cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchists, individualists and mutualists: Three paradigms among planners

Abstract In planning which involves many disciplines, the failure to communicate often impedes progress from the outset. In this article the author exposes the fundamental cause of this failure : people use diverse paradigms without realising it and are often unwilling or unable to apply different kinds of logic to a problem. Three broad categories of paradigm are analysed: one-way causal, random process and mutual causal. The author illustrates that a situation has apparently contradictory implications according to the system of logic used.
How to invent (or not invent) the first silicon MEMS gyroscope

Draper designed and constructed traditional mechanical gyroscopes for Apollo and for strategic guidance systems. In 1984, Draper started the double gimbal gyro, which led to the silicon-on-glass tuning fork gyroscope that reported the first useful performance of a silicon MEMS gyroscope in 1992. This work became the basis for the successful Honeywell MEMS inertial measurement units and the starting point for other MEMS angular rate sensors. This paper will discuss considerations that were factored into the first tuning fork. These known factors included the thin, available proof masses, efficient mass use, quadrature stiffness, fluid gas “surf boarding”, noise sources, frequency variation, and modal response. Unconsidered phenomena, such as glass charging, stiffness non-linearity, comb drive cross-coupling and electrical feed through, were designed around on the fly. Other fortuitous events such as material and parameter selection which avoided thermoelastic damping, which was not understood in MEMS until 2003, the limits of quadrature trimming, and the addition of key personnel, will be covered. In summary, demonstrating the first silicon MEMS gyroscope required wellapplied engineering and a bit of serendipity.
4D model-based iterative reconstruction from interlaced views

X-ray tomography is increasingly being used for 4D spatio-temporal imaging of material samples at micron and finer scales. However, the temporal resolution of widely used 4D reconstruction methods is severely limited by the need to acquire a very large number of views for each reconstructed 3D volume. In this paper, we present a time interlaced model-based iterative reconstruction (TIMBIR) method which can significantly improve the temporal resolution of reconstructions. TIMBIR is a synergistic combination of two innovations. The first innovation, interlaced view sampling, is a novel approach to data acquisition which distributes the view angles more evenly in time. The second innovation is a 4D model based iterative reconstruction algorithm (MBIR) which can produce time resolved volumetric reconstructions of the sample from the interlaced views. Reconstructions of simulated data indicate that TIMBIR can improve the temporal resolution by an order of magnitude relative to existing approaches.
Metabolic pathways linking glucoregulatory dysfunction and inflammatory physiology in ethnically distinct populations

In spite of publicity and policy efforts, industrialized countries continue to struggle with the increased prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. All conditions have been associated with inflammatory processes. However, the complex interactions between adipose, lipid, glucoregulatory, and inflammatory physiology challenge our thorough understanding of the causal and underlying pathways involved in metabolic disease progression. Furthermore, it is known that metabolic interactions vary by age, race and gender. Pathway analyses of complex multifactorial systems are not feasible in small population studies. We took advantage of the biomarkers of inflammation, adiposity, lipid balance and glucoregulation, assessed in a large sample of adults in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) and the Midlife in Japan (MIDJA) Projects. Structural equation models were employed to test the fit of a hypothetical model based on known physiological and biochemical linkages within and across these physiological systems. We also tested how well the primary model captured national differences between Japanese and Americans, and distinct racial differences between white and black Americans, and ultimately derived better models to fit each ethnic group. In our a priori model, we hypothesized causal pathways leading from glucoregulatory dysfunction to lipid abnormalities associated with inflammation, as indexed by proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP, FBG, ICAM-1, E-SEL). Our findings confirm the policy and clinical concerns about the extent of obesity and inflammation among American adults.
Doppler-free spectroscopy of mercury at 253.7 nm using a high-power, frequency-quadrupled, optically pumped external-cavity semiconductor laser

We have developed a stable, high-power, single-frequency optically pumped external-cavity semiconductor laser system and generate up to 125 mW of power at 253.7 nm using successive frequency doubling stages. We demonstrate precision scanning and control of the laser frequency in the UV to be used for cooling and trapping of mercury atoms. With active frequency stabilization, a linewidth of 1 W) optically pumped semiconductor laser system. The results demonstrate the utility of these devices for precision spectroscopy at deep-UV wavelengths.
Healed fractures in macaca mulatta: Age, sex, and symmetry

Previous studies utilizing series of wild-shot primates have suggested that there is an association between locomotor behavior, aggression and patterning of healed fractures. In this study, observatio
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of HSP90 Inhibitors Based on Conformational Analysis of Radicicol and Its Analogues

