cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges in vascular tissue engineering for diabetic patients.

Abstract Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia coexist in diabetes and result in inflammation, degeneration, and impaired tissue remodeling, processes which are not conducive to the desired integration of tissue engineered products into the surrounding tissues. There are several challenges for vascular tissue engineering such as non-thrombogenicity, adequate burst pressure and compliance, suturability, appropriate remodeling responses, and vasoactivity, but, under diabetic conditions, an additional challenge needs to be considered: the aggressive oxidative environment generated by the high glucose and lipid concentrations that lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the vascular wall. Extracellular matrix-based scaffolds have adequate physical properties and are biocompatible, however, these scaffolds are altered in diabetes by the formation AGEs and impaired collagen degradation, consequently increasing vascular wall stiffness. In addition, vascular cells detect and respond to altered stimuli from the matrix by pathological remodeling of the vascular wall. Due to the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), they are frequently used in tissue engineering in order to protect the scaffolds from inflammation. MSCs together with antioxidant treatments of the scaffolds are expected to protect the vascular grafts from diabetes-induced alterations. In conclusion, as one of the most daunting environments that could damage the ECM and its interaction with cells is progressively built in diabetes, we recommend that cells and scaffolds used in vascular tissue engineering for diabetic patients are tested in diabetic animal models, in order to obtain valuable results regarding their resistance to diabetic adversities. Statement of Significance Almost 25 million Americans have diabetes, characterized by high levels of blood sugar that binds to tissues and disturbs the function of cardiovascular structures. Therefore, patients with diabetes have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Surgery is required to replace diseased arteries with implants, but these fail after 5–10 years because they are made of non-living materials, not resistant to diabetes. New tissue engineering materials are developed, based on the patients’ own stem cells, isolated from fat, and added to extracellular matrix-based scaffolds. Our main concern is that diabetes could damage the tissue-like implants. Thus we review studies related to the effect of diabetes on tissue components and recommend antioxidant treatments to increase the resistance of implants to diabetes.
Neutralization of Pseudomonas auruginosa Exotoxin A by human neutrophil peptide 1

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a large number of virulence factors, including the extracellular protein, Exotoxin A (ETA). Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP1) neutralizes the Exotoxin A. HNP1 belongs to the family of α-defensins, small effector peptides of the innate immune system that combat against microbial infections. Neutralization of bacterial toxins such as ETA by HNP1 is a novel biological function in addition to direct killing of bacteria. In this study, we report on the interaction between HNP-1 and Exotoxin A at the molecular level to allow for the design and development of potent antibacterial peptides as alternatives to classical antibiotics.
Btk inhibitors in atherosclerosis.

In this issue of Blood, Busygina et al provide provocative evidence that there is a potential role for Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitors in inhibiting platelet aggregation specifically at the site of unstable atherosclerotic plaques.1
Europa Lander radio crossband relay hardware prototype

Existing Frontier Radio hardware was modified to create a low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Crossband Radio prototype to support testing the Lander relay capability requirement for the Europa Clipper Radio. The crossband design consists of four slices: Power Converter Unit (PCU), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), X-band Exciter, and X-band Receiver. Although software modifications were needed, firmware was not changed. Hardware modifications required to achieve a crossband design were limited to the exciter and receiver slices with the DSP and PCU slices unchanged. The crossband radio receiver capability covers the entire Deep Space Network (DSN) X-band return link frequency allocations for deep space (8400 to 8450 MHz) and the exciter supports the entire DSN X-band forward link frequency allocations for deep space (7145 to 7190 MHz). Component changes and modifications included installing alternate Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) with corresponding bias voltage adjustments, amplifier and multiplier retunes via passive component changes, surface mount and resistive attenuator adjustments, modifications of filtering, and additional external bias-T and Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) hardware. All of the frequency retunes were accomplished with no change to the physical circuit artwork, which demonstrates the flexibility and robustness of the Frontier Radio design. Bench tests were conducted for both the exciter and receiver at the new crossband frequencies. The Crossband Radio prototype was connected to a typical non-crossbanded engineering model Frontier Radio in a radio test bed to conduct relay communication testing. The channel between the radios was simulated using variable and fixed attenuators as well as a channel simulator. Flight software was created and loaded onto the radio, which is run in the Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages (MIPS) core of the field-programmable gate array (FGPA). Results from relay communications testing and use case scenarios are presented here.
Phosphate Minerals in Terrestrial Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks

Phosphorus is a ubiquitous although minor component of most igneous and metamorphic rocks. Under the normal oxidative conditions of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle, phosphorus is present as phosphates, and Koritnig (1978) lists over 200 phosphate minerals. Nonetheless, in common igneous and metamorphic rocks phosphate mineral diversity is extremely limited and is dominated by the occurrence of apatite. This chapter is devoted to phosphates in terrestrial igneous and metamorphic rocks in the strictest sense. Metasomatic, hydrothermal, ore-forming and pegmatite associations are not treated; the latter has been described in particular detail by Moore (1973). Accordingly, considerable attention is paid to apatite; other phosphates discussed include monazite, xenotime and whitlockite. Also omitted is any discussion of crystallography which is provided by Moore (this Vol.).
Role of Peptides in the Control of Gonadotropin Secretion

In this chapter we will review the contributions, particularly from this laboratory, on the control of the gonadotroph by peptides acting at either the hypothalamic or pituitary level. The principal direct control is provided by LHRH which was discovered in 19601 and synthesized in 19712. We will begin by describing the localization of LHRH in the brain, and then move to a discussion of its action on the pituitary gland. This will be followed by an examination of putative synaptic transmitters involved in control of LHRH release which include a variety of monamines and peptides. Most of these mechanisms appear to operate via the intervention of prostaglandin. Finally we will discuss recent evidence indicating the probable existance of a separate FSH- releasing factor.
Recent MUNE studies in animal models of motor neuron disease

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that motor unit number estimation (MUNE) has provided valuable information regarding the course of motor neuron loss in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MUNE cane also provides valuable insights when applied to animal models of motor neuron disease. It is potentially useful as a supplement to therapeutic trials on the superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) transgenic mouse model and has been able to show increases in the functioning of motor units in response to some stem cell transplantation. The assessment of disease progression is important in all of these models. The lifespan of these animals is relatively short, so that survival can be reliably used to assess the changes in drug activity. The chapter reviews that even in models that have subtle or imperceptible phenotypes, MUNE can show reductions in motor unit compliment. Thus, it is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of investigative tools when studying the models of motor unit loss.
Customizing Interventions for HIV-Seropositive Persons

Through June of 1995, 63% of AIDS cases in men and 36% of AIDS cases in women in the United States were attributed to sexual contact (CDC., 1995a). However, summaries of HIV prevention research projects from a number of United States government agencies (Auerbach, 1994; CDC., 1995b) illustrate that beyond human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody counseling and testing (C & T), researchers have given little specific attention to infected individuals with respect to reduction of sexual risk behavior. Moreover, reviews of counseling and testing, itself a major thrust of the national effort to prevent HIV infection by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underscore that some seropositive individuals need more intensive intervention for reducing sexual risk behavior than the limited post-test counseling that accompanies notification of test results (Phillips & Coates, 1995; Doll & Kennedy, 1994; Higgins et al., 1991).
Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs): phthalates and flame retardants

Abstract: Among the many chemicals found indoors, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) constitute an important class. While certain SVOCs are associated with adverse health effects, exposure is strongly influenced by the types of materials and products in which these SVOCs occur. This chapter begins with a brief summary of phthalates and flame retardants, two important types of SVOCs. Chamber experiments used to characterize the emissions process are then reviewed. A simple emission model that can be used to predict the steady-state indoor gas-phase SVOC concentration is described. Knowing the long-term concentration in the indoor air, the potential exposure via inhalation of air and airborne particles, ingestion of dust, and dermal absorption can be calculated using general relationships.
Individual Differences in Cardiovascular Reactivity

The physiological reactions elicited by psychological stress vary in their magnitude and, indeed, patterning, for two main reasons: One is the precise nature of the challenge (the “situational factor”) and the other is the nature of the person’s biological program (the “individual factor”). While any given response in an individual subject is a function of both factors, this chapter will focus on the individual factor.
Colon and Rectal Trauma

The treatment of traumatic injuries to the colon and rectum is often driven by past dogma, despite the presence of evidence suggesting alternative methods of care that are associated with similar or improved outcomes. Whether from the battlefield, colonoscopy or foreign bodies, colorectal injuries remain a challenging clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and potential mortality. Familiarity with the different methods to approach and manage these injuries, including “damage control” tactics when necessary, will allow surgeons to minimize unnecessary complications and mortality.
Statewide Academic Planning for Social Work Education: A Case Study

