset was associated with high mental fatigability (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.28, p = .036). CONCLUSION Among well-functioning older adults, abnormal sleep duration and sleep fragmentation are associated with greater perceived fatigability.
Influences of Top Managers’ Pay Dispersions on Organizational Responses to Performance Shortfalls

The behavioral theory of the firm has been tested across various organizational change settings. This literature shows that firms pursue change when performance drops below aspirations, but relativ...
Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin inhibit interleukin-8 secretion without disrupting human sinonasal epithelial integrity in vitro

BACKGROUND We recently developed a ciprofloxacin and azithromycin sinus stent (CASS) to target recalcitrant infections in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of azithromycin released from the CASS and assess the impact on the integrity and function of primary human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNECs). METHODS Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HSNECs were treated with azithromycin and/or ciprofloxacin at concentrations attainable from CASS release. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Epithelial integrity (transepithelial resistance [TEER], paracellular permeability [fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] assays) and function (ciliary beat frequency [CBF]) were also evaluated. RESULTS Azithromycin significantly reduced secreted IL-8 from P. aeruginosa LPS-stimulated HSNECs at all concentrations tested (mean ± standard deviation; control = 5.77 ± 0.39 ng/mL, azithromycin [6 μg/mL] = 4.58 ± 0.40 ng/mL, azithromycin [60 µg/mL] = 4.31 ± 0.06, azithromycin [180 µg/mL] = 4.27 ± 0.26 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Co-incubation with azithromycin (6 µg/mL) and ciprofloxacin (2.4 µg/mL) in LPS-stimulated HSNECs also displayed a significant reduction in secreted IL-8 when compared to P. aeruginosa LPS alone (co-treatment = 4.61 ± 0.29 ng/mL, P. aeruginosa LPS = 7.35 ± 0.89 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The drugs did not negatively impact TEER, paracellular permeability, LDH release, or CBF, indicating retention of cell integrity and function. CONCLUSION Azithromycin decreased P. aeruginosa LPS IL-8 production in HSNECs at drug concentrations attainable with sustained release of azithromycin from the CASS. In addition to antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory properties of the CASS should provide further benefit for patients with recalcitrant CRS.
Knowledge of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Special Educators

Research on stakeholders in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) management in the schools has shown that several school personnel (e.g., nurses, athletic trainers, principals, speech-language pathol...
Speciation, Distribution, and Mobility of Hazardous Trace Elements in Coal Fly Ash: Insights from Cr, Ni, and Cu

Coal fly ash (CFA) has gained increasing societal concerns as hazardous trace elements (HTEs) in CFA might pose environmental and public health risks. To develop better management and remediation s...
Misinterpretation of Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk and Its Association with Information Sharing Motives among Women at Low Likelihood of Carrying a BRCA1/2 Mutation.

Purpose In this brief report, we ask whether women's interpretation of breast cancer risk based on their low likelihood of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation is associated with their information-sharing behavior, and whether misinterpretation is associated with motives for sharing the result. Methods Women in mammography clinics who completed a brief family history assessment and deemed to be at low likelihood of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation were asked to complete a 1-time online survey between June 2016 and January 2017. Results One-third (44/148) of women shared their family history screen result with someone in their social network. Result information was shared largely with a first-degree female relative to express feelings of relief (77%, 33/43). There were no differences in likelihood of sharing based on breast cancer risk interpretation. However, women who misinterpreted the implications of the result for general breast cancer risk reported more motives to share the result with their social network than those who accurately interpreted their breast cancer risk. Conclusions As family history-based screening for hereditary breast cancer is broadly implemented, the communication needs of the majority of women who will be unlikely of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation must be considered. The motives of women who misinterpreted the implications of this result for breast cancer risk suggest the possibility that miscommunication could be spread to the broader family network.
Evolution of primate protomusicality via locomotion