The molecular chaperone HSP90 is an attractive target for chemotherapy because its activity is required for the functional maturation of a number of oncogenes. Among the know inhibitors, radicicol, a 14-member macrolide, stands out as the most potent. A molecular dynamics/minimization of radicicol showed that there were three low energy conformers of the macrocycle. The lowest of these is the bioactive conformation observed in the cocrystal structure of radicicol with HSP90. Corresponding conformational analyses of several known analogues gave a good correlation between the bioactivity and the energy of the bioactive conformer, relative to other conformers. Based on this observation, a number of proposed analogues were analyzed for their propensity to adopt the bioactive conformation prior to synthesis. This led to the identification of pochonin D, a recently isolated secondary metabolite of Pochonia chlamydosporia, as a potential inhibitor of HSP90. Pochonin D was synthesized using polymer-bound reagents and shown to be nearly as potent an HSP90 inhibitor as radicicol.
Problem solving techniques for the design of algorithms

Abstract By studying the problem-solving techniques that people use to design algorithms we can learn something about building systems that automatically derive algorithms or assist human designers. In this paper we present a model of algorithm design based on our analysis of the protocols of two subjects designing three convex hull algorithms. The subjects work mainly in a data-flow problem space in which the objects are representations of partially specified algorithms. A small number of general-purpose operators construct and modify the representations; these operators are adapted to the current problem state by means-ends analysis. The problem space also includes knowledge-rich schemas such as divide and conquer that subjects incorporate into their algorithms. A particularly versatile problem-solving method in this problem space is symbolic execution, which can be used to refine, verify, or explain components of an algorithm. The subjects also work in a task-domain space about geometry. The interplay between problem solving in the two spaces makes possible the process of discovery. We have observed that the time a subject takes to design an algorithm is proportional to the number of components in the algorithm's data-flow representation. Finally, the details of the problem spaces provide a model for building a robust automated system.
How Probable is Cyber War? Bringing IR Theory Back In to the Cyber Conflict Debate

Abstract Many well-established explanations for war suggest that cyber weapons have a greater chance of being used offensively than other kinds of military technologies. This response article introduces a research agenda for the study of cyber war, and offers an example – principal-agent problems in cyber operations – to demonstrate how rigorous theoretical and empirical work may proceed.
Correlation and prediction of gaseous diffusion coefficients

A new correlation method for binary gaseous diffusion coefficients from very low temperatures to 10,000 K is proposed based on an extended principle of corresponding states, and having greater range and accuracy than previous correlations. There are two correlation parameters that are related to other physical quantities and that are predictable in the absence of diffusion measurements. Quantum effects and composition dependence are included, but high-pressure effects are not. The results are directly applicable to multicomponent mixtures.
Attachment Experiences Transformed Into Language

This exploratory study examined the linguistic components of adults' narratives on their attachment experiences, focusing on the process of transformation of the nonverbal experience into language. Securely attached mothers were found to differ significantly from insecurely attached mothers on cognitive ability to connect between experience and language. Results support the notion that language becomes the dynamic tool through which the individual negotiates meaning and transforms the nonverbal organized pattern of relatedness. Applications for therapy and directions for further research are discussed.
Using citizen surveys to influence and document culture change in local government

Research on the use of citizen surveys in local government has focused primarily on how the results are used to monitor and improve service performance. This case presents how a local government implemented a customer service intervention after a citizen survey (funded by the National Center for Civic Innovation's Government Performance Reporting Demonstration Grant Program) revealed that citizens were generally satisfied with major service areas but generally dissatisfied with their interactions with city employees. It also provides the results of another citizen survey that was used to document the intervention's success. A lesson learned from this review is that citizen and customer perceptions, as encouraged by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board's suggested criteria for reporting performance information, add significant value to a local government's performance measurement system.
The role of microstructure in the wear of selected steels

Abstract This investigation is a continuation of impact wear studies which focus on the nature of subsurface microstructure. Both AISI 1045 and 2.25Cr-1Mo steels were selected for their capacity to form various phase morphologies at given compositional states. Heat treatment was then performed to produce the desired two-phase (duplex) structure in both materials. The mating counterface to each test material was a 17-4 PH stainless steel in the martensitic condition. Compound impact wear tests were performed at relative transverse sliding velocities of 1 and 10 m s −1 with peak nominal contact stress maintained at 69 MPa for various numbers of repetitive load cycles. The formation and characterization of subsurface zones were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Wear debris was inspected by powder X-ray diffraction. The impact wear resistance of AISI 1045 and 2.25Cr-1Mo steels is dependent on transverse velocity. Variations in velocity lead to “trade offs” between specimen and counterface 17-4 PH stainless steel wear which is evidenced in weight loss data and correlates with microstructural observations (subsurface zone formation) for each two-phase system. Wear debris analysis confirms the presence of mechanochemical material interaction between specimen and counterface with increasing transformation and oxidation at the higher transverse sliding velocity.
Improved efficiency of mouse, guinea pig and human C3b inactivator at low ionic strength, and reproducible immune-adherence with mouse complement

