cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glial modulation of neural excitability mediated by extracellular pH: a hypothesis.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses a hypothesis whereby neural excitability is modulated in a feedback-like manner by glial-mediated changes in pH. The hypothesis states that the neural activity results in increases in [K + ], that cause glia to produce (or contribute to) extracellular acidification and this in turn serves as a feedback control mechanism to dampen ongoing neural activity or lessen excitability. The details of this hypothesis and the observations that support its individual components are sequentially discussed in the chapter. Changes in pH o can influence neuronal behavior with acid shifts in pH, reducing excitability. Glial cells, perhaps oligodendrocytes as well as astrocytes, are likely to contribute to extracellular acidification because they exhibit cytoplasmic alkalinization in response to membrane depolarization caused by increases in [K + ] o associated with neural activity.
The Insulin and cAMP Response Elements of the Prolactin Gene Are Overlapping Sequences

Prolactin gene expression is affected by numerous signals, but many of the promoter elements required for these responses have not been clearly identified. This report identifies sequences within the prolactin gene promoter that are required for the responses to cAMP and insulin. The cAMP response element, -101 to -92 shares a 6 of 8 base pair homology with previously identified cAMP response elements. Mutation of this element also results in a > 100-fold decrease in basal prolactin gene expression. This is characteristic of cAMP response elements, but the importance of this element to basal prolactin gene transcription was previously unrecognized. The insulin response element, -97 to -67, is not homologous to previously reported insulin response elements and mediates the 10-fold increases in prolactin gene expression due to insulin observed in GH cells. These elements also function to mediate insulin and cAMP responses from the heterologous delta MTV-CAT reporter plasmid. Together, insulin and cAMP increase prolactin gene expression additively. The clustering of these elements may provide clues to the independent and possible coordinate regulation by these effectors.
Efficient Quantum Algorithms for Estimating Gauss Sums

We present an efficient quantum algorithm for estimating Gauss sums over finite fields and finite rings. This is a natural problem as the description of a Gauss sum can be done without reference to a black box function. With a reduction from the discrete logarithm problem to Gauss sum estimation we also give evidence that this problem is hard for classical algorithms. The workings of the quantum algorithm rely on the interaction between the additive characters of the Fourier transform and the multiplicative characters of the Gauss sum.
Derivation and Differentiation of Human Embryonic Germ Cells

Human EG cells can be derived from PGCs by using methods similar to those used to derive mouse EG cultures. Like mouse ES and EG cells, human EG cells require LIF for proliferation as undifferentiated stem cells. Unlike mouse EG cells, however, human EG cells do not readily lose their dependence on exogenous cytokines and factors supplied by the feeder layer, and they have a higher frequency of spontaneous differentiation into EBs. Although EBs are a loss to the pluripotent stem cell population, they are a source of cells expressing markers of mature cellular phenotypes, as well as their presumed progenitors and precursors. Cells that retain a high capacity for cell proliferation and express makers of multiple lineages can be isolated from EBs, and can be used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo differentiation paradigms. The current challenges are to match individual EBD cultures to desired endpoints, and to enrich or purify populations of cells within EBD cultures to more specifically address biological requirements.
Living with Hindsight Bias

The reasonable man, through the Law and Economics movement, has recently taken up the features of homo economicus, the rational, self-interested maximizer of economic theory. It is increasingly apparent that most people, most of the time, do not evaluate their own utility or make decisions in the way economic models predict. Our reasonable man and homo economicus are looking more aspirational every day. This paper examines how heuristics and biases influence ex post jury evaluations of whether a defendant arrived at the same assessment of risks as a reasonable person would, or whether a party should have made a different decision to prevent an adverse outcome. In particular, this paper will discuss the hindsight bias, one area where recent insights into rationality and decision-making raise especially severe concerns about jury judgments. This paper will ask why we trust ex-post evaluations when it is apparent that judges and juries will systematically produce holdings based on assessments that don’t, and possibly can’t, replicate the historical judgments they are evaluating in a way that legitimates second-guessing those decisions. This paper will argue that, despite valid concerns, drastic changes in jury deliberation and scope of responsibility are inadvisable. In addition, it will explain how the purported irrationality of hindsight bias suffers from a lack of clarity about what constitutes rationality or irrationality in a jury system. Finally, it will argue that incremental changes should be made through procedural improvements. The legal system’s adaptation to the hindsight bias can set a precedent for further improvements inspired by developments in behavioral science. Unlike the wholesale importation of homo economicus by Law and Economics, the legal system needs to evaluate potential reforms in light of the complex and interrelated goals and safeguards built into the system.
Unconditional Convergence of Series in Banach and Hilbert Spaces

