cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Board 3.0 – An Introduction

This paper sketches out the case for a new board model, Board 3.0, as an option for public company boards. The goal is to develop a model of thickly informed, well-resourced, and highly motivated directors who could credibly monitor managerial strategy and operational skill in cases where this would be particularly valuable. Unlike the present board model of thinly informed, under-resourced, and boundedly motivated directors, Board 3.0 directors could credibly defend management against shareholder activist incursions, where appropriate, with institutional investor owners. Similarly, such directors could find a place in extremely complex enterprise, such as finance, where the costs of business failure are profound. One inspiration for Board 3.0 is found in private equity, in which the high-powered incentives of the PE sponsor have produced a different mode of board and director engagement that seems associated with high value creation. Porting over some of its features to the public company board offers a fresh starting point. The present public board model is an organizational experiment begun approximately 40 years ago, which replaced a prior organizational form that had fallen short. There is no reason to think the present public company board model is the “end of history” for corporate governance. The world of private markets, venture capital and private equity, have made effective use of alternative board models. Our goal is to bring some of that governance experimentalism to public companies. Expanding public company board models with Board 3.0 may avoid the need for corner solutions, such as dual class common structures or take-private transactions. A new public company board option will strengthen the capacity of public markets to facilitate capital formation and will thus aid financial inclusion by sustaining the number of public companies.
Stringsauto and mapsss results for OAEI 2013

StringsAuto and MapSSS are two closely related ontology alignment systems. The StringsAuto matcher seeks to explore the limits of a syntactic-only approach to alignment. The MapSSS system then expands on this work by embedding the syntactic matching of StringsAuto within a more complete alignment system that also makes use of semantic and structural information. In this paper we describe the basic operation of the two systems and discuss their performance in the OAEI 2013 evaluation.
Structured reward functions using STL: poster abstract

In this work we present a new method for shaping reward functions to train reinforcement learning agents using signal temporal logic (STL) formulas. The proposed approach uses the robustness metric of partial signal traces against STL specifications to generate locally shaped rewards, doing this in a manner that is agnostic of the learning algorithm used by the reinforcement learning agent.
Iconicity in Linguistics

Iconicity is a constant factor in generating linguistic ‘pantomimes’ of thought. Its never less constant enemies are the limitations imposed by the medium of sound itself, and the working of ritualization: routinization (or grammaticalization in the broad sense, which includes both analogy/systematization and sound change/erosion) and decorative bulking.
Magnetic field-tuned Fermi liquid in a Kondo insulator.

Kondo insulators are expected to transform into metals under a sufficiently strong magnetic field. The closure of the insulating gap stems from the coupling of a magnetic field to the electron spin, yet the required strength of the magnetic field–typically of order 100 T–means that very little is known about this insulator-metal transition. Here we show that Ce$${}_{3}$$Bi$${}_{4}$$Pd$${}_{3}$$, owing to its fortuitously small gap, provides an ideal Kondo insulator for this investigation. A metallic Fermi liquid state is established above a critical magnetic field of only $${B}_{{\rm{c}}}\approx$$ 11 T. A peak in the strength of electronic correlations near $${B}_{{\rm{c}}}$$, which is evident in transport and susceptibility measurements, suggests that Ce$${}_{3}$$Bi$${}_{4}$$Pd$${}_{3}$$ may exhibit quantum criticality analogous to that reported in Kondo insulators under pressure. Metamagnetism and the breakdown of the Kondo coupling are also discussed. The interaction of localized and conduction electrons in some heavy fermion materials is believed to give rise to a Kondo insulating state. Kushwaha et al. present evidence that Ce3Bi4Pd3 is a Kondo insulator with a gap small enough to be driven into a Fermi liquid phase with accessible magnetic fields.
Evaluating global and local sequence alignment methods for comparing patient medical records.

Sequence alignment is a way of arranging sequences (e.g., DNA, RNA, protein, natural language, financial data, or medical events) to identify the relatedness between two or more sequences and regions of similarity. For Electronic Health Records (EHR) data, sequence alignment helps to identify patients of similar disease trajectory for more relevant and precise prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of patients. We tested two cutting-edge global sequence alignment methods, namely dynamic time warping (DTW) and Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (NWA), together with their local modifications, DTW for Local alignment (DTWL) and Smith-Waterman algorithm (SWA), for aligning patient medical records. We also used 4 sets of synthetic patient medical records generated from a large real-world EHR database as gold standard data, to objectively evaluate these sequence alignment algorithms. For global sequence alignments, 47 out of 80 DTW alignments and 11 out of 80 NWA alignments had superior similarity scores than reference alignments while the rest 33 DTW alignments and 69 NWA alignments had the same similarity scores as reference alignments. Forty-six out of 80 DTW alignments had better similarity scores than NWA alignments with the rest 34 cases having the equal similarity scores from both algorithms. For local sequence alignments, 70 out of 80 DTWL alignments and 68 out of 80 SWA alignments had larger coverage and higher similarity scores than reference alignments while the rest DTWL alignments and SWA alignments received the same coverage and similarity scores as reference alignments. Six out of 80 DTWL alignments showed larger coverage and higher similarity scores than SWA alignments. Thirty DTWL alignments had the equal coverage but better similarity scores than SWA. DTWL and SWA received the equal coverage and similarity scores for the rest 44 cases. DTW, NWA, DTWL and SWA outperformed the reference alignments. DTW (or DTWL) seems to align better than NWA (or SWA) by inserting new daily events and identifying more similarities between patient medical records. The evaluation results could provide valuable information on the strengths and weakness of these sequence alignment methods for future development of sequence alignment methods and patient similarity-based studies.
Untethered Flight of an At-Scale Dual-Motor Hummingbird Robot With Bio-Inspired Decoupled Wings