Animals communicate acoustically to report location and identity to conspecifics. More complex patterning of calls can also function as displays to potential mates and as territorial advertisement. Music and song are terms often reserved only for humans and birds, but elements of both forms of acoustic display are also found in non-human primates. While theories on proximate functions abound, ultimate drivers of specific call structures are less well understood. We hypothesized that spatio-temporal precision in landing during perilous arboreal locomotion favored the evolution of musical calling in early primates, vastly preceding the origin of more music-like behavior in hominoids and subsequent emergence of music in later hominids. We test this locomotion based hypothesis on the origins of proto-musicality using spectrographic depictions of vocal repertoires of modern day primates and corresponding estimates of locomotor activity. Phylogenetically controlled regression analysis of 54 primate species reveals that arboreal locomotion and monogamy are robust influences on complex calling patterns while controlling for other socioecological variables. Given that these findings rest primarily upon a handful of deep branching points in the primate tree, we conclude that this coevolution likely occurred very slowly, occupying on the order of tens of millions of years.
Administrative Claims Measure for Profiling Hospital Performance Based on 90-Day All-Cause Mortality following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a focus of bundled and alternate payment models that capture outcomes up to 90 days postsurgery. While clinical registry risk models perfo...
Effects of shade and thickness on the translucency parameter of anatomic-contour zirconia, transmitted light intensity, and degree of conversion of the resin cement.

Abstract Statement of problem Anatomic-contour zirconia prostheses are usually cemented with resin cement. However, information regarding the effects of the zirconia shade and thicknesses on the translucency of the prosthesis, the intensity of the transmitted light beneath the prosthesis, and the subsequent degree of conversion in the resin cement is sparse. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the translucency parameter in 3 anatomic-contour zirconia specimens of 2 shades at 5 different thicknesses and to investigate the transmitted light intensity and degree of conversion of the resin cement beneath the ceramic specimens by using a traditional zirconia and a lithium disilicate glass ceramic as controls. Material and methods Ceramic specimens from 1 anatomic-contour zirconia in a generic shade (CAP FZ) and 2 anatomic-contour zirconias in A2 shade (Zirlux and Luxisse) were used. Lithium disilicate in HT A2 shade (IPS e.max CAD) and traditional zirconia in a generic shade (CAP QZ) were used as controls. A total of 125 ceramic specimens (n=25) were fabricated to a final specimen dimension of 12×12 mm and in thicknesses of 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0 mm according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. The CIELab color space for all specimens placed against a white and black ground was measured with a spectrophotometer (CM-2600D), and the translucency parameters were calculated for the materials at various thicknesses. A light-polymerizing unit (DEMI LED) was used to polymerize the resin cement (Variolink II) placed beneath the ceramic specimens. Transmitted light intensity from the polymerization unit beneath the ceramic specimens was measured by using a spectrophotometer (MARC Resin Calibrator), and the transmittance of each specimen was calculated. The coefficient of absorption of each material was calculated from the regression analysis between the natural log of transmittance and specimen thickness. The degree of conversion of resin cement was measured by using a Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The results were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA (α=.05). The relationship between the transmittance and the translucency parameter was evaluated by plotting the transmittance against the translucency parameter value of each specimen. Results The translucency parameter decreased with increasing thickness in all 5 material groups. All anatomic-contour zirconia had lower translucency parameters than e-max CAD (P Conclusions The translucency parameter and the transmitted light intensity of ceramic material were influenced by the type of ceramic and the shade and thickness of the ceramic. The combined effects of layer thickness and the intensity of the transmitted light in the A2 shade anatomic-contour zirconia (Zirlux and Luxisse) resulted in a lower degree of conversion in resin cement than in a generic shade anatomic-contour zirconia (CAP FZ) at layer thicknesses of 1.75 and 2 mm.
The enteric nervous system of C. elegans is specified by the Sine Oculis-like homeobox gene ceh-34

