cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposals for a New Audit Liability Regime in Europe (Presentation Slides)

The past few years have seen a growing trend towards the focus on audit liability. In the UK, the Company Law Reform Bill which became the Companies Act 2006, has removed the previously existing limits on auditor liability and compelled an agreement between the company and the auditor. As well as the UK, audit liability caps also currently exist in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece and Slovenia. This paper addresses the four options presented by the European Commission in the reform of the audit liability regime in Europe. It also responds to the proposals put forward by Doralt and others in their response to the European Commission's four options. The paper commences with a background to how increased audit concentration has contributed to increased audit liability measures. It then discusses the significance of the Companies Act 2006, following the leading case of Caparo Industries PLC v. Dickman and Others. The four options presented by the European Commission for reforming auditors' liability regime are then introduced. In arriving at a preferred choice, the need for a consideration of harmonisation and facilitating greater cooperation between national financial regulators, were contributory factors.
66 MARINOBUFAGENIN INHIBITS PROLIFERATION VIA NA+/K+-ATPASE-DEPENDENT DOWN-REGULATION OF ERK AND JNK SIGNALING IN CHINESE HAMSTER OVARY CELLS.

MBG is an endogenous mammalian cardiotonic steroid that is involved in the inhibition of the sodium pump Na+/K+-ATPase. Increased plasma levels of MBG are associated with hypertension, renal failure, and preeclampsia. In an animal model of preeclampsia, we have shown that MBG levels are elevated prior to the development of hypertension, indicating that it may play a key role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, which is characterized by shallow placentation. We recently demonstrated that MBG impairs both the proliferation and growth factor-induced migration of first-trimester cytotrophoblasts (CTB), cells critical for placental development. The intracellular signaling mechanisms regulating MBG-induced inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase and the impairment of CTB differentiation are unknown. Activation of MAP kinase signaling (such as ERK1/2, p38 and Jnk) is known to play a critical role in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Thus, the aim of our study was to begin to elucidate the mechanisms by which MBG inhibits proliferation via down-regulation of MAP kinase signaling. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used to elucidate intracellular signaling mechanisms. CHO cells have previously been used to study Na+/K+-ATPase transport activities. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and Jnk1/2 was evaluated by ELISA and by immunoblotting for phosphorylated and total proteins from CHO cells stimulated with MBG (10 and 100 nM) at 0-, 10-, 30-, and 60-minute time points. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase 3/7 activation. MBG inhibited the proliferation of CHO cells, indicating a Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent mechanism involving intracellular Ca2+. MBG stimulated a significant time-dependent decrease in the phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and Jnk1/2 but not p38. In addition to inhibition of proliferation, MBG stimulated a significant increase in caspase 3/7, indicating the activation of apoptosis. We conclude that the MBG-induced impairment of CHO cell differentiation/proliferation occurs via a Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent down-regulation of ERK1/2 and Jnk1/2 activation and activation of apoptosis. Therapeutic targeting of the MBG signaling pathway may provide treatment paradigms for preeclampsia.
Relationship status impacts primary reasons for interest in the HPV vaccine among young adult women

Abstract Introduction The HPV vaccine prevents HPV-related cancers and genital warts, which cause significant morbidity and mortality in the US. The vaccine is targeted toward 11–12 year old males and females, but is recommended for “catch-up” vaccination until age 26 for females. Young adult females (18–26 years) represent a unique group that may face distinct barriers to HPV vaccination, one of which is relationship status. The purpose of this study was to assess how relationship status impacts interest in HPV vaccination and primary reasons for non-vaccination among 18–26 year old young adult women. Methods The National Health Interview Survey 2010 was examined among unvaccinated females, 18–26 years (N = 1457). A survey-weighted logistic regression analysis with conversion to prevalence ratios assessed how interest in the HPV vaccine (yes/no) was influenced by relationship status (married, living with a partner, other, single) among young adult women. A Rao-Scott chi-square test examined differences between primary reasons for non-vaccination and relationship status among HPV vaccine uninterested women. Results Among unvaccinated women, 31.4% were interested in the HPV vaccine. Women who were living with a partner (PR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.06–1.90) and single (PR = 1.42, 95%CI 1.11–1.76) were significantly more likely than married women to be interested in the HPV vaccine, while controlling for socio-demographic and other known risk factors. Additionally, primary reasons for non-vaccination differed based on relationship status among uninterested women (p Conclusion Relationship status in young adulthood impacts HPV vaccine interest and decision-making among a national sample of women. Primary reasons for non-interest in the vaccine may be shaped by attitudes and knowledge about the HPV vaccine that differ by relationship status. Future research is needed to elucidate ways to overcome relationship status as a barrier to HPV vaccination.
Was Europe Connected Directly to North America Prior to the Middle Eocene