In this letter, we present the untethered flight of an at-scale tailless hummingbird robot with independently controlled wings. It represents the first untethered stable flight of a two actuator powered bio-inspired Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FWMAV) in both indoor and outdoor environment. The untethered flight of such FWMAVs is a challenging task due to stringent payload limitation from severe underactuation and power efficiency challenge caused by motor reciprocating motion. In this work, we present the detailed modeling, optimization, and system integration of onboard power, actuation, sensing, and flight control to address these unique challenges of such FWMAV during untethered flight. We performed untethered flight experiments in both indoor and outdoor environment and demonstrate sustained stable flight of the robot.
Point of care ultrasound: worthy endeavor for every perioperative anesthesiologist.

To the Editor As I was recently preparing a lecture on why point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) is important for clinical anesthesiology practice, I came across an excellent article entitled ‘One Small Step for Mankind, a Big Step for PoCUS’,[1][1] which was very relevant to one that I had read
Survey Conducted At An Academic Medical Center Revealed Knowledge Gaps of Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy Predominantly In Primary Care Providers

Introduction Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a progressive, fatal disease caused by the formation of amyloid fibrils that misfold and accumulate in various tissue in the body, including the heart, leading to a form of heart failure called transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). ATTR-CM consists of two subgroups: a wild-type (ATTR-wt) or an inherited mutant autosomal dominant gene (hATTR). ATTR-wt and hATTR have an estimated median survival 3.6 years and 2.5 years after diagnosis, respectively. The diagnosis of ATTR-CM is often delayed or missed, and one potential factor playing in role in this may be lack of provider awareness and knowledge of this disease. The objective of this analysis was to assess ATTR-CM knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs) at a large academic medical center. The hypothesis of this analysis is that there is lack of foundational knowledge regarding ATTR-CM among HCPs. Methods and Results This analysis utilized a cross-sectional observational design in which HCPs were asked to voluntarily complete an electronic questionnaire. This questionnaire collected demographic characteristics, captured awareness of ATTR-CM, confidence in managing patients with ATTR-CM, and desire for additional education. Forty-six HCPs completed the survey. All respondents identified themselves as physicians, with the majority practicing in internal medicine or family medicine (43.75%). Approximately 2/3 of the HCPs had been in practice ten years or less. Most respondents reported that less than half of their current patient population have heart failure (87.5%). All respondents stated some level of awareness to ATTR-CM. However, the majority (84.79%) were not confident differentiating between hATTR and ATTR-wt, and 73.91% were not familiar with the various mutations in hereditary ATTR-CM. The survey revealed areas of knowledge gaps with majority indicating not being confident with genetic testing to determine if ATTR-CM is hereditary (73.3%), identifying the soft tissue signs and symptoms of ATTR-CM (67.39%) and differentiating between ATTR-CM and light chain amyloidosis (63.04%). The majority (67.39%) indicated a desire for further education. Conclusions Major knowledge gaps were identified in this survey indicating further education is needed to increase clinician suspicion of ATTR-CM, so patients, who may require further testing to make an accurate diagnosis, can be identified.
Benefits and Risks of Direct-to-Consumer Testing.

Context.— Convenience, avoidance of doctor's appointments, curiosity, and the desire to take control of one's health are driving interest toward direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing. DTC is laboratory testing that is initiated by the consumer without a physician order. The results are reported back directly to the consumer. DTC testing is an exciting addition to the traditional healthcare model for consumers who want knowledge of their health status and disease risk, ancestry, and their body's expected response to certain medications based on their genotype. Objectives.— To discuss the perceived and potential benefits and risks involved in DTC testing. Data sources.— Recent published literature on DTC testing. Conclusions.— The benefits of DTC testing are enticing and are driving the DTC testing market. Consumers must weigh the perceived benefits with the potential risks, including privacy concerns, the possibility of receiving confusing health information, and/or information that could generate unexpected emotions, misdiagnosis, and over-testing.
Hypertrophy, Strain, Ischemia, and Injury

