cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic planning in an age of uncertainty

Abstract Strategic planning and decision making in the face of uncertainty have always presented a serious challenge to top management, but the present scale of uncertainty is unprecedented. Decision makers used to be able to rely on the past to predict the trends of the future. Now they are increasingly being forced to make important decisions that depend upon highly uncertain external factors for which the past offers little guidance. In all areas of business and government, there is a vital need to understand and implement procedures that enable decision makers to deal more effectively with uncertainty for planning and allocating their organizations' resources. Because of differences in their social, political and economic environments, European and Japanese managers are today affected by many acute areas of uncertainty— such as industrial democracy, floating exchange rates, changing social and political values, growing environmental awareness, government regulation, technological change, pollution control regulation, energy cost, and raw material availability—earlier than their counterparts in the U.S.A. These uncertainties affect not only private sector manufacturing industries, but also financial and service industries as well as nationalized industries and government organizations. This article shows how ineffective methods of dealing with uncertainty can lead to serious mistakes with costly consequences. The cost of overconfidence and people's natural but futile tendency to ignore or to try to eliminate uncertainty is illustrated by the crises seen recently in the world steel and shipbuilding industries. The article then demonstrates how decision analysis procedures that focus directly on the major decision points in the strategic plan enable executives not only to include uncertainty directly in their strategic planning, but also to increase their understanding of the decision process and their ability to communicate the results to others.
Acidic transcription factors alleviate nucleosome-mediated repression of DNA replication of bovine papillomavirus type 1

The papillomavirus E2 transcription factor is directly involved in viral DNA replication. Previous studies have shown that E2 interacts with both the viral E1 helicase and cellular replication proteins, and thus it may facilitate their targeting to the origin of replication. We demonstrate here that E1-mediated replication of bovine papillomavirus type 1 is repressed by nucleosomal assembly. The E2 protein counteracts this repression, and such activation requires the E2-binding sites adjacent to the origin of replication. These in vitro results are consistent with the previous in vivo findings that both E2 and specific E2 binding to DNA are absolutely required for replication of bovine papillomavirus. Furthermore, the function of E2 in preventing nucleosome-mediated repression can be achieved as well by several other acidic transcription factors. These data therefore strongly support the idea that a group of enhancer proteins may utilize similar mechanisms to stimulate transcription and replication.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A Comparative Study of the Active Immunity Induced by Inactivated and Viable Pathogenic Rickettsia rickettsii

An experimental model of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) was developed in man for quantitation of protective immunity induced by inactivated and viable pathogenic Rickettsia rickettsii. Attack rates were increased, and the incubation period shortened, by increasing the infecting dose of virulent rickettsiae. Administration of inactivated vaccines made from infected tick tissue or embryonated hens' eggs led to a rise in humoral antibodies in a low percentage of men. When given three to six months before exposure to virulent rickettsiae, both vaccines altered the response in volunteers by prolonging the incubation period and decreasing the frequency of clinical relapse. Six men who were four to 17 months convalescent from induced RMSF failed to develop clinical illness after challenge with 1 ID94 (94% infectious dose) of virulent rickettsiae. These studies indicate that solid immunity is imparted by RMSF illness, while inactivated vaccines offer minimal protection.
Effect of competition control treatments on height-age and height-diameter relationships in young Douglas-fir plantations☆

Abstract Height-age and height-diameter models for plantations of young Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco var. menziesii ) were examined in relation to vegetation management treatments. The models were developed from 10 years of measurements in a competition release study installed on six sites in the Coast Ranges of Oregon and Washington. Analysis of height growth patterns for dominant trees indicated significant differences between the total vegetation control treatment and operational release treatments or no treatment. The resulting height-age function depicted exponential growth patterns for the total vegetation control treatment and nearly linear patterns for the operational release treatment and no treatment. The height-diameter function was compatible with dominant height growth and quadratic mean diameter prediction functions. Different height-diameter curve shapes were associated with total vegetation control and the operational release and no treatments. The resulting function implied that Douglas-fir trees of a given diameter and age were slightly taller when under interspecific competition, especially for trees with smaller diameters. The height-age and height-diameter functions may be used in conjunction with diameter distribution or stand table projection models developed for those data to predict dynamics and stand structure in young Douglas-fir plantations.
Further evidence for the genetic origin of mutations in mammalian somatic cells: the effects of ploidy level and selection stringency on dose-dependent chemical mutagenesis to purine analogue resistance in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract Whether resistance to purine analogues 8-azaguanine (AG) and 6-thioguanine (TG) in mammalian cells is due to gene mutation or to epigenetic changes was investigated by an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) dose-dependent induced “resistance” to these analogues in two near-diploid (2N) and one tetraploid (4N) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. EMS produced higher cell killing in 2N than in 4N cells. In the 2N cells, EMS-induced mutations to TG (1.7 μg/ml) resistance increased approximately as a linear function of the dose from 0–400 μg/ml. However, EMS was ineffective in inducing such mutation in the 4N cells. These observations are consistent with the notion that the induced TG resistance arose as a result of mutation at the gene or chromosome level. In each cell type, both the “observed” spontaneous and the EMS-induced frequency to purine analogue resistance decreased with increasing concentration of purine analogues. However, among the “resistant” clones a high proportion of those selected at 1.2 and 3.0 μg/ml of AG, a small portion selected at 7.5 μg/ml of AG, and virtually none at 1.7 and 6.0 μg/ml of TG are capable of growth in medium containing aminopterin (10 μM). This suggests that, under less stringent selective conditions, some resistant variants were being selected through mechanisms not yet defined.
Strength and resistance to interference in practiced recognition: memory retrieval abilities investigated through latent structure modeling.

