cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of ENSO periodicity on North Pacific SST variability

The periodicity of ENSO in nature varies. Here we examine how changes in the frequency of ENSO impacts remote teleconnections in the North Pacific. The numerical experiments presented here are designed to simulate perfectly periodic ENSO in the tropical Pacific, and to enable the air–sea interaction in other regions (i.e., the North Pacific) via a simple mixed layer ocean model. The temporal evolution and spatial structure of the North Pacific SST teleconnection patterns are relatively insensitive to the frequency of ENSO, but the amplitude of the variability is sensitive. Specifically, the 2-year period ENSO experiment (P2) shows weak event-by-event consistency in the ENSO response mature pattern. This is because there is not enough time to damp the previously forced ENSO teleconnections (i.e., 1 year earlier). The 4-year period ENSO experiment (P4) has 1 year damping time before a successive ENSO event matures, so the structure of the response pattern is stably repeated. However, the event-by-event variance of anomaly magnitude, specifically responding to El Nino, is still larger than that in the 6-year ENSO experiment (P6), which has 2-year damping time between consecutive ENSO events. In addition, we tested whether the variability due to tropical remote forcing is linearly independent of the extratropical local variability. Statistical tests indicate that tropical remote forcing can constructively or destructively interfere with local variability in the North Pacific. Lastly, there is a non-linear rectification of the ENSO events that can be detected in the climatology.
MADYMO Simulations of Occupant and Vehicle Kinematics in Offset and Oblique Barrier Tests

Oblique and offset impacts occur more frequently than full frontal impacts and the resulting occupant and vehicle kinematics are more complicated. Simulations of these test modes are more involved with added vehicle degrees of freedom. Additional occupant interactions with the vehicle interior need to be considered so that the occupant kinematics can be correlated more accurately. In order to capture the vehicle motion in an offset or oblique impact, a prescribed motion approach is preferred where the vehicle is given a three-dimensional motion with six degrees of freedom. With a planar motion assumption, the dominant angular motion about the vertical direction can be derived from linear accelerations measured at two locations where the vehicle deformation is a minimum. In a previous study the angular kinematics was given to a coordinate origin located on the vehicle centerline and longitudinally near the rear rocker. The instantaneous center of rotation was assumed to be fixed at this point during the event. This is referred to as Method I in this paper. A new approach, referred to as Method II, applied translational displacement to three bodies, which carried the passenger compartment through stiff spring elements. The displacements were integrated from measured accelerations, eliminating the uncertainty of a shifting center of rotation. Both methods assumed the vehicle frame between the front and rear rockers as a rigid body. The IP and steering column intrusions and floor deformations were neglected. The results from both methods were correlated to a pair of 40 kph 30 degree angle impact tests and an IIHS ODB test. Method II showed a slightly better timing correlation for the angle tests and the IIHS ODB test. However, both methods didn’t predict the lateral head contact for the driver in the left angle test and the passenger in the right angle test. More interior details have to be included in the model to capture the lateral motion of the occupants. The prescribed motion method is a more general approach than the commonly used inverse kinematics method, and can be applied to full frontal impact as well. The versatility of the method provides a basis for a modular approach in occupant simulations.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Electron-transfer oxidation properties of substituted bi-, ter-, and quaterpyrroles.

A set of open-chain fully substituted bi-, ter-, and quaterpyrroles bearing analogous substituents in the α- and β-pyrrolic positions were studied as a function of their chain length, subunit number, and size of potential conjugation pathway by means of cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV−vis spectroelectrochemistry. A comparison of E1/2 values for the first one-electron abstraction of bipyrrole 1 (1.07 V), terpyrrole 2 (0.67 V), and quaterpyrrole 3 (0.44 V) demonstrate clearly that the longer oligopyrroles are easier to oxidize. A strong absorption band is observed in the visible region when terpyrrole 2 is subject to one-electron oxidation, growing in at 856 nm accompanied by a shoulder at 778 nm. These strong absorptions in the visible region of the spectrum are in sharp contrast with the absence of bands in the red region when the bipyrrole 1 is subject to a similar one-electron oxidation and this can be explained by the presence of a longer conjugation pathway in the singly oxidized forms of 2 as was con...
Considerations for Culturally Competent Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression with Hispanic Patients.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to outline considerations for adapting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to Hispanic patients who have recently immigrated, particularly those presenting with depressive symptoms. Culturally competent CBT is framed within a model originally proposed by Rogler and his colleagues (1987). The considerations outlined by the model include ensuring that treatments provide access, are selected based on compatibility with Hispanic culture, and are adapted to fit the culture. Recommendations for culturally adapting CBT include consideration of each patient's unique ethnocultural background and their treatment expectations, as well as culturally relevant interpersonal styles, values, and metaphors/language. In addition, specific strategies for conceptualizing and conducting CBT techniques are discussed.
23.3 A 3nW fully integrated energy harvester based on self-oscillating switched-capacitor DC-DC converter