Overarching themes in the terminal differentiation of the enteric nervous system, an autonomously acting unit of animal nervous systems, have so far eluded discovery. We describe here the overall regulatory logic of enteric nervous system differentiation of the nematode C. elegans that resides within the foregut (pharynx) of the worm. A Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the Drosophila Sine Oculis homeobox gene, ceh-34, is expressed in all 14 classes of interconnected pharyngeal neurons from their birth throughout their life time, but in no other neuron type of the entire animal. Constitutive and temporally controlled ceh-34 removal shows that ceh-34 is required to initiate and maintain the neuron type-specific terminal differentiation program of all pharyngeal neuron classes, including their circuit assembly, without affecting panneuronal features. Through additional genetic loss of function analysis, we show that within each pharyngeal neuron class, ceh-34 cooperates with different homeodomain transcription factors to individuate distinct pharyngeal neuron classes. Our analysis underscores the critical role of homeobox genes in neuronal identity specification and links them to the control of neuronal circuit assembly of the enteric nervous system. Together with the pharyngeal nervous system simplicity as well as its specification by a Sine Oculis homolog, our findings invite speculations about the early evolution of nervous systems.
X-Ray Diffraction Studies of the Lattice Parameters of Solids under Very High Pressure

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses, primarily, the measurements of lattice parameters versus pressure made in this laboratory. The apparatus used permits a rather large range of pressure. (When studying a single cubic metal of low compressibility such as Ag, Nb, or Mo where one or two lines suffice, pressures of 550 kbar or more have, on occasion, been obtained. For substances where more lines are necessary, or for mixtures of substances, the range is more limited.) Some of the other methods of measurement permit more accuracy in the low-pressure region. There are no primary pressure standards in the very high pressure range. Pressures are established in this work by measuring the lattice parameter of a “marker” along with those of the substance studied. Commonly used markers include cubic metals such as Al, Ag, Nb, Mo, and Pd, where shock-wave densities corrected to room temperature have been shown to be internally consistent. Salts such as NaCl, MgO, NaF, and LiF that have been studied using these metallic markers have been utilized themselves to measure pressure. Markers are selected which have “windows” (spaces with no lines) in regions where the sample have prominent lines. Also, more compressible markers are used to establish more accurate pressures in the low-pressure region.
Storage, Handling, and Transport of Oils and Fats

This chapter deals with problems involved in treating the vegetable oils at every aspect of production and highlights the sources of errors and how to rectify these with proper management. All attempts should be made to produce the final product with extremely limited destruction, thus keeping the active ingredients and still providing the freshness of the product to be used as ingredient in the food chain. Modern processing technologies provide foods with consistent quality and hygiene. Newer technologies will help to create much cleaner raw materials, thus avoiding the application of complicated processing methods. Thus, foods should be manufactured with simple, greener technologies rather than the complicated chemical technologies as used in the early days. Keywords: deterioration; flavor stability; odor stability; bulk storage; handling; nitrogen blanketing; color reversion
Development of an afferent neural interface designed to mimic natural proprioception

Brain Machine Interfaces (BMIs) that use recordings from motor areas of the brain to effect movement of a robotic limb or even a patient's paralyzed limb have progressed tremendously in the past decade. However, a major issue to be addressed is the need to provide proprioceptive feedback through an afferent neural interface. Loss of proprioception largely eliminates the ability to plan movement dynamics or to make rapid corrections to limb perturbations even in the presence of vision. The representation of proprioceptive signals within the cortex has been far less studied than has touch, and while some progress has been made toward restoring touch through intracortical micro-stimulation of somatosensory cortex (S1), there has been as yet, very little corresponding success for proprioception. We have completed a series experiments designed to study the way limb movements are encoded by neurons in area 2 of S1. These neurons signal limb movement, whether generated actively by the monkey or as the result of a passive limb displacement. The discharge of most neurons is tuned to the direction of hand movement and can be summarized reasonably accurately by a sinusoidal tuning curve with a single “preferred direction” (PD). There is even evidence of an efference copy component of S1 activity that precedes the onset of active movement and is well aligned spatially with the afferent component. The representation of different movement directions by populations of S1 neurons is linearly separable, as is the brain state representing active and passive movements. The latter is likely due to the interaction of kinematic and force representation by individual neurons. We have now begun a new series of experiments, the goal of which is to evoke a sensation of directed limb movement by stimulating electrodes within S1 to recreate these natural patterns of cortical activity. By stimulating small groups of electrodes with similar PDs, we have succeeded in inducing perceptions of limb motion that appear to be similar to those caused by actual movement. We are working to develop a neuroprosthesis based on continuously varying stimulation of many electrodes, in order to restore proprioceptive feedback to patients with high-level spinal cord injury.
Multicopy Single-Stranded DNA Directs Intestinal Colonization of Enteric Pathogens

