cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small-area socioeconomic status and children's oral health in a safety-net care delivery setting.

Objectives To better understand the impact of small-area socioeconomic status (SES) on caries experience and sealant presence among children receiving services through a comprehensive community-based safety-net oral health program. Methods Census-tract level household data from the American Community Survey was utilized to construct an index that reflects the small-area socioeconomic environments in which children receive oral health services. This area SES index was entered into a logistic model with sociodemographic participant data collected by the community-based oral health program to consider its association with outcomes (caries and sealant experience) at first program visit, among children older and younger than 5 years. Results Among poor children older than 5 years of age, higher census-tract level SES was associated with lesser caries experience and greater sealant experience at presentation for care to a community-based oral health program. Each standard deviation increase in census-tract level SES index was associated with reduced odds of any caries experience (aOR = 0.92; 95 percent CI 0.85, 0.99; P = 0.021) and increased odds of sealants (aOR = 1.20; 95 percent CI 1.05, 1.37; P = 0.009). Among children 5 years and under, only grade was associated with both outcomes. Conclusions Within an inner city area of poverty, the greater a census tract's socioeconomic risks to health, the greater the odds that children over age five experience caries and the lesser their odds of having dental sealants. While associations between SES and oral health outcomes across the full spectrum of SES have been recognized, this study suggests that within lower SES areas, SES-associated gradients exist in children's oral health.
Monolithic bowtie cavity traps for ultracold gases

We report on trapping and cooling 6Li atoms in a monolithic ring bowtie cavity. To make the cavity insensitive to magnetic fields used to tune atomic interactions, we constructed it entirely from fused silica and Zerodur. The components were assembled using hydroxide bonding, which we show can be compatible with ultra-high vacuum. Backscattering in high-finesse ring cavities readily causes trap intensity fluctuations and heating, but with phase-controlled bi-directional pumping, the trap lifetime can be made long enough for quantum gas experiments in both the crossed-beam trap (unidirectional pump) and 2D lattice trap (bidirectional pump) configurations.
Impacts of climate change on economies, ecosystems, energy, environments, and human equity: A systems perspective

Abstract The substantial and continuing increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the use of primarily fossil fuels to meet increasing energy demands have made the Earth’s climate increasingly hotter. It is also wetter where it is wetter and drier where it is drier. The weather is more extreme. The adverse impacts and consequences of this extreme weather on our economies, ecosystems, environment, and even energy sectors are increasingly evident. The magnitude of each impact differs in particular regions—but together, the temporal range and spatial extent of these extremes makes climate change one of the most urgent and long-term issues facing the world’s populations today. Global warming is adversely impacting the health and economic and social well-being of people, communities, and nations, worldwide. The most vulnerable—those with fewest resources and options available to respond—are being the most impacted. This chapter attempts to identify the interdependencies among the major economic, ecological, environmental, and energy sector impacts, and associated social equity issues, resulting from today’s changing climate. These impacts include more frequent and intense storms, wildfires, and heat waves; air, soil, and water pollution; crop failures; shifts in ecosystem habitats; freshwater shortages; worsening smog; health risks to humans, animals and plants; melting ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost; rising sea levels and damage to coastal communities and infrastructure in virtually every sea-bordering country in the world and possibly permanently flooding entire island nations. These are only a few of the consequences of global warming that are among others reviewed in this chapter. As the direct and damaging impacts of climate change on food supplies, human health, commerce, industries, and ecosystem services become more severe, and as conflicts over increasingly scarce resources worsen, political and social tensions increase. Regions become less livable. People leave. These migrations significantly increase risks of conflicts. The economic, social, and political costs resulting from our increasing emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere clearly outweigh those costs of decreasing them.
Co-Adaptation of Physical Attributes of the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract and Sperm to Facilitate Fertilization.

The functions of the female reproductive tract not only encompass sperm migration, storage, and fertilization, but also support the transport and development of the fertilized egg through to the birth of offspring. Further, because the tract is open to the external environment, it must also provide protection against invasive pathogens. In biophysics, sperm are considered “pusher microswimmers”, because they are propelled by pushing fluid behind them. This type of swimming by motile microorganisms promotes the tendency to swim along walls and upstream in gentle fluid flows. Thus, the architecture of the walls of the female tract, and the gentle flows created by cilia, can guide sperm migration. The viscoelasticity of the fluids in the tract, such as mucus secretions, also promotes the cooperative swimming of sperm that can improve fertilization success; at the same time, the mucus can also impede the invasion of pathogens. This review is focused on how the mammalian female reproductive tract and sperm interact physically to facilitate the movement of sperm to the site of fertilization. Knowledge of female/sperm interactions can not only explain how the female tract can physically guide sperm to the fertilization site, but can also be applied for the improvement of in vitro fertilization devices.
Bicentric Treatment Outcomes After Proton Therapy for Nonmyxopapillary High-Grade Spinal Cord Ependymoma in Children.

