cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corrigendum to Management of Cervical Instability as a Complication of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Children: A Historical Perspective With a 40-Year Experience [Spine Deformity 6 (2018) 719-729].

The corresponding authors regret that his professional degree was inadvertently included as co-author “Hono Caus Gr” in the article.
Phenotypic analysis of leaf colours from the USDA, ARS sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) germplasm collection

Leaf colour characteristics of 730 sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), plant introduction (PI) accessions from the USDA sweetpotato germplasm collection were evaluated during 2012–2014. Colorimetry data for the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces were recorded using a tristimulus colorimeter and the CIE 1976 L*a*b* and CIE L*C*h* colour spaces. Most accessions (725 of 730 PIs) had dark-to-medium green leaves, but two PIs had totally purple leaves, and three PIs had yellow or yellow-green (chartreuse) leaves. For mature, field-grown green leaves, values for the red-green coordinate (a*) averaged −12.4 for the adaxial and −10.4 for the abaxial leaf surface. Values for the blue-yellow coordinate (b*) averaged 17.2 for the adaxial and 17.3 for the abaxial leaf surface. Hue angle (h*) for green leaves averaged 120.9° for the adaxial and 126.2° for the abaxial leaf surface. Colour saturation (Chroma, C*) averaged 21.3 for the adaxial and 20.2 for the abaxial leaf surface. Lightness (L*) averaged 35.4 for the adaxial and 47.2 for the abaxial leaf surface of green leaves. Late in the season, over one-half (53.9%) of the 730 PIs showed some level of purple pigmentation in the leaf lamina. Late-season purple leaves were collected and colour coordinates were recorded for 118 PIs grown in the field. For purple leaves, values for a*, b*, C*, L* and h* averaged 2.3, 6.2, 7.9, 28.2 and 64.4° for the adaxial surface and −1.0, 12.7, 13.9, 43.1 and 87.0° for the abaxial leaf surface, respectively.
Christian ethics: an introduction to biblical moral reasoning

In his expansive tome, Christian Ethics, Wayne Grudem has produced what few authors would attempt – a treatment of a nearly-comprehensive catalogue of ethical issues in relation to corresponding bi...
Comparative Maternal and Neonatal Effects of the New and the Old Formulations of 2-Chloroprocaine

The effects of epidural bisulfite-free chloroprocaine with and without 1:300,000 epinephrine during labor and delivery on uterine activity, progress of labor, fetal heart rate, maternal blood pressure, newborn Apgar scores, neonatal acid base status, and the Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Scoring System (NACS) were studied in 100 parturients. Patients in group I (n=49) received 2% chloroprocaine with 1:300,000 epinephrine and patients in group II (n=51) received 2% chloroprocaine alone. All patients obtained satisfactory analgesia with chloroprocaine, with no major adverse experience. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group I than in group II patients (70.8±3.1 minutes versus 50.4±1.8 minutes, P
Ludwig Lachmann and the Austrians

Ludwig Lachmann looked to the Austrian School of economics as an intellectual space of refuge from the sterile formalism that constituted the academic work of the mainstream economics establishment. From an early interest in capital theory, he moved to broader epistemological, methodological, and institutional concerns – specifically from the subjectivism of values to the subjectivism of expectations and the implications thereof for human action. Human action in disequilibrium was his central focus. This chapter examines the relationship of Lachmann’s views to the Austrians, those who preceded him, those of his time, and those who have come after him. During his lifetime, his views sometimes provoked controversy. I examine this from the perspective of 2017 and the concerns of the modern Austrian intellectual community and find that Lachmann’s views are surprisingly much more complementary to those of his contemporary Austrians than have perhaps hitherto been realized.
Wearable Monitoring of Joint Angle and Muscle Activity

Simultaneous tracking of muscle activity and joint rotation is of significant interest in rehabilitation, but gold-standard methods with optical motion tracking and wireless electromyography recording typically restricts this to the laboratory setting. There has been significant progress using wear-able inertial measurement units (IMUs) for motion tracking, but there are no systems that can easily be deployed to home and provide simultaneous electromyography. We addressed this gap by developing a flexible, wearable, Bluetooth-connected sensor that records both IMU and EMG activity. The sensor runs an efficient quaternion-based complementary filter that estimates the sensor orientation while correcting for estimate drift and constraining magnetometer estimates to only influence heading. The difference in two sensor orientations is used to estimate the joint angle, which can be further improved with joint axis estimation. We demonstrate successful tracking of joint angle and muscle activity in a home environment with just the sensors and a smartphone.
Institutional Systems for Equitable Wealth Creation: Replication and an Update of Judge et al. (2014)