Abstract : In support of improving general research practices and USAF selection procedures, AFRL/HEAI has documented AFOSR- sponsored research leading to the acceptance for publication of "Memory-retrieval abilities investigated through latent structure modeling" in the American Journal of Psychology (expected 2001, vol. 114). While the paper examines issues in cognitive and differential psychology (a necessity for publishing in this kind of journal), the AF relevant part of the article is methodological. The paper shows how a criterion can be decomposed, by careful design of part tasks, into a set of hypothetical abilities important for the criterion. Latent structure modeling is then applied to assess both the reality and the importance of the underlying abilities to the criterion. This methodology provides a structured, potentially job-tailored, approach to selection test construction and validation. This work is legacy work from closing work units. There is no active selection research at AFRL.
Analysis of the 4800-Å absorption band of Cs2 by the classical method

Abstract The broad absorption band in Cs 2 having peak intensity near 4800 A is analyzed through computational simulation of the experimental spectrum using the classical method. The absorption, which terminates in a weak satellite at 5223 A, can be interpreted in terms of a single transition from the ground state ( R e = 4.65 A, ω e = 42 cm −1 ) to an upper state having T e = 20 470 cm −1 , ω e = 33 cm −1 and R e = 5.28 A. The absolute absorption strength is roughly consistent with published lifetime data, but its reliability is limited by thermodynamic uncertainties stemming from the remaining uncertainty in the Cs 2 ground state dissociation enegy. The paper includes a summary of diatomic radiation relations pertinent to the analysis of low-resolution spectra, and a brief discussion of the reduced potential method applied to the alkali dimer ground states.
Cavin1; a regulator of lung function and macrophage phenotype.

Caveolae are cell membrane invaginations that are highly abundant in adipose tissue, endothelial cells and the lung. The formation of caveolae is dependent on the expression of various structural proteins that serve as scaffolding for these membrane invaginations. Cavin1 is a newly identified structural protein whose deficiency in mice leads to loss of caveolae formation and to development of a lipodystrophic phenotype. In this study, we sought to investigate the functional role of Cavin1 in the lung. Cavin1 deficient mice possessed dramatically altered distal lung morphology and exhibited significant physiological alterations, notably, increased lung elastance. The changes in distal lung architecture were associated with hypercellularity and the accumulation of lung macrophages. The increases in lung macrophages occurred without changes to circulating numbers of mononuclear cells and without evidence for increased proliferation. However, the increases in lung macrophages were associated with higher levels of macrophage chemotactic factors CXCL2 and CCL2 in BAL fluid from Cavin1−/− mice suggesting a possible mechanism by which these cells accumulate. In addition, lung macrophages from Cavin1−/− mice were larger and displayed measurable differences in gene expression when compared to macrophages from wild-type mice. Interestingly, macrophages were also increased in adipose tissue but not in liver, kidney or skeletal muscle from Cavin1−/− mice, and similar tissue specificity for macrophage accumulation was observed in lungs and adipose tissue from Caveolin1−/− mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates an important role for Cavin1 in lung homeostasis and suggests that caveolae structural proteins are necessary for regulating macrophage number and phenotype in the lung.
Inhibition of serotonin uptake and the toxic interaction between meperidine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Abstract The possibility that inhibition of serotonin uptake by meperidine was the basis for the greater toxicity of the drug in animals treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors was investigated by comparing meperidine to a new potent inhibitor of serotonin uptake, Lilly 110140 (3-[p-trifluoromethylphenoxy]-N-methyl-3-phenylpropylamine hydrochloride). The blockade of 4-chloroamphetamine-induced depletion of brain serotonin was used as a measure of inhibition of uptake into serotoninergic neurons. With meperidine, the doses required to inhibit that uptake were approximately equal to doses that were lethal in tranylcypromine-pretreated mice. Lilly 110140, on the other hand, inhibited uptake at doses less than 1 100 of those that were toxic in tranylcypromine-pretreated mice. These findings show that inhibition of uptake into serotoninergic neurons does not in itself lead to toxic interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Relative contributions of protein sulfhydryl loss and lipid peroxidation to allyl alcohol-induced cytotoxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