Recent advances in low-power circuits have enabled mm-scale wireless systems [1] for wireless sensor networks and implantable devices, among other applications. Energy harvesting is an attractive way to power such systems due to limited energy capacity of batteries at these form factors. However, the same size limitation restricts the amount of harvested power, which can be as low as 10s of nW for mm-scale photovoltaic cells in indoor conditions. Efficient DC-DC up-conversion at such low power levels (for battery charging) is extremely challenging and has not yet been demonstrated.
Application of a text search system based on boolean strategy to mass spectral data identification

Abstract A general algorithm for text searching, operated on a tape-based minicomputer, has already been reported. This paper presents the application of the general text-searching algorithms to the Registry of Mass Spectral Data of 18,806 different entries. The text format allows multi-information input to be used to search the spectral library on the basis of data not necessarily extracted from mass spectra. Two library files have been generated; one is approximately half the size of the other, less important information having been deleted. The shorter library contains all 18,806 entries but enjoys much faster search times. Batch processing of searches is also possible. The text search is shown to be versatile in its operation, as the user can construct searches to be either broad or very selective, depending on the application. The search also has the capability to examine the data base internally and to check certain data for their validity.
Low-voltage field emission from tungsten fiber arrays in a stabilized zirconia matrix

Field emitter array cathodes were fabricated from unidirectionally solidified composites of tungsten fibers in an insulating yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) matrix. A close-spaced molybdenum gate film (extractor) was formed utilizing e-beam evaporation of alumina as an insulator, which was overlayed by the molybdenum extractor. The high resistivity of the composite matrix coupled with the alumina insulator resulted in low leakage current and permitted dc operation of the device. Emission testing demonstrated current densities of 1--5 A/cm/sup 2/ with leakage in the ..mu..A range for applied potentials of 125--200 V. Variation of emitter tip geometries from hemispheres to right circular cylinders to pointed cones produced increases in emission consistent with reduced tip radii.
Kinetin and Gibberellin Actions on Abscission Processes.

Abscission can be considered to be a consequence of aging of leaves. A number of investigations have shown that protein breakdown occurs during senescence of leaves and there is a resulting flow of nonprotein nitrogen to the petiole (4, 7, 11, 14). Kinetin has the ability of delaying leaf senescence and maintaining the protein levels (12, 8, 9). Gibberellins (GA), on the contrary, have been shown to induce hydrolysis of proteins in the endosperm of barley (10) and have promotive effects on abscission (1, 2). The abscission process in bean petioles is composed of at least 2 separate stages (13), which are apparently completed chronologically in bean leaves (3). The present study aims to ascertain more precisely the nature of gibberellin and kinetin actions on abscission, particularly with reference to the progress -of the 2 successive stages of abscission.
Lipids of proplastids and nitrogen-deficient chloroplasts

Abstract The influence of darkness and a nitrogen-deficient nutrient medium, conditions which would reduce the photosynthetic rate, on the plastid lipids was studied. The galactolipids and associated fatty acids, mainly linolenic, were present in relatively less concentration in dark-treated and nitrogen-deficient plastids. Increased exposure to light caused an increase in monogalactosyl glyceride 1 and digalactosyl glyceride. Younger tissues were obviously more severely affected by nitrogen deficiency.
Shared Public Culture: A Reliable Source of Trust

Trust is a central element of any well-functioning democracy, and the fact that it is widely reported to be on the wane is a worrisome phenomenon of contemporary politics. It is therefore critical that political and social philosophers focus on efforts by which to rebuild trust relations. I argue that a shared public culture is up to the task of trust-building, for three reasons. First, a shared public culture gives citizens an insight into the motivations that inspire fellow citizens to action. Second, a shared public culture serves to generate both positive and negative sanctions, an understanding of which helps citizens to predict how their fellow citizens will behave. Third, a shared public culture generates a sense that we belong together. There are, of course, many communities that can reasonably be interpreted as having a shared public culture, even though they are characterized by low levels of trust. This observation leads me to suggest two features that a shared public culture must have in order to facilitate the emergence of trust relations: citizens must be willing to cooperate and they must be willing to submit to common institutions that will be responsible for coordinating this large-scale cooperation. If these conditions are fulfilled, a shared public culture will serve as a reliable source of trust relations.
Evolving CPPNs to grow three-dimensional physical structures

The majority of work in the field of evolutionary robotics concerns itself with evolving control strategies for human designed or bio-mimicked robot morphologies. However, there are reasons why co-evolving morphology along with control may provide a better path towards realizing intelligent agents. Towards this goal, a novel method for evolving three-dimensional physical structures using CPPN-NEAT is introduced which is capable of producing artifacts that capture the non-obvious yet close relationship between function and physical structure. Moreover, it is shown how more fit solutions can be achieved with less computational effort by using growth and environmental CPPN input parameters as well as incremental changes in resolution.
Eliminating absorbing interference using the H-point standard addition method: case of Griess assay in the presence of interferent heme enzymes such as NOS