Multicopy single-stranded DNAs (msDNAs) are hybrid RNA-DNA molecules encoded on retroelements called retrons and produced by the action of retron reverse transcriptases. Retrons are widespread in bacteria but the natural function of msDNA has remained elusive despite 30 years of study. The major roadblock to elucidation of the function of these unique molecules has been the lack of any identifiable phenotypes for mutants unable to make msDNA. We report that msDNA of the zoonotic pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium is necessary for colonization of the intestine. Similarly, we observed a defect in intestinal persistence in an enteropathogenic E. coli mutant lacking its retron reverse transcriptase. Under anaerobic conditions in the absence of msDNA, proteins of central anaerobic metabolism needed for Salmonella colonization of the intestine are dysregulated. We show that the msDNA-deficient mutant can utilize nitrate, but not other alternate electron acceptors in anaerobic conditions. Consistent with the availability of nitrate in the inflamed gut, a neutrophilic inflammatory response partially rescued the ability of a mutant lacking msDNA to colonize the intestine. These findings together indicate that the mechanistic basis of msDNA function during Salmonella colonization of the intestine is proper production of proteins needed for anaerobic metabolism. We further conclude that a natural function of msDNA is to regulate protein abundance, the first attributable function for any msDNA. Our data provide novel insight into the function of this mysterious molecule that likely represents a new class of regulatory molecules.
Monothiol Glutaredoxins Function in Storing and Transporting [Fe2S2] Clusters Assembled on IscU Scaffold Proteins

In the bacterial ISC system for iron–sulfur cluster assembly, IscU acts as a primary scaffold protein, and the molecular co-chaperones HscA and HscB specifically interact with IscU to facilitate ATP-driven cluster transfer. In this work, cluster transfer from Azotobacter vinelandii [Fe2S2]2+ cluster-bound IscU to apo-Grx5, a general purpose monothiol glutaredoxin in A. vinelandii, was monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy, in the absence and in the presence of HscA/HscB/Mg-ATP. The results indicate a 700-fold enhancement in the rate of [Fe2S2]2+ cluster transfer in the presence of the co-chaperones and Mg-ATP, yielding a second-order rate constant of 20 000 M–1 min–1 at 23 °C. Thus, HscA and HscB are required for efficient ATP-dependent [Fe2S2]2+ cluster transfer from IscU to Grx5. The results support a role for monothiol Grx’s in storing and transporting [Fe2S2]2+ clusters assembled on IscU and illustrate the limitations of interpreting in vitro cluster transfer studies involving [Fe2S2]-IscU in t...
Design and Analysis of Composite Wraps for Concrete Columns

Composite jackets for concrete columns have potential for renewal of deteriorated structures and improving seismic resistance. Several experimental investigations have demonstrated that composite wraps increase load-carrying capacity and ductility of concrete columns subjected to axial compression. This paper describes a theoretical model to predict the nonlinear stress-strain response of the wrapped columns as a function of geometry and the constitutive behavior of the concrete and column wrap. Model predictions are compared to experimental results. The analytical equations can be used to develop relevant guidelines for optimum reinforcement efficiency as a function of column size and wrap architecture.
Analysis of a multiple-bus multicomputer system

The author presents statistical models, simulation and experimental results, and an implementation of a multicomputer system particularly suited for applications where a set of operations must be performed on a stream of data blocks, such as in the processing of large number of images. This system consists of N satellite computers and M central computers interconnected by M buses, so that any satellite can communicate with any central computer. Data blocks are transferred by the central computers to the satellites, where they are processed. The system performance measures are the satellite idle time and the increase in processing speed over a single computer system. Two models of system operation from which the idle time can be related to the statistical properties of the transfer and processing times are developed. >
The Jazz Age and Radio Broadcasting

