cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnographic Report of an African American Student in Japan

When I was teaching Japanese at K University in Saitama, Japan, during the mid 1970s, international exchange programs were still a relatively new phenomenon. During the first 3 years of the exchange program, there were no significant accommodation problems involving exchange students. It was arranged for each exchange student to have a 3-month homestay with a Japanese family. During the fourth year of the exchange program, 1 Black student, a female, came in a group of about 20 students. The program office had no problem finding homestay families for all the students except for the lone Black student. The exchange program coordinators tried very hard to find a family that would accept her into its home, but they were unable to find one. They ended up pairing her off with a blue-eyed, blond-haired girl to persuade a family to accept her in a kind of package deal. For me, it was a sickening decision and the first time that I can remember ever encountering a problem involving racial prejudice in connection with my duties as a Japanese-language instructor, but this was the beginning of my interest in the issue. Years later, Craig Dandridge was a student in two of my classes at International Christian University (ICU): Intermediate Japa-
The impact of inventory turnover ratio on companies' stock performance in the retail industry

In proportion to the size and relevance of inventory within the retail industry, there is an inadequate amount of research that can be found explaining the impact inventory has on the performance of the retail firm. These studies hypothesise that inventory turns are directly correlated to the performance of the company. This paper is an empirical analysis, showing the variance of annual inventory turns of a company can best explain variations in company performance in the retail industry. As shown in this model, shifts in the annual inventory ratios of companies are used as indicators to predict future stock performance. The ability of a company to control its annual inventory turns variance is a good indicator as to the quality of that management in other areas of the retail firm. Finally, the maintenance of the inventory turnover ratio is analysed regarding how it is implemented in various firms that are included in the sample of data.
Transcending the majority rights and minority protection dichotomy through multicultural reflective citizenship in the African Great Lakes region

The definitive version of this document can be found here: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a747660641~db=all~order=page This document was created using OCR technology, and may contain minor discrepancies from the published document.
Observations on the lobular organization of the human choriocapillaris

Vascular casts (Batson mixture) of ocular angioarchitecture were prepared from ten human orbits removed at autopsy. The age of donor specimens ranged from seven months to 68 years. The time interval between death and injection of the orbits averaged seven hours with a range of five hours. The resulting vascular casts were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We present photomicrographs of our vascular casts that demonstrate predictable variations of the human choriocapillaris angioarchitecture according to the region of the choriocapillaris under examination (i.e. posterior pole, equatorial, peripheral, peripapillary, or submacular areas). Our discussion represents an effort to help clarify some persistent controversies concerning the human choroidal angioarchitecture.
Abstract 5419: Targeting colon cancer stem cells using sulforaphane

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for approximately 51,000 deaths each year. For patients with advanced colon cancer, the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. Recent evidence suggests the existence of a small population of tumorigenic stem cells responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Identification of the regulatory mechanisms and signalling pathways involved in cancer stem cells will help in designing novel agents to target this refractory cell population in colon cancers. We are currently investigating the mechanism by which sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage inhibits growth of colon cancer cells. Our studies demonstrate that the compound had significant cytotoxicity against HCT116 colon cancer cells in both a dose- and time-dependent manner. Colon CSCs can be allowed to divide and grow in ultra-low binding tissue culture dishes to form multicellular spheroids called colospheres. Treatment with sulforaphane decreased the number and size of the primary and secondary colospheres in a dose dependent manner, suggesting that sulforaphane targets CSCs. To understand the mechanism of inhibition of colospheres, the signaling pathways affected by sulforaphane were dissected. Aberrant activation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway has been associated with renewal of cancer stem cells, and in the development of several solid cancers. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) upon binding to its cognate receptor patched, allows smoothened to accumulate and activate Gli transcription factor. Treatment with sulforaphane inhibited the expression of both Shh and smoothened in the colon CSCs. Furthermore, it inhibited the expression of patched-1 and Gli-1, downstream targets of the hedgehog signalling pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that sulforaphane effectively inhibits colon cancer stem cells by down regulating the sonic hedgehog pathway, thereby inhibiting tumorigenesis (supported in-part by the US PHS grants CA 109269 and CA 135569 to SA and CA 151727 to AD). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5419. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5419
alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: reduction in adult rat brain after monosodium glutamate treatment of neonates

Intraperitoneal injection of monosodium glutamate in neonatal rates resulted in a 90 percent loss of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic areas of the brain, whereas the amount of hormone in the pituitary gland did not change. The dramatic reduction of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the brain suggests that is primary source there is the neuronal perikarya of the arcuate nucleus.
A fast marching level set method for monotonically advancing fronts