As the propagated wave front spreads out from the SA node, it travels primarily over the right atrium first, and then later over the left atrium. The P vector or axis is therefore more anterior and downward at first, and later is more horizontal and posterior in its terminal portion. The overall normal frontal plane P vector is from horizontal (0 degrees) to somewhere between +60 and +90 degrees.
Passive optical and infrared meteorology

Applications of passive visible and infrared techniques to the study of meteorological parameters are presented. For the remote sensing of temperature and humidity profiles, infrared sounder improvements have proceeded with the narrow band-pass channels approach, and the partially scanned interferogram approach. Current and planned infrared and microwave sea-surface temperature sounders have an expected accuracy of approximately 2 K, and this can be improved by using three super window channels from the 3.7 micron window region, with narrow band passes away from principal water vapor absorption lines. Cloud data remote sensing is currently performed from satellites, and these visible and infrared images have been used to track weather patterns. In addition, a passive infrared correlation-spectroscopy technique has been proposed for wind measurements. Finally, these techniques have also been applied to monitor such parameters as the Solar Constant, aerosols, and minor gas constituents.
HOW REYE'S CONFIGURATION HELPS IN PROVING THE BELL–KOCHEN–SPECKER THEOREM: A CURIOUS GEOMETRICAL TALE

It is shown that the 24 quantum states or “rays” used by Peres (J. Phys. A24, 174-8 (1991)) to give a proof of the Bell–Kochen–Specker (BKS) theorem have a close connection with Reye's configuration, a system of twelve points and sixteen lines known to projective geometers for over a century. The interest of this observation stems from the fact that it provides a ready explanation for many of the regularities exhibited by the Peres rays and also permits a systematic construction of all possible non-coloring proofs of the BKS theorem based on these rays. An elementary exposition of the connection between the Peres rays and Reye's configuration is given, following which its applications to the BKS theorem are discussed.
The Course Portfolio

ABSTRACT Faculty-developed course portfolios are useful tools that can improve teaching and enhance the learning experience for students. A course portfolio allows reflection of what is taught and learned in a class, by way of instructor self-reflection and analysis of the course's unfolding. Its compatibility with CSWE requirements related to outcomes assessment position it as a useful tool for accreditation purposes. Course portfolios, their elements and a rationale for adopting this technique are described. An example of a course portfolio developed for an undergraduate Methods I class is summarized. Benefits include a greater understanding of student learning as it occurs and an objectifying of learning outcomes. Collaborative efforts with course portfolios could positively influence the quality of social work education.
Future property damage from flooding: sensitivities to economy and climate change

Recent trends in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have raised the concern that climate change could increase flooding risks and property damage. However, a major challenge in attributing and projecting changes in disaster risk is that damage is influenced not only by the physical climate hazard, but also by non-climatic factors that shape exposure and vulnerability. Recent assessments of integrated disaster risk have been hampered by the paucity of literature analyzing local-scale interactions between hazard, exposure and vulnerability in the historical record. Here we develop an integrated empirical analysis of historical flood damage that emphasizes spatial and temporal heterogeneity in flood hazard, economic exposure and social vulnerability. Using the Midwestern United States as a testbed, we show that annual property damage from flooding is projected to increase by 13 to 17.4 % over the next two decades. At the state level, over half of the increase is driven by projected growth in housing units. However, at the county level, the dominant factor causing future damage varies, emphasizing the value of a fully integrated, spatially and temporally resolved approach to assessing flooding risk and control strategies.
Abstract 588: Lrig1 suppresses breast cancer stem cell expansion and promotes mesenchymal to epithelial transition

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains-1 (Lrig1) is known as a negative regulator of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (ErbB, Met and Ret); and low Lrig1 expression correlates with poor patient prognosis in breast cancer. Lrig1 has been found to maintain stem cell quiescence and marks a subset of quiescent intestinal stem cells where its loss leads to heightened ErbB expression and duodenal adenomas. Lrig1 is defined as a tumor suppressor in healthy tissue such as intestine and epidermis where Lrig1 loss leads to stem cell expansion and epidermal hyperplasia. However, the role of Lrig1 in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and as a metastatic suppressor is unknown. Lrig1 expression is lowest in the highly invasive breast cancer subtype MDA-MB-231, and Lrig1 expression is highest in the weakly invasive luminal A breast cancer subtype. In patients, high Lrig1 expression exhibits longer relapse-metastatic free survival suggesting that Lrig1 expression protects against metastatic relapse. We hypothesized that Lrig1 suppresses breast CSC expansion and promotes mesenchymal to epithelial transition. Our results indicated that restoration of Lrig1 in highly aggressive cell lines promoted mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and a loss of invasive morphology in 3D matrigel cell culture. These results demonstrated that Lrig1 suppressed cell proliferation in both 2D and 3D matrigel cultures and suppressed tumorsphere formation 10-fold. Importantly, we have shown that Lrig1 is down-regulated in the hTERT-immortalized mammary epithelial cell line-twist ER, (HMLE-twist ER) which undergoes EMT. When Lrig1 is knocked-down in HMLE-twist ER by shRNA, the results showed that loss of Lrig1 enhanced mesenchymal and stem cell expansion. These observations suggest that Lrig1 may play a role in EMT transition in metastasis, as well as providing a whole new area of therapeutic targets in breast cancer along with an improved basic understanding in cancer stem cell biology. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Nucharee Yokdang, Colleen Sweeney. Lrig1 suppresses breast cancer stem cell expansion and promotes mesenchymal to epithelial transition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 588. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-588
Cefazolin versus cefazolin plus metronidazole for antibiotic prophylaxis at cesarean section.