In any real or complex vector space X we can always form finite linear combinations cnxn of elements of X. However, we cannot form infinite series or “infinite linear combinations” unless we have some notion of what it means to converge in X. This is because an infinite series xn is, by definition, the limit of the partial sums.Fortunately, we are interested in normed vector spaces. A normed space has a natural notion of convergence, and therefore we can consider infinite series and “infinite linear combinations” in these spaces.
A Validated Model of the Pro- and Anti-in ammatory Cytokine Balancing Act in Articular Cartilage Lesion Formation under Mechanical Strain

Joint (articular) cartilage is designed to sustain certain level of impact. However, when a large enough force is applied, the cells in the cartilage release pro- and anti-inflammatory chemicals that can affect the cell population, the chemical feedback loop, as well as the cartilage itself, causing lesions. Modeling all these processes requires several components: cellular, chemical, and mechanical. The cellular component deals with the population densities of different cells and their interactions and transitions from one type into another. These transitions are induced by, and in turn affect, the chemicals which are released as a result of the impact. The first two components have already been modeled in published papers, using a nonlinear system of age-structured, parabolic PDEs with a radial spacial dimension. The next step is modeling the mechanics of the impact as more than a constant force term, but as a time-dependent effect on the physical and chemical processes in the cartilage. This requires an additional spacial dimension for the depth of the cartilage. Increasing the dimensions, besides adjusting the original equations accordingly, requires the addition of a system of hyperbolic PDEs, to model the effect of the impact using linear elasticity. The current model develops and solves the system numerically, and is validated by experimental results.
Late Operating Room Start Times Impact Mortality and Cost for Nonemergent Cardiac Surgery.

Background There is growing concern over the effect of starting non-emergent cardiac surgery later in the day on clinical outcomes and resource utilization. Our objective was to determine the differences in patient outcomes for starting non-emergent cardiac surgery after 3 pm. Methods All non-emergent cardiac operations performed at a single institution from July 2008 to 2013 were reviewed. Cases were stratified based on "early start" or "late start," defined by incision time before or after 3 pm. Rates of observed and risk-adjusted mortality, major complications, and costs were compared on a univariate basis for all patients and by multivariable linear and logistic regression for patients with a valid The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Predicted Risk of Mortality (PROM). Results A total of 3,395 non-emergent cardiac operations were reviewed, including 368 late start cases. Compared with cases starting earlier, mortality was significantly higher for patients undergoing late operations (5.2% vs 3.5%, p = 0.046) despite similar preoperative risk (STS PROM 3.8% vs 3.3%) and major complication rates (18.2% vs 18.3%). Costs were 8% higher with late start cases ($51,576 vs $47,641, p p = 0.041) despite shorter operative duration (16 minutes, p Conclusions Starting non-emergent cardiac cases later in the day is associated with 2 times higher absolute and risk-adjusted mortality. These data should be carefully considered, not only by surgeons and patients but also in the context of the operating room system when scheduling non-emergent cardiac cases.
Affinity‐based reversed micellar protein extraction: II. Effect of cosurfactant tail length

The selectivity of protein extraction by reversed micellar solutions can be improved by the addition of affinity cosurfactants bearing ligands which bind strongly to the target protein. The interactions between cosurfactant and protein, as well as the interfacial activity of both the free cosurfactant and the protein–cosurfactant complex, were accounted for in a model of the affinity-partitioning process. The aqueous phase dissociation constant was used to describe the protein–ligand interactions. The interfacial partition coefficient for several cosurfactant families varied with tail length according to the well-established hydrophobic effect. Control studies with alkylated chymotrypsin showed that when longer hydrophobic tails are irreversibly attached to the protein, the protein partitions more strongly to the reversed micellar phase. In contrast, for reversible protein–cosurfactant binding, the model predicts a maximum in protein uptake when the cosurfactant tail length is varied; the decrease at longer tail lengths is due to the lowered aqueous phase concentration of affinity cosurfactant, resulting in the formation of fewer protein–cosurfactant complexes. This behavior was confirmed experimentally. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assembly of the 30s Ribosome From the RNA Folding Perspective

Ribosome assembly requires folding of the rRNA and the hierarchical addition of 20 or more proteins to the complex. We visualized assembly of the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit in real time using time-resolved hydroxyl radical footprinting. This method reveals the extent of RNA and protein interactions at each segment of the RNA backbone, providing a detailed view of the changes to the rRNA structure during assembly. Each domain of the 30S ribosome assembles concurrently in vitro, and many tertiary RNA interactions and RNA-protein interactions are established within the first 0.1 seconds. Individual proteins protect different segments of their binding site at different rates, suggesting that the initial protein-RNA complexes are remodeled during assembly. By perturbing the free energy of RNA-protein complexes from the body of the 30S subunit, we find that a single protein can stabilize an entire domain of the 16S rRNA. However, multiple proteins bound to the same domain narrow the ensemble of rRNA conformations. Specific structural switches stabilize the decoding active site and enable long-range structural communication within the 30S ribosomal subunit.
DNA Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for Ultrathin Atomic Layer Deposition of High κ Dielectrics for Nanotube Transistors with 60 mV/Decade Switching