Abstract A fast marching level set method is presented for monotonically advancing fronts, which leads to an extremely fast scheme for solving the Eikonal equation. Level set methods are numerical techniques for computing the position of propagating fronts. They rely on an initial value partial differential equation for a propagating level set function and use techniques borrowed from hyperbolic conservation laws. Topological changes, corner and cusp development, and accurate determination of geometric properties such as curvature and normal direction are naturally obtained in this setting. This paper describes a particular case of such methods for interfaces whose speed depends only on local position. The technique works by coupling work on entropy conditions for interface motion, the theory of viscosity solutions for Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and fast adaptive narrow band level set methods. The technique is applicable to a variety of problems, including shape-from-shading problems, lithographic development calculations in microchip manufacturing, and arrival time problems in control theory.
Measures and setbacks for controlling electricity theft

Most of the utility companies in developing countries incur huge losses because of the non-technical losses (NTL). It is very difficult to detect and control potential causes of NTL in developing countries due to their poor infrastructure. Electricity theft and billing irregularities form a major chunk of NTL. These losses affect quality of supply, electrical load on the generating station and tariff imposed on electricity consumed by genuine customers. This paper discusses various factors those influence the consumer to make an attempt to steal electricity In addition, some handy cases where electricity theft are detected will be illustrated. In view of these ill effects, some methods for detection and estimation of the theft will be discussed. This paper also illustrates several methods to quantify and control theft. In essence, setbacks for implementation of these measures and techniques will be illustrated in detail. Motivation of this work is to conserve the interest of utility companies in providing quality electricity to genuine customers at affordable tariff.
Creep resistance and high-temperature metallurgical stability of titanium alloys containing gallium

Tensile properties up to 1100°F and the creep resistance at 1000°F were correlated with composition for twelve complex developmental titanium alloys with additions of Al, Ga, Sn, Mo, Zr, and Si. Creep resistance for these alloys in the β heat-treated condition was found to be strongly dependent on the totalα stabilizer content and the silicon concentration. The creep activation energy for a Ti-4.5 Al-2 Sn-3 Zr-3 Ga-1 Mo-0.5 Si alloy, established over the 900° to 1100°F temperature range, was about 100 kcal per g-mole. This high creep activation energy is hypothesized to result from dispersion strengthening within theα matrix by the Ti3X(X = Al, Ga, Sn) phase and pinning of the interplatelet and priorβ grain boundaries by the Zr5Si3 phase. Both phases were identified by transmission electron microscopy in these respective locations. Metallurgical instability, as evidenced by decreased fracture toughness, is also shown to be relatable to the totalα stabilizer content. The activation energy for the embrittlement process is about 45 kcal per g-mole. which approximates that for interdiffusion of gallium inα titanium.
RGD targeting of human ferritin iron-oxide nanoparticles enhances in vivo molecular MRI of experimental aortic aneurysms

Background Both inflammation and angiogenesis contribute to the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. RGD is a peptide binder of the avb3 integrin, which is expressed highly on activated macrophages and angiogenic endothelial cells. Human ferritin (HFn) is a nanoscale protein cage with 12nm diameter and 8nm interior cavity, which we have utilized as a platform for molecular/cellular imaging. We can genetically introduce RGD peptide to HFn. The purpose of this study is to evaluate RGD-conjugated HFn iron oxide nanoparticles for enhanced in vivo MRI of murine AAAs.
Arabidopsis CLP1-SIMILAR PROTEIN3, an ortholog of human polyadenylation factor CLP1, functions in gametophyte, embryo, and postembryonic development.

Polyadenylation factor CLP1 is essential for mRNA 3′-end processing in yeast and mammals. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CLP1-SIMILAR PROTEIN3 (CLPS3) is an ortholog of human hCLP1. CLPS3 was previously found to be a subunit in the affinity-purified PCFS4-TAP (tandem affinity purification) complex involved in the alternative polyadenylation of FCA and flowering time control in Arabidopsis. In this article, we further explored the components in the affinity-purified CLPS3-TAP complex, from which Arabidopsis cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) subunits AtCPSF100 and AtCPSF160 were found. This result implies that CLPS3 may bridge CPSF to the PCFS4 complex. Characterization of the CLPS3 mutant revealed that CLPS3 was essential for embryo development and important for female gametophyte transmission. Overexpression of CLPS3-TAP fusion caused a range of postembryonic development abnormalities, including early flowering time, altered phyllotaxy, and abnormal numbers and shapes of flower organs. These phenotypes are associated with the altered gene expression levels of FCA, WUS, and CUC1. The decreased ratio of FCA-β to FCA-γ in the overexpression plants suggests that CLPS3 favored the usage of FCA regular poly(A) site over the alternative site. These observations indicate that Arabidopsis CLPS3 might be involved in the processing of pre-mRNAs encoded by a distinct subset of genes that are important in plant development.
Bringing considerations of situated action to bear on the paradigm of cognitive modeling: the 2002 Benjamin Franklin Medal in computer and cognitive science presented to Lucy Suchman