Inactivation of homologous C3b by heated guinea pig, mouse and human serum was found to be much more rapid and complete at low ionic strength (0.037) than at micron = 0.15. The C3b inactivator in human and mouse serum was somewhat unstable to heating at 56 degrees C. Heated guinea pig serum showed the greatest ability to inactivate heterologous C3b, and human serum the least. Suramin (1 mg/ml) completely blocked homologous C3b inactivation by heated human, guinea pig and mouse serum, and 0.1 mg/ml was effective with mouse but not with human or guinea pig serum. Immune-adherence reactions with mouse C3 produced somewhat unstable hemagglutination patterns, which were improved by using ovalbumin in the buffer and minimizing EAC exposure to warm temperatures. A prozone phenomenon was frequently observed in immune-adherence hemagglutination with mouse C3, and less frequently with guinea pig and human C3.
Factors influencing the uptake and disposition of indomethacin-[14C] in cell cultures.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that indomethacin arrests growth of rat hepatoma (HTC) cell cultures in the G 1 phase, and that removal of the drug leads to resumption of synchronous growth. The arrest was dependent on the concentration of the drug and the scrum content of the medium. To determine how these and other factors affect the uptake of distribution of the drug in cell cultures, further studies were undertaken with indomethacin[14C]. The passage of indomethacin into the cells was rapid and reversible. The labeled drug was taken up by two processes; one was highly concentrative and possessed a high affinity for the drug hut was saturated by therapeutic concentrations of the drug: the other was nonsaturable over the range of concentrations studied (5–800 μM). In the absence of serum, the drug reached concentrations six to twelve times that in the medium. With increasing concentrations of serum in the medium, the ability of the cells to concentrate the drug was diminished, and with a high concentration of serum (> 30per cent), the intracellular level of drug in the cells was one to two times that in the medium. Small decreases in pH (± 0.4units) induced by changes in CO 2 levels or buffer resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in intracellular drug levels. The findings indicate that small changes in protein content, pH and CO 2 levels can have a marked influence on the cellular levels of indomethacin, and point to the possible usefulness of cell cultures to study the dynamics of drug distribution at the cellular level.
Resistor-Transmission-Line Circuits

Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for a function to be the driving-point impedance of a physically realizable network consisting (essentially) of lumped resistors and lossless transmission lines. The circuits so developed are thoroughly practical for pure reactances and in many other special cases, but, in general, ideal transformers are sometimes required. A rigorous correspondence between lumped-constant circuits and line-resistor circuits is established. This correspondence immediately extends the usefulness of a wealth of theorems and techniques.
Advanced Communications Satellite Systems

Demand for in-orbit capacity through the use of satellite systems will continue throughout the next two decades. The potential of the 30/20 GHz frequency band for fixed satellite services will be exploited. However, many technology questions must be answered if the band is to be used commercially because of the high rain fades that can occur at these high frequencies. NASA has conducted a technology development program in high gain antenna and on-board switching and processing systems which can be combined such that cost competitive services are possible at acceptable rain outage percentages. Other supporting technologies have also been pursued including transmitters, both tube type and solid state, and low noise receivers. The critical technologies have been combined into an experimental satellite payload; an experimental flight is planned to verify these technologies and enable development of operational systems. Implementation of such systems would be by commercial carriers and could occur in the early 1990's, depending on the demand for additional or bit capacity. The high capacity systems that can be made possible through the use of the 30/20 GHz band and the employment of frequency reuse technology will contribute to the continued downward trend in circuit costs and may allow new and innovative satellite services.
Seasonal activity and environmental control of foraging of the subterranean termite, Heterotermes aureus (Snyder), in a desert grassland

This research was conducted on a shrub-invaded desert grassland ecotone 40 km S of Tucson, Arizona. To examine the abiotic factors affecting or regulating foraging of subterranean termites a modified bait sampling method using toilet paper rolls was developed. Observations of foraging activity of Heterotermes aureus (Snyder) were made during 24-hr periods each week for one year. Pertinent environmental data were collected at each check. H. aureus foraged day and night throughout most of the year with minimal activity from December through February. Foraging intensity increased moderately in the spring and fall and was high but erratic during the summer months. The number of foragers generally increased with increasing temperature. Rainfall had little effect on foraging when daily mean soil temperatures were below 20°C (toilet paper roll-soil interface); however, even the slightest amount of rain during the hot summer months greatly increased foraging intensity. Above 33°C, even with precipitation, foraging numbers plummeted. The number of surface foragers at any instant (Y) is best explained by the equation, In Y = −0.985 − 0.0761 T + 2.928 ln T + 0.327 ln R where T is the temperature at the roll-soil interface and R is daily rainfall. It appears that foraging activity is not endogenously controlled; rather it is exogenously controlled by temperature and moisture.
Large-eddy simulation of mesoscale dynamics and entrainment around a pocket of open cells observed in VOCALS-REx RF06