Standard calibration methods used to determine trace analytes usually yield significant deviations from the actual analyte value in the presence of interferents in the assay media. These deviations become of particular concern when the concentration of the analyte is low, and when the results are used to draw mechanistic or kinetic conclusions, for instance in enzyme structure-function studies. In these circumstances, the H-point standard addition method (HPSAM) provides superior precision and accuracy. This method is developed here for the case of the spectrophotometric Griess assay used to determine nitrite in various enzymology investigations, such as nitrite determination in studies of nitrite reductases (NiR), or when determining nitrite as a breakdown product of nitric oxide synthesized by NOS enzymes. The results obtained by HPSAM are contrasted with those of the traditional calibration method.
Mapping of Defects in Large-Area Silicon Carbide Wafers via Photoluminescence and its Correlation with Synchrotron White Beam X-ray Topography

Comparative studies of defect microstructure in 4H-SiC wafers have been carried out using photoluminescence (PL) imaging and grazing-incidence Synchrotron White Beam X-ray Topography. Images of low angle grain boundaries on the PL images correlate well with SWBXT observations, and similar correlation can be established for some micropipe images although the latter is complicated by the overall level of distortion and misorientation associated with the low angle grain boundaries and the fact that many of the micropipes are located in or close to the boundaries. This validation indicates that PL imaging may provide a rapid way of imaging such defect structures in large-scale SiC wafers.
Large-scale disturbances and their mitigation downstream of shallow cavities covered by a perforated lid

Flow past cavities covered by perforated lids pose a challenging problem for design engineers. Kelvin-Helmholtz waves appear early in the separated shear layers above the perforations that quickly mature into large-scale coherent structures far downstream. This evolution is sustained by a hydrodynamic feedback mechanism within the cavity even when its aft wall is far removed from the lid. Herein, the results from large-eddy simulations show analogous fundamental characteristics between open and perforated-cover cavities. Both adequately scale the fundamental frequency of the large-scale disturbance using the freestream velocity and the cavity width (or lid length). Moreover, the dimensionless frequencies jump to higher modes at equivalent length scales. Unlike the open cavity, one can invoke certain conditions that instigate the instability above the perforations but not a simultaneous long-term feedback mechanism necessary to fully sustain the periodic oscillation. The lid itself offers options for mitigating (or even eliminating) the instability
Changes in Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in the Ovaries of Maturing Rats

Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity has been determined both biochemically and histochemically in the ovaries of rats between 22 and 98 days of age. By both criteria, activity was low at the time of the initial ovulation (5 weeks). It subsequently increased and reached a peak at about 9–10 weeks. This peak activity was significantly above the normal adult level.
Who profits from taxpayer confusion

Abstract When taxpayers are uncertain of true taxable income, they must decide whether to resolve their uncertainty by seeking tax advice, and then decide how much taxable income to report. Since tax advisors must sign their advisees' tax returns, the audit policy can depend on whether tax advice was sought. In the optimal audit policy, some taxpayers will not resolve their uncertainty, and the optimal policy yields higher net revenue with uncertainty than without.
Flux balancing of light and nutrients in a biofilm photobioreactor for maximizing photosynthetic productivity

This article reports a combined experimental and numerical study on the efficient operation of Porous Substrate Bioreactors. A comprehensive model integrating light transport, mass transport, and algal growth kinetics was used to understand the productivity of photosynthetic biofilms in response to delivery rates of photons and nutrients. The reactor under consideration was an evaporation driven Porous Substrate Bioreactor (PSBR) cultivating the cyanobacteria Anabaena variabilis as a biofilm on a porous substrate which delivers water and nutrients to the cells. In an unoptimized experimental case, this reactor was operated with a photosynthetic efficiency of 2.3%, competitive with conventional photobioreactors. Moreover, through a scaling analysis, the location at which the phosphate delivery rate decreased the growth rate to half of its uninhibited value was predicted as a function of microorganism and bioreactor properties. The numerical model along with the flux balancing techniques presented herein can serve as tools for designing and selecting operating parameters of biofilm based cultivation systems for maximum productivity.
Effective practices in distance education

Distance education is changing the landscape of higher education and many faculty are now developing Web-based courses. This paper describes the lessons learned by the authors' experiences and research and offers a specific set of pedagogical and assessment strategies that they have found to be successful in online settings. The authors have found that classes delivered on the Web provide a viable option for professional development of K-12 teachers, and that the learning that occurs is of equal quality to those university courses taught on campus. Web-based courses offer students an opportunity to take courses anytime, anyplace.
An analytical study on peeling of an adhesively bonded joint based on a viscoelastic Bernoulli–Euler beam model