This replication study was invited by the Editor in Chief of Management and Organization Review, Arie Y. Lewin. The original study by Judge, Fainshmidt, and Brown (2014) spanned the global financial crisis (2005–2010), and as such, this anomalous time period may not have been representative of most economies, or even the overall global economy. In this replication study we refine and extend Judge et al. (2014) which explored the provocative question – which form of capitalism works best in terms of ‘equitable wealth creation’? Similar to the earlier study, we find that there are multiple paths to macro-economic success. Notably, effective institutional configurations tend to combine high-quality regulatory institutions, effective skill development systems, and social cultures largely unaffected by corruption so there is some commonality amongst effective configurations. In contrast, ineffective institutional configurations tend to be relatively weak in one or several of these three critical sets of institutions. Importantly, we find some novel patterns emerging from the most recent data, including potentially new forms of capitalism associated with equitable wealth creation. In addition, we find that effective credit market institutions are more important, and collective bargaining institutions are less important than the original study suggested. We discuss implications for the comparative capitalism literature, policy makers, and the future of capitalism in the global economy.
Multicenter Evaluation of the BD Phoenix CPO Detect Test for Detection and Classification of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms in Clinical Isolates

Limited treatment options contribute to high morbidity/mortality rates with carbapenem-resistant, Gram-negative bacterial infections. New approaches for carbapenemase-producing organism (CPO) detection may help inform clinician decision-making on patient treatment and infection control. BD Phoenix CPO detect (CPO detect) detects and classifies carbapenemases in Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during susceptibility testing. The clinical performance of CPO detect is reported here. Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were evaluated across three sites using CPO detect and a composite reference method (RM); the latter was comprised of the modified carbapenem inactivation method and a MIC screen for ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem. Multiplex PCR testing was also utilized for Ambler class determination. Positive and negative percentages of agreement (PPA and NPA, respectively) between CPO detect and the RM were determined. The PPA and NPA for Enterobacterales were 98.5% (confidence intervals, 96.6%, 99.4%) and 97.2% (95.8%, 98.2%), respectively. The A. baumannii PPA and NPA, respectively, were 97.1% (90.2%, 99.2%) and 97.1% (89.9%, 99.2%). The P. aeruginosa PPA and NPA, respectively, were 95.9% (88.6%, 98.6%) and 92.3% (86.7%, 95.6%). The PPA values for carbapenemase class designations for all organisms combined and Enterobacterales alone, respectively, were 95.3% (90.2%, 97.8%) and 94.6% (88.8%, 97.5%) for class A, 94.0% (88.7%, 96.6%) and 96.4% (90.0%, 98.8%) for class B, and 95.0% (90.1%, 97.6%) and 99.0% (94.4%, 99.8%) for class D carbapenemases. NPA values for all organisms and Enterobacterales alone ranged from 98.5% to 100%. CPO detect provided accurate detection and classification of CPOs for the majority of isolates of Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested.
Preoperative Chemoradiation Versus Chemotherapy in Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

Background The incidence of lower esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma has sharply increased over the past several decades and is a serious public health problem. Preoperative therapy with either chemotherapy or chemoradiation is recommended, but the optimal regimen is unknown. We used the National Cancer Database and propensity score matching to investigate whether preoperative chemoradiation therapy offers an advantage over chemotherapy alone for patients with these tumors. Methods From the National Cancer Database esophageal and gastric dataset, we selected patients with either lower esophageal or gastric cardia adenocarcinomas who had undergone definitive resection after chemotherapy or chemoradiation. We used propensity score matching to balance groups based on the preoperative treatment they received. We then used conditional multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models to examine the association between preoperative therapy regimen and pathological response, overall survival (OS), and postoperative outcomes. Results Our study included 13,783 patients; 12,129 (89.0%) had received preoperative chemoradiation. Propensity score matching created 1650 pairs. Patients receiving chemoradiation were 2.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.23) times more likely to achieve complete response in the primary tumor than were those receiving chemotherapy alone; however, chemoradiation was not associated with improved OS (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.12). Short-term outcomes (length of stay, mortality, and readmissions) were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusions Preoperative chemoradiation was associated with a higher complete response rate in the primary tumor but not with improved OS in lower esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Out-of-focus brain image detection in serial tissue sections.

Abstract Background A large part of image processing workflow in brain imaging is quality control which is typically done visually. One of the most time consuming steps of the quality control process is classifying an image as in-focus or out-of-focus (OOF). New method In this paper we introduce an automated way of identifying OOF brain images from serial tissue sections in large datasets (>1.5 PB). The method utilizes steerable filters (STF) to derive a focus value (FV) for each image. The FV combined with an outlier detection that applies a dynamic threshold allows for the focus classification of the images. Results The method was tested by comparing the results of our algorithm with a visual inspection of the same images. The results support that the method works extremely well by successfully identifying OOF images within serial tissue sections with a minimal number of false positives. Comparison with existing methods Our algorithm was also compared to other methods and metrics and successfully tested in different stacks of images consisting solely of simulated OOF images in order to demonstrate the applicability of the method to other large datasets. Conclusions We have presented a practical method to distinguish OOF images from large datasets that include serial tissue sections that can be included in an automated pre-processing image analysis pipeline.
Abstract 1308: CDK12 alterations define a distinct molecular subtype of prostate cancers with unique genomic and clinical characteristics