Purpose Few studies report outcomes in children treated with radiation for nonmyxopapillary ependymoma of the spinal cord, and little evidence exists to inform decisions regarding target volume and prescription dose. Moreover, virtually no mature outcome data exist on proton therapy for this tumor. We describe our combined institutional experience treating pediatric classical/anaplastic ependymoma of the spinal cord with proton therapy. Methods and Materials Between 2008 and 2019, 14 pediatric patients with nonmetastatic nonmyxopapillary grade II (n = 6) and grade III (n = 8) spinal ependymoma received proton therapy. The median age at radiation was 14 years (range, 1.5-18 years). Five tumors arose within the cervical cord, 3 within the thoracic cord, and 6 within the lumbosacral cord. Before radiation therapy, 3 patients underwent subtotal resection, and 11 underwent gross-total or near total resection. Two patients received chemotherapy. For radiation, the clinical target volume received 50.4 Gy (n = 8), 52.2 (n = 1), or 54 Gy (n = 5), with the latter receiving a boost to the gross tumor volume after the initial 50.4 Gy, modified to respect spinal cord tolerance. Results With a median follow-up of 6.3 years (range, 1.5-14.8 years), no tumors progressed. Although most patients experienced neurologic sequela after surgery, only 1 developed additional neurologic deficits after radiation: An 18-year-old male who received 54 Gy after gross total resection of a lumbosacral tumor developed grade 2 erectile dysfunction. There were 2 cases of musculoskeletal toxicity attributable to surgery and radiation. At analysis, no patient had developed cardiac, pulmonary, or other visceral organ complications or a second malignancy. Conclusion Radiation to a total dose of 50 to 54 Gy can be safely delivered and plays a beneficial role in the multidisciplinary management of children with nonmyxopapillary spinal cord ependymoma. Proton therapy may reduce late radiation effects and is not associated with unexpected spinal cord toxicity.
Racial/ethnic differences in cancer diagnosed after metastasis: absolute burden and deaths potentially avoidable through earlier detection.

Background Racial/ethnic disparities in cancer mortality are well-described and are partly attributable to later stage of diagnosis. It is unclear to what extent reductions in the incidence of late-stage cancer could narrow these relative and absolute disparities. Methods We obtained stage- and cancer-specific incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program for persons aged 50 to 79 years between 2006 and 2015. For eight hypothetical cohorts of 100,000 persons defined by race/ethnicity and sex, we estimated cancer-related deaths if cancers diagnosed at stage IV were detected earlier, by assigning them outcomes of earlier stages. Results We observed a three-fold difference in the absolute burden of stage IV cancer between the group with the highest rate (non-Hispanic Black males, 337 per 100,000) and the lowest rate (non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander females,117 per 100,000). Assuming all stage IV cancers were diagnosed at stage III, 32-80 fewer cancer-related deaths would be expected across subgroups, a relative reduction of 13-14%. Assuming one-third of metastatic cancers were diagnosed at each earlier stage (I, II, and III), 52-126 fewer cancer-related deaths would be expected across subgroups, a relative reduction of 21-23%. Conclusions Across population subgroups, non-Hispanic Black males have the highest burden of stage IV cancer and would have the most deaths averted from improved detection of cancer before metastasis. Impact Detecting cancer before metastasis could meaningfully reduce deaths in all populations, but especially in non-Hispanic Black populations.
Jewish identities in German popular entertainment, 1890-1933

Part I. 'Ponim et Circenses': Jewish Identities in Circus Entertainment, 1870-1933: 1. The circus in time and space 2. Family bonds 3. Schein und Sein in the circus 4. Losing common ground Part II. Comic Relief: Jewish Identities in Jargon Theater from 1890 to the 1920s: 5. Tongue in cheek 6. All in the family 7. A limited engagement 8. The gravity of laughter Part III. The Loneliness of the Limelight: Jewish Identities in Revue Theater, 1898-1933: 9. The metropol: between culture and Kapital 10. Leading characters 11. Stardom and its discontents 12. The art of pleasing all.
A Simple Controller via Feedback Linearization and its Use in Adaptive Control

In this paper it is shown that if an input-output discrete-time model is available, feedback linearization can be easily accomplished without the use of geometric differential tools and without the need for measurements of all states or state observers. Feedback linearization is sub-sequently combined with internal model controller design to obtain a nonlinear controller that can stabilize unstable steady states, follow setpoint changes and reject disturbances. Global stability is proved in the absence of plant/model mismatch and zero steady-state offset is guaranteed if the closed loop system is stable, even for inaccurate models. Subsequently, the above controller is used to develop a nonlinear adaptive controller. The effectiveness of the adaptive controller is demonstrated by application to a highly nonlinear simulated continuous stirred-tank reactor.
Mechanisms of obesity and related pathologies: The macro- and microcirculation of adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ made up of adipocytes, various stromal cells, resident and infiltrating immune cells, and an extensive endothelial network. Adipose secretory products, collectively referred to as adipokines, have been identified as contributors to the negative consequences of adipose tissue expansion that include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Systemic blood circulation provides transport capabilities for adipokines and fuels for proper adipose tissue function. Adipose tissue microcirculation is heavily impacted by adipose tissue expansion, some adipokines can induce endothelial dysfunction, and angiogenesis is necessary to counter hypoxia arising as a result of tissue expansion. Tumors, such as invasive lesions in the mammary gland, co-opt the adipose tissue microvasculature for local growth and metastatic spread. Lymphatic circulation, an area that has received little metabolic attention, provides an important route for dietary and peripheral lipid transport. We review adipose circulation as a whole and focus on the established and potential interplay between adipose tissue and the microvascular endothelium.
HF propagation management tools system