“In dealing with paleogeographic problems, the geologic evidence must be regarded as fundamental so far as it goes.” W. D. Matthew (1939, p. 168).
Effect of microwave heating in cook/chill foodservice systems. Some data on temperature, yield, moisture and fat content of typical foods

In this study, time-temperature parameters, yield, and moisture and fat content of various foods were determined through laboratory simulation of a cook/chill hospital foodservice system with a microwave oven and after microwave heating for service. Portions (100 gm. per portion) of beef loaf, potatoes, and frozen and canned beans each received four treatments of microwave heating which varied by number of seconds (20 to 110). A wide range (equal to or greater than 46 degrees C.) of internal end temperature was observed after microwave heating portions of food; yield and moisture and fat content of foods decreased as the time of microwave heating increased.
DISCRETION IN SOCIAL SERVICES: ITS CREATION AND CONTROL

This chapter discusses the major characteristics of administrative discretion in social services, namely, the creation of discretion through the recruitment of needy clients and the expansion of discretion through the system of allocating goods and services. It examines three major approaches to control these discretion, namely, legal rights in social services, the substitution of cash for in-kind welfare, and the creation of a pluralistic system for the delivery of social services. In light of this state of social work theory and practice, it would seem that the most prudent course of public policy would be not to concentrate this power in the hands of one single structure but to begin the slow process of seeking alternative ways to finding out how best to help people and, at the same time, avoid subjecting them to so much concentrated, discretionary administrative control.
Drug Withdrawal and Relapse Rate for Grand Mal Seizures

The relapse rate when monotherapy was discontinued in 187 children who were seizure-free for three consecutive years was studied at the Leeds General Infirmary and St. James University Hospital, Leeds, England.
2564: Total human eye allotransplantation (THEA): Protocol optimization of imaging modalities in a non-human primate model

BackgroundTo pioneer vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) of the human eye as a clinical reality, our group has developed the first orthotopic model for eye transplantation in the rat f...
Source of Sex Information and Condom Use Intention among Latino Adolescents.

Adolescence is a common time for sexual initiation and information seeking about sexual health, yet little is known about how adolescents' sources of information about sex influence their sexual beliefs and behaviors. This is particularly true for Latino adolescents, whose sources of sex information and sexual behaviors are vastly understudied. A survey of ninth-grade Latino adolescents ( N = 1,186) was employed to examine the relationship between adolescents' primary source of sex information and their intention to use condoms. The study also examined the potential influences of demographics (age, gender), sociodemographics (socioeconomic status, parent education, and linguistic acculturation), and sexual experience on condom use intention. Among Latino youth, the most commonly reported source of sex information was parents (37.8%), followed by another relative (17.1%), school (13.4%), and friends (11.4%). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that after controlling for other factors, primary source of sex information was significantly associated with condom use intention ( p = .042). Hierarchical regression results stratified by gender showed that this relationship remained significant for males ( p = .004) but not for females ( p = .242). Males who reported friends (odds ratio [ OR] = 0.44, p = .003) or the media/Internet ( OR = 0.44, p = .008) as their primary sources of sex information, as compared to parents as their primary source, reported significantly lower intention to use condoms. These findings suggest it may be important for Latino adolescents, particularly males, to have additional or other sources for sex information in order to promote healthy sexual behaviors. Alternatively, interventions targeting parents or other family members to improve sexual health communication with adolescent boys may prove essential.
Capital Intensity and Growth in the European Union

This paper concludes that more rapid growth can return to the Europe Union (EU) in the future only if member countries can return the efficiency to that they had in converting gross capital formation into the growth of GDP during the 2000–2007. A few countries, such as Germany, have done that and are now growing even faster than before the 2008/2009 recession. It is a mistake, however, to think of efficiency purely in terms of automation. Investment in new machines (which increase the capital/labor ratio) may even lead to slower growth because in most EU countries the output elasticity with respect to labor is higher than the elasticity with respect to capital. Italy will start growing again if its firms start hiring and stop thinking in terms of substituting more capital for labor. If firms avoid hiring because of rigidities in the labor laws which were implemented under previous governments, these must be reviewed and revised.
Utah lotus: North American legume for rangeland revegetation in the southern Great Basin and Colorado Plateau.

ABSTRACT Utah lotus (Lotus utahensis Ottley) is a North American leguminous forb that may hold promise for rangeland revegetation in the western United States for diversifying planting mixtures, attracting pollinators, providing high-quality forage, and expanding habitats for insects needed by sage-grouse chicks. Fourteen wildland seed collections of Utah lotus originating from Nevada and Utah were assessed for genetic variation of a wide range of phenotypic traits and genetic relationships. Population structure estimates defined by 552 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers identified three primary subgroups within the Utah lotus collections, which corresponded to their geographic origin. Two collections of Utah lotus (LU-5 and LU-20) were among the top-performing collections for the phenotypic traits examined, including dry-matter yield, pod production, number of stems, canopy height, and persistence. No significant Pearson's correlations or canonical correlations were observed among the ...
A controversy of whether the early C1 ERP is affected by attention

