cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preserving the Corporate Superego in a Time of Activism: An Essay on Ethics and Economics

This essay focuses on the impact of recent changes in corporate governance on ethical behavior within the public corporation. It argues that a style of corporate behavior — one characterized by a risk tolerant, even reckless, pursuit of short-term profits and a disregard for the interests of non-shareholder constituencies — is attributable in significant part to recent changes in corporate governance, including the rise of hedge fund activism, greater use of incentive compensation, and the appearance of blockholder directors. It then surveys feasible responses intended to strengthen the role of the boards as the corporation’s conscience and superego. Given the difficulty of reform, it predicts that the problems identified are likely to get worse before they get better.
Revisiting “Zonaios”: More on the Byzantine Tradition περι σχημάτων

Abstract A close examination of the manuscript tradition of the treatise πeρι σχημάτων ( On figures ), attributed by Walz to Zonaios, demonstrates that not everything Walz published in volume eight of his Rhetores graeci can be taken at face value.
Role of Free Radicals and Biotransformation in Trichloronitrobenzene-Induced Nephrotoxicity In Vitro.

This study determined the comparative nephrotoxic potential of four trichloronitrobenzenes (TCNBs) (2,3,4-; 2,4,5-; 2,4,6-; and 3,4,5-TCNB) and explored the effects of antioxidants and biotransformation inhibitors on TCNB-induced cytotoxicity in isolated renal cortical cells (IRCC) from male Fischer 344 rats. IRCC were incubated with a TCNB up to 1.0 mM for 15–120 min. Pretreatment with an antioxidant or cytochrome P450 (CYP), flavin monooxygenase (FMO), or peroxidase inhibitor was used in some experiments. Among the four TCNBs, the order of decreasing nephrotoxic potential was approximately 3,4,5- > 2,4,6- > 2,3,4- > 2,4,5-TCNB. The four TCNBs exhibited a similar profile of attenuation of cytotoxicity in response to antioxidant pretreatments. 2,3,4- and 3,4,5-TCNB cytotoxicity was attenuated by most of the biotransformation inhibitors tested, 2,4,5-TCNB cytotoxicity was only inhibited by isoniazid (CYP 2E1 inhibitor), and 2,4,6-TCNB-induced cytotoxicity was inhibited by one CYP inhibitor, one FMO inhibitor, and one peroxidase inhibitor. All of the CYP specific inhibitors tested offered some attenuation of 3,4,5-TCNB cytotoxicity. These results indicate that 3,4,5-TCNB is the most potent nephrotoxicant, free radicals play a role in the TCNB cytotoxicity, and the role of biotransformation in TCNB nephrotoxicity in vitro is variable and dependent on the position of the chloro groups.
Accounting Conservatism and Management Earnings Forecast

It is argued in the literature that accounting conservatism may be used as a substitute for management earnings forecasts (MEFs) to reduce information asymmetry between investors and management (Hui et al., 2009). We document in this study that accounting conservatism serves as a substitute for informative MEFs and especially for pessimistic MEFs, but not for opportunistic and optimistic forecasts. Accounting conservatism may, however, be used as supplementary to optimistic MEFs. Additionally, we find that accounting conservatism is especially used by the firms that have strong corporate governance, suggesting that strong corporate governance encourages the use of accounting conservatism rather than issuance of MEFs to reduce information asymmetry and to minimize potential legal suits for the firm.
Selenoproteins and Metastasis

Cancer survival is largely impacted by the dissemination of cancer cells from the original tumor site to secondary tissues or organs through metastasis. Targets for antimetastatic therapies have recently become a focus of research, but progress will require a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis. Selenoproteins play important roles in many of the cellular activities underlying metastasis including cell adhesion, matrix degradation and migration, invasion into the blood and extravasation into secondary tissues, and subsequent proliferation into metastatic tumors along with the angiogenesis required for growth. In this review the roles identified for different selenoproteins in these steps and how they may promote or inhibit metastatic cancers is discussed. These roles include selenoenzyme modulation of redox tone and detoxification of reactive oxygen species, calcium homeostasis and unfolded protein responses regulated by endoplasmic reticulum selenoproteins, and the multiple physiological responses influenced by other selenoproteins.
Local Governance and the Issue of Fiscal Health

Since the start of the Great Recession, the issue of fiscal health possesses a prominent place in the management of local governments. To ensure the government’s continuation and its provision of s...
Ethics and Transcendence in American Politics

Arthur B. Langlie Lecture at Whitman College calling for an independent politcal movement, candidates or party and a return to ethical leadership throughout our body politic.
Americas, Sociocultural Overviews: Central America

The seven countries in the Central American subcontinent – Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama – have, to a certain degree, followed their own social and historical trajectories in the early years of the twenty-first century, but each nation has been indelibly transformed by globalization. This article explores recent changes in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the region, with special emphasis on new forms of identity and citizenship that have emerged since the late 1980s.
Atmospheric Heat Transfer to Vertical Tanks Filled with Liquid Oxygen

