cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen delivery modulates intracellular hydrogen peroxide generation during initial reperfusion of the isolated ischemic rat heart

Study objectives: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during reperfusion of the ischemic heart play a major role in myocyte injury and may be dependent on changes in O 2 delivery (DO 2 ). We hypothesize that during low-flow reperfusion (eg, cardiopulmonary resuscitation after cardiac arrest), DO 2 modulates ROS formation and affects contractile recovery in the postischemic period. Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts were loaded with 25 μM of dihydrofluorescein-diacetate (HFLUOR) and then subjected to 5 minutes of global ischemia. Controlled reperfusion consisted of 5 minutes of variable DO 2 , ranging from 437.8 to 70.7 mL O 2 /min before restoration of full baseline perfusion. Intracellular ROS was quantitated using surface fluorometry at the left ventricle to measure the oxidation of HFLUOR to fluorescein, reflecting H 2 O 2 generation. Cellular NADH changes and contractile function were simultaneously measured. Results: At reperfusion, a burst of H 2 O 2 was observed, which was significantly reduced by lowering DO 2 (354.4, 22.8 to 84.7; 4.2 mL O 2 /min) during 5 minutes of controlled reperfusion (n=8/group, 0.47, 0.05 AU, versus 0.88; 0.14 AU, P =.035). However, this reduction did not correlate with improved functional recovery. Hearts reperfused with transient lower DO 2 before full reperfusion had a lower percentage of recovery of left ventricular–developed pressure (39.2%, 7.6% versus 73.5%; 6.3, P P Conclusion: Controlled reperfusion using an initial lower DO 2 reduces the intracellular ROS burst but does not improve recovery of postischemic contractile function.
Electrodynamics of the equatorial evening ionosphere: 2. Conductivity influences on convection, current, and electrodynamic energy flow

We analyze how the evening equatorial plasma vortex and the prereversal enhancement (PRE) of the vertical drift are influenced by the distributions of conductivity in the E and F regions in relation to the wind, through numerical simulations with the thermosphere-ionosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model coupled with the global ionosphere-plasmasphere model. The nightside electric potential satisfies an approximate minimization principle that unifies the connection of the horizontal and vertical components of plasma convection to the wind and conductivity distributions. The relative roles of E and F region conductivities on the convection and current closure are clarified. Evening time F region zonal winds at latitudes that encompass the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) region provide the main energy source to drive the convection, including the PRE. The E region helps regulate both the meridional and the zonal convection through drag on the meridional convection associated with Cowling current. For large nighttime E region conductivities, additional drag on the zonal convection comes from the Pedersen conductance. The minimization principle favors meridional plasma inflow to the EIA region from lower rather than higher magnetic apex heights, so long as the E region Cowling conductance is not too large. This upward/poleward inflow maximizes on field lines that traverse the lower F layer near the equatorward edge of the EIA region, producing a PRE with maximum vertical velocity within the equatorial F layer.
Twisting of liquid crystals by magnetic fields

En presence d'un champ magnetique et de forces superficielles, la structure d'un cristal liquide est distordue. On montre ici, a l'aide d'un cas simplifie, que la structure est helicoidale.
Problem-based learning in online vs. face-to-face environments.

UNLABELLED This study compared outcomes of problem-based learning between synchronous online groups and face-to-face tutorial groups. Specifically, the study compared learning outcomes, time-on-task and learning issue generation. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A post-test only control group design was used to investigate the effects of learning conditions on learning outcomes and processes. The experimental learning condition was defined as computer-mediated problem-based learning (CMPBL) and the control condition was traditional problem based learning in face-to-face groups (TPBL). The learning process consisted of four elements: an initial tutorial, a period of self-directed learning, a second tutorial and a laboratory session. During the initial tutorial students generated learning issues that they submitted to the research assistant. In the self-directed learning phase, students researched their learning issues and returned for the second tutorial with their findings. Students in the CMPBL groups interacted with the resource person electronically via email, chat room or bulletin board. At the second tutorial, groups shared information related to their learning issues and completed their products for the problem. RESULTS There was no difference in learning outcomes between groups. The CMPBL group spent significantly more time on learning than the TPBL group. There was no overall difference between groups on generation of learning issues; however, there was a significant relationship between number of learning issues generated and higher score on the examination regardless of tutorial medium.
Treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with plasma.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, the acute form of which is usually fatal, is characterized clinically by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fluctuating neurologic signs and renal dysfunction, and pathologically by diffuse thrombotic occlusions in the microcirculation, in which platelets are consumed.1 2 3 4 Since the pathogenesis of this disease is not understood, treatment has been empirical or with an assumed rationale. Among the various modes of therapy tried, four are especially advocated: splenectomy and use of antiplatelet agents, of high doses of glucocorticoids, and of exchange transfusions. The value of splenectomy remains undefined.5 Proponents of antiplatelet treatment argue that whether or not platelet adhesion . . .
What do you call it?: a comparison of library-created and user-created tags

