cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic human resource strategies for transnationals in Europe

Abstract In this article, we address strategic international human resource management and the transnational. We begin by exploring the development of the field of strategic international human resources management (SIHRM). We then examine how issues of strategic human resource management might be accomplished in the transnational, a particular type of multinational firm. We propose that the concept of “communities of practice”, and the development of these concepts within the transnational may offer insights into strategic human resource management task of the transnational manager. In an effort to advance the literature of SIHRM to greater specificity, we examine the traditional HRM categories of selection, development, appraisal, and rewards within the context of these “communities of practice” and within the particular context of the transnational in Europe.
Volumes and diophantine inequalities associated with decomposable forms

Abstract For homogeneous decomposable forms F( X ) in n variables with real coefficients, we consider the associated volume of all real solutions x ∈ R n to the inequality |F( x )|⩽1 . We relate this to the number of integral solutions z ∈ Z n to the Diophantine inequality |F( z )|⩽m in the case where F has rational coefficients. We find quantities which bound the volume and which yield good upper bounds on the number of solutions to the Diophantine inequality in the rational case.
Selection of class I MHC-restricted peptides with the strip-of-helix hydrophobicity algorithm

A strip-of-helix hydrophobicity algorithm to predict class II MHC-restricted peptides, on the basis of their structural similarity to an amphipathic, α -helix in Ii, also predicted peptides which were presented to cytotoxic T-cells by class I MHC molecules. This algorithm ranked peptides according to mean Kyte-Doolittle hydrophobicity values of amino acids at positions n, n + 4, n + 7, n + 11, n + 14 and n + 18 in a sequence which when coiled as a putative α-helix, had the indicated residues in an axial strip along one side of the helix. Sequences selected for highly scoring, hydrophobic strips were required to have at least 1 of the 4 adjacent strips scoring more negatively than −1 in the strip-of-helix hydrophobicity index and the entire sequence could contain no prolines. This algorithm predicted the class I MHC-restricted, T-cell-presented peptides in sequences of 4 proteins from which some class I MHC-restricted, T-cell-presented sequences had been experimentally determined. Since both class I and class II MHC-restricted peptides could be identified with this algorithm, one can propose that: (I) foreign peptide-binding sites (desetopes) of the class I and class II MHC molecules are structurally similar; and (2) any one T-cell-presented peptide can be presented by some specific allele of both a class I and a class II MHC antigen.
A novel programmable CMOS fuzzifiers using voltage-to-current converter circuit

This paper presents a new voltage-input, current-output programmable membership function generator circuit (MFC) using CMOS technology. It employs a voltage-to-current converter to provide the required current bias for the membership function circuit. The proposed MFC has several advantageous features. This MFC can be reconfigured to perform triangular, trapezoidal, S-shape, Z-Shape, and Gaussian membership forms. This membership function can be programmed in terms of its width, slope, and its center locations in its universe of discourses. The easily adjustable characteristics of the proposed circuit and its accuracy make it suitable for embedded system and industrial control applications. The proposed MFC is designed using the spice software, and simulation results are obtained.
An ENU-induced mutation in the lymphotoxin α gene impairs organogenesis of lymphoid tissues in C57BL/6 mice

Abstract The TNF family is critical for development of lymphoid organs and plays significant roles in regulation of innate and adoptive immune responses. Here, we describe a novel N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutant strain, HLB382, with a point mutation in the Lta gene, which encodes lymphotoxin (LT) α, a member of the TNF family. Mutant mice had no lymph nodes and no Peyer’s patches. Microscopically, the spleens had disordered follicles and no germinal centers or discernible marginal zones (MZ). While the development of T cells and follicular B cells was normal, the numbers of NK and MZ B cells were significantly reduced. Interestingly, the numbers of peritoneal B1b cells were significantly increased. Genomic DNA sequences revealed a single base pair insertion in the coding region of Lta resulting in a frame shift and a premature stop codon. This new strain provides opportunities for understanding the full range of Lta gene function on a pure C57BL/6 background.
Dermatologic Manifestations of the Hypereosinophilic Syndromes

Skin is a commonly affected organ in hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES). Cutaneous lesions may be an important presenting sign, may be extremely debilitating, and often reflect disease activity in HES. Recognition of dermatologic manifestations is important in approaching diagnosis and treatment of HES. This article reviews cutaneous involvement in HES and other eosinophil-associated skin diseases.
Denali: A high dry matter potato with wide adaptation

Denali is a smooth, white-skinned potato bred and selected for high dry matter content early in tuber development at the Matanuska Research Farm. Its flavor is distinctive and pleasant as a baked potato. Chip quality has been excellent directly following harvest or from warm storage. In Michigan trials, Denali consistently has had the highest specific gravity and has been one of the highest yielders of approximately 20 varieties tested each year. Denali’s foliage has shown frost tolerance and heat resistance in tests conducted in Nebraska.
Conditions enhancing the percentage and size of E rosettes formed by T lymphocytes