The author explains the various features and capabilities within the PropMan system that enable quick and comprehensive personal computer (PC)/laptop HF frequency-management analysis and tradeoffs. The evolving propagation resource manager PropMan provides a comprehensive, quick, and user-friendly process for making HF channel allocations. It is noted that PropMan can encompass the expertise necessary to eliminate many of the blatant errors typical of HF misuse. This expertise can be applied at two levels: frequency assignments and in-the-field operator support. Applying PropMan to the communications mission to generate an ALE (automatic link establishment) scan list and using ALE automation significantly enhance HF communications and facilitate effective utilization of frequency assets. >
Inhibition of sea urchin sperm acrosome reaction by antibodies directed against two sperm membrane proteins. Characterization and mechanism of action.

The egg jelly-induced acrosome reaction is inhibited by polyclonal antibodies raised against either of two S. purpuratus sperm-membrane proteins, of Mr 80 and 210 kD. Although the two antigens used have dissimilar CNBr peptide maps, antisera produced against each of them cross-react with both proteins. Inhibition of the egg jelly-induced acrosome reaction by the antisera is bypassed by a combination of the ionophores monensin and A23187. This result, along with data showing that the antisera inhibit egg jelly-induced uptake of 45Ca2+, suggests that the antisera may block both Ca2+ uptake and Na+H+ exchange in the sperm. The acrosome reaction blockage appears to be caused by the same component of the polyclonal sera responsible for cross-reaction; consequently, these antisera cannot be used to determine whether one or both of the crossreacting proteins modulate a critical step in the acrosome reaction.
Pricing and Entry Incentives with Exclusive Contracts: Evidence from Smartphones

I study the motivations for and implications of exclusive contracts, with an application to smartphones. Why would Apple choose to distribute its smartphone through only one carrier, and why would AT&T bid the most for exclusivity? I develop a model which shows that if upstream handset manufacturers face a relatively low price elasticity for their good compared to downstream wireless carriers, exclusive contracts can maximize their joint profits. An exclusive contract reduces price competition in the final good market but also increases returns to innovation for parties outside the contract, such as Google’s Android. Different price elasticities among downstream firms due to network quality differences lead to different valuations of the exclusive contract. I estimate the relative elasticities of smartphone and carrier demand using simulation and MCMC methods on a detailed monthly dataset of consumer decisions over 2008-2010. Counterfactual simulations show the importance of recomputing the price equilibrium to understanding the observed market structure. Accounting for price effects, AT&T had the highest value of exclusivity with Apple, and was willing to compensate Apple $148 per unit sale foregone. Apple’s exclusivity increased entry incentives for Android handset makers by approximately $1B.
The safety of breast-conserving surgery in patients who achieve a complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND. The objectives of this study were to determine the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate and to evaluate the correlation between surgical resection volume (RV) and LRR in patients with breast cancer who underwent segmental mastectomy after achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) on neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS. The authors reviewed the outcomes of all 109 patients who underwent segmental mastectomy after the complete eradication of invasive disease by neoadjuvant chemotherapy at their institution between 1987 and 2002. LRRs were recorded, and RVs after segmental mastectomy were calculated and categorized as small, medium, or large. RESULTS. At a median follow-up of 6.6 years, 3 patients (2.7%) developed LRR. In 2 of those patients, the recurrence was located in the ipsilateral breast; in the other patient, the recurrence was located in the supraclavicular lymph nodes with synchronous distant metastases. The median RV was 73.12 cm3 (range, 2.82–451.51 cm3). Large RVs (>125 cm3) were less common than small RVs (up to 70 cm3) or medium RVs (between 70 cm3 and 125 cm3; P = .009 and P<.0001, respectively). One patient with a small RV had an LRR at 4 years, and 2 patients with medium RVs had LLRs at 2.3 years and 6 years, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year LRR-free survival rates were 98.1% and 96.5%, respectively, and the corresponding overall survival rates were 96% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Segmental mastectomy was associated with excellent locoregional control in patients who achieved a pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Prospective studies are needed to examine whether decreasing the RVs in this patient population leads to an increased LRR rate. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
THE ACCELERATING EFFECT OF MANGANOUS IONS ON PHAGE ACTION.