Abstract The work of Lucy Suchman produced a paradigmatic shift in the cognitive science community by creating an awareness of the role of context in human cognition. Prior to that, cognitive scientists attempting to create interactive computer systems 1 believed that if the system had a good likeness of its user's knowledge of the world it could understand and therefore successfully respond to its user's needs. As a result, cognitive scientists attempted to supply to computer systems the knowledge, or plans, that users brought to bear when solving problems so that the computer systems could examine that knowledge and predict what users needed to know. Suchman argued that problem-solving did not proceed simply by applying plans of action. Rather, she showed that plans were but one of the resources that people use in problem-solving: plans help people decide what features of the environment to attend to in order to attain their goals. Suchman then extended this insight in a way that created a new field of research. She took the position that interactive systems need to match the context-driven way in which people use technologies in their work environments. As a result, she developed the methodology of ethnographically based design. In this method, working prototypes are developed and designers follow users to see what their work and their work contexts are like, as users try out the prototypes in their daily work environments. Using this approach, Suchman uncovered previously unnoticed creative and improvisational abilities common in the workplace. Further, she suggested systems that would enhance, rather than quash, these ways of working. Suchman's approach, now used in academia and industry both in the US and throughout Europe, has impacted significantly on the design of computer systems in a wide range of domains such as space exploration, medical monitoring of elders living on their own, and large-scale document retrieval.
Sugarcane Response to Water Table, Periodic Flood, and Foliar Nitrogen on Organic Soil

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is routinely exposed to periodic floods and high water tables in Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area. Learning sugarcane responses to these conditions will help improve yields. This study evaluated the effects of constant water-table depths, periodic floods, and N on cane and sucrose yields of two sugarcane cultivars. In 2001 and 2002, two foliar N and four water treatments were applied to the first two crop-growth cycles (plant and first-ratoon crops) of 'CP 72-2086' and 'CP 80-1827' in lysimeters filled with Pahokee muck soil. Constant water-table depths were 23, 37, and 51 cm. A fourth treatment was flooding for 2 d in each of eight 14-d cycles per year; otherwise its water-table depth was 44 cm. Foliar N did not consistently affect yields. In nonflooded treatments across cultivars and crop growth cycles, for every centimeter increase in water-table depth, theoretical recoverable sucrose decreased by 0.13 g kg -1 , and cane and sucrose yields increased by 0.16 and 0.02 kg m -2 , respectively. By cultivar and crop-growth cycle, the only significant linear responses to nonflooded water-table treatments were in the first-ratoon crop, where for each centimeter increase in water-table depth, cane and sucrose yields increased by 0.38 and 0.04 kg m -2 , respectively. Periodic flooding increased cane and sucrose yields in the plant crop and sustained or improved these yields in the first-ratoon crop. After rains, allowing floods to remain for up to 2 d may improve yields and reduce P discharge to the Everglades.
Gender Differences in Cancer Susceptibility: An Inadequately Addressed Issue

The gender difference in cancer susceptibility is one of the most consistent findings in cancer epidemiology. Hematologic malignancies are generally more common in males and this can be generalized to most other cancers. Similar gender differences in non-malignant diseases including autoimmunity, are attributed to hormonal or behavioral differences. Even in early childhood, however, where these differences would not apply, there are differences in cancer incidence between males and females. In childhood, few cancers are more common in females, but overall, males have higher susceptibility. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the gender ratio reverses toward adolescence. The pattern that autoimmune disorders are more common in females, but cancer and infections in males suggests that the known differences in immunity may be responsible for this dichotomy. Besides immune surveillance, genome surveillance mechanisms also differ in efficiency between males and females. Other obvious differences include hormonal ones and the number of X chromosomes. Some of the differences may even originate from exposures during prenatal development. This review will summarize well-documented examples of gender effect in cancer susceptibility, discuss methodological issues in exploration of gender differences, and present documented or speculated mechanisms. The gender differential in susceptibility can give important clues for the etiology of cancers and should be examined in all genetic and non-genetic association studies.
Carbogen Inspiration Enhances Hemodynamic Contrast in the Cancerous Breast