This commentary raises three broad questions regarding the Baumgartner et al. (this issue) paper. Topic 1 is about how to deal with the different outcomes of Kelly, Gomez-Ramirez & Foxe and Baumgar...
Kinase MPK17 and the Peroxisome Division Factor PMD1 Influence Salt-induced Peroxisome Proliferation

Peroxisomes are small organelles that house many oxidative reactions. Peroxisome proliferation is induced under multiple stress conditions, including salt stress; however, factors regulating this process are not well defined. We have identified a role for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) MAP KINASE17 (MPK17) in affecting peroxisome division in a manner that requires the known peroxisome division factor PEROXISOME AND MITOCHONDRIAL DIVISION FACTOR1 (PMD1). MPK17 and PMD1 are involved in peroxisome proliferation in response to NaCl stress. Additionally, we found that PMD1 is an actin-binding protein and that a functioning actin cytoskeleton is required for NaCl-induced peroxisome division. Our data suggest roles for MPK17 and PMD1 in influencing the numbers and cellular distribution of peroxisomes through the cytoskeleton-peroxisome connection. These findings expand our understanding of peroxisome division and potentially identify factors connecting the actin cytoskeleton and peroxisome proliferation.
A case series of intraosseous hemangioma of the jaws: Various presentations of a rare entity.

Background Hemangiomas of the soft tissue are common in the head and neck area, especially in the tongue and in children under ten years of age. Intraosseous hemangiomas of the mandible and maxilla (IHM), on the other hand, are exceedingly rare and are not well characterized. This study presents six IHM cases focusing on the clinical, radiographic, and histologic characteristics. Material and Methods Six cases of IHM were retrieved from the archives of the Biopsy Services at the University of Washington. Clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings are described. Results A total of six cases of IHM were reviewed. The patient age range was 16 to 65; the group comprised three females and three males. All six cases presented as swellings, two caused tooth resorption, and one was associated with pain and numbness. Three of the six IHM were present in the body of the mandible, two in the area of the extracted right mandibular third molar, and one in the anterior maxilla between the right canine and lateral incisor. Radiographically, five were radiolucent and one was radiopaque. Of the five radiolucent, two were unilocular and three multilocular. The one radiopaque case was exophytic, simulating a large osteoma. Histologic features ranged from cavernous to a mix of venous and arterial types. Follow-up is available for all six cases ranging between one to seven years; only one case recurred within the first year post-surgery. Conclusions IHM are exceedingly rare; IHM do not present in a consistent manner both clinically and radiographically. It is therefore important to recognize the wide spectrum of IHM's clinical, radiographic, and histological presentations. Key words:Hemangioma, Vascular Malformation, mandible, maxilla.
Rule learning by searching on adapted nets

If the back propagation network can produce an inference structure with high and robust performance, then it is sensible to extract rules from it. The KT algonthm is a novel algonthm for generating rules from an adapted net efficiently. The algorithm is able to deal with both single-layer and multi-layer networks, and can learn both confirming and disconfirming rules. Empirically, the algorithm is demonstrated in the domain of wind shear detection by infrared sensors with success.
Prayer and Health: Conceptual Issues, Research Review, and Research Agenda:

The theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between prayer and health is critically reviewed. Although empirical research partially confirms that prayer promotes a variety of healt...
Assessing Cost of Robotic Utilization in Partial Nephrectomy with Increasing Utilization

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate trends in utilization of robotic assistance in partial nephrectomy (PN) and assess the association between cost and utilization. Patients and Methods: Using the 2009–2...
Die Überzeugungskraft der Umweltethik

Hat die Natur irgendwelche Rechte gegen ihre Ausbeutung? Die Antwort der modernen westlichen Philosophie ist ein eindeutiges Nein! Die in der Ideologie des industrialisierten Westens vorherrschende Auffassung ist, das es stets falsch sei, Menschen auszubeuten, jedoch niemals unrichtig, die Natur auszubeuten. Und tatsachlich: Uns, die in diesem Milieu aufgewachsen sind, wurde deutlich der Eindruck vermittelt, das es (sogar aus moralischen Grunden) hochst erstrebenswert sei, die Natur aufs auserste auszubeuten.
The Limits of Probabilistic Epistemology

There is a large grain of truth in Bishop Butler’s dictum that: “Probability is the guide of life”. Probability no doubt affords substantial guidance to practical decision making. But there is no good reason to think that it can by itself provide an adequate basis for specifically cognitive decision making.
Regulation of Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis by GTP-Binding Proteins, Phorbol Esters and Botulinum Toxin Type D

