cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Manganese as a potential confounder of serum prolactin.

de Burbure et al. (2006) elegantly demonstrated that dopaminergic markers in the serum, namely prolactin and homovanillic acid, are affected in children exposed to cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic. These findings, at low environmental exposure levels, reinforce the potential of these metals to perturb dopaminergic function and optimal development. In spite of the strengths of the article, de Burbure et al. (2006) overlooked an important potential confounder. Specifically, the authors should consider the possibility that manganese confounded their data; if so, the data set should be reexamined. A strong relationship between manganese exposure and serum prolactin levels has been raised in multiple studies. Although prolactin levels serve as a direct measurement of monoamines or their metabolites in peripheral tissues (e.g., blood platelets, plasma, urine), plasma prolactin is also an indirect indicator of dopaminergic functioning, a target for excessive exposure to manganese (Mutti and Smargiassi 1998; Smargiassi and Mutti 1999). A concordance between neurocognitive deficits and manganese exposure also exists, including a recent study in children exposed to water manganese concentrations exceeding 300 μg/L (Wasserman et al. 2006). A significant and positive correlation between blood manganese concentrations and prolactin levels in cord blood has also been established (Tasker et al. 2004). Other examples abound, although negative relationships between manganese and prolactin have also been reported (Roels et al. 1992). The potential that exposure to manganese contributed to or confounded the effects of the four metals on serum prolactin levels in the cohorts studied by de Burbue et al. (2006) should be considered. If samples are available for additional analysis, correlations between manganese exposure and prolactin would be beneficial and welcomed by various health forums as the debate on safe manganese exposure levels and sensitive health effect biomarkers continues.
Fabricating the self: The socialization of fashion models

This research focuses on the occupational socialization of women fashion models. Observation, unstructured interviews, and questionnaires with an open‐ended format were used as research tools to understand the process of socialization and the work demands of modeling from the perspective of modeling students and accomplished models. It is suggested that the sustained fabrication exhibited by models can provide insight for better understanding public presentations of self.
Sorption of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds by Soil Materials: Application of Unit Equivalent Freundlich Coefficients

Prediction of the fate of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in the soil environment is difficult due to the highly complex interaction between the organic molecules and the soil components. The Freundlich isotherm is the most commonly used model to describe retention of HOCs by heterogeneous sorbents. Because of inconsistent units of constants calculated from the Freundlich model, it is difficult to strictly compare the sorption of organic molecules by different sorbents. In this study, we modified the Freundlich equation to better assess the effects of organic carbon content and physical heterogeneity on the sorption of HOCs by soils and microaggregate fractions, using naphthalene and phenanthrene as probes. Isotherms for naphthalene and phenanthrene sorption were nonlinear and well described by the Freundlich equation. Unit-equivalent Freundlich coefficients (K‘f) were calculated by normalizing the liquid-phase equilibrium concentrations (Ce) to the supercooled liquid-state solubility (Sscl) of napht...
The effect of age on the net requirements for nitrogen, lysine and tryptophan by the well-fed rat.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of age on the nitrogen, lysine, and tryptophan content of rats of varying ages fed an adequate diet was studied. On a percentage basis the nitrogen, lysine, and tryptophan levels were found to be essentially the same at all ages, with average figures of 3.24% for nitrogen, 1.47% for lysine, and 0.17% for tryptophan. 2. 2. Equations of the type W = A − be−kt were fitted to the data, and growth differential equations were used to estimate daily rate of gain of body weight, nitrogen, lysine, and tryptophan. The net nitrogen, lysine, and tryptophan requirements were estimated at selected ages by the factorial method. The lysine requirement, expressed as per cent of the protein requirement, was found to diminish progressively with age, being 5.98% lysine for a rat weighing 60 g., and 0.77% lysine for a rat weighing 445 g. Similarly expressed, the tryptophan requirements were found to be 0.8 and 0.3%.
Buffer-catalyzed tautomerism of uracil monoanion

Abstract The ultraviolet spectrum of uracil in alkali (pH 11–13) has been treated as a reference constant. It actually varies considerably with the nature and concentration of the buffer employed. This is ascribed to the effect of the dielectric constant of the medium upon the equilibrium of the two tautomeric uracil monoanions. The tautomer in which H-3 has dissociated (I) is favored by concentrated phosphate buffers of high dielectric constant. The tautomer in which H-1 has dissociated (II) predominates in aqueous ammonia solutions. The spectrum of II, free of I, has been obtained by using a dimethyl amine—ethanol—water solvent mixture. This has been used to calculate the equilibrium of uracil in 0.1 M NaOH as 47 % I, 53 % II.
Activity engagement and health quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose: This descriptive study examined differences in health quality of life (HQoL) and activity engagement in two groups of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD): those who regularly participated in classes offered by the community-based program, Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group (BPg), and a comparison group. Individuals in the comparison group did not participate in any community-based programs for people with PD, and were recruited from a clinic for PD and related disorders (PDRD) in an urban medical center. Method: We enrolled 26 participants; 13 participants were recruited from BPg and 13 from PDRD Clinic. Activity engagement was measured using the Activity Card Sort (ACS) and HQoL was measured using the PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Additionally, each participant completed a brief, interview-based questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in ACS scores between the BPg and comparison groups. BPg participants showed higher activity retention scores in all domains measured by the ACS. There was no statistically significant difference in PDQ-39 scores. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that regular participation in community programs like BPg may increase retention rates of activity engagement in people with PD. Participation in BPg programs, though, was not shown to improve HQoL as measured by the PDQ-39.
A Community-Based Health Education Analysis of an Infectious Disease Control Program in Nigeria

