cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light and dark adaptation in the isolated rat retina.

A living isolated retina exhibits the initial fast phase, but not the later slow phase of dark adaptation. The irreversible loss of sensitivity with adaptation to bright light in this preparation is directly related to the bleaching of rhodopsin.
Interstellar graphite in meteorites: Isotopic compositions and structural properties of single graphite grains from Murchison

— One hundred forty-three carbon grains, ranging in size from 2 to 8 μm, from two chemical and physical separates from the Murchison CM2 chondrite, were analyzed by ion microprobe mass spectrometry for their C- and N-isotopic compositions. Both separates are enriched in the exotic noble gas component Ne-E(L). Ninety grains were also analyzed for their H and O contents and 118, for Si. Thirteen grains were analyzed by micro-sampling laser Raman spectroscopy. Round grains have large C-isotopic anomalies with 12C/13C ratios ranging from 7 to 4500 (terrestrial ratio = 89). Nitrogen in these grains is also anomalous but shows much smaller deviations from the terrestrial composition, 14N/15N ratios ranging from 193 to 680 (terrestrial ratio = 272). Spherulitic aggregates and non-round compact grains have normal C-isotopic ratios but 15N excesses (up to 35%). Raman spectra of the analyzed grains indicate varying degrees of crystalline disorder of graphite with estimated in-plane crystallite dimensions varying from 18 A (highly disordered, similar to terrestrial kerogen) to ∼750 A (well-crystallized graphite). Element contents of H, O, and Si are correlated with one another, and H and O are probably present in the form of organic molecules. On the basis of morphology, the round grains fall into two groups: grains with smooth, shell-like surfaces (“onions”) and grains that appear to be dense aggregates of small scales (“cauliflowers”). “Onions” tend to have lower trace element contents, isotopically light C (12C/13C > 89) and a high degree of crystalline order, whereas “cauliflowers” have a larger spread in trace element contents and C-isotopic ratios (they range from isotopically light to heavy) but tend to have a low degree of crystalline order. However, these differences exist only on average, and no clear distinction can be made for individual grains. A few limited conclusions can be drawn about the astrophysical origin of the carbon grains of this study. The 15N excesses in spherulitic aggregates and non-round grains can be explained as the result of ion-molecule reactions in molecular clouds. The round grains, on the other hand, must have formed in stellar atmospheres (circumstellar grains). Grains with isotopically light C must have formed in stellar environments characterized by He-burning, either in the atmosphere of Wolf-Rayet stars during the WC phase or in the He-burning, 12C-rich zone of a massive star, ejected by a supernova explosion. Isotopically heavy C is produced by H-burning in the CNO cycle. Possible sources for grains with heavy C are carbon stars (AGB stars during the thermally pulsing phase) or novae, but the detailed distribution of 12C/13C ratios agree neither with the distribution observed in carbon stars nor with theoretical predictions for these two types of stellar sources.
Pushing the envelope on HIV-1 neutralization.

The identification of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against HIV-1 may aid efforts to design a vaccine.
Real-Time Prediction of Incipient Lean Blowout in Gas Turbine Combustors

The present paper addresses real-time prediction of incipient lean blowout in partially premixed, liquid-fueled gas turbine combustors. Near-lean-blowout combustion is characterized by the intensified, low-frequency combustion oscillations (typically, below 30 Hz). Two indices, namely, the normalized chemiluminescence root mean square and the normalized cumulative duration of lean blowout precursor events, are recommended for lean blowout prediction. Both indices are associated with the statistical characteristics of the flame structure, which changes from the normal distribution to the Rayleigh distribution at the approach of lean blowout. Both indices change little within a large range of equivalence ratios and start to shoot up only when lean blowout is approached. To use the two indices for lean blowout prediction, one needs to perform a detailed a priori lean blowout mapping undersimulated engine operating conditions. However, the mapping can be done without running the engines very close to lean blowout.
Posttraumatic Growth among American Former Prisoners of War

Posttraumatic growth was assessed in a community sample of 95 former prisoners of war studied over a 12 year period. Developmental history, personality, social support, and PTSD measures from two earlier time points were used to predict current scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). We hypothesized positive predictive relationships between PTGI indices and trauma exposure (and corresponding distress levels), positive affect, and social support. Positive Affectivity, Constraint, and two Social Support measures followed a pattern of significant and near-significant positive correlations with PTGI total score, Relationships with Others, and Spiritual Change, suggesting multidirectional relationships among these variables. POW trauma exposure correlated with Perceived Strength. Regression analyses significantly predicted PTGI total score, Improved Relationships, and Spiritual Change. The results both lend support to and raise questions about the construct validity of the PTGI.
Integrating Forensically and Civilly Committed Adult Inpatients in a Treatment Mall Program at a State Hospital

