cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consequences of Weak Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting: Foreign versus U.S. Firms

For a sample of both foreign cross-listed firms and U.S. firms that report material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting (MWICFR) from 2007- 2016, we utilize event studies and multivariate techniques to examine if there are differential consequences of reporting MWICFR across the two groups. Specifically, we examine the reactions of the equity and debt markets, external auditors, and the firm’s governance. We find that after receiving an audit report with material weakness issues, foreign firms face a significantly more negative stock market reaction and decrease in credit ratings. These firms are more likely to receive a going-concern audit opinion than U.S. firms and are also significantly less likely to change their CEOs or CFOs. Additionally, we find that the strength of the home market regulatory environment mitigates the negative equity and debt market reactions for foreign firms. Lastly, we also find that the presence of foreign auditors for foreign firms alleviates audit market consequences, resulting in a lower likelihood of auditor resignations and going-concern audit opinions. This paper extends and complements the existing literature on cross-listed firms by documenting differences in the consequences for firms reporting weaknesses in ICFR and exploring the traits driving these differences.
Picturing the Institution of Social Death: Visual Rhetorics of Postwar Asylum Exposé Photography.

This paper examines how photography shaped the American public's perception of psychiatric hospitals during the immediate post-WWII period. I will analyze photographs that appeared in popular expose articles of that period and that used photography as a visual aid for disclosing the poor conditions of state hospitals, intending to promote reform efforts focused on turning antiquated asylums into modern hospitals. Existing scholarship has mentioned how these photographs had a significant influence on shaping the public's view of asylum conditions. Through a close examination of these photographs, I will argue that they often contained unintentional messages which stigmatized disabled people.
Centrifugal sedimentation methods of particle size determination

This chapter describes some of the methods for centrifugal sedimentation particle size analysis in present use. Gravitational sedimentation devices generate inaccurate data due to the effect of convection, thermal diffusion and Brownian motion. Centrifuging the suspension in order to speed up the settling process reduces these errors. Centrifugal techniques are classified as incremental or cumulative, homogeneous or line-start. Incremental, line-start techniques are restricted to photocentrifuges and the attenuation has to be corrected for the breakdown in the laws of geometric optics unless the data are being used solely for comparison purposes. Gravitational sedimentation particle size measurement techniques are of limited value for particles smaller than about a micron due to the long settling times required. The two important factors that lead to incorrect analysis are incorrect sampling, as analyses are carried out on from a tenth of a gram up to a few grams and these samples must be representative of the bulk for the analyses to be meaningful and the second is dispersion.
Biodegradability study of polylactic acid/ thermoplastic polyurethane blends

Abstract Blends with varied ratio of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were prepared by melt blending. The PLA content in blends was 20, 40, 60 and 80 wt%. Samples of pure PLA and TPU that underwent the same thermal treatment were also prepared. Biodegradation was examined by respirometry. Pure TPU started to degrade immediately due to degradation of the low molecular weight plasticizer in the polymer. Pure PLA, on the other hand, exhibited an incubation period after which degradation progressed rapidly and was almost complete after 70 days. The degradation profile of the blends can be correlated to their morphology. Samples with a co-continuous morphology initially degrade at a higher rate than the rest of the samples due to the higher exposure of the TPU phase in these blends.
Understanding the Hydrosphere Using Satellite Observations

Using satellite observations from the joint NASA/DLR Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission to monitor, simulate, and understand ongoing changes in the Earth's hydrosphere and water cycle was the topic of a recent workshop sponsored by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Center for Climate Sciences and GRACE team, with support from the Global Energy and Water Exchanges Project (GEWEX). The meeting brought together more than 60 international scientists with backgrounds in hydrology, oceanography, geodesy, and climate modeling to discuss the best uses of GRACE data in these fields. Since 2002, the GRACE mission has provided global observations of variations in the Earth's gravity field in unprecedented detail, revealing key insights into global water storage and transport.
Precision Evaluation of Search Engines

In this paper, we present a general approach for statistically evaluating precision of search engines on the Web. Search engines are evaluated in two steps based on a large number of sample queries: (a) computing relevance scores of hits from each search engine, and (b) ranking the search engines based on statistical comparison of the relevance scores. In computing relevance scores of hits, we study four relevance scoring algorithms. Three of them are variations of algorithms widely used in the traditional information retrieval field. They are cover density ranking, Okapi similarity measurement, and vector space model algorithms. In addition, we develop a new three-level scoring algorithm to mimic commonly used manual approaches. In ranking the search engines in terms of precision, we apply a statistical metric called probability of win. In our experiments, six popular search engines, AltaVista, Fast, Google, Go, iWon, and NorthernLight, were evaluated based on queries from two domains of interest: parallel and distributed processing, and knowledge and data engineering. The first query set contains 1726 queries collected from the index terms of papers published in the IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering. The second set contains 1383 queries collected from the index terms of papers published in the IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems. Search engines were queried and compared in two different search modes: the default search mode and the exact phrase search mode. Our experimental results show that these six search engines performed differently under different search modes and scoring methods. Overall, Google was the best. NorthernLight was mostly second in the default search mode, whereas iWon was mostly second in the exact phrase search mode.
How Robust is the Growth-Openness Connection? Historical Evidence