This descriptive study utilized the strategy of primary health care in program development-especially a community-based health education intervention approach-in the control of guinea-worm in rural communities of Nigeria. Two closely related rural communities in two states served as target groups. Committee system approach, nominal group process, interview methods, audio-visual aids, and health care volunteer trainingship were the educational strategies employed in a control and experimental set up. The PRECEDE model was applied in the analysis. Results show a significant control action on guinea-worm infestation in the experimental community and a tremendous achievement in preventive health education interventions through organized community participation/involvement and ultimate self-reliance and individual responsibility. A positive increase in health knowledge and attitude examined through interview method, and observable changes in health behavior were noticed. Wells were provided, drinking water treated, while personal and community health promotion strategies were encouraged by all. The study has shown the effectiveness/efficacy of a community-based effort facilitated by a health educator.
Development and validation of a diagnostic test for Ridge allele copy number in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs

The breed-defining dorsal ridge in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs is the result of a 133,000 base pair duplication on chromosome 18. Because this trait is dominant, heterozygous dogs cannot be discriminated from those with two copies of the Ridge allele. A quantitative PCR test was developed and dogs of known genotype were used as test subjects. In all cases, the correct genotype was determined experimentally. This work provides a rapid and accurate methodology for determining dog genotype with respect to the Ridge allele.
Women's Perceptions of Male Partners' Gender Role Conflict as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being and Relationship Satisfaction.

This study evaluated the relationship between women’s perceptions of men’s gender role conflict and women’s relationship satisfaction and well-being. One hundred seventy-five women reported perceptions of their most recent or current male romantic partner’s gender role conflict and rated their own levels of somatization, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship satisfaction. Women who perceived their romantic partners as scoring higher on Success, Power, and Competition and lower on Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men reported greater levels of depression and anxiety. Women who perceived their partners as scoring lower on Success, Power, and Competition and Restrictive Emotionality reported greater relationship satisfaction. Gender role conflict factors did not predict women’s somatization or self-esteem levels. Counseling implications, suggestions for future research, and limitations are discussed.
Effects of General Anesthetics on Regulation of the Peripheral Vasculature

The heart is a passively filling pump in a circulatory system that is connected in series with distensible blood vessels. Therefore, systemic blood pressure and tissue perfusion depend upon adequat...
Evaluation of an MHT-Enabled Tracker with Simulated Multistatic Sonar Data

Multistatic sonar is an operational concept for jointly deploying and processing multiple sonar sources and receivers in order to obtain enhanced coverage of targets of interest in a volume of ocean. The enhanced performance is obtained through the diversity of "looks" at the targets of interest provided by the many source-target-receiver geometries available through multistatics. This increased probability of target detection by the sensor field is particularly significant in littoral operations, where a tracker must be able to hold the target in the presence of large numbers of random false alarms. This paper describes the performance results of a multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) enabled tracker against three simulated multistatic data sets provided by the Multi Static Tracking Working Group (MSTWG). Using a set of MSTWG-defined tracking metrics, the tracker is demonstrated to successfully discriminate target contacts from large quantities of false alarms, and in doing so, successfully track the target(s) of interest in each scenario. These results lend credence to the idea that multistatic operations can significantly enhance the ability of a maritime defense force to localize and track targets of interest. Several valuable lessons regarding tracker configuration for multistatic tracking, learned as a result of this research, are presented.
On the convergence of the generalized Weiszfeld algorithm

In this paper we consider Weber-like location problems. The objective function is a sum of terms, each a function of the Euclidean distance from a demand point. We prove that a Weiszfeld-like iterative procedure for the solution of such problems converges to a local minimum (or a saddle point) when three conditions are met. Many location problems can be solved by the generalized Weiszfeld algorithm. There are many problem instances for which convergence is observed empirically. The proof in this paper shows that many of these algorithms indeed converge.
Vitamin D and the social aspects of disease