Background Although prophylactic antibiotic medications have been shown to reduce the incidence of postoperative infectious morbidity after cesarean delivery, the most effective regimens have not been established. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the efficacy and costs of prophylaxis with cefazolin alone with cefazolin plus metronidazole. Methods Women undergoing cesarean delivery were randomized to prophylaxis with 2 g cefazolin (n = 81) or 1 g cefazolin plus 500 mg metronidazole (n = 79). Postoperative infectious morbidity and the duration of hospitalization in the two groups were compared. Results Thirty-seven (23%) of 160 patients developed endomyometritis. There was a significant reduction in the number of postoperative infections (14 versus 32%) and hospital days (3.12 versus 4.46) with cefazolin and metronidazole prophylaxis (P = 0.0064 versus P = 0.014) compared with cefazolin alone. The estimated antibiotic prophylaxis cost per person was less with cefazolin and metronidazole than with cefazolin alone (9.12 dollars versus 26.73 dollars). Conclusion Antibiotic prophylaxis with metronidazole and cefazolin results in fewer postoperative infections, decreased duration of hospitalization, and lower medication cost than cefazolin alone.
Synthesis and properties of erbium oxide single crystals

Erbium oxide (Er{sub 2}O{sub 3}, erbia) is a highly stable cubic rare earth oxide with a high melting point of 2,430 C. Because of this, it may have potential applications where high temperature stability and corrosion resistance are required. However, relatively little is known about the properties of this oxide ceramic. The authors have employed a xenon optical floating zone unit with a temperature capability of 3,000 C to grow high quality single crystals of erbia. The conditions for single crystal growth of erbia have been established. The mechanical properties of erbia single crystals have been initially examined using microhardness indentation as a function of temperature.
The Pricing of the Illiquidity Factor's Systematic Risk

This paper presents a liquidity factor IML, the return on illiquid-minus-liquid stock portfolios. The IML, adjusted for the common risk factors, measures the illiquidity premium whose annual alpha is about 4% over the period 1950-2012. I then test whether the systematic risk (β) of IML is priced in a multi-factor CAPM. The model allows for a conditional β of IML that rises with observable funding illiquidity and adverse market conditions. The conditional IML β is positively and significantly priced, and remains so after controlling for the beta of illiquidity shocks.
Abstract 4117: Utilizing RNA aptamers for biomarker discovery in a novel cell culture system for hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Current serum biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lack the sensitivity and specificity to be effective screening tools. Aptamers are single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides that specifically bind to target proteins with high affinity and are generated by repeatedly screening complex RNA libraries for binding to protein targets. We have utilized this selection process to identify biomarkers from complex targets, such as secreted proteomes (secretomes). Our hypothesis is that aptamers that specifically bind the HCC secretome will identify serum protein biomarkers for HCC. Methods: We mirrored the microenvironments of HCC and normal liver tissue utilizing two co-culture systems: 1) human HCC cells (Huh-7) with normal hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to model HCC livers and 2) normal human hepatocyte cells (THLE-2) with HSCs to model normal livers. Co-cultures were grown to confluence then switched to serum free media for collection of secreted cancer proteins (HCC secretome, HS) and normal secretome (NS). A nuclease-resistant RNA pool was then alternately incubated with NS (discarded for negative selection) and HS (recovered and amplified for positive selection). Results: Binding affinity for HS increased over 7 successive rounds, while binding affinity for NS decreased. The final RNA pool was cloned and sequenced yielding 3 candidate aptamers that were tested for binding to the secretomes and to human serum from patients with HCC and normal controls. In the samples tested we found that one candidate aptamer sequence (G-20) demonstrated increased binding to the sera of HCC pts (N=5) relative to normal sera (N=2) and to a non-binding control aptamer. The maximal percent fraction bound of the G-20 aptamer to cancer serum was 15% compared to only 7% in control. The maximal percent fraction bound of G-20 in normal serum was 8% compared to 6% in control. Conclusions: This co-culture system may better recapitulate the in vivo environment. Aptamers that specifically bind our cancer secretome over the normal secretome may bind to proteins that are specifically secreted by HCC tumors in vivo. The G-20 aptamer selectively binds to HCC patient sera. Future goals of this work are to utilize affinity purification techniques to identify the target of our G-20 aptamer and to continue testing our G-20 aptamer in patient sera to further validate its ability to differentiate between cancer and normal disease states. Citation Format: Ibtehaj A. Naqvi, Rebekah R. White, Cynthia A. Moylan, Anna Mae Diehl, Steve S. Choi. Utilizing RNA aptamers for biomarker discovery in a novel cell culture system for hepatocellular carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4117. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4117
Did the January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming cool or warm the thermosphere