The time course of allyl alcohol-induced toxicity was studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. The sequence of events was as follows: an initial, rapid depletion of glutathione (GSH), a subsequent increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), and the eventual loss of membrane integrity. The sulfhydryl compounds, N-acetylcysteine and dithiothreitol, markedly delayed the depletion of GSH, prevented significant loss of PSH, and protected the cells against viability loss. In contrast, the antioxidants, butylated hydroxytoluene and Trolox C, and the iron-chelating agent, deferoxamine, suppressed allyl alcohol-induced MDA production without affecting the depletion of cellular thiols or the loss of viability. The results suggest that the inactivation of protein thiol groups is critical for allyl alcohol toxicity whereas lipid peroxidation is not essential to the toxic process.
Virus-induced autoimmunity: Potential role of viruses in initiation, perpetuation, and progression of T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease

Virus infections have been implicated in the initiation of multiple human autoimmune diseases. This article focuses on reviewing the role of viruses in initiation, progression, and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. Various mechanisms by which virus infections can induce autoimmune responses including molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, direct bystander activation, and release of cryptic epitopes are discussed. Evidence implicating virus infections in the pathogenesis of various human autoimmune diseases is reviewed. Last, the characteristics of animal models that have been developed for the study of the potential role of viruses in the initiation and progression of autoimmune disease are reviewed.
Coverage-dependent structures of sulfur on Pt(111) studied by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)

Abstract The structures of sulfur at different coverages on the Pt(111) surface have been examined using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The following ordered structures were identified as a function of coverage: (2 × 2) at 1/4 ML (monolayer), (√3 × √3)R30° at 1/3 ML and c(7 × √3)rect. at 3/7 ML. Dynamical LEED calculations were used to determine the adsorption geometry of the sulfur atom and examine the adsorbate-induced surface relaxations of the (2 × 2) and (√3 × √3)R30° structures. The best agreement with calculated LEED I–V curves was obtained for sulfur adsorption in the fcc hollow sites for both overlayers. For the (2 × 2) structure, the first- and the second-layer Pt atoms are relaxed in the perpendicular and perhaps in the lateral directions. For the (√3 × √3)R30° structure, perpendicular relaxations are not allowed by symmetry, while small lateral relaxations are possible. The S Pt bond length is 2.24Afor the (2 × 2) and 2.25Afor the (√3 × √3)R30° structure. STM studies of the high-coverage c(7 × √3)rect.-3S structure indicate that there are three sulfur atoms per unit cell, with two sulfur atoms in fcc hollow sites and one in an hcp hollow site.
Biocarbon urinary conduit Laboratory experience and clinical applications

A new urinary conduit utilizing pure vitreous carbon has been used successfully in dogs. Pure carbon appears to be inert with respect to urine and urothelium. Lack of urinary salt encrustation on the exposed surface provides a well-functioning urinary conduit for vesical drainage. Twenty-one vesicostomies were performed in dogs. Careful follow-up and histologic studies of removed specimens were done to establish the biocompatibility of pure carbon. All vesicostomies functioned well. A description of the device, protocol, and results of laboratory experimentation are outlined. The surgical procedure is explained in detail. Results encourage the clinical trial of these devices in humans. Indications include patients with neurogenic vesicla dysfunction and those with total urinary incontinence, both of which require permanent indwelling catheters.
Response to "Going in the wrong direction with monsplasty".

In their Letter to the Editor, Drs Davison and LaBove pose an interesting question regarding the optimal scar placement for monsplasty and advocate that vertical pull on the mons elongates the pubic area by raising the hairline. While in many massive weight loss patients, the mons region can have both vertical and horizontal excess, the vertical component is easy to manage, as long as the scar is based 6 cm above the anterior vulvar commissure. We agree that if this scar is placed too …
Platelet-derived growth factor is a survival factor for PSA-NCAM+ oligodendrocyte pre-progenitor cells.

Mature oligodendroglia, which synthesize and express lipids and proteins characteristic of myelin, are generated from precursor cells which are formed in germinal matrix, then migrate widely through the neuraxis. We now demonstrate that these precursor cells can be recognized at a very early stage by their surface expression of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecules (PSA-NCAM), and only later bind anti ganglioside antibodies that had previously been used to recognize “O-2A” oligodendroglial precursor cells. PSA-NCAM expression by these cells is likely to be of functional significance, since a recent study demonstrated that O-2A cells become immobile when stripped of PSA-NCAM. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) proved to be a survival factor for these PSA-NCAM + cells, and in a defined medium, PDGF was sufficient to ensure maturation of immunopurified PSA-NCAM + cells to oligodendroglia. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Long Non-Coding RNA GAS5 Cooperates with the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E to Regulate c-Myc Translation