The muscarinic cholinergic receptor in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells does not inhibit adenylate cyclase activity but regulates cyclic AMP levels by affecting a cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (1). Because muscarinic activation of phosphodiesterase is calcium-dependent, Ken Harden and I postulated that muscarinic receptor stimulation in these cells caused phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization. Subsequently, in a series of joint and independent publications, we demonstrated that in 1321N1 cells muscarinic agonists stimulate the formation of inositol phosphates, including the active 1,4,5 isomer of InsP3 (2–6) and mobilize calcium by release from intracellular stores (2,4,7). The muscarinic receptor in these cells had been shown to be regulated by guanine nucleotides (8), and the interaction of the receptor with a putative GTPbinding (G-) protein could be shown to correlate with the capacity of an agonist to stimulate inositol phosphate formation and 4 5Ca++ efflux (4). More direct evidence that a G-protein transduced muscarinic receptor binding into phospholipase C activation came from studies with cell free systems. In these washed membranes GTPγS caused marked stimulation of inositol phosphate production, a response that could be potentiated by the agonist carbachol but not effected by the agonist alone in the absence of added guanine nucleotide (9,10). The studies described in this paper deal primarily with our attempts to manipulate and characterize the G-protein that regulates phospholipase C.
Accelerating parameter inference with graphics processing units

Gravitational wave Bayesian parameter inference involves repeated comparisons of gravitational wave data to generic candidate predictions. Even with algorithmically efficient methods such as RIFT or reduced-order quadrature, the time needed to perform these calculations and the overall computational cost can be significant compared to the minutes to hours needed to achieve the goals of low-latency multimessenger astronomy. By translating some elements of the RIFT algorithm to operate on graphics processing units, we demonstrate substantial performance improvements, enabling dramatically reduced overall cost and latency.
The Neutrino Puzzle: Anomalies, Interactions, and Cosmological Tensions

New physics in the neutrino sector might be necessary to address anomalies between different neutrino oscillation experiments. Intriguingly, it also offers a possible solution to the discrepant cosmological measurements of H0 and σ8. We show here that delaying the onset of neutrino free streaming until close to the epoch of matter-radiation equality can naturally accommodate a larger value for the Hubble constant H0=72.3±1.4 km s−1 Mpc−1 and a lower value of the matter fluctuations σ8=0.786±0.020, while not degrading the fit to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) damping tail. We achieve this by introducing neutrino self-interactions in the presence of a nonvanishing sum of neutrino masses. Without explicitly incorporating additional neutrino species, this strongly interacting neutrino cosmology prefers Neff=4.02±0.29, which has interesting implications for particle model building and neutrino oscillation anomalies. We show that the absence of the neutrino free-streaming phase shift on the CMB can be compensated for by shifting the values of several cosmological parameters, hence providing an important caveat to the detections made in the literature. Due to their impact on the evolution of the gravitational potential at early times, self-interacting neutrinos and their subsequent decoupling leave a rich structure on the matter power spectrum. In particular, we point out the existence of a novel localized feature appearing on scales entering the horizon at the onset of neutrino free streaming. While the interacting neutrino cosmology provides a better global fit to current cosmological data, we find that traditional Bayesian analyses penalize the model as compared to the standard cosmological scenario due to the relatively narrow range of neutrino interaction strengths that is favored by the data. The model we present illustrates desirable cosmological impacts to simultaneously resolve the Hubble constant and matter clustering tensions rather than proposing a viable particle model. Our analysis shows that it is possible to find radically different cosmological models that nonetheless provide excellent fits to the data, hence providing an impetus to thoroughly explore alternate cosmological scenarios.
Engaging Students in Mathematical Modeling: Themes and Issues

This commentary begins with a brief synopsis of each of the four very different chapters in Part II. It follows with discussion of five themes related to affect and mathematical modeling that cut across the chapters: social engagement, short-term vs. long-term engagement, the importance of context, the development of theory, and the extent to which the claims made in the chapters are specific to modeling as opposed to mathematics teaching in general. The commentary ends with key insights for researchers and practitioners. These include the novel ways in which the chapters address affect, the implications of the theoretical models and conceptual frameworks presented in the chapters, and the directions for additional research that can be derived from the questions raised in the chapters.
Using Jones’s Integration Approach to Accommodate Attachment-Based Family Therapy to Christian Treatment of Depression in Adolescence:

The overarching goal of this article was to practice a faith-integration process focused on an empirically supported, family-based treatment approach for adolescent depression, Attachment-Based Fam...
Endoscopic Retrieval of Foreign Bodies

Endoscopic retrieval of gastrointestinal foreign bodies is a commonly performed procedure among surgeons and gastroenterologists. Most true foreign body ingestions occur in young children 6 months to 6 years of age. Particular occupations, psychiatric diseases, and incarceration pose unique risks for foreign body ingestion. Food impaction occurs more commonly in adults, and is generally associated with underlying esophageal pathology. Colorectal foreign bodies most frequently occur during erotic stimulation, and may result in delayed presentation and incomplete histories due to embarrassment. Flexible endoscopy is the most efficacious approach to foreign body retrieval, with success rates greater than 95% and low procedure-related complications. Timely intervention reduces the risks of foreign body-related complications, such as complete obstruction, perforation, fistulization, or abscess formation.
URBAN COMPUTING: A PRIMER