Abstract Three enhancing conditions of the E rosette test were studied alone and in combination to determine their effect on the total percentage and the size of rosettes formed. The three conditions studied were: (1) HABS, (2) 4°C incubation, and (3) AET pretreatment of sheep erythrocytes. AET pretreatment of E brought about the most striking enhancement of total percentage of rosettes formed. All three conditions affected rosette size causing an increase in the percentage of large rosettes with a concomitant decrease in small rosettes. When enhancing conditions were combined, an additive and predictable increase in the percentage of large morula rosettes was evident suggesting different mechanisms of enhancement are involved.
The Role of Earned Income Tax Credit in the Budgets of Low-Income Households

The annual receipt of large tax refunds, primarily due to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), provides households with unusual opportunities to pay old bills and build assets. To examine these opportunities, the study surveys 194 black, Latino, and white parents who received EITC refunds of at least $1,000; in-depth interviews followed 6 months later. The majority of households (57 percent) report that they planned to allocate a considerable portion of their refund to savings, and 39 percent are estimated to accomplish their goal. Although 72 percent of the sample planned to pay bills and debt with the refund, 84 percent are found to do so. The results also suggest that households often readjust planned allocations to meet emergencies, debt, and bills. Despite setbacks, many recipients have significant asset accumulation goals, which they say are fueled by the expectation of ongoing annual tax refunds.
Brainstem astroblastoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Background Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumor that occurs mainly in the cerebral hemispheres of young adults. Our purpose in writing this article is to report one case of astroblastoma located within the medulla and review the literature on this infrequent tumor. Methods One case of astroblastoma was retrospectively reviewed. Presenting complaints, radiographic images, operative procedure, and histopathologic findings were recorded. Results Contrast-enhanced MRI scan revealed a well-defined, well-circumscribed, contrast-enhanced cystic lesion approximately 16 mm in diameter within the medulla oblongata. Light microscopy demonstrated a papillary neoplasm composed of mildly pleomorphic cells with indistinct cytoplasmic borders. The nuclei were generally round to oval in shape. Occasional rosettes of tumor cells were seen around blood vessels. Mitoses were not seen within the submitted specimen. One small area of necrosis was present. The tumor exhibited thickened but not hyalinized blood vessel walls. The tumor cells exhibited strong staining for EMA and vimentin throughout the tissue section. Neurofilament, CAM 5.2, and CK immunostains were negative, except for rare positive staining of CK between cells and within rare tumor cells. Ki-67 was positive in small numbers of tumor nuclei, with an overall reactivity of 7%. By electron microscopy, the tumor nuclei had irregularly round to oval nuclei with moderate clumping of the chromatin, especially at the nuclear margins. Conclusions The combination of the radiologic and histopathologic characteristics of this tumor is necessary for making the diagnosis of astroblastoma. This article serves to summarize these characteristics as well as to report of an unusual location for this mainly hemispheric tumor.
Managing choledocholithiasis in the laparoscopic era.

Abstract Background : Management options for common bile duct stones have expanded in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and selecting the most appropriate method for each patient can be problematic due to the difficulty of predicting accurately which patients have choledocholithiasis (CDL). In order to improve selection of appropriate treatment for CDL, treatment options were analyzed for outcome retrospectively during a 25-month period beginning June 1, 1992. Patients and methods : Four hundred four patients underwent LC; 48 (12%) had CDL identified at preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or intraoperative cholangiogram (IOCG). Forty-seven patients were referred for preoperative ERCP for suspected CDL, 23 (49%) of whom had proven duct stones and underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone retrieval with an 87% success rate. Results : Of 357 patients scheduled for LC without preoperative ERCP, 236 had IOCG, of which 25 (11%) demonstrated CDL. Seven patients had open common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Sixteen patients had postoperative ERCP after positive IOCG, 7 (44%) of which were positive for CDL and whose stones were removed with 100% success. Two patients were observed, anticipating spontaneous passage of a small stone. Conclusions : Preoperative ERCP should be applied selectively. For the large majority of patients without preoperative evidence of CDL, we recommend routine IOCG; if CDL is demonstrated, an intraoperative decision can be made to proceed to postoperative ERCP in the usual case or to open CBDE for very large or multiple stones. Observation in anticipation of spontaneous passage may be appropriate for small, solitary common duct stones. Continuing advances in laparoscopic CBDE are likely to reduce further the need to rely on ERCP in managing CDL.
Mobile health apps: adoption, adherence, and abandonment

A myriad of mobile technologies purport to help individuals change or maintain health-related behaviors, for instance by increasing motivation or self-awareness. We provide a fine-grained categorization of popular mobile health applications and also examine the perceived efficacy of apps along with reasons underlying both app adoption and abandonment. Our findings bear implications for future tools designed to support health management.
Effects of androgen deprivation therapy and bisphosphonate treatment on bone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: results from the University of Washington Rapid Autopsy Series