Background:CDK12 alterations are present in several tumor types but little is known regarding their oncogenic role and their clinical significance. Here we sought to describe the landscape of CDK12 alterations across solid cancers and the clinical features of CDK12-altered prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 26,743 patients across 25 solid tumor types with available targeted sequencing data from MSK-IMPACT as part of their clinical care were included. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were assessed in prostate cancer. CDK12 alterations and association with genomic characteristics are described. For prostate cancer patients, overall survival from the date of metastasis and time to castration-resistance from the start of androgen deprivation therapy were assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results:CDK12 alterations were identified in 404/26,743 (1.5%) patients overall, but were most frequent in prostate (100/1875, 5.3%) and ovarian cancer (43/1034, 4.2%) where they were associated with a high prevalence of truncating variants and biallelic inactivation. CDK12 alterations defined a distinct subtype of prostate cancer with more aggressive clinical features, a unique copy number alteration profile and involvement of distinct oncogenic pathway alterations, including cell cycle pathway genes. Independent of standard clinical factors and genomic instability, CDK12-altered prostate cancer patients were associated with shorter overall survival (median 64.4 vs 74.9 months, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.65, 95% CI 1.07-2.53, p = 0.03) and shorter time to the development of castration-resistant disease (median 10.8 months vs 13.1, aHR 1.43, 95%CI 1.07-1.8, p = 0.02). Conclusions:CDK12 loss of function is a rare event across solid cancers but defines a distinct molecular subtype of prostate cancer that is associated with more aggressive clinical features and unique genomic alterations. Citation Format: Bastien Nguyen, Jose Mauricio Mota, Subhiksha Nandakumar, Konrad H. Stopsack, Emily Weg, Dana Rathkopf, Michael J. Morris, Howard Scher, Philip W. Kantoff, Anuradha Gopalan, Dmitriy Zamarin, David B. Solit, Nikolaus Schultz, Wassim Abida. CDK12 alterations define a distinct molecular subtype of prostate cancers with unique genomic and clinical characteristics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 1308.
Nature Does Not Discriminate (But the Government Does): Governance, the Environment, and the Disadvantaged of North Carolina

Though the Environmental Justice movement was conceived decades ago, discriminatory practices are still inherently present in governing infrastructures. This report examines the ways administrative bodies in segregated spaces can facilitate environmental inequality. To illustrate this claim, I present three case studies regarding various communities in North Carolina to critically analyze their relationship with governance structures. The first case study illustrates the ecological burdens of unincorporated communities in the absence of local municipalities. The second study examines the environmental vulnerability of a racially segregated neighborhood through historical contexts. The final case study demonstrates the ways in which social networks impede resource acquisition and how regulatory regimes further energy poverty. Though these studies exemplify three distinct forms of environmental inequality, they exemplify a singular and widespread lack of government engagement. After discussing each case study, I suggest the hardships endured by these disadvantaged populations deserve greater attention from the state and federal government, especially considering the looming threat of climate change.
Negligence at the Breach: Information Fiduciaries and the Duty to Care for Data

Personal data is a cost of admission for much of modern life. Employers, tech companies, advertisers, information brokers, and others collect huge quantities of data about us all. Yet outside of a few highly-regulated industries, American companies face few legal restrictions on how they manage and use that data. Until now, individuals have had very limited remedies when their data is stolen from data collectors. But change is afoot. In a significant recent decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court took a consequential step holding that entities collecting personal data owe a duty of reasonable care to protect data subjects against harm. This tort decision left a critical question unresolved. What is “harm” in the context of privacy? What is it exactly that data collectors must protect data subjects against? This paper takes one state's doctrinal move as a jumping-off point to consider a question of immense national importance – how to apply to common-law negligence principles in cases involving the disclosure and misuse of personal data, and specifically, what a “duty to care” means in the unsettled realm of privacy law. Building off Jack Balkin’s work, this article proposes that fiduciary law offers an appealing framework for conceptualizing privacy harms and the corresponding responsibilities of the entities who are collecting our data. In doing so, it begins the conversation of how tort law can take a central place in protecting individuals when data holders betray their trust.
Phosphorylation of Pal2 by the protein kinases Kin1 and Kin2 modulates HAC1 mRNA splicing in the unfolded protein response in yeast