Peeling of a thin film adhesively bonded to a rigid substrate is analytically studied using a Bernoulli–Euler beam theory for viscoelastic materials. The film (adherend) is modeled as a viscoelastic Bernoulli–Euler beam, and the normal and shear stresses on the film-adhesive interface are assumed to satisfy constant traction laws. Closed-form solutions are derived for the following two cases: (i) only the interfacial normal stress is present (mode I loading) and (ii) the interfacial shear stress is acting alone (mode II loading). The Boltzmann superposition integral is used to obtain the constitutive relations for the viscoelastic beam, and the methods of separation of variables and Laplace transforms are employed in the formulation. To illustrate the newly derived analytical solutions, sample cases are quantitatively studied. The three-parameter Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts model is adopted to compute the compliance. The numerical results show that both the vertical displacement under mode I loading and the horizontal displacement under mode II loading increase with time and/or temperature.
Survival in old age: physical, psychological and social correlates of longevity.

: This study involved a sub-group of a panel of community volunteers—37 long-lived persons (20 men, 17 women) and 37 short-lived persons (20 men, 17 women). The findings suggest that group characteristics of long-term survivors differ sharply from those of short-term survivors in old age. Moreover, it seems that there is no single factor which contributes to longevity; rather, there is a constellation of biological, psychological, and social factors amounting to what may be best described as elite ***status. Persons with high intelligence, sound financial status, well-maintained health, and intact marriages may be expected to live significantly longer than their less intelligent and poorer brothers and sisters whose health is also declining and whose marriages are no longer intact. Many of the factors identified here as contributing to longevity are not readily subject to individual, social, or political manipulation, with the possible exception of financial factors. It is hoped that investigations in other parts of the country and with differing populations of elderly people can determine if the hypotheses put forward here apply to elderly persons generally. It would also be interesting to know if these factors are similarly important in influencing survival at other stages of the life cycle. Infant mortality in this country certainly seems to be related to some of the factors examined in this study.
807 T-LYMPHOBLASTS WITH ERYTHROPOIETIC HELPER FUNCTION IN ACUTE ‘T’-CELL LEUKEMIA

Recent studies have uncovered lymphocyte factor(s) capable of enhancing erythropoiesis in vitro. The in vivo significance of this finding remains unknown. Recently a nine-year-old boy with ALL and replaced marrow (90% lymphoblasts) presented with a [Hgb.] of 11.9g/dl. Eighty-eight % of the patient's bone marrow cells reacted with antihuman T-cell monoclonal antibody (OKT3. pan). Sixty percent of the cells reacted with monoclonal antibody identifying helper cell function (OKT4. ind). 105 patient's T-lymphoblasts were co-cultured with 2 × 105 normal marrow cells in methylcellulose and erythroid colonies (CFU-E) were counted. The T-lymphoblasts exerted a marked helper effect (+130%) on normal colony growth. The patient's plasma exerted no effect. Conditioned media derived from the T-lymphoblasts similarly stimulated normal erythropoiesis (+150%). During remission the patient's [Hgb.] dropped to 7 g/dl and his peripheral blood mononuclear cells exerted no helper effect upon normal CFU-E. During relapse concomitant with a rise in the number of blasts in the patient's bone marrow, the [Hgb.] rose steadily and reached a level of 13.4 g/dl preterminally. Repeat studies using the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (87% T-lymphoblasts) again stimulated normal marrow CFU-E (+54%) We conclude that in this patient with T-ALL, the T-lymphoblasts exerted a stimulatory effect on erythropoiesis helping to maintain the [Hgb.] within normal limits.
The Rise of Think Tanks in China

The rise of China has attracted endless speculation about the future directions of the Chinese political system. Accordingly, the role of think tanks in the policymaking process has generated enorm...
167: Early childhood overweight and obesity among children born low birthweight or small for gestational age

the hippocampus of postpartum mice (Fig 1). In the hypothalamus, the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine decreased significantly during pregnancy and postpartum (Table). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that during pregnancy and the postpartum period there are major changes in mother’s brain of catecholamines levels at sites known to be connected to behavioral changes. The depletion of catecholamines and serotonin during pregnancy and postpartum may be a result of the ageing process of the placenta during pregnancy or the removal of the placenta during labor. Additional data, including that from other mouse strains and behavioral investigations which are on-going will be presented.
A Constant Approximation Algorithm for the One-Warehouse Multiretailer Problem

Deterministic inventory theory provides streamlined optimization models that attempt to capture trade-offs in managing the flow of goods through a supply chain. We will consider two well-studied deterministic inventory models, called the one-warehouse multiretailer (OWMR) problem and its special case the joint replenishment problem (JRP), and give approximation algorithms with worst-case performance guarantees. That is, for each instance of the problem, our algorithm produces a solution with cost that is guaranteed to be at most 1.8 times the optimal cost; this is called a 1.8-approximation algorithm. Our results are based on an LP-rounding approach; we provide the first constant approximation algorithm for the OWMR problem and improve the previous results for the JRP.
Concentrations of trace elements in yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) from six acidic lakes