Background: The strong association between socio-economic disadvantage and poor health in northern Europe and North America causes great public health concern but as the mechanism is not understood, government actions have been completely unsuccessful. The social gap continues to widen. Aim: I propose that an important mechanism involved is relative deficiency of vitamin D in the socio-economically disadvantaged people. Design: The evidence is presented by explaining apparent paradoxes, together with the analogies of geography, season and ethnicity. Vitamin D studies are also demonstrated. Method: The picture is put together according to Hill's criteria of causation: strength of association, consistency of association, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility, coherence, experimentation and analogy. Results: Hill's criteria of causation are met, acknowledging that they are pragmatic and not absolute. The associations between vitamin D deficiency and socio-economic deprivation are supported by analogies of geography, seasonality and ethnicity. There is also biological plausibility. The paradoxes of Albania and India show that health disadvantage and socio-economic disadvantage are not necessarily connected, if relative deficiency of vitamin D is the mediating biological factor. Conclusion: The poor health and average early death of the socio-economically disadvantaged in the UK, together with the widening social gap of health, can be explained by relative deficiency of vitamin D. At present there is no explanation and attempts by government to close the social gap have failed. The understanding presented gives an important opportunity to improve the health disadvantages of the socio-economically disadvantaged.
Earthquake Recurrence Rates in the Central Atlantic United States

The seaboard area from Rhode Island to Maryland has not experienced an earthquake larger than magnitude 5.1 since European settlement. The rate of occurrence of small earthquakes for the last 200 years suggests that the 500-year earthquake might be about magnitude 5.2. An earthquake comparable to the 1886 Charleston, S. C. earthquake (magnitude 6.7) has an average recurrence period calculated to exceed ten thousand years. The effect of variability in the seismic activity rate and possible incompleteness of the record of activity makes the accuracy of recurrence estimates for this region uncertain.
Dav developmental humanoid: the control architecture and body

Dav is a developmental humanoid built in the Embodied Intelligence Laboratory at Michigan State University. The framework of Dav's control architecture is designed by researchers but the actual controller is developed autonomously (learned without a programmed task-specific representation) from its own experience. Dav's perception driven developmental control architecture is different from a conventional robot controller in following major aspects: (1) No task (goal) is given at programming time, (2) The task-specific representation is generated autonomously from sensor-motor space, not in a 3D world space, (3) The robot learns while performing, and (4) The robot is "alive" while humans interact with it. A developmental robot raises several challenging requirements for its body design that are not the same as those for traditional robots. We outline the major issues in designing the body of such a developmental robot, e.g., mobility, untetheredness, sensor and effector requirements, computational resources, longevity, and body wiring.
Enzyme histochemical profile of immunohistochemically identified Renshaw cells in rat lumbar spinal cord

Activity levels of cytochrome oxidase, acid phosphatase, and NADPH diaphorase were examined in the perikarya of immunohistochemically identified Renshaw cells from sections of rat lumbar spinal cord. Renshaw cell profiles were identified on the basis of their characteristic anti-gephyrin-immunofluorescent labelling. Intrasomatic densities of enzyme histochemical reaction product were employed as indicators of relative mitochondrial activity (cytochrome oxidase), intracytoplasmic digestion (acid phosphatase), or putative nitrergic signalling (NAPDH-diaphorase). Approximately half of the Renshaw cell somata examined displayed moderate levels of cytochrome oxidase reaction product (142 of 262 Renshaw cells) or low levels of acid phosphatase activity (156 of 243 Renshaw cells). A majority (160 of 202 cells) of Renshaw cells contained low intrasomatic levels of NADPH-diaphorase activity but most of these cells were closely apposed by at least one NADPH-diaphorase reactive axonal varicosity. Our findings suggest that moderate levels of perikaryal oxidative metabolism and low levels of intracytoplasmic digestion are sufficient for, and support, the unique physiological capabilities of Renshaw cells. The presence of NADPH-diaphorase containing somatic close contacts indicate that nitric oxide may have at least a minor role in the regulation of Renshaw cell activity. These results are complementary and consistent with previous morphological and pharmacological demonstrations of Renshaw cell heterogeneity.
Support for Coercive Interrogation Among College Students: Torture and the Ticking Bomb Scenario

The “war on terrorism” has stimulated a debate over the use of torture to obtain vital information. One school of thought, the consequentialists, finds that there are at least some situations, such as the “ticking bomb,” in which some level of torture is called for. Others, the deontologists, argue that torture is never justified. They typically maintain that the ticking bomb scenario is more myth than reality (Homant, Witkowski, & Howell, 2008). In this research, 252 college students were asked the level of coercive interrogation—levels of pressure up to and including torture—that they would approve of in response to various scenarios involving criminal offenders and terrorists. Sixty-one percent supported at least some level of torture in the ticking bomb scenario. Support for torture formed a general coercion scale. High scores on this scale correlated with support for capital punishment, a belief that torture has yielded some useful information in the war on terror, and the belief that sometimes one m...
The Technique of Fintushel and Stern