Previous literature has established a positive correlation between openness to international trade and GDP per capita growth for developed and developing economies in recent decades. However, looking at historical evidence from 1870 to the present, this paper finds no support for a positive growth-openness connection before 1970. In fact, the correlation is negative for the period 1920–1940. Cross-country growth regressions estimated for the period 1920–1990 suggest that the positive correlation between openness and growth is only a recent phenomenon. The paper provides useful conclusions regarding the robustness not only of the openness variables but also of other growth determinants.
Innovative Partnerships: Exploring School Librarianship through a Global Lens

The need to equip today’s youth with 21st century literacy skills has served as a catalyst for change in the traditional practices of school librarians all over the world. This paper presents findings from an institutional ethnography study of school librarianship conducted in Brazil. L’Ethnographie institutionnelle met au jour comment des facteurs institutionnels peuvent influencer les pratiques d'une maniere parfois inapercue. Cette etude d’ethnographie institutionnelle, portant sur la bibliotheconomie dans les ecoles bresiliennes, a ete menee a l'ete 2013 a Florianopolis, SC, Bresil, et montre que les professionnels dans les bibliotheques scolaires partout dans le monde font face a des defis semblables, et souligne les approches originales propres a la culture bresilienne.
Microsurgical ear replantation—is venous repair necessary?—A systematic review

Background A common postoperative observation after microsurgical ear replantation has been venous congestion necessitating alternate modes of decongestion, frequently in conjunction with blood transfusion. A comprehensive literature search was performed to assess the relationship between mode of vascular reconstruction and postoperative outcome as well as postoperative transfusion requirement after microsurgical ear replantation. Methods The search was limited to cases of microsurgical ear replantation following complete amputation. Only articles published in English and indexed in PubMed were included. Results The initial search retrieved 285 articles, which was narrowed down to 40 articles reporting on 60 cases that matched the aforementioned criteria. Reconstruction of the arterial and venous limb (Group 1) was performed in 63.3% of patients and artery-only anastomosis (Group 2) was performed in 31.7%. Among measurable outcomes, only the duration of surgery was significantly different between groups (2.6 hours longer in Group 1 than Group 2; P = 0.0042). Conclusion In light of contemporary data demonstrating successful artery-only ear replantation, replantation should not be abandoned when unable to establish venous outflow microsurgically. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2015.
Total-body skeletal muscle mass: development and cross-validation of anthropometric prediction models

Background: Skeletal muscle (SM) is a large body compartment of biological importance, but it remains difficult to quantify SM with affordable and practical methods that can be applied in clinical and field settings. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and cross-validate anthropometric SM mass prediction models in healthy adults. Design: SM mass, measured by using whole-body multislice magnetic resonance imaging, was set as the dependent variable in prediction models. Independent variables were organized into 2 separate formulas. One formula included mainly limb circumferences and skinfold thicknesses [model 1: height (in m) and skinfold-corrected upperarm, thigh, and calf girths (CAG, CTG, and CCG, respectively; in cm)]. The other formula included mainly body weight (in kg) and height (model 2). The models were developed and cross-validated in nonobese adults [body mass index (in kg/m 2 ) < 30]. Results: Two SM (in kg) models for nonobese subjects (n = 244) were developed as follows: SM = Ht × (0.00744 × CAG 2 + 0.00088 × CTG 2 + 0.00441 × CCG 2 ) + 2.4 × sex - 0.048 × age + race + 7.8, where R 2 = 0.91, P < 0.0001, and SEE = 2.2 kg; sex = 0 for female and 1 for male, race = -2.0 for Asian, 1.1 for African American, and 0 for white and Hispanic, and SM = 0.244 X BW + 7.80 × Ht + 6.6 X sex - 0.098 × age + race - 3.3, where R 2 = 0.86, P < 0.0001, and SEE = 2.8 kg; sex = 0 for female and 1 for male, race = -1.2 for Asian, 1.4 for African American, and 0 for white and Hispanic. Conclusion: These 2 anthropometric prediction models, the first developed in vivo by using state-of-the-art body-composition methods, are likely to prove useful in clinical evaluations and field studies of SM mass in nonobese adults.
Some convergence properties of iterated reweighted least squares in the location model

The concept of the M-estimator applied to the location model has been studied extensively under a variety of departures from the classical location model. One commonly used computational technique for obtaining the M-estimate is the iterated reweighted least squares algorithm. The convergence properties of this method will be discussed and compared to the well known Newton's method. Some of the properties of both methods will be illustrated in a simple example.
INF-γ Enhances Nox2 Activity by Upregulating phox Proteins When Applied to Differentiating PLB-985 Cells but Does Not Induce Nox2 Activity by Itself.