During cellular stress in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident dual kinase and RNase Ire1 splices an intron from HAC1 mRNA in the cytosol, thereby releasing its translational block. Hac1 protein then activates an adaptive cellular stress response called the unfolded protein response (UPR) that maintains ER homeostasis. The polarity-inducing protein kinases Kin1 and Kin2 contribute to HAC1 mRNA processing. Here, we showed that an RNA-protein complex that included the endocytic proteins Pal1 and Pal2 mediated HAC1 mRNA splicing downstream of Kin1 and Kin2. We found that Pal1 and Pal2 bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of HAC1 mRNA, and a yeast strain lacking both Pal1 and Pal2 was deficient in HAC1 mRNA processing. We also showed that Kin1 and Kin2 directly phosphorylated Pal2, and that a nonphosphorylatable Pal2 mutant could not rescue the UPR defect in a pal1Δ pal2Δ strain. Thus, our work uncovers a Kin1/2-Pal2 signaling pathway that coordinates HAC1 mRNA processing and ER homeostasis.
Other Scriptures: Restoring Voices of Gantowisas to an Open Canon

The narrative of the Book of Mormon self-consciously presents itself as culturally bound and incomplete, containing the “mistakes of men.” Its characters, including Jesus, recognize other scriptures, including oral traditions, that contain alternative perspectives on the events it describes. This essay employs decolonizing methodologies and autoethnographic reflections to amplify the scripture’s message that the Creator speaks to all people in their own languages and cultures, an insightful teaching of the gantowisas (Iroquois clan mothers) popularized by the Seneca spokesperson Red Jacket. It draws from Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), especially Mohawk and Seneca, oral traditions to decenter the Book of Mormon’s settler colonial narrative. It highlights parallels, and more importantly differences, between Haudenosaunee and Mormon teachings about dreams, visions, seers, prophets, sibling rivalry, and a Great Peace inaugurated by the Peacemaker and the Mother of Nations. Reciprocal relations with Indigenous nations and the embrace of other scriptures may serve as a corrective for the settler colonial and patriarchal mistakes of men in the Latter-day Saint canon.
On Emotion and Its Development: A Working Paper

This philosophical essay is a critique of some popular views of the concept of affect. It is neither a theory of emotion nor a synthetic review of the extensive literature on this topic—excellent reviews can be found in Mandler (1975), Izard (1971), Plutchik (1962), and Reymert (1950). Its aims are far less ambitious: to suggest a new way to conceptualize the phenomena that have traditionally been called affective. Although I am critical of some current work in this area of inquiry, I do not wish to imply that the phenomena that have been called emotional are unimportant. Quite the opposite; these events must be represented in the written propositions that eventually will describe and explain human behavior. Hence, the critical tone is meant to be constructive and not derogatory.
MOMENTUM TRANSFER IN THE ONE-DIMENSIONAL IMPACT OF SPACED PLATES

The two-dimensional hydrocode CSQ III was used to calculate the fraction of momentum transferred from a flyer plate to a target of two spaced plates. The effect of the vaporization phase transition, as calculated with the ANEOS analytical complete three-phase equation of state, was estimated. Application of these results to the protection of spacecraft from meteoroids and orbital debris is discussed. This work is being performed by Boeing Defense and Space Group, prime contractor to NASA for construction of space station modules, nodes and some on-board systems.
Calorimetric heat of transition assignments by microcomputer-based differential thermal analysis: Part II. The γ-β (orthorhombic to hexagonal) transition of barium carbonate

Abstract The enthalpy change (Δ H ) associated with the γ-β (orthorhombic to hexagonal) crystal- line transition for a specimen of barium carbonate standard (NBS-SRM 760) which is sold for temperature calibration of differential thermal analyzers was studied. The mean value obtained by numerous operators of the same model of a commercially available computerized differential thermal analysis system is reported. These data were collected at three different heating rates and a variety of sample sizes. The mean value reported in this study (98.2 J g −1 ) was compared with that obtained by earlier workers. An average molar entropy of transition was calculated to be +17.9 J K −1 mol −1 .
Current and emerging concepts in child abuse

Within the three decades since Henry Kempe first popularized the concept of "the battered child syndrome," much has been learned not only about physical abuse but also neglect and sexual abuse. More recently, physicians with an interest in child abuse have expanded their focus to include child death review and other prevention strategies. Despite the increasing specialization of child abuse evaluation and management, all physicians working with children are likely to encounter child abuse in their practice. In 1994, more than 3.1 million reports of child abuse were made, of which more than 1 million had enough evidence to substantiate the allegations. Approximately one-half of all substantiated child abuse reports were for neglect. Physical abuse was involved in 21% and sexual abuse in about 11%. In 3% of the cases, the newer category of mental injury (emotional abuse/neglect) also was present. Despite the increase in the reporting of child abuse, the percentage of adults who have experienced child maltreatment (approximately 25% to 33%) probably has not changed significantly during this century. Most people who are victims of child abuse still never come to the overt attention of physicians, social workers, or other professionals, but the hidden emotional consequences have a considerable impact on the mental and medical health care systems. This article will briefly review the following three major categories of child abuse to highlight some of the thinking behind recent advances: Neglect; Physical Abuse; and Sexual Abuse. We will also discuss Prevention.
The Grocery Transporter elevator

