cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-World Evidence in Support of Oncology Product Registration: A Systematic Review of New Drug Application and Biologics License Application Approvals from 2015-2020.

Real-world evidence (RWE) has garnered great interest to support registration of new therapies and label expansions by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, practical insights on the design and analysis of regulatory-grade RWE are lacking. This study aimed to analyze attributes of real-world studies in FDA9s decision-making and characteristics of full versus accelerated approvals through a systematic review of oncology product approvals. Oncology approvals from 2015-2020 were reviewed from FDA.gov. Applications were screened for inclusion of RWE, and variables related to regulatory designations of the application, pivotal clinical trial, and real-world studies were extracted. FDA feedback was reviewed to identify takeaways and best practices for adequate RWE. Among 133 original and 573 supplemental approvals for oncology, 11 and 2, respectively, included RWE; none predated 2017. All realworld studies were retrospective in nature; the most common data source was chart review, and the most common primary endpoint was overall response rate, as in the pivotal trial. FDA critiqued lack of the following: a pre-specified study protocol, inclusion/exclusion criteria matching to the trial, comparability of endpoint definitions, methods to minimize confounding and address unmeasured confounding, and plans to handle missing data. All full (vs. accelerated) approvals shared the following characteristics: high magnitude of efficacy in the pivotal trial, designations of orphan disease, breakthrough therapy, and priority review, and no advisory committee meeting held. This study found that findings from external control real-world studies complemented efficacy data from single-arm trials in successful oncology product approvals.
Network Externality and Subsidy Structure in Two-Sided Markets: Evidence from Electric Vehicle Incentives

This paper uses new, large-scale vehicle registry data from Norway and a two-sided market framework to show nonneutrality of different subsidies and estimate their impact on electric vehicle adoption when network externalities are present. Estimates suggest a strong positive connection between electric vehicle purchases and both consumer price and charging station subsidies. Counterfactual analyses suggest that between 2010 and 2015, every dollar spent on station subsidies resulted in more than twice as many additional electric vehicle purchases than the same amount spent on price subsidies. However, this relation inverts with increased spending, as station subsidies' impact tapers off faster.
Clinical trial spots for cancer patients by tumour type: The cancer trials portfolio at clinicaltrials.gov.

Background Although participation in cancer clinical trials is low, little is known about the number of available clinical trials, and open spots for patients. Moreover, it is unclear what the relationship is between clinical trial openings and the incidence and mortality of cancer subtypes.
Pros and Cons of Increasing Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Intake by Fortification

There is no doubt that folic acid fortification can be effective for reducing the incidence of neural tube defects. The degree of efficacy depends on both the level of folate depletion and other, yet to be fully characterized, genetic and/or environmental factors. This article summarizes briefly data on neural tube defect reduction and other benefits of folic acid fortification as these have been reviewed in more detail elsewhere. More attention is drawn to questions that have been raised about the possible adverse effects of folic acid fortification including the incidence of colorectal cancer and immune function. The main question addressed here is whether folic acid fortification can exacerbate the adverse effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. Most analyses of this question have been conducted in wealthier countries based on data from elderly populations - which have the highest prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, of potentially greater concern is the increasingly common practice of folic acid fortification in developing countries, where folate status is probably often adequate even prior to fortification, and vitamin B12 depletion or deficiency is common. To add to this information, data from a group of Chilean elderly with a range of vitamin B12 status and exposed to high levels of folic acid fortification will be presented.
Continuous improvement experiences in information development

Efforts to shorten cycle time and lower the number of errors in the information development process may uncover problems and, in some cases, even create new ones. This paper describes changes to the information development process, various problems that change has uncovered, and some solutions to these new found problems.
GRIN1 Mutations in Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy

Investigators from Yokohama City University and other medical centers in Israel and Japan reported mutations on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors subunit GRIN1 (GluN1) identified in patients with nonsyndromic intellectual disability and early-onset epileptic encephalopathy.
Impact of facial defect reconstruction on attractiveness and negative facial perception.

Objectives/Hypothesis Measure the impact of facial defect reconstruction on observer-graded attractiveness and negative facial perception. Study Design Prospective, randomized, controlled experiment. Methods One hundred twenty casual observers viewed images of faces with defects of varying sizes and locations before and after reconstruction as well as normal comparison faces. Observers rated attractiveness, defect severity, and how disfiguring, bothersome, and important to repair they considered each face. Results Facial defects decreased attractiveness −2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.45, −2.08) on a 10-point scale. Mixed effects linear regression showed this attractiveness penalty varied with defect size and location, with large and central defects generating the greatest penalty. Reconstructive surgery increased attractiveness 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.47), an improvement dependent upon size and location, restoring some defect categories to near normal ranges of attractiveness. Iterated principal factor analysis indicated the disfiguring, important to repair, bothersome, and severity variables were highly correlated and measured a common domain; thus, they were combined to create the disfigured, important to repair, bothersome, severity (DIBS) factor score, representing negative facial perception. The DIBS regression showed defect faces have a 1.5 standard deviation increase in negative perception (DIBS: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.61, 1.77) compared to normal faces, which decreased by a similar magnitude after surgery (DIBS: −1.44, 95% CI: −1.49, −1.38). These findings varied with defect size and location. Conclusions Surgical reconstruction of facial defects increased attractiveness and decreased negative social facial perception, an impact that varied with defect size and location. These new social perception data add to the evidence base demonstrating the value of high-quality reconstructive surgery. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:1316–1321, 2015
Rhodium(I)-catalyzed ene-allene carbocyclization strategy for the formation of azepines and oxepines.