Dilute solutions of MnCl2 or MnSO4 accelerate the lytic effect of phage upon susceptible staphylococci. Under the conditions of our experiments the manganese-containing mixtures lysed regularly 0.5 hour sooner than the controls. The effect is shown to be due to a lowering of the lytic threshold, i.e. the quantity of phage/bacterium requisite for lysis; Mn++ reduces the ratio from 54 to about 12. In the presence of Mn++ phage distribution is altered and in growing phage-bacteria mixtures the extracellular phage concentration is increased by manganese to approximately 4 times that occurring in the absence of manganese. There appears to be no enhancement of phage formation nor any affect on the rate of bacterial growth. As would be anticipated, for any given initial phage concentration the end titre after completion of lysis is less in the presence of manganese than in its absence. This is due to the reduced lytic threshold produced by Mn++, there consequently being less phage needed to bring about lytic destruction of the bacteria.
Foraging behavior of pileated woodpeckers in partial cut and uncut bottomland hardwood forest

Abstract In bottomland hardwood forests, partial cutting techniques are increasingly advocated and used to create habitat for priority wildlife like Louisiana black bear ( Ursus americanus luteolus ), white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), and Neotropical migrants. Although partial cutting may be beneficial to some species, those that use dead wood may be negatively affected since large diameter and poor quality trees (deformed, moribund, or dead) are rare, but normally targeted for removal. On the other hand, partial cutting can create dead wood if logging slash is left on-site. We studied foraging behavior of pileated woodpeckers ( Dryocopus pileatus ) in one- and two-year-old partial cuts designed to benefit priority species and in uncut forest during winter, spring, and summer of 2006 and 2007 in Louisiana. Males and females did not differ in their use of tree species, dbh class, decay class, foraging height, use of foraging tactics or substrate types; however, males foraged on larger substrates than females. In both partial cut and uncut forest, standing live trees were most frequently used (83% compared to 14% for standing dead trees and 3% for coarse woody debris); however, dead trees were selected (i.e. used out of proportion to availability). Overcup oak ( Quercus lyrata ) and bitter pecan ( Carya aquatica ) were also selected and sugarberry ( Celtis laevigata ) avoided. Pileated woodpeckers selected trees ≥50 cm dbh and avoided trees in smaller dbh classes (10–20 cm). Density of selected foraging substrates was the same in partial cut and uncut forest. Of the foraging substrates, woodpeckers spent 54% of foraging time on live branches and boles, 37% on dead branches and boles, and 9% on vines. Of the foraging tactics, the highest proportion of foraging time was spent excavating (58%), followed by pecking (14%), gleaning (14%), scaling (7%), berry-eating (4%), and probing (3%). Woodpecker use of foraging tactics and substrates, and foraging height and substrate diameter did not differ between recent partial cut and uncut forest. Partial cutting designed to improve or maintain habitat for priority wildlife did not affect pileated woodpecker foraging behavior or availability of selected trees compared to uncut forest in the short term.
Chicken HS4 insulators have minimal barrier function among progeny of human hematopoietic cells transduced with an HIV1-based lentiviral vector.

Position effects limit the curative potential of gene transfer strategies for the hemoglobinopathies by inducing clonal variability of transgene expression. We evaluated the mitigating effects of the chicken hypersensitivity site 4 (HS4) insulator among lentiviral vector-transduced human hematopoietic cells. We constructed various lentiviral vectors using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter under the control of a reverse-oriented murine stem cell virus (MSCV)-long-term repeat (LTR) promoter or a reverse-oriented β-globin expression cassette. A full-length HS4, a tandem HS4 core, and a single core insulator were inserted into the 3′ LTR in both forward and reverse orientation. All but the reverse single core insulator significantly decreased titers. All reduced %GFP without increasing mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) among erythroid progeny of transduced human CD34+ cells. A lower coefficient of variation (CV) was observed only among progeny of the full-length vector-transduced cells, yet a fivefold reduction in transduction efficiency was observed. In xenografted mice, the single core insulator decreased both the %GFP and the MFI at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation with no difference in CVs. These data demonstrate that the inclusion of HS4 insulator elements lowers viral titers, reduces efficiency of transduction, and produces minimal effects on transgene expression among human hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo.
Simultaneous analysis of the 2ν1 and ν1 + ν3 bands and the equilibrium structure of hydrogen telluride☆☆☆

Abstract The Coriolis coupled vibration-rotation bands 2 ν 1 and ν 1 + ν 3 of H 2 Te, which overlap near 4063 cm −1 , have been analyzed by fitting the lines from all of the Te isotopes simultaneously. Using the resulting rotational constants for the ν 1 + ν 3 band and those previously obtained for the ν 1 + ν 2 , ν 2 + ν 3 , and ν 2 along with the ground state constants, a set of α's was determined. From the α's the equilibrium rotational constants A e = 6.2515 cm −1 and B e = 6.1036 cm −1 were calculated and then the equilibrium HTeH bond angle of 90°15′ and an equilibrium bond length of 1.658 A were calculated.
Prospects for sub-micron solid state nuclear magnetic resonance imaging with low-temperature dynamic nuclear polarization.