Presented is the Grocery Transporter, a device that is capable of lifting 150 pounds up a wall thereby providing a service to an older couple that requires assistance bringing groceries (or other items) into the second floor entrance of their house. Detailed is a mechanical winch and dolly system with an accompanying discussion of a relay and limit switch system that controls the Transporter. Also included is the simple operating methodology.
Measurement and comparison of health utility assessments in chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition encountered in primary care medicine and is estimated to affect 12.5% of the United States population. This study aims to compare methods of assessing health utility in CRS. Methods A cross-sectional sample of CRS patients (n = 137) were interviewed using direct health utility assessment measures: the visual analogue scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG). General quality of life (QOL) scores were obtained via the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and converted to SF-6D health utility values using a Bayesian algorithm. Disease-specific QOL was measured with the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). A selected subgroup of patients (n = 51) not initiating surgery or new treatment for CRS were re-interviewed within 3 weeks. Results The mean ± SD health utilities were VAS 0.69 ± 0.19; TTO 0.80 ± 0.27; SG 0.93 ± 0.11; and SF-6D 0.72 ± 0.12; they differed significantly (p < 0.001). Only VAS scores differed based on disease state classification or the presence of nasal polyposis. Correlations between methods of determining health utility were weak, but significant. VAS, TTO, and SF-6D scores were significantly associated with SNOT-22 (p < 0.001 for all); however, SG and SNOT-22 were poorly correlated (Spearman correlation = −0.33). The test-retest reliability of TTO (Spearman correlation = 0.71) and SG (0.73) was strong. Conclusion CRS patients show significant impairment in QOL, with health utility values similar to those of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or intermittent claudication using similar methods. The method of ascertainment significantly affects measured health utility, but the degree of impairment warrants improved recognition and appropriate treatment of the condition.
Learning concept classification rules using genetic algorithms

In this paper we explore the use of an adaptive search technique (genetic algorithms) to construct a system GABEL which continually learns and refines concept classification rules from its interaction with the environment. The performance of the system is measured on a set of concept learning problems and compared with the performance of two existing systems: ID5R and C4.5. Preliminary results support that, despite minimal system bias, GABIL is an effective concept learner and is quite competitive with ID5R and C4.5 as the target concept increases in complexity.
Global Terrain methods for chemical process simulation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a completely different, novel, and general approach to find physically meaningful solutions and singular points to chemical-process models based on moving up and down the landscape of the least-squares function. The resulting algorithms are called Global Terrain Algorithms and consist of a series of downhill, equation-solving computations, and uphill, predictor–corrector calculations from one stationary point to another. Initial uphill movement from a saddle point, local minimum, or global minimum of the least-squares function always takes place along a direction of smallest positive curvature. Initiating downhill movement from a saddle point or maximum to either a singular point of lower norm or a solution always takes place along an eigendirection, v, of negative curvature that can be calculated from efficient eigendecomposition of the Hessian matrix of the least-squares function using Lanzcos or some other eigenvalue-eigenvector technique. Key concepts and numerical results are illustrated using chemical-process examples.
Wind turbine boundary layer arrays for Cartesian and staggered configurations-Part I, flow field and power measurements

Model wind turbine arrays were developed for the purpose of investigating the wake interaction and turbine canopy layer in a standard cartesian and row-offset turbine array configurations. Stereographic particle image velocimetry was used to collect flow data upstream and downstream of entrance and exit row turbines in each configuration. Wakes for all cases were analyzed for energy content and recovery behavior including entrainment of high-momentum flow from above the turbine canopy layer. The row-offset arrangement of turbines within an array grants an increase in streamwise spacing of devices and allows for greater wake remediation between successive rows. These effects are seen in exit row turbine wakes as changes to statistical quantities including the in-plane Reynolds stress, −uv¯, and the production of turbulence. The recovery of wakes also strongly mitigates the perceived underperformance of wind turbines within an array. The flux of kinetic energy is demonstrated to be more localized in the entrance rows and in the offset arrangement. Extreme values for the flux of kinetic energy are about 7.5% less in the exit row of the cartesian arrangement than in the offset arrangement. Measurements of mechanical torque at entrance and exit row turbines lead to curves of power coefficient and demonstrate an increase in efficiency in row-offset configurations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Around the World of Securities Fraud in 80 Motions to Dismiss