A novel strategy for the preparation of seven-membered heterocyclic compounds has been realized. Treatment of ene-allene 1 with a catalytic quantity of rhodium biscarbonyl chloride dimer affords the cyclization product 2 in moderate to high yields. The scope and limitations of this new method are currently under investigation, and the results obtained to date are discussed within.
Anatomical characteristics of tonic and phasic postganglionic neurons in guinea pig bronchial parasympathetic ganglia.

Anatomical characteristics of principal parasympathetic ganglia neurons on the guinea pig primary bronchus were analyzed, and the procedure for localizing the ganglia without the aid of staining for in vitro physiological studies is described. The neurons were tightly packed within a perineural sheath, and the cell bodies formed a homogeneous population based on size and shape. By using intracellular electrophysiological recordings, unstained neurons within these ganglia were characterized with suprathreshold depolarizing stimuli as having either accommodating action potential patterns (phasic neurons) or repetitive action potential patterns (tonic neurons). After determining whether a cell was tonic or phasic, it was injected with either horseradish peroxidase or Neurobiotin for characterization of its dendrites. There were no differences between tonic and phasic neurons, and both exhibited the following: (1) dendrites were multiple and branching; (2) all processes (axon and dendrites) arose from a circumscribed area on the somatic surface; (3) the initial direction of the processes was usually toward the center of the ganglion, creating a very dense intraganglionic neuropil; (4) tapering processes (presumed dendrites) extended beyond the border of the perineural sheath; and (5) many processes terminated with bouton-like swellings near the somatic surfaces of neighboring neurons within the same ganglion. Electron microscopic examination of dendritic and cell body membranes revealed that greater than 90% of the synapses occurred on dendrites. Based on immunohistochemical staining, all neurons were calbindin negative. These results indicate a relatively homogeneous population of neurons in bronchial parasympathetic ganglia displaying dendritic characteristics compatible with complex integrative properties.
Solar Spectroscopy in the Far Ultraviolet

The program of extreme ultraviolet solar spectroscopy, conducted from rockets by the Naval Research Laboratory, is described from its inception, in 1946, to the present. Included is a brief historical account of the gradual discovery in the laboratory of the ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet.
Three-body Wear of a Hand-consolidated Silver Alternative to Amalgam

Recent studies have investigated a mercury-free silver alternative to amalgam, but the silver powders required a relatively high compaction pressure to consolidate. The aim of the present study was to consolidate a precipitated silver powder into a cohesive solid using an air-driven pneumatic condenser fitted with an amalgam plugger at a clinically realistic load, and to study the mechanisms and rates of three-body wear of the consolidated silver in comparison with that of an amalgam. The silver powder was annealed, rinsed with a dilute acid, and consolidated either in a prepared tooth cavity or in a specimen mold at a load of 15 N. A four-station wear machine was used where each specimen was immersed in a slurry containing polymethyl methacrylate beads, then a steel pin was loaded and rotated against the specimen at a maximum load of 76 N. The flexural strength in MPa (mean +/- SD; n = 10) was 86 +/- 20 for amalgam, 181 +/- 45 for silver with a polished surface, and 202 +/- 21 for silver with a burnished surface. After 4 x 10(5) wear cycles, the wear scar depth in microm was 134 +/- 54 for amalgam, 143 +/- 8 for polished silver, and 131 +/- 9 for burnished silver, which were not significantly different (Tukey's multiple comparison test; family confidence coefficient = 0.95). SEM examination revealed cracks and fracture pits in the worn surface of amalgam, in contrast to a smooth surface in silver. Wear and material removal in amalgam occurred by microfracture and dislodgement of cracked segments, while wear in the silver occurred by ductile deformation and flow of materials. To conclude, the consolidated silver possesses a three-body wear resistance similar to that of amalgam, and a higher resistance to wear-induced damage and cracking than amalgam. The mechanism of wear in amalgam is microfracture and material dislodgement, while that in consolidated silver is ductile deformation and flow of material.
Bad cholesterol breaking really bad.