We evaluate the feasibility of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging with sub-micron voxel dimensions using a combination of low temperatures and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Experiments are performed on nitroxide-doped glycerol–water at 9.4 T and temperatures below 40 K, using a 30 mW tunable microwave source for DNP. With DNP at 7 K, a 0.5 μL sample yields a 1H NMR signal-to-noise ratio of 770 in two scans with pulsed spin-lock detection and after 80 db signal attenuation. With reasonable extrapolations, we infer that 1H NMR signals from 1 μm3 voxel volumes should be readily detectable, and voxels as small as 0.03 μm3 may eventually be detectable. Through homonuclear decoupling with a frequency-switched Lee–Goldburg spin echo technique, we obtain 830 Hz 1H NMR linewidths at low temperatures, implying that pulsed field gradients equal to 0.4 G/d or less would be required during spatial encoding dimensions of an imaging sequence, where d is the resolution in each dimension.
School Counselors' and School Psychologists' Bullying Prevention and Intervention Strategies: A Look Into Real-World Practices

A sample of 560 school psychologists and school counselors completed a Web-based survey regarding bullying in their schools, related training, and interventions used. Few school-based mental health professionals used evidence-based bullying interventions or were involved in the selection of interventions for their school, and administrators were often cited being in charge of selecting the antibullying program(s) to be used by a school or district. Although most respondents reported receiving some training in bullying assessment or intervention, most of this training occurred during in-service training or at professional conferences, suggesting that it may have been limited in intensity and duration. Specific implications are discussed, including the need to adequately assess and provide antibullying training for school administrators and provide training in evidence-based bullying interventions.
Human erythrocyte casein kinase II: characterization and phosphorylation of membrane cytoskeletal proteins.

Abstract Casein kinase II activities were purified from human erythrocyte membrane and cytosolic fractions to apparent homogeneity. The kinases isolated from the membrane and cytosolic fractions exhibited the same subunit composition and the ability to utilize ATP and GTP as phosphoryl donors. Antibodies against the α and α′ subunits of human casein kinase II cross reacted with the corresponding subunits of both erythrocyte casein kinases. Spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and polylysine stimulated to varying degrees the activities of erythrocyte casein kinase II, whereas heparin inhibited the kinase activities. Both kinases were found to catalyze the phosphorylation of several erythrocyte membrane cytoskeletal proteins, including spectrin, ankyrin, adducin, protein 4.1, and protein 4.9. Unlike casein kinase I, casein kinase II did not phosphorylate band 3 appreciably. A preliminary estimate indicates that both human erythrocyte membrane and cytosolic casein kinase II catalyze the incorporation of approximately 1.2 and 3.5 moles of phosphate into each mole of spectrin and ankyrin, respectively. An analysis of the phosphopeptide maps of ankyrin indicates that both membrane and cytosolic kinases phosphorylate the same domains within ankyrin. These data, taken together, suggest that the type II casein kinases isolated from human erythrocyte membrane and cytosol are either identical or closely related and may play a role in the regulation of cytoskeletal protein interactions.
Cavity ring-down spectrometer for high-fidelity molecular absorption measurements

Abstract We present a cavity ring-down spectrometer which was developed for near-infrared measurements of laser absorption by atmospheric greenhouse gases. This system has several important attributes that make it possible to conduct broad spectral surveys and to determine line-by-line parameters with wide dynamic range, and high spectral resolution, sensitivity and accuracy. We demonstrate a noise-equivalent absorption coefficient of 4×10 −12 cm −1 Hz −1/2 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 1.5×10 6 :1 in an absorption spectrum of carbon monoxide. We also present high-resolution measurements of trace methane in air spanning more than 1.2 THz and having a frequency axing with an uncertainty less than 100 kHz. Finally, we discuss how this system enables stringent tests of advanced line shape models. To illustrate, we measured an air-broadened carbon dioxide transition over a wide pressure range and analyzed these data with a multi-spectrum fit of the partially correlated, quadratic speed-dependent Nelkin–Ghatak profile. We obtained a quality-of-fit parameter in the multispectrum fit equal to 36,000, thus quantifying small-but-measurable limitations of the model profile. This analysis showed that the line shape depends upon collisional narrowing, speed dependent effects and partial correlations between velocity- and phase-changing collisions.
Eye movement desensitization of medical phobias: Two case studies

We treated two medical phobic subjects with eye movement desensitization (EMD). Using detailed images of fear-related events, the treatment design conformed to an additive, within-series phase change to examine enduring effects. Results indicated that both subjects' verbal reports of fear decreased substantially using the EMD procedure. There were no consistent changes in heart rate. Similarly, self-reported fear toward a simulated blood draw decreased, but heart rate and blood pressure did not. Data for a number of standardized measures of medical fear indicated posttreatment reduction for both subjects. Anecdotal reports of medical procedures revealed limited generalization of treatment effects.
Public Health Strategies for Confronting AIDS: Legislative and Regulatory Policy in the United States