For single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) field effect transistors, vertical scaling of high κ dielectrics by atomic layer deposition (ALD) currently stands at ∼8 nm with a subthreshold swing S ≈ 70−90 mV/decade at room temperature. ALD on as-grown pristine SWNTs is incapable of producing a uniform and conformal dielectric layer due to the lack of functional groups on nanotubes and because nucleation of an oxide dielectric layer in the ALD process hinges upon covalent chemisorption on reactive groups on surfaces. Here, we show that by noncovalent functionalization of SWNTs with poly-T DNA molecules (dT40-DNA), one can impart functional groups of sufficient density and stability for uniform and conformal ALD of high κ dielectrics on SWNTs with thickness down to 2−3 nm. This enables approaching the ultimate vertical scaling limit of nanotube FETs and reliably achieving S ≈ 60 mV/decade at room temperature, and S ≈ 50 mV/decade in the band-to-band tunneling regime of ambipolar transport. We have also carried ...
Whole-Genome Analysis of Muscle Founder Cells Implicates the Chromatin Regulator Sin3A in Muscle Identity

Skeletal muscles are formed in numerous shapes and sizes, and this diversity impacts function and disease susceptibility. To understand how muscle diversity is generated, we performed gene expression profiling of two muscle subsets from Drosophila embryos. By comparing the transcriptional profiles of these subsets, we identified a core group of founder cell-enriched genes. We screened mutants for muscle defects and identified functions for Sin3A and 10 other transcription and chromatin regulators in the Drosophila embryonic somatic musculature. Sin3A is required for the morphogenesis of a muscle subset, and Sin3A mutants display muscle loss and misattachment. Additionally, misexpression of identity gene transcription factors in Sin3A heterozygous embryos leads to direct transformations of one muscle into another, whereas overexpression of Sin3A results in the reverse transformation. Our data implicate Sin3A as a key buffer controlling muscle responsiveness to transcription factors in the formation of muscle identity, thereby generating tissue diversity.
An Empirical Assessment of Controls affecting Marijuana Usage

Summary This study, based on self-reported data (N=134) gathered via self-adminstered anonymous questionnaires, examines the extent of marijuana use is limited by three general types of controls: supply and access considerations, secrecy concerns and questions involving the morality or immorality of use. It was observed that controls having the greatest effects on limiting use were factors affecting supply and access. Secrecy concerns and questions regarding the morality of use respectively have decreasing effectiveness in limiting marijuana use.
The Clinical Staging of Lung Cancer Through Imaging: A Radiologist’s Guide to the Revised Staging System and Rationale for the Changes

In 2009, the International Union Against Cancer and the American Joint Committee on Cancer accepted a revised staging system for the staging of lung cancer. Changes to the staging system were made to correlate patient survival more accurately with characteristics of the primary tumor (T) and presence or extent of nodal (N) and metastatic disease (M). Many changes were made to the staging system, most notably within the tumor (T) and metastases (M) designations. There are many ways to clinical stage lung cancer, but PET-CT remains one of the most accurate noninvasive methods.
A review of the thermal maturity and hydrocarbon potential of the Mancos and Lewis shales in parts of New Mexico, USA

Abstract This study reviews specific public geochemical data (mainly TOC and Rock-Eval Pyrolysis parameters) of the Mancos Shale and the Lewis Shale located in an area to the south of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Both shale formations are immature within the study area proper and surrounding acreage. Maturity increases in a southeastern direction within the study area and is the only location where the Mancos Shale has thermogenic gas generating potential. The quality of the organic matter (kerogen) reported for the Mancos and the Lewis shales is mostly of Type III (gas-prone) with Type II being less dominant. The thicknesses of both the Mancos and Lewis shales are adequate to generate and store large volumes of natural gas in the thermally mature areas. The study area is also faulted, which may provide opportunities for natural fracturing to have formed. Furthermore, silt and sand layers within the Mancos Shale could provide permeability pathways for the gas, in a similar fashion to the Lewis Shale in the San Juan Basin. The part of the study area that belongs to the Albuquerque Basin contains thick sections of the Mancos Shale but at great depths (> 13,000 ft or > 4 km). However, it might be possible to find prospective areas near the margins of the basin, particularly if there is an active hydrologic system that operates close to the shale that may be responsible for late-stage biogenic gas generation.
Flow-induced properties of nanotube-filled polymer materials.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are under intense investigation in materials science owing to their potential for modifying the electrical conductivity σ, shear viscosity η, and other transport properties of polymeric materials. These particles are hybrids of filler and nanoscale additives because their lengths are macroscopic whereas their cross-sectional dimensions are closer to molecular scales. The combination of extended shape, rigidity and deformability allows CNTs to be mechanically dispersed in polymer matrices in the form of disordered 'jammed' network structures. Our measurements on representative network-forming multiwall nanotube (MWNT) dispersions in polypropylene indicate that these materials exhibit extraordinary flow-induced property changes. Specifically, σ and η both decrease strongly with increasing shear rate, and these nanocomposites exhibit impressively large and negative normal stress differences, a rarely reported phenomenon in soft condensed matter. We illustrate the practical implications of these nonlinear transport properties by showing that MWNTs eliminate die swell in our nanocomposites, an effect crucial for their processing.
Evaluation of the Clinical Question Answering Presentation