Background The cytokine and drug interferon-γ enhances superoxide anion production by the antimicrobicidal Nox2 enzyme of neutrophils. Because mature neutrophils have a short lifespan, we hypothesized that the effects of interferon-γ on these cells might be mediated by its prolonged exposure to differentiating neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow rather than its brief exposure to mature circulating neutrophils. Effects of INF-γ on Nox2 Activity To address this possibility we exposed the myeloid PLB-985 cell line to interferon-γ for 3 days in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide which induces terminal differentiation of these cells. Interferon-γ was found to enhance superoxide production by Nox2 in a concentration dependent manner. In contrast, application of interferon-γ alone for 3 days failed to induce detectible Nox2 activity. Additionally, application of interferon-γ for 3 hours to pre-differentiated PLB-985 cells, which models studies using isolated neutrophils, was much less effective at enhancing superoxide anion production. Effects of INF-γ on phox Protein Levels Addition of interferon-γ during differentiation was found to upregulate the Nox2 proteins gp91phox and p47phox in concert with elevated transcription of their genes. The p22phox protein was upregulated in the absence of increased transcription presumably reflecting stabilization resulting from binding to the elevated gp91phox. Thus, increased levels of gp91phox, p47phox and p22phox likely account for the interferon-γ mediated enhancement of dimethyl sulfoxide-induced Nox2 activity. In contrast, although interferon-γ alone also increased various phox proteins and their mRNAs, the pattern was very different to that seen with interferon-γ plus dimethyl sulfoxide. In particular, p47phox was not induced thus explaining the inability of interferon -γ alone to enhance Nox2 activity. Short application of interferon-γ to already differentiated cells failed to increase any phox proteins. Conclusions Our findings indicate that interferon-γ has complex effects on phox protein expression and that these are different in cells undergoing terminal differentiation. Understanding these changes may indicate additional therapeutic uses for this cytokine in human disorders.
Decentralizing and deschooling job training: Implications of selected studies from the USA

Abstract Vocational education is assumed to equalize opportunities for low-achieving youngsters by providing them with necessary job training with the expectation it will enhance their employability, productivity, and hence, community and national economic development. Increasing evidence suggests that vocational education, when developed as part of a nation's formal school structure, tends instead to be an expenisve, ‘second-class’ educational track with limited educational and economic benefits. Increasingly, developing nations, pressed by slow-growing modern sector economies and burgeoning youth populations, are as a consequence investigating the potential of non-formal institutions to supply vocational job training. The paper seeks to improve educators' and planners' understanding of non-formal vocational programs by reporting on three recent studies from the United States. Further, the paper draws on organizational theory to explain how non-formal programs' characteristics that account for efficient job training appear to be shaped by market forces that are unimportant to formal programs. The paper suggests that educators and planners distinguish between job training and education, the ends and means of which are considerably different, and give serious attention to shifting job training more to non-formal institutions. Besides apparent efficiencies that appear to characterize non-formal job training, the paper suggests that by removing job training from formal schools and credentialling, greater social equity may result. Formal schools would be thus deprived of an important part of their social selection role. Being freed of the dual function of training and education, schools could be more easily focussed on more fundamental educational reform to provide a common educational experience for all students to improve their literacy and arithmetic abilities and guide their general development to adulthood.
Code compliance at lower costs: A mathematical programming approach

The identification of cost-effective levels of fire safety in health care facilities is a major concern to hospital administrators, fire safety engineers and public policy makers.
Maternal plasma fetuin-A concentration is lower in patients who subsequently developed preterm preeclampsia than in uncomplicated pregnancy: a longitudinal study.

AbstractObjective: Fetuin-A is a negative acute phase protein reactant that acts as a mediator for lipotoxicity, leading to insulin resistance. Intravascular inflammation and insulin resistance have been implicated in the mechanisms of disease responsible for preeclampsia (PE). Maternal plasma concentrations of fetuin-A at the time of diagnosis of preterm PE are lower than in control patients with a normal pregnancy outcome. However, it is unknown if the changes in maternal plasma fetuin-A concentrations precede the clinical diagnosis of the disease. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine whether patients who subsequently developed PE had a different profile of maternal plasma concentrations of fetuin-A as a function of gestational age (GA) than those with uncomplicated pregnancies.Methods: A longitudinal case–control study was performed and included 200 singleton pregnancies in the following groups: (1) patients with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered appropriate for gestational age (AGA) ne...
Expansion of Chinese Social Health Insurance: who gets what, when and how?

