Abstract Technical discussion of toxic properties of various weapons. Purpose of producing physiological or physical effects on enemy forces. Modern origin in use of mustard gas in World War I. Describes blistering agents (vesicants), nerve gas, VX, Soman, B2, toxins and allergens. Treaties to prevent use of chemical weapons. The Geneva Protocol of 1925 and the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.
From the Paper "Chemical weapons use the toxic properties of chemicals to produce physical or physiological effects, usually on enemy forces during wars (FAS-Introduction, 2001). Although they have been used throughout history, chemical weapons are thought of as originating during World War I with the use of mustard gas by both sides. In 1925, the Geneva Protocol was signed which prohibited the use of chemical weapons in warfare, but several nations who signed the pact, including the United States, did so with the proviso that they reserved the right to retaliate in kind if chemical weapons were used against them. Neither side used chemical weapons during World War II. Common agents in use are: the blood agents arsine, cyanogen chloride and hydrogen chloride; the choking agents chlorine, diphosgene, PFIB and phosgene; nerve agents GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman), GE, GF, V..."
Abstract It has long been understood between analysts that among the major industries in the United States, none acts so nearly as a barometer for the economy in general as does the automobile industry. The paper shows that the year 2000 was no exception to this rule. Auto sales followed the bullish U.S. stock market to unprecedented heights, only to cool off as interest rates hiked up, the Dow Jones and the NASDAQ grew more volatile and gas prices skyrocketed. On September 27, Daimler-Chrysler reported that Chrysler would have a third quarter loss, the first loss since the 1991 recession in the United States.
The paper shows that the consumers, not as confident in the wake of these relatively new trends, reacted according to custom: by keeping their money in their pocketbooks and off of the car lot, creating the first slowdown in US auto sales in nearly two years. It shows however, that a slowdown in car sales does not indicate a fallout; to many, the slowdown in auto sales simply marks a shift from blistering sales to robust sales - hardly a shift worth fretting over. Ultimately, the automobile industry did well in 2000.
From the Paper "By January of 2000, it was time to assess the year past and future. Automakers in 1999 had sold a record 16.9 million cars and light trucks, outpacing by a wide margin the previous 1986 record of 16 million. Bob Rewey, Ford Motor's vice president for global consumer services, summed up the auto industries party-line, stating that "A strong economy, confident consumers and innovative products were the major factors driving"sales and earnings in 1999?(Eldridge, 2000, p. 2B). The upcoming year, however, did not produce much optimism. Auto sales had slipped before the turn of the millennium, rousing some conservative hopes for 2000. Automakers, noting the meteoric success of 1999, felt that the economy might not hold up indefinitely, and seemed to believe that a correction was on the horizon; ?while automakers hope for a strong year,? wrote Earle Eldridge in USA Today, "they don"t expect 2000 to be better than 1999?(Eldridge, 2000, p. 2B)."
Abstract This paper examines eczema, a type dermatitis classified as an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, causing blisters, redness, swelling, oozing, scabbing, scaling and usually itching. It looks at how examples of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and nummular dermatitis and analyzes their causes, symptoms and treatment. It also provides information regarding support groups especially for children such the National Eczema Association for Science and Education.
From the Paper "Nummular dermatitis is a persistent, usually itch rash and inflammation characterized by coin-shaped spots with tiny blisters, scab, and scales (Dermatitis 1051). The cause is not known. Nummular dermatitis most often affects middle-aged people, and occurs along with dry skin. Although it is most common in winter, the rash may come and go without any apparent reason (Dermatitis 1052). The round spots begin as itchy patches of pimples and blisters that later ooze and form crusts. The rash may be widespread and the spots are more obvious on the backs of the arms or legs, buttocks or torso (Dermatitis 1052). Many different treatments have been used, however, none is effective in everyone. Some treatments include oral antibiotics, corticosteroid creams and injections, as well as ultraviolet light therapy and other drugs (Dermatitis 1052)."
Abstract As the Nineteenth Century dawned, the institution of slavery appeared to be on its way out in the new United States. The paper shows, however, that the growing of cotton to sustain the Southern economy proved a problem. The crop required its harvesters to toil under a blistering sun ? hard work that scarcely attracted free labor. Yet, the burgeoning cotton plantation demanded more and more hands to work them. There remained only one answer to this labor shortage ? import more slaves. The paper discusses this dilemma faced by the Southern plantation owners in the wake of the abolishment of slavery in the North of the country. The paper looks at the influence of the Abolitionists, the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and how all these issues came to a head with the American Civil War.