In this paper, we describe an exploratory study comparing the abstracting and indexing practices of a semi-expert LIS community (metadata creators for the digital library, ipl2) and the social tags generated by Delicious users for the same corpus of materials. We find over 88% of the resources in the ipl2 History collection were tagged at least once in Delicious. Overlap between the tags applied to ipl2 resources and indexing shows terms that the two groups are similar enough to be useful, yet dissimilar enough to provide new access points and description.
Toward Increasing the Sociological Relevance of Sensitivity Training

As a means of increasing the theoretical relevance of sensitivity training for sociologists engaged in evaluative pursuits, the concept of role-based sensitivity is suggested for use in an evaluative research perspective. Results of the application of a role-based sensitivity scale, as a pre-training diagnostic device, in a training program for local human relations commissioners, suggest that the area of sensitivity training has potential as an arena for the refinement of sociological role theory and hence is deserving of the increased interest of sociologists.
Gene family use and somatic mutation in primary and secondary fluorescein‐specific IgM antibody responses

A comparative analysis of the DNA sequences of primary and secondary IgM, fluorescein- specific antibodies was performed. These antibodies were secreted by hybridomas generated following fusion of immunized BALB/c mouse lymphocytes and SP2/0 myeloma cells. Our results show that primary and secondary fluorescein-specific IgM antibodies use a variety of segments from the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (VH), with members of the J558 and 7183 VH gene families predominating in both populations, D regions from the DF116 and DSP2 families were used exclusively in our primary antibody sample and predominated in the secondary response. In the primary antibodies, 15 out of 18 definable D regions were transcribed in reading frame one, but in the secondary antibodies the three reading frames were used stochastically. Secondary IgM antibodies showed a higher frequency of somatic mutation than their primary counterparts, but we could detect no evidence of selection for mutations in the complementarity determining regions as compared with the framework regions. It appears that fusion of secondary cells, 3-6 days after immunization, is able to'capture'the IgM-producing population of B cells at a stage in their development following mutation but prior to antigenic selection.
Blunted opiate modulation of prolactin response in smoking men and women

Endogenous opioids are integral in modulating drug reward, but it is believed that these may act through several mechanisms including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and dopamine pathways. This study was developed to examine how nicotine dependence alters endogenous opioid regulation of prolactin response, a peripheral marker of dopaminergic activity. Smokers and nonsmokers completed two sessions during which placebo or 50 mg of naltrexone was administered, using a double-blind, counterbalanced design. Blood samples and mood measures were obtained during a resting absorption period, after exposure to two noxious stimuli (cold pressor and thermal pain), and during an extended recovery period. Opioid blockade increased prolactin response, indicating an inhibitory effect of the endogenous opioid system on prolactin, possibly mediated by reduced stimulatory effects of dopamine on this hormone. These responses were attenuated in smokers relative to nonsmokers. There was also a gender disparity in prolactin response, with women showing a stronger response to endogenous opioid modification than men regardless of smoking status. The attenuated effects of opioid blockade may reflect dysregulated opiodergic and dopaminergic effects. Results extend previous reports showing blunted opioid regulation of the HPA response in dependent smokers.
Attaining the First Community College Presidency

It would be unusual to read the current literature on community colleges and not find a reference to impending retirements of senior-level administrators, faculty, and staff, as well as what skills and characteristics are important for future leadership. There is limited research on attaining the first community college presidency. This study expands the limited research through the lenses of the practical experiences of sitting community colleges presidents who had less than five-years of experience in their roles. At the time of the study, there were only four individuals in the state of Texas who fit these characteristics. Through the use of qualitative inquiry, the study shares the experiences of these presidents of how they prepared for their presidential roles, their motivations for seeking a presidency, as well as their experiences in the search and hiring process.
Nosocomial outbreak caused by a multiresistant clone of Acinetobacter baumannii: results of the case-control and molecular epidemiologic investigations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a nosocomial outbreak caused by multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii. DESIGN: Descriptive and case-control study. Antibiotic susceptibilities and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of genomic DNA digested with SfiI and also with ApaI were used as markers of strain identity. SETTING: A large medical school-affiliated hospital in the city of Houston, Texas. RESULTS: During a 10-week period, A baumannii was isolated from 25 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The attack rate was 14.3 per 100 ICU admissions. Case patients were intubated more frequently and for longer periods, and had longer ICU and hospital stays (P < 0.05 for each of these characteristics). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the length of ICU stay and the use of third-generation cephalosporins as associated with the acquisition of A baumannii. Patients infected with A baumannii had a higher mortality rate than colonized patients and control patients (P < 0.01). Sixteen isolates recovered from these 25 patients were susceptible only to imipenem/cilastatin, and PFGE confirmed that a single clone was the cause of this outbreak. Nine isolates of A baumannii from patients infected or colonized in two other hospitals in Houston during the same period, differed from the outbreak isolates by their susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. However, PFGE results were identical, indicating unsuscepted genetic relatedness among isolates from three different hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: A baumannii is an important nosocomial opportunistic pathogen and can adversely affect the outcome of ICU patients who acquire this organism. This outbreak was caused by a single clone that was isolated concurrently from three hospitals.
Failure of safflower oil hyperlipemia to inhibit limitation of the size of experimental streptokinase-treated myocardial infarction