In this issue of Blood , Chan et al have described mechanisms by which L5, the most electronegative of 5 recognized fractions of low density lipoprotein (LDL), activates both platelets and endothelium in a manner that supports thrombosis and could possibly produce ST-elevation myocardial infarctions
RADIANT EFFICIENCIES AND PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS OF COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED GAS RADIANT BURNERS

The radiant efficiencies of four gas radiant burners were evaluated using total and spectral radiosity measurements as a function of fuel / air mixture and combustion intensity. Ported ceramic tile (C’) and steel flame impingement plate (D) burners, with oxidation-resistant downstream steel screens, showed the highest levels of efficiency (53,9% and 52·1%, respectively). A reticulated ceramic burner (B) showed a moderate maximum efficiency (39·4%), and a metal fiber burner (A, without a downstream screen) showed the lowest maximum efficiency (28·4%). At combustion intensities above 250 kW/ m2, burner D exceeded burner C in efficiency, and maintained a close approach to the theoretical maximum efficiency. Design of high-efficiency burners required a combustion product flow pattern around solid surfaces which caused extraction of sensible heat until gas and solid temperatures approached. For burner D, surface temperatures measured by optical means compared sensibly with those from a thermocouple, while gray...
Substrate-Dependent Dihydroxylation of Substituted Cyclopentenes: Toward the Syntheses of Carbocyclic Sinefungin and Noraristeromycin

Carbocyclic nucleosides are of considerable interest for the development of new therapeutic agents. A key reaction in the preparation of many such nucleoside analogues is dihydroxylation of appropriately substituted cyclopentenes. Although often considered a routine reaction, in this paper, we report the dramatic influence of substituents on the facial selectivity of dihydroxylations. The substituted cyclopentene substrates are derived from acylnitroso cycloaddition reactions of cyclopentadiene, followed by N-O reduction and efficient enzymatic resolution. The results are directly utilized in a very efficient asymmetric synthesis of an antiviral carbocyclic nucleoside, noraristeromycin 5. Extensions toward the synthesis of carbocyclic sinefungin 7 document the importance of realizing the substituent dependence of the dihydroxylation reaction.
Genetic control of the immune response to staphylococcal nuclease. I. Ir-Nase: control of the antibody response to nuclease by the Ir region of the mouse H-2 complex.

A number of inbred and congenic resistant strains of mice were immunized with staphylococcal nuclease (Nase). Antibody responses were measured in the sera of the animals by a sensitive method involving inhibition of enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA, High responder strains included A/J, DBA/2, BALB/c, AKR/J, C57BR, and SJL/J. DBA/1 and C57BL/6 mice were low responders. The strain distribution of anti-Nase response potential was compatible with the relevant immune response gene(s) being linked to the murine major histocompatibility complex. Linkage of this response to H-2 was demonstrated by the findings that: (a) the congenic C3H/HeJ and C3H.SW mice were respectively high and low responders; (b) the congenic lines B10.A and B10.D2 were high responders, whereas the C57BL/10 strain was a poor responder; and (c) anti-Nase response potential of F(2) progeny from DBA/1 x SJL/J matings correlated with their H-2 type. Three B10.A recombinant lines were used to map this Ir gene within H-2. B10.A(4R) was a high responder to Nase, whereas B10.A(2R) and B10.A(5R) were both low responders. We wish to propose the name Ir-Nase for the gene(s) controlling antibody responsiveness to this immunogen. Our data indicate that Ir-Nase is located within the same chromosomal segment of the H-2 complex as is Ir-IgG.
The Formulation of Constitutive Equations in Continuum Physics. II

In previous papers by Green & Rivlin[1, 2] and an earlier report [3], constitutive equations have been developed describing the mechanical properties of materials possessing memory. A similar topic has been discussed by Noll [4, 5]. In [1, 2] it is assumed that the stress at a fixed particle of the material is a functional of the displacement gradients at the instant of measurement and at times preceding the instant of measurement. In another paper, by Pipkin & Rivlin [6], constitutive equations have been developed governing certain types of physical properties of materials which may be described by the relation between a tensor of order µ on the one hand and the displacement gradients in the material and ν vectors on the other, all the quantities being measured simultaneously. In the present paper, these two problems are combined.
The influence of whole lake aeration on the limnology of a hypereutrophic lake in central Florida