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of transcription; however, their involvement in protein translation is not well known. Here we explored whether the lncRNA GAS5 is associated with translation initiation machinery and regulates translation. GAS5 was enriched with eukaryotic translation initiation factor-4E (eIF4E) in an RNA-immunoprecipitation assay using lymphoma cell lines. We identified two RNA binding motifs within eIF4E protein and the deletion of each motif inhibited the binding of GAS5 with eIF4E. To confirm the role of GAS5 in translation regulation, GAS5 siRNA and in vitro transcribed GAS5 RNA were used to knock down or overexpress GAS5, respectively. GAS5 siRNA had no effect on global protein translation but did specifically increase c-Myc protein level without an effect on c-Myc mRNA. The mechanism of this increase in c-Myc protein was enhanced association of c-Myc mRNA with the polysome without any effect on protein stability. In contrast, overexpression of in vitro transcribed GAS5 RNA suppressed c-Myc protein without affecting c-Myc mRNA. Interestingly, GAS5 was found to be bound with c-Myc mRNA, suggesting that GAS5 regulates c-Myc translation through lncRNA-mRNA interaction. Our findings have uncovered a role of GAS5 lncRNA in translation regulation through its interactions with eIF4E and c-Myc mRNA.
Comparative toxicity and renal distribution of the platinum analogs tetraplatin, CHIP, and cisplatin at equimolar doses in the Fischer 344 rat.

Abstract Tetraplatin [tetrachloro( dl-trans )1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(IV), NSC-363812] is a new anticancer platinum drug analog targeted for clinical development because of its effectiveness against cisplatin-resistant tumor cell lines and its improved formulation. The toxicity of tetraplatin was compared at equimolar doses to that of cisplatin [ cis -diamminedichlorophatinum(II)] and CHIP [ cis -dichloro, trans -dihydroxybis-isopropylamine platinum(IV), NSC-256927]. Adult male Fischer 344 rats received an iv bolus injection of 6.7, 13.3, 26.7, or 53.3 μmol/kg of one of these drugs in saline and were killed on Day 1, 3, 5, 8, or 15 postinjection for assessment of toxicity with emphasis on evaluation of nephrotoxicity. Rats to be killed on Day 15 were housed in metabolism cages for daily urine collection. Tetraplatin was less nephrotoxic than cisplatin at equimolar doses; CHIP was not nephrotoxic at these doses. Renal platinum contents were similar after all three drugs and did not appear to be related directly to the nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was detected 4–5 days after 6.7 μmol/kg cisplatin, was localized to the corticomedullary junction, and progressed with time and dose. Tetraplatin-induced alterations of renal function were first observed after 13.4 μmol/kg on Day 4 as an elevation of urine volume (up to 10-fold) and a smaller elevation of urinary glucose excretion. Tetraplatin lesions were localized in the mid- and outer cortex and, even at the highest dose, were less severe than those observed with cisplatin. There were other prominent toxic effects of tetraplatin, such as gastrointestinal toxicity and myelosuppression, which indicate that factors other than comparative nephrotoxicity may impact the clinical potential of this new agent.
Fluoxetine-induced sleep disturbance in depressed patients

Abnormal polysomnographic (PSG) features, most notably increased electromyographic (EMG) tone and eye movements during non-REM sleep have been observed during sleep in fluoxetine-treated depressed patients. However, the relationship between these PSG features and sleep disruption is unclear. Nine depressed patients treated with 10 to 80 mg of fluoxetine and six unmedicated, depressed patients were studied polysomnographically on two consecutive nights during which sleep parameters, transient arousals, and eye movements were measured. The fluoxetine group experienced a lower-average sleep efficiency index (SEI) and significantly more eye movements and arousals during non-REM sleep than the control group. Eye movement and arousal counts were significantly correlated. In addition, clinically significant periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) was observed in 44% of the fluoxetine-treated group versus none of the control group. We conclude that a higher incidence of PLMD and frequent transient arousals associated with eye movements may be responsible in part for the complaint of insomnia made by patients treated with fluoxetine.
Exact and direct analytical solutions to vibrating systems with discontinuities

Abstract Direct analytical solutions, i.e., analytical solutions without any reference to the theory of differential equations, are given for the vibration frequencies and modes of beams with discontinuities in moment and shear. The calculated displacement, slope, moment and shear are given. In every case, these data are compared to corresponding data from the rigorously exact solution to the differential equation subjected to the rigorously imposed boundary conditions. The results show that, contrary to the approximation that would be obtained from the Rayleigh-Ritz method when there are discontinuities in the higher derivatives, the direct solution converges to the exact solution as defined by the mathematician: i.e., the solution that satisfies the differential equation of equilibrium throughout the domain and the conditions on the boundary of the domain.
Combined remote mineralogical and elemental identification from rovers: Field and laboratory tests using reflectance and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy

[1] Rover mast-based stereo imaging, reflectance or emission spectra, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) provide powerful synergistic data sets for rapidly determining geologic setting, mineralogy, and elemental composition for rock and soil targets. We report results from hand specimen examination, multiple spectral reflectance (VISIR, 0.4–2.5 μm), and remote LIBS measurements for representative samples (basalt, iron oxides, altered rhyolite, and dolostone) collected during the May 2000 rover trials at Black Rock Summit, Nevada. Major findings are (1) reflectance data indicate the presence of olivine and montmorillonite for the basaltic sample, whereas LIBS data show variations with depth as an alumino-silicate coating is ablated and a basaltic composition is revealed beneath; (2) iron oxide reflectance data are dominated by goethite and hematite with the additional detection of hydrated cryptocrystalline SiO2 (an interpretation fully supported by the LIBS data); (3) VISIR reflectance data for rhyolite show significant alteration to kaolinite, an inference that would be difficult to make from LIBS data alone; (4) dolostone reflectance data show dominantly dolomite with minor iron oxides, inferences confirmed through analyses of LIBS data; and (5) LIBS data acquired for samples as a function of depth and spatial location significantly aid in understanding the extent of sample coatings and compositional and mineralogical diversity. Given the hand specimen examination and results from joint analysis of the two rapid-acquisition spectral techniques, a scenario for acquisition and analysis of mast-based imaging reflectance or emission spectroscopy and LIBS is presented within the context of the scientific objectives for the Mars Exploration Program.
Does the computer system make a difference in the effectiveness of the introductory service course

An experiment measuring the effect of different hardware configurations on the teaching of an introductory programming course is described. The situation before the experiment is delineated. The hardware selection is described. The experimental experience with the new hardware is described. The evaluation mechanism is defined delineating the variables to be measured and the controls. The results of the evaluation are presented. The actions based upon the results are delineated. Conclusions are drawn.
Local and global Gaussian mixture models for hematoxylin and eosin stained histology image segmentation

This paper presents a new algorithm for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histology image segmentation. With both local and global clustering, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are applied sequentially to extract tissue constituents such as nuclei, stroma, and connecting contents from background. Specifically, local GMM is firstly applied to detect nuclei by scanning the input image, which is followed by global GMM to separate other tissue constituents from background. Regular RGB (red, green and blue) color space is employed individually for the local and global GMMs to make use of the H&E staining features. Experiments on a set of cervix histology images show the improved performance of the proposed algorithm when compared with traditional K-means clustering and state-of-art multiphase level set methods.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Measurements in a Lattice-Cooled Trailing Edge of a Turbine Airfoil

An experimental study of the heat transfer distribution and pressure drop through a converging lattice-matrix structure has been performed. This structure represents a gas turbine blade trailing-edge cooling passage. Stationary tests were performed on a scaled up model under three Reynolds numbers (24000<Re<60000). To obtain the wall temperature, the narrow band liquid crystal technique was used, and the heat transfer coefficient value was obtained using the transient method. It’s found that the Nusselt number ratio (Nu/Nu0 ) is around 4–5, comparing to the channel flow of similar hydraulic diameter and Re, for the whole lattice-matrix structure. Under the impingement and turning areas, the ratio can be as high as 7–8. Pressure data are taken throughout the lattice structure following the flow direction. The pressure drop increases with Reynolds number and as a result there is a decrease in the thermal performance factor at higher Reynolds number. In the present study thermal performance factor is found to be around 1–1.2. For comparison, pin fin based trailing edge configuration has a typical thermal performance factor of 0.7 to 0.85 under the same Reynolds numbers.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
A group career program for displaced homemakers

Abstract An 8-week, career-focused group program for 10 displaced homemakers is outlined. Immediate post-session evaluations and a 1-month follow-up document the program's effectiveness and limitations.
Joint motion in the absence of normal loading does not maintain normal articular cartilage

Articular cartilage from the knees of 4 dogs whose ipsilateral paws had been transected 6 weeks earlier (kneetrans), and from their contralateral knees (kneecon), was examined. Kneetrans did not bear weight as a result of the surgical procedure but active motion of the joint, determined with an angular displacement monitor during walking, was comparable to that of kneecon. In comparison to kneecon cartilage, kneetrans samples showed decreases in thickness, Safranin-O staining of the matrix, and uronic acid content (mean, 24.4%), and increase in water content (mean, 5.9%). Incorporation of 35S into proteoglycans was 34–67% less in kneetrans than in kneecon cartilage. Proteoglycan (PG) aggregation in kneecon cartilage was normal, whereas in kneetrans cartilage the bulk of the proteoglycans, and also those that had been newly synthesized (35S-proteoglyeans), did not exist in aggregates. This defect in aggregation was due, at least in part, to an abnormality in the hyaluronatebinding region of the core protein of the proteoglycans, since they did not interact in vitro with hyaluronic acid. These changes are essentially identical to those shown to occur in canine knee cartilage after immobilization of the leg in a cast. Thus, the loading of the joint which occurs from contraction of the muscles that span the knee and stabilize the limb in stance, and not merely joint movement, may be required to maintain the integrity of the articular cartilage.
The true shadow price of foreign exchange