Statewide and regional educational planning has become a necessity in the light of budget cutbacks, mal-distribution of manpower and pressures for accountability. This case study describes one statewide planning experience and identifies implications for academic outreach, faculty organizing, faculty leadership development, educational planning, developing common language between academic and human service agencies, and projecting manpower needs. A profession which fails to plan for the future educational needs of its members will suffer from both confusion and public suspicion. The time has come for social work education to recognize the need for statewide and regional planning for the future education of social workers and related personnel at all levels of the educational continuum from high school through graduate school. These observations are based on both national trends and statewide issues affecting higher education and the demands of our human service delivery system. We must recognize our involvement as one profession in a large human service industry. On the national level, we in the social work profession must come to grips with the fact that the growth of social service program will continue at a very slow pace for the foreseeable future. We are moving from a period of domestic program expansion of the 1960's to a period of significant program consolidation in the 1970's and 1980's. This era of consolidation can either mean an improvement of existing services or it can mean a radical curtailment of services through social program extermination. The future of both social services and social work education rests in the hands of the Congress of the United States as well as the state legislatures around the country.
A New Legal Framework for Employee and Consumer Arbitration Agreements

If an arbitration clause in an employment or consumer agreement contains a harsh term, such as an abbreviated statute of limitations or a provision requiring arbitration in a distant location, judges will sometimes sever the harsh term and enforce the rest of the arbitration clause. In fact, some judges believe the Federal Arbitration Act and its strong federal policy favoring arbitration require severance of any harsh provisions so that arbitration will still occur minus the oppressive terms. This severance approach may encourage drafting parties to overreach and include harsh terms in an arbitration clause if the only penalty at the end of the day is mere severance of such terms. This Article demonstrates that the Federal Arbitration Act embodies a simple, binary approach to the enforcement of arbitration agreements: either an arbitration agreement is fully enforceable, or it is not enforceable at all. As a matter of federal law, the text, history, and policy of the Federal Arbitration Act require courts to invalidate an arbitration clause in its entirety if it contains any harsh provisions. Severance of harsh terms should not be permitted under the FAA in order to rescue parties who draft arbitration clauses with oppressive terms.
The Responsive Union: National Elections and European Governance

The EU faces a serious crisis of democratic legitimacy. Citizens believe that the EU is run by distant and non-responsive political elites. The EU's perceived lack of responsiveness to ordinary citizens poses a threat to its very survival. This timely book presents a comprehensive account of how EU governments signal responsiveness to the interests of their citizens over European policies. Schneider develops and tests a theoretical framework of the intergovernmental dimension of responsive governance in the European Union, using evidence amassed over nearly ten years of multi-method research. The findings show that European cooperation in the Council of the European Union takes place in the shadow of national elections. Governments signal responsiveness to their publics by taking positions that are in the interests of politically relevant voters at the national level, defending these positions throughout negotiations in the Council, and seeking appropriate policy outcomes at the EU level.
Lingual Mechanoreceptive Information I

Afferents present in the distal hypoglossal nerve of the rhesus monkey include fibers derived from lingual muscle spindles. Using the evoked-potential technique in rhesus monkeys, the objective of ...
Bioinformatics Methodology Development for the Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing

Abstract Understanding the functional role of DNA methylation requires knowledge of its distribution in the genome. Bisulfite treatment followed by deep sequencing (BS-seq) has emerged as the gold standard to study genome-wide DNA methylation at single-nucleotide resolution. While progress in next-generation sequencing allows increasingly affordable BS-seq, the resulting exponential data growth poses significant bioinformatics challenges. Here, we developed a novel bioinformatics pipeline, MOABS, to increase the speed, accuracy, statistical power, and biological relevance of the BS-seq data analysis. MOABS introduces a novel strategy to combine statistical P-value and biological difference into a single metric, termed credible methylation difference (CDIF), and has enough power to detect single-CpG-resolution differential methylation in small regulatory regions, such as transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), with as low as 4- to 10-fold coverage. Numerous computational optimizations have made MOABS extremely efficient, capable of processing 2 billion aligned reads in 24 CPU hours. Our simulation study reveals superior performance of MOABS over other leading algorithms, such as Fisher's exact test and BSmooth. Using real whole genome BS-seq data, we demonstrate that MOABS improves the detection of allele-specific DNA methylation as well as differential methylation underlying TFBSs, especially at low sequencing depth. In addition, MOABS analysis can be easily extended to more complicated scenarios, such as differential 5hmC analysis using a combination of RRBS and oxBS-seq. The source code of MOABS is freely available at http://www.deqiangsun.org/software/ .
Neuroendovascular Surgery Medications

The field of neuroendovascular surgery (NES) and treatment of cerebrovascular disease is advancing at a rapid pace. Provided the cerebrovascular context, this chapter will focus on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), and special considerations of commonly utilized anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, antiplatelets, and cerebrovascular vasodilators.
Cyclodextrins as mucosal absorption promoters of insulin. II. Effects of beta-cyclodextrin derivatives on alpha-chymotryptic degradation and enteral absorption of insulin in rats.