[1] It has recently been suggested that observations of neutral density from satellite accelerometer data indicate a strong cooling occurred in the upper thermosphere during the January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). The 2009 warming was a major event with winter polar stratospheric temperatures increasing by 70 K. This January period has been re-examined with three independent models: the NRLMSISE-00 empirical model; the physics-based coupled thermosphere, ionosphere, plasmasphere, electrodynamics model (CTIPe); and the whole atmosphere model (WAM). The analysis of this period and comparison with the neutral density observations reveals that there is, in fact, no evidence at any latitude for a large-scale or global decrease in upper thermosphere density or temperature in response to the SSW. The observed decrease in density and temperature can be amply accounted for by small changes in geomagnetic activity during this period. On the contrary, the WAM numerical simulations of the period suggest a possible small globally averaged upper thermosphere warming and neutral density increase by 5% during the SSW. This warming would have been difficult to discern in the local-time sampling of the CHAMP observations due to likely change in the diurnal density variation during the SSW, and due to a much larger contribution to the variability from geomagnetic sources. At this stage, therefore, it is not possible to ascertain if a cooling or warming occurred in the upper thermosphere in response to the stratospheric warming.
Spanin function requires subunit homodimerization through intermolecular disulfide bonds

Summary The λ Rz and Rz1 proteins are the subunits of the spanin complex, required for the disruption of the outer membrane during host lysis. Rz, the inner membrane or i-spanin, has a largely alpha-helical periplasmic domain, whereas Rz1, the outer membrane or o-spanin, has a 25% proline content with no predicted secondary structure. We report that both Rz and Rz1 accumulate as homodimers covalently linked by intermolecular disulfide bonds involving all three Cys residues, two in Rz and one in Rz1. Moreover, of these three intermolecular disulfides, spanin function requires the presence of at least one of the two linkages nearest the Rz–Rz1 C-terminal interaction domains; i.e. either the Rz1–Rz1 disulfide or the distal Rz–Rz disulfide link. In a dsbC host, but not in dsbA or dsbA dsbC hosts, formation of the covalent homodimers of Rz is severely reduced and outer membrane disruption is significantly delayed, suggesting that the spanin pathway normally proceeds through DsbA-mediated formation of an intramolecular disulfide in Rz. In contrast, efficient formation of the Rz1–Rz1 disulfide requires DsbA. Finally, Dsb-independent formation of the covalent homodimer of either subunit requires the presence of the other, presumably as a template for close apposition of the thiols.
Personalized medicine and the genotype–phenotype dilemma

Important human phenotypes like height or facial appearance run in families—that has been known for millennia. Systematic studies of the way in which crossing pea plants resulted in changes in important pea plant phenotypes such as flower color or leaf number were defined in the mid-nineteenth century by Mendel [1] and the chemical basis for “inherited inborn errors of metabolism” by Garrod [2] at the turn of the twentieth century. Thus, some of the fundamental and familiar rules that we accept in a contemporary understanding of human genetics were laid down decades ago. However, an understanding of the mechanisms whereby genetic information is transmitted from generation to generation and how this information modulates important physiologic or disease susceptibility traits has been more recent. The fundamental discovery was the double-helix structure of DNA, which immediately led to the inference that DNA replication might replicate itself [3]. The last 50 years has seen the development of increasingly robust techniques for sequencing DNA and for using DNA as a laboratory reagent.
Unnecessary Roughness: ESPN’s Construction of Hypermasculine Citizenship in the Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal

This essay undertakes an analysis of ESPN’s coverage of the “Penn State sex abuse scandal” during the first week following the release of the November 2011 Grand Jury presentment, which indicted fo...
Traumatic sinus node dysfunction

A 50-year-old man exhibited sinus node dysfunction following non-penetrating chest trauma. Transiently elevated cardiac isoenzymes, together with normal past electrocardiograms, support the contention that the blunt chest trauma was responsible for the sinus node dysfunction. This case suggests that this condition may occur more frequently than expected and remain unrecognized. Temporary and subsequent permanent pacing may be necessary. Also emphasized is the potential for liability issues.
A profile of the non-profit sector in Romania