To determine the influence of a multiple inversion aeration system upon the limnology of a small sinkhole lake, we monitored physical-chemical and biological parameters for 15 months prior to starting aeration and for 24 months thereafter. Aeration eliminated thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen concentrations of bottom waters increased significantly. Secchi disk transparency increased during aeration while turbidity, pH, alkalinity, total nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide and iron concentrations decreased significantly. Primary production and mean chlorophyll a did not change significantly during aeration but total phytoplankton cell volume decreased 2-fold. This decrease was caused by a marked reduction in blue-green algae which appears to be attributable to rapid mixing of the lake and to decreases in the pH. Cell volumes of green algae remained constant but numbers of taxa increased 70%. Densities of crustacean zooplankton were reduced markedly by aeration while densities of rotifers increased significantly during the first year but then returned to preaeration levels during the second year. Large-bodied cladocerans were replaced by small-bodied forms during aeration, and copepod populations became dominated by nauplii (97%). Densities of benthic macroinvertebrates declined 2-fold during aeration due to to a marked reduction (10-fold) in the Chaoborus population which correlated strongly with decreases in crustacean zooplankton abundance. The total number of taxa collected on individual sample dates increased throughout the two year aeration period (from 12 to 25) and chironomids became the predominant group (70%).
Trauma and Testimony Implications for Political Community

This article examines questions of trauma and testimony from the perspective of political community. It argues that terms such as riots, pogroms, and genocide reflect the points at which the body of language becomes one with the body of the world. Hence the performative force of these terms comes from their capacity to relocate narratives of violence and to anchor them to juridical-political discourses. The article asks for double vision in which life and its forms are subjects of the political but then are remade at the level of the personal. Critiquing grand projects for building identity and/or self, the article asks for mindfulness towards experience and forms of making the experience of violence knowable when saying gives way to showing.
Konfigurationsbestimmung von substituierten Vinylphosphinoxiden durch paramagnetische Verschiebung der 1H‐NMR‐Signale

Es wurde versucht, durch UV-, IR-, hochauflosende 1H- und 31P-NMR-Messungen fur eine Reihe neu synthetisierter (1-Phenyl-2-aryl-vinyl)-diphenylphosphinoxide 1–5 eine Zuordnung zur cis- bzw. trans-Konfiguration durchzufuhren. Wie sich heraustellte, ist dies mit allen diesen Mesmethoden in der konventionellen Aufnahmetechnik nicht moglich, Erst auf Grund der durch Eu(fod)3-Zusatze induzierten paramagnetischen Verschiebung der 1H-NMR-Signale, die eine Bestimmung der vicinalen Kopplungskonstante JP-H zulast, konnen cis- und trans-Vinylphosphinoxide unterschieden werden. Die J betragen im Mittel 22 Hz, die J 37 Hz.
Do autistic children differ from retarded and normal children in Piagetian sensorimotor functioning

Piagetian sensorimotor functioning of 10 autistic, 10 retarded, and 10 normal children, closely matched on mental age, was assessed with the Dunst revision of the Uzgiris and Hunt scales of infant psychological development. The three groups showed no significant differences in overall performance or specific subtest performance as revealed by estimated developmental ages, number of failed items, and Piagetian stage levels. These findings, which are contrary to previous reports of early sensorimotor deficits specific to autism, suggest that the long-term cognitive deficits in autism are more in symbolic thinking, which does not emerge until the end of the sensorimotor period.
Swi1 Associates with Chromatin through the DDT Domain and Recruits Swi3 to Preserve Genomic Integrity

Swi1 and Swi3 form the replication fork protection complex and play critical roles in proper activation of the replication checkpoint and stabilization of replication forks in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. However, the mechanisms by which the Swi1-Swi3 complex regulates these processes are not well understood. Here, we report functional analyses of the Swi1-Swi3 complex in fission yeast. Swi1 possesses the DDT domain, a putative DNA binding domain found in a variety of chromatin remodeling factors. Consistently, the DDT domain-containing region of Swi1 interacts with DNA in vitro, and mutations in the DDT domain eliminate the association of Swi1 with chromatin in S. pombe cells. DDT domain mutations also render cells highly sensitive to S-phase stressing agents and induce strong accumulation of Rad22-DNA repair foci, indicating that the DDT domain is involved in the activity of the Swi1-Swi3 complex. Interestingly, DDT domain mutations also abolish Swi1’s ability to interact with Swi3 in cells. Furthermore, we show that Swi1 is required for efficient chromatin association of Swi3 and that the Swi1 C-terminal domain directly interacts with Swi3. These results indicate that Swi1 associates with chromatin through its DDT domain and recruits Swi3 to function together as the replication fork protection complex.
Circumscribed cosmopolitanism: travel aspirations and experiences

Recent scholarly conceptualisations of cosmopolitanism have often distinguished between mundane practices on the one hand and a conscious assertion of an ethical project on the other hand. But this kind of distinction may be less a matter of the simple presence or absence of a particular kind of consciousness than of the degree of self-awareness as well as of the consonance or disjuncture between this consciousness and what can actually be realised in practice. In this article I take up some of these questions of degree and disjuncture to reflect on the interaction between aspirations and circumscribed experiences occurring among two sets of Canadian travellers: (i) consultants whose specialisation in international projects involves frequent stays abroad, and (ii) young adults who have taken up opportunities for an extended stay abroad afforded by university exchanges or working holidaymakers programs.
Echocardiographic sizing of the left atrium of the transplanted heart.