Qualitative and quantitative bone features were determined in nondecalcified and decalcified bone from 20 predetermined bone sites in each of 44 patients who died with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), some of which received bisphosphonate treatment (BP) in addition to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Thirty-nine of the 44 patients (89%) had evidence of bone metastases. By histomorphometric analysis, these bone metastases were associated with a range of bone responses from osteoblastic to osteolytic with a wide spectrum of bone responses often seen within an individual patient. Overall, the average bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) was 25.7%, confirming the characteristic association of an osteoblastic response to prostate cancer bone metastasis when compared with the normal age-matched weighted mean BV/TV of 14.7%. The observed new bone formation was essentially woven bone, and this was a localized event. In comparing BV/TV at metastatic sites between patients who had received BP treatment and those who had not, there was a significant difference (28.6% versus 19.3%, respectively). At bone sites that were not invaded by tumor, the average BV/TV was 10.1%, indicating significant bone loss owing to ADT that was not improved (11%) in those patients who had received BPs. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in the number of osteoclasts present at the metastatic sites between patients treated or not treated with BPs, but in bone sites where the patient had been treated with BPs, giant osteoclasts were observed. Overall, 873 paraffin-embedded specimens and 661 methylmethacrylate-embedded specimens were analyzed. Our results indicate that in CRPC patients, ADT induces serious bone loss even in patients treated with BP. Furthermore, in this cohort of patients, BP treatment increased BV and did not decrease the number of osteoclasts in prostate cancer bone metastases compared with bone metastases from patients who did not receive BP.
Bridging the Marine–Terrestrial Disconnect to Improve Marine Coastal Zone Science and Management

Coastal zone ecosystems sit between larger terrestrial and marine environments and, therefore, are strongly affected by processes occurring in both systems. Marine coastal zone systems provide a :range of benefits to humans, and yet many have been significantly degraded as a result of direct anq indirect human impacts. Management efforts have been hampered by disconnects both between management and scientific research and across linked marine-terrestrial systems. Manage­ ment jurisdictions often start or end at the shoreline, and multiple agencies at different levels of gov­ ernment often have overlapping or conflicting management goals or priorities, or suffer from a lack of knowledge or interest. Scientists also often fail to consider connections among linked marine-terres­ trial systems, and communication among agencies, among scientists in different diSCiplines, and between scientists and managers is often inadequate. However, despite the institutional and scien­ tific challenges inherent in improving coastal zone management, there are examples of increased coordination and cooperation among different organizations. We discuss a number of examples­ including where the marine-terrestrial and science-management disconnects persist and where better int~gration has led to successes in coastal zone management-and provide recommendations to scientists and managers on how to better link their efforts in science and management across marine and terrestrial systems.
Effects of 2-deoxy- d -glucose, amiloride, vasopressin, and ouabain on active conductance and E Na in the toad bladder

The effects of various agents on active sodium transport were studied in the toad bladder in terms of the equivalent circuit comprising an active conductanceK a, an electromotive forceE Na, and a parallel passive conductanceK p. For agents which affectK a, but notE Na orK p, the inverse slope of the plot of total conductance κ against short-circuit currentI 0 evaluatesE Na, and the intercept representsK p. Studies employing 5×10−7 m amiloride to depressK a indicate a changingE Na, invalidating the use of the slope technique with this agent. An alternative suitable technique employs 10−5 m amiloride, which reducesI 0 reversibly to near zero without effect onK p. Despite curvilinearity of the κ-I0 plot under these conditions,K p may therefore be estimated fairly precisely from the residual conductance. It then becomes possible to follow the dynamic behavior ofK a andE Na (in the absence of 10−5 m amiloride) by frequent measurements of κ andI 0, utilizing the relationshipsK a=K-K p, andK Na=I O/(K-K p). 2-deoxy-d-glucose (7.5×10−3 m) depressedK a without affectingE Na. Amiloride (5×10−7 m) depressedK a and enhancedE Na. Vasopressin (100 mU/ml) enhancedK a markedly and depressedE Na slightly. Ouabain (10−4 m) depressed bothK a andE Na. All of the above effects were noted promptly;K p was unaffected. The “electromotive force of Na transport”E Na appears not to be a pure energetic parameter, but to reflect kinetic factors as well, in accordance with thermodynamic considerations.
Black and white population change in small American suburbs since World War II: regional differences.