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were collected from six small acidic lakes in northwestern New Jersey. Analyses of muscle tissue identified a pattern of increased concentrations of Hg in fish from the most acidic lakes; levels of Cd and Pb were greatly elevated in livers of specimens from two of the most acidic lakes. At one site, Sunfish Pond, positive correlations between fish size and Hg levels in muscle and Cd concentrations in livers were detected. In only one case did Hg concentrations in muscle tissue exceed the U.S. FDA action level of 1 μg g−1 (wet wt).
Clinical Assessment of Parenting

ABSTRACT Objective This report describes the Parenting Risk Scale and reviews previous approaches to the systematic assessment of parenting. Five key dimensions of parenting are described as well as the method for rating the occurrence of difficulties and concerns about parenting using a semistructured interview methodology. Method The Parenting Risk Scale was developed with two cohorts of young children. One cohort consisted of 150 children at increased genetic risk for developing asthma but who were physically healthy during the initial periods of assessment of parenting. A second cohort of healthy children at no elevated risk for asthma was similarly studied. Results Reliability of the parenting ratings was found to be acceptable with appropriate training, and both concurrent and predictive validity were demonstrated to be excellent. High stability in the ratings of adequacy of parenting was documented. Specifically, ratings made during the prenatal assessment were highly significantly associated with completely independent ratings of parenting made more than 4 years after the birth of the index child ( r = .42, p Conclusions The Parenting Risk Scale is a reliable and valid measure for the systematic assessment of five key dimensions of parenting.
The web page as a WYSIWYG end-user customizable database-backed information management application

Dido is an application (and application development environment) in a web page. It is a single web page containing rich structured data, an AJAXy interactive visualizer/editor for that data, and a "metaeditor" for WYSIWYG editing of the visualizer/editor. Historically, users have been limited to the data schemas, visualizations, and interactions offered by a small number of heavyweight applications. In contrast, Dido encourages and enables the end user to edit (not code) in his or her web browser a distinct ephemeral interaction "wrapper" for each data collection that is specifically suited to its intended use. Dido's active document metaphor has been explored before but we show how, given today's web infrastructure, it can be deployed in a small self-contained HTML document without touching a web client or server.
Comment on ‘On the stability of a bicycle on rollers’

In their paper ‘On the stability of a bicycle on rollers’, Patricia A Cleary and Pirooz Mohazzabi (2012 Eur. J. Phys. 32 1293) incorrectly assert that two key differences exist between riding a bicycle on pavement and riding on rollers. The first is that riding a bicycle on rollers somehow tests the role of the centrifugal force and the second is that a lack of inertia or forward momentum on rollers somehow decreases stability. The most straightforward explanation for why these differences do not exist is Galilean invariance. Although it is true that the steer and yaw angles, and thus the magnitude of any lateral acceleration, are limited because of the narrow width of a treadmill or rollers, which certainly can make balancing more difficult, the accelerations that do occur are identical to those which would be found by riding within a similarly narrow path of fixed pavement. In fact, even though a bicycle on rollers or a treadmill has no forward momentum in a frame of reference that is stationary with respect to the ground, it has the same balance dynamics, and thus stability, as the same bicycle on fixed pavement.
Mississippian Barnett Formation, Fort Worth Basin, Texas: Bulk geochemical inferences and Mo–TOC constraints on the severity of hydrographic restriction

Abstract Chemostratigraphic evidence from the Barnett Formation (Texas, USA) elucidates the restricted nature of the depositional environment in the Fort Worth Basin during the early progression of the late Paleozoic Ouachita Orogeny. In accord with recent lithostratigraphic and petrographic studies, stratigraphic bulk geochemical analyses reveal that the environment of deposition was anoxic to euxinic, sediment-starved, with relatively high rates of organic matter accumulation. Using an environmental proxy developed from the sediment geochemistry of modern anoxic silled basins, the stratigraphic concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and molybdenum (Mo) in the Barnett Formation reveal a high degree of subpycnoclinal water mass restriction and an extended timescale of deep-water renewal of at least 8 × 103 years and potentially as long as 2 × 104 years. An integrated assessment of elemental concentrations, the degree of pyritization, and TOC–S–Fe relationships reveals that severe Fe limitation controlled pyrite formation and the large excess of sulfide in the overlying water column. Mineralogical and elemental constraints suggest that, following sulfate reduction, less easily bio-extractable Fe(III) was bio-reduced under methanogenic conditions, consequently liberating Fe(II) which was subsequently incorporated into pore-water-formed dolomite (i.e., organogenic dolomite). The preserved Mo–TOC, TOC–S–Fe, and Fe-bearing mineral relationships collectively indicate that the protracted turnover rate and persistent sediment starvation resulted in a biologically inhospitable environment that limited the microbial consumption rate of organic carbon.
Business judgment v. audit judgment: Why the legal distinction?