Background The left atrium (LA) in the transplanted heart (TH) is a surgically created chamber from variable portions of donor and recipient LA. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommends measuring LA size in native hearts using biplane LA volume index (LAVI) as a more accurate measurement than LA anterior-posterior diameter (LA-APD). We hypothesized that LA-APD underestimates LA size when compared with LAVI in the TH. Methods Patients with a TH from 1/05 to 1/10 who had a transthoracic echocardiogram within 24 months of transplant were studied. Patients were excluded if they had an ejection fraction mild aortic or mitral regurgitation, or poor image quality. Echocardiograms were analyzed for LA-APD and LAVI. LA size was classified as normal, mild, moderate, or severely enlarged based on age and sex specific cutoffs per the ASE. Results Of 297 patients evaluated, 160 met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 57 ± 13 years and 79% were males. Mean LA-APD and LAVI were 4.3 ± 0.6 cm and 36 ± 14 mL/m2, respectively. LAVI correlated with LA-APD (r = 0.43, R2 = 0.18, P < 0.0001). By LA-APD measurement, 20 (13%) LA were classified as having moderate or severe LA enlargement versus 80 (50%) by LAVI, P = 0.001. LA size was underclassified by ≥2 classes in 44 (28%) by LA-APD versus LAVI. Conclusions In the setting of cardiac transplant, the LA size classified by LA-APD is commonly less than that classified by LAVI.
Expression of HIF Prolyl Hydroxylase Isozymes in Growth Plate Chondrocytes: Relationship Between Maturation and Apoptotic Sensitivity

The overall goal of the current study was to examine the functional activity of the prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) in maturing chondrocytes. Herein, we show for the first time that the PHDs are expressed in the maturing zone of the growth plate, and by a chondrocytic cell line. We determined if this protein and its substrate, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, modulated the induction of apoptosis. Using a chondrocyte cell line that matured in culture, we inhibited HIF-1α expression using siRNA technology and pharmacologically blocked PHD activity. We noted that PHD suppression sensitized the cells to an apoptotic challenge with H2O2. We next examined the interplay between the PHDs and HIF-1α by suppressing HIF-1α and blocking PHD activity. We noted reduced killing when the mature HIF-silenced cells were challenged with H2O2. In contrast, there was limited change in the viability of immature cells. Based on these differences in chondrocyte susceptibility, it is concluded that HIF-1α sensitizes maturing cells to H2O2-mediated killing. We next determined if this change in the viability of the PHD-inhibited cells was linked to changes in activation of caspase-3. It was noted that there was a minimal change in enzyme activity of the PHD-inhibited HIF-1α suppressed cells. Finally, we found that as the chondrocytes mature, the activities of catalase and SOD were significantly reduced and that there was a decrease in the levels of Bcl-2 and BclXL. This loss of protective activity together with the changes mediated by HIF would be expected to generate conditions that would favor the induction of chondrocyte apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 257–265, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Towards development of T-cell vaccines

Abstract Recent studies on the recognition of antigens by CD4' and CD8' T cells have revealed new ways of preparing efficient T-cell vaccines. Here, Constantin Bona and colleagues discuss several approaches for the development of T-cell vaccines, with applications ranging from the induction of protective immunity against intracellular parasites to the development of therapeutic agents against autoimmune disorders, allergic diseases and cancer.
Compliance of hippocampal neurons to patterned substrate networks

Neuronal growth can be controlled in vitro by plating cells at low density and by differential adhesion between the cell and substrate. Primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were grown in serum-free culture on polylysine-coated glass coverslips patterned by selective laser ablation so as to leave grids of polylysine with varying linewidths (3, 5, and 10 microns), intersection distance (80, 120, and 160 microns), and nodal (intersection) diameter (5, 10, and 20 microns). Not only did somae strongly prefer the unablated polylysine areas, but they also migrated to loci where the local area of unablated polylysine was higher. These loci were the nodes, as opposed to the narrow connecting paths, and larger nodes, as compared with smaller nodes. Maximum migration to nodes of 88% occurred for a combination of 5-microns path width, 20-microns node diameter, and 80-microns path length. Daily observations indicated active migration to larger adhesive areas, which explains the differential compliance.
Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency in lymphosarcoma

Abstract Two patients with lymphosarcoma and circulating 7S IgM were found to have an unusual complement component profile in which the first, fourth and second components and the inhibitor of the activated first component were diminished in the presence of a normal third component and an elevated ninth component. One of these patients experienced attacks of angioedema which can be distinguished from hereditary angioedema by the absence of any complement system defects in other family members and by the reduced level of C1 in the patient's serum. The C 1 inhibitor deficiency in these patients is acquired, most likely as a result of its interaction with activated first component.
The Impact of Violence Surges on Neighbourhood Business Activity