The relative effectiveness of two β-cyclodextrin derivatives, i.e., dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DMβCD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), in enhancing enteral absorption of insulin was evaluated in the lower jejunal/upper ileal segments of the rat by means of an in situ closed loop method. The incorporation of 10% (w/v) DMβCD to a 0.5 mg/ml porcine-zinc insulin solution dramatically increased insulin bioavailability from a negligible value (~0.06%) to 5.63%, when administered enterally at a dose of 20 U/kg. However, addition of 10% (w/v) HPβCD did not improve enteral insulin uptake significantly with a bioavailability of only 0.07%. Similarly, the pharmacodynamic relative efficacy values obtained after the enteral administration of 20 U/kg insulin, 20 U/kg insulin with 10% HPβCD, and 20 U/kg insulin with 10% DMβCD were 0.24%, 0.26%, and 1.75%, respectively. Biodegradation studies of 0.5 mg/ml insulin hexamers by 0.5 µM α-chymotrypsin revealed no inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity by the two cyclodextrins. On the contrary, the apparent first-order rate constant increased significantly in the presence of 10% DMβCD, suggesting insulin oligomer dissociation by DMβCD. Histopathological examination of the rat intestine was performed to detect tissue damage following enteral administration of the β-cyclodextrin derivatives. Light microscopic inspection indicated no observable tissue damage, thereby arguing direct membrane fluidization as the primary mechanism for enhanced insulin uptake. This study indicates the feasibility of using cyclodextrins as mucosal absorption promoters of proteins and peptide drugs.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Three years ago, a 71-year-old man had a small cell carcinoma of his parotid managed by superficial parotidectomy and postoperative irradiation (6000 cGy at the 80% isodose line with mixed beam). He now presents with a superior vena cava syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with IV contrast showed adlenopathy from the level of C3 to the right pulmonary artery, with thrombosis of the right jugular vein. CT-directed needle aspiration of the right peritracheal mass showed small cell carcinoma. He was treated with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), vincristine and prednisone with a partial response after the first course.
Data-Enabled Prediction Framework of Dynamic Characteristics of Rural Footbridges Using Novel Citizen Sensing Approach

Rural footbridges have proved to be an impetus for growth in vulnerable areas of the developing world, increasingly being built in many isolated communities around continents. Yet, little prior assessment of their dynamic characteristics had been made due to the non-traditional constraints that arise from instrumenting footbridges in rural, off-grid settings across multiple continents. Their characteristics remain largely unknown even if the low mass and flexible nature of rural footbridges make them vulnerable to wind-induced motions. To this end, this study proposes a data-enabled prediction framework based on a novel citizen sensing protocol, which aims at predicting the dynamic properties of rural footbridges during the conceptual design phase to enhance their safety under winds. The protocol is established which enables non-experts including local citizens in isolated communities to collect vibration data of rural footbridges by way of rapidly deployable and low-cost sensing systems in a novel application to full-scale monitoring with the concept of the community engagement. This citizen sensing data helps not only establish database with dynamic properties, but also develop empirical models to predict their dynamic properties of a footbridge in the conceptual design phase without detailed and bridge-specific dynamic modeling. In addition. a simple yet effective batch processing procedure to be done by non-experts is also devised to readily process upcoming citizen sensing data from new footbridges in the future, which offers instant and continuous updates of existing database with minimal efforts for enhancing the knowledge and the prediction of dynamic characteristics of rural footbridges.
Characteristics and considerations for children with ankyloglossia undergoing frenulectomy for dysphagia and aspiration.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to analyze the basic demographics of patients who underwent frenulectomy at our institution as well as additional considerations regarding age, location of procedure, and possible effects on aspiration. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed based on CPT codes for frenulectomy and basic demographic data was collected. Other information such as presenting symptoms, type of ankyloglossia, location of the procedure, and modified barium swallow study (MBSS) information were also obtained. Results A total of 226 (66.4% male) patients underwent frenulectomy in the study time frame. Younger patients underwent frenulectomy for feeding symptoms (average age 6.5 months) and older children typically presented with speech related symptoms (average age 3.8 years). Of patients who had MBSS before and after the procedure, 5/11 (43%) had improvement of their aspiration after frenulectomy. Conclusions Symptomatic ankyloglossia is more common in boys. Two age groups typically present for frenulectomy, infants for feeding difficulties and toddlers/preschoolers for speech related difficulties. Children with aspiration may benefit from frenulectomy, though aspiration is unlikely to resolve if other comorbidities are present. Proper evaluation and documentation of anatomy and functional tongue movement is important for future studies and decision-making regarding frenulectomy.
Patient Care Documentation in the Secondary School Setting: Unique Challenges and Needs.