Abstract This study examines the relationship between black population concentration (% black), black population change and white population change for small American suburbs for the 1960–1980 period Linear, tipping point (curvilinear) and interaction models of racial transition are evaluated for each decade by region (South and non-South), controlling for several other suburban characteristics (age, annexation and distance to the Central Business District) which may affect both black and white population change. The analyses show that racial transition in suburbs involves the parallel development of white and black populations with mainly weak and complex causal linkages which are sensitive to broader suburbanization patterns.
Renal carcinoma: minimally invasive surgery of the small renal mass

Open partial nephrectomy has become the gold standard surgical management for small renal masses less than 4 cm. With the surgical advances in the field of laparoscopy and robotic surgery, minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is now feasible. Long-term 5 year cancer-specific survival rates have recently been reported for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These results are comparable to open partial nephrectomy series. As the field of robotic assisted surgery continues to expand beyond the treatment of prostate cancer, these techniques are being investigated in the treatment of small renal masses. Currently, minimally invasive partial nephrectomy has become an option in the treatment of small renal masses.
High temperature deformation behavior of a nanocrystalline titanium aluminide

Gamma titanium intermetallic alloys are potentially attractive for elevated temperature applications. The room temperature ductility and fracture toughness have been improved considerably by the addition of ternary and quaternary elements. The synthesis of nanocrystalline materials has provided further avenues for possible improvement in the mechanical properties. The exciting prospect of low temperature superplasticity in nanocrystalline materials has been discussed. Recently, nanocrystalline {gamma}-TiAl alloys have been synthesized by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of mechanically alloyed (MA) Ti-47.5 Al-3 Cr (at.%) powders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of observing low temperature superplasticity in this nanocrystalline alloy. By determining the stress exponent for flow, it should be possible to comment on the micromechanism of deformation in a nanocrystalline intermetallic alloy. A number of studies have shown that superplasticity is possible in {gamma}-TiAl alloys and it is important to establish whether the scaling law extends to nanocrystalline {gamma}-TiAl regime or the flow behavior changes.
Angiomyolipoma: Emerging concepts in management

Abstract The ability to diagnose angiomyolipoma accurately with radiographic techniques has increased greatly. If the clinical circumstances and the radiographic features are characteristic, we no longer believe that histologic confirmation is necessary, even in the absence of stigmata of tuberous sclerosis. Also, the role of surgery in the management of complications has been reduced because of the increased effectiveness of embolization techniques.
Prevalence survey of infections and their predisposing factors at a hospital-based nursing home care unit.

A prevalence survey was performed at a Veterans Administration nursing home care unit to detect the frequency, demographics, features, and potential risk factors associated with infections, compare different methods for calculating infection rates, and compare prevalence data with routine physician reporting of infections during a one-month period. In 176 evaluable residents, 22 nursing home-acquired infections were detected, with rates of 12.5% by infections per residents at risk, and 4.6% by infections per 1000 resident-days. Fifty percent of these infections (11 of 22) involved the urinary tract, seven of which were associated with indwelling catheters. Factors potentially associated with increased overall infection rates included immobility (P less than .02), acute-care hospitalization in the 28 days preceding the study (P less than .01) and antibiotics given preceding the infection (P less than .001). An indwelling urinary catheter (P less than .01) potentially was associated with an increased urinary tract infection rate. During the concurrent period, routine physician reporting of infection detected four of the 22 infections (18%) that were identified by the survey. These findings suggest that physician reporting of infection underestimates infection risk as compared with conventional surveillance practices, and that hospital-based care units may have infection problems more similar to acute-care hospitals than to community nursing homes. Identification of potential risk factors is critical in planning preventive practices based on institution-specific needs.
THE DYNAMICS OF THE LIABILITY OF FOREIGNNESS: A GLOBAL STUDY OF SURVIVAL IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

We study the impact of ‘foreignness’ on survival in interbank currency trading worldwide over the period 1974–93. In particular, we develop hypotheses on the behavior of the liability of foreignness over time, and on the consequences of evolving sources of firm-level competitive advantage on this liability. We test these hypotheses on the population of 2667 market-making trading rooms located in 47 countries worldwide that either existed in 1974 or entered the industry between 1974 and 1993. The results show that there is a liability of foreignness, and that it changes over time. Further, strategic and organizational factors such as the adoption of technology by these firms and their mode of internal control significantly influenced survival, as did location-related factors such as the intensity of local and foreign competition. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of melanoma from benign mimics using the relative-color method