Theoretical and empirical arguments suggest that fear of violence will cause consumers, employees and entrepreneurs to alter their routine activities in areas that experience a surge in violent act...
Physical Activity and Postpartum Well‐Being

Abstract Objective : To describe reported patterns of postpartum physical activity and to identify benefits or risks associated with postpartum physical activity at 6weeks postpartum. Design Secondary analysis of longitudinal data collected prenatally and postpartum in a study of obstetric outcomes at a midwestern tertiary-care center and its ambulatory satellite and hospital clinics. Participants One thousand three women completed a questionnaire at the ό-week postpartum clinic visit. Mean age was 29.7years, and mean education level was 15.3years. Variables of Interest Participation in vigorous exercise, change in postpartum activity level, postpartum weight retention, infant feeding method, maternal postpartum adaptation, and participation in activities for fun. Results Nearly 35% reported doing vigorous exercise with a modal frequency of three times per week. More active women had retained significantly less weight (8.6lb [3.9kg]) than their less active counterparts (11.3lb [5.1kg]). Vigorous exercisers demonstrated a consistent pattern of better scores on measures of postpartum adaptation and were more likely than nonexercisers to participate in fun activities, such as socializing, hobbies, and entertainment. Breastfeeding was not adversely affected by vigorous exercise. Conclusions These exploratory results indicate that physical and psychologic benefits may accrue to postpartum women who are able to exercise vigorously and avoid decreasing their usual level of activity. A prospective randomized test of this relationship is warranted. Although positive outcomes of physical activity have been demonstrated in the population at large, exercise has rarely been an element in postpartum care plans. Nurses who care for women after childbirth should assess women's exercise goals and support them in their desired activities.
Plasma norepinephrine as an indicator of sympathetic neural activity in clinical cardiology

Abstract This review summarizes the available medical literature about plasma norepinephrine, which has been used as an indicator of sympathetic neural activity in clinical cardiology. Plasma norepinephrine levels are elevated in myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, and the norepinephrine concentration varies with severity of disease. Patients with ischemic heart disease at rest show essentially normal plasma norepinephrine, but no studies have assessed norepinephrine levels during spontaneously occurring typical angina pectoris. Plasma norepinephrine also is increased during hypertension occurring after coronary bypass surgery or repair of aortic coarctation. Propranolol increases plasma norepinephrine, and acute withdrawal of propranolol does not. Sodium restriction increases plasma norepinephrine in healthy persons, but no information is available about its effect on patients with congestive heart failure. Insufficient data are available to make strong inferences about sympathetic activity in cardiomyopathy, essential hypertension or pulmonary hypertension, and little or no information is available about plasma norepinephrine in ventricular fibrillation without myocardial infarction, the mitral valve prolapse syndrome, digoxin effect, syndromes associated with prolonged electrocardiographic Q-T interval and the hyperkinetic heart syndrome.
A cauchy system for the green's function and the solution of a two-point boundary value problem☆

Abstract A linear two-point boundary value problem is transformed into a Cauchy system in which a Green's function appears as an auxiliary dependent variable. It is then shown that the solution of the Cauchy system provides a solution of the original two-point boundary value problem. Some numerical aspects are discussed.
The Joint Impact of Race and Gender on Police Department Employment Practices

ABSTRACT In this study of police departments in southern California we examine the joint effects of race and gender on hiring practices. Although we find some similarities between the employment patterns of African-American and Hispanic officers, our most noteworthy findings involve the sharp differences between the factors which affect the hiring of different groups of individuals for sworn officer positions. The research presented here also improves on previous studies by showing the impact of violent crime rates on police hiring practices.
Inactivation of the cysteine protease SpeB affects hyaluronic acid capsule expression in group A streptococci.

The human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes expresses several virulence factors that are required for the pathogens survival within the host and the concomitant development of disease. To examine the influence of one virulence factor, the extracellular cysteine protease SpeB, on the expression of other virulence factors, the speB structural gene of a serotype M3 and M49 strain was inactivated. Morphologic examination, quantification of extracellular hyaluronic acid capsule, and Northern blot analysis of the isogenic speB -mutants revealed a strain-dependent decrease of hyaluronic acid capsule production and an increase in superoxide dismutase transcription. The transcription of streptolysin O (slo), di- and oligo-peptide permease (dpp, opp), hyaluronidase (hyl), streptokinase (ska) and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (speA) was unaffected.
A boundary constraint energy balance criterion for small volume deformation