Context Athletic trainers (ATs) recognize patient care documentation as an important part of clinical practice. However, ATs using 1 electronic medical record (EMR) platform reported low accountability and lack of time as barriers to documentation. Whether ATs using paper, other EMRs, or a combined paper-electronic system exhibit similar behaviors or experience similar challenges is unclear. Objective To explore ATs' documentation behaviors and perceived challenges while using various systems to document patient care in the secondary school setting. Design Qualitative study. Setting Individual telephone interviews. Patients or other participants Twenty ATs (12 women, 8 men; age = 38 ± 14 years; clinical experience = 15 ± 13 years; from National Athletic Trainers' Association Districts 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) were recruited via purposeful and snowball-sampling techniques. Data collection and analysis Two investigators conducted semistructured interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Following the consensual qualitative research tradition, 3 researchers independently coded transcripts in 4 rounds using a codebook to confirm codes, themes, and data saturation. Multiple researchers, member checking, and peer reviewing were the methods used to triangulate data and enhance trustworthiness. Results The secondary school setting was central to 3 themes. The ATs identified challenges to documentation, including lack of time due to high patient volume and multiple providers or locations where care was provided. Oftentimes, these challenges affected their documentation behaviors, including the process of and criteria for whether to document or not, content documented, and location and timing of documentation. To enhance patient care documentation, ATs described the need for more professional development, including resources or specific guidelines and viewing how documentation has been used to improve clinical practice. Conclusions Challenges particular to the secondary school setting affected ATs' documentation behaviors, regardless of the system used to document care. Targeted professional development is needed to promote best practices in patient care documentation.
Deterministic Mini-batch Sequencing for Training Deep Neural Networks.

Recent advancements in the field of deep learning have dramatically improved the performance of machine learning models in a variety of applications, including computer vision, text mining, speech processing and fraud detection among others. Mini-batch gradient descent is the standard algorithm to train deep models, where mini-batches of a fixed size are sampled randomly from the training data and passed through the network sequentially. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm to generate a deterministic sequence of mini-batches to train a deep neural network (rather than a random sequence). Our rationale is to select a mini-batch by minimizing the Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) between the already selected mini-batches and the unselected training samples. We pose the mini-batch selection as a constrained optimization problem and derive a linear programming relaxation to determine the sequence of mini-batches. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research effort that uses the MMD criterion to determine a sequence of mini-batches to train a deep neural network. The proposed mini-batch sequencing strategy is deterministic and independent of the underlying network architecture and prediction task. Our extensive empirical analyses on three challenging datasets corroborate the merit of our framework over competing baselines. We further study the performance of our framework on two other applications besides classification (regression and semantic segmentation) to validate its generalizability.
Engineering site-selective incorporation of fluorine into natural product analogs

While bioactive compounds are commonly derived both by human design as well as from living organisms, man-made and natural products typically display very different structural characteristics. As such, a longstanding goal in the discovery of new molecular function is to develop approaches to incorporate the advantageous elements of both groups of molecules, thereby expanding the molecular space accessible for this purpose. In this work, we report the engineering a fluorine-selective enzyme that can complement mutated acyltransferase (AT) domains of a modular polyketide synthase, which are the main determinants of the identity and location of substituents on polyketides, to produce different fluorinated regioisomers of the erythromycin precursor in vitro. We further show that by engineering cell uptake of fluorinated building blocks, we can control fluorine selectivity in vivo to produce selectively fluorinated polyketides using engineered E. coli. These results demonstrate that it is possible to introduce fluorine, a key synthetic design element for drug development, selectively into the scaffold of a complex natural product and produce these analogs by microbial fermentation.
Three-dimensional Shear Wave Elastography Using a 2D Row Column Addressing (RCA) Array