Motions to dismiss are the litmus test in securities fraud class actions. A motion to dismiss is filed in virtually every securities fraud class action, and motions to dismiss are extraordinarily successful in securities fraud class actions. Therefore, courts’ opinions on motions to dismiss are immensely important to the evolution of the substantive and procedural law of securities fraud.In this Essay, I discuss emerging issues in courts’ rulings on motions to dismiss securities fraud class actions. In order to ensure that my comments reflect current trends in this ever-evolving area, I have analyzed a data set of 80 opinions issued in 2013 on motions to dismiss securities fraud class actions and drawn the following eight observations therefrom: A. Winnowing Is Real But Relatively Rare; B. Dicta Abounds, and That’s A Good Thing; C. Scienter Is (Still) King; D. The Falsity-Scienter Inference Continues to Percolate; E. The Core Operations Inference Is Hot; F. Subjective Falsity Matters; G. Puffery Is Untethered; H. What Rule 11 Findings Mandate?I hope that this journey around the world of securities fraud in 80 motions to dismiss provides guidance to litigants, courts, and scholars on this ever-evolving area of law. This Essay is drawn from my remarks at the 2013 Annual Institute for Investor Protection Conference: "Effective and Ethical Pre-Filing Strategies for Investigating and Pleading Securities Fraud Claims,” sponsored by Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s Institute for Investor Protection and Institute for Law and Economic Policy.The Data Set Appendix for this paper is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2373808
Underpricing Of IPOs By Bulge-Bracket Underwriters Acting As Lead Managers And Sole Book Runners

During the dot-com period, prestigious investment banks earned record profits underwriting technology IPOs, but some companies going public also lost funds, potentially, by accepting offer prices well below the opening price or closing price of the first trading day. Several prestigious underwriters have paid penalties, to the NASD and the SEC, to settle allegations about improper distribution of shares of IPOs of stock. However, the fines assessed by regulators have not been the same across investment banks. This study analyzes short-term underpricing and money left on the table by the most prestigious investment banks, bulge-bracket underwriters, when they underwrite initial public offerings of common stock. I find evidence that seems to indicate that some prestigious investment banks consistently underprice IPOs much less than some other banks when they act as lead underwriters and sole book runners.
Potentiation of Antitumor Effect of Virus-Induced Interferon by Mouse Immune Interferon Preparations

In inbred DBA/2 mice, the antitumor activities of separate and combined preparations of mouse immune interferon and mouse virus-induced interferon on the development of P388 tumors were studied. Immune interferon alone (25 U/day) did not affect tumor development. Virus-induced interferon alone (25,000 U/day) delayed tumor development and increased survival time. The mouse immune interferon preparations significantly enhanced or potentiated the antitumor effects of mouse virus-induced interferon when the interferons were used in combined therapy.
ESTROGEN AND ANDROGEN LEVELS IN WOMEN TREATED WITH RADIATION FOR CERVICAL CANCER-POSSIBLE INFLUENCE ON BREAST CANCER RISK

In 1984-1985, estrogen and androgen levels in blood sera were measured in 320 women who had been treated for cervical cancer in the early 1960s. Study subjects were from US clinics in Baltimore, Maryland; Boston and Norfolk, Massachusetts; Buffalo, New York; Houston, Texas; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These clinics had participated in a larger international follow-up study of cervical cancer in which a 20-30% reduction in breast cancer risk was linked to prior pelvic irradiation, even when treatment occurred after menopause. Overall, the 203 irradiated and 117 nonirradiated women had similar mean levels of estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, and testosterone. However, there appeared to be negative, albeit inconsistent, trends for androstenedione, testosterone, and estrone, suggesting that the irradiated women had lower levels of these hormones when compared with the nonirradiated women. These differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. While chance could partially explain these findings, it is plausible that the frequently observed protective association of breast cancer with pelvic irradiation could be due in part to a decrease in steroid hormones that is secondary, perhaps, to adrenal irradiation.
Spatial sampling and filtering in near-field measurements

A sample spacing criterion and a data minimization technique for measurements made over the surface of a plane in the near field of an antenna are presented. The sample spacing is shown to depend on the distance from the antenna to the measurement plane, and on the extent to which evanescent waves can be neglected. The near-field data minimization technique utilizes two-dimensional spatial filtering to effect a significant reduction in computational effort required to calculate selected portions of the far-field pattern. Far-field patterns of an X band antenna calculated from near-field measurements are presented and compared with those measured on a standard far-field range. The far-field calculations are repeated for several near-field sample spacings and for various post-filter sample rates.
TJ6: The Pregnancy‐Associated Cytokine

These studies have demonstrated that TJ6m protein can be measured in women prior to a spontaneous abortion based on expression of TJ6 on CD56-positive NK cells. This suggested to us a possible regulator function for TJ6 during pregnancy. We have shown that in T cells only crosslinking of the T-cell receptor can upregulate TJ6 expression and the other activators, such as mitogens, do not. A clear discrepancy in the pattern of expression of TJ6 on CD56 and CD19-positive cells was noted between successful and unsuccessful pregnancies. A successful pregnancy is denoted by TJ6 expression on B cells, whereas in a potential spontaneous abortion there is TJ6 expression on both NK and B cells.
Volatile Leaf Oil of Calyptranthes sintenisii Kiaersk. (Myrtaceae) of Puerto Rico