We have explored the vascular response of the breast to inspiration of Carbogen. Results show greater changes in vasoconstriction and HbSat in the tumor-bearing breast compared to the healthy contralateral breast of the same patient.
In vivo Schild regression analyses using nonselective 5-HT2C receptor antagonists in a rat operant behavioral assay

Although competitive antagonism experiments are critical tools in the classification of potential pharmacotherapies, no studies have quantitatively compared the potencies of 5-HT2C receptor antagonists using the Schild regression analysis in vivo. To evaluate the behavioral effects of 5-HT2C receptor agonists and antagonists, a series of nonselective 5-HT2C receptor antagonists, the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist ketanserin, the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist SB 204,741, the 5-HT2B/2C receptor antagonist SB 200,646, and the peripherally acting 5-HT2C receptor antagonist RS102221 were evaluated for their capacity to competitively antagonize the agonists MK212, mCPP, or BW723C86 in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (N = 28) were trained to respond under a fixed ratio 10 schedule of food reinforcement. A multiple-trial, cumulative-dosing procedure was used to evaluate the capacity of the compounds to suppress response rates. MK212, mCPP, and the 5-HT2B receptor agonist BW723C86 dose-dependently decreased response rates. Only metergoline, mianserin, and methysergide produced a dose-dependent antagonism of the rate-decreasing effects of both mCPP and MK212. Apparent pA2 analysis indicated that metergoline, mianserin, and methysergide were approximately equipotent as antagonists overall. Metergoline and mianserin failed to block the rate-decreasing effects of BW723C86. Ketanserin, SB 200,646, SB 204,741, and RS102221 failed to block either mCPP or MK212, suggesting that 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, or peripheral 5-HT2C receptors do not play a primary role in the rate-decreasing effects of these two agonists. Taken together, these antagonism profiles suggest that the agonists MK212 and mCPP produce their rate-decreasing effects through a combination of 5-HT receptors with the 5-HT2C receptor playing a prominent but not exclusive role.
Sensory prediction on a whiskered robot: a tactile analogy to “optical flow”

When an animal moves an array of sensors (e.g., the hand, the eye) through the environment, spatial and temporal gradients of sensory data are related by the velocity of the moving sensory array. In vision, the relationship between spatial and temporal brightness gradients is quantified in the “optical flow” equation. In the present work, we suggest an analog to optical flow for the rodent vibrissal (whisker) array, in which the perceptual intensity that “flows” over the array is bending moment. Changes in bending moment are directly related to radial object distance, defined as the distance between the base of a whisker and the point of contact with the object. Using both simulations and a 1×5 array (row) of artificial whiskers, we demonstrate that local object curvature can be estimated based on differences in radial distance across the array. We then develop two algorithms, both based on tactile flow, to predict the future contact points that will be obtained as the whisker array translates along the object. The translation of the robotic whisker array represents the rat's head velocity. The first algorithm uses a calculation of the local object slope, while the second uses a calculation of the local object curvature. Both algorithms successfully predict future contact points for simple surfaces. The algorithm based on curvature was found to more accurately predict future contact points as surfaces became more irregular. We quantify the inter-related effects of whisker spacing and the object's spatial frequencies, and examine the issues that arise in the presence of real-world noise, friction, and slip.
Olfaction in essential tremor patients with and without isolated rest tremor.

An olfactory deficit is present in patients with essential tremor (ET), but it is often milder than that in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In both, the deficit occurs early in the disease. Isolated rest tremor without other signs of parkinsonism can occur in patients with ET. If the rest tremor in these patients represents a manifestation of ET rather than early PD, we hypothesized that their University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) scores would be similar to those of ET patients without rest tremor. The mean UPSIT score in 13 ET patients with isolated rest tremor did not differ from that of 58 ET patients without rest tremor (29.3 ± 4.3 vs. 29.4 ± 6.4; P = 0.69). Several ET patients with rest tremor had UPSIT scores that fell outside of the range that is seen in 95% of patients with PD. These data raise the possibility that some ET patients with isolated rest tremor may not have early PD and that the pathological process that is responsible for their ET is also involving the basal ganglia. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Internal radiation effects in zirconia thermal barrier coatings