Abstract This paper explores the legal contrast between the well-established “business judgment rule” and a comparable, although nascent, “audit judgment rule”. The business judgment rule often appears in litigation against corporate directors but not in litigation against public auditors. The audit judgment rule has never been voiced or cited explicitly in a case against auditors, but it can be inferred from court opinions. From the contextual background of multi-disciplinary research issues, this study focuses on the question of legal distinction and restricts the inquiry to case law in the United States. Expertise and professionalism are at the center of concern. The first three sections explore the precedential link between burden of proof and standard of care. The first section reviews “burden of proof” as a jurisprudential ground for contrasting the business judgment rule, described in the next section, and the audit judgement rule, inferred in the third section. The different legal “rules” derive from different legal presumptions about the different standards of care (i.e. duties) required of corporate directors and of public auditors. In general, case law has placed a higher burden of proof for plaintiffs against corporate directors upon whom rests a duty of care that is a less detailed and more general standard of behavior. Correlatively, precendent has allowed a lower burden of proof for plaintiffs against auditors upon whom rests a duty of care that is more detailed (i.e. higher) than is the standard behavior required of corporate directors. Therefore, corporate directors have an easier defense in litigation than public auditors have. The different economic roles of directors and auditors are considered thereafter, with some implications of these roles as possible justification for the different legal precedents. The concluding section comments on recent trends and raises a crucial legal question for corporate audit committees.
Intermediate results of the extracardiac Fontan procedure.

Background. Fourteen children (ages 2 to 14 years) and 1 adult (32 years) have undergone a modification of the Fontan procedure in which an extracardiac lateral tunnel or conduit is used in combination with staged or simultaneous bidirectional Glenn shunt(s). Methods. Extracardiac lateral tunnels (n = 9) were constructed using a polytetrafluoroethylene patch (n = 7), pericardial patch (n = 1), or in situ pericardial flap (n = 1). Extracardiac lateral conduits (n = 6) were constructed using nonvalved homografts (n = 2) or polytetrafluoroethylene tube grafts (n = 4). Fenestrations were created in 4 patients (2 each in extracardiac lateral tunnel and extracardiac lateral conduit patients). Aortic cross-clamping was completely avoided in 12/15 patients (aortic cross-clamping in 2 patients for atrial septal defect enlargement and 1 for Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure). Results. There have been no operative deaths. Prolonged postoperative chest tube drainage (>2 weeks) has been rare (n = 1). At follow-up (range, 6 to 54 months; mean, 27.5 months), all patients are in New York Heart Association class I or II and remain in normal sinus rhythm. Late protein-losing enteropathy was seen in 1 patient and was successfully treated by percutaneous creation of a stented fenestration from the extracardiac tunnel to the systemic atrium. Late catherizations reveal unobstructed extracardiac lateral tunnel function and low pulmonary pressures (range, 11 to 13 mm Hg). Advantages of the extracardiac Fontan include (1) avoidance of aortic cross-clamping in most patients, (2) the hemodynamic benefits of total cavopulmonary connection, (3) avoidance of atriotomy and intraatrial suture lines, (4) preservation of sinus rhytm and no arrthythmias at 2 year follow-up, (5) drainage of the coronary sinus to low pressure atrium, (6) allowance for early/late fenestrations, (7) prevention of baffle leaks and intraatrial obstruction, and (8) allowance for growth (tunnel procedures only). Conclusions. We recommend this extracardiac procedure for all suitable patients undergoing surgical conversion to the Fontan circulation.
A Review of Genetics, Arterial Stiffness, and Blood Pressure in African Americans

The prevalence of hypertension in African Americans in the USA is among the highest in the world and increasing. The identification of genes and pathways regulating blood pressure in African Americans has been challenging. An early predictor of hypertension is arterial stiffness. The prevalence of arterial stiffness is significantly higher in African Americans compared to Caucasians. Approximately 20 % of the variance in arterial stiffness is estimated to be heritable. Identifying genes and biological pathways regulating arterial stiffness may provide insight into the genetics underlying the increased risk of hypertension in African Americans. This paper reviews the genetic findings to date in the area of arterial stiffness and blood pressure in African Americans with an emphasis on the current limitations and new efforts to move the field forward.
Mitochondrial DNA differentiation and population structure in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean

Variation in mitochondrial (mt)DNA was examined among 473 red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) sampled in 1988 and 1989 from nearshore localities in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States (Atlantic). Data were combined with those from a previous study to generate a total of 871 individuals sampled from 11 localities in the Gulf and 5 localities in the Atlantic. Individuals assayed were from the 1986 and 1987 year-classes. A total of 118 composite mtDNA genotypes (haplotypes) was found. The percentage nucleotide sequence divergence among the 118 haplotypes ranged from 0.184 to 1.913, with a mean (±SE) of 0.878±0.004. MtDNA nucleon diversities and intrapopulational nucleotide-sequence divergence values were similar over all Gulf and Atlantic localities, and were high relative to most fish species surveyed to date. These data indicate that the perceived decline in red drum abundance appears not to have affected the genetic variability base of the species. Significant heterogeneity in the frequencies of at least four haplotypes was detected between pooled samples from the Gulf vs pooled samples from the Atlantic. No heterogeneity was found among localities from the Gulf or localities from the Atlantic. High levels of gene flow among all localities were inferred from F ST values (a measure of the variance in mtDNA haplotype frequencies) and from Slatkin's qualitative and quantitative analyses. Parsimony and phenetic analyses revealed no strong evidence for phylogeographic cohesion of localities, although there was weak support for cohesion of four of five localities from the Atlantic. These data indicate that the red drum population is subdivided, with weakly differentiated subpopulations (stocks) occurring in the northern Gulf and along the Atlantic coast of southeastern USA. Spatial autocor-relation analysis and heterogeneity tests of haplotype frequencies among regions within the Gulf supported the hypothesis of increased gene flow among neighboring localities; i.e., migration of individuals within the Gulf may be inversely related to geographic distance from an estuary or bay of natal origin. Estimates of evolutionary effective female-population size indicate that the red drum subpopulations may be large.
Inspector location in convergent production lines

This paper develops a finite-horizon denumerable state-space dynamic programming formulation of the inspector location problem in convergent production lines. The effects of the inspection point location decisions on production planning are clarified, and the resulting complexity of the determination of the costs of not detecting defective units is demonstrated under the assumption that all detected defective units are eliminated from the production line. A sample problem is solved by a backward induction algorithm to obtain the minimum-cost screening program.
In Vitro Comparison of the Delivery of Gaseous Microemboli and Hemodynamic Energy for a Diagonal and a Roller Pump During Simulated Infantile Cardiopulmonary Bypass Procedures

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used for a variety of procedures in pediatric patients. Flow settings of the CPB pump have dramatic effects on patient outcome, and gaseous microemboli delivery within the CPB circuit has been linked to neurological complications. To ensure the ongoing improvement of pediatric CPB, consistent evaluation and improvement of the equipment is necessary. In this study we analyze the Jostra HL-20 roller pump (Jostra USA, Austin, TX, USA) and a Medos Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump (MEDOS Medizintechnik AG, Stolberg, Germany) which has not yet received Food and Drug Administration approval. An infant CPB model with heparinized human blood is used to quantify the gaseous microemboli delivery (via an Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier), as well as the hemodynamic energy delivered under flow rates of 400, 800, and 1200 mL/min. Results show that at most flow settings the DP3 delivers fewer microemboli than the Jostra roller pump at the pre-oxygenator site, with an exception at 1200 mL/min under pulsatile mode. The total volume and the number of gaseous microemboli greater than 40 μm in diameter were lower in the DP3 group. The HL-20 exhibits less stolen blood flow (except at 1200 mL/min) and oxygenator pressure drops in both pulsatile and nonpulsatile mode. Additionally, under pulsatile flow the DP3 delivers greater surplus hemodynamic energy. Both pumps produce relatively few microemboli and deliver adequate hemodynamic energy to the pseudo-patient, with the DP3 performing slightly better under most flow settings.
Flushing of intravenous locks in neonates: no evidence that heparin improves patency compared with saline.

Commentary on: IJ Arnts, JA Heijnen, HT Wilbers. Effectiveness of heparin solution versus normal saline in maintaining patency of intravenous locks in neonates: a double blind randomized controlled study.J Adv Nurs2011;67:2677–85.
Rethinking Recommendations for Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Adults

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of disease worldwide; the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains emphasizes the importance of disease prevention by use of vaccines. Recent studies have provided information that is useful for the evaluation of current vaccine recommendations. Recommendations target most people who are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. However, higher risk has also been identified for African Americans and smokers, but these groups are not specifically targeted by current recommendations. The vaccine is effective against invasive disease in immunocompetent people, although studies in immunocompromised subjects have found few subgroups in which the vaccine appears to be effective. Questions with regard to optimal timing and indications for revaccination remain a challenge, because the duration of protection and effectiveness of revaccination remain unknown. New pneumococcal vaccines appear promising but will need to be tested against the performance of the polysaccharide vaccine. Improving delivery of the currently available pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine to adults who will benefit should be a high priority.
POLYOMA MIDDLE T ANTIGEN ACTIVATES THE SER/THR KINASE AKT IN A PI3-KINASE-DEPENDENT MANNER