Liquid oxygen, used as the fuel oxidizer in many liquid-propellant missiles, is stored on board the missiles in a vertical cylindrical tank whose walls are a part of the skin of the airframe. The high rate of heat transfer through the uninsulated walls of the tank results in the vaporization of a portion of the stored liquid oxygen during the period after loading and before firing. The vaporization rate and the quantity of oxygen vaporized during this hold period affect the size, configuration, and characteristics of the loading and storage system.
Nanoscale Laws of Motion and Governing Equations for Atomic and Continuum Scales

Abstract The atomic structure of nanomaterials is reviewed, along with the length scales. Nanoscale laws of motion and governing equations with atomic potentials are described for atomic scale. Size effects in nanomaterials and multiscale variations in material properties and structure are discussed, along with the limitations of continuum mechanics. A nanoscale analog of Newton’s friction law is introduced for the interfacial sliding of atomic lattices of two nanomaterials. The dependence of material properties on the length scales is discussed, along with the size effects and nanoscale homogenization. A criterion for nanoscale homogenization is presented for crystalline nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes. The definition of stress for nanostructures and the formulae for its averaging at nanoscale are examined, with the limitations on the size of representative volume elements. Continuum beam and shell models for carbon nanotubes are presented, along with the ranges of their applicability for nanoscale buckling.
Studying the Impact of Distributed Solar PV on Power Systems Using Integrated Transmission and Distribution Models

Rapid growth of distributed energy resources has prompted increasing interest in integrated Transmission (T) and Distribution (D) modeling. This paper presents the results of a distributed generation from solar photovoltaics (DGPV) impact assessment study that was performed using a synthetic T D and (ii) how capturing transmission voltage changes using integrated T &D can change simulated distribution voltage profiles and voltage regulator operations between integrated T &D and distribution-only simulations.
A relational recasting of the principles of emotional competence

ABSTRACTCarolyn Saarni’s theory of emotional competence has made a central contribution by directing attention to some important functions of emotion in social interaction. Her work is permeated wi...
Immunohistochemical evaluation of nuclear 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) accurately distinguishes malignant pleural mesothelioma from benign mesothelial proliferations.

Accurate distinction of benign mesothelial proliferations from malignant mesothelioma remains a diagnostic challenge. Sequential use of BAP1 immunohistochemistry and CDKN2A fluorescence in situ hybridization is specific for diagnosis of mesothelioma, but fluorescence in situ hybridization is both costly and time-consuming. Early data indicate that mesothelioma shows extensive loss of nuclear 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). We studied 49 cases of mesothelioma (17 epithelioid mesothelioma, 22 biphasic mesothelioma, and 10 sarcomatoid mesothelioma) and 23 benign mesothelial proliferations using a 5-hmC single immunohistochemical stain, CAM5.2/5-hmC double immunohistochemical stain, and BAP1 immunohistochemistry. Estimations of extent of 5-hmC loss were made using the 5-hmC single stain and CAM5.2/5-hmC double stain, and extent of nuclear 5-hmC loss was definitively quantitated in at least 1000 cells per case. Mean nuclear 5-hmC loss in mesothelioma (84%) was significantly greater than in benign mesothelial proliferations (4%) (p 50% of tumor nuclei to define the diagnosis of mesothelioma, 5-hmC immunohistochemistry showed sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100%. An immunopanel including 5-hmC and BAP1 immunohistochemistry achieved sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 100%. Extensive nuclear 5-hmC loss is sensitive and specific for mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis with benign mesothelial proliferations. In challenging mesothelial lesions, immunohistochemical studies showing either extensive 5-hmC loss or BAP1 loss indicate a diagnosis of mesothelioma, precluding the need for CDKN2A fluorescence in situ hybridization in a considerable number of cases.
Differential Effects of Influenza Virus NA, HA Head, and HA Stalk Antibodies on Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Gene Expression during Human Infection