Objective: This brief report presents outcome data from a 350bed state psychiatric hospital that integrated its adult forensically and civilly committed inpatient populations within one rehabilitative program. Methods: Dorothea Dix Hospital, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, used the “treatment mall” model to offer all of its resources to all adult patients in a centralized setting. Program participation of 100 patients from two long-term civil units was compared with program participation of 94 patients from the hospital’s medium- and maximum-security forensic units. Results: The forensic patients were significantly less likely to refuse to join or to leave a group, and they were better engaged in their treatment. The use of restrictive interventions and the incidence of assault were minimal for both groups. Conclusions: The experience at Dorothea Dix Hospital suggests that integrating these populations in rehabilitative programming is not only fiscally responsible but also clinically promising, with no evidence of greater disruptiveness attributable to forensic patients. (Psychiatric Services 60:262–265, 2009)
Educating the Spirit of Activism: A "Critical" Civic Education

Often when philosophers of education address the issue of civic education, they focus on the characteristics individuals should possess to participate in the preexisting democracy; these skills include the ability to listen carefully, reasonably reflect and weigh evidence, articulate one’s demands and concerns in the public sphere, and so forth. However, little consideration is given to the type of collective sensibility necessary to move toward the more ideal society. This article aims to broaden our conception of civic education by detailing the type of citizen that is necessary to create and maintain an ideal society—a deep socialist democracy.
Photoinduced Unfolding of Tubulin Dimers bound to Meso-tetrakis (sulfonatophenyl) Porphyrin

The function of a protein is correlated to its structure. Thus, the ability to control the structure by unfolding the protein becomes of considerable interest. One novel method of unfolding a protein involves using a light activated ligand bound to the protein which then triggers a photochemical reaction. Many porphyrins are natural products and are cell-friendly within certain limits of concentration. Many of them have been used for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of cancer. The specific porphyrin used in this study is meso-tetrakis (sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TSPP). In this study we investigated the binding of TSPP to Tubulin and the effects of irradiating the porphyrin/protein complex in an attempt to induce unfolding of Tubulin. Tubulin is an important protein which forms microtubules and has been the target of many anticancer therapies. A combination of various spectroscopic methods can be used to gain insight into the structural changes induced by the photosensitizer on the protein and provide a blueprint of the molecular interactions. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy yields information on how the electronic transition energy levels may be changing. Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) provides structural information based on the changes of the vibrational modes of the ligand and circular dichroism (CD) probes the secondary structure of the protein. Thus by taking spectroscopic measurements of the protein/porphyrin complex before and after irradiation we can obtain structural information of the effects induced by light absorption. The results indicate that there is indeed significant unfolding of Tubulin as a result of irradiating the bound Porphyrin.
An Algorithm for Automatic Segmentation and Classification of Magnetic Resonance Brain Images

In this article, we describe the development and validation of an automatic algorithm to segment brain from extracranial tissues, and to classify intracranial tissues as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) or pathology. T1 weighted spin echo, dual echo fast spin echo (T2 weighted and proton density (PD) weighted images) and fast Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) magentic resonance (MR) images were acquired ino 100 normal patients and 9 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. One of the normal studies had synthesized MS-like lesions superimposed. This allowed precise measurement of the accuracy of the classification. The 9 MS patients were imaged twice in one week. The algorithm was applied to these data sets to measure reproducibility. The accuracy was measured based on the synthetic lesion images, where the true voxel class was known. Ninety-six percent of normal intradural tissue voxels (GM, WM, and CSF) were labeled correctly, and 94% of pathological tissues were labeled correctly. A low coefficient of variation (COV) was found (mean, 4.1%) for measurement of brain tissues and pathology when comparing MRI scans on the 9 patients. A totally automatic segmentation algorithm has been described which accurately and reproducibly segments and classifies intradural tissues based on both synthetic and actual images.
Fludrocortisone in patients with familial dysautonomia--assessing effect on clinical parameters and gene expression.