Abstract A total of 20 dogs were given 400 c.c. of high-unsaturated safflower oil three hours before experimental production of acute myocardial infarction. Ten were given streptokinase and ten were not treated. Autopsy findings were highly significant since only one of the ten treated dogs developed a transmural infarct, whereas all of the ten untreated or control dogs showed large transmural infarctions. The infarcts in the treated animals were small, spotty, nonconfluent, and frequently subendocardial. The fact that the protective effect of streptokinase occurred in nine dogs without significant change in circulating FA suggests that therapeutic thrombolysis occurred at the tissue level by activation of fibrinolysin contained in the clots in the coronary circulation. These findings suggest that hyperlipemia due to unsaturated fat does not inhibit FA at the tissue level. Striking was the absence of microthrombi in all dogs, treated or untreated, whose hyperlipemia was due to safflower oil in contrast to the microthromboses seen in animals (treated or untreated) with saturated hyperlipemia. 10
Globalization, Human Capital, and Learning Disabilities

In my commentary on the articles in this special international issue, I argue that attention to the phenomenon of learning disability arises inevitably as a policy concern, despite differences in history, cultural traditions, and political circumstances. Refinements in scientific knowledge alone cannot account for the observed similarities across nations. Instead, I argue that it is the universal recognition of and response to the high social cost of underachievement that naturally leads to the construct of learning disability. Despite differences, nations respond to economic challenges similarly with policies that promote universal education and, thereafter, create the inevitable collision of limitations in their ability to provide universally effective schooling in the face of human differences.
SU-FF-T-420: The Impact of Random and Systematic Errors of MLC Leaves On Head-And-Neck IMRT Plans

Purpose: To investigate dosimetric effect of the random and systematic errors of MLC leaf positions on the IMRT plans for patients with head and neck cancer.Method and Materials: For six clinical IMRT plans, random errors (from −2 to 2 mm) and systematic errors (±0.5 mm and ±1 mm) MLC positioning errors were introduced into the each segment for these plans, simulating the mechanical uncertainties and potential miscalibration of the MLC. The altered MLC segments for each plan were imported to a commercial treatment planning system to evaluate dosimetric changes of the plan. The altered plans were compared to the original plans, based on DVHs and defined endpoint doses. Results: With the up‐to‐2 mm random errors in MLC positions, the dose changes to the 95% of the tumor volumes were (−1.247± 1.153)%. For serial structures, the dose changes to the 0.1 cc of the brainstem and spinal cord were (0.230±0.794)% and (−0.340±1.254)%, respectively. The dose changes to the 50% of the parotids varied from patient to patient, from 0.536% to 11.333%, (1.641±4.274)% and (4.910±5.322)% overall. With systematic errors in MLC positions up to 1 mm, the dose changes to the 95% of the tumor volumes were (−0.078±1.048)%. The dose changes to the 0.1 cc of the brainstem and spinal cord for all patients except one were (0.591±1.058)%. The dose changes to the 50% of the parotids overall were (7.782±3.111)%, beyond 5% limit. Conclusion: The dosimetric changes introduced by the random errors for each leaf within 2mm were not significant compared to the original plans. The systematic error up to 1mm for each leaf did not significantly changed the target dose and the maximum doses to the serial structures while the doses changes to the parotid could be significant. Conflict of Interest: This project is partly funded by SIEMENS.
Resolution and performance of the cloudy sky ratio using measured brightness temperatures from ground-based microwave radiometers

The field campaign of DYNAMO/CINDY2011 took place in the central equatorial Indian Ocean between September 1, 2011 and January 5, 2012. The experiment was primarily designed to improve understanding of the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) in the region. Observations of vertical moisture profiles, cloud structure, precipitation processes and the planetary boundary layer are necessary to improve understanding of MJO initiation. A number of remote sensing instruments, including NCAR's S-PolKa (dual-wavelength S-and K a -band) radar and the University of Miami's microwave radiometer, were deployed to estimate water vapor and cloud structure. These instruments were collocated and scanned a common volume of the troposphere at various azimuth and elevation angles. The University of Miami's microwave radiometer performed brightness temperature measurements at 23.8 GHz, affected mostly by water vapor, and at 30.0 GHz, primarily sensitive to cloud liquid water. These measurements were performed continuously to estimate slant water path and liquid water path during various weather conditions, including clear and cloudy skies, as well as precipitation of various intensities.
In vivo immune modulatory activity of hepatic stellate cells in mice.