In this study, we examined the relationships between anti-influenza virus serum antibody titers, clinical disease, and peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) global gene expression during presymptomatic, acute, and convalescent illness in 83 participants infected with 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus in a human influenza challenge model. Using traditional statistical and logistic regression modeling approaches, profiles of differentially expressed genes that correlated with active viral shedding, predicted length of viral shedding, and predicted illness severity were identified. These analyses further demonstrated that challenge participants fell into three peripheral blood leukocyte gene expression phenotypes that significantly correlated with different clinical outcomes and prechallenge serum titers of antibodies specific for the viral neuraminidase, hemagglutinin head, and hemagglutinin stalk. Higher prechallenge serum antibody titers were inversely correlated with leukocyte responsiveness in participants with active disease and could mask expression of peripheral blood markers of clinical disease in some participants, including viral shedding and symptom severity. Consequently, preexisting anti-influenza antibodies may modulate PBL gene expression, and this must be taken into consideration in the development and interpretation of peripheral blood diagnostic and prognostic assays of influenza infection.IMPORTANCE Influenza A viruses are significant human pathogens that caused 83,000 deaths in the United States during 2017 to 2018, and there is need to understand the molecular correlates of illness and to identify prognostic markers of viral infection, symptom severity, and disease course. Preexisting antibodies against viral neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA) proteins play a critical role in lessening disease severity. We performed global gene expression profiling of peripheral blood leukocytes collected during acute and convalescent phases from a large cohort of people infected with A/H1N1pdm virus. Using statistical and machine-learning approaches, populations of genes were identified early in infection that correlated with active viral shedding, predicted length of shedding, or disease severity. Finally, these gene expression responses were differentially affected by increased levels of preexisting influenza antibodies, which could mask detection of these markers of contagiousness and disease severity in people with active clinical disease.
Experiments in Zone Plate Replication Using Spatial Frequency Multiplication at X-Ray Wavelengths

Zone plates of higher spatial resolution can be produced by recording the interference pattern between various focal orders of an original Fresnel zone plate. The technique, known as spatial frequency multiplication, has previously been demonstrated at optical wavelengths; we provide here the results of initial explorations at 1.84 nm wavelength in which zone widths as fine as 66 nm have been produced on PMMA photoresist.
The Syntax and Semantics of Complement Clauses in Arabic

This paper explores how various formal and functional approaches have dealt with the syntactic and semantic issues raised by complementation, both in general linguistics and in the context of Arabic. The paper examines the methodologies taken and the explanations offered by the various approaches, focusing on these questions: (1) What are the syntactic and semantic factors that the various approaches consider important in influencing the choice of complements and complementizers? (2) What is the role of the complement-taking predicates in this choice? (3) What is the role of the complementizers? It will be concluded that functional approaches are better suited to explaining complementation phenomena. The penultimate section presents an account of the complementizer ʔinna in Palestinian Arabic in the spirit of the functional paradigm.
The Value of Numerical USMLE Step 1 Scores in Radiology Resident Selection.

Rationale and Objectives In response to a recent proposal to change scoring on the United States Medical Licensing (USMLE) Step 1 exam to pass/fail, we sought to determine the value of numerical Step 1 scores in predicting success in our radiology residency program. Materials and Methods Residency applications for 157 residents entering the program between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Biographical (gender, sports participation, advanced degree), undergraduate (school, major), and medical school (grades, USMLE Step 1 score, Alpha Omega Alpha membership, letters of recommendation, publications) data were recorded. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between these application factors and subsequent performance as a radiology resident, as determined by completion of the program without requiring corrective action, select Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones, and selection as chief resident. Results Corrective action was required for 7% (n = 12) of residents. Of the predictor variables, only Step 1 score was associated with the need for corrective action (p Conclusion Numerical USMLE Step 1 scores are predictive of successful completion of radiology residency training without the need for corrective action, and of accelerated competence in the interpretation of exams milestone. Continued reporting of numerical Step 1 scores would be valuable in selection of radiology residents.
Familiarity, Attitudes, and Self-Regulatory Challenges Related to Mindfulness

Despite growing evidence demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness for physical and mental health, little is known about the barriers that dissuade individuals from practicing mindfulness. The present study sought to examine the self-regulatory barriers that most commonly prevent mid-life adults from engaging in mindfulness practice. The present study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 385 mid-life adults (ages 50–64) in the USA to assess familiarity, attitudes, and prior experiences with mindfulness, as well as self-regulatory challenges that may hinder consistent practice. Specifically, this research focused on the self-regulatory elements of (i) goal setting, (ii) limiting beliefs, (iii) habit formation, (iv) willingness to engage, and (v) self-monitoring. Findings demonstrated that 79% of mid-life adults are familiar with the term mindfulness, yet only 34% are confident in their understanding of the term. Despite this lack of confidence, associations with the term were fairly positive, and the majority of mid-life adults expressed having tried to incorporate mindfulness into their lives. Due to this familiarity, positive perception, and attempted incorporation, one might expect that adopting a consistent mindfulness practice would be an easy next step. However, there was an indication that dramatically fewer individuals had taken the key self-regulatory steps toward developing a consistent mindfulness practice. This study revealed key self-regulatory challenges, such as failing to set a specific goal and create a habit, that may interfere with mid-life adults adopting a consistent mindfulness practice. Implications of these challenges are discussed, particularly for intervention design and education.
Mechanistic study of copper wire-bonding failures on packaging devices in acidic chloride environments