The common familial dysautonomia (FD) mutation causes a splicing defect that leads to production of both wild-type (WT) and mutant (MU) IKBKAP mRNA. Because drugs may alter splicing, seven drugs, fludrocortisone, midodrine, diazepam, albuterol, clonidine, caffeine, and dopamine were screened. Since only fludrocortisone negatively altered gene expression, we assessed fludrocortisone’s efficacy in treating postural hypotension, and its effect on survival and secondary long-term FD problems. For 341 FD patients we obtained demographic data and clinical information from the last Center evaluation (most current or prior to death) including mean blood pressures (supine, 1 min erect and 5 min erect) and history regarding syncope and presyncope symptoms. For 175 fludrocortisonetreated patients, data from the evaluation prior to start of fludrocortisone and from the last Center evaluation were compared. The fludrocortisone-treated patient cohort was compared to the nontreated patient cohort with respect to overall survival and event-free survival for crisis frequency, worsening gait, frequent fractures, spine curvature, renal insufficiency, and pacemaker insertion. Overall survivals of patients on fludrocortisone alone, on fludrocortisone and midodrine, and on neither drug were compared. Cumulative survival was significantly higher in fludrocortisone-treated patients than in non-treated patients during the first decade. In subsequent decades, the addition of midodrine improved cumulative survival. Fludrocortisone significantly increased mean blood pressures and decreased dizziness and leg cramping, but not headaches or syncope. Fludrocortisone was associated with more long-term problems, which may reflect more symptomatic status associated with longer survival. Our data suggest that fludrocortisone has clinical efficacy despite negative in vitro observations on gene expression.
Changes in Lipoprotein Composition During the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract Composition of major plasma lipoproteins was studied in 14 normal women during different phases of the menstrual cycle for three consecutive months. The results were compared to measurements in ten normal age-matched men for a comparable period, to delineate possible sex differences in lipoprotein metabolism in young adults. Blood samples were obtained every 3–5 days after a 14-hr overnight fast and processed for determinations of total plasma cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, and apoproteins B and A-1. In premenopausal women, a significant, 10%–25% cyclical suppression of total plasma cholesterol, LDL-Chol, and LDL-apoB occurred during the luteal phase, which was significantly lower than unchanging concentrations found in men at any time interval. HDL-Chol remained in a significantly higher fixed concentration range in the female subjects as compared to the men. These sex differences in lipoprotein metabolism may have relevance to the reduced susceptibility of premenopausal women to atherosclerosis.
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return to azygos vein with absent segmental bronchus.

Fig 2. Apulmonary venous blood flowing directly into the right side of the heart or into the systemic veins, which creates a left-to-right shunt. The clinical importance of this anomaly is based on its association with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect in 90% of patients [1]. However, when partial anomalous pulmonary venous return is into the azygos vein, the association with pulmonary anomaly has more importance. A 51-year-old woman presented with persistent cough and recurrent right upper lobe pulmonary infections. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a mass in the posterior segment of the right upper lobe with postobstructive characteristics (Fig 1A) and suggested right upper lobe pulmonary venous drainage into the azygos vein (Fig 1B; arrow). Bronchoscopy was performed, which demonstrated an absence of the posterior segment from the right upper lobe bronchus. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to exclude the presence of associated atrial septal defect, and results were normal. Because of the recurrent infections, thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy was recommended and performed. Posterior dissection to encircle the right upper lobe bronchus confirmed absence of the posterior segment bronchus. Anterior dissection demonstrated a single 1-mm pulmonary vein from the anterior segment draining into the superior pulmonary vein, with a large anomalous pulmonary vein draining superiorly into the azygos vein (Fig 2; AV 1⁄4 azygos vein; PA 1⁄4 pulmonary artery; SPV 1⁄4 superior pulmonary vein; SVC 1⁄4 superior
Effects of pain- and analgesia-related manipulations on intracranial self-stimulation in rats: Further studies on pain-depressed behavior

Pain stimulates some behaviors (e.g., withdrawal responses) but depresses many other behaviors (e.g., feeding). Pain-stimulated behaviors are widely used in preclinical research on pain and analgesia, but human and veterinary medicine often rely on measures of functional impairment and pain-depressed behavior to diagnose pain or assess analgesic efficacy. In view of the clinical utility of measures of pain-depressed behaviors, our laboratory has focused on the development of methods for preclinical assays of pain-depressed behavior in rodents. The present study compared the effects of a chemical noxious stimulus (IP lactic acid injections) and an opioid analgesic (morphine) administered alone or in combination on the stretching response (a pain-stimulated behavior) and intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS; a behavior that may be depressed by pain) in rats. In the ICSS procedure, rats implanted with electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus responded to electrical stimulation across a range of current frequencies to permit rapid determination of frequency-rate curves and evaluation of curve shifts following treatment. Lactic acid alone produced a concentration-dependent stimulation of stretching and depression of ICSS, expressed as rightward shifts in ICSS frequency-rate curves. Morphine had little effect alone, but it produced a dose-dependent blockade of both acid-stimulated stretching and acid-depressed ICSS. Both lactic acid and morphine were equipotent in the stretching and ICSS procedures. These results suggest that ICSS may be useful as a behavioral baseline for studies of pain-depressed behavior.
Results from Super-Kamiokande

Abstract The Super-Kamiokande experiment has been running since April, 1996 at Kamioka, Japan. This is a brief summary of the latest results of Super-Kamiokande based on the data corresponding to 1140 days of livetime.
Correlates between communication apprehension and listening style preferences