Accumulating data suggest that hepatic tolerance, initially demonstrated by spontaneous acceptance of liver allografts in many species, results from an immune regulatory activity occurring in the liver. However, the responsible cellular and molecular components have not been completely understood. We have recently described profound T cell inhibitory activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate in vivo evidence of immune modulatory activity of HSCs in mice using an islet transplantation model. Co-transplanted HSCs effectively protected islet allografts from rejection, forming a multi-layered capsule, which reduced allograft immunocyte infiltrates by enhancement of apoptotic death. The immune modulation by HSCs appeared to be a local effect, and regulated by inducible expression of B7-H1, an inhibitory molecule of B7 family. This may reflect an intrinsic mechanism of immune inhibition mediated by liver-derived tissue cells. In conclusion, these results may lead to better understanding of liver immunobiology and development of new strategies for treatment of liver diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:1171–1181.)
Macromolecular Characteristics of Natural Organic Matter. 1. Insights from Glass Transition and Enthalpic Relaxation Behavior

This is the first of a series of papers focusing on an experimental investigation of mechanisms contributing to the sequestration of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) by macromolecular natural organic matter (NOM). It presents the results of a detailed study by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of NOM-related glass transition and enthalpic relaxation phenomena. Parallel measurements for model synthetic organic macromolecules of well characterized structure provide a basis for interpretation of the observed behaviors of the structurally heterogeneous and relatively ill-characterized natural organic materials investigated. The effects of varied DSC heating rates reveal transition temperature and enthalpic relaxation responses consistent with the Gibbs-Dimarzio glass transition theory, thus providing definitive evidence to support our earlier reports of the occurrence of glassy/rubbery state transitions in NOM macromolecules. Quantification of maximum changes in heat capacity for enthalpic relaxatio...
The ongoing conundrum of MLL-AF4 driven leukemogenesis

In this issue of Blood , Bueno and colleagues explore the developmental impact, as well as the transforming capacity, of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)–AF4 fusion protein in combination with activation of FMS-like tyrosine receptor 3 (FLT3) in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).[1][1] MLL-AF4+
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons against glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis

In the present study, cell death induced by glucose deprivation in primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons was examined. Glucose deprivation-induced apoptotic cell death was demonstrated using the terminal transferase-mediated (TdT) deoxyuridine triphosphate (d-UTP)-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and DNA fragmentation assays. When the effects of different neurotrophins on the survival of cerebellar granule neurons after glucose deprivation were assessed, BDNF, but not NT-3 or NGF, was found to protect cerebellar granule neurons against glucose deprivation-induced cell death. In addition, BDNF treatment increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the cerebellar granule neurons. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that neuronal death due to glucose deprivation has a significant apoptotic component and that neurotrophins can protect against hypoglycemic damage.
Inhaled epoprostenol therapy for pulmonary hypertension: Improves oxygenation index more consistently in neonates than in older children.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of inhaled epoprostenol for treatment of acute pulmonary hypertension (PH) in pediatric patients and to formulate a plan for a prospective, randomized study of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in this population. Inhaled epoprostenol is an effective treatment for pediatric PH. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all pediatric patients who received inhaled epoprostenol at a tertiary care hospital between October 2005 and August 2007. The study population was restricted to all patients under 18 years of age who received inhaled epoprostenol for greater than 1 hour and had available data for oxygenation index (OI) calculation. Arterial blood gas values and ventilator settings were collected immediately prior to epoprostenol initiation, and during epoprostenol therapy (as close to 12 hours after initiation as possible). Echocardiograms were reviewed during two time frames: Within 48 hours prior to therapy initiation and within 96 hours aft...
Pastoral communication with the confused

Three basic kinds of strategies can aid the pastor in communicting with a confused person: (1) focusing the person's attention, (2) fostering orientation to time, place, and person, (3) finding meaning in the person's experience. Despite the logical incongruities in the communications of a confused person, on a feeling level there is a basis of reality. To persist in the effort to communicate is to care on the deepest level.
The Willam A. Hughes Collection of Modern Literature

The article describes a collection reflecting a rich assortment of twentieth century literature, donated to Rutgers University Library by its collector, the late Mr. William A. Hughes, of Elizabeth, New Jersey.Â Especially impressive in this collection is the excellent quality of book-making before the Second World Warâ€”of beautiful, legible type, widely spaced on the page, of fine paper, and of individual book design.Â The focus of the collection is primarily British and American literature, with a few translations from French, German, Russian, and Portuguese.
First principles study of cation ordering in the system Pb(Sc1/2Ta1/2)O3 and (1 - X) · Pb(Sc1/2Ta1/2)O3 - X · PbTIO3