This chapter contains sections titled: Radio in the Twenties The Establishment of Broadcasting in the United States The Establishment of Broadcasting in Other Countries Radio Engineering How Good is this Radio? Radio's Golden Age
Attention and probabilistic sequence learning

Limitations of using fixed sequences of events in studies of learning in the sequential reaction-time task led us to develop a probabilistic version of the task. When sequences occur probabilistically, transitions usually follow a sequence, but with some small probability, events occur out of sequence. This variation on the paradigm provides new evidence associated with manipulations of attentional load. Most notably, single-task learning leads to particularly high error rates on improbable transitions, suggesting anticipation of the sequence. Dual-task learning shows sensitivity to the sequence (by reaction-time differences to probable and improbable transitions), but without inflated errors on improbable transitions. Sensitivity to the sequence and anticipatory errors disappeared when participants transferred from single-task learning to dual-task conditions, suggesting that what is learned with single-task practice cannot be applied under conditions of limited attention. When learners transferred from dual- to single-task conditions, sensitivity of RT to the sequence increased but anticipation errors remained the same, suggesting that attentional load limits performance, but not learning. Qualitative differences in performance result from variations in attentional resources, which may reflect different learning processes.
Psychiatric impairment among “middle americans”: Surveys of work organizations

A considerable amount of speculative literature implies a high degree of psychiatric impairment among lower middle class white collar personnel working in large organizations in metropolitan areas of the United States. Such roles are regarded as repetitive and meaningless, and characterized by anonymmity, all of which allegedly induce stress. Methodological developments in social psychiatry have afforded the efficient measurement of levels of psychiatric impairment by nonpsychiatric interviewers through such instruments as the Langner 22-Item Index. To explore the levels of psychiatric impairment among different types of employed persons, interviews were conducted with 188 employees of a large white collar organization in New York City and with 386 employees of four other types of organization in New York State. Using the Langner cut-off point of four or more revealed symptoms, comparisons of the proportions of psychiatric impairment in the large white collar organization indicate impairment to be much lower than would be expected from widely diffused speculative hypotheses. Comparative data indicate the highest proportions of impairment to be consistently related to placement in the lowest social classes. This indicates that the absence of consistent work role participation may be a more significant pathogenic agent than forces that may be indigenous to work organizations. This study also involved the collection of data on other indices of job-related adjustment, including job satisfaction and a variety of work role related “worries”. Poorer levels of adjustment on most of these indices were associated with psychiatric impairment, indirectly indicating the validity of the Langner psychiatric impairment measurement as an overall index of adjustment. The results of this study call for further exploration of patterns of psychiatric impairment within a variety of work settings.
Nutritional efficiency wages and child labor

Abstract This paper formally analyzes the incidence of child labor by employing an overlapping-generations general-equilibrium model of a small open economy. An individual's ability determines whether or not he/she becomes a skilled worker. The supply side of the economy is composed of two sectors: a modern sector that produces a homogeneous good using skilled labor and physical capital; and an agrarian sector that produces a traditional good using unskilled adult labor, child labor, and land. An increase in foreign direct investment and improvements in education reduce the incidence of child labor. Emigration of skilled (unskilled) workers reduces (raises) the supply of child labor, while trade sanctions reduce the demand for child labor. Child wage subsidies have an ambiguous effect on the incidence of child labor while education subsidies are effective in reducing the incidence of child labor. Simulation analysis is used to investigate the welfare effects of the aforementioned policies.
Lead encephalopathy in children