Abstract Microelectronic reliability requirements are tightening to a standard of near zero ppb defects due to the evolution of self-driving cars and wearable electronics. The successful transition from gold (Au) to copper (Cu) in wire-bonding introduces corrosion related reliability concerns to wire-bonded devices in integrated circuit (IC) packaging. This report studies the effect of bimetallic contact, Cu wire vs. aluminum (Al) bond pad, on the corrosion failure of Al bond pads when exposed to low ppm levels of chloride (Cl−) contamination. Real time corrosion screening was carried out on simulating Cu/Al micro patterns for time-dependent observation of corrosion progression in 5–20 ppm Cl− solutions at pH 5. Al in Cu/Al bimetallic couple corroded at accelerated rate compared to Al without bimetallic contact. Cathodic hydrogen evolution was found to be the key factor driving this aggressive Al bond pad corrosion under the influence of the peripheral Cu/Al bimetallic contact in acidic chloride solution. Chemically modifying the surface of Cu wires to prevent this H2 evolution reaction resulted in the inhibition of Al bond pad corrosion.
Cost-Effectiveness of Multiple Micronutrients and Balanced-Energy Protein Supplementation During Antenatal Care in India, Pakistan, Mali and Tanzania: A Dynamic Microsimulation

Background: Antenatal energy and micronutrient supplementation can improve birth outcomes and reduce disease burden but no studies have compared their cost-effectiveness. We compared the cost-effectiveness of multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS), and balanced-energy protein (BEP) with iron and folic acid (IFA) to quantify their benefit in four countries with high prevalence of maternal undernutrition. Methods: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study, we simulated birth cohorts for two years in India, Pakistan, Mali, and Tanzania. We compared disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in a baseline scenario with existing antenatal IFA coverage with scenarios where 90% of antenatal care attendees receive either MMS, BEP, or targeted-BEP (women with pre-pregnancy BMI <18·5 kg/m2 receive BEP containing MMS while women with BMI ≥18·5 kg/m2 receive MMS). Findings: ICERs for all scenarios were lowest in Pakistan, followed by Mali, India and Tanzania, in line with the baseline trend in attributable burden of low-birthweight. Targeted-BEP averts more DALYs than MMS alone while remaining cost-effective. ICERs for MMS compared to baseline were $9 (95%UI: $5-14) for Pakistan, $13 (95%UI: $7-21) for Mali, $13 (95%UI: $8-20) for India, $44 (95%UI: $20-80) for Tanzania. ICERs for targeted-BEP compared to baseline were $38 (95%UI: 23-54) for Pakistan, $51 (95%UI: 29-80) for Mali, $82 (95%UI: 56-115) for India, and $148 (95%UI: 77-250) for Tanzania. Interpretation: As countries start to invest in replacing IFA with MMS in alignment with recent WHO guidelines, co-implementing targeted-BEP offers a worthwhile and cost-effective strategy that should be considered at the same time to maximise benefits and synergize programme implementation. Funding Statement: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for this project. Declaration of Interests: ADF has consulted recently for Janssen; SwissRe; Sanofi; Merck for Mothers; and Agathos, Ltd. Other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
ETS Fusion Genes in Prostate Cancer

In 2005, we reported the discovery of recurrent chromosomal rearrangements resulting in the fusion of the 5′ untranslated region of an androgen regulated gene, TMPRSS2, with members of the ETS transcription factor family (ERG or ETV1). After nearly a decade, enormous progress has been made in understanding the diversity of ETS gene fusions, their genesis, and oncogenic roles in vitro and in vivo. Similarly, ETS gene fusions provide a rational basis for the comprehensive molecular subtyping of prostate cancer, especially in light of recently described co-­occurring or mutually exclusive genetic events, which may have utility in risk prediction as well as therapeutic targeting. Given their remarkable cancer specificity, ETS gene fusions have enormous potential as biomarkers, and clinical translation is ongoing. We discuss the utility of ETS gene fusions for both tissue based diagnosis, risk stratification of precursor lesions, and early detection. Similarly, given the attention on distinguishing “aggressive” from indolent prostate cancer, we have reviewed the potential of ETS gene fusions in this context and focus on the important caveats required to interpret such studies, including the ETS gene fusion detection method, the clinical cohort characteristics, and how aggressiveness and outcome are determined. Importantly, these factors are important not just for evaluating ETS fusions, but all prostate cancer biomarkers. Lastly, as the most prostate cancer-­specific biomarker yet reported, we review the potential of ETS gene fusions as both indirect and direct therapeutic targets.
Endometrial cancer from early to advanced-stage disease: an update for radiologists

The purpose of this article is to review the current molecular classification of endometrial cancer, the imaging findings in early and advanced disease, and the current management strategies, focusing on the new systemic therapies for advanced EC. In recent years, the management of endometrial cancer has significantly changed. The molecular characterization of endometrial cancer has shed new light into the biologic behavior of this disease, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system was recently revised, and imaging was formally incorporated in the management of endometrial cancer. Recent genomic analysis of endometrial cancer led to the approval of new molecular-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Imaging allows assessment of myometrial invasion, cervical stromal extension, lymph node involvement and distant metastases, and has a crucial role for treatment planning. Treatment strategies, which include surgery, radiation and systemic therapies are based on accurate staging and risk stratification.
Analysis and Mitigation of Self-Sustained Turn-off Oscillations in SiC JFET Supercascode Circuits