The urbanization process has been accelerating worldwide, making cities becoming complex social ecosystems. Urban computing is an emerging field that seeks to solve problems in modern cities, such as traffic congestion, healthcare monitoring, air pollution, energy consumption, and public safety. Its goal is to develop computational solutions that make cities more livable, more eﬃcient, and better positioned for the centuries ahead. This paper provides a brief introduction to urban computing.
Determining the Reaction Time for Triggering Supportive Control Actions to Guarantee Adequate Frequency Response in Smart Grids

The progressive integration of renewable energy resources in the modern power grid can result in unsatisfactory frequency responses. To address this problem, wind turbine generators (WTGs), in particular, can be employed to support the power grid. Most works, however, only consider a simple step disturbance. In this paper, a new class of worst-case disturbances is introduced and their nefarious impact on renewable-penetrated power systems is investigated. The worst-case disturbances are derived using optimal control theory. More importantly, the proposed mechanism allows to determine the reaction time to trigger supportive control actions of WTGs to ensure satisfactory frequency response. Numerical results are provided and the effects of the worst-case disturbance on the reaction time are presented.
Macro- and Microscale Properties of the Vitreous Humor to Inform Substitute Design and Intravitreal Biotransport

Research on the vitreous humor and development of hydrogel vitreous substitutes have gained a rapid increase in interest within the past two decades. However, the properties of the vitreous humor and vitreous substitutes have yet to be consolidated. In this paper, the mechanical properties of the vitreous humor and hydrogel vitreous substitutes were systematically reviewed. The number of publications on the vitreous humor and vitreous substitutes over the years, as well as their respective testing conditions and testing techniques were analyzed. The mechanical properties of the human vitreous were found to be most similar to the vitreous of pigs and rabbits. The storage and loss moduli of the hydrogel vitreous substitutes developed were found to be orders of magnitude higher in comparison to the native human vitreous. However, the reported modulus for human vitreous, which was most commonly tested in vitro, has been hypothesized to be different in vivo. Future studies should focus on testing the mechanical properties of the vitreous in situ or in vivo. In addition to its mechanical properties, the vitreous humor has other biotransport mechanisms and biochemical functions that establish a redox balance and maintain an oxygen gradient inside the vitreous chamber to protect intraocular tissues from oxidative damage. Biomimetic hydrogel vitreous substitutes have the potential to provide ophthalmologists with additional avenues for treating and controlling vitreoretinal diseases while preventing complications after vitrectomy. Due to the proximity and interconnectedness of the vitreous humor to other ocular tissues, particularly the lens and the retina, more interest has been placed on understanding the properties of the vitreous humor in recent years. A better understanding of the properties of the vitreous humor will aid in improving the design of biomimetic vitreous substitutes and enhancing intravitreal biotransport.
Confirming Savoring's Link to Fewer Cannabis Problems.

Savoring has covaried inversely with cannabis problems and moderated the association between cannabis use and negative consequences related to use. Research has not yet addressed the acceptability ...
OLHAR CUIDADOSO: UMA PESQUISA VISUAL COM CRIANÇAS

RESUMO Este artigo se baseia em um projeto etnografico visual longitudinal com criancas de comunidades pobres e da classe trabalhadora em Worcester, Massachusetts, aos quais foram dadas câmeras descartaveis para que fotografassem as vidas de suas familias, escolas e comunidades. A pesquisa interessava-se por considerar quais eram os possiveis papeis exercidos por genero, raca, etnia e classe, bem como pelo status de imigrantes, na forma como jovens (de 10, 12, 16 e 18 anos) representavam suas vidas. Foca-se no poder de suas contranarrativas de cuidado, que questionam as representacoes dominantes a eles impostas e apresentam o cuidado como bem social necessario a sociedade civil de um modo que nao pode ser subestimado.
Teaching Video NeuroImages: Shedding Light on Sunflower Syndrome.