To what extent are our apprehensions about communicating with others intertwined with our self‐perceptions about listening? To address this question correlations between communication apprehension in four settings (public, small group, meeting, and interpersonal) and four listening style preferences (people‐, action‐, content‐, and time‐oriented) were examined using a large sample of young adults (males, n = 318; females, n = 253). The data reveal weak, negative associations between both the people and content listening style preferences and communication apprehension in group, meeting, and interpersonal settings. No other significant coefficients emerged.
Human agency and associative learning: Pavlovian principles govern social process in causal relationship detection

Estimates of a worker's causal relationship (CR) to production obeyed associative principles, despite the participants' a priori beliefs that workers are responsible or “at cause” for production. In three experiments, social analogues of conditioned stimuli (workers) and unconditioned stimuli (company production information) were manipulated in familiar Pavlovian paradigms. The findings included (1) CR acquisition, (2) unconditioned stimulus-intensity effects, and (3) CR blocking. The research plan employed an approach that Neal Miller (1959) termed “extension of liberalized S-R theory” and drew on the Rescorla-Wagner model to integrate the experimental results, to illuminate the empirical data of social attribution research, and to guide the study of causal relationship detection using social stimuli.
A freeze-etch study of clustered nuclear pores

Abstract Freeze-etch studies of cell nuclei from cockroach blood cells and leaf-hopper Malpighian tubule cells reveal clustered nuclear pores over the membrane surface. Pores within clusters are arranged in incomplete and complete hexagonal arrays. In some replicas, areas different in texture from the general nucleoplasm, and evidently corresponding to regions of heterochromatin, could be seen in the nucleoplasm. Observations on the relative particle density on the inner and outer membrane fracture faces as seen from both cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic aspects support the concept of a lipoprotein membrane asymmetry. Specifically, the inner fracture face of the outer membrane and the outer fracture face of the inner membrane bear fewer particles/unit area than the opposing fracture faces of the nuclear membrane complex.
Sex differences in sensorimotor gating of the human startle reflex: all smoke?

Rationale: A recent report described sex differences in the effects of nicotine use and withdrawal on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (PPI), but no sex differences in PPI in non-smokers. Objective: To determine whether previously reported male>female acoustic PPI reflect sex differences in smoking effects on PPI, rather than simple sex differences in the regulation of PPI. A retrospective analyses of >600 carefully screened normals tested over the past 12 years was completed. Results: Male>female acoustic PPI was detected in analyses that included: 1) all subjects; or 2) self-declared non-smokers. Conclusions: Sex differences in PPI cannot be accounted for by smoking history, because they are present across a large sample of non-smoking normal controls.
Reexamination of a 1955 theory of climb-controlled steady-state creep

Abstract Observed steady-state creep rates of many metal class materials show stress dependence ϵ ∝ τ n where n ≈ 5. Many models of power-law creep predict n = 3 or 4, and require ad hoc assumption of the stress dependence of some geometric parameter to explain the observed n value. A 1955 climb-controlled model of steady-state creep assumes constant climb stress at the lead dislocation of an obstrcuted pileup to allow analysis. This analysis predicts n = 4. Invocation of a stress-dependent geometric parameter allows prediction of n ≈ 5. In the present work, numerical simulation of the model shows assuming constant climb stress to be incorrect and assuming stress-dependent geometry to be unnecessary to predict n ≈ 5. High and low stress limiting behaviors of the simulation agree with the results of earlier analytical models. Slip of pileup dislocations during climb of the lead dislocation is suggested as the physical explanation for the non-constant climb stress on the lead dislocation. Both this work and previous analytical models on pileup mechanisms are subjected to critism based on the lack of observations of dislocation pileups in the steady state creep.
Lacosamide for the treatment of epilepsy

Lacosamide is a third-generation antiepilepsy drug approved for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. The pharmacology of lacosamide includes linear kinetics, complete bioavailability, and no major drug interactions. Lacosamide produces slow inactivation of neuronal sodium channels, which differentiates it from other sodium channel modulators, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin. The drug was effective with no major safety problems detected in three large placebo-controlled pivotal trials and has been released in Europe and the US at 200-400 mg/day, divided b.i.d.; an intravenous formulation is approved for temporary conversion from oral therapy. This article reviews the clinical development, pharmacology, and uses of lacosamide for treating partial-onset seizures in adults.
Multimodal biometrics: issues in design and testing

Experimental studies show that multimodal biometric systems for small-scale populations perform better than single-mode biometric systems. We examine if such techniques scale to larger populations, introduce a methodology to test the performance of such systems, and assess the feasibility of using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to construct deployable multimodal biometric systems. A key aspect of our approach is to leverage confidence level scores from preexisting single-mode data. An example presents a multimodal biometrics system analysis that explores various normalization and fusion techniques for face and fingerprint classifiers. This multimodal analysis uses a population of about 1000 subjects, a number ten-times larger than seen in any previously reported study. Experimental results combining face and fingerprint biometric classifiers reveal significant performance improvement over single-mode biometric systems.
Monitoring dynamic changes in lymph metabolome of fasting and fed rats by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-ion mobility mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMMS)

Matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF) has been investigated for use in the field of metabolomics; however, difficulties, mainly due to chemical interferences, are typically encountered. By coupling MALDI with ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IMMS), isomers and isobars are resolved in mobility space reducing the chemical interference from matrix/background ions. MALDI-IMMS offers the advantages of high sensitivity, high throughput and low sample consumption. For this study, MALDI-IMMS was evaluated by monitoring metabolic changes in lymphatic fluid collected from fasting and fed rats. The number of metabolite features detected in the samples ranged between 1200 and 3400 depending on the duration between the feeding time and lymph sample collection. There were 747 metabolite features that were statistically analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). From the 3-D score plots of PC1, PC2 and PC3 65 % of the original variation of the system was explained and the differences between the samples were demonstrated.
Radiative corrections as the source of Q-ball stability

Abstract We show that, due to a mechanism analogous to the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism for spontaneous symmetry breaking, nontopological solitons of the Q-ball type can be stable when quantum effects are included even if they are not stable at the classical level. We present the general formalism for treating this problem, and then give a specific example where radiative corrections stabilize Q-balls.
Birth and migration of neurons in the central posterior/prepacemaker nucleus during adulthood in weakly electric knifefish (Eigenmannia sp.).

Abstract In contrast to mammals, fish maintain their capacity to generate neurons in the central nervous system even during adulthood for prolonged periods of life. By employing immunohistochemical, autoradiographic, and electron microscopic techniques, we studied such a postnatal neurogenesis within the complex of the central posterior/prepacemaker nucleus (CP/PPn) in knifefish (Eigenmannia sp.), a weakly electric teleost. The CP/PPn is a bilateral cluster of neurons in the thalamus. It controls frequency modulations of the electric organ discharge as they are used during social interactions. In the CP/PPn region adjacent to the wall of the third ventricle ("ventricular zone"), cells are born continuously and at high rates. They undergo multiple cell divisions before differentiating into neurons. Concomitant with this development, the newborn neurons migrate toward lateral regions of the CP/PPn. In the course of this lateral migration, they appear to acquire immunological and morphological characteristics that are typical for mature CP/PPn neurons. We hypothesize that at least some of the newly generated cells develop finally into functional CP/PPn neurons.
Spatial and temporal dependence of clouds and their radiative impacts on the large-scale vertical velocity profile

[1] The structure of tropical large-scale vertical velocity from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis is compared with simultaneous satellite measurements of precipitation, top of atmosphere radiation, and clouds from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) on timescales ranging from hours to months. The first two empirical orthogonal functions of the vertical velocity profile represent the traditional deep circulation (PC1) and a shallower circulation (PC2) associated with middle-level divergence. Together they explain 90% of total variance and can distinguish two types of upward and downward motion: “top heavy” and “bottom heavy.” Cloud and radiation budget quantities measured on TRMM have coherent relationships to PC1 and PC2 on all timescales from simultaneous to long-term means. The relative importance of PC2 is greater on short temporal and small spatial scales. “Top heavy” ascent is associated with deep cloud systems, more intense precipitation, lower outgoing long-wave radiation, stronger cloud long-wave forcing, and extensive anvils. Cloud short-wave forcing depends primarily on PC1, while the net cloud forcing depends more on PC2. High-thin clouds are less correlated with short-term variations of the vertical velocity. Shallow precipitation measured by TRMM precipitation radar is associated with “bottom heavy” upward motion. Temporal compositing with respect to intense precipitating events shows that strong upward motions tend to develop in the lower atmosphere first and then change to the more “top heavy” type of upward motion. The associated cloud systems show consistent temporal changes in which high-thick clouds develop first and extensive anvil clouds develop later. These results suggest that the elevated latent heating from stratiform precipitation and the development of “top heavy” upward motion profiles in the tropics are related to each other. The coherent relationships shown here between large-scale vertical velocity and independently measured cloud and precipitation data can be used to test the performance of climate models.
From Passions to Emotions and Sentiments

During the period from Descartes to Rousseau, the mind changed. Its domain was redefined; its activities were redescribed; and its various powers were redistributed. Once a part of cosmic Nous, its various functions delimited by its embodied condition, the individual mind now becomes a field of forces with desires impinging on one another, their forces resolved according to their strengths and directions. Of course since there is no such thing as The Mind Itself, it was not the mind that changed. Conceptions of the mind changed. Yet even to say this is misleading, because it suggests that somewhere out there in nowhere there is Nous, Psyche, Soul or Mind, the true but opaque object of all these conceptions. But of course there is no Mind in the realm of things in themselves, waiting for us to see it truly, like a China of the noumenal world, amused that our various conceptions reveal as much about ourselves as about it.
Funding pharmaceutical innovation through direct tax credits