Abstract. Large-eddy simulations of a pocket of open cells (POC) based on VOCALS Regional Experiment (REx) NSF C-130 Research Flight 06 are analyzed and compared with aircraft observations. A doubly-periodic domain 192 km × 24 km with 125 m horizontal and 5 m vertical grid spacing near the capping inversion is used. The POC is realized in the model as a fixed 96 km wide region of reduced cloud droplet number concentration (Nc) based on observed values; initialization and forcing are otherwise uniform across the domain. The model reproduces aircraft-observed differences in boundary-layer structure and precipitation organization between a well-mixed overcast region and a decoupled POC with open-cell precipitating cumuli, although the simulated cloud cover is too large in the POC. A sensitivity study in which Nc is allowed to advect following the turbulent flow gives nearly identical results over the 16 h length of the simulation (which starts at night and goes into the next afternoon). The simulated entrainment rate is nearly a factor of two smaller in the less turbulent POC than in the more turbulent overcast region. However, the inversion rises at a nearly uniform rate across the domain because powerful buoyancy restoring forces counteract horizontal inversion height gradients. A secondary circulation develops in the model that diverts subsiding free-tropospheric air away from the POC into the surrounding overcast region, counterbalancing the weaker entrainment in the POC with locally weaker subsidence.
Quantitative studies of CD8+ T-cell responses during microbial infection.

Abstract MHC class I tetramer staining, intracellular cytokine staining and ELISPOT assays have made it possible to quantify CD8+ T-cell responses precisely during and following viral and bacterial infection. Although these quantitative methods are by now familiar and trusted components of the immunologist’s toolbox, their application to models of microbial infection continues to provide surprising insights into mammalian adaptive immunity. In the past year there have been many exciting new findings on CD8+ T-cell priming, expansion and memory formation in response to microbial infection.
Characterization of cross-reacting antigens on the Epstein-Barr virus envelope and plasma membranes of producer cells

Abstract A rabbit antiserum has been prepared against the B95-8 transforming strain of EBV. The antiserum has a high virus neutralizing titer (∼1:1000) against both the marmoset B95-8 EBV and the human P3HR-1 EBV. The neutralizing antibodies may be absorbed completely with EBV producer cell lines, but not with nonproducer cell lines or producer cell lines treated with phosphonoacetic acid (PAA) so as to be nonproducer. After repeated absorption with PAA-treated B95-8, the serum remains reactive with the membranes of producer cell lines as judged by immunofluorescence or the 125 I-Staphylococcal protein A radioimmunoassay. Thus the neutralizing antigens are expressed on the membranes of producer cell lines and may be purified from this source using the serum and 125 I-Staph A binding as an assay. The ability of the serum to differentiate between producer and nonproducer cells by means of cell surface determinants has been exploited to achieve a separation of these two populations from the same culture. Immunoprecipitation by the protein A technique shows that the serum recognizes two polypeptides from producer cells of approximate molecular weights 150,000 and 75,000.
Comments on the origin of the midgut in insects

Reviews the question of the origin of the midgut of insects with its diverse appearances and interpretations. Without doubt the midgut epithelium in some insects is derived from the lower layer, but in other insects from the tips of the stomodaeal and proctodaeal invaginations. The question of its origin seems to be “a function of the position within the whole,” and best understood from a standpoint of the time of determination of the parts involved. Maps illustrating the prospective significances of the principal types are included and discussed.
Passive avoidance behavior in lean and obese rats with ventromedial hypothalamic lesions

Abstract Lean and obese rats with ventromedial hypothalamic lesions performed reliably worse than control animals in the acquisition of a step-down passive avoidance task. However, obese rats performed significantly better than lean VMH animals, which consistently leaped off the platform on the second and succeeding trials. While there were no significant differences between groups in the acquisition of a step-through passive avoidance task, lean and obese rats with VMH lesions took reliably longer than control animals to reach criterion when an identical step-through response had previously been reinforced (punishment-extinction of a one-way conditioned avoidance response). Both lean and obese VMH-damaged rats made more punished approach responses to water than control animals following water-deprivation to 88% of body weight, but only lean VMH rats made a significantly greater number of punished approach responses to liquid food than unoperated animals following food-deprivation to 88% of body weight. The number of punished consummatory responses appeared to be influenced by baseline intake. Among the animals tested in more than one paradigm, there was a significant positive correlation between the number of punished consummatory responses and the number of shocks received during punishment-extinction of the one-way CAR, but no relationship was observed between the performances in either of these and the step-down avoidance paradigm. The impaired passive avoidance behavior by rats with VMH lesions is attributed to both an inability to inhibit a previously reinforced response and a change in response tendencies to aversive stimuli.
Preliminary evidence of phenytoin-induced alterations in embryonic gene expression in a mouse model