Question answering is different from information retrieval in that it attempts to answer questions by providing summaries from numerous retrieved documents rather than by simply providing a list of documents that requires users to do additional work. However, the quality of answers that question answering provides has not been investigated extensively, and the practical approach to presenting question answers still needs more study. In addition to factoid answering using phrases or entities, most question answering systems use a sentence-based approach for generating answers. However, many sentences are often only meaningful or understandable in their context, and a passage-based presentation can often provide richer, more coherent context. However, passage-based presentations may introduce additional noise that places greater burden on users. In this study, we performed a quantitative evaluation on the two kinds of presentation produced by our online clinical question answering system, AskHERMES (http://www.AskHERMES.org). The overall finding is that, although irrelevant context can hurt the quality of an answer, the passage-based approach is generally more effective in that it provides richer context and matching across sentences.
Coupled redox potentials in manganese and iron superoxide dismutases from reaction kinetics and density functional/electrostatics calculations.

A methodology for determining the coupled redox potentials (ΔEredox°(coupled)) of manganese and iron superoxide dismutases (Mn(Fe)SODs), from the standard redox potential of reaction (O2- + 2H+ + e- → H2O2) and the experimental kinetic rate constants of Mn(Fe)SOD proteins, has been presented for the first time. A combined density functional (DF) and electrostatic protein/reaction field (DF/electrostatics) model has also been applied to seven protein structures, to study the structural, energetic, simple redox potential, pKa, and coupled redox potential properties associated with each active site. The quantum cluster active site models, which include the metal, first shell ligands, represented by amino acid side chains and a solvent derived ligand, and the second shell H-bonding partners, were taken from the crystal structures, and geometry was optimized in four kinds of states: oxidized (III) and reduced (II) states with either a H2O molecule or a OH- group as the fifth coordinated ligand. We conclude fr...
Models of the Transmembrane Domains of the Yeast Mitochondrial CitrateTransport Protein

We have used cysteine scanning, hydropathy analysis and molecular modeling to construct four possible models of the transmembrane helical domains of the yeast mitochondrial citrate transport protein. Models 1 and 2 invoke the formation of a translocation pathway by the six membrane-spanning alpha-helical domains that comprise each citrate transport protein monomer. Thus the homodimeric CTP (the functional form of the CTP) would contain two separate translocation pathways. Models 3 and 4 explore a novel way in which dimerization might take place, in which transmembrane domain 3 would form part of the dimer interface. This would lead to the formation of two seven-helix translocation pathways within the transporter dimer. Importantly, these studies have led to the construction of the first detailed structural models for any of the mitochondrial anion transport proteins, a family of proteins which is essential to cellular bioenergetics. Furthermore, these models suggest numerous experiments which can be carried out to further elucidate the structure of the translocation pathway through the membrane.
Immunolocalization of Vaccinia Virus Structural Proteins during Virion Formation

Abstract Proteolytic processing of vaccinia virus core proteins is an essential step in the formation of mature virions and occurs during the process of virion morphogenesis. In order to investigate how the vaccinia virus (VV) structural proteins become integrated into virus particles during normal maturation, immunological reagents were generated against the three major VV core proteins 4a, 4b, and 25K and their precursor molecules P4a, P4b, and P25K. These sera were used in conjunction with immunofluorescent and immunogold labeling of W-infected tissue culture cells. The immunofluorescent results indicated that all three core precursors and their cleavage products were localized to virosomes. As the infection progressed, punctate staining with these sera became spread throughout the cytoplasm which suggested that individual virion particles were being recognized. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the core proteins were localized to the center of both immature and mature virus particles. This result was in contrast to the situation observed using antisera directed against L65, a protein previously implicated in the assembly of the viral membrane. Immunogold staining of L65 showed that it was initially located along the inner side of the immature virion membrane and remained with the membrane even as the viroplasm began to condense toward the center of the virus particle. In order to determine whether the core protein localization observed was the result of precursors, products, or both, a synthetic peptide strategy was used to generate an antiserum that recognized only P4a in immunoprecipitation reactions. Immunogold labeling with this reagent indicated that P4a was found in the viroplasm of immature particles and in low levels in the mature virion. Intracellular localization of core and L65 proteins during virion morphogenesis is discussed.
Antimicrobial activity of mushroom metabolites.