Objective: To develop a 3D shear wave elastography (SWE) technique using a 2D row column addressing (RCA) array, with either external vibration or acoustic radiation force (ARF) as the shear wave source. Impact Statement: The proposed method paves the way for clinical translation of 3D-SWE based on the 2D RCA, providing a low-cost and high volume-rate solution that is compatible with existing clinical systems. Introduction: SWE is an established ultrasound imaging modality that provides a direct and quantitative assessment of tissue stiffness, which is significant for a wide range of clinical applications including cancer and liver fibrosis. SWE requires high frame-rate imaging for robust shear wave tracking. Due to the technical challenges associated with high volume-rate imaging in 3D, current SWE techniques are typically confined to 2D. Advancing SWE from 2D to 3D is significant because of the heterogeneous nature of tissue, which demands 3D imaging for accurate and comprehensive evaluation. Methods: A 3D SWE method using a 2D RCA array was developed with a volume-rate up to 2000 Hz. The performance of the proposed method was systematically evaluated on tissue-mimicking elasticity phantoms. Results: 3D shear wave motion induced by either external vibration or ARF was successfully detected with the proposed method. Robust 3D shear wave speed maps were reconstructed for both homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms with inclusions. Conclusion: The high volume-rate 3D imaging provided by the 2D RCA array provides a robust and practical solution for 3D SWE with a clear pathway for future clinical translation.
Involvement of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cervical Carcinoma

Cancer of the uterine cervix is the most common cancer of the reproductive system. Richart (1975) has stated that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia begins as a single-cell lesion at the squamocolumnar junction, more commonly on the anterior than on the posterior lip of the cervix, and only infrequently at the lateral angles. The progression in growth of lesions exhibiting irreversible malignant cellular changes advances from dysplasia to carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma. Massive screening of semi-annual cervical smears via Papanicolaou staining has resulted in increased detection of this cancer prior to invasion, and the cure rate of cancers detected at early stages (dysplasia or carcinoma in situ) is close to 100% (Gellman, 1976). However, women in lower socioeconomic groups and in Third World countries lack access to regular gynecologic examination and present with an increased incidence of invasive tumors. In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates 16,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer during 1981 and predicts 7,200 deaths (Table 1).
NONSTATIONARY RANDOM COLUMN BUCKLING PROBLEM

The buckling of a uniform slender column is considered when the initial deflection shape of the column is an ensemble member of a nonstationary process. The result of this is that the deformation of the column is also a nonstationary random process. The mean square deflection shape is calculated for a particular form of initial deflection autocorrelation function as a function of axial load. The probability of the column midpoint deflection exceeding a number of different values is also calculated and presented.
Microcytic anemia with erythroblastosis in offspring of magnesium-deprived rats.

Magnesium deprivation of pregnant rats produces in their offspring depression of intrauterine growth and severe anemia. The anemia is characterized by microcytosis, red cell fragmentation, increase in number of normoblasts and markedly decreased osmotic fragility.
Agro-Environmental Impact of High Rates of Phosphogypsum Applied to Bahiagrass Pasture on a Florida Spodosol Soil

Phosphogypsum (PG)is an effective source of S and Ca for bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) pasture and is recommended as a source of S and Ca for other crops as well. Earlier studies by the authors showed that rates up to 1.0 Mg ha−1 applied annually or 2 or 4 Mg ha−1 applied once over a 3-year period increased bahiagrass yields linearly. The present study used 10 and 20 Mg ha−1, with no PG as control, applied to bahiagrass on a spodic soil to help define the potential effects of PG at agronomic rates (≤1.0 Mg ha−1)on PG-associated agro-environmental variables. Results showed that 20 Mg PG ha−1 reduced forage yield. There was no difference in yield between the control and the 10 Mg ha−1 rate. Phosphogypsum reduced soil Mg very strongly, hence, co-utilization of PG with byproducts rich in Mg is recommended for crops that need large amounts of Mg in addition to S and Ca. Topsoil and subsurface water pH decreased with PG rates on the short term, however, PG should increase the pH over the long term as H+ and Al3+ are replaced on the exchange complex by Ca2+, brought into the free water phase, and leached into the deeper layers. There were little or no measurable effects on Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, and Hg in soil, groundwater, or bahiagrass forage tissue even at 20 Mg ha−1. Evaluation of the PG used in the study indicated that it is not hazardous as defined by the EPA “toxicity characteristic” criterion for hazardous solid wastes.
Subjective and Cognitive Effects of Cannabinoids in Marijuana Smokers

This chapter is aimed at summarizing the existing literature with respect to the subjective and objective cognitive profiles associated with marijuana use. Although subjective reports of marijuana use include feelings of relaxation and increased creativity, the altered state of consciousness and reduced inhibitory and executive cognitive functions may be enough to cause impairment in daily functioning. However, a chronically high level of consumption for an extended period of time is likely to result in increased risk of developing impairments such as affective dysregulation, inefficient cognitive control, underachievement, lower estimated intellectual capacity, and increased potential for additional drug use.
Trade-off acquisition and allocation in Gryllus firmus: a test of the Y model