We remarked at the end of §2 that to study the moduli space of self-dual connections on a G bundle over M we impose three topological conditions on M and G—we require that the intersection form ω be positive definite, the first Betti number b1 vanish, and the dimension of G be 3—and that there is real trouble if we relax any of these constraints. The differential topologists Ronald Fintushel and Ronald Stern noticed that for G = SO(3), i.e., for oriented real three dimensional vector bundles, a theorem different from Donaldson’s can be obtained. Their nonsmoothability result holds for compact oriented 4-manifolds with almost any finite fundamental group, but not all intersection pairings are allowed. (However, their proof does apply to E8 ⊕ E8, and then the existence of fake ℝ4 follows as before.) One advantage to their approach is that the analysis is much easier. Since their results have important ramifications for 3-manifold topology, we include an “easy” case of their theorem in this chapter. The difficulties in harder cases are not in the analysis, but arise mostly from the number theory of the intersection form, and we provide enough information so that the reader can fill in these details.
Experimental vascularized bone grafts: Histopathologic correlations with postoperative bone scan: The risk of false‐positive results

A positive bone scan in an experimental model of bilateral ulna diaphyseal bone grafts demonstrated early bone repair in both vascularized and nonvascularized orthotopic ulna autografts. A positive bone scan did not correlate with the perfusion of the vascularized and nonvascularized grafts as measured by microangiograms done 1 week postoperatively. In this model, if the bone scan is intended to monitor the circulatory status and viability of the bone graft, it must be done earlier than 1 week postoperative prior to the onset of creeping repair in both vascularized and nonvascular ulna autografts.
Effect of facial asymmetry on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cephalometric measurements.

Two dimensional (2D) lateral cephalometric analyses are used to measure the shape, size, position and orientation of the different facial units. These analyses are done on lateral cephalometric radiographs. In these radiographs, all the facial structures are projected onto a single sagittal plane. However, the information which can be gathered from them is limited. In determining position, the information is limited to the anteroposterior and vertical dimensions. In determining orientation, the data is limited to pitch. In determining size, the parameters are limited to length and height, while in determining shape the analysis is restricted to projections on the sagittal plane. In spite of all these limitations, clinicians have found lateral cephalometric analyses useful and have utilized them to study facial growth, to appraise facial deformities, to plan treatment, and to evaluate outcomes. The usefulness of these analyses arises from the fact that most individuals have facial symmetry. In this group of patients most of clinically relevant measurements can be determined from a lateral analysis. Nevertheless, as many as one third of patients with dentofacial deformities have facial asymmetries.1 Therefore, the effects of these types of deformities on 2D lateral cephalometric measurements needs to be established. Preliminary observations completed in our laboratory suggest that facial asymmetry can distort 2D cephalometric measurements and that these distortions cannot be prevented by the standard practice of averaging bilateral landmarks. We are experiencing a paradigm shift in computer-aided surgical simulation for craniomaxillofacial surgery as we transit to three-dimensional (3D) cephalometry2. This transition has been facilitated by the introduction of cone-beam computer tomography, which allows for the acquisition of 3D images in the office setting with a minimal amount of radiation. Theoretically, 3D cephalometry can eliminate the shortcomings of the 2D studies, especially in patients with facial asymmetries. However, observations completed in our Surgical Planning Laboratory suggest that asymmetry can also affect these measurements. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that facial asymmetry will affect 2D and 3D cephalometric measurements.
Temporary Anchorage Devices for Tooth Movement: A Review and Case Reports

Background: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are immediately loaded miniscrews and osseointegrated palatal implants that are placed to control tooth movement during orthodontic treatment and removed when the treatment is completed. They are a relatively new addition to the dental armamentarium and can be used in some cases to replace traditional orthodontic extraoral appliances. Because placement requires a surgical procedure, orthodontists often refer patients to periodontists for this stage of the overall treatment plan. Methods: The purpose of this article is to introduce TADs to the periodontal community by reviewing their purpose, various systems that are available, indications for use, site selection, and surgical technique. Case reports are included to illustrate this new treatment approach. Results: Placement of osseointegrated implants for restorative purposes is an established procedure in most periodontal offices. Although placement of TADs is a modification of these familiar techniques, most of these devices serve a very different purpose, involving new loading protocols with no expectation of osseointegration in patients usually not receiving concomitant periodontal therapy. Conclusions: Periodontists' knowledge of soft and hard tissue anatomy and their ability to manage soft tissue position them well to collaborate with orthodontists in this multidisciplinary treatment. However, as with every new modality, clinicians need to understand the specific uses and limitations of TADs and work closely with their referring orthodontists in identifying patients for whom miniscrew implants are a viable option. Periodontal practices are based primarily on referrals from dental colleagues, and the concept of periodontists working cooperatively with orthodontists is not new. Including TAD placement among the services periodontists offer provides another opportunity to further this relationship and to establish periodontists as appropriate resources for this segment of orthodontic treatment.
Injuries among solid waste collectors in the private versus public sectors