The supercascode configurations demonstrate significant benefits over the monolithic medium voltage SiC MOSFETs in terms of cost, commercial viability and thermal dissipation capability. However, this feature can produce an unexpected phenomenon in power electronics applications called self-sustained oscillation during turn-off. This paper presents a comprehensive root-cause analysis of this behavior in a 6.5 kV - 50 A SiC JFET supercascode circuit. A theoretical analysis is carried out based on a turn-off switching equivalent circuit which facilitates the determination of criteria for self-sustained oscillations. The analysis is verified with a SPICE simulation (LTSpice), which also provides a platform to test the countermeasure to suppress the self-sustained oscillation. Finally, the feasibility of an oscillation suppression method is verified by both simulations and experimental set up.
Positive Toxicology Results Are Not Associated with Emergency Physicians' Opioid Prescribing Behavior.

Introduction: Given the general lack of literature on opioid and naloxone prescribing guidelines for patients with substance use disorder, we aimed to explore how a physician’s behavior and prescribing habits are altered by knowledge of the patient’s concomitant use of psychotropic compounds as evident on urine and serum toxicology screens. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review study at a tertiary, academic, Level I trauma center between November 2017–October 2018 that included 358 patients who were discharged from the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of fracture, dislocation, or amputation and received an opioid prescription upon discharge. We extracted urine and serum toxicology results, number and amount of prescription opioids upon discharge, and the presence of a naloxone script. Results: The study population was divided into five subgroups that included the following: negative urine and serum toxicology screen; depressants; stimulants; mixed; and no toxicology screens. When comparing the 103 patients in which toxicology screens were obtained to the 255 patients without toxicology screens, we found no statistically significant differences in the total prescribed morphine milligram equivalent (75.0 and 75.0, respectively) or in the number of pills prescribed (15.0 and 13.5, respectively). Notably, none of the 103 patients who had toxicology screens were prescribed naloxone upon discharge. Conclusion: Our study found no association between positive urine toxicology results for psychotropically active substances and the rates of opioid prescribing within a single-center, academic ED. Notably, none of the 103 patients who had toxicology screens were prescribed naloxone upon discharge. More research on the associations between illicit drug use, opioids, and naloxone prescriptions is necessary to help establish guidelines for high-risk patients.
SCHMEAR: scalable construction of holistic models for energy analysis from rooftops

As the world moves to decarbonize, the built environment commands attention for its intensity of energy consumption. Potential pathways for decarbonizing the built environment can be discovered through the aid of building energy modeling, which helps identify potential retrofit strategies and simulate integration with renewable energy sources. Energy modeling is complicated however, due to compound interactions between building materials, structural design, and urban form. Significant domain knowledge, modeling expertise, and extensive time investment are required for accurate modeling to accommodate this complexity. In this work, we explore the potential of accurately modeling building energy consumption at scale through the application of modern computer vision algorithms. We demonstrate that our computer vision system can accurately predict energy consumption through the extraction of meaningful features contained in satellite imagery. To accomplish this, we introduce a data-collection pipeline and a computer vision architecture to process satellite photos and contextual information from the urban texture. We also demonstrate a method of comparing the relative significance of the automatically extracted features in informing building decarbonization decision making and policy. Our results indicate that this approach reveals valuable insights into the dynamics of building energy consumption on the city scale and enables the rapid analysis of urban energy dynamics with readily available data.
Charcot’s Axis

The modern history of dynamic theories of personality in Western science begins with Jean-Martin Charcot in 1881. 1 True, the Christian church had long before appropriated the idea of personality as a way to define the soul and to compare it to the personality of Jesus. True, mesmerism could be construed as a dynamic theory of consciousness, but it was generally rejected by the scientific establishment of the times. True, by the early 1830s the phrenologists had devised a map of characteristics defining the person according to bumps on their head which the homeopathic phreno-magnetists then fused in their system with techniques for entering altered consciousness by way of parlor entertainments such as mesmerism. 2 The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, had even included a chapter on mesmerism as an appendix to his Organon of Medicine.3 The result was a map of personality, a technique for getting below the surface of consciousness, and a total psychophysical system of mind/body healing to go along with it. And true, Emerson lectured on scientific subjects to the Boston Society of Natural History just after stepping down from his Unitarian pulpit at the First and Second Church; and true, the New England transcendentalists had articulated an intuitive, spiritual psychology of character development. Within that intuitive psychology, everything one needed to know about psychosomatic medicine could be found in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (1850) or his friend Herman Melville’s Moby Dick (1851).
Outcomes of Bypass Support Use during Inferior Vena Cava Resection and Reconstruction.