SWV mouse embryos collected on gestational days (GD) 9:12 and 10:00 following chronic in utero exposure to teratogenic concentrations of phenytoin were utilized for in situ transcription studies of gene expression. The substrate cDNA obtained from the frozen embryo sections was amplified into radiolabelled antisense RNA (RT/aRNA) and used as a probe to screen a panel of 20 cDNA clones representing genes that are important regulators of craniofacial and neural development. The magnitude of alteration in gene expression following phenytoin treatment was determined densitometrically by changes in the hybridization intensity of the aRNA probes to the cDNA clones immobilized to the slot blots. We found that both Wnt-1 and the calcium channel gene were developmentally regulated, as their level of expression decreased significantly between the two collection times. Phenytoin treatment produced a significant downregulation in the level of expression for 25% of the genes examined in the GD 9:12 embryos, including the growth factors TGF-beta and NT3, the proto-oncogene Wnt-1, the nicotinic receptor, and the voltage sensitive calcium channel gene. Additional changes in the coordinate expression of several of the growth and transcription factors were observed at both gestational timepoints. The application of RT/aRNA technology has extended our appreciation of the normal patterns of gene expression during craniofacial and neural development, and provided the first demonstration of multiple coordinate changes in transcription patterns following teratogenic insult.
Identification of nerve growth factor receptors in primary cultures of chick neural crest cells

Primary cultures of chick neural crest cells obtained from explanted neural tubes have binding sites for radioiodinated nerve growth factor ([125I]NGF) but not for radioiodinated epidermal growth factor ([125I]EGF). The binding of [125I]NGF was shown to be a specific and saturable process with a high affinity (Kd = 0.3 nM) for the ligand. Despite the expression of these NGF binding sites, incubation of the neural crest cultures with nerve growth factor did not induce neurite outgrowth; no morphological alterations were observed. This was not due to an inability of the cells to express a neuronal phenotype, since the neural crest cells spontaneously differentiated into neurite-bearing cells. However, the nerve growth factor binding sites do appear to be functional receptors, since nerve growth factor could produce a modest induction of ornithine decarboxylase. The quantity of nerve growth factor binding sites seemed to be independent of the phenotype expressed by the neural crest cells, since both pigmented cells and neuron-like neural crest cells exhibited binding. These findings suggest that the differentiation of neural crest cells into mature nerve growth factor-responsive neurons may involve the coupling of nerve growth factor receptors to cellular responses important in the expression of the neuronal phenotype.
Developmental neurobiology of the rat attachment system and its modulation by stress.

Stress is a powerful modulator of brain structure and function. While stress is beneficial for survival, inappropriate stress dramatically increases the risk of physical and mental health problems, particularly when experienced during early developmental periods. Here we focus on the neurobiology of the infant rat’s odor learning system that enables neonates to learn and approach the maternal odor and describe the unique role of the stress hormone corticosterone in modulating this odor approach learning across development. During the first nine postnatal days, this odor approach learning of infant rats is supported by a wide range of sensory stimuli and ensures attachment to the mother’s odor, even when interactions with her are occasionally associated with pain. With maturation and the emergence of a stress- or pain-induced corticosterone response, this odor approach learning terminates and a more adult-like amygdala-dependent fear/avoidance learning emerges. Strikingly, the odor approach and attenuated fear learning of older pups can be re-established by the presence of the mother, due to her ability to suppress her pups’ corticosterone release and amygdala activity. This suggests that developmental changes in stress responsiveness and the stimuli that produce a stress response might be critically involved in optimally adapting the pup’s attachment system to its respective ecological niche.
Postpartum Sexual Functioning and Its Relationship to Perineal Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Primiparous Women

Abstract Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between obstetric perineal trauma and postpartum sexual functioning. Study Design: Our study was carried out with a retrospective cohort design in 3 groups of primiparous women after vaginal birth: Group 1 (n = 211) had an intact perineum or first-degree perineal tear; group 2 (n = 336) had second-degree perineal trauma; group 3 (n = 68) had third- or fourth-degree perineal trauma. These sample sizes reflect a 70% response rate. Outcomes were time to resuming sexual intercourse, dyspareunia, sexual satisfaction, sexual sensation, and likelihood of achieving orgasm. Results: At 6 months post partum about one quarter of all primiparous women reported lessened sexual sensation, worsened sexual satisfaction, and less ability to achieve orgasm, as compared with these parameters before they gave birth. At 3 and 6 months post partum 41% and 22%, respectively, reported dyspareunia. Relative to women with an intact perineum, women with second-degree perineal trauma were 80% more likely (95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.8) and those with third- or fourth-degree perineal trauma were 270% more likely (95% confidence interval, 1.7-7.7) to report dyspareunia at 3 months post partum. At 6 months post partum, the use of vacuum extraction or forceps was significantly associated with dyspareunia (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.8), and women who breast-fed were ≥4 times as likely to report dyspareunia as those who did not breast-feed (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-7.0). Episiotomy conferred the same profile of sexual outcomes as did spontaneous perineal lacerations. Conclusions: Women whose infants were delivered over an intact perineum reported the best outcomes overall, whereas perineal trauma and the use of obstetric instrumentation were factors related to the frequency or severity of postpartum dyspareunia, indicating that it is important to minimize the extent of perineal damage incurred during childbirth. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:881-90.)
A proposed corporate governance reform: Financial statements insurance