Summary 1. Five cases of plumbism are described in children of the same family. In three of them cerebral symptoms were manifest. One of the children had retinal changes. 2. The diagnosis of lead encephalopathy was made by the encephalitic symptoms plus general signs of lead poisoning, such as stippling of red blood cells, presence of reticulocytes in the blood stream, a lead line in the long bones on x-ray examination, and the detection of lead in urine, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid. 3. The lead sulphide scarification test has been found positive in four out of our five cases and is considered by us of diagnostic value. 4. Biopsy of the gums in one case showed lead deposits. 5. Encephalography showed marked cortical atrophy. 6. The source of lead in our cases was the burning of battery casings for heating purposes.
Seeing Where the Stone Is Thrown by Observing a Point-Light Thrower: Perceiving the Effect of Action Is Enabled by Information, Not Motor Experience

People are very adept at perceiving biological motion (e.g., Johansson, 1973). This ability has been an essential life skill to members of this social species. The human niche during the ice age was socially coordinated hunting for big game. Being able to judge the location targeted by the throw of a conspecific would be a valuable perceptual ability that we now study to investigate 2 competing theories of biological motion perception: Common Coding (CC; Prinz, 1997) and Kinematic Specification of Dynamics (KSD; Runeson & Frykholm, 1983). The 2 theories diverge in attributing perceptual ability to either motor or visual experience, respectively. To test predictions of the CC theory, we performed 3 experiments to manipulate observers' specific motor experience while they judged the targeted location of throwing by watching point-light displays. In Experiment 1, we tested whether the identity of the thrower in the display mattered. In Experiment 2, we tested whether the motor expertise of the observer matte...
On Water Behavior Inside and Around a Void at Polymer Interface

As the use of polymeric materials is increasing in microelectronics industry, the failure issues related to moisture are getting more popular. Moisture absorbed into the electronic package causes interfacial delamination through the synergetic effects of hygro-thermo-mechanical stresses and degradation of adhesion strength. It also results in catastrophic crack propagation during reflow process, called pop-coming. Vapor pressure inside preexisting voids at material interfaces is known to be a dominant driving force of this phenomenon. In order to explain vapor pressure generation at high reflow temperature, researchers so far have been presuming two mechanisms: liquid water boiling and quick moisture diffusion. In spite of the importance as a basis of the failure analysis, there has been little focus on the mechanism of liquid water accumulation, more exactly, high vapor pressure generation inside voids. In this study various known mechanisms of liquid water formation inside a void at polymer interface are reviewed. They include condensation, adsorption, capillary, and microfogging. As an alternative possibility, moisture diffusion around the void for a short reflow period is also assessed through numerical analysis.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Extent and nature of contacts between protein molecules in crystal lattices and between subunits of protein oligomers

A survey was compiled of several characteristics of the intersubunit contacts in 58 oligomeric proteins, and of the intermolecular contracts in the lattice for 223 protein crystal structures. The total number of atoms in contact and the secondary structure elements involved are similar in the two types of interfaces. Crystal contact patches are frequently smaller than patches involved in oligomer interfaces. Crystal contacts result from more numerous interactions by polar residues, compared with a tendency toward nonpolar amino acids at oligomer interfaces. Arginine is the only amino acid prominent in both types of interfaces. Potentials of mean force for residue-residue contacts at both crystal and oligomer interfaces were derived from comparison of the number of observed residue-residue interactions with the number expected by mass action. They show that hydrophobic interactions at oligomer interfaces favor aromatic amino acids and methionine over aliphatic amino acids; and that crystal contacts form in such a way as to avoid inclusion of hydrophobic interactions. They also suggest that complex salt bridges with certain amino acid compositions might be important in oligomer formation. For a protein that is recalcitrant to crystallization, substitution of lysine residues with arginine or glutamine is a recommended strategy.
Mesh erosion after abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