This article asks ‘who gets what, when and how’ from China's recent social welfare expansion. Little research to date examines the overall landscape of China's social health insurance, which has changed dramatically since 2003, and the distributive consequences and implications thereof. Drawing on public survey data and fieldwork for empirical support, this article finds that China's recent social health insurance expansion does significantly expand people's access to social health insurance. However, the expansion, which entails health insurance fragmentation and increasing benefit disparities, not only reinforces existing social cleavages such as the rural–urban divide, but it also generates new divisions within urbanites and workforce. Moreover, multiple social cleavages that cross-cut class differences have been institutionalized into China's social health insurance system. This reflects authoritarian regimes' ‘divide and rule’ tactic in social welfare provision.
Individual Differences in Brand Schematicity

Abstract Brand schematicity refers to a generalized consumer predisposition to process information using brand schema. This research uses schema theory to build the theoretical groundwork for brand schematicity and reports seven studies conducted to measure, validate, and establish the nature of the construct. Studies 1 and 2 pertain to a scale developed to measure brand schematicity, Study 3 measures the construct using response times, and Study 4 situates the construct in a nomological network of associated constructs. Studies 5 and 6 test the predictive validity of the brand schematicity construct, and Study 7 uses memory clustering to provide evidence of the schematic nature of the construct that represents an inherent difference in the way consumers organize and utilize brand information. These investigations establish the validity of brand schematicity and its associated scale, as well as reveal that brand schematicity influences the role of brand concept consistency in brand extension evaluations, ...
The peoduction of tar-dolomite refractories and experiments for increasing their stability in converter linings

A regime for rotary calcining difficult-to-sinter Shchelkov dolomites has been developed which ensures the stable production of clinker with an apparent density (volumetric weight) of not less than 3.0 g/cm3.
VIP: virtualizing IP chains on handheld platforms

Energy-efficient user-interactive and display-oriented applications on handhelds rely heavily on multiple accelerators (termed IP cores) to meet their periodic frame processing needs. Further, these platforms are starting to host multiple applications concurrently on the multiple CPU cores. Unfortunately, today's hardware exposes an interface that forces the host software (Android drivers) to treat each IP core as an isolated device. Consequently, the host CPU has to get involved in the (i) processing of each frame, (ii) scheduling them to ensure timely progress through the IP cores to meet their QoS needs, and (iii) explicitly having to move data from one IP core to the next, with main memory serving as the common staging area. We show in this paper through measurements on a Nexus 7 platform that the frequent invocation of the CPU for processing these frames and the involvement of main memory as a data flow conduit, are serious limitations. Instead, we propose a novel IP virtualization framework (VIP), involving three key ideas that allow several IPs to be chained together and made to appear to the software as a single device. First, chaining of IPs avoids data transfer through the memory system, enhancing the throughput of flows through the IPs. Second, by using a burst-mode, the CPU can initiate the processing of several frames through the virtual IP chain, without getting involved (and interrupted) for each frame, thereby allowing better energy saving and utilization opportunities. Removing the CPU from this loop, requires alternate orchestration of frame flows to ensure QoS guarantees for each frame of each application. Our third enhancement in VIP creates several virtual paths, one for each flow, through these IP chains with the hardware scheduling the frames to enforce QoS guarantees despite any contention for resources along the way. Our experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness of VIP on energy consumption and QoS for multiple applications.
Interstrand Pairing Patterns in β-Barrel Membrane Proteins: The Positive-outside Rule, Aromatic Rescue, and Strand Registration Prediction

β-Barrel membrane proteins are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Little is known about how residues in membrane β-barrels interact preferentially with other residues on adjacent strands. We have developed probabilistic models to quantify propensities of residues for different spatial locations and for interstrand pairwise contact interactions involving strong H-bonds, side-chain interactions, and weak H-bonds. Using the reference state of exhaustive permutation of residues within the same β-strand, the propensity values and p-values measuring statistical significance are calculated exactly by analytical formulae we have developed. Our findings show that there are characteristic preferences of residues for different membrane locations. Contrary to the “positive-inside” rule for helical membrane proteins, β-barrel membrane proteins follow a significant albeit weaker “positive-outside” rule, in that the basic residues Arg and Lys are disproportionately favored in the extracellular cap region and disfavored in the periplasmic cap region. We find that different residue pairs prefer strong backbone H-bonded interstrand pairings (e.g. Gly–aromatic) or non-H-bonded pairings (e.g. aromatic–aromatic). In addition, we find that Tyr and Phe participate in aromatic rescue by shielding Gly from polar environments. We also show that these propensities can be used to predict the registration of strand pairs, an important task for the structure prediction of β-barrel membrane proteins. Our accuracy of 44% is considerably better than random (7%). It also significantly outperforms a comparable registration prediction for soluble β-sheets under similar conditions. Our results imply several experiments that can help to elucidate the mechanisms of in vitro and in vivo folding of β-barrel membrane proteins. The propensity scales developed in this study will also be useful for computational structure prediction and for folding simulations.
Criminalistics in the curriculum: Some views from the forensic science community