The nonempirical Potential Induced Breathing method has been used to calculate structural parameters and total energies for: PbTiO3 (PT), 10 different ordered structures with stoichiometry Pb(Sc1/2...
Gender, Race, and Kinship: Searching for the Matrifocal Family

The social science study of female-headed households has generally treated their frequency in relation to variables such as poverty and ethnicity. Changing gender and kinship relations, especially ...
Structural features of the focal adhesion kinase–paxillin complex give insight into the dynamics of focal adhesion assembly

The C-terminal region of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) consists of a right-turn, elongated, four-helix bundle termed the focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain. The structure of this domain is maintained by hydrophobic interactions, and this domain is also the proposed binding site for the focal adhesion protein paxillin. Paxillin contains five well-conserved LD motifs, which have been implicated in the binding of many focal adhesion proteins. In this study we determined that LD4 binds specifically to only a single site between the H2 and H3 helices of the FAT domain and that the C-terminal end of LD4 is oriented toward the H2-H3 loop. Comparisons of chemical-shift perturbations in NMR spectra of the FAT domain in complex with the binding region of paxillin and the FAT domain bound to both the LD2 and LD4 motifs allowed us to construct a model of FAK–paxillin binding and suggest a possible mechanism of focal adhesion disassembly.
Culturally Tailored Smoking Cessation for Arab American Male Smokers in Community Settings: A Pilot Study

Tobacco use is a serious public health problem among Arab Americans with limited English proficiency. The main goal of this study was to develop a culturally-tailored and linguistically-sensitive Arabic-language smoking cessation program. A secondary goal was to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting Arab Americans through a faith-based community organization which serves as a neighborhood social center for the city of Richmond's Arab Americans. Eight first-generation Arab American men aged 20 years and above completed the three-month program. There was general agreement of the following: (1) each stage of the five-stage cessation program could be improved; (2) several glaring errors could be easily corrected; and (3) minor variation among the various countries-of-origin of participants could lead to a few changes in the program with respect to the use of some colloquial terms. The results suggest that it is possible to reach smokers from Arab American communities with a tailored Arabic language smoking cessation program. The findings of this report will be used as the basis for a large-scale intervention study of a culturally and linguistically sensitive cessation program for Arab American ethnic groups.
Body piercing and high-risk behavior in adolescents

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association of body piercing with sociodemographic factors, peer substance use, and high-risk behaviors. Methods Cross-sectional analysis using Wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Public Use Dataset, a nationally representative, school-based sample of 4337 adolescents, aged 13–18 years, surveyed in 1996. The major predictor variable was body piercing at locations other than the ears. The outcome variables were selected from five areas of high-risk behaviors including sexual intercourse, substance use (problem drinking, smoking, and marijuana use), violent behavior (fighting and inflicting injuries), antisocial behavior (truancy, shoplifting, and running away), and mood problems (depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts). The association between body piercing and peer substance use was also examined. Results Females (7.2% vs. 1.5%) and older adolescents were more likely to report piercing (all p 's Conclusions Clinically, body piercing may serve as a marker for higher levels of peer substance use and potential problem behavior.
Lateral-mode discrimination in ridge waveguides by misaligned total internal reflection mirrors

Lateral-mode discrimination by misaligned total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors in multimode ridge waveguide structures is proposed. The effects of angular misalignment in TIR mirrors and index steps in ridge waveguides on the modal reflectivity is analyzed by a plane wave expansion method. The modal reflectivity of a high order mode decreases more rapidly than that of a fundamental mode as the angular misalignment of TIR mirrors increases. It is found that a fundamental mode can have high modal reflectivity (/spl sim/0.9) with significant lateral-mode discrimination over high-order modes if the ridge waveguides have large index steps. >
Do gymnosperm needles pull water through the xylem produced in the same year as the needle

This research investigated the longevity of functional connections between leaf traces and stem xylem in 16 species of conifers to better understand the spatial use of sapwood for water transport. The first question was which ring(s) stained when a vacuum was applied to the distal end of the cut surface of a needle attached to a short stem segment. The vacuum was applied to either 1- or 2-yr-old foliage taken from 4-6-yr-old saplings. The 16 species were then categorized based on the growth ring that most consistently stained when the vacuum was applied to the 2-yr-old needles. There were three distinct stain patterns for the evergreen conifers and one pattern for the deciduous conifers. Three evergreen species could not be categorized. The second question used needle fall data to ask whether the leaf trace appeared to break because of age or stem diameter in 5-yr-old Pseudotsuga menziesii saplings. An apparent threshold stem diameter at which needles tended to be shed was more related to diameter than age. These xylem connection patterns could affect leaf cohort physiology and the spatial pattern of water flux in sapwood.
Follow-on biologics: data exclusivity and the balance between innovation and competition