We report a 12-year-old girl with a history of absence and generalized tonic-clonic seizures as well as stereotyped, light-induced, hand-waving episodes (HWEs) (video 1). The latter were occasionally accompanied by eye fluttering. Notably, her maternal uncle had childhood-onset tonic-clonic seizures. Video-EEG confirmed that her HWEs were epileptic in nature (video 2). She was started on fenfluramine in addition to valproate with a partial improvement in HWEs.
Learning curve of robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (rTAPP) inguinal hernia repair: a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis

Robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (rTAPP-IHR) is a safe and feasible approach for hernias of varying etiology. We aim to present a single surgeon’s learning curve (LC) of this technique based on operative times, while accounting for bilaterality and complexity. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent rTAPP-IHR over a period of 5 years. Patients who underwent primary, recurrent, and complex (previous posterior repair, previous prostatectomy, scrotal, incarcerated) repairs were included. Cumulative and risk-adjusted cumulative sum analyses (CUSUM and RA-CUSUM) were used to depict the evolution of skin-to-skin times and complications/surgical site events (SSEs) with time, respectively. A total of 371 patients were included in the study. Mean skin-to-skin times were stratified according to four subgroups: unilateral non-complex (46.8 min), unilateral complex (63.2 min), bilateral non-complex (70.9 min), and bilateral complex (102 min). A CUSUM-LC was then plotted using each procedures difference in operative time from its subgroup mean. The peak of the plot occurred at case number 138, which was used as a transition between ‘early’ and ‘late’ phases. The average operative time for the late phase was 15.9 min shorter than the early phase (p < 0.001). The RA-CUSUM, plotted using the weight of case complexity and unilateral/bilateral status, also showed decreasing SSE rates after the completion of 138 cases (early phase: 8.8% vs. late phase: 2.2%, p = 0.008). Overall complication rates did not differ significantly between the two phases. Our study shows that regardless of bilateral or complex status, rTAPP operative times and SSE rates gradually decreased after completing 138 procedures. Previous laparoscopic experience, robotic team efficiency, and surgical knowledge are important considerations for a surgeon’s LC.
Electron transmission through suspended graphene membranes measured with a low-voltage gated Si field emitter array

We experimentally demonstrate the transmission of electrons through different number (1, 2, and 5) of suspended graphene layers at electron energies between 20 and 250 eV. Electrons with initial energies lower than 40 eV are generated using silicon field emitter arrays with 1μm pitch, and accelerated towards the graphene layers supported by a silicon nitride grid biased at voltages from -20 to 200 V. We measured significant increase in current collected at the anode with the presence of graphene, which is attributed to the possible generation of secondary electrons by primary electrons impinging on the graphene membrane. Highest output current was recorded with monolayer graphene at approximately 90 eV, with up to 1.7 times the incident current. The transparency of graphene to low-energy electrons and its impermeability to gas molecules could enable low-voltage field emission electron sources, which often require ultra-high vacuum, to operate in a relatively poor vacuum environment.
Habitat heterogeneity, temperature, and primary productivity drive elevational gradients in avian species diversity.

Aim Anticipating and mitigating the impacts of climate change on species diversity in montane ecosystems requires a mechanistic understanding of drivers of current patterns of diversity. We documented the shape of elevational gradients in avian species richness in North America and tested a suite of a priori predictions for each of five mechanistic hypotheses to explain those patterns. Location United States. Methods We used predicted occupancy maps generated from species distribution models for each of 646 breeding birds to document elevational patterns in avian species richness across the six largest U.S. mountain ranges. We used spatially explicit biotic and abiotic data to test five mechanistic hypotheses proposed to explain geographic variation in species richness. Results Elevational gradients in avian species richness followed a consistent pattern of low elevation plateau-mid-elevation peak (as per McCain, 2009). We found support for three of the five hypotheses to explain the underlying cause of this pattern: the habitat heterogeneity, temperature, and primary productivity hypotheses. Main Conclusions Species richness typically decreases with elevation, but the primary cause and precise shape of the relationship remain topics of debate. We used a novel approach to study the richness-elevation relationship and our results are unique in that they show a consistent relationship between species richness and elevation among 6 mountain ranges, and universal support for three hypotheses proposed to explain the underlying cause of the observed relationship. Taken together, these results suggest that elevational variation in food availability may be the ecological process that best explains elevational gradients in avian species richness in North America. Although much attention has focused on the role of abiotic factors, particularly temperature, in limiting species' ranges, our results offer compelling evidence that other processes also influence (and may better explain) elevational gradients in species richness.
Vygotsky for Educators

Introduction: 'there is nothing more practical than a good theory' Part I. Mediation from Birth through Adolescence: 1. The Vygotskian notion of mediation as the major determinant of children's learning and development 2. First year of life: infant-caregiver attachment as the foundation of further development 3. Second and third years: from object-centered explorations to exploration of the world of social roles and relationships 4. Three- to six-year-olds: why sociodramatic play is important and how to promote it 5. Mediation of preschoolers' activities to promote school readiness 6. Learning at school: children not only learn, they develop as well 7. Understand adolescents and make a difference! Part II. School: What to Teach, and How to Teach: 8. American cognitive psychologists and Russian Vygotskians about the content and process of learning at school 9. What do students learn in 'traditional' schools? 10. Does constructivist instruction present a good alternative to 'traditional' teaching? 11. The Vygotskian theoretical learning approach as an alternative to 'traditional' explicit instruction and to constructivist instruction Conclusion: don't blame it on genes!
The angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptor families. Siblings or cousins