Rising pharmaceutical prices, increasing demand for more effective innovative drugs and growing public outrage have heightened criticism of the pharmaceutical industry. The public debate has focused on drug prices and access. As a consequence, the patent system is being reexamined as an efficient mechanism for encouraging pharmaceutical innovation and drug development. We propose an alternative to the existing patent system, instead rewarding the innovating firm with direct tax credits in exchange for marginal cost pricing. This concept is based on the fundamental assumption that innovation that benefits society at large may be financed publicly. As an industry which produces a social good characterized by high fixed costs, high information and regulatory costs, and relatively low marginal costs of production, pharmaceuticals are well-suited to such a mechanism. Under this proposal, drug prices fall, consumer surplus increases, access is enhanced, and the incentives to innovate are preserved.
Effect of Photoperiod on Quail Processing Yields

Abstract Bobwhite quail were grown on a 14-hr photophase and Coturnix quail on 8, 10, 14, and 24-hr photophases to analyze the effects of lighting regimen and feed and water withdrawal on carcass weights and processing yields. Eight-week-old Coturnix grown on restricted light regimens had heavier carcasses and greater yields than the Coturnix grown on nonrestrictive light programs. The Coturnix that were grown on restricted light for 8 wk were almost as heavy as the Bobwhite grown for 16 wk. The increase in weight of the Coturnix carcasses was attributed to the delay in sexual maturity. Feed and water deprivation prior to processing resulted in a weight loss of .4%/hr during holding. Concomitant with this increase in shrink was a decrease in yield. Yield decreased at a rate of .15%/hr during the holding times studied.
The internal auditor as fraud‐buster

External auditors are often not positioned to detect and report the occurrence of employee fraud. Internal auditors, however, can be an entity’s main line of defence against fraud. In this article, the authors identify: the fraud risks and signals that internal auditors should recognize, the assistance that internal auditors can provide external auditors in implementing SAS No. 82 and complying with Title III of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, and the affirmative steps internal auditors can take to prevent, deter, detect, and report fraud. The future is not promising, however. All three aspects of the fraud model – pressure, opportunity, and rationalization – appear to be moving in the direction of increasing the risk of fraud. The potential for increased fraud demands a sharpened focus by the internal auditor.
The Politics of Exchange Rate-Based Stabilization Versus Structural Reforms in Latin America

In the 1990s, the choice of an appropriate exchange rate regime began to capture the attention of policy makers across Latin America. Several countries pegged their currency to the U.S. dollar or even officially substituted the dollar for their national currency. Although economists and political scientists have made piecemeal contributions to the understanding of such policy choices, the literature currently lacks an integrated theoretical framework and a comprehensive test of alternative hypotheses. This study seeks to rectify these gaps in the literature by arguing that policy makers see the implementation of fixed exchange rate regimes as a politically expedient commitment device that allows them to avoid adopting more difficult long-term adjustment policies designed to attain macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. This hypothesis is tested with alternative hypotheses put forward in the burgeoning literature on exchange rate regime choice. Theoretical expectations are supported by the results...
Structure of the crust beneath the southeastern Tibetan Plateau from teleseismic receiver functions

Abstract Southeastern Tibet marks the site of presumed clockwise rotation of the crust due to the India–Eurasian collision and abutment against the stable Sichuan basin and South China block. Knowing the structure of the crust is a key to better understanding of crustal deformation and seismicity in this region. Here, we analyze recordings of teleseismic earthquakes from 25 temporary broadband seismic stations and one permanent station using the receiver function method. We find that the crustal thickness decreases gradually from the Tibetan Plateau proper to the Sichuan basin and Yangtze platform but that significant (intra-)crustal heterogeneity exists on shorter lateral scales ( 0.30) are detected beneath the southeastern margin of Tibet but in the Sichuan basin and southeastern Yangtze platform the values are close to the global average. Combined with high regional heat flow and independent evidence for mid-crustal layers of high (electric) conductivity, the large intra-crustal S-wave velocity reduction (12–19%) and the intermediate-to-high average crustal Poisson's ratios are consistent with partial melt in the crust beneath parts of southeastern Tibet. These results could be used in support of deformation models involving intra-crustal flow, with the caveat that significant lateral variation in location and strength of this flow may occur.
Continuous vs. intermittent hemodialysis: with which spin will my patient win?