Abstract Objective: To report our experience with erosion of permanent suture or mesh material after abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy by the same surgeon over 8 years. Demographic data, operative notes, hospital records, and office charts were reviewed after sacrocolpopexy. Patients with erosion of either suture or mesh were treated initially with conservative therapy followed by surgical intervention as required. Results: Fifty-seven patients underwent sacrocolpopexy using synthetic mesh during the study period. The mean (range) postoperative follow-up was 19.9 (1.3–50) months. Seven patients (12%) had erosions after abdominal sacrocolpopexy with two suture erosions and five mesh erosions. Patients with suture erosion were asymptomatic compared with patients with mesh erosion, who presented with vaginal bleeding or discharge. The mean (± standard deviation) time to erosion was 14.0 ± 7.7 (range 4–24) months. Both patients with suture erosion were treated conservatively with estrogen cream. All five patients with mesh erosion required transvaginal removal of the mesh. Conclusion: Mesh erosion can follow abdominal sacrocolpopexy over a long time, and usually presents as vaginal bleeding or discharge. Although patients with suture erosion can be managed successfully with conservative treatment, patients with mesh erosion require surgical intervention. Transvaginal removal of the mesh with vaginal advancement appears to be an effective treatment in patients failing conservative management.
Otitis media and nasal disease: A role for allergy

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children, although it can occur at any age. Allergies probably contribute to the development of OME, with other major risk factors being bacterial infection and eustachian tube obstruction (ETO). We have demonstrated that patients with allergic rhinitis often develop ETO when challenged with allergens; therefore, ETO could be a link between OME and allergies. Nasal obstruction and ETO in allergic rhinitis can be alleviated or attenuated by pretreatment with intranasal corticosteroids. Therapy for allergic rhinitis complicated by OME includes treatment of the ear infection with antibiotics and the relief of allergic symptoms with antiallergy medications, including antihistamines, intranasal cromolyn, and intranasal corticosteroids, as well as environmental control and appropriate immunotherapy.
Sickle cell disease incidence among newborns in New York State by maternal race/ethnicity and nativity

Sickle cell disease is estimated to occur in 1:300–400 African-American births, with higher rates among immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean, and is less common among Hispanic births. This study determined sickle cell disease incidence among New York State newborns stratified by maternal race/ethnicity and nativity. Newborns with confirmed sickle cell disease born to New York State residents were identified by the New York State newborn screening program for the years 2000–2008 and matched to birth records to obtain birth and maternal information. Annual incidence rates were computed and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations with maternal race/ethnicity and nativity. From 2000 to 2008, 1,911 New York State newborns were diagnosed with sickle cell disease and matched to the birth certificate files. One in every 1,146 live births was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Newborns of non-Hispanic black mothers accounted for 86% of sickle cell disease cases whereas newborns of Hispanic mothers accounted for 12% of cases. The estimated incidence was 1:230 live births for non-Hispanic black mothers, 1:2,320 births for Hispanic mothers, and 1:41,647 births for non-Hispanic white mothers. Newborns of foreign-born non-Hispanic black mothers had a twofold higher incidence of sickle cell disease than those born to US-born non-Hispanic black mothers (P < 0.001). This study provides the first US estimates of sickle cell disease incidence by maternal nativity. Women born outside the United States account for the majority of children with sickle cell disease born in New York State. Such findings identify at-risk populations and inform outreach activities that promote ongoing, high-quality medical management to affected children. Genet Med 2013:15(3):222–228
Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole composite actuator for jellyfish unmanned undersea vehicle

In this paper, we investigated two geometries of conductive polymer-metal composite actuators: stripe and axial. The stripe actuator design consisted of gold coated poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) membrane with polypyrrole film grown potentiodynamically on top and bottom in sandwich structure. For axial type actuator, a gold coated core substrate was used which can be easily dissolved after polymerization of pyrrole. Synthesis of all samples was conducted using cyclic voltammometry technique. Results indicate that axial type actuator consisting of 0.25 M Pyrrole, 0.10 M TBAP and 0.5 M KCl in aqueous solution exhibits strain up to 6% and 18 kPa blocking stress for applied potential of 6V DC after 80 sec stimulation time. The axial type of actuator also exhibits rotary motion under DC voltage in electrolytic media. Experimental data was used to establish stress-strain and energy density-time response relationships. The stripe actuator with dimensions of 20mm length, 5mm width and 63μm thickness exhibited 2.8 mm transversal deflection at 7V and 0.2 Hz. Potential applications of conducting polymer based actuators include biometric jellyfish and expressive robotic head.
Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses.