With the revolution of December 1989, citizens of Romania gained the right to form non-profit organisations for the first time in 40 years. Since then, Romania has begun to explore the frontiers of private initiative through the introduction of non-profit, non-governmental organisations as well as profit-making businesses. In this article we review the historical development and legal framework of Romania's emerging non-profit sector. We also provide the first empirical snapshot of that sector by applying the International Classification of Nonprofit Organizations (ICNPO) developed by Salamon and Anheier to 499 organisations identified in theSoros Catalogue of Nongovernmental Organizations in Romania: 1991–92. Finally, we speculate on the future development of the Romanian non-profit sector by considering alternative scenarios involving the relationships between indigenous nonprofits, international NGOs and the Romanian government.
Is Routine Arteriography Mandatory for Penetrating Injuries to Zone 1 of the Neck

Objective: Surgical dogma dictates that the evaluation of all penetrating zone 1 neck injuries must include arteriography to reliably exclude arterial injury requiring operation. This study was done to determine whether patients with normal findings at physical examination (PE) and on chest radiographs (CXR) really do require arteriography to identify occult, surgically important arterial injuries. Methods: All penetrating zone 1 neck injuries in five Level I trauma centers over a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included demographics, results of PE, CXR findings, other diagnostic studies done, injuries identified, need for operation, and operative findings. Arterial injury was defined as any injury to the aorta or brachiocephalic, subclavian, vertebral, or carotid arteries found on arteriography, duplex, or at operation. Results: Of 138 patients studied, there were 28 arterial injuries. Of the total group of 138 patients, 36 patients had normal findings at PE and on CXR. None of these 36 patients had an arterial injury. The negative predictive value of normal PE and CXR together is 100% in this series. Conclusions: Patients with penetrating wounds to zone I who have no evidence of vascular injury on PE and who have normal findings on CXR may not require routine arteriography. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.
Band 3 and ankyrin homologues are present in eye lens: Evidence for all major erythrocyte membrane components in same non-erythroid cell

Although immunological homologues of erythrocyte membrane proteins have been individually discovered in a wide variety of tissues and cultured cells, the major structural components of the membrane have not yet been demonstrated simultaneously in the same cell type. Thus, considerable uncertainty continues to exist concerning whether the red cell homologues form elements of a structure which is similar to or unique from the framework which supports the erythrocyte membrane. Because the red cell cytoskeletal proteins, spectrin, actin and band 4.1, have been previously found in the superficial cortex of the lens, we decided to determine whether the corresponding membrane anchoring components of band 3 and ankyrin also occur in this cell type. Using antiserum specific for band 3 and ankyrin, we report the existence of immunologically cross-reactive proteins of similar molecular weight. Because these anchoring proteins appear and disappear coordinately with the aforementioned cytoskeletal proteins during the intermediate stages of lens cell maturation, it is conceivable that an erythrocyte-like membrane structural organization may occur transiently in the eye lens.
Capital market access and corporate loan structure

In this article, we use a sample of 14 075 loan packages issued between 1993 and 2007 to examine if borrower access to external capital markets influences corporate loan structure. We classify firms into three access categories: private, unrated public and rated public. Private firms have the lowest access, and to date, no large sample investigation of their loans has been done in the literature. Rated public firms access the capital markets the most. We find the level of access influences loan structure in ways that are consistent with having greater or fewer financing alternatives, as well as theories on information asymmetry, agency and monitoring. In particular, loans to firms with higher levels of access have shorter maturities, fewer loan facilities per package, and a lower probability of being secured. We also find that a higher level of access results in a higher incidence of single-lender loans, but among multiple-lender loans, it leads to a larger number of lenders. Furthermore, we find evidence...
Hepatocelluar and liver transplantation

Background Of 320 living related liver transplantationsperformed between June 1990 and September 1997, there were 21 living related transplantations for patients with intrapulmonary shunting, manifested by digital clubbing, cyanosis, and dyspnea. We report the long-term outcome for more than 6 months and our strategy to overcome complications in these recipients.
Thermal stabilization of the DNA duplex by adducts of aflatoxin B1.