Background: Previous studies have successfully classified 86% of malignant melanomas using a relative-color segmentation method, by feature extraction from photographic images in the automatic identification of skin tumors. These studies were extended by applying the relative-color method to dermoscopic images of melanoma grouped with melanoma in situ and clark nevus lesions in dermoscopic images allow more control over lighting variations, which contribute to lesion misclassification. Dermoscopic images then enable a more detailed examination of the structure of skin lesions, provide much more structural detail within lesions, and contain visual information that cannot be seen in photographic images. This present work extends the previous studies by applying relative-color feature extraction to dermoscopic images to differentiate among melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi. Objective: To develop a method for automatically differentiating among malignant melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi, using digitized, color, dermoscopic images. Methods: Images underwent preprocessing, tumor segmentation, feature extraction and tumor classification. The relative-color method was used in the segmentation stage. Classification was accomplished by taking the inner products of model tumor feature vectors with test-image tumor vectors followed by the nearest-neighbor classification method. Results: The classification rates of melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi images mixed together, were 60%, 58.3% and 80%, respectively. Classification of melanoma and Reed/Spitz nevi mixed, were 70% and 90%, respectively. Classification rates were the best when melanoma was being differentiated from seborrheic keratoses. These rates were 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Dermoscopic rather than photographic images were preprocessed, using a hair-removal technique. They were then converted to relative-color images, which were segmented using the principal components transform and median split, followed by morphological filtering. After processing, the multi-dimensional tumor feature space described herein was used to differentiate the tumors. The high success rates for differentiating seborrheic keratoses from melanoma show that the use of dermoscopic images has a strong promise in enabling prescreening, as well as automated assistance and significant improvement in tumor diagnosis in clinics.
Regulation of the Transcription Factor C/EBPα Following Peritoneal Sepsis

The transcription factors C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta belong to the leucine-zipper C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein) family of DNA-binding proteins. C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta are expressed in the liver and are implicated in the control of transcriptional events following following sepsis. It is hypothesized that inhibition of C/EBP alpha gene expression following sepsis may lead to some of the phenotypic features we recognize as sepsis syndrome such as decreased visceral protein (albumin) synthesis. In this study we demonstrate that C/EBP alpha mRNA accumulation is transiently inhibited 12 hr following peritoneal insult, consistent with previous data. However, we demonstrate that (1) there is increased binding of hepatic nuclear protein to the C/EBP alpha DNA response element 48 hr following insult, (2) a marked increase in C/EBP alpha protein is observed 48 hr following CLP insult compared with no increase in hepatic C/EBP alpha protein at 12 hr postinsult, (3) the increase in hepatic C/EBP alpha protein at 48 hr following cecal ligation and puncture is not associated with an increase in C/EBP alpha mRNA accumulation, (4) the increase in hepatic C/EBP alpha protein is associated with an increase in C/EBP beta protein, and (5) hepatic albumin mRNA accumulation is decreased at 12 and 48 hr following insult and does not correlate with the C/EBP alpha protein synthesis. We conclude that the possible role of the transcription factor C/EBP alpha with respect to decreased albumin gene expression following sepsis must be reevaluated.
Treatment of advanced stage patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract Most patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) receiving chronic levodopa therapy eventually manifest one or more motor response complications, including ‘wearing-off’ phenomena and on–off phenomena. Additionally, as the disease progresses, motor, neurologic, and neuropsychiatric complications increase and may include freezing spells, falls, dementia, depression and psychosis. The management of patients with advanced PD presents a special clinical challenge because patients may experience an enhanced sensitivity to small changes in plasma levodopa levels and because they may suffer adverse reactions to antiparkinsonian drugs. Management of advanced PD is directed toward decreasing the dose of the offending drug while raising the dose of alternative drug with the goal of maintaining symptom control. In this article, the spectrum of late complications experienced by patients with advanced PD and their management are discussed.
Utilization of Poultry Manure Phosphorus for Corn Production

There is uncertainty about the need for supplemental P fertilization after applying poultry manure for corn (Zea mays L.). This study evaluated the effects of manure and fertilizer P on corn by establishing 17 on-farm trials in Iowa. Manure from broilers, egg layers (Gallus gallus domesticus), or turkeys (Melleagrisgollopavo) was used at each site. Replicated treatments were the combinations of three manure rates (0, 53, and 104 kg P ha -1 on average across sites) and four triple superphosphate rates (0-75 kg P ha -1 ). Initial Olsen P (15-cm depth) was 5 to 23 mg P kg -1 across sites. Uniform rates of 168 kg N ha -1 and 56 to 112 kg K ha -1 were applied. Measurements were early plant dry weight (DW); P concentration and P uptake (V5-V6 stage); and grain yield, P concentration, and P removal. Increases in plant DW and P uptake were unrelated to soil-test P, were more frequent for manure, and only one site that was responsive (P ≤0.10) to fertilizer was not responsive to manure. Phosphorus fertilization in addition to manure increased plant DW at four sites and P uptake at eight sites. Both P sources increased grain yield at eight sites with < 15 mg Olsen P kg -1 only manure increased it at another site, and supplemental fertilization did not increase yield at any site. The results provided no evidence for lower P availability of poultry manure P than fertilizer P for corn yield and showed no need for supplemental P fertilization at prevailing manure rates used by farmers.
Mechanism of Origin Activation by Monomers of R6K-encoded π Protein