Criminalistics courses are found in the undergraduate curriculum of many criminal justice degree programs. This paper represents an assessment of these courses in terms of both their educational appropriateness and their relationship to crime laboratory employment. On the basis of responses from a national survey of crime laboratory directors, serious reservations exist about the educational appropriateness of these courses. It is clear that the completion of an array of criminalistics courses will not qualify graduates for laboratory employment. Several suggestions are offered in response to the survey findings.
Differential expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit mRNAs in the developing nervous system and receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase in embryonic neurons

gamma-Aminobutyric acid type B receptors (GABA(B)Rs) mediate both slow inhibitory synaptic activity in the adult nervous system and motility signals for migrating embryonic cortical cells. Previous papers have described the expression of GABA(B)Rs in the adult brain, but the expression and functional significance of these gene products in the embryo are largely unknown. Here we examine GABA(B)R expression from rat embryonic day 10 (E10) to E18 compared with adult and ask whether embryonic cortical neurons contain functional GABA(B)R. GABA(B)R1 transcript levels greatly exceed GABA(B)R2 levels in the developing neural tube at E11, and olfactory bulb and striatum at E17 but equalize in most regions of adult nervous tissue, except for the glomerular and granule cell layers of the main olfactory bulb and the striatum. Consistent with expression differences, the binding affinity of GABA for GABA(B)Rs is significantly lower in adult striatum compared with cerebellum. Multiple lines of evidence from in situ hybridization, RNase protection, and real-time PCR demonstrate that GABA(B)R1a, GABA(B)R1b, GABA(B)R1h (a subunit subtype, lacking a sushi domain, that we have identified in embryonic rat brain), GABA(B)R2, and GABA(B)L transcript levels are not coordinately regulated. Despite the functional requirement for a heterodimer of GABA(B)R subunits, the expression of each subunit mRNA is under independent control during embryonic development, and, by E18, GABA(B)Rs are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in neocortical neurons. The presence of embryonic GABA(B)R transcripts and protein and functional receptor coupling indicates potentially important roles for GABA(B)Rs in modulation of synaptic transmission in the developing embryonic nervous system.
Ramifications of Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery Measuring Differences in Task Performance Using Simulation

Introduction. Single-port laparoscopic surgery imposes unique psychomotor challenges. We used surgical simulation to define performance differences between surgeons with and without single-port clinical experience and examined whether a short course of training resulted in improved performance. Methods. Study participants were assigned to 3 groups: resident group (RES), experienced laparoscopic surgeons with (SP) and without (LAP) prior single-port laparoscopic experience. Participants performed the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery precision cutting task on a ProMIS trainer through conventional ports or with articulating instruments via a SILS Port (Covidien, Inc). Two iterations of each method were performed. Then, 6 residents performed 10 successive single-port iterations to assess the effect of practice on task performance. Results. The SP group had faster task times for both laparoscopic (P = .0486) and single-port (P = .0238) methods. The LAP group had longer path lengths for the single-port task...
Combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder etiology: replicated findings in a national sample of Vietnam-era men.

To examine the generality of recent findings on PTSD etiology in help-seeking Vietnam combat veterans, replication was attempted with data from a national study of Vietnam-era men that included combat veterans. Use of a Guttman scaling technique for assessing combat exposure was found to be robust for use with a national nonclinical sample as well. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to examine predictive relationships between premilitary adjustment, military adjustment, combat exposure, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results obtained from the national sample showed the same patterning as that reported from the smaller clinical sample. Combat exposure was related significantly to PTSD symptomatology, while premilitary adjustment was not. A previously identified discriminant function, composed of psychological symptoms not found in the DSM III criteria for PTSD, also was cross-validated. Language: en
The protein stannin binds 14-3-3ζ and modulates mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling

The molecular mechanisms underlying the selective toxicity of trimethyltin (TMT) remain unclear. Stannin (Snn), a protein preferentially expressed in TMT-sensitive cells, provides a direct link to the molecular basis for TMT toxicity. Recent evidence demonstrated that Snn peptides bind and de-alkylate TMT to dimethyltin (DMT); Snn may mediate both TMT and DMT toxicity. In this study, we demonstrate that Snn co-immunoprecipitates with a scaffolding protein 14-3-3, specifically with 14-3-3ζ isotype. Consistent with this, a detailed amino acid sequence analysis shows that Snn contains a putative 14-3-3 protein-binding site located within its hydrophilic loop. In addition, we present the evidence that Snn overexpression results in reduced extracellular regulated kinase activation and increased p38 activation. In contrast, the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase did not change following Snn overexpression. This is the first evidence that demonstrates a direct interaction between Snn and MAPK signaling molecules. Together, these findings indicate a role of Snn in modulation of MAPK signaling pathways through its interactions with 14-3-3ζ.
Article placement and market signalling

Does article placement by journal editors influence the number of citations an article receives? Articles that appear in eight top economics journals in 1990 are examined. Holding constant author quality, article length, journal quality and subject area, the empirical results show that being a lead article or the article placement position number in a journal issue have a statistically insignificant effect on the number of citations an article receives. The impact of favourable article placement on citations is initially positive, but diminishes over time. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that journal editors use favourable article placement as non-monetary compensation to authors.
Bull's-eye lesions: A new gastrointestinal presentation of mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder that infrequently affects the GI tract. Bowel involvement in mastocytosis is characterized by thickened folds and small mucosal nodules, and there is an increased incidence of peptic ulcer disease and malabsorption. This paper describes a new case of mastocytosis that presented radiographically as 1.0–1.5 cm gastric and duodenal nodules. Some of the duodenal nodules were bull's-eye lesions with central collections of barium. Mastocytosis, along with primary neoplasms, aberrant pancreas, eosinophilic granuloma, and metastases should be included in the differential for bull's-eye lesions of the GI tract.
Synthesis of Mixed (E,Z)-, (E)-, and (Z)-Norendoxifen with Dual Aromatase Inhibitory and Estrogen Receptor Modulatory Activities

The first synthesis of the tamoxifen metabolite norendoxifen is reported. This included syntheses of (E)-norendoxifen, (Z)-norendoxifen, and (E,Z)-norendoxifen isomers. (Z)-Norendoxifen displayed affinity for aromatase (Ki 442 nM), estrogen receptor-α (EC50 17 nM), and estrogen receptor-β (EC50 27.5 nM), while the corresponding values for (E)-norendoxifen were aromatase (Ki 48 nM), estrogen receptor-α (EC50 58.7 nM), and estrogen receptor-β (EC50 78.5 nM). Docking and energy minimization studies were performed with (E)-norendoxifen on aromatase, and the results provide a foundation for structure-based drug design. The oral pharmacokinetic parameters for (E,Z)-norendoxifen were determined in mice, and (Z)-norendoxifen was found to result in significantly higher plasma concentrations and exposures (AUC values) than (E)-norendoxifen. The affinities of both isomers for aromatase and the estrogen receptors, as well as the pharmacokinetic results, support the further development of norendoxifen and its analogues for breast cancer treatment.
Investigation of biomass degradation mechanism in pretreatment of switchgrass by aqueous ammonia and sodium hydroxide

Abstract Pretreatment of switchgrass using aqueous ammonia or NaOH was investigated as a means to enhance the enzymatic digestibility. To increase the effectiveness of pretreatment, H 2 O 2 was supplemented with the alkaline reagents. Since H 2 O 2 is unstable at high temperature, low-to-high step-change of temperature was applied, and this scheme was found to be effective in the case of NH 3 /H 2 O 2 treatment. The composition of pretreatment liquid indicates that hemicellulose solubilized during alkaline treatment exists either in the form of oligomers or as lignin–carbohydrate complex (LCC). LCC formation was prominent in ammonia treatment and in NaOH/H 2 O 2 treatment, and that LCC formation protects the hemicelluloses sugars from degradation. Lignin in the pretreatment liquor was precipitated and subjected to TGA and FTIR analyses. TGA data indicate that NaOH–lignin has more uniform structure and higher O/C ratio than ammonia–lignin. FTIR analysis indicates that NaOH–lignin has lower aromatic content but higher guaiacyl type structure than ammonia–lignin.
Cryogenic Testing and Analysis Associated with Tevatron Lower Temperature Operation

An upgrade of the Tevatron cryogenic system was installed and commissioned in 1993 to allow lower temperature operation.1 As a result, higher energy operation of the Fermilab superconducting Tevatron accelerator is possible. Following the installation and initial commissioning, it was decided to continue the current colliding beam physics run at the previous energy of 900 GeV. This has allowed us to perform parasitic lower temperature tests in the Tevatron over the last year and a half.
Algorithmic Combinatorics on Partial Words