THE acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic poses a serious threat to public health, but its impact goes far beyond health. The burden of disease falls predominantly on disfavored populations—intravenous drug users, homosexuals, and prostitutes. Moreover, racial minorities are disproportionately represented in these groups. 1,2 Many argue that governmental and public health officials have failed to implement strong measures in deference to the civil liberties of high-risk groups. 3 Others argue that society has overreacted to the epidemic and imposed penalties and discriminatory treatment that would never have occurred if the primary targets of intervention were more popular. 4 Not surprisingly, these two contradictory viewpoints are espoused by groups at opposite ends of the political spectrum. A deeper dimension of the AIDS epidemic, then, is political, and it is manifested in legislation. The volume and content of state AIDS legislation has increased considerably since earlier reports. 5,6 Legislation related to AIDS
Condensed atmospheric photooxidation mechanisms for isoprene

Abstract Two condensed mechanisms for the atmospheric reactions of isoprene, which differ in the number of species used to represent isoprene's reactive products, have been developed for use in ambient air quality modehng. They are based on a detailed isoprene mechanism that has recently been developed and extensively evaluated against environmental chamber data. The new condensed mechanisms give very close predictions to those of the detailed mechanism for ozone, OH radicals, nitric acid, H2O2, formaldehyde, total PANS, and for incremental effects of isoprene on ozone formation in one day simulations. The effects of the condensations become somewhat greater in multi-day simulations, particularly in cases where NO3 reactions are important at nighttime, but the ozone predictions are still very close. On the other hand, the SAPRC-90, RADM-2, and Carbon Bond IV isoprene mechanisms give quite different predictions of these quantities. It is recommended that the new mechanisms replace those currently used in airshed simulations where isoprene emissions are important.
A study of particle ingestion by three fiddler crab species foraging on sandy sediments

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the abilities of three species of fiddler crab, Uca pugilator (Bosc), Uca pugnax (Smith), and Uca minax (Le Conte), to remove free particles (5-, 30-, 50-, and 80-μm polystyrene beads and unattached bacteria) and particle-bound bacteria from sandy sediments. The overall ranking of the species with respect to unbound particle ingestion efficiency was Uca pugilator >U. pugnax >U. minax. However, no differences were observed in the abilities of the crabs to extract unbound bacteria or 5-μm plastic beads. Uca pugilator removed twice as many attached bacteria as did U. pugnax; U. minax ingested no bound bacteria. Particle extraction efficiencies correlate well with the number of spoon-tipped hairs found on the second maxillipeds of the investigated crab species, implying that these setal types are an adaptation to foraging on sandy sediments. It is suggested that the microhabitat distributions of U. pugnax and U. minax are restricted to muddy sediments in part because these crabs do not possess mouth parts adapted for foraging in sandy sediments. Several lines of evidence are adduced to show that mouth part adaptations are probably not responsible for the exclusion of U. pugilator from microhabitats occupied by U. pugnax and U. minax.
The distribution of acetylcholine and cholinesterase in the nervous system and in innervated organs of Octopus dofleini.

Abstract 1. 1. Various parts of the nervous system and other structures of Octopus dofleini were analyzed for their acetylcholine and cholinesterase content. Acetylcholine was determined by bioassay and paper chromatography; cholinesterase determinations were made by a manometric method. 2. 2. Both acetylcholine and cholinesterase show systematic differences in concentration. Those of acetylcholine range from 3 to 350 μg/g wet wt, while the cholinesterase quotients (mg acetylcholine hydrolyzed/g of fresh tissue homogenate/hr) range from 0·8 to 99·0. The highest amounts of both agents were found in the cerebral ganglia, notably the optic ganglia. Large amounts also occur in the ganglia of arms, viscera and mantle. There is a positive correlation between acetylcholine content and cholinesterase activity of a given tissue. 3. 3. Acetylcholine was the only cholinester detected in the chromatographic analyses. The cholinesterase was found to behave like an acetylcholine-esterase; it caused only neglible hydrolysis of butyrylcholine and benzoylcholine and its activity was depressed by high acetylcholine concentrations. 4. 4. There is no experimental evidence for cholinergic synaptic transmission in cephalopods, but the results make it likely that certain structures of the nervous system contain a preponderance of cholinergic neurons. The extraordinarily high concentrations of acetylcholine found in some of the tissues, together with the correlated occurrence of high cholinesterase activity, raises the question of a metabolic role of acetylcholine.
Carbon-chalcogen bond cleavage reactions characterized for dinuclear sulfur-bridged cyclopentadienyl molybdenum complexes

Abstract The types of carbon-chalcogen bond cleavage reactions which have been characterized for dinuclear cyclopentadienylmolybdenum complexes are reviewed. The reactions include both the homolytic cleavage and the protonolysis of carbon-chalcogen bonds in neutral μ-thiolate derivatives of MoIII, nucleophilic cleavage of carbon-chalcogen bonds in certain cationic derivatives of MoIII or MoIV, and the reactions of certain dinuclear complexes with molecular hydrogen. Unique features of the sulfur-bridged complexes which contribute to this versatile reaction chemistry are discussed.
Iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery system using a conducting polymeric membrane