Legislation to create a regulatory pathway for follow-on biologics is currently being considered by the United States Congress. A critical issue in this respect is the period of data exclusivity for innovator companies before a follow-on competitor can rely in part on data obtained for an original biologic for an abbreviated approval. Given the nature of patents on biologics, the period of data exclusivity is anticipated to have a key role in determining how quickly follow-on competitors emerge, and consequently also on the time available for originator companies to recoup their investment. With this issue in mind, this article discusses factors influencing return on investment on biologic research and development. A break-even analysis for a representative portfolio of biologics provides support for a substantial data exclusivity period.
A least-squares technique for shape recognition with depth data

The use of spherical harmonic coefficients to describe objects represented by depth data is introduced. In a previous implementation, it was necessary to fit planar patches to the data before coefficient calculation, and numerical integration techniques were used in the computations. Here a least-squares implementation is presented that allows for coefficient calculation directly from the depth data without the use of planar patches or numerical integration. This technique is much faster, and experimental results are shown to demonstrate its effectiveness. >
New record of Prymnesium parvum f. patelliferum (Green, Hibberd & Piennar) Larsen stat. nov. (Prymnesiophyceae) from Valparaíso Bay

An "unidentified flagellate" with a short non coiling haptonema was found by chance in a living phyto- plankton sample taken from Valparaiso Bay, Chile. Monocultures were obtained and kept in Provasoli medium (PES), at salinity 34.0, 16 ± 2oC, 40 µmol photon·m -2 ·s -1 , and 11:13 h light:darkness. The strain (MLB298) was obtained by the capillary method. Cells were harvested by centrifugation, and pigments were extracted and examined using HPLC. Cells were examined with both light and electron microscopy. The genus was identified as Prymnesium Conrad, due to its characteristic pigments (Chl c 3 plus fucoxanthin) and cellular features, mainly haptonema and scale characteristics. Further cultured studies of the cells revealed asexual and sexual reproduction. Electron microscopy observations of the scales showed the radial pattern of P. patellifera and the concentrical fibrilar pattern of P. parvum, confirming that P. patellifera and P. parvum are alternating generations of the same species (conspecifity). P. parvum f. patelliferum (Green, Hibberd & Piennar) Larsen stat. nov. is cited herein for the first time for the Chilean coast.
A three-nucleotide insertion in the H stem-loop of the 5' untranslated region of Theiler's virus attenuates neurovirulence.

Abstract The highly structured 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus is involved in cap-independent translation of the viral RNA. Previously, we reported that the bicistronic mRNA chloramphenicol acetyltransferase-5' UTR-luciferase (Luc) efficiently expressed Luc both in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate and when transfected into BHK-21 cells. Insertion of 3 nucleotides at position 665 in the 5' UTR of this bicistronic mRNA resulted in greatly reduced Luc expression in BHK-21 cells but had little effect on expression of Luc in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. This mutation was also introduced into a virulent Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus chimera, Chi-VL. The kinetics of viral RNA and protein synthesis and virus production in BHK-21 cells were slower for the mutant chimera [Chi-VL(IN668)] than for Chi-VL; however, the final virus yields were comparable. Intracerebral inoculation of mice with the chimeras revealed that Chi-VL(IN668) was completely attenuated in neurovirulence. The reduced neurovirulence of Chi-VL(IN668) may be ascribed to its reduced growth in the central nervous system, most likely due to an impaired ability to synthesize viral proteins.
The Influence of Information Technology Control Activities on the Financial Statement Audit

This study examines the influence of assessed information technology (IT) control reliability on financial statement audit effort and fees. Since SAS 94 requires auditors to consider an auditee’s use of IT controls during audit planning, this study seems highly relevant. Using archived audit workpaper documentation, our results show that IT control strength assessments are inversely associated with control risk assessments, audit hours, and fees. Results also show that both the control risk and IT control strength assessments have similar influence on hours and fees.
Deterministic Test Vector Compression/Decompression for Systems-on-a-Chip Using an Embedded Processor

A novel approach for using an embedded processor to aid in deterministic testing of the other components of a system-on-a-chip (SOC) is presented. The tester loads a program along with compressed test data into the processor's on-chip memory. The processor executes the program which decompresses the test data and applies it to scan chains in the other components of the SOC to test them. The program itself is very simple and compact, and the decompression is done very rapidly, hence this approach reduces both the amount of data that must be stored on the tester and reduces the test time. Moreover, it enables at-speed scan shifting even with a slow tester (i.e., a tester whose maximum clock rate is slower than the SOC's normal operating clock rate). A procedure is described for converting a set of test cubes (i.e., test vectors where the unspecified inputs are left as X's) into a compressed form. A program that can be run on an embedded processor is then given for decompressing the test cubes and applying them to scan chains on the chip. Experimental results indicate a significant amount of compression can be achieved resulting in less data that must be stored on the tester (i.e., smaller tester memory requirement) and less time to transfer the test data from the tester to the chip.
Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Advances in Treatment