Objective— To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. Methods— Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical technique; complications and outcome. Results— Two horses had lameness localized to the PIP joint. Two other horses had lameness suspected, but not confirmed to the pastern region. One of these horses had a history of intermittent lameness, but was not lame on admission. All horses had radiographic evidence of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragmentation within the PIP joint. Fragmentation was located abaxially in 2 horses in the hind limb and axially in 2 horses in the left forelimb. Osteochondral fragments were successfully removed via a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach in all horses. Three horses returned to previous levels of athletic performance; 1 horse was used for trail riding instead of reining. Conclusions— Arthroscopy of the palmar/plantar pouch of the PIP joint allowed limited assessment of the joint and removal of osteochondral fragments. Clinical Relevance— Arthroscopy of the palmar/plantar PIP joint pouch for assessment and removal of osteochondral fragments is possible and should be considered when lameness is localized to this joint.
The impact of gap duration on local control in anal canal carcinoma treated by split-course radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy.

Purpose: To investigate the potential benefit of reducing the intersequence gap in patients with anal cancer treated with split-course chemoradiotherapy. Methods: The study group consisted of 90 patients with anal squamous carcinoma treated between 1981 and 1998, using concomitant chemotherapy (CT) and radiation (RT). Median age was 65 years (range 41–87). RT was delivered in a split course, with a median gap of 37.5 days (range 4–97) between sequences. First (pelvic) sequence delivered a median dose of 40 Gy (range 36–50.4), using AP/PA megavoltage photon beams. Boost treatment (median dose 20 Gy, range 13–26) consisted of either Iridium-192 implantation (49 patients) or external beam RT (41 patients). CT consisted of 1–2 cycles of a 5-day continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil and bolus mitomycin C, usually administered during the first week of each RT course. Median follow-up was 76.2 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with locoregional control (LRC). Results: Five-year actuarial LRC was 72.5%. Factors associated with poorer LRC (univariate) were: age ≤ 65, male gender, and gap > 37.5 days. Number of CT cycles (1 vs. 2 or more), boost technique (brachytherapy vs. external), and T-stage were not significantly associated with LRC. In multivariate analysis, only age (p = 0.01), and gap (p = 0.02) retained their significance. In patients older than 65 years, LRC was 92.3% and 75% for shorter and longer gaps, respectively. In younger patients, the corresponding values for LRC were 73.7% and 50%. Conclusion: In anal cancers, split-course RT with > 50 Gy dose delivery is difficult to avoid because of acute toxicity. The present analysis suggests that shortening the gap contributes to optimizing LRC. Gaps longer than 5 weeks correlated with poorer LRC, with especially unsatisfactory results observed in younger patients.
New approaches to production-worthy 193-nm photoresists based on acrylic copolymers

We describe a series of improvements to the `v2' etch- resistant methacrylate 193 nm photoresist platform. `V2' itself possesses many desirable characteristics, but requires weak developers and lacks ultimate etch resistance for production processes. Modifications to address these challenges include incorporation of polar modifier monomers which provide improved developer compatibility, and use of alternative etch-resistant monomers which ameliorate the excessive hydrophobicity of isobornyl methacrylate. Specifically, we explore the use of methacrylonitrile as a polar modifier which simultaneously imparts strong-developer compatibility and improves RIE performance. Integration of these improvements results in methacrylate resists displaying strong-developer compatibility, sub-0.15 micrometers resolution, and etch rates equivalent to current 248 nm photoresists in prototype materials.
Hartogs extension for generalized tubes in Cn

Abstract In 1906, Hartogs proved his famous holomorphic extension theorem for bounded domains in C n , however, not many results of this type exist for unbounded ones. One of such, already a classical result, is the Bochner tube theorem from 1938, and in this paper we consider its generalization to “widening tubes”. Namely, we establish a sufficient condition for holomorphic extension of CR functions from the boundary of a certain class of domains in C n , n ≥ 2 , which possess a growth condition at infinity.