Angiotensin II (AngII) is one of the key hormones involved in the regulation of cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis. Several naturally occurring stimuli such as hypovolemia, hyponatremia and hypotension are well known to activate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (cf. (1)). The rate-limiting step in the synthesis of AngII is the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney. Renin converts the plasma α-globulin protein angiotensinogen to AngI, which subsequently is converted to AngII by a carboxyl dipeptidase known as angiotensin converting enzyme. AngII has numerous peripheral target organs and actions including vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and augmentation of sympathetic nervous system function. Circulating AngII also has important central nervous system (CNS) effects although, like the other peptide hormones, it has restricted access to most cerebral structures because of the blood-brain barrier. However, by acting on the circumventricular organs (CVOs) that possess fenestrated capillaries, blood-borne AngII can act centrally to regulate pituitary function, elicit a central pressor response that likely involves descending activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and stimulate thirst and salt appetite (cf. (2)). In addition to the well-established peripheral RAS, AngII and related smaller peptides also can be directly generated in the CNS where the peptide appears to participate in the regulation of cerebral blood flow, neurohypophysial hormone release, and in the pathophysiology of some forms of hypertension (2–4).
French Revolution, The

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 9, pp. 5785–5789, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Integrated Group Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse, by Roger D. Weiss and Hilary Smith Connery

Integrated Group Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse by Weiss and Connery is a substantive treatment manual for clinicians who treat persons with comorbid substance use problems and bi...
Crista galli mucocele: endoscopic marsupialization via frontoethmoid approach

Background We report the first report of an expansile crista galli (CG) mucocele treated surgically by an endoscopic endonasal approach. Only 1 other case of a CG mucocele has been previously reported in the literature. This was treated by a craniotomy approach. Case Report We describe the technique employed in endoscopic marsupialization. We also discuss relevant CG anatomy, pneumatization patterns, surgical approaches, and its potential to cause disease, including CG sinusitis and mucocele formation. Conclusion We present this case to highlight that the growing experience with endoscopic techniques offer us less morbid and more functional alternatives to a variety of lesions that were once tackled by neurosurgical or external approaches. In the contemporary era, the indications for open approaches and craniotomy for frontal sinus and CG lesions is likely limited. We recommend these patients undergo careful evaluation by a surgeon experienced in advanced endoscopic techniques before being advised to undergo open or craniotomy techniques.
A method for monitoring enamel erosion using laser irradiated surfaces and optical coherence tomography.

Introduction Since optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well suited for measuring small dimensional changes on tooth surfaces, OCT has great potential for monitoring tooth erosion. Previous studies have shown that enamel areas ablated by a carbon dioxide laser manifested lower rates of erosion compared to the non-ablated areas. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to monitor erosion in vitro that could potentially be used in vivo. Methods Thirteen bovine enamel blocks were used in this in vitro study. Each 10 mm × 2 mm block was partitioned into five regions, the central region was unprotected, the adjacent windows were irradiated by a CO2 laser operating at 9.3 µm with a fluence of 2.4 J/cm2, and the outermost windows were coated with acid resistant varnish. The samples were exposed to a pH cycling regimen that caused both erosion and subsurface demineralization for 2, 4 and 6 days. The surfaces were scanned using a time-domain polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) system and the degree of surface loss (erosion) and the integrated reflectivity with lesion depth was calculated for each window. Results There was a large and significant reduction in the depth of surface loss (erosion) and the severity of demineralization in the areas irradiated by the laser. Conclusion Irradiation of the enamel surface with a pulsed carbon dioxide laser at sub-ablative intensities results in significant inhibition of erosion and demineralization under the acid challenge employed in this study. In addition, these results suggest that it may be feasible to modify regions of the enamel surface using the laser to serve as reference marks to monitor the rate of erosion in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:672–678, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Properties and Mechanism of Transfer of R Factors in Escherichia coli

Abstract The physical properties of F-like and I-like R factors have been compared with those of the wild-type F factor in Escherichia coli K-12 unmated cells and after transfer to recipient cells by conjugation. The F-like R factor R538-1drd was found to have a molecular weight of 49 × 106, whereas the molecular weight of the I-like R factor R64drd11 was 76 × 106. The wild-type F factor, F1, had a molecular weight of 62 × 106. When conjugation experiments are performed by using donor strains carrying these derepressed F-like or I-like R factors, the transferred deoxyribonucleic acid can be isolated as a covalently closed circle from the recipient cells. This circular deoxyribonucleic acid was characterized by making use of the observation that the complementary strands of these R factors can be separated in a CsCl-poly (U, G) equilibrium gradient. The results of the strand-separation experiments show that only one of the complementary strands of the R factor is transferred from the donor to the recipient. With both the F-like and I-like R factors, this strand is the heavier strand in CsCl-poly (U, G). These results indicate that even though F-like and I-like R factors differ greatly in many properties (phage specificity, size, compatability, etc.), they are transferred by a similar mechanism.
Nitric Oxide Inhibits the Transcription Repressor Yin-Yang 1 Binding Activity at the Silencer Region of the Fas Promoter: A Pivotal Role for Nitric Oxide in the Up-Regulation of Fas Gene Expression in Human Tumor Cells