At present, a combination of cisplatin, methotrexate, vinblastine and doxorubicin is the most widely used chemotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer. However, long-term follow-up shows that this combination may have little effect on survival. In addition, this regimen is toxic. New agents are needed which combine efficacy with good safety profiles. Agents which have been investigated include gallium nitrate, interferon- α and paclitaxel both as single agents and in combination with established cytotoxic drugs. A number of studies have been conducted in bladder cancer with the novel nucleoside analogue, gemcitabine. Response rates of up to 33% have been recorded in two phase II studies. Gemcitabine was well tolerated in both studies with few of the side-effects normally associated with cytotoxic drugs. A third study is ongoing.
Valsartan Improves Insulin Sensitivity without Altering Vascular Function in Healthy Overweight Adults without the Metabolic Syndrome.

Background. We investigated hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as a cause of endothelial dysfunction in obese humans. Methods. Thirty five healthy overweight (BMI � 33.6 � 6.6 kg m � 2 ) adults (33 � 10 years old) without cardiovascular risk factors received valsartan (160 mg) orally daily or a matching placebo for 6 weeks each. Results. Baseline flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilatation (NMD) were not altered by placebo or valsartan. However, fasting plasma insulin was significantly decreased by valsartan compared to placebo (� 4.6 � 16.0 � UmL � 1 versus � 0.4 � 11.6 � UmL � 1 , P � 0.032) with no changes in glucose. A secondary analysis in patients with elevated waist to hip ratios (y¨ 0.85, n � 18) showed an increase in FMD with valsartan. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that angiotensin 2 receptor blockade may aid in the prevention of diabetes even at the earliest stages of risk due solely to uncomplicated obesity. The lack of an improvement in FMD does not support a central role of RAS-hyperactivity in the etiology of the vascular dysfunction due solely to obesity. However, it is possible that obese patients with central adiposity may improve FMD with RAS blockade, and future investigation is warranted in this subgroup.
ELECTRON TOMOGRAPHY OF MACROMOLECULAR ASSEMBLIES

Electron tomography is a method for three-dimensional reconstruction of a specimen, based on its electron microscopical projections which are produced by tilting the specimen in the microscope about a fixed axis. After determining a common coordinate frame, a tomogram is computed by weighted backprojection. Higher resolution can be obtained by applying a contrast transfer function (CTF) correction to the projections. The tomographic data is further analyzed by extracting structural motifs from the raw tomograms, by selective alignment, multivariate statistical analysis, classification, and class-averaging, resulting in an increased signal-to-noise ratio and substantial data reduction. The volumetric data analysis facilitates the separation of a heterogeneous population of motifs into its constituents, and the visualization of the motifs in the raw tomograms by reassembly, replacing low signal-to-noise instances with higher signal-to-noise representations
Vector like gauge theories with almost massless fermions on the lattice

A truncation of the overlap (domain wall fermions) is studied and a criterion for the reliability of the approximation is obtained by comparison to the exact overlap formula describing massless quarks. We also present a truncated version of regularized, pure gauge, supersymmetric models. The mechanism for generating almost masslessness is shown to be a generalized seesaw which can also be viewed as a version of the Froggatt-Nielsen method for obtaining natural large mass hierarchies. Viewed in this way the mechanism preserving the mass hierarchy naturally avoids preserving even approximately axial U(1). The new insights into the source of the mass hierarchy suggest ways to increase the efficiency of numerical simulations of QCD employing the truncated overlap.
Building bridges between New York city public high schools and a college: The cooperative library project

Abstract This article describes a successful cooperative project involving the Brooklyn College Library and two New York City high schools. In spring and fall of 1995, college librarians provided selected honors students, their teachers, and their librarians with basic BI and access to the college library for a semester. The teachers assigned projects requiring college-level research. The preparation and instruction are outlined, and responses of the students and college
Investigation of hypersensitivity to fractionated low-dose radiation exposure.

exponential growth. Cells were replated at low density and assayed for clonogenicity. Results: The results of this study were not inconsistent with some hypersensitivity at low doses, in that 20 fractions each of 0.3 Gy produced a slightly lower (though nonsignificant) surviving fraction compared with the same dose given in 2-Gy fractions. However, the results of the 20 3 0.3 Gy exposures also agreed well with the standard linear-quadratic (LQ) model predictions based on high dose per fraction (1‐ 6 Gy) data. In addition, effects of cellular redistribution were seen which were explained quantitatively with an extended version of the LQ model. Conclusions: These experiments were specifically designed to magnify and probe possible clinical implications of proposed “low-dose hypersensitivity” effects, in which significant deviations at low doses from the LQ model have been suggested. In fact, the results at low doses per fraction were consistent with LQ predictions based on higher dose per fraction data. This finding is in agreement with the well-documented utility of the LQ approach in estimating isoeffect doses for alternative fractionation schemes, and for brachytherapy. © 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.
Micro-optic integration with focal plane arrays