Many models of life history evolution assume trade-offs between major life history traits; however, these trade-offs are often not found. The Y model predicts that variation in acquisition can mask underlying allocation trade-offs and is a major hypothesis explaining why negative relationships are not always found between traits that are predicted to trade-off with one another. Despite this model’s influence on the field of life history evolution, it has rarely been properly tested. We use a model system, the wing dimorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus as a case study to test the assumptions and predictions of the Y model. By experimentally altering the acquisition regime and by estimating energy acquisition and energy allocation directly in this species, we are able to explicitly test this important model. Overall, we find strong support for the predictions of the Y model.
Improving Grandparent Success

Grandparents deserve access to classes that help them adjust to their changing role and build satisfying family relationships. Previous research resulted in the nation's first educational curriculum for “Becoming a Better Grandparent.” This study was conducted to determine the benefits of the program. Self-selected grandparents, drawn from randomly paired sites within religions, reflected the national proportion of people over the age of 50 who classify themselves as Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish. A control group of 185 members was denied instruction but completed the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory at three different times. Twelve weekly classes were provided for 210 grandparents in an experimental group. Each of these persons chose one son or daughter and one grandchild to help evaluate changes in grandparent attitudes and behavior. All three generations completed separate versions of the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory before classes began, at the end of the intervention, and 3 mo...
Nonlinear optics solution to the mystery of the diffuse optical interstellar bands (DIBs)

Summary form only given. For more than 60 years, scientists have speculated about the origin of the so-called diffuse optical interstellar bands (DIBs), a complex pattern of more than 200 absorption bands of varying widths appearing in the visible part of the spectrum in the frequency-dispersed light from reddened bright stars. Previously published suggestions for DIB carriers include inorganic impurities in grains, ions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), large linear carbonaceous unsaturated molecules, fullerenes, very large organic molecules related to life (such as porphyins and chlorophylls), and even alien bacteria (Hoyle). With use of a model based on nonlinear absorption by H/sub 2/ we believe that we are en route to a solution of this mystery.
Building the Latin America We Want: Supplementing Representative Democracies with Consensus Building

This article is about using consensus building to create channels for meaningful participation in public decision-making, in order to supplement representative democracies in Latin America. I argue that the addition of a consensus building mechanism into the legislative process will create the necessary forums for stakeholders to contribute to the framing and resolution of issues of public concern. Furthermore, as Susskind has argued, allowing citizens to participate at the beginning of decision-making processes will make legislative outcomes more legitimate and decrease the level of political dissatisfaction. Currently, citizens have few opportunities or channels to participate meaningfully in the political process. Not only are there few structural institutions that facilitate on-going citizen participation, but also the methods and skills for participation are lacking. For example, even though there are a number of laws that encourage citizen participation, there are no mechanisms that facilitate broad-based representation or processes that guarantee inclusion. I argue that minipublics - public deliberation organizations made up of representatives of the various social sectors - and consensus-building demonstrate, on a small-scale, how channels for meaningful participation can be created at the national level. Finally, this Article examines how these mechanisms could be implemented at a national level, drawing on empirical research carried out through the University of St. Thomas International ADR Research Network.
What Accident Data Reveal About Elderly Drivers

Les conducteurs âges representent 11% des conducteurs ayant un permis de conduire aux U.S.A. Recherche en vue de determiner si le nombre de dommages corporels ou si des types particuliers d'accidents provoques par des conducteurs âges pourraient etre reduits ou evites
Hexagonal and nematic phases of chains. I - Correlation functions. II - Phase transitions

The statistical mechanics of a system of semiflexible chains, which can represent polymer liquid crystals, long-chain biomolecules, stiff wormlike micelles, or columns of discotic liquid crystals, are examined. A continuum theory is used to calculate static correlation functions in the hexagonal and nematic phases. Two correlation functions are considered: (1) the structure factor which describes fluctuations in the density; and (2) the director fluctuation spectrum, which describes fluctuations in the local optical axis. In addition, a model is developed for the phase transitions of a system of infinitely long, semiflexible chains which interact through a steric, excluded-volume repulsion. The model yields generic phase diagrams in terms of pressure or density vs. persistence length or temperature.
MODULATION OF INTRINSIC CIRCUITS BY SEROTONIN 5-HT3 RECEPTORS IN DEVELOPING FERRET VISUAL CORTEX