NO has been increasingly implicated in control of the transcriptional machinery and serves as an intracellular second messenger to modify gene expression. We have demonstrated that NO up-regulated Fas receptor expression in ovarian carcinoma cell lines, albeit the mechanism involved is not known. Thus, we hypothesized that NO, directly or indirectly, may modify the transcriptional machinery that is responsible for the increased expression of the Fas gene. We examined the effect of NO on Fas gene expression using a Fas promoter-driven luciferase reporter system. Transient transfection of AD10 cells with pGL-3-FasP demonstrated that the IFN-gamma-dependent NO generation increases the trans-activation of the Fas promoter, and this increase was blocked by the NOS inhibitor (N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine), but could be restored by the addition of the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. Systematic deletion of the Fas promoter revealed that the functional region responsible for the NO-mediated effect was located at the silencer region, suggesting that NO may be responsible for the disruption of a repressor mechanism. We demonstrate that NO up-regulates the expression of the Fas receptor on AD10 cells via the specific inactivation of the transcription repressor yin-yang 1 DNA binding activity to the silencer region of the Fas promoter. These findings reveal a new mechanism of NO-mediated gene regulation by interfering with a repressor transcription factor at the silencer region of the Fas promoter.
To Be or Not to Be (a Security): Funding For-Profit Social Enterprises

This article explores the federal securities law status of financial interests in for-profit social enterprise entities. When analyzed through the lens of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, financial interests in social enterprise businesses raise both concerns and opportunities. Ultimately, the federal securities regulation status of interests in for-profit social enterprise ventures is important for choice-of-entity reasons (since the regulatory framework may impose different costs on interests in different structural business forms), for capital-structuring reasons within individual forms of entity, and for risk-management reasons at the entity level. In addition, an inquiry into the applicability of federal securities regulation to the funding of social enterprise serves as a catalyst for further thought on the optimal applicability of federal securities regulation to interests in business entities and projects.
Global variability in diabetes mellitus and its association with body weight and primary healthcare support in 49 low- and middle-income developing countries

Diabet. Med. 29, 995–1002 (2012) Abstract Aims In the absence of any previous global comparison, we examined the variability in prevalence of diabetes mellitus across 49 developing countries, and the associations of diabetes with body weight and primary healthcare support using data from the World Health Survey. Methods Diabetes mellitus was defined by individuals’ self-report of a physician diagnosis of diabetes. BMI is the weight (kg)/the square of the height (m). Healthcare support was assessed using clinical treatment status and whether patients with diabetes followed prescribed behaviour changes to control diabetes. Associations of diabetes with BMI and diabetes treatment status were analysed cross-sectionally. Results A total of 215 898 participants were included in the analysis. Age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes ranged from 0.27% (Mali) to 15.54% (Mauritius). Participants who were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were significantly associated with odds of having diabetes as compared with those who were of normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 k/m2), with corresponding values of multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.15 (1.07–1.24), 1.56 (1.44–1.68) and 2.35 (2.17–2.61), respectively. The overall untreated rate of those with diabetes mellitus was 9.6% in the total sample. Patients with underweight had the highest diabetes untreated rate, followed by those with normal weight, overweight and obesity. Conclusion There are significant variations in prevalence of diabetes and primary healthcare support for diabetes across low- and middle-income countries. Aggressively preventing abnormal body weight and improving healthcare support may play a pivotal role in ameliorating the unfavourable epidemic of diabetes in developing countries.
A collection of bioconductor methods to visualize gene-list annotations

Background Gene-list annotations are critical for researchers to explore the complex relationships between genes and functionalities. Currently, the annotations of a gene list are usually summarized by a table or a barplot. As such, potentially biologically important complexities such as one gene belonging to multiple annotation categories are difficult to extract. We have devised explicit and efficient visualization methods that provide intuitive methods for interrogating the intrinsic connections between biological categories and genes.
Investor Relations as a Public Relations Function: A State of the Profession in the United States

There are no majors, or even minors, in investor relations for undergraduate students in the United States. Yet, the association of investor relations professionals, the National Investor Relations Institute, has 4,300 members. The questions, then, become who works in the investor relations departments and investor relations agencies, where do they come from, and, more important, what does it mean for the status of investor relations as a profession? This study addresses these questions by conducting a random probability sampling of investor relations professionals to investigate their educational backgrounds, organizational structures, reporting relationships, and other variables. The study concludes that investor relations is still primarily a financial function: Investor relations professionals have financial or business backgrounds and report to the financial executives rather than to the communication executives or to the Chief Executive Officer.