Abstract Polyoma middle T antigen (PMT) was originally identified as the tumorigenic component of the polyomavirus genome. To investigate whether the serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB, which is the proto-oncogene transduced by the transforming AKT8 retrovirus, is activated by PMT, 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were stably transfected with wild type PMT. PMT expression accelerated glucose transport and increased phosphorylation of p70 S6-kinase and MAPK. PMT expression also stimulated Akt kinase activity 7 fold as compared to untreated, mock infected cells. This stimulation rivaled that obtained following insulin treatment of both mock and PMT infected cells. Akt activation and phosphorylation were eliminated in a PMT mutant incapable of interacting with PI3-kinase, but not one which does not interact with Shc, and correlated closely to the amount of PI3-kinase activity in anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates. These results indicate that the PI3-kinase pathway is requisite, but the Shc pathway is dispensable, for Akt activation. The studies further suggest that Akt may participate in PMT and PI3-kinase's regulation of cellular transformation and tumorigenesis.
Compositional variation of density and seismic velocities in natural peridotites at STP conditions: Implications for seismic imaging of compositional heterogeneities in the upper mantle

[1] Densities and elastic properties of solid natural spinel- and garnet-peridotite samples (n = 133) at standard temperature (T) and pressure (P) (STP) conditions were calculated for compositions ranging from Mg# (100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe)) of 86–94. The physical properties were used to investigate how natural compositional variations control density and seismic velocity. A corresponding set of compositional derivatives (d/dMg#) of density and seismic velocity is provided. Because the P and T derivatives of elastic moduli are very similar for different compositional end-members of peridotitic minerals, the variation of elastic moduli with Mg# at STP conditions holds at elevated P and T. Increased Mg# leads to a significant increase in VS because of the sensitivity of mineral shear moduli to this parameter (dVS/dMg# = 0.0143 ± 0.0009 km s−1). In contrast, the compressional wave velocity (VP) is insensitive to Mg# and, instead, correlates weakly with increasing olivine abundance at STP conditions. The ratio VP/VS therefore exhibits a significant negative correlation with Mg# (d(VP/VS)/dMg# = −0.00407 ± 0.00038). Because the temperature dependency of VP/VS is small (<∼0.04%/100°C) compared to the compositional dependency (1.7%/Mg# unit), the variation in VP/VS is a fairly robust measure of compositional variation even when temperature varies. Finally, a new density versus Mg# parameterization is derived. Combined with a compilation of bulk-rock Mg#s of peridotite xenoliths from cratonic lithospheric mantle, it is shown that the intrinsic density of cratonic mantle balances to within error its negative thermal buoyancy imposed by its cooler thermal state relative to upwelling asthenospheric mantle.
Retained spur following a rooster attack

In many rural areas, families raise poultry as a source of income and food. Chickens are often kept close to living quarters. Children, especially those who are young and unaware of the territorial behavior displayed by roosters, are especially vulnerable to attacks. Although such injuries are common, most do not require medical attention. However, serious claw-and peck-induced injuries to the face and upper torso may occur. Injuries caused by rooster attacks have been reported rarely.1-3 We recently have cared for a child with extensive facial lacerations who developed a polymicrobial, chronic wound infection. Evaluation revealed a retained rooster spur, an unexpected and previously unreported complication of such injuries.
The Natural History of Renal Stone Fragments Following Ureteroscopy

OBJECTIVES To describe the natural history of postureteroscopic renal stone fragments ≤4 mm based on computed tomography (CT) follow-up. The goal of ureteroscopy is to fragment stones, actively basket and remove fragments larger than 1 mm, and allow the remaining fragments to pass spontaneously. The reality is that smaller fragments may be difficult to extract or may be missed. METHODS Patients treated with ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy for urolithiasis by a single surgeon from May 2001 to July 2008 at a tertiary referral center were identified. Patients with residual renal fragments measuring ≤4 mm on initial postoperative CT and at least one additional follow-up CT were included. Outcomes measured were fragment growth and location, stone event (emergency department visit, hospitalization, or additional intervention), and spontaneous fragment passage. RESULTS Of 330 ureteroscopies, 51 met inclusion criteria. For these patients, the mean follow-up duration was 18.9 months (1.6 years). Among 46 ureteroscopies for calcium-based stones, 9 patients (19.6%) experienced a stone event, 10 patients (21.7%) spontaneously passed their fragments, and the remaining 27 patients (58.7%) retained asymptomatic residual fragments. Among this asymptomatic group, mean fragment sizes were similar at 2.7, 3.3, 3.5, and 3.0 mm at mean follow-up durations of 2.8, 10.2, 16.8, and 33.0 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that among patients with postureteroscopic renal stone fragments ≤4 mm, approximately one in five (or 19.6%) will experience a stone event over the following 1.6 years. The remaining patients will either become stone-free via spontaneous passage or retain asymptomatic stable-sized fragments.
Anatomy of a disaster

Price forecasting models are used to demonstrate that revenues to the Washington apple industry would have been about $130 million higher in the 1988-1989 season if the Alar scare had not occurred. Because of the structure of the apple marketing system, virtually all of that loss would have been translated into a reduction of profits to growers. The persistence of the Alar story in the national media contributed to the severity of the loss. Objective measures are needed for evaluating alternative strategies for coping with such food safety scares in the future.