Solid waste collection is among the occupations with the highest risk for injuries and illnesses. Solid waste collector injuries were characterized in terms of injury risk and employment industry s...
The Role of CXCR7/RDC1 as a Chemokine Receptor for CXCL12/SDF-1 in Prostate Cancer

Several reports have recently documented that CXCR7/RDC1 functions as a chemokine receptor for SDF-1/CXCL12, which regulates a spectrum of normal and pathological processes. In this study, the role of CXCR7/RDC1 in prostate cancer (PCa) was explored. Staining of high density tissue microarrays demonstrates that the levels of CXCR7/RDC1 expression increase as the tumors become more aggressive. In vitro and in vivo studies with PCa cell lines suggest that alterations in CXCR7/RDC1 expression are associated with enhanced adhesive and invasive activities in addition to a survival advantage. In addition, it was observed that CXCR7/RDC1 levels are regulated by CXCR4. Among the potential downstream targets of CXCR7/RDC1 are CD44 and cadherin-11, which are likely to contribute to the invasiveness of PCa cells. CXCR7/RDC1 also regulates the expression of the proangiogenic factors interleukin-8 or vascular endothelial growth factor, which are likely to participate in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Finally, we found that signaling by CXCR7/RDC1 activates AKT pathways. Together, these data demonstrate a role for CXCR7/RDC1 in PCa metastasis and progression and suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Topography of the salar de Uyuni, Bolivia from kinematic GPS

The salar de Uyuni in the Bolivian Andes is the largest salt flat on Earth, exhibiting less than 1 m of vertical relief over an area of 9000 km(2). We report on a kinematic Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of a 45-by-54 km area in the eastern salar, conducted in September 2002 to provide ground truth for the Ice Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) mission. GPS post-processing included corrections for long-period GPS noise that significantly improved survey accuracy. We fit corrected GPS trajectories with 2-D Fourier basis functions, from which we created a digital elevation model (DEM) of the surface whose absolute accuracy we estimate to be at least 2.2 cm RMSE. With over two magnitudes better vertical resolution than the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data, this DEM reveals decimetre-level topography that is completely absent in other topographic data sets. Longer wavelengths in the DEM correlate well with mapped gravity, suggesting a connection between broad-scale salar topography and the geoid similar to that seen over the oceans.
Generation of Regulated Single Photons by Pulsed Excitation of a Single InAs Quantum Dot

We report a single-photon turnstile device based on pulsed excitation of a single self-assembled InAs quantum dot. This device can be used in quantum cryptography and future quantum information processing applications.
Cellular immune deficiency in black patients with basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer, the most common malignancy in white patients, is rare in black populations. Seventeen black patients have been diagnosed and treated for basal cell carcinoma in the past 20 years at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Ten of them have died, six of various types of cancer. Of the seven living patients, one had two cancers at the time of study: a new basal cell carcinoma and generalized lymphoma. The majority of patients had some degree of mixed racial ancestry, with medium to light brown skin, a history of heavy sun exposure, and lesions appearing on the head or neck. Highly significant depression of cellular immunity was demonstrated in these patients by T-cell assay. Altered tumor surveillance is implied as an etiological factor in basal cell carcinogenesis in black patients.
Capital, Scale, and Risk Constraints to Vegetable Adoption among Smallhold Farmers in Nepal

Nepal’s agricultural productivity has stagnated in recent decades, resulting in widespread malnutrition, poverty, and civil conflict. In response, government and donor institutions have promoted high-input, high-return vegetable crops to increase earnings and productivity among smallhold farmers. This study examines the constraints limiting widespread adoption of these crops in the Mid-Western Development Region (MWDR) of Nepal. I first draw upon the technology adoption literature to generate predictions regarding potential capital, scale, and risk constraints to farmers’ vegetable adoption, and then develop Logit, Probit, OLS, and Ordered Probit regression models to measure the effects of these constraints on a sample of farmers from the MWDR. The sample is drawn from a field survey I conducted in Nepal from June to July, 2014. Principal regression results show that farm area, distance to an agricultural supplier, higher caste status, and food insecurity are all significantly negatively associated with vegetable adoption, while farmers’ age, agricultural training, and assets are significantly positively associated with adoption. I conclude that the surprising negative relation between farm size and vegetable adoption is the result of non-functioning labor markets, and that risk aversion is a significant barrier to vegetable adoption. More broadly, I find that vegetables are a relatively equitable instrument for poverty alleviation in Nepal.
Rheological and Wall-Slip Behaviors of Polymer Based Drilling Foams