Background The safety and effectiveness of using venovenous and cardiopulmonary bypass for resection of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is not well studied. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes following IVC resection with and without bypass support. Methods We analyzed all patients undergoing IVC resection at our institution (September 1999 to June 2014) and compared the use of bypass support with cross-clamp alone using univariable and Kaplan–Meier analyses. The outcomes included perioperative complications and survival. Results Sixty-three patients underwent IVC resection (mean age 58 ± 2 years, mean follow-up 21 ± 3 months). Bypass patients (32%) were similar to non-bypass patients (68%) in age, gender, tumor size, type, and grade ( P = nonsignificant [NS]). Bypass patients were more likely to undergo complete IVC reconstruction (55% vs. 24%, P = 0.01) at the suprarenal level (62% vs. 35%, P = 0.05), and had higher intraoperative blood loss (9.6 ± 2.1 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4 L, P = 0.01). Complete R0 resection was similar between groups (50% vs. 52%, P = NS). There were more overall perioperative complications in bypass patients ( P = 0.0005), with a trend toward more frequent venous thromboembolic events (40% vs. 21%, P = 0.13). The incidence of acute kidney injury (10% vs. 9%) and renal failure requiring dialysis (10% vs. 2%) was similar ( P = NS). Length of stay was longer following bypass (12.2 ± 1.2 vs. 8.0 ± 0.1 days, P = 0.004). There were no differences in overall mortality (15% vs. 14%, P = NS) or tumor recurrence (50% vs. 47%, P = NS). Bypass patients had a nonsignificant trend toward longer disease-free survival (20.7 ± 5.2 vs. 10.4 ± 3.8 months, P = 0.12). Conclusions The use of bypass support for IVC resection is associated with more complex operations and higher rates of perioperative complications. However, the overall mortality and morbidity of bypass, including renal complications, is similar to cross-clamping alone. Thus, the need for bypass should not preclude attempts at complete tumor resection.
Expression and purification of functional G protein alpha subunits using a baculovirus expression system

The alpha subunits of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, G0, and Gs have been overexpressed in Sf9 cells using a baculovirus expression system. The Gi1 alpha, Gi2 alpha, Gi3 alpha, and G0 alpha have been purified to homogeneity from infected Spodoptera frugiperda (SF9) cells and characterized. Yields of up to 1.8 mg of purified recombinant G alpha have been obtained from 300-ml cultures of infected cells. The recombinant alpha subunits are myristoylated and are ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin only in the presence of beta gamma subunits. They bind guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) with low nM dissociation constants and stoichiometries of 0.8 mol/mol or greater. The rGi1 alpha, rGi2 alpha, and rGi3 alpha are capable of interacting with angiotensin II receptors based on their ability to restore high affinity angiotensin II binding in rat liver membranes shifted to a low affinity state with GTP gamma S.
Strengthening digital signatures via randomized hashing

We propose randomized hashing as a mode of operation for cryptographic hash functions intended for use with standard digital signatures and without necessitating of any changes in the internals of the underlying hash function (e.g., the SHA family) or in the signature algorithms (e.g., RSA or DSA). The goal is to free practical digital signature schemes from their current reliance on strong collision resistance by basing the security of these schemes on significantly weaker properties of the underlying hash function, thus providing a safety net in case the (current or future) hash functions in use turn out to be less resilient to collision search than initially thought. We design a specific mode of operation that takes into account engineering considerations (such as simplicity, efficiency and compatibility with existing implementations) as well as analytical soundness. Specifically, the scheme consists of a regular use of the hash function with randomization applied only to the message before it is input to the hash function. We formally show the sufficiency of weaker than collision-resistance assumptions for proving the security of the scheme.
Reactions to a health threat: Dispositional threat orientations and message characteristics

Objectives. This study explored the interactive effects of dispositional threat orientation, type of message, and having children on reactions to a message about exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics. Design. The study used a 2 (message: Fear Arousal or Plain)×2 (parenting status: child or no child)×2 (threat orientation: high or low) mixed factorial design. Methods. Adults (N= 200) recruited via the Internet completed measures of threat orientations, reported whether they were a parent, and read either a low or high fear-arousal message about the risks of BPA exposure. They then completed measures of reactions to the message (perceived susceptibility to BPA effects, negative emotions, and behavioural intentions to engage in protection). Results. Depending on threat orientations, the fear arousal version of the message and parenthood had strikingly different effects, ranging from no effect (for those high in a control-based approach) to prompting change (for those low in a control-based approach) to counterproductive (for those high in an optimistic denial approach). Conclusions. These findings suggest that considering individual differences and their interactions with situational factors could improve both the predictive ability of threat protection theories and the delivery of messages intended to change behaviour.
Professional Ethics: Does It Matter Which Hat We Wear?