Algorithmic combinatorics on partial words, or sequences of symbols over a finite alphabet that may have some do-not-know symbols or holes, has been developing in the past few years. Applications can be found, for instance, in molecular biology for the sequencing and analysis of DNA, in bio-inspired computing where partial words have been considered for identifying good encodings for DNA computations, and in data compression. In this paper, we focus on two areas of algorithmic combinatorics on partial words, namely, pattern avoidance and subword complexity. We discuss recent contributions as well as a number of open problems. In relation to pattern avoidance, we classify all binary patterns with respect to partial word avoidability, we classify all unary patterns with respect to hole sparsity, and we discuss avoiding abelian powers in partial words. In relation to subword complexity, we generate and count minimal Sturmian partial words, we construct de Bruijn partial words, and we construct partial words with subword complexities not achievable by full words (those without holes).
The Turing degree of the inherent ambiguity problem for context-free languages☆

The inherent ambiguity question for context-free languages is shown to be in the Turing degree of unsolvability O”. The method used is to show that the inherent ambiguity question is equivalent to the finiteness question for r.e. sets which is in degree O”. The proof associates a context-free language with each Turing machine. The language has a natural closed-form definition in terms of the Turing machine. The associated language is inherently ambiguous precisely iof the Turing machine accepts an infinite set.
Lek territoriality in the tarantula hawk wasp Hemipepsis ustulata (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

1. The breeding season of H. ustulata extends over a 2 1/2 month period in the Sonoran desert near Phoenix, AZ. Individual males are active on mountain ridges for periods averaging about 3 weeks for those wasps captured in the first half of the flight season. Many males live more than 1 month. 2. Some palo verde trees chosen as landmark territories by male wasps are occupied earlier in the flight season and more consistently thereafter than others. Preferred territories tend to be located higher on ascending ridges. 3. There is considerable turnover in territory ownership at some trees during the course of the flight season. The average duration of residence by a male wasp was 8 days for all occupants of 18 trees followed over the breeding period. Some changes in ownership occur because an intruder defeats the resident in an aerial contest. Small males are replaced by large ones at preferred territories over the course of the flight season. 4. Smaller males can adjust their behavior to their social evironment, claiming low-ranking territories if excluded from favored trees or holding prime territories during days when large males are absent. Alternatively, they may abandon territoriality altogether to patrol a series of trees along a ridge. 5. Despite an abundance of males (>350 marked), females were rarely seen and only two copulations were observed. Male territoriality was not focused directly on emerging or nesting females nor was it focused on food resources attractive to females. The breeding season was prolonged (2 1/2 months) and the operational sex ratio heavily skewed toward males. The wasp's mating system resembles lek polygyny in the sense of Emlen and Oring (1977).
EFFECT OF PROTEIN-INTAKE ON TUMOR-GROWTH AND HOST SURVIVAL IN TUMOR-BEARING ANIMALS

Nutritional repletion of the tumor-bearing host remains controversial. The present study was performed to determine the effect of protein intake on tumor growth and host survival in tumor-bearing animals. Forty-three female C2H mice with subcutaneous mammary tumor implants (MA 16/C) were randomized to receive standard protein diet or an isocaloric, protein-depleted diet ad libitum per os. Body weight and tumor volume were measured throughout the study and ail animals were maintained on these diets until death. Body weight was significantly greater in animals receiving standard protein intake compared to those given the protein-depleted diet. However, tumor growth was significantly stimulated and host survival reduced in animals given standard protein diet compared to animals maintained on protein-depleted diet. Thus, exogenous protein intake preferentially benefitted tumor versus host anabolism in this animal model with significant reduction in host survival.
Regulation of protein phosphorylation in pancreatic acini by cyclic AMP-mediated secretagogues: interaction with carbamylcholine.

The effects on protein phosphorylation in mouse pancreatic acini of cyclic AMP-mediated secretagogues and the Ca2+-mediated agonist carbamylcholine were compared. Under the conditions adopted for the study of protein phosphorylation, carbamylcholine (3 μM) stimulated amylase release from pancreatic acini 6-fold, whereas vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) (100 nM) and the cyclic AMP analogue 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (1 mM) caused little or no increase in secretion. However, VIP and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, when added in combination with carbamylcholine, potentiated the stimulation of amylase release to 170–180% of that caused by carbamylcholine alone. As assessed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, VIP reproduced four of the ten changes in protein phosphorylation elicited by carbamylcholine, these changes being the increased phosphorylation of one soluble protein and the decreased phosphorylation of three soluble proteins. VIP enhanced the carbamylcholine-induced changes in phosphorylation for three proteins. In addition, VIP increased the phosphorylation of a unique protein of Mr 52 000 and pI 5.66 which was not affected by carbamylcholine. All of the effects on protein phosphorylation exerted by VIP in the presence or absence of carbamylcholine were mimicked by 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. Secretin also reproduced most of the changes in protein phosphorylation caused by VIP, although concentrations of secretin of at least 100-fold higher were required to elicit a maximal response. It is concluded that cyclic AMP-mediated secretagogues alter the phosphorylation of a unique protein as well as of several pancreatic proteins affected by carbamylcholine. Moreover, these effects appear to be mediated primarily by VIP-preferring receptors and may be involved in the synergistic action of VIP to promote carbamylcholine-induced amylase release.
THE IMPACT OF COMORBIDITIES ON OUTCOMES FOR ELDERLY WOMEN TREATED WITH BREAST-CONSERVATION TREATMENT FOR EARLY-STAGE BREAST CANCER