One recurring theme in plasmid duplication is the recognition of the origin of replication (ori) by specific Rep proteins that bind to DNA sequences called iterons. For plasmid R6K, this process involves a complex interplay between monomers and dimers of the Rep protein, pi, with seven tandem iterons of gamma ori. Remarkably, both pi monomers and pi dimers can bind to iterons, a new paradigm in replication control. Dimers, the predominant form in the cell, inhibit replication, while monomers facilitate open complex formation and activate the ori. Here, we investigate a mechanism by which pi monomers out-compete pi dimers for iteron binding, and in so doing activate the ori. With an in vivo plasmid incompatibility assay, we find that pi monomers bind cooperatively to two adjacent iterons. Cooperative binding is eliminated by insertion of a half-helical turn between two iterons but is diminished only slightly by insertion of a full helical turn between two iterons. These studies show also that pi bound to a consensus site promotes occupancy of an adjacent mutated site, another hallmark of cooperative interactions. pi monomer/iteron interactions were quantified using a monomer-biased pi variant in vitro with the same collection of two-iteron constructs. The cooperativity coefficients mirror the plasmid incompatibility results for each construct tested. pi dimer/iteron interactions were quantified with a dimer-biased mutant in vitro and it was found that pi dimers bind with negligible cooperativity to two tandem iterons.
Assessment of Density Functional Theory for Model SN2 Reactions: CH3X + F- (X = F, Cl, CN, OH, SH, NH2, PH2)

The B3LYP, BLYP, and BP86 variants of density functional theory, in conjunction with double and triple ζ basis sets, have been examined for SN2 reactions of the type CH3X + F- → CH3F + X- (X = F, C...
Weighted least squares analysis for conjoint studies: The case of hybrid striped bass

Weighted least squares approach for conjoint analysis was used to examine buyer preferences toward aquaculturally produced hybrid striped bass. Results showed that all markets prefer fillets, the restaurant market prefers a fish weighing around 2.5 lbs. while the retail and wholesale markets prefer a fish weighing around 2 lbs. and that for the retail market year-round availability is desirable.
A 40‐membered cyclic arylene ether sulfone from bisphenol‐A: improved synthesis and properties

By the use of pseudo-high dilution techniques a 40-membered cyclic arylene sulfone 4, n = 1 was produced in 67% yield by “1 + 1 cyclization” of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone with 4,4′-bis(p-hydroxyphenylisopropylidene phenoxy)diphenyl sulfone, derived in turn from bisphenol-A and the dihalosulfone. This is a significant improvement over our previously reported yield of 11%. However, the use of cesium carbonate did not result in a yield improvement, i.e., no “cesium effect” was observed. The purity of macrocycle 4, n = 1 was established by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), NMR spectroscopy and fast atom bombardment mass spectrosccopy (FAB MS). Macrocycle 4, n = 1 has poor solubility due to its crystallinity (Tm = ca. 500°C), but does have high thermal stability (5% weight loss at 507°C in air). HPLC and FAB MS demonstrated that other homologous macrocyclic products resulted from “2 + 2 cyclization” (4, n = 3), “3 + 3 cyclization” (4, n = 5) and backbiting ether exchange reactions (4, n = 2). The high melting point of 4, n = 1 precludes its use as a monomer for melt ring opening polymerization, but this study provides a methodology for the synthesis of other cyclic monomers designed to have lower melting points and be useful in melt ring opening polymerizations.
Mutually compatible Gibbs random fields

A unified theory for the mathematical description of Gibbs random fields that answers some important theoretical and practical questions about their statistical behavior is presented. The local transfer function is introduced, and the joint probability measure of the general Gibbs random field is derived in terms of this function. The resulting probability structure is required to satisfy the property of mutual compatibility. A necessary and sufficient condition for a Gibbs random field to be mutually compatible is developed and used to prove that a mutually compatible Gibbs random field is a unilateral Markov random field. The existence of some special nontrivial cases of Gibbs random fields that are mutually compatible is demonstrated. Conditions on the translation invariance and isotropy of the general Gibbs random field with a free boundary are studied. The class of Gibbs random fields with a homogeneous local transfer function and the class of horizontally and vertically translation-invariant Gibbs random fields are introduced and treated. The concept of a translation-invariant Gibbs random field is also explored. The problem of the statistical inference of mutually compatible Gibbs random fields is discussed. >
Parkinsonism in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS): Revisited

Background Parkinsonian features have been used as a minor diagnostic criterion for fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). However, prior studies have examined parkinsonism (defined as having bradykinesia with at least rest tremor or postural instability) mostly in premutation carriers without a diagnosis of FXTAS. The current study was intended to elaborate this important aspect of the FXTAS spectrum, and to quantify the relationships between parkinsonism, FXTAS clinical staging and genetic/molecular measures.
Water permeation of polymer films. III. High-temperature polyimides

Various freestanding, commercially available polyimides have been found to have virtually identical water permeation properties. However, conformally coating them prevents their relaxing their swelling stresses to accommodate the motions of permeating water molecules, manifesting this inability through changes in the diffusion coefficient.
Effect of leucine-lsoleucine antagonism on plasma amino acid pattern of rats