Abstract The essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of Calyptranthes sintenisii collected in Puerto Rico was examined by GC/MS.The oil was dominated by neral (35.06±1.22%), geranial (18.72±0.69%), β-pinene(17.99±0.81%) and α-pinene (12.48±0.14%).
Management of acute suppurative parotitis

Acute suppurative parotitis (ASP), an inflammatory and infectious process of the parotid gland, was a well-recognized complication of abdominal surgery before the advent of antibiotics. With the use of perioperative antibiotics, ASP has become a rare occurrence. The overall incidence of this disease has been reported to be 0.01% to 0.02% of all hospital admissions and 0.002% to 0.04% of postoperative patients.1-4 It has been postulated that ASP has been known since the time of Hippocrates,5 but it was Cruveilhier in 1836 who gave the first clinically accurate description of this process.6 US President James A. Garfield sustained an abdominal gunshot wound during an assassination attempt in 1881 and subsequently died of complications of suppurative parotitis.7 Although the infection is usually confined to the parotid capsule, spread of infection has been noted to the cervical fascial planes. Guardia et al8 reported a 67-year-old man who died from necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to ASP. ASP has been traditionally regarded as an ascending bacterial sialoadenitis via retrograde transductal flow of bacteria from Stenson’s duct into the gland parenchyma.9 There are multiple etiologic factors for the development of ASP. The purpose of this report was to review the surgical and medical management of this increasingly rare entity.
Social indicators: A statistician's view

In the following we consider the problem areas of social indicator research which are of concern to the statistician and in which he can prove helpful. Among these are the purposes of social indicators, what social variables should be considered as conceivable variables related to quality of life, what data should be collected taking in account the difficulty of not being able to directly measure variables of interest, how does one collect the data (which is usually in the form of a time series) guarding against multicollinearity, and how should the collected data be handled and analyzed. We discuss why in social indicator research the secular trends, cyclical movements, seasonal variations and irregular fluctuations must be taken into account. Techniques are discussed for relating lead indicators in one time period to coincident indicators in another period. Finally we present a select bibliography in canonical correlation, forecasting, indicators and index numbers, path analysis, regression analysis, simulation techniques, time series analysis and other areas useful in analyzing social indicator data.
Oxidations of Organic Sulfides in Aqueous Sulfobetaine Micelles

Abstract Zwitterionic micelles of N -tetradecyl- N,N -dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB3-14) inhibit oxidations of 3-chloroethyl phenyl sulfide (PhSCH 2 CH 2 Cl) and 1-methoxy-4(methylthio)benzene (ArSMe) by peroxymonosulfate ion (HSO - 5 ) and the periodate ion oxidation of ArSMe, but there are slow residual reactions of micellar-bound substrates. Measurements of the critical micelle concentration and conductance of solutions of NaIO 4 and SB3-14 show that IO - 4 binds to sulfobetaine micelles and changes in the 1 H chemical shifts of SB3-14 confirm this assumption. The estimated second order rate constants for reaction of IO - 4 and ArSMe are similar in SB3-14 and cationic micelles but lower than that in water by a factor of ca. 10 3 . These low rate constants are due to charge-charge interactions in the transition states of reactions at micellar surfaces. Similar results were observed with HSO - 5 . These rate constants at surfaces of zwitterionic and cationic micelles are much lower than at surfaces of anionic micelles.
Increasing Efficiency in Academia: The Use of a Weaning Model in Fundraising

The authors discuss a method to increase institutional efficiency and financial stability through strategic planning, by gradually reallocating funds raised for annual operations to quasi-endowment over a period of years using a weaning model. The weaning model is offered as a tactic to address issues of financial vulnerability developed in earlier studies by Maniaci and Poole.
Mediators and Moderators of Outcome in the Behavioral Treatment of Childhood Social Phobia

Abstract Objective The current study examined mediators and moderators of treatment response among children and adolescents (ages 7–17 years) with a primary diagnosis of social phobia. Method Participants were 88 youths participating in one of two randomized controlled treatment trials of Social Effectiveness Therapy for Children. Potential mediators included changes in observer-rated social skill and child-reported loneliness after 12 weeks of Social Effectiveness Therapy for Children. Age and depressive symptoms were examined as potential moderators. Results Loneliness scores and social effectiveness during a role-play task predicted changes in social anxiety and overall functioning at posttreatment. Changes in social anxiety were mediated by child-reported loneliness. Outcomes were not moderated by age or depressive symptoms. Conclusions Findings support the role of loneliness as an important mechanism of change during treatment for childhood social phobia.
A Computer Program for Calculation of Scott's Coefficient of Observer Reliability.