Using thermal barrier coatings on combustor liners, turbine vanes, and rotating blades is important for reducing metal temperatures in current and advanced aircraft engines. Zirconia is a common coating material, and it is partially transparent to thermal radiation. Radiation becomes more significant as temperatures are raised for higher efficiency in advanced engines. Calculations are often made with radiation effects neglected inside the coating. The effect of radiation is illustrated here, where an analytical procedure is provided by using the two-flux method for the radiative contribution. A detailed study was made of ceramic thermal barrier coatings for diesel engines, and a two-flux analysis was developed for radiation in semitransparent multilayer composites. These efforts provide the basis for the present analysis where illustrative solutions are obtained for typical conditions in an aircraft engine. The formulation and solution of the exact spectral radiative transfer equations including large scattering, as is characteristic of zirconia, are rather complicated. The two-flux method is used here to provide a simplified method.
Removal of intensity bias in magnitude spin-echo MRI images by nonlinear diffusion filtering

MRI data analysis is routinely done on the magnitude part of complex images. While both real and imaginary image channels contain Gaussian noise, magnitude MRI data are characterized by Rice distribution. However, conventional filtering methods often assume image noise to be zero mean and Gaussian distributed. Estimation of an underlying image using magnitude data produces biased result. The bias may lead to significant image errors, especially in areas of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The incorporation of the Rice PDF into a noise filtering procedure can significantly complicate the method both algorithmically and computationally. In this paper, we demonstrate that inherent image phase smoothness of spin-echo MRI images could be utilized for separate filtering of real and imaginary complex image channels to achieve unbiased image denoising. The concept is demonstrated with a novel nonlinear diffusion filtering scheme developed for complex image filtering. In our proposed method, the separate diffusion processes are coupled through combined diffusion coefficients determined from the image magnitude. The new method has been validated with simulated and real MRI data. The new method has provided efficient denoising and bias removal in conventional and black-blood angiography MRI images obtained using fast spin echo acquisition protocols.
Generalized EOQ formula using a new parameter: Coefficient of backorder attractiveness

Abstract This paper introduces and examines a generalized EOQ formula, based on the model with linear and fixed backordering costs. The new square-root formula is a combination of two well-known classical models, the basic EOQ model without stockouts and the EOQ model with backorders and linear backordering costs. Helping to combine the two is a new parameter, a fractional coefficient capturing the attractiveness of backorders. The coefficient is explained and discussed. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of generalizations in EOQ models, including EPQ.
Amorphous silicon as a selective absorber of solar energy: a spectral emissivity study.

A method for the measurement of the thermal emissivity of films on substrates and for the subsequent determination of the optical constants is described. It is applied to sputtered amorphous silicon films on sapphire substrates. The results, obtained in the 3–6.3-μm spectral range and at 400–800°C, confirm the existence of residual ir absorption in this region with an absorption coefficient on the order of 102.
The Mitotic Checkpoint in Cancer Therapy

The mitotic checkpoint is a key cell cycle control mechanism that ensures an accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis by delaying the onset of anaphase until all chromosomes are properly ...
Cross-cultural psychiatry in the field: collaborating with anthropology.

Psychiatry and anthropology may need each other, as Arthur Kleinman 1 claims, but few guidelines exist for how a psychiatrist and an anthropologist can collaborate successfully to reconcile differences in disciplinary perspectives, methodological approaches, and the place of culture and mind in the interpretation of the outcomes. Fruitful dialogue between psychiatrists and anthropologists, nearly as old as the two professions, was highlighted early on by such prominent figures as Freud, Malinowski, Jung, and Mead. A particularly notable collaboration included that of Sapir and Sullivan. 2 One outcome of this interdisciplinary conversation has been a recognition of the degree to which context alters, shapes, and defines mental processes. The effect of culture, construed broadly and as a process, is so profound that a number of psychiatric disorders are now recognized in the DSM as ‘‘culture-bound syndromes,’’ the classification of which also results from joint efforts. 1 Psychiatric and anthropological collaborations, along with related specialties such as psychological anthropology, have produced robust literatures addressing topics ranging from ethics, the relation of culture to the mind and the body, and methodological discussions of the strengths of qualitative versus quantitative approaches, to adjustments that can be made to psychiatric instrumentation or interventions for specific populations. Nevertheless, recommendations for how to work together in the field are notably lacking. In this article, we identify four challenges in the working relation between professionals in psychiatry and anthropology based on our experience in Jharuwarasi, a semi-urban, mainly agricultural village near Kathmandu, Nepal. Jharuwarasi is ideal for investigating the relation between psychological and cultural factors because it lacks a history of professional psychiatric involvement and features variation in educational attainment, conditions of poverty, and social marginalization that favor the expression of psychiatric disorders.
The file transmission problem