Intervention: Patients were randomized to intermittent haemodialysis (n=184) or continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (n=175). Guidelines were provided to achieve optimum haemodynamic tolerance and effectiveness of solute removal in both groups. The two groups were treated with the same polymer membrane and bicarbonate-based buffer. Measurements and main results: The primary endpoint was 60-day survival based on an intention-to-treat analysis. Rate of survival at 60-days did not differ between the groups (32% in the intermittent haemodialysis group versus 33% in the continuous renal replacement therapy group [95 % CI 8.8 to 11.1,]), or at any other time.
The protective effect of parental expectations against early adolescent smoking initiation

Substantial research and theory suggests that smokinginitiationissociallymediated,withboth peers and parents playing important roles. To learn more about how parenting behaviors influence smoking initiation, students (n 51002) from four middle schools were surveyed at the beginning of the sixth grade (T1), and the end of the sixth (T2) and seventh (T3) grades. T1 and T2 2 T1 predictors were regressed on smoking initiation at the end of seventh grade. In bivariate logistic regression analyses, association with friends who smoke, attitudes toward deviance, outcome expectations for smoking, perceived school climate, parental expectations, parental involvement at T1 and increases in these variables (T2 2 T1) were associated with smoking initiation at T3, but only the T1 measures of social competence, academic engagement, school adjustment, perceived prevalence, parental monitoring and parental involvement were associated with smoking initiation at T3. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, parental expectations were negatively associated, and increases in attitudes accepting of deviance and affiliation with friends who smoke were positively associated with smoking initiation. Analysis of interactions indicated that parental expectations and monitoring did not mediate the effect on smoking initiation of attitudes toward deviance or the number of friends who smoke. These findings provide evidence that parental expectations may protect early adolescents against smoking even in the context of increases in favorable attitudes and friends who smoking.
Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty: a review.

Several diseases have been acknowledged as pathological causes for mitral valve stenosis (MS), of which rheumatic heart disease is the most prevalent. Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic manifestation of rheumatic carditis, which occurs in 60% to 90% of cases of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a late sequela to Group A β-hemolytic streptococcal infection of the throat. The initial rheumatic fever results only in an edematous inflammatory process, leading to the fibrinoid necrosis of the connective tissue and cellular reactions. The initial valvulitis results in verruciform deposition of fibrin along the closing portion of the leaflets. Although all of the cardiac valves may be involved by this rheumatic process, the mitral valve is involved most prominently. The endocardial lesion most often leaves permanent sequela resulting in valvular regurgitation, stenosis, or both. Stenosis of this valve occurs from leaflet thickening, commissural fusion, and chordal shortening/fusion due to the above described pathological process. The decrease of the incidence of rheumatic heart disease in developed countries had already begun in 1910, and it is now below 1.0 per 100 000. On the other hand, the occurrence rate of rheumatic heart disease in developing countries remains substantial. Because the decline in the prevalence of rheumatic fever in industrialized nations started even before the era of penicillin and thus was related to improved living standards, the continued prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in undeveloped or developing countries is related not only to the limited availability of penicillin but to their socioeconomic status (ie, overpopulation, overcrowding, poverty, and poor access to medical care). According to the annual report by the World Heart Federation, an estimated 12 million people are currently affected by rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease worldwide, and high incidence rates are reported in the Southern Pacific Islands. Several studies were conducted on …
Effects of elevated water temperature on physiological responses in adult freshwater mussels

SUMMARY 1. Freshwater mussels (order Unionoida) face multiple environmental stressors, which pose serious conservation challenges to this diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrates. Of these stressors, elevated water temperature from global climate change and other anthropogenic sources may be the most ubiquitous and could be placing many mussel populations dangerously close to their thermal maxima. 2. We tested the hypothesis that elevated water temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) adversely affected physiological responses in adults of four North American species of mussels (Amblema plicata, Elliptio complanata, Fusconaia flava and Lampsilis cardium) in 21-d laboratory tests. 3. Oxygen consumption rates were directly affected by temperature in E. complanata and L. cardium, and indirectly affected by temperature in A. plicata and F. flava. Rates of O2 consumption were generally positively correlated with water temperature. Ammonium excretion rates varied significantly with temperature in E. complanata and generally increased with temperature. The amount of O2 consumed relative to nitrogen excreted (O : N ratio), varied significantly with temperature in A. plicata, E. complanata and F. flava. The tissue condition index varied among temperatures and species. 4. These data suggest that elevated temperatures can alter metabolic rates in native mussels and may decrease the amount of energy that is available for key biological processes, such as survival, growth and reproduction.
PENILE ADHESIONS AFTER NEONATAL CIRCUMCISION