EDRS Price MF-$0.25 HC-$0.60 *Classroom Observation Techniques, *Computer Programs, Educational Research, *Reliability, *Research Methodology, *Statistical Analysis FORTRAN, Inter rater Reliability, Observer Reliability Scott's coefficient is an improved method for estimating observer reliability using any system which assigns events to mutually exclusive categories. The formula is the ratio of the actual difference between obtained and chance agreement to the maximum difference between obtained and chance agreement. A FORTRAN program for calculating this reliability coefficient is presented. The program can be used with from 2 to 20 observers and can include any number of observations as long as the product of the observations times the observers does not exceed 200. The observation system cannot exceed 30 categories. There are four outputs of the program including the average reliability coefficient of all possible pairs of observers, the average difference between all possible pairs cf observers for each category, the percentage of each observer's total assignments found in each category, and each observer's average coefficient cf reliability with all other observers. The data deck arrangement and program listing are included. (PR) THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR TEACHER EDUCATION THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Ki k"4"11 AUSTIN / AUSTIN PUBLIC 0=.1 SCHOOLS / TT::XAS EDUEll "I CATION AGENCY C:) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION Pe\ & WELFARE OFFICE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR tin ORGANIZATION ORIGINATING IT. POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS STATED DO NOT NECES.4 SARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY. A COMPUTER GROGRAM FOR CALCULATION OF SCOTT'S COEFFICIENT OF OBSERVER RELIABILITY
Effect of geometrical and material parameters in nanoindentation of layered materials with an interphase

Abstract Indentation models for thin layer-substrate geometry with an interphase have been developed. The interphase can be modeled either as a nonhomogeneous layer or as a homogeneous layer. Between the two models of the interphase, contact depth and critical interfacial stresses are compared to find the effect of indentation area, film and substrate Young’s moduli, and the interphase and film thicknesses. Although contact depth is found not to be sensitive to the type of interphase model used, critical interfacial stresses are significantly different (up to 15%) for film to substrate elastic Young’s moduli ratios of more than 25. A formal sensitivity analysis based on design of experiments shows that on critical interfacial stresses, interphase to film thickness ratio and film to substrate Young’s moduli ratio has the most impact, while type of elastic moduli variation in the interphase and indentor width to film thickness ratio has the least impact.
Maximum density stable patterns in variants of Conway's game of Life

We use integer programming to find maximum density stable patterns in variants of Conway's game of Life, and we describe how to use the constraints of an integer programming formulation to construct upper bounds on the maximum density of infinite stable patterns.
Stochastic simulation of clonal growth in the tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima.

As clonal plants grow they move through space. The movement patterns that result can be complex and difficult to interpret without the aid of models. We developed a stochastic simulation model of clonal growth in the tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima. Our model was calibrated with field data on the clonal expansion of both seedlings and established clones, and model assumptions were verified by statistical analyses.When simulations were based on empirical distributions with long rhizome lengths, there was greater dispersal, less leaf overlap, and less spatial aggregation than when simulations were based on distributions with comparatively short rhizome lengths. For the field data that we utilized, variation in rhizome lengths had a greater effect than variation for either branching angles or "rhizome initiation points" (see text). We also found that observed patterns of clonal growth in S. altissima did not cause the formation of "fairy rings". However, simulations with an artificial distribution of branching angles demonstrate that "fairy rings" can result solely from a plant's clonal morphology.Stochastic simulation models that incorporated variation in rhizome lengths, branching angles, and rhizome initiation points produced greater dispersal and less leaf overlap than deterministic models. Thus, variation for clonal growth parameters may increase the efficiency of substrate exploration by increasing the area covered and by decreasing the potential for intraclonal competition. We also demonstrated that ramet displacements were slightly, but consistently lower in stochastic simulation models than in random-walk models. This difference was due to the incorporation of details on rhizome bud initiation into stochastic simulation models, but not random-walk models. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of deterministic, stochastic simulation, and random-walk models of clonal growth.
Reshaping the social order: The case of gender segregation

An experimental study of gender segregation in 38 fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms was conducted. Teachers in the experimental condition were encouraged to utilize small, mixed-sex instructional groups to promote gender integration and the reduction of gender stereotypes. Students in experimental classrooms engaged in more cross-sex interactions than students in control classrooms, and boys in experimental classrooms had greater preference for working in cross-sex groups; there were no experimental effects, however, for girls' preferences for working in cross-sex groups, and all students rated same-sex classmates more positively than cross-sex classmates, with no treatment effect on the ratings. Implications for gender segregation in the labor force are discussed.
Dexmedetomidine decreases inhibitory but not excitatory neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus

Dexmedetomidine, an α2 adrenergic agonist, is a useful sedative but can also cause significant bradycardia. This decrease in heart rate may be due to decreased central sympathetic output as well as increased parasympathetic output from brainstem cardiac vagal neurons. In this study, using whole cell voltage clamp methodology, the actions of dexmedetomidine on excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmission to parasympathetic cardiac vagal neurons in the rat nucleus ambiguus was determined. The results indicate that dexmedetomidine decreases both GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory input to cardiac vagal neurons, with no significant effect on excitatory input. These results provide a mechanism for dexmedetomidine induced bradycardia and has implications for the management of this potentially harmful side effect.