Abstract A concept for the deformation resistance of small volumes under contact subjected to displacements in the 2–100 nm regime is proposed. In terms of an energy balance criterion, the external work minus stored elastic energy is consumed by surface energy and plastic energy absorption. The surface energy is interpreted in terms of new area of contact or new area created by slip step emergence or oxide film fracture. The plastic energy absorption is interpreted in terms of dislocation work. As such, this is analogous to a contact mechanics Griffith criterion for the hardness or flow strength of crystalline metals, semiconductors or oxides. Derivations of supporting loads and stresses provided for nanoindenter tips, nanospheres, nanocubes and thin-walled nanoboxes are presented. For comparison, measured hardness and flow strengths of Al, Au, Fe–3%Si, Ti, W and Si nanostructures are reported in the 2–100 nm length scale regime. It is proposed that Si and Ti nanospheres experience a minimum in contact resistance as dictated by a balance in surface energy dominance at small contact and dislocation hardening dominance at large contact. The variation of a strength controlling coefficient, α , with material suggests a length scale dependence on shear and/or pressure activation volumes.
Exposure to Violence, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Borderline Personality Pathology among Adolescents in Residential Psychiatric Treatment: The Influence of Emotion Dysregulation

Exposure to violence during adolescence is a highly prevalent phenomenon associated with a range of deleterious outcomes. Theoretical literature suggests that emotion dysregulation is one consequence of exposure to violence associated with the manifestation of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and borderline personality (BP) pathology. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relation between exposure to violence and both PTSS and BP pathology in a sample of 144 adolescents (age 10- to 17-years; 51 % male; 55 % African American) admitted to a psychiatric residential treatment center. Exposure to violence was associated with greater emotion dysregulation, which, in turn, was associated with greater PTSS and BP pathology. Furthermore, emotion dysregulation mediated the associations between exposure to violence and both PTSS and BP pathology. Findings suggest the importance of assessing and treating emotion dysregulation among violence-exposed adolescents in psychiatric residential treatment.
Quality‐of‐life research in patients with breast cancer

Quality-of-life evaluation has gained increasing attention within the oncology community over the past 2 decades. The breadth of quality-of-life research in women with breast cancer has expanded substantially during this time. This paper reviews the status of quality-of-life research in women with breast cancer and explores several areas in which quality-of-life research can be of value. Descriptive quality-of-life studies in patients undergoing active treatment can identify the impact breast cancer treatment has on a patient's life. For patients who have completed treatment, research can detect areas of persistent distress. Quality-of-life assessment now is incorporated in many clinical trials. These data can provide a patient-rated assessment of treatment and complement the traditional endpoints in clinical trials. Examples of selected quality-of-life studies in patients with breast cancer are presented.
Science and the Consequences of Mistruct: Lessons from Recent GM Controversies

In 2001, it was announced thattransgenic DNA had introgressed intotraditional strains of maize in Mexico. Acontroversy erupted and raged throughout 2001and 2002. This episode represents an acutebreakdown in scientific discourse. Given thestakes in the genetically modified organismdebate, a breakdown in scientific discourse isalarming. The following inquiry looks into thecauses of this breakdown. Ultimately, it willbe argued that the underlying problem is thecurrent institutional structure of science,particularly in the United States. If thediagnosis is correct, then the proper course oftreatment is to pursue a program ofinstitutional reconstruction.
Enhancing the effects of a narrative message through experiential information processing: An experimental study.

First-person narratives are becoming a popular means to communicate health risk information. Although studies show they can increase risk perception and motivate health behaviours compared to statistical messages, more research on the conditions in which they are particularly likely to have effects is needed. In this study, we tested a moderator related to how information is processed. Specifically, we hypothesised that thinking in terms of emotions and personal experiences – known as experiential information processing – would increase people’s responsiveness to a narrative. Female college students (N = 138) who reported indoor tanning were randomly assigned to read a first-person narrative message or a statistical message about the risks of skin cancer. Prior to reading the message, the women received instructions that would activate either experiential or rational information processing. Participants then reported their risk perceptions of skin cancer, worry about skin cancer and behaviour intentions r...
Applying Research on the Uses and Cognitive Effects of Hypermedia to the Study of the World Wide Web

This article situates the technological and historical origins of the World Wide Web in hypermedia systems that were conceptualized during the World War II era and first developed decades before the Web. The article then reviews the cross-disciplinary literature on hypermedia, which has developed over the past decade or so in education and educational technology, computer science, library and information science, psychology, and even geography. This review begins with a summary of underlying theory relevant to hypermedia, then focuses on the existing research on both the uses and the effects of hypermedia. The article discusses how the theory and research on hypermedia may or may not be extended to apply to the uses and effects of the Web. Finally, the implications of hypermedia theory and research, and its connections to traditional communication uses and effects research, are identified to provide suggestions for future research on the Web in the field of communication.
Variables associated with male and female chronic zoophilia

Zoophilia as a form of sexual expression continues to this day. The present research was conducted to determine: (1) Specific variables associated with male and female chronic zoophilia, and (2) a comparison of the similarities and/or differences of each, as well as (3) their influences on the individuals in sustaining and maintaining zoophiliac practices. Results suggested six of the most frequently stated variables for both males and females, similarities or significant differences between them by sex of S, and their relevancy to zoophilia in its sustained practice.
Who litigates and who collaborates? Evidence from environmental groups influencing National Forest management