For the last half century, trade theorists, development economists, and development practitioners have been calculating what was claimed to be the shadow price of scarce foreign exchange. In fact, what they have been calculating is the social value of the receipt of a unit of a numeraire good from abroad, typically obtained from real models. In our paper, we explicitly deal with a model of a monetized economy, and we develop formulas for the social value of a unit of foreign currency, which, in general, differ from the traditional formulas.
Detecting distortion: bridging visual and quantitative reasoning on similarity tasks

This study is focused on identifying and describing the reasoning patterns of middle grade students when examining potentially similar figures. Described here is a framework that includes 11 strategies that students used during clinical interview to differentiate similar and non-similar figures. Two factors were found to influence the strategies students selected: the complexity of the figures being compared and the type of distortion present in nonsimilar pairings. Data from this study support the theory that distortions are identified as a dominant property of figures and that students use the presence and absence of distortion to visually decide if two figures are similar. Furthermore, this study shows that visual reasoning is not as primitive or nonconstructive as represented in earlier literature and supports students who are developing numeric reasoning strategies. This illuminates possible pathways students may take when advancing from using visual and additive reasoning strategies to using multiplicative proportional reasoning on similarity tasks. In particular, distortion detection is a visual activity that enables students to reflect upon and evaluate the validity and accuracy of differentiation and quantify perceived relationships leading to ratio. This study has implications for curriculum developers as well as future research.
A refinement of ahlfors' lemma

Ahlfors generalized Schwarz' lemma from analytic functions to ultrahyperbolic metrics on hyperbolic Riemann surfaces. Heins extended Ahlfors' lemma to SK metrics. For simply connected hyperbolic Ri...
Patrolling the border: a reply

(1994). Patrolling the Border: A Reply. Human–Computer Interaction: Vol. 9, Context in Design, pp. 137-149.
Brightness-equalized quantum dots: Engineering strategies derived from spectral trends

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals that absorb and emit light at wavelengths tunable by the size of the crystal. Size-tuning provides access to a broad range of optical spectra, however it is fundamentally problematic for many applications because it leads to a large mismatch in absorption cross-section and fluorescence brightness across a series of colors. We have recently demonstrated engineering strategies to generate multicolor, extinction-matched, and brightness-matched quantum dots based on colloidal multi-domain core/shell structures. We use alloyed cores with composition-tunable bandgaps and finely adjust the domain size and electronic properties of the shell to precisely match both absorption cross-section and quantum yield. Using this strategy, it is possible to tune fluorescence wavelength, extinction, and quantum yield independently, vastly expanding the photophysical landscape of these materials. Moreover compared with conventional size-tuning strategies, this enables access to a wider spectral range with compact dimensions. The equalized optical properties translate from the ensemble level down to the single-molecule level, setting the stage for new possibilities in highly quantitative, multiplexed imaging in cells and tissue. However selection of appropriate structural parameters to generate specific optical properties is challenging without insight into the photophysics of these materials. Here we describe the evolution of the optical properties of alloyed cores during the shell growth process that provide new insights into general engineering strategies.
The Relationship of Environmental Exposure to its Perceived Rewards and Costs.

Summary It was hypothesized that environmental exposure in which adaptation may occur should relate to rated rewards and costs. Thirty-three Ss indicated their familiarity with three environments (university, mission, and military) and rated them in terms of rewards/costs. Correlations between the two sets of variables partially confirmed the hypothesis.
On the association between perinodal astrocytic processes and the node of Ranvier in the C.N.S.

Associations between the axolemma of nodes of Ranvier in the C.N.S. and perinodal astrocytic processes have been confirmed in the guinea pig spinal cord. Since perinodal astrocytic processes were found to be a consistent feature at such nodes, it is proposed that they represent the C.N.S. analogue of the Schwann cell fingers at P.N.S. nodes. Although they assumed a variety of configurations, perinodal astrocytic processes rarely approached the complexity and regularity of Schwann cell profiles at PNS nodes. The findings are discussed in terms of the relevance between perinodal astrocytes and the maintenance of an electrogenic pump at the node.
Educating residents: the effects of a mock code program.

Housestaff residents are often the primary participants in codes that occur in a hospital setting, yet it is unknown how much confidence and knowledge they possess in the management of these medical emergencies. A study to learn the effect of a mock code program on residents' level of confidence and knowledge regarding code situations was initiated in a children's tertiary care hospital. Thirty-three residents completed a questionnaire before initiation of the study. The questionnaire revealed that codes scare them (79%), and that they felt a need for more knowledge (76%) and more experience (82%) before supervising a code. They did not feel confident in performing certain procedures such as treating dysrhythmias (79%), obtaining i.v. access (64%), and doing intubations (30%). Sixteen residents then participated in mock codes, and the other seventeen residents served as controls. Compared to the pre-study questionnaire, residents who had participated in mock codes had more confidence in their ability to supervise and felt less of a need for more knowledge before supervising a code. The participants also felt more confident in obtaining i.v. access and performing intubations during a code situation. There was no difference in the pre- and post-questionnaires of the control group. Residency programs are not meeting the educational and confidence needs of pediatric residents. A mock code program improves residents' perceived need for more knowledge before supervising a code and improves their confidence in doing many lifesaving procedures.
Concepts and conceptions of civil society