The file transmission problem is to determine the best way to send a file A (assumed to be a linear string over a finite alphabet) from one computer to another via a transmission line, assuming that the receiving computer has access to another file B called the base file. In addition to sending the characters of A directly, we allow the transmission of a copy command which directs the receiving computer to append a specified, but variable length, substring of characters taken from the base file to the end of the file under construction. The cost of transmission is taken as the sum of the number of characters directly sent and K times the number of copy commands. An optimal derivation of A is a minimum-cost sequence of characters and copy commands which allow the receiving computer to construct the file A. We present an algorithm for obtaining an optimal derivation. This algorithm is itself optimal in that both its run time and storage requirements are linear functions of the lengths of A and B.
THE RISE AND FALL OF FBI DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS

In recent years there has been a growing body of literature which has carefully documented the abuses of the US intelligence agencies [1]. For the most part, these works have been concerned with disclosure, and occasionally reform, but not generally theoretical knowledge. At the same time, there has emerged in the study of crime an "organizational perspective" which attempts to account for the crimes of large organizations by applying organizational theory [2]. In large part, this organizational perspective has been preoccupied with definitional and conceptual problems and has not successfully generated a comprehensive theory of organizational crime. Sherman alludes to this in his recent article: "Very little of the existing work on organizational deviance has attempted to explain why some organizations and not others engage in deviant conduct, or why some commit more deviant acts than others" [3]. The current state of affairs appears to be characterized by a plethora of case studies which are insulated from organizational theory, at least in any systematic way. There is a further problem with the organizational perspective as it has emerged in the literature. The organization is not consistently understood as part of a larger environmental context, particularly the political economy. Barnett's work on corporate crime and corporate capitalism is an important exception to this [4]. In this article I shall attempt to correct some of these problems with the organizational perspective by examining the relationship between organizational behavior, organizational structure, and aspects of the political economic environment of the organization. The specific organizational behavior of concern here is the political surveillance (i.e. domestic or political intelligence) of US residents by the federal government, most particularly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While the legality of domestic intelligence has varied over time, it has often led to illegal governmental operations. By examining this one type of organizational behavior, I shall attempt in a preliminary way to show how the primary locus of explanation for organiza-
Simple formula for estimation of minimum clock-feedthrough error voltage

A simple approximating formula is derived for the prediction of clock-feedthrough noise in a switched-capacitor (SC) integrator. It can be used for estimating the achievable accuracy and dynamic range of SC circuits.
Skin allograft exchanges among inbred strains of hamsters

Abstract Degree of histocompatibility between six different BIO® strains of inbred Syrian hamsters was investigated. Most skin exchanges in the inbred strains tested revealed well tolerated allografts. However, rejection was observed in a few of the strains. BIO 2.4 rejected grafts of strains BIO 15.16, 87.20 and 1.26. BIO 14.6 rejected grafts from 15.16 and 1.26. In contrast, 2.4 and 14.6 grafts were accepted by these other strains. Results of this study indicate a paucity of strong transplantation antigens, but a well developed immunological capacity in inbred hamsters.
Repressors of androgen and progesterone receptor action

Androgen and progesterone receptors (AR and PR) are two determining factors in gonadal differentiation that are highly expressed in developing and mature gonads. Loss of AR results in XY sex reversal and mutations causing reduced AR activity lead to varying degrees of defects in masculinization. Female PR knockout mice are infertile due to ovarian defects. While much has been discovered about positive regulation of these receptors by coactivators little is known about repression of the transcriptional activity of AR and PR in the presence of agonists. In this study we assessed the effect of SMRT and DAX-1 on AR and PR activity in the presence of both agonists and partial antagonists. We show that SMRT and DAX-1 repress agonist-dependent activity of both receptors, and the mechanism of repression includes disruption of the receptor dimer interactions rather than recruitment of histone deacetylases. We demonstrate that endogenous agonist-bound PR and DAX-1 in T47D breast cancer cells and endogenous AR and DAX-1 in LNCaP prostate cancer cells can be coimmunoprecipitated suggesting that the interaction is physiological. Surprisingly, although DAX-1 represses partial antagonist activity of AR, it was ineffective in repressing partial antagonist induced activity of PR. In contrast to most reported repressors, the expression of DAX-1 is restricted. We found that although DAX-1 is expressed in normal human prostate, its expression is strongly reduced in benign prostatic hyperplasia suggesting that DAX-1 plays a role in limiting AR activity in prostate.
Attachment security in children with autism