Natural resource decision making is changing. Previously, federal agencies made decisions about public lands and resources with one-way input from user groups and the public, but now agencies are collaborating more with stakeholders and the public to develop alternatives and choose a course of action. Changes in decision-making venues and procedures can have an impact on the representation of different interest groups, as some groups are better suited to take advantage of new opportunities than others. It is important to understand how the rise of collaborative decision making is affecting interest group representation, as it can alter not only interest group survival and influence, but also policy and management outcomes. This research examines environmental interest group participation in collaborative National Forest decision making to understand the differences between participants and non-participants in collaboration and to determine the extent to which there is equal representation of these groups under a model of collaborative governance. A survey was conducted on 101 environmental groups to test hypotheses about the dominantly theorized drivers of interest group behavior – resources and interest. Then, four organizations were chosen for case study analysis to examine the correlations in greater detail. The results indicate that resources are important for shaping the environmental groups’ ability to collaborate; organizations with larger budgets and a higher level of professionalization were associated with a collaborating strategy. Interest is important for shaping the environmental groups’ willingness to collaborate; organizations with multiple values were associated with a collaborating strategy, whereas organizations with a single, environmental value were associated with a confronting strategy. The results provide empirical evidence that smaller, less professionalized environmental groups and more ideological environmental groups are not well represented in collaboration. Given that collaboration is increasingly used to address environmental conflicts, the exclusion of these groups could affect their survival and influence on policy making, and could change the composition and influence of the environmental movement. Building organizational capacity, networking and encouraging alternative forms of participation in collaboration could help limit organizations’ marginalization under collaborative governance. Further, encouraging appropriate and legitimate collaboration, and upholding the legal foundation of environmental decision making will ensure that environmental organizations can participate in policy making through whatever strategy they choose.
Flux flow velocity in superconducting films by measurement of passage time

The velocity of flux tubes in thin superconducting films has been determined by measuring the time for their passing across the film. A legion of flux tubes has been pulsed in on the left side of a film carrying a current large enough to break the pinning. The arrival of the flux tubes on the right side is observed with a pick-up coil. Flow velocities of 3 to 50×104 cm/sec have been observed with current densities up to 105 A/cm2.
LOSS OF I-131 FROM FALLOUT-CONTAMINATED VEGETATION.

Abstract —While the radioactive half-life of I 131 is 8.04 days, its “effective half-life” on fallout-contaminated vegetation was found to be only 5.5 days. Experimental evidence indicated that the difference may have been due to the mechanical removal of particles from vegetation and/or to the vaporization of I 131 from particles retained by vegetation. These findings imply that I 131 and other radionuclides contained in fallout may be lost from the diets of herbivores at rates significantly greater than decay alone.
Product quality in organic and conventional produce: Is there a difference?

Economists studying markets for organic produce and proponents of organic agriculture have often assumed that organic produce has more defects than conventional produce and that consumers buying organics are exchanging visual quality for perceived food safety and environmental benefits. Analysis of primary retail-level data on quality for eight organic and conventional produce items found no statistically significant difference in quality for most products. The results provide evidence that the assumption that organic produce is necessarily of inferior visual quality is unwarranted. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A cosmic-ray gas čerenkov counter with adjustable velocity threshold

Measurements of performance have been made on a gas cerenkov counter with CO2 at a pressure of 13.1 atm as the dielectric radiator. The corresponding index of refraction is 1.005 69. Cosmic-ray Μ-mesons with velocities greater than that of light in the gas were counted with an efficiency of (86±2)%. Tests indicate that the efficiency for counting Μ-mesons with velocities less than that of light in the gas is less than 3%.
HIV envelope protein-induced neuronal damage and retardation of behavioral development in rat neonates

Abstract Cognitive and motor impairment are common symptoms among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including children who suffer neurological deficits and are frequently developmentally impaired. The HIV envelope protein, gp120, which has been shown to be toxic to neurons in culture, is shed in abundance by infected cells, and thus may play a significant role in the neuropathology of AIDS. To test this possible mechanism, neonatal rats were injected systematically with purified gp120 and the following consequences were observed: (1) radiolabeled gp120 and toxic fragments thereof were recovered in brain homogenates; (2) dystrophic changes were produced in pyramidal neurons of cerebral cortex; (3) retardation was evident in developmental milestones associated with complex motor behaviors. In parallel studies, co-treatment with peptide T, a gp120-derived peptide having a pentapeptide sequence homologous with vasoactive intestinal peptide, prevented or attenuated the morphological damage and behavioral delays associated with gp120 treatment. These studies suggest that gp120 and gp120-derived toxic fragments may contribute to the neurological and neuropsychiatric impairment related to HIV infection, and that peptide T appears to be effective in preventing gp120-associated neutoxicity in developing rodents.