Abstract The rate of stomach-emptying, the nitrogen content of the intestinal contents, and the blood plasma amino acid pattern of rats were determined at various time intervals up to 24 hr. after they had consumed a single low-protein meal containing enough leucine to cause a leucine-isoleucine and valine antagonism. Control groups were fed either the basal diet without additional leucine or the high-leucine diet with extra isoleucine and valine to alleviate the antagonism. No significant differences were found between the rates of stomach-emptying, or between the amounts of nitrogen in the intestinal contents, of the groups fed the high leucine diets with or without extra isoleucine and valine. The concentrations of isoleucine and valine in blood plasma from the group receiving excess leucine alone were lower every hour up to 12 hr. than the respective concentrations in blood plasma from groups fed the basal diet without leucine or the high-leucine diet with added isoleucine and valine. The plasma concentration of threonine, the amino acid most limiting for the growth of rats fed these diets, was nearly the same throughout for the experimental and both control groups. The plasma glutamic acid concentration was elevated when the diet contained an excess of leucine.
The role of measurement error and misclassification in mediation analysis: mediation and measurement error.

Methods to estimate direct and indirect effects have been rapidly expanding.1–14 It is now well documented that such mediation analyses are subject to strong no-confounding assumptions and that an unmeasured confounder of the mediator-outcome relationship can lead to substantial bias in direct and indirect effect estimates.1,2,6,7,14,15 Much less attention has been given to the question of how measurement error may bias estimates of direct and indirect effects. le Cessie and colleagues.16 have done a service to investigators interested in direct effects by providing simple correction formulas for direct effects estimates in a variety of mediator measurement-error scenarios. Here we will consider the implications of these and other results as they relate to making inferences, not just about direct effects, but also about mediation and indirect effects.
Solidification of high-refractory ruthenium-containing superalloys

Abstract The effect of alloy chemistry on single crystal solidification has been investigated in a series of model high refractory Ni-base superalloys with variations in ruthenium, rhenium and aluminum. Over the range of composition investigated, the initial phase to form during solidification was either the γ phase (FCC Ni-solid solution) or the δ phase (HCP Re-rich phase). In a quaternary Ni-Al-Ta-Re alloy containing 1.7 at.% (5.6 wt.%) Re, δ-Re nucleated at a temperature well above the liquidus temperature of pure Ni and grew unconstrained into six-fold Re-rich dendrites. These dendrites served as potent nucleation sites for γ grains as temperature decreased during directional solidification. Ruthenium additions in the range of 2.5∽9.0 at.% (4.1∽14.1 wt.%) lowered the temperature at which the δ nucleated and eventually suppressed the formation of this phase during solidification. Ru additions also increased the liquidus temperatures of the multicomponent superalloys. The implications for the design of Ru-containing superalloys are discussed.
Temperature-programmed reduction and oxidation of metals supported on γ-alumina

Abstract Quantitative measurements of temperature-programmed reduction and oxidation ( TPR TPO ) at temperatures up to 1200 °C were used to characterize 2% metal on γ-alumina catalysts. The TPR TPO results were also compared with the redox behavior of the bulk compounds. It was found that supported Fe2O3, MoO3, WO3, and NiO could be reduced to metal only at temperatures near 1100 °C. In all cases reduction of supported oxides occurred at temperatures higher than those for the bulk oxides, indicating that interaction of the metal oxides with the support inhibited reduction. However, TPO of the supported metals usually occurred at a temperature lower than those for the bulk metals. This suggests that oxidation diminishes metal-support interaction and the higher rate of oxidation of supported metals reflects their smaller crystallite size. Chemisorption data are also given for the supported oxides after reduction at both moderate and high temperatures.
“On Reading Recipes and Racing Forms”—The Literacy Practices and Perceptions of Vocational Educators

The author studied the literacy practices and perceptions of vocational educators, interviewing and observing them extensively for seven years. The vocational teachers used just as many texts as academic teachers, but used them differently—and although they used complex technical manuals, trade publications, schematics, diagrams, graphic representations, special interest magazines, newspapers, legal documents, safety codes, and Internet resources for specific purposes, the majority of vocational teachers claimed that they were not good readers. The findings of this study show that vocational educators employ literacy practices in their classrooms that mirror the best documented strategies of teaching reading in the content areas.
Neurotoxic effects of chronic restraint stress in the striatum of methamphetamine-exposed rats.