Nineteen autistic children were examined in a modified version of Ainsworth's Strange Situation. The attachment security of 15 children could be classified. Each of these children displayed disorganized attachment patterns, but almost half (40%) of them were subclassified as securely attached. To assess the validity of the attachment classifications, children and their mothers were observed in a separate interaction. Mothers of children who were subclassified as securely attached displayed greater sensitivity than mothers of children who were subclassified as insecurely attached. Children who were subclassified as securely attached more frequently initiated social interaction with their mothers than did children who were subclassified as insecurely attached. Children with secure and insecure subclassifications were compared to investigate correlations between attachment organization and representational ability and social-emotional understanding. Although children with underlying secure attachments were no more likely to initiate joint attention, they were more responsive to bids for joint attention, made requests more frequently, and demonstrated greater receptive language ability than children subclassified as insecurely attached. Discussion focuses on dynamics that may contribute to individual differences in the attachment organization of autistic children and on the reciprocal relationship between advances in our understanding of normal and pathological development.
Effects of ambient rain chemistry on field-grown radish — An exploratory approach by multiple linear regression

In a modeling approach multiple regression was used to describe plant growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. ‘Cherry Belle’) by a range of environmental variables including chemical characteristics of ambient rain. In a 2-yr field study, staggered radish crops were harvested in 2-d intervals. During the entire vegetative growth, the weights of the major organs (shoot, hypocotyl, root) were determined and mean relative growth rates (RGR) were calculated. Different climatic variables, which were modified by a range of time lag periods, were combined to describe total plant RGR and hypocotyl RGR for each of 2 or 3 developmental phases of the crop. In a second step, variables characterizing the ion concentration and deposition of ambient rain (mean pH 4.35 and 4.15 in 1989 and 1990, respectively) were introduced and tested for their significance of contribution to the models. Generally, the earlier development stages of radish were more responsive to changes in environmental variables and the growth models were improved significantly by introducing variables of rain chemistry during these early growth phases only. Hypocotyl growth was not more sensitive to the chemical composition of rain than was total plant growth. Disparities in frequency and amount of rain between the 2 yr may have caused differences in the relative contribution of rain chemistry variables towards the models. The limitations and advantages of this modeling approach are discussed in respect to the importance of different growth stages on the sensitivity to acid rain stress.
The synthesis and characterization of a mesomorphic brush type polycarbosilane : poly[1,1-bis(4'-biphenyl)silabutane]

Poly[1,1-bis(4′-biphenyl)silabutane] (II) has been prepared by the anionic ring opening polymerization of 1,1-bis(4′-biphenyl)silacyclobutane. II shows mesomorphic behavior by DSC. The13C NMR T1 relaxation times have been measured. These are found to be smaller than those of poly(1,1-dimethylsilabutane)by an order of magnitude. This may result from interaction of the highly rigid biphenyl side chain moieties. The thermal stability of II is higher than that for other 1,1-disubstituted polysilabutanes.
A super-regenerative optical receiver based on an optomechanical oscillator

A super-regenerative optical receiver detecting on-off key (OOK) modulated light inputs has been demonstrated that harnesses the radiation-pressure gain of a self-sustained electro-opto-mechanical oscillator (EOMO) to render its oscillation amplitude a function of the intensity of light coupled into the oscillator. Unlike previous electronic super-regenerative receivers, this rendition removes the need to periodically quench the oscillation signal, which then simplifies the receiver architecture and increases the attainable receive bit rate. A fully functional receiver with a compact ∼90 µm EOMO comprised only of silicon-compatible materials demonstrates successful recovery of a 2 kbps bit stream from an OOK modulated 1550 nm laser input. By removing the need for the expensive III–V compound semiconductor materials often used in conventional optical receivers, this EOMO-based receiver offers a lower cost alternative for sensor network applications.
Comparison of Streptococcus mutans Concentrations in Non-banded and Banded Orthodontic Patients

The effect of orthodontic banding on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in plaque was evaluated by comparisons between patients wearing bands and patients just prior to banding on the basis of treatment and/or dental caries history. Banded patients had significantly higher levels of S. mutans in plaque than did their non-banded counterparts. Regardless of banding, patients with a history of caries had significantly higher levels of S. mutans in plaque and greater numbers of S. mutans-infected sites than did caries-free patients. Caries-free banded patients had more S. mutans-infected sample sites than did the caries-free non-banded group.
Microglial reactions after subcutaneous formalin injection into the rat hind paw