This paper present experimental study conducted on rheology of hydroxyethyl cellulose (polymer) based foams. The effects of foam quality, wall-slip, and polymer concentration on foam rheology have been experimentally investigated using a circulating flow loop. Foam quality and flow rate were varied from 50 to 80 percent and 1 to 52 L/min, respectively. To identify the existence of wall-slip, tests were performed using different diameter (13.4, 19.6 and 31.8 mm ID) pipe viscometers.Experimental results show expected trends; pressure loss increased with increasing flow rate and reduced with increasing pipe diameter. Slight wall-slip was observed in the small diameter viscometer. However, the measurements obtained from other viscometers do not indicate wall-slip. All tested foams exhibited strong non-Newtonian behavior, which increases with foam quality and polymer concentration. The rheology of foams best fits the power-law fluid model. Applying regression analysis, new correlations have been developed to predict rheology of polymer-based foams.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The effectiveness of a single dose of oral ibuprofen plus caffeine in acute postoperative pain in adults.

Commentary on : Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen plus caffeine for acute postoperative pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;7:CD011509. A number of studies have been performed regarding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the combination with caffeine for the control of postoperative pain; most of them involving molar surgeries and tension headaches; none of them have been developed in the past 10 years. This study presented by Derry and colleagues assessed the analgesic efficacy of a single dose of ibuprofen plus caffeine when compared to placebo for moderate to severe postoperative pain. Up to February 2015, the authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Oxford Pain Relief Database. Two independent authors assessed the search results and agreed which …
Income Maintenance and the Rural Poor: An Experimental Approach

INCREASING CONCERN about the exclusivity, inequity, and inadequacy of the welfare structure has stimulated a search for alternative income maintenance schemes to augment or replace current public assistance programs. One of these alternatives is the negative income tax. The desirability of adopting a nationwide negative income tax depends, among other things, upon (1) the cost of the program and (2) its effect upon the behavior and attitudes of the poor. While some answers can be provided from our existing state of knowledge about these issues, others cannot. The cost of any specific negative income tax plan can be quickly calculated if we assume no change in earned income of the recipients. The problem is in the assumption-there is little evidence to support or refute the assumption that individuals would not alter their work habits and consequently their earnings if a negative income tax were introduced. Obviously, if the work effort and hence the earned income of recipients declined, the cost of the program would rise. Experimentation seems desirable in order to get more information about this issue. Besides the cost aspect, it is important to evaluate a negative income tax program in terms of possible changes in the attitudes and behavior of the poor upon receiving transfer payments. Will they become more or less dependent on the government? Will they spend the money "wisely" or "foolishly"? Will their children do better in school? Will there be more or less family separation? Will those receiving payments gain more or less self-respect and self-reliance? Answers to these and similar questions are necessary to fully
CYP3A4: The workhorse

This chapter discusses the genetics, metabolic actions, substrates, inducers, and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4.
Tracheo-parenchymal fistula following concurrent chemo-radiation for stage III NSCLC

Non-Small Cell Cancer (NSCLC) are frequently diagnosed at a later stage [1]. Treatment involves chemotherapy and radiation, either sequentially or concurrently [2]. Concurrent therapy is more efficacious but also associated with more complications [4–6]. We present a rare care of trachea-pulmonary fistula formation after concurrent chemo and radiation in a patient with Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC).
Dendritic Nanomaterials for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications

Dendritic nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of scientific interest for use in various biomedical applications primarily due to their well-defined structure and capacity for multifunctionalization. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in various dendrimers and their modified dendritic materials with a particular focus on their applications such as drug delivery, gene delivery, diagnostics and prognostics, and detoxification/prophylaxis. We also discuss the fundamentals of the biological interactions of dendritic nanomaterials in regard to non-specific cell interactions, multivalent binding, stimuli-responsive processes, and biodistribution. In addition, this chapter highlights the current drawbacks of dendrimers that have hindered their rapid clinical translation and introduce recent approaches to overcoming these challenges.
The last orbit: planning Cassini's plummet into Saturn

Cassini’s final orbit around Saturn will culminate in a dramatic ending as the spacecraft plunges into the ringed planet’s atmosphere, never to escape or be heard from again. The last hours of the mission prior to the final loss of signal have some of the most unique and valuable science to date. Cassini will take a unique trajectory to dive deep into the atmosphere on its approach to final disposal and no spacecraft, Cassini included, has entered these depths of Saturn’s atmosphere. The science community has placed heavy emphasis onthis once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inspect these deeper regions of Saturn’s atmosphere. The Cassini project specifically aims to collect the very last bits of data during the final plunge to get samples of the deepest regions before the spacecraft is lost forever. The desire to collect the final bits of data presents several challenges. Cassini’s Mission Planning (MP) team has developed an End of Mission (EOM) scenario to tackle these demands. The EOM scenario outlines the framework for the entire last orbit of the mission and details thestrategy for data collection and transmission. Attaining near real-time transmission is key for the acquisition of the very last bits of data. The Cassini spacecraft will use a new mode of operations to successfully achieve this real-time transmission. In addition to this primary investigation and planning for telecommunications, key risks have been studied within the realm of the last orbit. Ultimately, this paper shows how the Cassini Project plans to ensurethe return of every last bit of data before the spacecraft is consumed by Saturn forever.
Financialization of the Early Victorian Economy and the London Stock Exchange