Stress is a common experience in drug abusers. Methamphetamine (METH) is an abused psychostimulant that damages dopamine and serotonin terminals through pro-oxidant mechanisms and glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Both METH and stress increase dopamine and glutamate release in the striatum. Since dopamine inhibits striatal glutamate release and METH depletes dopamine, stress-induced glutamate release may be disinhibited after METH exposure. We examined if repeated stress would worsen excitotoxic damage to the striatum after METH pretreatment. In vivo microdialysis was used to examine stress-induced striatal glutamate release in rats pre-exposed to METH (7.5 mg/kg × 4 injections) or saline. The effects on striatal DA, serotonin, DAT, SERT, and spectrin proteolysis produced by chronic restraint stress (CRS, 6 h/day for 21 days) in the presence or absence of corticosterone synthesis inhibition by metyrapone (50 mg/kg) beginning 7 days after METH were also examined. Stress-induced glutamate release was augmented in rats pre-exposed to METH. CRS 7 days after METH enhanced METH-induced DAT depletions from 23 to 44% in the nonstressed versus stressed rats, respectively. Striatal SERT and serotonin tissue content were decreased by 51 and 36%, respectively, in rats exposed to both METH and CRS but was unchanged by either treatment alone. Spectrin proteolysis was increased by 53% in rats treated with both METH and CRS but was unaffected by either treatment alone. Metyrapone blocked the effects of CRS on METH-induced depletions of SERT but not DAT. Exposure to chronic stress depleted striatal dopamine and serotonin terminal markers possibly through excitotoxic mechanisms in METH-treated rats.
Changes in the Labor Force Participation and Income of the Aged in the United States, 1947-1976

Problems of the aged in the United States are often argued to be increasing because societal level changes are forcing more older workers out of the labor force and reducing average income levels of all aged persons. This paper specifies a model which relates societal trends to changes in the labor force participation rates and median income levels of aged men and women. Aggregate time-series data for the U.S. from 1947–1976 are used to estimate and test the model. The results show participation of aged males and females to respond to long-term changes in the occupational structure and short-term changes in retirement benefits and economic growth. The decline in participation among the aged, however, has not reduced their income which, for at least the last ten years, has increased in absolute and relative terms. Growth of retirement income and cohort improvement are the major causes of the increases in median income.
Seizures and recovery from experimental brain damage

The effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid antagonist, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), on recovery from somatosensory and motor asymmetries after unilateral sensorimotor cortex lesions were investigated. Behavior was assessed using a bilateral tactile stimulation test and a measure of forelimb motor coordination. Immediately after surgery, the PTZ-treated and saline (SAL) control groups both exhibited severe ipsilateral behavioral asymmetries. Rats receiving PTZ recovered significantly faster from somatosensory asymmetry than those receiving SAL. Recovery was complete in the PTZ group within 3 postoperative weeks, while the SAL group failed to reach a comparable level until 2 months after surgery. There was no difference between PTZ and SAL groups on recovery of forelimb motor coordination. No difference in lesion size between the SAL and the PTZ groups could be found. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that post-traumatic neuronal depression may contribute to the severity of sensorimotor deficits observed after brain damage.
Phase Mismatch–Free Nonlinear Propagation in Optical Zero-Index Materials

Phase matching is a critical requirement for coherent nonlinear optical processes such as frequency conversion and parametric amplification. Phase mismatch prevents microscopic nonlinear sources from combining constructively, resulting in destructive interference and thus very low efficiency. We report the experimental demonstration of phase mismatch-free nonlinear generation in a zero-index optical metamaterial. In contrast to phase mismatch compensation techniques required in conventional nonlinear media, the zero index eliminates the need for phase matching, allowing efficient nonlinear generation in both forward and backward directions. We demonstrate phase mismatch-free nonlinear generation using intrapulse four-wave mixing, where we observed a forward-to-backward nonlinear emission ratio close to unity. The removal of phase matching in nonlinear optical metamaterials may lead to applications such as multidirectional frequency conversion and entangled photon generation.
Bazzoni's conjecture

A conjecture posed 11 years ago by S. Bazzoni is solved by showing that a Prufer domain with the property that every locally finitely generated ideal is finitely generated is, in fact, a Prufer domain of finite character.
Equilibrium and compatibility simulation of plunge centreless grinding

A computer simulation of plunge centreless grinding is presented. The key assumption is that the forces on the workpiece equilibrate fast enough to treat the process as a sequence of equilibrium states. Equilibrium forces are calculated at each time step, allowing machine and contact deflections to be accounted for when imposing compatibility upon the workpiece. Machine deflections of the grinding wheel, workblade, and regulating wheel are assumed proportional to the applied forces, with constants obtainable from independent experiments. Contact deflections are calculated with a Hertzian analysis and known material properties. Empirical data relating grinding force to actual depth of cut iteratively 'close the loop' between equilibrium and compatibility. Results of the simulation technique include histories of the workpiece shape, apparent and actual depths of cut, all forces on the workpiece, and all contact and machine deflections. It is shown that regenerative lobing is influenced by the specific grinding energy, and that actual depth of cut might be much lower, and specific grinding energy significantly higher, than in comparable surface grinding processes. It is pointed out that the application of additional, known forces to the top of the workpiece could allow equilibrium and compatibility in centreless grinding to be controlled.