Purpose Breast cancer incidence increases with age and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly women, but is not well studied in this population. Comorbidities often impact on the management of breast cancer in elderly women. Methods and Materials From 1979 to 2002, a total of 238 women aged 70 years and older with Stage I or II invasive carcinoma of the breast underwent breast-conservation therapy. Outcomes were compared by age groups and comorbidities. Median age at presentation was 74 years (range, 70–89 years). Age distribution was 122 women (51%) aged 70–74 years, 71 women (30%) aged 75–79 years, and 45 women (19%) aged 80 years or older. Median follow-up was 6.2 years. Results On outcomes analysis by age groups, 10-year cause-specific survival rates for women aged 70–74, 75–79, and 80 years or older were 74%, 81%, and 82%, respectively (p = 0.87). Intercurrent deaths at 10 years were significantly higher in older patients: 20% in those aged 70–74 years, 36% in those aged 75–79 years, and 53% in those 80 years and older (p = 0.0005). Comorbidities were not significantly more common in the older age groups and did not correlate with cause-specific survival adjusted for age. Higher comorbidity scores were associated with intercurrent death. Conclusions Older age itself is not a contraindication to standard breast-conservation therapy, including irradiation. Women of any age with low to moderate comorbidity indices should be offered standard breast-conservation treatment if otherwise clinically eligible.
A simple model for wind effects of burning structures and topography on wildland-urban interface surface-fire propagation.

The present paper presents a simple model to demonstrate the effect on grass-fire propagation of the winds induced by structural fires in a wildland–urban interface setting. The model combines an empirical formula for wind-driven grass-fire spread and a physics-based analytical solution to the Euler equations to determine the ground-level wind produced by the burning structure. The scaling of the wind is based on the heat release rate of the structural fire as well as other parameters. Also considered are an ambient wind and a topographical wind, assumed to be proportional to the ground slope. Data on grass and structure fires required by the model are discussed. Fire front propagation predicted by this model is illustrated by three examples: a front passing a single burning structure on flat terrain, a front passing a burning structure on a hill, and a front passing several burning structures. The model predicts that a fire front will be accelerated toward the burning structure upon approach and decelerated after passing the structure. Several burning structures multiply the effects of an individual burning structure.
Library Leadership: Does Gender Make a Difference?

There are more women than ever in leadership roles, throughout society, and librariąnship is no exception. More women than ever are assuming roles as leaders in librariąnship, as directors of our professional organizations, as directors of our library education programs, as leaders of thought and vision, and, perhaps most notably, as directors of our libraries small and large, academic, public, and special. Ever since its founding more than a century ago, the library profession has been populated primarily by women, yet led by men. Although this is now changing, ours is still a highly feminized profession in which men continue to hold most of the leadership positions. In 1991, although 80% of the library work force consisted of women, 80% of all management positions were held by men. 1 However, during the last two decades women have made notable strides in reaching library leadership positions, and there is no reason to think that this trend will not continue. 2
Rigid‐ladder polymers: Polymers containing anthraquinone recurring units

In an attempt to synthesize some processable ladder or partial ladder polymers containing anthraquinone recurring units, leucoquinalizarin was treated with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine. This polymer, which was a black powdery material, was slightly soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid and dimethylsulfoxide. Also, 1,5-diamino-2,6-dimercaptoanthraquinone was condensed with 2,5-dichloro-p-benzoquinone in pyridine to give a black powdery polymer. This was only partially soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid, but could be solubilized in alkali by reduction with sodium dithionite.
Opening the Manager's Door: State Probation Officer Stress and Perceptions of Participation in Workplace Decision Making

Stress can be costly not only to individuals but also to organizations. Participatory management has been recommended as a means for reducing probation officer stress. This article via self-report surveys of probation personnel in a southern state considers the relationship of a number of demographic variables with employee perceptions of participation in workplace decision making, job satisfaction, and organizational and physical stress levels. Construction of a structural model revealed that employee perceptions of participation in workplace decision making was an important variable in relation to job satisfaction and its influence on both reported organizational and physical symptoms of stress. The results lend further credence to the use and development of participatory management schemas within probation organizations.