Two styrylpyrone, three terphenylquinone, and six diphenyl-substituted tetronic acid derivatives were tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity. The best inhibitory responses were seen with hispidin, bisnoryangonin, and vulpinic acid against Gram-positive organisms, including the acid-fast Mycobacterium smegmatis, and with atromentin against the acid-fast bacterium, the Gram-negative organisms, and Candida albicans. However, all of the observed activities were low relative to those normally associated with clinically useful antibiotics.
Distribution Transformer Load Characteristics

To obtain fundamental information concerning distribution transformer load characteristics, a major study was undertaken by the General Electric Company, together with 55 electric utility companies. Monthly readings of load data were obtained in the field, using especially designed test kits installed at distribution transformers serving predominantly residential loads. Significant results, in terms of national average annual data, are summarized in percentages as: power factor, 92.5; load factor, 26.6; loss factor, 10.5; and peak load, 13.2. Load and loss factors are lower than previously estimated; power factors are higher. Values of the standard deviation associated with each of the averages were calculated. It is significant that, for the first time, a degree-of-uncertainty factor associated with load characteristics and with calculations based on load characteristics has been identified on the basis of statistical analysis. The information derived should be useful to the electric industry because it provides greater knowledge of the most fundamental component of the electric system, i.e., the load itself.
The bactericidal activity of clarithromycin versus ampicillin alone and in combination with omeprazole and/or bismuth against clarithromycin-susceptible and clarithromycin-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori

We evaluated the in vitro bactericidal effect of clarithromycin versus ampicillin alone and in combination against clarithromycin-sensitive and clarithromycin-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori. No combination containing clarithromycin achieved complete bactericidal effect against clarithromycin-resistant strains. Complete bactericidal effect was achieved for all strains by triple-agent combinations that contained bismuth, omeprazole, and relatively high concentrations of ampicillin. These in vitro results demonstrate the additive bactericidal activity provided by a combination of agents for the eradication of H. pylori. Bismuth may play a particularly important role in the bactericidal effect.
Concordant prune belly syndrome in monozygotic twins

We report 2 cases of concordant prune belly syndrome occurring in monozygotic twins. In addition to suggesting a genetic basis for this disease, our 12-year follow-up of these cases illustrates that these patients with an otherwise poor prognosis can have normal growth, development, and renal function with appropriate treatment.
Source of oxygen free radicals produced by rat hepatocytes during postanoxic reoxygenation.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the cellular source of oxygen free radicals generated by isolated hepatocytes during post-anoxic reoxygenation. Superoxide anions (O 2 .− ) were detected by lucigenin chemiluminescence. Cell damage was assessed by LDH release. During anoxia, the chemiluminescence decreased to background levels while LDH release increased 8-fold. During reoxygenation, O 2 .− formation increased 15-fold within 15 min then declined towards control levels. LDH release increased from 161 to 285 mU/min in the first 30 min of reoxygenation, then declined toward the control rate. Allopurinol, an inhibitor of the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, did not inhibit O 2 .− formation nor LDH release. Antimycin, a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor that does not block O 2 .− formation, increased both O 2 .− generation and LDH release 82 and 133% respectively. Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a mitochondrial and microsomal NADPH oxidase inhibitor, reduced O 2 .− and LDH release 60–70%. SOD, which catalyzes the dismutation of O 2 .− to H 2 O 2 , was without effect on O 2 .− and LDH release, but TEMPO, a stable nitroxide which mimics SOD and easily penetrates the cell membrane, decreased O 2 .− 86% without affecting LDH. These results suggest that mitochondria or microsomes are the principal sites of O 2 .− production during reoxygenation of isolated hepatocytes, whereas the cytosolic xanthine/xanthine oxidase system is apparently not involved.
Changes in Ability of Patients to Differentiate Intensity of Forces Applied to Maxillary Central Incisors During Orthodontic Treatment

Changes in the subjective ability of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to distinguish differences in intensity of forces applied to maxillary central incisors were evaluated. A decided reduction of this discriminatory ability was recorded four days after the insertion of orthodontic appliances. A significant reduction in pain threshold to these forces also was noted. Subsequent measurements showed a definite trend toward the initial pretreatment values.
Military Children: When Parents Are Deployed Overseas

Members of the Armed Services and Reserve Unit Members, both male and female, are being deployed to distant lands for long periods of time, disrupting family life and causing stressful times for the adults and children in the family. Traditionally, the mother of the military family was left to be the caregiver after the deployment of the husband/father. Today, extended family members as well as mothers or fathers are asked to serve as caregivers for dependent children of deployed servicemen and servicewomen. This article provides information about the challenges families face and the psychosocial developmental needs of children and families during the five stages of military deployment: predeployment, deployment, sustainment, redeployment, and postdeployment. School nurses can offer children and families support and link them with available resources and networks that will assist them with their needs.
Unique embeddings of simple projective plane polyhedral maps

We characterize the 3-valent polyhedral maps in the projective plane whose graphs have a unique embedding in the projective plane. This is done by demonstrating two forbidden subgraphs of the dual of these uniquely embeddable graphs.
Cloudy with a Chance of Sarcasm or Sunny with High Expectations: Using Best Practice Language to Strengthen Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Efforts.