Abstract The inherent conflicts of interest in the auditor–client relationship and the unobservability of financial statement quality are likely culprits in the recent corporate scandals such as Enron and WorldCom. The solution proposed here is a financial statement insurance (FSI) mechanism. Instead of appointing and paying auditors, companies would purchase financial statement insurance that provides coverage to investors against losses suffered as a result of misrepresentation in the financial reports. The coverage and the premiums would be publicized. The insurance carriers then would appoint and pay the auditors. Those announcing higher limits of coverage and smaller premiums would distinguish themselves in the eyes of the investors as companies with higher quality financial statements. In contrast, those with smaller or no coverage or higher premiums would reveal themselves as having lower quality financial statements. Every company would be eager to get higher coverage and pay smaller premiums, lest it be identified as the latter. By transferring the hiring decision to the insurer, this scheme eliminates the auditor's inherent conflict of interest. The publicization of the coverage and the premium credibly signals the quality of the insured's financial statements and direct investments towards better projects. At the same time, the ability to signal the quality of financial statements provides companies with incentives to improve them. Thus, FSI will result in fewer misrepresentations and, accordingly, in fewer suits and smaller shareholders’ losses, as well as a more efficient allocation of resources.
Cooperativity: Action at a distance in a classic system

Abstract A new high resolution crystal structure of the phage λ repressor reveals the basis for repressor dimer formation and, together with biochemical data, provides insights into the mechanism of repressor tetramer formation, a process essential to the cooperative binding and gene regulatory activities of this protein.
Nonrandomness of point mutation as reflected in nucleotide substitutions in pseudogenes and its evolutionary implications

We have obtained a revised estimate of the pattern of point mutation by considering more pseudogene sequences. Compared with our previous estimate, it agrees better with expectations based on the double-strand structure of DNA. The revised pattern, like the previous one, indicates that mutation occurs nonrandomly among the four nucleotides. In particular, the proportion of transitional mutations (59%) is almost twice as high as the value (33%) expected under random mutation. The same high proportion of transitions is observed in synonymous substitutions in genes. The proportion of transitional changes observed among electrophoretic variants of human hemoglobin is about the same as that predicted by the revised pattern of mutation. We also show that nonrandom mutation increases, by about 15%, the proportion of synonymous mutations due to single-nucleotide changes in the codon table, and increases, from 10% to 50%, the rate of synonymous mutation in the seven genes studied. However, nonrandom mutation reduces (by about 10%) the proportion of polar changes among nonsynonymous mutations in a gene. As far as single-nucleotide changes (in the codon table) are concerned, nonrandom mutation only slightly favors relatively conservative amino acid interchanges, and has virtually no effect on the proportions of radical changes and nonsense mutations.
Reliability of the measurement of stroke volume using impedance cardiography during acute cold exposure.

INTRODUCTION: It is well documented that cardiovascular alterations occur during acute cold exposure (ACE). Interindividual variability is present, due mainly to body size differences, gender, and age. However, no study has evaluated stroke volume in the same individual twice in the same ambient conditions (i.e., test-retest reliability). Impedance cardiography (ICG) has become a popular method to acquire hemodynamic data in both clinical and applied physiology settings. Further, ICG does not interfere with other dependent variables such as oxygen consumption. Therefore, based on the uniqueness of the methodology, we sought to test reliability in this technology at 5 degrees C for 65 min on two separate occasions. METHODS: Nine young men underwent two 65-min trials of resting ACE, separated by at least 72 h. Volunteers were clothed in approximately one layer of clothing. Core and skin temperatures, oxygen consumption, and central hemodynamics were measured. RESULTS: As expected, core and skin temperature decreased while oxygen consumption showed a modest increase over time. In both trials, stroke volume significantly increased over time as heart rate decreased. There was similarity within subjects and between trials for all variables, as assessed via bivariate correlations. CONCLUSION: Cold increased stroke volume and decreased heart rate when subjects were pooled together, but each subject retained his individuality (minimal interindividual differences). Results suggest that impedance cardiography may be a reliable technique to use during acute cold exposure.
Implications of variation in resin composition among organs, tissues and populations in the tropical legume Hymenaea