Purpose: The appropriate management of penile adhesions in circumcised boys is unclear. An important consideration is whether adhesions resolve spontaneously. We studied the incidence of penile adhesions as a function of patient age to assess the natural history.Materials and Methods: We evaluated all circumcised boys presenting to our pediatric urology clinic. A standard form was used to classify adhesions as grade 0—no adhesions, 1—fine adhesions to the corona, 2—adhesions covering less than 50% of the glans and 3—adhesions covering greater than 50% of the glans. All boys were evaluated by 1 of 2 pediatric urologists. Previous treatment of adhesions was assessed and skin bridges were also noted.Results: We enrolled in our study 254 boys 1 month to 19 years 8 months old. Only 7 patients had a history of treatment of adhesion, of whom 3 had recurrent adhesions at evaluation. Patients were divided into groups based on age, including younger than 12 months (61), 13 to 60 (78), 61 to 108 (51) and 109 months ...
Occurrences of the Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) After Vaccinations with the 1976 Swine A/H1N1 Vaccine, and Evolution of the Concern for an Influenza Vaccine-GBS Association

Implementation of a public vaccination program with A/New Jersey (A/NJ) vaccines in 1976 led to the recognition of an increased risk among vaccinated persons of developing the neurological disorder known as Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS). The attributable risk was 8.8 among adults in the 6-week period after vaccination or about 1 case per 100,000 vaccinations. Skepticism of the statistically significant association was resolved with a subsequent careful assessment in two states in the USA that confirmed the association. Subsequent efforts to confirm an association between other influenza vaccines and occurrence of GBS have mostly failed to identify an association but a suggestion of about one case of GBS per one million vaccinations has been reported. GBS has been associated with various other infections, illnesses, vaccinations, and other disorders. Campylobacter jejuni infections are accepted as inducing a risk for GBS and evidence suggests antiganglioside immune responses that react with the nerve myelin sheath as the mechanism. To assess this possibility, A/NJ and some other influenza vaccines were all shown to induce antiganglioside antibodies in mice; however, a relation of this finding in mice to GBS in humans has not been provided.
Imagining Alaska: Local and Translocal Engagements with Place

ABSTRACT In this article, I examine the concepts of place and place-making across multiple scales to understand how Alaskan landscapes have been constituted and defined from afar and how these translocal spatial formations are experienced and contested locally. Alaska's inception as a spatio-legal entity was accomplished through translocal legislative acts and imaginative representations that framed it as either a place for extractive resource development or one of bountiful, pristine nature that should remain untouched. These translocal framings precipitated economic expansion and migration into the region, resulting in material and imaginative transformations of Alaskan landscapes. Alaskan landscapes are also important for Native communities, who continue to define culturally meaningful places through grounded rather than translocal engagements. I highlight the experiences of Gwich’in Athabascan communities in northeast Alaska who must contend with competing translocal framings of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in their engagements with, and efforts to sustain, aboriginal land bases.
Integrating environmental product design into inkjet printing supplies

In the past, product environmental design goals in Hewlett-Packard's InkJet Supplies business were not attained because technical feasibility was not considered when setting the goals, product performance was adversely impacted by design changes, or R&D, manufacturing, and marketing teams thought it was the environmental team's responsibility to assure the design goals were met. Assessment of the environmental team's initial design for environment (DfE) program revealed that product environmental characteristics could be improved by setting design goals that considered customer feedback current and potential regulatory requirements, and competitor product features. New environmental design goals were selected that could be routinely integrated into the product without adversely affecting printing system performance, product costs, or time to market. Finally, the R&D, manufacturing, and marketing teams were included in goal selection to assure that they accepted responsibility for achieving the product design goals. The benefits of effective environmental product design goals are illustrated in four case studies that followed the project model. In each case, the design changes successfully improved resource efficiency and had economic and operational value. Achieving product environmental design goals requires integrated environmental, R&D, manufacturing, and marketing teams with agreed upon and technically feasible goals. Product improvements do not necessarily increase product cost or time to market. Additional environmental advancements are possible when business models and product design approaches are changed.
A Three-Phase Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Automotive Applications

This paper presents a three-phase soft-switching, bidirectional dc-dc converter for high-power automotive applications. The converter employs dual three-phase active bridges and operates with a novel asymmetrical but fixed duty cycle for the top and bottom switches of each phase leg. Simulation and experimental data on a 6-kW prototype are included to verify the novel operating and power flow control principles.
Differences in Mechanisms of Failure, Intraoperative Findings, and Surgical Characteristics Between Single- and Multiple-Revision ACL Reconstructions A MARS Cohort Study

Background:The factors that lead to patients failing multiple anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are not well understood.Hypothesis:Multiple-revision ACL reconstruction will have different characteristics than first-time revision in terms of previous and current graft selection, mode of failure, chondral/meniscal injuries, and surgical charactieristics.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A prospective multicenter ACL revision database was utilized for the time period from March 2006 to June 2011. Patients were divided into those who underwent a single-revision ACL reconstruction and those who underwent multiple-revision ACL reconstructions. The primary outcome variable was Marx activity level. Primary data analyses between the groups included a comparison of graft type, perceived mechanism of failure, associated injury (meniscus, ligament, and cartilage), reconstruction type, and tunnel position. Data were compared by analysis of variance with a post hoc Tukey test....