The large detector size of conventional focal plane arrays (FPAs) often acts as a limiting source of noise currents and requires these devices to run at undesirably low temperatures. To reduce the detector size without reducing the detector’s quantum efficiency (QE), we have developed efficient on-focal-plane collection optics consisting of arrays of thin-film binary-optics microlenses and photoresist-based refractive microlenses on the back surface of hybrid detector array structures. Photodiodes of p/n polarity, of an unusual planar-mesa geometry, were fabricated in epitaxial HgCdTe deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the front side of a CdZnTe substrate. Diffractive (8- to 16-phase-level) Ge microlenses were deposited on 48-µm centers in a registered fashion (using an IR mask aligner and appropriate marks on the front surface of the CdZnTe) on the back side of the substrate using a lifting process. The lifting circumvents some of the process limitations of the more conventional chemical etching methods on diffractivemicrolens processing, allowing the microlenses to approach more closely their theoretical efficiency limit of .95%. Photoresist microlenses were fabricated by reflow of photolithographically defined photoresist islands. Prior to microlens deposition, but after diode fabrication, the test structures were flip-chip bonded or ‘‘hybridized’’ using indium interconnections to metallic striplines that had been photolithographically deposited on sapphire dice (a process equally compatible with a siliconintegrated- circuit readout). After hybridization, the CdZnTe was thinned to equal the focal length of the lenses in the CdZnTe material. Optical characterization has demonstrated that the microlenses combined with the detector mesas concentrate light sufficiently to increase the effective collection area. The optical size of the mesa detectors being larger than the theoretical diffraction limit of the microlenses precludes determining whether the lenses themselves produce the theoretical diffraction-limited gain, but they clearly decrease the required detector area by at least 3 to 6 times. To our knowledge, this is the first successful demonstration of IR detectors and binary optics and of photoresist refractive-microlens integration.
Thermal inertia and bolometric Bond albedo values for Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea and Iapetus as derived from Cassini/CIRS measurements

Abstract Spectra taken by Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) between 10 and 600 cm −1 (17–1000 μm) of surface thermal emission of Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea and Iapetus have been used to derive the thermal inertia and bolometric Bond albedo values. Only an upper limit for the bolometric Bond albedo of Iapetus’ dark leading side could be determined due to the insensitivity of the thermal model to albedo when albedos are very low. The thermal inertia in this region however is better constrained. The CIRS coverage of Enceladus is extensive enough that the latitudinal variation in these values from 60°S to 70°N has been determined in 10° wide bins. The bolometric Bond albedos determined here are consistent with literature values which show the surface of the saturnian icy moons to be covered in ice contaminated to varying degrees. The thermal inertia of the moons is shown to be in the range 9– 20 J m - 2 K - 1 s - 1 2 , approximately 2–6 times lower than that of the Galilean satellites, implying a less well consolidated and more porous surface. The thermal inertias of Iapetus and Phoebe are somewhat higher, suggesting that the very low thermal inertias of satellites from Rhea inwards may be related to their probable coating of E-ring material. Latitudinal variations on the surface of Enceladus show that the bolometric Bond albedo and thermal inertia increase towards the active plume source at the south pole.
Skip the (Capitalist) Intermediaries: Freedom, Democracy, and Participation in the Economy and Culture

A significant parallel can be drawn between a socialist argument about how to regulate property in the means of production and the liberal theorist Lawrence Lessig’s argument about how to regulate property in ideas. The two are particularly alike in the emphasis they place on the kind of participation—and the resulting freedom and democracy—enabled by having access to the means of production. Highlighting the parallel could help socialists and liberal theorists of intellectual property to see how they can advance each other’s causes: socialism could eliminate the threat of privatization of the means of producing culture that liberals like Lessig rightly worry about; and if the arguments about ownership of ideas made by Lessig and others like him end up gaining currency, then arguments about ownership of the means of production made by socialist theorists could have more resonance with larger numbers of people than is currently the case.
Resonance phenomena: From compound nucleus decay to proton radioactivity

The role of resonances in exotic nuclei is investigated. This encompasses one and two nucleon emitters for ground-state nuclei beyond the drip lines to compound nuclei formed at higher excitation energies which, in some cases, can decay to produce these ground-state emitters. The role of barrier penetration and configuration mixing are both considered in explaining the long lifetimes observed in narrow resonances. Finally, two experimental techniques for studying exotic resonances are presented.