Previously unknown basic statistics are obtained about the operations of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in early Victorian times. Integration of data from the Bank of England Archive with price reports, press coverage, and other sources produces estimates for volume of transactions, distribution of earnings among dealers, efficiency of the market, and the coverage of available price lists. For example, it is found that for some securities, prices were reported for under 20% of transactions. The LSE was surprisingly small and by some measures also surprisingly efficient. Much of its efficiency appears to have come from its deep involvement in the “shadow banking system” of that era, a connection that appears to have been misunderstood and almost completely neglected in the past. The low levels of activity, the dominance of small investors, and low cost of the system show the very early stages of the “financialization” of the modern economy and provide interesting perspectives on modern developments.
Intraoperative Sonography of Renal Tumors

AbstractIntraoperative sonography (7.5MHz. transducer with Doppler probe) was used to evaluate renal masses in 41 kidneys to determine its correlation with pathological findings. This intraoperative determination of the extent of the renal lesion prompted occasional changes in surgical management. We conclude that intraoperative sonography is most useful in partial nephrectomy, and helps to determine the extent of tumor, multicentricity, venous extension and associated cysts. These findings may not be appreciated with intraoperative, visual inspection of the kidney.
Simulation of genetic and environmental interaction of three tropical hair sheep breeds.

The Texas A&M Sheep Simulation Model was used to examine genetic-environmental interactions (GEI) among Brazilian Somali, Morada Nova, and Santa Ines breeds and type and level of feed supplement in northeast Brazil. Two sets of simulations were conducted to examine effects of different supplement quality (napier grass vs cunha legume) and quantity (napier grass only). The analyses indicated the benefits from supplementing lambs at weaning during the dry season and from supplementing lactating ewes at the beginning of lambing season when forage is scarce. The cunha legume was an effective supplement, but choosing between cunha legume and napier grass is an economic consideration. Increasing the amount of napier grass supplement per ewe from 200 g/d to 400 g/d resulted in a significant GEI (i.e., different levels of response such as lamb mortality rate, lamb weaning weight, and lambing rate for different breeds). The Brazilian Somali was the least responsive, whereas the Santa Ines was the most responsive to supplementation. It was concluded that the level of supplement should be higher for the Santa Ines and Morada Nova than for the Somali. The amount of supplement should be regulated so that it neither substitutes for nor lowers the utilization of the native caatinga forage. None of the breeds was simulated to be superior in all environments. Thus, considering the wide range of resources of individual farmers, any one of these breeds may be the preferred choice, depending on the individual set of production resources.
Modulation of methotrexate toxicity by thymidine: sequence-dependent biochemical effects.

Biochemical consequences of treatment with combinations of methotrexate (MTX) and thymidine (dThd) were examined in four mammalian cell lines in vitro . When 40 µM dThd was added to medium, 1 h after a lethal dose of MTX, fibroblasts and lymphoblasts were partially protected, but N 1 S 1 tumor cells were not. Cytotoxicity of this combination correlated with cellular thymidylate synthetase activity, and in the presence of MTX, followed by dThd, N 1 S 1 tumor cells accumulated dihydrofolate, whereas dihydrofolate accumulation was less extensive in the other cell lines. In fibroblasts, lymphoblasts, and N 1 S 1 tumor cells, MTX caused a marked accumulation of cellular deoxyuridylate. This effect was decreased, but not eliminated, by administration of dThd 1 h after MTX. The effects of administration of dThd (40 µM) 2 h before MTX were markedly different from the effects of dThd after MTX; no accumulation of deoxyunidylate or dihydrofolate was observed, and the dThd pretreatment conferred a greater degree of protection from MTX toxicity than dThd "rescue" in fibroblasts, lymphoblasts, and N 1 S 1 tumor cells. In N 1 S 1 cells MTX had a pronounced antipunine effect, as measured by the decrease in dGTP pools; this effect was largely prevented by dThd pretreatment, but dThd administration after MTX restored the dTTP pool without abolishing the antipunine effect of the MTX. The abolition of the MTX antipurine effect by dThd pretreatment is attributed to decreased cellular thymidylate synthetase activity consequent upon the reduction in deoxyunidylate caused by dThd pretreatment. In cells of the well-differentiated Morris hepatoma 8999S, pretreatment with 40 µM dThd gave no protection from MTX, though partial protection was obtained at 100 µM dThd.
A population-based study for 30-d hospital readmissions after acute ischemic stroke