Can two professions impose contradictory obligations? If so, how can both be right? What is professional ethics, anyway, as distinguished from ethics in general?
Esophageal motility testing

Historical perspectives and current use of oesophageal manometry anaatomy and physiology of the oesophagus and its sphincters the oesophageal motility laboratory - materials and equipment the manometric study measurements and interpretations normal values for oesophageal manometry the computer in the motility laboratory achalasia diffuse oesophageal spasm the nutcracker oesophagus, the hypersensitive LES and nospecific oesophageal motility disorders noncardiac chest pain - use of oesophageal manometry and provocative tests exogenous factors affecting oesophageal function secondary oesophageal motility disorders upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction ambulatory oesophageal pressure monitoring.
The Mathematical Landscape

ANIVE DEFINITION, adequate for the dictiuonary and for an initial understanding, is that mathematics is the science of quality and space. Expanding this definition a bit, one might add that mathematics also deals with the symbolism relating to quantity and to space.
Structure and Stability of Streets of Finite Vortices

Results are presented for the steady motion of finite cored uniform vortices in an incompressible perfect fluid. The cases of single vortices, vortex pairs, single rows and the staggered double row are considered. The stability of the flows to two-dimensional disturbances is examined. In particular, it is shown that finite area stabilises the Karman vortex street for a finite band of aspect ratio values about the Karman value of 0.281.
Efficient Dynamic Matching with Costly Search and Incomplete Information

This paper considers a frictional market where buyers and sellers, with unit demand and supply, search for trading opportunities. The analysis focuses on explicit search frictions, allows for two-sided incomplete information, and puts no restriction on agent heterogeneity. In this context, a non-trivial, full trade search equilibrium is shown to exist, equilibria are characterized as the values that satisfy the first order conditions for a non-linear planner's (optimization) problem, and necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for the existence of efficient search equilibria under complete information. These results fully generalize to the two-sided incomplete information setting, under an additive separability condition. Also, search equilibria are shown to converge to a competitive equilibria under both complete and incomplete information as frictions become small. However, inefficiencies may remain at the limit: the limiting competitive equilibrium can be an equilibrium for only a proper subset of the full economy under consideration. Nevertheless a sequence of search equilibria that converges to the competitive equilibrium of the full economy is shown to exist.
Review of The Future of Automated Freight Transport: Concepts, Design, and Implementation by Rob Konings, Hugo Priemus, and Peter Nijkamp

This is a book of ideas! However, I would disagree with the word “future” in the title as it is more aptly titled Concepts, Design, and Implementation for Automated Freight Transport. This is so because the book focuses on potential innovations using varying degrees of automation, some of which will never reach the implementation stage and others like underground capsule pipeline systems that have been around for many years, but have not been widely used. The book is organized into three sections that give a comprehensive review of 1 “Concepts and Perspectives in Automated Freight Transport”; 2 “Related Design and Evaluation Tools”; and 3 “Implementation Issues.” The book is comprised of a set of papers written by researchers from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, and derived from work performed in the research program, Freight Transportation Automation and Multimodality FTAM . Beginning with a presentation of the latest developments in automated freight transport and future visions for the different inland surface freight transportation modes road, rail, pipeline, and inland shipping , the book identifies tools and strategies for designing and evaluating these systems. Lastly, it addresses implementation issues that include institutional, financial, safety, and integration barriers. This book can be a valuable reference for researchers and policy makers for assessing ideas proposed for the automation of freight transportation systems. In Part I, research, development and testing activities in support of automated surface transportation modes and systems are described in terms of modal automation and/or developing solutions to location specific problems. Technologies illustrated in detail include automated road transport projects, self-propelled rail freight wagons, automated inland navigation, underground freight transportation, road–rail hybrid transport, and automated vehicle control. The final two chapters
Sources of inocula influence mycorrhizal colonization of plants in restoration projects: a meta-analysis

Inoculation may influence mycorrhizal colonization and provide benefits to plants in restoration projects. However, it is unclear whether inoculation has consistent effects across ecosystem types, if it has long-term effects on colonization, and whether sources of inocula differ in their effectiveness. To address these issues, we performed a meta-analysis of published restoration studies across a variety of ecosystems to examine the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on mycorrhizal establishment and plant growth under field conditions. Although we included trials from a variety of geographic locations, disturbance types, and ecosystem types, the majority were based in temperate ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere, and fewer trials were from tropical ecosystems. Across ecosystem types, we found that inoculation consistently increased the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi in degraded ecosystems, and thus improved the establishment of plants. These benefits did not significantly attenuate over time. Moreover, inocula from different sources varied in their effects on mycorrhizal colonization. Inocula sourced from reference ecosystems and inocula with specific fungal species yielded higher increases in mycorrhizal colonization than did inocula from commercial sources. These results suggest that inocula source matters, and that an initial investment into mycorrhizal inoculation could provide lasting benefits for facilitating the establishment of the below- and aboveground components of restored ecosystems.
DNA methylation as a dynamic regulator of development and disease processes: spotlight on the prostate