Abstract This work investigated the application of a porous polyaniline (PANi) membrane as a conducting polymeric membrane as well as an electrode in an iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery (TDD) system. Model drugs studied were: caffeine (MW: 194.2), lidocaine HCl (MW: 270.8) and doxycycline HCl (MW: 480.1). The PANi membrane was first tested as a simple membrane between the donor and receptor solutions; it provided satisfactory permeation profiles; the observed flux values were well described by a simplified mass transport model. A mouse skin was then mounted beneath the PANi film; such a composite system also presented satisfactory permeation profiles. Iontophoretic TDD experiments were next performed using both Ag|AgCl electrodes and PANi|AgCl electrodes for comparison; a PANi anode replaced the Ag anode in the last set. For doxycycline HCl, the flux and the 24-h accumulation from the PANi|AgCl set were 94.4 ± 81.2 μg/cm 2 h and 2760 ± 3980 μg/cm 2 , respectively; those from the Ag|AgCl set were zero. For lidocaine HCl, the flux and 10-h accumulation from the PANi|AgCl set were, respectively, 43 ± 15 μg/cm 2 h and 392 ± 130 μg/cm 2 ; the corresponding values from the Ag|AgCl set were 48 ± 20 μg/cm 2 h and 348 ± 78 μg/cm 2 . Porous polyaniline membrane appears to be capable of replacing the Ag part of Ag|AgCl electrode system; further such a membrane can exercise additional control over agent transport rate. Aqueous-organic partitioning system through the porous membrane of PANi was tested with this novel technique as well. Because of the rather low porosity of the synthesized PANi film, such a system did not yield a high permeation rate.
Rate and rhythm control showed similar symptom improvement in atrial fibrillation

Source Citation Hohnloser SH, Kuck KH, Lilienthal J, for the PIAF Investigators. Rhythm or rate control in atrial fibrillation—Pharmacological Intervention in Atrial Fibrillation (PIAF): a randomis...
Structure and reaction pathways of methyl lactate on Pd(1 1 1)

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of methyl lactate (CH3CH(OH)COOCH3) is studied in ultrahigh vacuum on a Pd(1 1 1) surface using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Methyl lactate reacts at relatively low temperatures (∼220 K) by O–H bond scission. This intermediate can either react with hydrogen to reform methyl lactate at ∼280–300 K or undergo β-hydride elimination to form flat-lying methyl pyruvate. This decomposes to form acetyl and methoxy carbonyl species as found previously following methyl pyruvate adsorption on Pd(1 1 1). These species predominantly react to form carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen.
Removal of B-domain Sequences from Factor V Rather than Specific Proteolysis Underlies the Mechanism by Which Cofactor Function Is Realized

Factor V, the precursor of factor Va, circulates in plasma with little or no procoagulant activity. Activity is generated following limited proteolysis indicating that the conversion of factor V to factor Va results in appropriate structural changes, which impart cofactor function. We have produced recombinant partial B-domain-truncated derivatives of factor V (FV(des811-1491) and FV(des811-1491) with Arg(709) and Arg(1545) mutated to Gln) to investigate whether discrete proteolysis within the B-domain followed by a conformational transition is responsible for activation. Direct binding fluorescence measurements as well as steady-state kinetic assays were employed to assess the ability of these factor V derivatives to assemble and function in prothrombinase. In contrast to human factor V, single-chain B-domain-truncated factor V bound to FXa membranes with an affinity that was identical to factor Va. Additionally, it was found that, once this modified derivative was assembled in prothrombinase, it functioned in an equivalent manner to factor Va. Taken together these data support the hypothesis that proteolysis within the B-domain of factor V, although necessary, is incidental to the mechanism by which cofactor function is realized. Instead, our results are more consistent with the interpretation that proteolytic activation of factor V simply eliminates steric and/or conformational constraints contributed by the B-domain that otherwise interfere with discrete binding interactions that govern the eventual function of factor Va.
Effects of maternal food restriction on offspring lung extracellular matrix deposition and long term pulmonary function in an experimental rat model.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of respiratory compromise throughout postnatal life. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the respiratory compromise in offspring following IUGR is not known. We hypothesized that IUGR following maternal food restriction (MFR) would affect extracellular matrix deposition in the lung, explaining the long-term impairment in pulmonary function in the IUGR offspring. Using a well-established rat model of MFR during gestation to produce IUGR pups, we found that at postnatal day 21, and at 9 months of age the expression and abundance of elastin and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), two key extracellular matrix proteins, were increased in IUGR lungs when compared to controls (p<0.05, n = 6), as determined by both Western and immunohistochemistry analyses. Compared to controls, the MFR group showed no significant change in pulmonary resistance at baseline, but did have significantly decreased pulmonary compliance at 9 months (p<0.05 vs control, n=5). In addition, MFR lungs exhibited increased responsiveness to methacholine challenge. Furthermore, exposing cultured fetal rat lung fibroblasts to serum deprivation increased the expression of elastin and elastin-related genes, which was blocked by serum albumin supplementation, suggesting protein deficiency as the predominant mechanism for increased pulmonary elastin deposition in IUGR lungs. We conclude that accompanying the changes in lung function, consistent with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, expression of the key alveolar extracellular matrix proteins elastin and αSMA increased in the IUGR lung, thus providing a potential explanation for the compromised lung function in IUGR offspring.
Karl Rahner, Friedrich Schelling, and Original Plural Unity