Abstract Variation in leaf blade, petiole and primary stem resins, composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, is analysed in two contrasting species of the tropical legume Hymenaea . Five populations of the New World H. courbaril , spanning a wide range of ecosystems, are compared with a population of the disjunct African H. verrucosa . Resins in petiole and primary stem tissue are similar, but differ significantly in total composition from leaf blade tissues. The major components, caryophyllene, α- and β-selinene and β-copaene vary most significantly among the tissues, but all compounds vary at highly significant levels among populations. The variation patterns in resin composition among the leaf blade and petiole/primary stem tissues are put into a larger context of comparison with the primarily diterpenoid patterns in secondary stem and pod tissues. Although the comparatively minor quantitative differences in the sesquiterpene systems could be attributed solely to developmental and physiological differences among the tissues and populations, the total weight of accumulating evidence regarding quantitative variation and demonstrated toxic and deterrent properties of sesquiterpene resins to insect herbivores leads us to hypothesize a possible role of differential predator pressures.
Anisotropic effective moduli of microcracked materials under antiplane loading

This study focuses on the prediction of the anisotropic effective elastic moduli of a solid containing microcracks with an arbitrary degree of alignment by using the generalized self-consistent method (GSCM). The effective elastic moduli pertaining to anti-plane shear deformation are discussed in detail. The undamaged solid can be isotropic as well as anisotropic. When the undamaged solid is isotropic, the GSCM can be realized exactly. When the undamaged solid is anisotropic it is difficult to provide an analytical solution for the crack opening displacement to be used in the GSCM, thus an approximation of the GSCM is pursued in this case. The explicit expressions of coupled nonlinear equations for the unknown effective moduli are obtained. The coupled nonlinear equations are easily solved through iteration.
Fallibility and the Phenomenal Sorites

1. Consider a row of 50 colored patches, changing incrementally from determinately red at the left to determinately orange-hence not red-at the right. This familiar sort of series sets up a sorites paradox involving redness, but let's attack the more challenging one concerning looking red to me (or for brevity, just looking red). Given normal vision and circumstances, the left-most patch determinately looks red and the right-most patch determinately does not. This case suggests the following canonical sorites argument:
Evidence for localized enhancement of biological associated with tube and burrow structures in deep-sea sediments at the HEEBLE site, western North Atlantic

Relict burrows on the Nova Scotian Rise act as traps for highly reactive, relatively fresh organic matter from recent diatom blooms in surface waters. As such, the burrows are sites of enhanced biological activity and intensive decomposition in otherwise organic-poor sediment. These infilled burrows, as well as normally inhabited structures significantly influence sediment chemistry and the three-dimensional distributions and abundances of sediment microorganisms, meio- and macroinfauna. A tube dwelling of Amphicteis sp. (an ampharetid polychaete) and 5 burrows of various configurations were examined from box cores from a depth of ∼4820 m at the HEEBLE site. Bacterial abundances were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in sediment immediately surrounding the burrows than in ambient sediment (12 vs 7 × 109g1). Organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations were also slightly higher near burrows. Meiofauna, particularly nematodes and foraminifera, double or even triple their densities around burrows compared with ambient sediment possibly responding to enhanced microorganism standing stocks. Total sediment ATP concentrations mirror the patterns of bacterial and meiofaunal abundances and show highest concentrations in the innermost radial zone around burrows. Sedimentary Mn and Fe distributions imply more reducing conditions and metabolically reactive organic matter near burrows. The existence of detectable, solid-phase Mn and Fe gradients associated with burrows indicate that these structures had been stable for periods of at least several weeks. At the HEBBLE site, 30–120 burrows of diameter 0.2–5 cm were visible per m2 of seafloor, with substantially greater numbers of smaller-diameter burrows evident from X-radiographs. Although only ∼1% of the total exposed bottom surface is covered by the large-diameter burrows, each burrow can influence a surrounding radius of ∼3 cm, and thus affect sedimentary characteristics of 10–34% of the bottom (at steady state). Despite periodic erosion of the seafloor by strong near-bottom currents, filled and unfilled burrow structures are sufficiently long lived and the response of the associated organisms sufficiently rapid that distinct biogeochemical properties develop around them.
Diagnosis of Intimate Partner Violence: A New Diagnostic Protocol Versus Standard Emergency Departmentent (SOP) Protocol