What’s the forecast in your classroom? Are you forecasting cloudy with a chance of sarcasm or sunny with high expectations? A teacher’s Language of Practice holds the key to creating a climate of m...
Does it pay to plan?: Strategic planning and financial performance

Previous research on the effects of strategic planning on firm performance has yielded inconsistent and inconclusive findings. In this study, we use a recently validated measurement model of strategic planning to examine the planning-performance relationship in the California processing tomato industry. Results indicate a strong correlation between the degree of emphasis firms place on strategic planning and financial performance. Moreover, several specific strategic planning tools, specifically, the use of a mission statement, long-term goals, and ongoing evaluation, were also more heavily emphasized by high-performing firms. These results suggest that strategic planning does pay off in terms of improved financial performance and that some planning tools may have a significant impact. [Econ-Lit citations: L100, L660] © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effect of experimenter bias on the performance of the albino rat.

That an experimenter can very easily influence his subjects to give him the response he wants is a problem that every investigator recognizes and takes precautions to avoid. But how does one cope with the problem of unconscious influence? It is possible that a good many contradictory or unexpected findings are due to the fact that the experimenter unknowingly communicated his desires or expectations to his subjects. Though this problem has been generally recognized and much discussed, there has heretofore been no systematic test of the hypothesis that an experimenter can obtain from his subjects the data he expects or wants to obtain. This paper reports just such a test, and discusses what can be done to avoid experimenter influence, both conscious and unconscious.
Electrostatic waves stimulated by coherent VLF signals propagating in and near the inner radiation belt

The excitation of electrostatic waves by whistler-mode VLF signals propagating along magnetic-field lines in and near the earth's inner radiation belt is examined on the basis of ISEE-1 observations obtained during July-December 1983. The data are presented in extensive graphs and characterized in detail. The effect is seen in about 60 percent of the ISEE-1 orbits penetrating the belt and for signals originating in both hemispheres, with an electrostatic-wave effective bandwidth roughly proportional to the local magnetic-field strength. These results are interpreted in terms of a theoretical model in which scattering of the VLF waves off magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities is followed by particle pitch-angle scattering and precipitation in the radiation belt; the latter effect could then produce new irregularities via a feedback mechanism.
Secretions of anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibodies by B cells from patients with neuropathy and nonmalignant monoclonal gammopathy☆

Four patients with peripheral neuropathy and nonmalignant monoclonal gammopathy with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies were studied to determine whether secretion of anti-MAG IgM antibodies by B cells was autonomous, or whether the monoclonal B cells were responsive to T cells. Secretion of anti-MAG IgM by isolated B cells was stimulated by the addition of increasing numbers of pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-activated autologous OKT4+ helper T cells in all four patients. Secretion of anti-MAG IgM by peripheral blood lymphocytes was dependent on the ratio of OKT4+ T helper cells to OKT8+ T suppressor/cytotoxic cells. In three patients with an OKT4+ to OKT8+ T-cell ratio of 2:1, PWM activation stimulated secretion of anti-MAG IgM; in one patient with an OKT4+ to OKT8+ ratio of 1:2, activation by PWM suppressed anti-MAG IgM secretion. These studies suggest that the monoclonal B cells that secrete anti-MAG IgM are responsive to regulatory T cells.
Computational adaptive structure assessment of c-130 flaperon

Computational software for composites has been enhanced to simulate the shape changes for piezo-electrically controlled structures. The Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Morphing Evaluation considered Durability and Damage Tolerance (D&DT) and reliability analysis utilizing the GENOA Multi-scale Progressive Fracture Analyzer (PFA). SHM software is now developed to simulate and validate probabilistic design methodology to identify piezoelectric composite shape control as well as damage progression due to piezoelectric control of composite airfoils in airframe and engine applications. Given the requirements of airfoil shape control and limits, the GENOA composite mechanics module is used to determine basic parameters and choices of sandwich structure and piezocomposite architecture that will be compatible with the shape control needs. The identified candidate design parameters are evaluated via GENOA PFA for functional performance with respect to shape control as well as structural durability under service loading. The piezo-adaptive shape simulations are verified by comparison with selected closed form solutions and test data from the literature. The piezoelectrically controlled composite airfoil structure is optimized based on minimum weight, minimum damage, and maximum performance requirements.
Evaluation and treatment of allergic fungal sinusitis. I. Demographics and diagnosis.