Despite the common perception that Rahner’s affinity with German Idealism places him near either Kant or Hegel, his thought accords better with that of Friedrich Schelling, whom he studied under Heidegger. The author examines this historical point, and then reads several of Rahner’s works to identify systematic resonances with Schelling. The article argues that the thought of Rahner and Schelling are well paired because both insist that at the origin of reality lies a plural unity. This Rahner–Schelling commonality regarding metaphysical pluralism could contribute to a theological aesthetic centered on freedom.
CFD Analysis of Fluid Flow Above the Upper Weir of an Annular Centrifugal Contactor

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the flow inside the upper portion of the rotor of an annular centrifugal contactor were performed to explore the effect of weir cap design on flow patterns in this region and compare versus open upper weirdesigns. Flow patterns and pressure drop were compared. It was found that the cap design can be easily modified to smooth the flow profile and enable steady exit flow, but that venting of the cap is required to eliminate negative pressure buildup above the weir.
Stratigraphic model for timing the opening of the Proto–Atlantic Ocean in northern Virginia

Theoretical rifting models suggest that rifting events have predictable stages, time spans, and characteristics. The stratigraphy and sedimentary tectonics of northern Virginia were compared with the theoretical models for the opening of ocean basins. According to our model the rift valley stage of initial uplift and graben formation (0–10 m.y. after onset of rifting) is represented in Virginia by the Lynchburg and equivalent formations. The initiation of ocean crust formation immediately follows the rift valley stage (10–15 m.y.) and is represented in Virginia by the Catoctin Formation. Sedimentation on an unstable, thermally subsiding continental margin (youthful stage, 10–60 m.y.) is represented by the Weverton and Harpers Formations. The beginning of deposition on a stable continental margin occurs no later than 60 m.y. after onset of rifting according to the theoretical models, and in Virginia it is represented by the Antietam Formation. A biostratigraphic age of Early Cambrian (ca. 570 Ma) for the Antietam provides the datum for proposing that the rifting which opened the Proto-Atlantic in Virginia was initiated 60 m.y. before deposition of the Antietam, at most about 630 Ma.
A procedure for localizing genetic factors controlling mitotic nondisjunction in the B chromosome of maize

The B chromosome of maize undergoes nondisjunction at the second pollen mitosis at rates as high as 98% (Roman, 1948; Carlson, 1969a). Nondis-junction is controlled by at least two separable regions on the B chromosome (Roman, 1949; Longley, 1956; Carlson, 1969b; Ward, 1972). A procedure for identifying and localizing the chromosomal sites required for nondisjunction is reported here. A translocation between the B and chromosome 9 (TB-9b) was utilized. Plants carrying TB-9b were screened for mutants of nondisjunction, i.e. translocations in which nondisjunction does not occur. Two such translocations were identified in a small screening. While the mutant translocations have not been analyzed in pachytene, they are most likely deletions or rearrangements of regions on the B chromosome vital to nondisjunction. Diminutive and rearranged B chromosomes are known to arise spontaneously in small populations (Randolph, 1941; Longley, 1956). — Also reported here are the nondisjunctional properties of the B9 isochromosome (Carlson, 1970) and several telocentric (or subtelocentric) derivatives of this chromosome. Some derivatives of the isochromosome are virtually incapable of nondisjunction, and should provide information on the role of the centromere in nondisjunction.
Intra-patient intra-tumoral immune heterogeneity is evident at progression on targeted therapy and immunotherapy for melanoma.

Meeting abstracts There have been significant advances in the treatment of melanoma via the use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, however a significant proportion of patients still progress on treatment. Intense research efforts are underway to better understand resistance, and multiple
Mobile free space optical communication system

The paper discusses a low power consumption, light weight and low cost 10MHz free-space optical communication (FSO). The system is designed for mounting on mobile platforms, with effective range of at least 50 meters. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Laser diodes (LDs) are used in the transmitter for comparison for their relative performance in the system. The receiver features a beam splitter that feeds part of the data link optical signal to a quadrant photodetector and controls a tracking/stabilization system using microcontroller. Since almost all commercial FSO systems are mounted on fixed positions such as buildings, the paper explores the possibility and challenges of designing a FSO system for a mobile system such as remotely operated-vehicles or between ships.
Connecting Classrooms and Communities Through Chicano Mural Art

Teacher educators can use community art and arts learning strategies to help secondary preservice teachers gain insight into disciplinary understanding that is important to the humanities and relevant to the communities in which they teach. Such insight can then inform teachers’ rationales for why and how they teach principles of social justice.