From the Paper "Thus, on the eve of the Civil War, the United States was a country very much divided by the issue of slavery. It was largely a matter of economics that had dictated the Peculiar Institution's astounding growth during the course of the early Nineteenth Century. Cotton was an immensely profitable crop that consumed land as it churned out profits. The growth of the Abolitionist Movement raised increasing concerns over the rightness of slavery, provoking many Americans to lobby for limitations on the institution's spread. Yet, Southerners, by and large, saw this attack on slavery as an attack on their very way of life. Struggling to maintain what they saw as their own unique culture against meddling Northerners and Abolitionists, they framed their pro-Slavery arguments around the doctrine of States? Rights, thereby proclaiming the right of each State to decide what was best for its own citizens. It was these two issues ? slavery and States? Rights that would form the basis of the Civil War."
Abstract This paper explains that Hansberry was one of the first African-American female authors to have a major dramatic work recognized as exceptional and that the play is important as a historical and social event signifying the beginning of diversification in American literature and drama. The author points out that the play is a blistering and brilliant portrayal of an African-American family, sweeping the entire range of emotions as they struggle with and go through their fight to better themselves and their children. The paper relates that Hansberry's play begins and ends with the concept of family and, while this produces the play's central conflict, it is also the locus of its ultimate resolution.
From the Paper "The story of the play itself revolves around simply themes, such as what to do with one's family and one's resources in order to ensure a better future for each family. In this case, the main issue in the play is that, upon his death, Walter Lee's father left a substantial amount of money in the form of inheritance. Walter Lee wants to use this money to open a liquor store that he thinks would be profitable and thus make more money in the long run in a manner that would ensure that his family would continue not only to endure, but to thrive. Nonetheless, there is a complicating concern here which centers around the fact that the money has not been left to Walter Lee, but to his mother, with whom he still occupies the same house."
Abstract This paper explains that the herpes virus is a member of a family of viruses causing Epstein-Barr, also called infectious mononucleosis; varicella zoster, also called shingles; HSV-1, affecting the oral regions of the body; and HSV-2, affecting the genitals. The author points out that the treatment protocol for most forms of herpes is the same; presently there is no cure for herpes, although some drugs, including antivirals, are being used to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. The paper relates that stress has been identified as one of the triggers that may cause recurrent outbreaks of herpes in patients; therefore, stress management may be an effective technique for lessening the impact of herpes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
General Overview
HSV-1
HSV-2
Shingles ? Varicella Zoster
Epstein Barr
Primary Treatment
Anti-Virals
Living with Herpes
Conclusion
From the Paper "HSV-1 or oral herpes is one of the most common forms of herpes simplex, affecting up to 80 percent of the population. HSV-1 is commonly referred to as oral herpes, fever blisters or cold sores. They are highly contagious. It is also one of the most dreaded forms of herpes, because the symptoms affect a persons face, which is highly visible to the public. Signs and symptoms of HSV-1 include small, fluid filled red and painful blisters on an area of the skin, usually on the lips, mouth, chin and nasal region."
Abstract This paper explains that celiac disease, a severe intolerance to wheat products, has both biological and environmental causes. It points out that studies done indicate that causes of celiac disease are more likely to be environmental than biological.
From the Paper "We have agreed that genetics definitely represent one of the causing factors of celiac disease. According to our primary article , investigation in this sense was performed both on twins and on family relatives. As such, "the concordance rate for celiac disease in monozygotic twins is estimated to be 75 %" , which makes us believe that, at least statistically speaking, genetics plays a large part in the development of celiac disease."
Abstract The paper discusses how in 1994, Joan Hoff published an article in the "Women's History Review," provocatively entitled "Gender as a Postmodern Category of Paralysis." The article lived up to its provocative title, as it was in fact a blistering attack on postmodernist thinkers and specifically on feminist postmodernists. Not surprisingly, the article provoked anger and controversy and gave rise to a heated debate, conducted in scholarly journals (which are usually devoted to somewhat cooler debates). While some academics, such as Caroline Ramazanoglu, agreed with Hoff, the paper points out that others were singularly under-impressed by Hoff's attack.
Abstract The paper describes the origins of smallpox and the signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper discusses the transmission of smallpox and its diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The paper examines the risks of smallpox today and evaluates the threat of terrorist attacks involving biological weapons including smallpox.
Outline:
Description of Disease/History
Symptoms
How Spreads/Transmission/Causes & Risk Factors
Test & Diagnosis
Treatment/Prevention
Smallpox as Weapon
Prognosis
From the Paper "Many believe variola, the virus responsible for smallpox, originated during the times of Ramses V of Egypt, around 1157 BC, "as evidenced by his scarred mummified remains" (Mackelprang, Mackelprang and Thirkill 119). The disease is permanently scarring to those infected, and very difficult to recover from. There are entire populations that were eradicated due to smallpox infestation during early history, and it was only until the mid 1900s when the last reported case was documented in the United States; Worldwide the last case was reported in 1977 (Mackelprang, Mackelprang and Thirkill 119)."