Abstract This article takes issue with three rival approaches to conceptualizing the idea of civil society in the contemporary discussion, arguing that none of these succeeds as a general account of the concept. It argues instead that there is no general concept picked out by the expression ‘civil society’: uses of ‘civil society’ are theory-laden such that they can only be understood from within the theoretical, practical, and historical contexts in which they originated. This article concludes by arguing that the idea of civil society still retains critical value, provided that the theorist locates it in a particular context.
Falsely Shouting Fire in a Crowded Theater, a Revolutionary Spark, and Burning the House to Roast the Pig: Fire Metaphors and the First Amendment

(2009). Falsely Shouting Fire in a Crowded Theater, a Revolutionary Spark, and Burning the House to Roast the Pig: Fire Metaphors and the First Amendment. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 15-26.
Facet morphology response to nonuniformities in nutrient and impurity supply. II. Numerical simulations

A model for the evolution of facet morphologies in growth from solutions is presented. The numerical model links, for the first time, bulk transport of solute and impurities in a solution growth cell with microscopic interfacial kinetics processes. The macroscopic transport is dealt with as in the 2D model [H. Lin, F. Rosenberger, J.I.D. Alexander and A. Nadarajah, J. Crystal Growth 151 (1995) 153] of a crystallization cell used for lysozyme in our laboratory. The microscopic kinetics is incorporated through a meso-scale continuum model of growth step motion in response to the interfacial concentration distributions. Local growth step velocities are linearly interpolated from the values obtained at the grid points of the bulk transport simulation. Experimentally determined kinetics and transport coefficients are employed. We find that the facets remain macroscopically flat, in spite of the lower nutrient and impurity concentrations in the facet center regions. This stabilization is achieved through the formation of a microscopic depression in the facet, with nonuniform vicinal slope (step density). If the step density in the facet center exceeds a certain value, no further stabilization results on further steepening, and the facet loses its macroscopic morphological stability. This loss of morphological stability depends sensitively on the value of the steps' kinetic coefficient. For pure lysozyme-precipitant solutions, we obtain microscopic depressions with a higher slope at the facet center than at the edge. However, with an impurity that impedes step kinetics and is preferentially incorporated into the crystal, the simulations produce microscopic facet depressions with higher slope at the edge. Impurity depletion at the interface, due to low initial concentration and/or slow diffusion leads to mixed shapes, and eventually to shapes typical of growth from pure solution. Quantitative agreement with facet morphologies observed on lysozyme crystals [P.G. Vekilov and F. Rosenberger 158 (1996) 540] is obtained, assuming overlap of the steps' diffusion fields.
Purification and characterization of an endogenous protein modulator of radioligand binding to “peripheral-type” benzodiazepine receptors and dihydropyridine ca2+-channel antagonist binding sites

Abstract Acidified extracts of rat antral stomach chromatographed on octadecylsilane cartridges contained material that inhibited the binding of [3H]Ro 5-4864 (4'-chlorodiazepam) and [3H]nitrenidipine to “peripheral-type” benzodiazepine receptors and dihydropyridine Ca2+-channel antagonist binding sites respectively. This material reduced the apparent affinites of both radioligands without significantly affecting the maximum number of binding sites. In contrast, the binding of [3H]diazepam, [3H]Ro 15-1788 (ethyl-8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo [1,5a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate), and [3H]3-carbomethoxy-β-carboline to “brain-type” benzodiazepine receptors and [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to β-adrenergic receptors were unaffected by this material. Subsequent column chromatography on hydroxylapatite purified this material by > 2000-fold. This semi-purified substance was resolved by reverse phase HPLC as one u.v. adsorbing peak that inhibited both [3H]Ro 5-4864 and [3H]nitrendipine binding. The activity of this 16,000 dalton substance was destroyed completely by both heat treatment and pronase and partially reduced by trypsin. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of this substance was enhanced by Ca2+ in a concentration-dependent fashion (0.1 to 10 mM). Comparison of TLC scans of 2–9,10[3H]dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine incubated with either the HPLC purified material or authentic phospholipase A2(PLA2) (Naja naja) revealed that this substance has enzymatic properties indistinguishable from PLA2. These findings suggest that this endogenous protein may be a PLA2 isoenzyme which may modify both “peripheral-type” benzodiazepine receptors and dihydro-pyridine Ca2+-channel antagonist binding sites.
The sequence dependence of human nucleotide excision repair efficiencies of benzo[a]pyrene-derived DNA lesions: insights into the structural factors that favor dual incisions.