Objective: To determine post-stroke 30-d readmission rate, its predictors, its impact on mortality and to identify potentially preventable causes of post-stroke 30-d readmission in a population-based study. Patients and methods: We identified all acute ischemic strokes (AIS) using the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision codes (433.x1, 434.xx and 436) via the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) between January 2007 and December 2011. Acute stroke care in Olmsted County is provided by two medical centers, Saint Marys Hospital and Olmsted Medical Center Hospital. All readmissions to these two hospitals were accounted for this study. Thirty-day readmission data was abstracted through manual chart review. The REP linkage database was used to identify the status (living/dead) of all patients at last follow up. Results: Forty-one (7.6%, 95% CI 5.7%–10.2%) of total 537 AIS patients were readmitted 30-d post-stroke. In a multivariable logistic regression model, discharge to nursing home followin...
Exploring the Orb2 Fibril Core

Functional amyloid formation by the Orb2 protein and its homologs plays a critical role in memory in species ranging from fruit flies to humans. Amyloid formation in-vivo is dependent on an interaction between the Orb2A and Orb2B isoforms of the protein where Orb2A seeds fibril formation. Here, we have used solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to analyze the fibril core of Orb2A and Orb2B. We find strong evidence that Orb2A has two fibril cores, a unique N-terminal core used to seed fibril formation and a second core that is shared with Orb2B and used to incorporate Orb2B into the fibril. We also use ssNMR and EPR constraints with molecular modeling in Rosetta to develop a preliminary structure of the Orb2A seeding core.
Parents’ experiences in a home-based dialogic reading programme

ABSTRACTResearch conducted over the past 30 years has demonstrated the effectiveness of dialogic reading in facilitating young children’s language development. The present study examined parents’ experiences in a dialogic reading programme with their preschooler aged 2–5 years. The study sample of 52 parent–child dyads was divided into two groups: a low-income/Head Start sample and a middle-income sample. The shared reading programme was associated with significant gains in children’s vocabulary. Main themes identified in parent interviews post-intervention included Positive Impressions of Programme, Liking Programme Structure, Liking When Child Showed Learning or Ability, Enjoying Time with Child, Finding Appropriate Time to Read, and within the low-income/Head Start sample, Challenges with Programme Execution. Parents in the middle-income sample were significantly more likely to indicate Positive Impressions of Programme compared to parents in the low-income/Head Start sample. Recommendations for bolste...
Heritability and Longitudinal Stability of Planning and Behavioral Disinhibition Based on the Porteus Maze Test.

The Porteus Maze Test (PMT) provides measures of planning and behavioral disinhibition. The PMT was administered to 941 twins during Wave 1 (9–10 years) and 320 twins during Wave 2 (11–13 years). Participants were drawn from the University of Southern California Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior Study (RFAB). Heritability of behavioral disinhibition, determined by PMT Q-Score, were 33% at Wave 1 and 52% at Wave 2. For planning, determined by Test Age, heritability was 53% at Wave 1; at Wave 2, the non-shared environment was important in boys, whereas genetic influences were important in girls. Both indices were modestly stable (r = 0.52; r = 0.37). A common genetic factor influenced both indices, respectively, at the two time points, with no ‘new’ genetic variance at Wave 2; the non-shared environment was time-specific. Thus, both genetic and non-shared environmental influences are important for behavioral disinhibition (Q-Score) and planning (Test Age).
JOANA D’ARC EM LUTA PELA DIGNIDADE: UMA PRÁTICA EM DESENVOLVIMENTO COMUNITÁRIO - DOI: 10.5212/Rev.Conexao.v.12.i3.0014

This paper discusses a community development practice conducted for five years (2005-2010) in the Joana d’Arc community, in the poor outskirts of Porto Alegre/RS. This initiative, called Joana d’Arc fighting for Dignity Project, was linked to the Social Development sector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul was sponsored by the Development and Citizenship Program, Petrobras. The project aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of residents through the implementation of a collective enterprise, which offers employment and income generation for a group of women. In addition, it sought a way to problematize the living difficulties and the articulation of the group for the development of a work grounded on collectivity. The methodology was essentially participatory and dialogic. Thus, it was through the establishment of meaningful links, such as caring between educators and students, that daily militancy gained space to encourage autonomy as well as the central role of the community in the process of social transformation. After five years of community actions, the main results were: 37 women trained in bakery and pastry skills; the construction of a place for the collective enterprise as well as an additional space for community activities; acquisition of specific machinery; 19 women trained to work with children as Educator Assistants; and the implementation of a set of interdisciplinary actions that contributed to the improvement of various aspects of community life.