The trans-8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 cationic guanine N7 adduct of aflatoxin B1 thermally stabilizes the DNA duplex, as reflected in increased Tm values upon adduction. The magnitude of the increased Tm value is characteristically 2–3°C. The major rotamer of the neutral guanine N7 adduct trans-8,9-dihydro-8-(2,6-diamino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimid-5-yl-formamido)-9-hydroxy aflatoxin B1 (the FAPY major adduct) exhibits a 15°C increase in Tm in 5′-d(CTATFAPYGATTCA)-3′-5′-d(TGAATCATAG)-3′. Site-specific mutagenesis experiments reveal the FAPY major adduct induces GT mutations in Escherichia coli at a frequency six times higher than that of the cationic adduct (Smela, M. E.; Hamm, M. L.; Henderson, P. T.; Harris, C. M.; Harris, T. M.; Essigmann, J. M. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 99, 6655–6660). Thus, the FAPY major lesion may account substantially for the genotoxicity of AFB1. Structural studies for cationic and FAPY adducts of aflatoxin B1 suggest both adducts intercalate above the 5′-face of the modified deoxyguanosine and that in each instance the aflatoxin moiety spans the DNA helix. Intercalation of the aflatoxin moiety, accompanied by favorable stacking with the neighboring base pairs, is thought to account for the increased thermal stability of the aflatoxin cationic guanine N7 and the FAPY major adducts. However, the structural basis for the large increase in thermal stability of the FAPY major adduct in comparison to the cationic guanine N7 adduct of aflatoxin B1 is not well understood. In light of the site-specific mutagenesis studies, it is of considerable interest. For both adducts, the intercalation structures are similar, although improved stacking with neighboring base pairs is observed for the FAPY major adduct. In addition, the presence of the formamido group in the aflatoxin B1 FAPY major adduct may enhance duplex stability, perhaps via intrastrand sequence-specific hydrogen bonding interactions within the duplex. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Nucleic Acid Sci) 65: 190–201, 2002
Induction and patterning of the vertebrate nervous system

The formation of the vertebrate central nervous system depends on a series of inductive interactions. Ventral ectoderm gives rise to epidermis (skin), whereas dorsal ectoderm forms neurectoderm, which is regionalized along the anteroposterior axis in response to inductive signals from dorsal mesoderm. Specific neural cell types are established along the dorsoventral axis of the neural tube by inductive signals from the dorsal mesoderm and prospective epidermis. We review the induction and patterning of the nervous system, with an emphasis on molecules that might play a role in these interactions.
Parastatal pay policy in Africa

Abstract Public enterprises have grown to represent a significant share of modern sector employment in many African economies. With wage and employment issues near the top of the policy agenda in Africa, attention should be given to public enterprise compensation and employment policies. After describing the institutions which govern public enterprise pay in a number of sub-Saharan countries, the paper considers the policy dilemma in choosing between the two basic alternative pay-setting regimes for public enterprise: enterprise wage autonomy versus unified salary scales with the civil service.
Flexible solar simulator for renewable energy instruction laboratory

A flexible solar simulator has been developed for use in renewable energy instruction laboratory. The system consists of a light source mounted on a linear actuator that approximates the luminous intensity and spectrum of the sun, and a detachable measurement unit for measuring IV characteristics of solar panels under the lighting. The system provides information about the module temperatures and incident light intensity during the current and voltage measurement process. The detachable measurement unit can also be used outdoors for characterizing solar modules under direct sunlight conditions.
Conformationally restricted analogs of BD1008 and an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting σ1 receptors produce anti-cocaine effects in mice

Cocaine's ability to interact with sigma receptors suggests that these proteins mediate some of its behavioral effects. Therefore, three novel sigma receptor ligands with antagonist activity were evaluated in Swiss Webster mice: BD1018 (3S-1-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane), BD1063 (1-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine), and LR132 (1R,2S-(+)-cis-N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexylamine). Competition binding assays demonstrated that all three compounds have high affinities for sigma1 receptors. The three compounds vary in their affinities for sigma2 receptors and exhibit negligible affinities for dopamine, opioid, GABA(A) and NMDA receptors. In behavioral studies, pre-treatment of mice with BD1018, BD1063, or LR132 significantly attenuated cocaine-induced convulsions and lethality. Moreover, post-treatment with LR132 prevented cocaine-induced lethality in a significant proportion of animals. In contrast to the protection provided by the putative antagonists, the well-characterized sigma receptor agonist di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) and the novel sigma receptor agonist BD1031 (3R-1-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane) each worsened the behavioral toxicity of cocaine. At doses where alone, they produced no significant effects on locomotion, BD1018, BD1063 and LR132 significantly attenuated the locomotor stimulatory effects of cocaine. To further validate the hypothesis that the anti-cocaine effects of the novel ligands involved antagonism of sigma receptors, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against sigma1 receptors was also shown to significantly attenuate the convulsive and locomotor stimulatory effects of cocaine. Together, the data suggests that functional antagonism of sigma receptors is capable of attenuating a number of cocaine-induced behaviors.
Two Shielded 'Bullet' Probes for Panoramic Endoillumination

Panoramic viewing during vitrectomy offers significant advantages over conventional viewing in many cases and is being used with increasing frequency. Two endoillumination probes that reduce the glare occurring with use of the existing panoramic endoillumination probes were developed. They allow easier viewing of the fundus in eyes with poor media and improve the visualization of the vitreous fibers adjacent to the probe in eyes with clear media. One probe is used for endoillumination alone, and the other has a pick to be used for bimanual dissection. The two probes have been used in more than 100 vitrectomies for various indications, and they give excellent illumination with reduced glare.
Synergistic effect of anionic lipid enhancer and electroosmosis for transcutaneous delivery of insulin