Serotonergic projections are widespread in the developing neocortex, but their functions are obscure. The effects of 5-HT3 receptor agonists on cortical circuit response properties were studied in slices of ferret primary visual cortex using high-speed optical imaging of voltage-sensitive dye signals and whole-cell patch-clamp recording. Activation of the 5-HT3 receptor decreased the amplitude and lateral extent of excitation throughout postnatal development. This effect peaks after eye opening, which indicates a function for serotonergic modulation of circuit responses during the period of refinement of cortical connections. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from single neurons revealed that synaptic responses evoked by white matter stimulation were reduced by 5-HT3 receptor agonists, whereas the frequency of spontaneous GABAergic synaptic currents was enhanced dramatically. This indicates that the modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity by fast-acting serotonin receptors is reflected in an inhibition of the circuit response, in line with the notion of background synaptic activity altering the spatiotemporal integration properties of cortical cells by changing their membrane potential and their electrotonic structure. These mechanisms may regulate the response properties of intrinsic circuits in both the adult and developing neocortex.
Abstract 289: Retinoblastoma Gene Deletion Promotes Cardiac Dysfunction, Fibrosis and Apoptosis in Response to Pressure Overload

The retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is a universal cell cycle regulator in mammals. When the Rb protein is phosphorylated by Cyclins/Cdks, it dissociates from E2F, and Rb-dependent E2F repression is subsequently inactivated. Furthermore, the Rb protein has also been implicated in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes (CMs). To elucidate the role of Rb in response to mechanical stress, we conducted transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in cardiac-specific Rb knockout mice (cRb-KO) in vivo (C57BL/6J). Cardiac-specific deletion of Rb was achieved by crossing Rb flox/flox mice with αMHC-Cre mice. Under basal conditions, 3- to 5-month-old cRb-KO mice showed increased heart weight (HW) (left ventricular weight/ tibial length (TL): 5.93 ± 029 vs. 4.76 ± 0.14, p< 0.01), increased apoptosis as determined by TUNEL staining (0.12% vs. 0.02%, p< 0.05) and a trend towards cardiac dysfunction (-dP/dt: 4320 ± 388 vs. 5933 ± 489 mmHg/sec, p < 0.05) compared to control mice (Rb flox/flox) Follow...
Architecture-based self-protecting software systems

Since conventional software security approaches are often manually developed and statically deployed, they are no longer sufficient against today's sophisticated and evolving cyber security threats. This has motivated the development of self-protecting software that is capable of detecting security threats and mitigating them through runtime adaptation techniques. In this paper, we argue for an architecture-based self- protection (ABSP) approach to address this challenge. In ABSP, detection and mitigation of security threats are informed by an architectural representation of the running system, maintained at runtime. With this approach, it is possible to reason about the impact of a potential security breach on the system, assess the overall security posture of the system, and achieve defense in depth. To illustrate the effectiveness of this approach, we present several architecture adaptation patterns that provide reusable detection and mitigation strategies against well-known web application security threats. Finally, we describe our ongoing work in realizing these patterns on top of Rainbow, an existing architecture-based adaptation framework.
The Spanish Progressive Construction and its Latin Source

This article analyzes the origins of the progressive construction: estar + -ndo. Traditional accounts suggest that this verbal structure, which is found in Spanish and other Romance languages, evolved directly from the Latin Ablative gerund. Data from historical texts, however, indicate that the Latin gerundive – an adjectival form phonologically and morphologically similar to the gerund – is the correct source of the progressive construction. Using a generative framework, this article argues that the gerundive was reanalyzed as a non-finite verb. Furthermore, this syntactic reanalysis was facilitated by the identical position of subjects and predicates in constructions containing a raising verb or an auxiliary verb.
Intestinal Lipid Absorption, GLP-2, and CD36: Still More Mysteries to Moving Fat

Intestinal lipid transport is a highly evolved and astonishingly efficient process whose genetic basis and metabolic regulation continues to provide surprises. The essence of the process (Figure 1) involves uptake of micellarized dietary long chain fatty acids (FA) and monoglyceride across the microvillus membrane, transport through apical cytoplasmic domains, and enzymatic reassembly into complex lipid droplets within membrane profiles of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) 1 . These lipid droplets then fuse with a requisite structural protein, apolipoprotein B48 (apoB48), in a process involving physical interaction of the nascent apoB48 protein at its amino terminus with a resident ER chaperone, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp), thereby initiating formation of a primordial lipoprotein particle 1 . Further addition of neutral lipid within the ER allows progressive enlargement of the lipoprotein particle, which is surrounded by a single molecule of apoB48 1 . The maturing lipoprotein particles (prechylomicrons) undergo vectorial vesicular transport through Golgi membranes 2 where they undergo terminal modifications and are secreted as mature chylomicron (CM) particles into the lacteal for transport into the mesenteric lymph. Among the continuing mysteries is the nature and identity of the microvillus membrane FA carrier(s) and the role of paracrine and endocrine influences on the dynamics of intestinal lipoprotein assembly and secretion.