ship experience and matching at a program that the candidate chooses. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 180 first year oral and maxillofacial surgery residents in ADA-accredited OMFS programs, and 61 residents responded. The questionnaire consisted of 31 questions grouped into 4 sections: general information, externship experience, candidate training/qualifications, and the match process. Method of Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics (frequency and percent) were determined for all survey questions, and comparisons were made using Fisher’s Exact test. Results: Of the 61 responses, 53% and 51% of the responders respectively were ranked in top 10% of the class and scored 90-94 Part I of the National Dental Boards. Most applicants (66%) did not complete an advanced education program; however, 98% performed at least one externship which on average lasted 4.5 weeks and spent $500 - $1500. Respondents listed faculty recommendations and the program reputation as accounting for 48% of the decision where to perform an externship. Conclusion: Only 25% of the applicants who performed an externship matched with their externship program. There is a significant association between a number of applications to the Match and the amount of experience as well as class rank. A larger percentage of applicants whose class rank is 0-10% tend to apply only one time to the Match compared to other applicants. The experience of an externship plays an integral role in the Match selection process.
Ibotenic acid lesions of prefrontal cortex do not prevent expression of behavioral sensitization to amphetamine

We have shown previously that ibotenic acid lesions of the prefrontal cortex, performed prior to repeated amphetamine administration, do not affect sensitization of stereotyped behaviors but do prevent sensitization of post-stereotypy locomotor hyperactivity [Wolf et al., Neuroscience, 69 (1995) 417-439]. This could reflect an effect of the lesion on either development or expression of locomotor sensitization. To test the latter possibility, rats were treated with repeated amphetamine injections and tested to establish behavioral sensitization. Then, half received ibotenic acid lesions of prefrontal cortex and half received sham lesions. A second amphetamine challenge, 7 days later, demonstrated that the lesion failed to prevent expression of sensitization. Together with previous results, this suggests that intrinsic neurons of prefrontal cortex, most likely those sending excitatory amino acid-containing projections to the ventral tegmental area, are required for the development but not the expression of behavioral sensitization to amphetamine.
Broadband amplification with Gunn diodes

A broadband u.h.f. amplifier is described. It uses a Gunn diode oscillating at X band frequencies. The source of negative resistance for amplification is related to a lowered current saturation as viewed in I/V characteristics for the diode.
Segregation: a global history of divided cities

In recent decades, one strategy scholars have employed in navigating the vastness of world history is to organize analysis around a singular focus, for example, by tracing the history of a trade co...
Application of reprogrammed patient cells to investigate the etiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Cellular reprogramming allows for the de novo generation of human neurons and glial cells from patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Crucially, this technology preserves the genome of the donor individual and thus provides a unique opportunity for systematic investigation of genetic influences on neuronal pathophysiology. Although direct reprogramming of adult somatic cells to neurons is now possible, the majority of recent studies have used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patient fibroblasts to generate neural progenitors that can be differentiated to specific neural cell types. Investigations of monogenic diseases have established proof-of-principle for many aspects of cellular disease modeling, including targeted differentiation of neuronal populations and rescue of phenotypes in patient iPSC lines. Refinement of protocols to allow for efficient generation of iPSC lines from large patient cohorts may reveal common functional pathology and genetic interactions in diseases with a polygenic basis.We review several recent studies that illustrate the utility of iPSC-based cellular models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders to identify novel phenotypes and therapeutic approaches.
Crystal structures of substrates and products bound to the phosphoglycerate kinase active site reveal the catalytic mechanism.

Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) catalyzes the reversible phosphoryl transfer between 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate and ADP to form 3-phosphoglycerate and ATP in the presence of magnesium. The detailed positions of the substrates during catalysis have been a long-standing puzzle due to the major conformational changes required for active site formation. Here we report the refined closed form Trypanosoma brucei PGK ternary complex at an improved resolution of 2.5 A, together with the crystal structure of closed form T. brucei PGK in complex with the nucleotide analogue AMP-PNP. In the 180 000 Da asymmetric unit of the ternary complex, four closed form PGK molecules appear to be arranged as two asymmetric dimers. Quite surprisingly, each dimer is comprised of one 3-phosphoglycerate. MgADP.PGK ternary complex and one Pi.MgADP.PGK pseudoternary complex. The substrates in the ternary complex are bound in a fashion nearly identical to that in open form PGK, but a 30 degrees hinge bending conformational change has brought them together and in-line for catalysis. The pseudoternary complex subunits exhibit a similar hinge closure but contain, instead of 3-phosphoglycerate, a single phosphate molecule bound in the active site. This phosphate binds to a site expected for the 1-position phosphate of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, hence providing information for the binding mode for this chemically unstable substrate. The structure of the binary PGK.MgAMP-PNP complex indicates the binding mode for MgATP. An examination of the interactions made by the transferring phosphate groups of the substrate, 1, 3-bisphosphoglycerate, and the product, ATP, reveals that in each case only two of the three nonbridging phosphate oxygens are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. In contrast, a model of the transition state phosphoryl group based on all available structural data reveals active site stabilization of all three negatively charged phosphoryl oxygens. These structural models provide insight into the nature of the phosphoryl-transfer reaction catalyzed by PGK and related enzymes.