Abstract Background: Few cases of allergic fungal sinusitis have been systematically evaluated to conclusively confirm working clinical, histopathologic, and serologic diagnostic criteria. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe 67 consecutive cases of allergic fungal sinusitis, the largest number of cases yet published. Methods: Cases from 1 practice over 8 years were evaluated with a consistent protocol, including skin testing, serum chemistries and serologies, and surgical specimen analysis. Results: All patients were atopic (100%) and had nasal polyposis (100%). They tended to be young (33.3 ± 13.1 years, mean ± SEM), immunocompetent (92%; remaining 8% with low quantitative immunoglobulin but normal function), have slight female preponderance (58%), have a history of hypertrophic rhinosinusitis (100%), report nasal cast production (75%), and have developed their disease in the southwestern United States. Bipolaris spicifera was the most prevalent fungus involved (67%). Total serum IgE (mean 668 IU/mL) and fungal-specific IgG were generally elevated, whereas fungal-specific precipitins and specific IgE were generally negative despite positive fungal-specific immediate hypersensitivity skin tests. Conclusions: Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis tend to have elevated total serum IgE and fungal-specific IgG at diagnosis but not fungal-specific IgE or precipitins. Histopathologic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis diagnosis are discussed. The southwestern United States appears to be a "hot spot" for the disease, particularly caused by B spicifera . (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;102:387-94.)
Oscillatory As4 surface reaction rates during molecular beam epitaxy of AlAs, GaAs and InAs

We report oscillations in the surface reaction rate of As4 during molecular beam epitaxy of AlAs, and InAs. The oscillations are periodic with the bilayer-by-bilayer growth cycle, and correspond to a slightly lower reaction rate approximately 1/4 of the way, and a slightly higher reaction rate approximately 34 of the way, through that cycle.
3‐methyladenine DNA glycosylases: structure, function, and biological importance

Summary The genome continuously suffers damage due to its reactivity with chemical and physical agents. Finding such damage in genomes (that can be several million to several billion nucleotide base pairs in size) is a seemingly daunting task. 3-Methyladenine DNA glycosylases can initiate the base excision repair (BER) of an extraordinarily wide range of substrate bases. The advantage of such broad substrate recognition is that these enzymes provide resistance to a wide variety of DNA damaging agents; however, under certain circumstances, the eclectic nature of these enzymes can confer some biological disadvantages. Solving the X-ray crystal structures of two 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylases, and creating cells and animals altered for this activity, contributes to our understanding of their enzyme mechanism and how such enzymes influence the biological response of organisms to several different types of DNA damage. BioEssays 21:668‐676, 1999. r 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Percolation segregation of multi-size and multi-component particulate materials

Abstract Percolation segregation of fines in multi-size and multi-component mixtures was quantified and compared with continuous mixtures. The quantification and comparison of percolated fines in binary, ternary, and quaternary vs. continuous mixtures was done at two strain rates of 0.25 and 0.5 Hz for both urea (spherical-shaped) and potash (angular-shaped). For this study, three coarse and three fines sizes for potash and three coarse and two fines sizes for urea were used for preparation of multisize and multi-component mixtures. Binary mixture samples were prepared from three mean coarse sizes with their corresponding three and two fines sizes for potash and urea, respectively. Ternary mixture samples were prepared from two coarse sizes at a time from the three available coarse size particles with their corresponding fines one each from three and two fines sizes available for potash and urea, respectively. Quaternary mixture samples were prepared from three coarse sizes with their corresponding two fine sizes (1850 μm, and 1550 μm) for potash and urea, respectively. The percent segregated fines mass and the normalized segregation rate (NSR) of fines decreased with the increase in number of coarse size components for a given fines size (from binary to quaternary), where NSR is defined as the amount of fines percolated from initial fines present in the binary mixture based on total time of operation kg/kg–h. The NSR decreased with the increase in order of mixtures, i.e., binary > ternary > quaternary at two strain rates of 0.25 Hz and 0.5 Hz (p
First Steps in Coding by Informal Web Developers

While prior research has investigated the practices of experienced web developers, little is known about the initial coding episodes of novices who are on the cusp of web development. Through interviews with library and information science students who have completed a web development course, we explore coding challenges that novices face and the emergence of strategies in response to them. Our results reveal that challenges arise from abstractions present in web development and their mismatch with WYSIWYG interfaces. These findings suggest new avenues for the design of web development tools that support the transitioning of non-coders into active web developers.
Population cycles of lemmings near Barrow, Alaska: a historical review