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a vital cellular defense system against carcinogen–DNA adducts, which, if not repaired, can initiate cancer development. The structural features of bulky DNA lesions that account for differences in NER efficiencies in mammalian cells are not well understood. In vivo , the predominant DNA adduct derived from metabolically activated benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP), a prominent environmental carcinogen, is the 10 S (+)- trans - anti -[BP]- N 2 -dG adduct ( G* ), which resides in the B -DNA minor groove 5′-oriented along the modified strand. We have compared the structural distortions in double-stranded DNA, imposed by this adduct, in the different sequence contexts 5′-…CG G* C…, 5′-…C G* GC…, 5′-…CI G* C… (I is 2′-deoxyinosine), and 5′-…C G* C…. On the basis of electrophoretic mobilities, all duplexes manifest moderate bends, except the 5′-…CG G* C…duplex, which exhibits an anomalous, slow mobility attributed to a pronounced flexible kink at the site of the lesion. This kink, resulting from steric hindrance between the 5′-flanking guanine amino group and the BP aromatic rings, both positioned in the minor groove, is abolished in the 5′-…CI G* C…duplex (the 2′-deoxyinosine group, I, lacks this amino group). In contrast, the sequence-isomeric 5′-…C G* GC…duplex exhibits only a moderate bend, but displays a remarkably increased opening rate at the 5′-flanking base pair of G* , indicating a significant destabilization of Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding. The NER dual incision product yields were compared for these different sequences embedded in otherwise identical 135-mer duplexes in cell-free human HeLa extracts. The yields of excision products varied by a factor of as much as ∼ 4 in the order 5′-...C G* GC…> 5′...CG G* C…≥ 5′...CI G* C…≥ 5′-…C G* C…. Overall, destabilized Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding, manifested in the 5′-...C G* GC...duplex, elicits the most significant NER response, while the flexible kink displayed in the sequence-isomeric 5′-...CG G* C...duplex represents a less significant signal in this series of substrates. These results demonstrate that the identical lesion can be repaired with markedly variable efficiency in different local sequence contexts that differentially alter the structural features of the DNA duplex around the lesion site.
Effects of several catecholamines in symphathetic transmission to the myocardium: Role of presynaptic α-adrenoceptors

Abstract Effects of several α-adrenoceptor agonists on presynaptic α-adrenoceptors were evaluated by studying chronotropic responses to cardioaccelarator nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs. I.v. infusions of norepinephrine (NE), methylnorepinephrine (MNE), epinephrine (E) or phenylephrine (PHE) in desipramine-treated dogs caused significant attenuation of nerve stimulation responses. The inhibitory influence of all these agents could be prevented by prior treatment with phentolamine, but not with haloperidol. Comparisons of relative pressor and presynaptic inhibitory actions of these compounds revealed that in equipressor doses, MNE caused a significantly greater attenuation of nerve stimulation responses than NE, while PHE had similar pressor and presynaptic inhibitory activity to that of NE. The inhibition of chronotropic responses to nerve stimulation observed following E was significantly greater compared to its relative pressor effect. These results demonstrate the existence of presynaptic α-adrenoceptor mechanism modulating cardiac rate in intact dogs and indicate that the false transmitter MNE may be more potent than NE in imparing neuronal transmission by an action on presynaptic α-adrenoceptors.
Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Properties of Bulk and Nanosize Clusters of Carbon

The detonation behavior of carbon-rich high explosives is affected by a slow coagulation of carbon atoms by diffusion and their possible transformation from one chemical bonding type to another. We have examined the applicability of the Brenner potential at high pressure and high temperature by molecular dynamics simulations and the stability and barrier height between graphitic and diamond clusters as a function of cluster size by quantum chemical calculations. The diffusion kinetics of carbon clusters have been examined by including a time-dependent surface correction to the Gibbs free energy of these clusters.
INCREASED COMPLIANCE FOLLOWING PDA LIGATION IN HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE

PDA ligation has been suggested in patients with HMD and large left to right shunts to improve lung function even in the absence of heart failure. The presumption is that lung mechanics will benefit, even though measurements have not been made to test this hypothesis.
Thermoplasticization of wood. I. Benzylation of wood

A study of converting wood into thermoplastic materials was undertaken to develop a new technique in effective utilization of wood wastes. Thermoplasticizatoin of wood carried out by means benzylation. Various reaction parameters, such as alkalinity of reaction media, reaction temperature, and time were taken into account to produce benzylated wood with different degrees of substitution (based on weight gain) FTIR, DSC, DMTA, SEM and x-ray crystallography were used to characterize the chemical and mechanical properties of benzylated wood. Experimental data showed that preswelling and reaction temperature had critical effects on benzylation reaction. Lignin in wood appeared to inhibit benzylation but extractives had little effect. Different species showed some variation in reaction rates. The thermoplasticized wood exhibited good melting properties and were readily molded into bulk materials or extruded into films and sheets. A wide range of glass transition temperatures from 66 to 280°C for the benezylatedwoods was achieved, and they were larely dependent on the weight gain. The molded and extruded products exhibited acceptable mechanical strength for structural engineering applications. The property and structure relationship for the thermoplasticized wood were discussed