Microglia in primary afferent projection territories are activated and proliferate after peripheral nerve injury. However, it is not known whether stimulation of peripheral nerves by noxious stimuli applied to their receptive fields activates microglial cells in the spinal cord. This study was designed to investigate the response of microglia in the lumbar spinal cord and in the brainstem to a tonic noxious stimulus. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of 5% formalin (50 microliter) into the plantar surface of the right hind paw, and 24 rats were injected with 50 microliter saline as a control. The lumbar spinal cord and brainstem were evaluated for immunoreactivity (IR) to complement receptor C3bi (monoclonal antibody OX-42) and major histocompatibility complex class II (monoclonal antibody OX-6) on postinjection hours 0, 2, 4 and 8 and days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. A qualitative and quantitative increase of OX-42-IR microglial cells were observed in the medial portion of the dorsal horn and in the gracile nucleus of the brainstem on the side ipsilateral to the formalin injection, starting on days 1-3 and peaking on day 7 postinjection. OX-6-positive cells were scattered both in gray and white matter, but no difference was detected between the two sides of the spinal cord or between formalin-injected and control animals. This is the first study that reports that subcutaneous injection of formalin into the rat's hind paw induces microglial activation in the spinal cord as well as in the brainstem. Although we have not determined whether these responses result from nociceptor activity, peripheral inflammation, or degeneration of primary afferents and/or central neurons, this method provides a simple, effective and stable animal model that will permit the future study of the mechanisms that contribute to microglial activation and its pathophysiological consequences.
C‐Peptide Deficiency: An Important Pathogenetic Factor In Type 1 Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: C-peptide has insulin-like effects and ameliorates the acute nerve conduction defect (NCD) in experimental and human type 1 diabetic neuropathy (DN). Methods: In this study, diabetic BB/Wor-rats were treated with rat C-peptide (75 ng/kg) from onset of diabetes for 8 months (prevention-group, PG). In a separate experiment, 5-mo untreated diabetic BB/Wor-rats were started on the same C-peptide treatment continued to 8 mo of diabetes (intervention group, IG). Results: In the PG, the NCD was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) compared to untreated BB/Wor-rats and was similar to that of normo-C-peptidemic and isohyperglycemic type 2 BBZ rats. This effect was associated with significant preventions of nodal changes (p < 0.001) including axo-glial dysjunction (p < 0.001), which was not different from non-diabetic control rats. Axonal atrophy and Wallerian degeneration were significantly prevented (both p < 0.05). In the IG, the NCD decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during the 3 mo treatment period. Associated with the functional improvement, nodal changes improved significantly (p < 0.001) as did axonal degenerative changes (p < 0.01). C-peptide treatment in the IG resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of regenerating fibers (p < 0.001) compared with untreated 5 mo diabetic rats. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that C-peptide replacement in type 1 diabetes prevents the chronic NCD and structural changes. Furthermore, C-peptide treatment significantly improves the already established functional and structural abnormalities of DN. This is the first demonstration of a therapeutic improvement of established neuropathy in experimental diabetes. We conclude that C-peptide deficiency in type 1 diabetes is an important pathogenetic component of DN and that its replacement may provide a valuable adjunct to intensive insulin treatment.
Laser-induced thermo-oxidative degradation of carbon nanotube/polypropylene nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polypropylene were fabricated using twin screw extrusion and subjected to heating rates on the order of 100,000 degrees per second using laser pulse heating. Raman and infrared spectroscopy, as well as electron microscopy observations, showed that the nanotubes retain their structure and that a nanotube-rich layer formed at the surface of the composites during laser heating. By varying the weight fraction of filler in the composites, a 54% reduction in mass loss per laser pulse was achieved, compared to the pure polymer. The nanotube composites also displayed lower mass loss than nanoclay composites under the same conditions, despite having a significantly lower weight fraction of additive. Further reduction in mass loss per laser pulse was achieved in solvent-processed samples, which appear to have better dispersion than the extrusion-processed composites. We attribute these observations to the formation of a nanotube network formed on the surface, which acts as a protective barrier, slowing the degradation of the underlying polymer. Several observations made in this study are consistent with those reported in previously published slow heating rate studies, showing that while some phenomena are unique to transient heating, there are some commonalities between the two regimes.
Stand-alone high-power broadly tunable optoelectronic frequency comb generator

We present a high power, broadly tunable, optoelectronic frequency comb generator. The device produces between 60-75 lines within 10dB bandwidth over its tuning range, from 6-18 GHz, and can handle 1W of optical input power.
Evaluating learner's knowledge level on concept mapping tasks

In this paper, we propose a scheme for evaluating learners' knowledge level on concept mapping tasks. The assessment process focuses on the propositions presented on learner's map as well as on the missing ones with respect to the propositions presented on expert map. The evaluation of learner's knowledge level depends on the weights assigned to the concepts and propositions on expert map as well as to specific categories of errors that may be identified on learner map. The proposed scheme has been embedded in COMPASS, an adaptive Web-based concept map assessment tool. An application example of the evaluation of learner's knowledge level and the performance feedback provided are presented.