Current hypotheses regarding the causes of population cycling of brown lemmingsLemmus trimucronatus (Richardson, 1828), developed during long-term studies from 1950–1974. We maintain that three factors largely determine the timing and amplitude of population cycles in brown lemmings. First, a basic interaction between lemmings and vegetation sets the stage because dense populations of lemmings severely damage the vegetation, at which point lemming populations decline and remain low until the vegetation recovers. Second, opportunistic predators, mainly jaegers and owls, assemble as the snow melts during peak years and drive already declining populations to extremely low densities. Weasels are effective predators under the snow, but they appear irregularly. If weasel populations increase early in the cycle, lemming populations that normally increase dramatically during the winter in a peak year can be decimated before the snow melts. Finally, both wet summers that result in extensive flooding of the preferred habits of lemmings and freezing rains or winter thaws that cause ice formation reduce food availability, disrupt the cycle and extend the period between peak densities. Numerous observations, experimental results and simulation models support these views. Similar results regarding the importance of the available food supply, particularly in winter, and of the predation regime also have been reported for arvicoline populations at lower latitudes.
Metrology system for pulsed electric fields processing

Abstract Efficient process monitoring and accurate measurement of the electrical parameters defining pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatment and lethality are key factors in the implementation of PEF. A metrology system that can accurately evaluate and record treatment delivery was developed. To achieve this end one current sensor and two high voltage sensors were placed in a food PEF coaxial treatment chamber, grounded and shielded to minimize noise pick up due to electromagnetic interference, and connected to a digital oscilloscope to register PEF pulses. A graphical computer program was developed to control the oscilloscope and conduct data acquisition, measurement, and keep a data record of the electrical parameters defining the process: peak current, peak voltage, electric field, pulse width, and energy delivered. The program allows real-time calculation of the electrical parameters and reports all measurements with their uncertainties, which were evaluated with an uncertainty propagation analysis of the whole system. The metrology system was tested during PEF processing of a saline solution (σ=0.47 S/m at 20 °C) using a pilot plant pulse generator. The relative uncertainties reported range from 1.3 to 13.5%. The experimental results showed good agreement when compared with those simulated by PSpice™ software. Also, the calculated energy density applied to the saline solution correlated to its temperature rise, within 1 °C. The methodology followed in this research and the metrology system developed can be extrapolated and implemented in industrial scale PEF systems to monitor and keep data records of the PEF process.
Appraisal of regional and index flood quantile estimators

Our results illustrate the performance of at-site and regional GEV/PWM flood quantile estimators in regions with different coefficients of variation, degrees of regional heterogeneity, record lengths, and number of sites. Analytic approximations of bias and variance are employed. For realistic GEV distributions and short records, the index-flood quantile estimator performs better than a 2-parameter GEV/PWM quantile estimator with a regional shape parameter, or a 3-parameter at-site GEV/PWM quantile estimator, in both humid and especially in arid regions, as long as the degree of regional heterogeneity is moderate. As regional heterogeneity or record lengths increases, 2-parameter estimators quickly dominate. Flood frequency models that assign probabilities larger than 2% to negative flows are unrealistic; experiments employing such distributions provide questionable results. This appraisal generally demonstrates the value of regionalizing estimators of the shape of a flood distribution, and sometimes the coefficient of variation.
Ardabil Becomes a Province: Center-Periphery Relations in Iran

Amid all the attention that Iranian politics has received since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, local politics has been almost totally neglected. This neglect vitiates our understanding of contemporary Iran, as it is at the local level that state policies are carried out, contested, reshaped, resisted, or revised. Beginning with the centralizing state-building of Reza Shah Pahlavi (r. 1926–41), Tehran increasingly dominated Iran's politics, commercial activities, and cultural life, and most of the country's Westernized elites lived in the capital. The 1979 revolution was to some extent a populist revolt against this Westernized elite, and among the new rulers those whose social and family roots are outside Tehran abound. Among the common people, “the experience of participation in mass political activity … undermined the feeling of political abjection,” while the new rulers have attempted, not always successfully, to lessen the gap not only between rich and poor, but also between rich and poor provinces. The new prominence of provincials in national life has gone hand in hand with a greater recognition of Iran's ethnic and linguistic diversity, while at the same time the sense of common participation in the revolution and the Iran–Iraq War has knitted people of different ethnic backgrounds more closely together.
Effects of packages on parasitic coupling among microstrip discontinuities in MMICs

MMICs are usually enclosed in a metallic enclosure to protect the circuit from the environment and to provide electrical isolation between different parts of the subsystem. These metallic packaging enclosures support several modes which modify the coupling between various parts of the circuit and, consequently, alter the circuit performance. In this article, a method is developed for evaluating the effect of enclosure on parasitic coupling among microstrip discontinuities. This analysis is based on the modal expansion of electromagnetic fields in rectangular cavities and the multiport network model for evaluation of parasitic coupling between microstrip discontinuities. The procedure developed is suitable for CAD implementation. The proposed method has been applied to evaluate spurious coupling between two microstrip open ends in an enclosure. The results are in fair agreement with full-wave analysis results.