A lipid formulation consisting of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn3-phosphatidylserine (DMPS) in a 0.2% sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) solution was tested as an in vivo enhancer for the transcutaneous delivery of insulin. The formulation when applied to for 15 min was found to permeabilize porcine epidermis and prolong the permeable state as evidenced by electric resistance measurement. The formulation enhanced the transport of insulin through the epidermis by 40- to 100-fold, as compared to epidermis that was treated with SDS or DMPS alone. Application of electroosmosis across the formulation-treated epidermis enhanced the transport of insulin by an additional 10-fold. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. Transcutaneous delivery of insulin with formulation treatment and electroosmosis increased the plasma level of insulin by ∼10-fold over delivery by formulation treatment alone. With the above protocol plasma insulin concentration remained relatively constant for up to 4 h. The synergistic application of anionic lipid formulation and electroosmosis offers a promising non-invasive technique to deliver insulin transcutaneously.
Three new species of begonia (Begoniaceae) from Mexico

Begonia lyniceorum, B. multistaminea andB. sousae from the state of Veracruz in Mexico are described as new, illustrated and discussed.
Investigating face recognition from hyperspectral data: impact of band extraction

Among various biometrics measures used in human identification, face recognition, has the distinct advantage of not requiring the subjects collaboration. Hyperspectral data constitute a natural choice for expanding face recognition image fusion, especially since it may provide information beyond the normal visible range, thus exceeding the normal human sensing. In this paper we investigate algorithms that improve face recognition by extracting the 'best bands' according to various criteria such as decorrelation and statistical independence. The work expands on previous band extraction results and has the distinct advantage of being one of the first that combines spatial information (i.e. face characteristics) with spectral information.
Life stage versus career stage: A comparative test of the theories of Levinson and Super

Using survey data collected from 535 salespeople, a study comparing the career development models of Levinson el at. (1978) and Super (1957) was conducted. Support was found for both models. The Levinson et al. model is more closely related to individuals' career decisions, while the Supermodel is more closely related to individual's job attitudes. Implications and future directions are proposed.
Sources of background noise and their influence on vertebrate acoustic communication

Many animals rely on long-range communication for species recognition, mate selection and territorial defense, but background noise from the environment can constrain their communication. Background noise from both biotic and abiotic sources is ubiquitous. In general, acoustic noise from abiotic sources, including anthropogenic noise, has energy mostly below 1 kHz. Arthropods tend to produce sounds in the 4–10 kHz range, while birds, amphibians and mammals generally have vocalizations with frequencies between 1 and 5 kHz. There are several ways that signalers could improve the efficiency of their acoustic signals to counteract the constraints of background noise. Signalers could make long-term and short-term signal adjustments to increase the detectability and discriminability of their signals. As predicted by signal detection theory adjustments can include increases in contrast between signals and noise, such as the intensity of the signal, the structure of the signal and an increase in signal redundancy. Our study reviews the sources of acoustic background noise, adjustments made by signalers to increase signal efficacy, and the influence of acoustic background noise on the evolution of acoustic communication in terrestrial vertebrate species.
Pastoral educators prepare to lead youth: the new sexuality.

A five-year pilot program experimented with training educators and seminarians in techniques for helping the young people of today with their sexual and family life problems. Before help can be given, the young must be willing to talk frankly and to trust the guidance offered. Sensitizing educator-counselors to this need was the goal of the program—a program now being broadened to include all family life educators.
Nanostructured microcantilevers with functionalized cyclodextrin receptor phases: self-assembled monolayers and vapor-deposited films.

It is shown that the performance of microcantilver-based chemical sensors in a liquid environment is affected by altering cantilever surface morphology and receptor phase type and thickness. Self-a...
Beams and shells with moving loads

Abstract The transient response of the Euler-Bernoulli beam and the Timoshenko beam on elastic foundations due to moving loads is reviewed, using, however, a considerably simpler vector formulation with a Laplace rather than Fourier transformation. The problem of a cylindrical shell with an engulfing axisymmetric pressure wave is shown to be generally quite analogous to the Timoshenko beam problem. However, in contrast to the Timoshenko beam, the bar velocity is a “critical” load speed for which the response can become large. This is due to the coupling between axial and radial motion in the cylinder for the long wave-length modes. An approach to the problems in which material and geometric properties vary is also discussed. The transformed equation is solved by a method of asymptotic expansions; then the inverse Laplace transformation is evaluated by the asymptotic saddlepoint method. The caustics, which are regions of stress and deformation intensification, may be obtained by geometric construction.