Prostate development, benign hyperplasia and cancer involve androgen and growth factor signaling as well as stromal–epithelial interactions. We review how DNA methylation influences these and related processes in other organ systems such as how proliferation is restricted to specific cell populations during defined temporal windows, how androgens elicit their actions and how cells establish, maintain and remodel DNA methylation in a time and cell specific fashion. We also discuss mechanisms by which hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals reprogram DNA methylation in the prostate and elsewhere and examine evidence for a reawakening of developmental epigenetic pathways as drivers of prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.
Autophagy Gives a Nod and a Wink to the Inflammasome and Paneth Cells in Crohn's Disease

Recent genome-wide association studies have linked polymorphisms in two atophagy genes, Atg16L1 and IRGM, with Crohn's Disease. Now, experiments with Atg16L1 transgenic mice indicate multiple roles for autophagy in inflammatory bowel disease via effects on Paneth cells, a runaway inflammasome, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta.
Reactions of Glyoxal with Carbamoylethylated and Carboxyethylated Cotton for Improved Wrinkle Resistance

Glyoxal was reacted with carbamoylethylated and carboxyethylated cotton under vatious conditions using: (a) two-step process employing alkaline and metal salt catalyst, (b) alkaline catalysts, (c) built-in acidity of the acid form of car boxyethyl substituent, and (d) low pH in the presence of moisture (moist cure process). It was found that the modified cotton fabrics after treatment with glyoxal produced superior wrinkle recovery with better retention of strength properties than the original unmodified fabric given parallel treatments. From the indirect evidence of comparative performance characteristics of the modified cotton and original cotton fabric, it is proposed that glyoxal may react monofunctionally with carbamoylethyl groups under alkaline condition and on curing in the presence of a metal salt catalyst, the reaction of pendent aldehyde groups may occur with cellulose hydroxyl groups.
Working the Field: Kumasi Central Market as Community, Employer, and Home

The huge Central Market in Kumasi, Ghana is a prized workplace for more than 20,000 traders. Being physically present is a primary work method for market traders, and also for an ethnographer. Lending a hand in various trading tasks clarified the decisions and intentions associated with them, their physical demands, and the politics of the market. The market also made intellectual demands; it immediately challenged the assumptions of homogeneity and boundedness still then rarely problematized for residential communities. Different traders had different relationships to it; that difference was what constituted the market and bound them to it. Translocal ethnography is now beginning to explain how members dispersed over geography and social structure can create a more committed and resilient community. Market commodity groups commanded loyalty precisely because they bridged the most significant conflicts of interest, incorporating the retailers, wholesalers and traveling buyers most likely to quarrel over a sale as buyer and meaning its social institutions as much as its territory. This new perspective on difference also makes a place for the ethnographer, as one more woman making her living from the market. Gender, age, ethnicity, education and class significantly affect the symbolic and material public resources available to traders. Is it so very perverse that they also inflect ethnography?
Seismic scattering near the earth's surface

The seismic coda is usually thought to be composed of waves scattered from the heterogeneities in the earth. Three classes of scattering mechanisms have been recognized: repeated specular reflection of primary waves in a uniformly layered structure, volume scattering of primary waves from localized volume heterogeneities, and scattering of primary waves from irregularities in an otherwise generally layered structure. The presence of the earth's surface complicates the description of all these scattering phenomena whenever the scattering obstacles are near or at the surface. In this paper I review work which demonstrates the effects of scattering near the earth's surface, emphasizing three general areas of investigation: scattering of body waves from an irregular free surface, scattering of body waves in irregular layers, and propagation of surface waves across irregular topography or in irregular wave guides. Most of the effects of importance have been recognized in model studies of idealized geometries. Observational evidence in support of the model studies exists, but is often inferred. Few controlled experiments to measure scattering have been performed.
Ectoparasites of the western roach from two foothill streams.

Sixty-eight western roach, Hesperoleucus symmetricus symmetricus, from two foothill streams east of Fresno, California were examined for ectoparasites. Results of the limited survey showed nine new records for ectoparasite species for roach. Four species of protozoa, Trichodina sp., Glossatella sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Myxobolus sp., one species of monogenetic trematode, Urocleidus sp., three species of copepods, Lernaea bagri, L. piscinae and Lernaea sp. and the Hirudinean, Piscicola punctatus, represent the new records. Morphological characteristics and mensural data for Trichodina sp. and Glossatella sp. indicate these protozoa may be new species. Each roach was host to at least one species of ectoparasite. One fish harbored five species of parasites, while the average number of parasite species per fish was 2.5.