cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innovation in pollution control

Comparisons of the various institutional arrangements for controlling pollutant emissions from individual sources-effluent fees, effluent control subsidies, marketable permits, and direct (“command and control”) regulation-have usually focused on their static efficiency properties and institutional feasibility (e.g., Dales, 1968; Zerbe, 1970; Baumol and Oates, 1975; Kneese and Schultze, 1975; Marin, 1978; Mills and White, 1978; Spence and Weitzman, 1978; Russell, 1979). A relatively neglected area has been the study of how each arrangement influences innovation in pollution control. A few studies (e.g., Kneese and Schultze, 1975; Marin, 1978; Mills and White, 1978; Russell, 1979) have casually claimed that the control methods that rely on economic incentives provide superior incentives for innovation. But there have been few systematic studies of the question.’ This paper provides a simple model of pollution control innovation by a profitmaximizing polluter who is subject to the various control methods.’ The consequences of the methods will be explored in three major contexts: First, we assume that the polluter (and the innovation) is a small enough part of the overall pollution problem so that none of the important marginal conditions are changed by the innovation. Second, we assume that the polluter (and the innovation) are important enough so that marginal conditions are changed by the innovations, but that the governmental authority determining pollution control incentives or levels fails to make the appropriate adjustments. Third, we again assume that the innovation causes marginal conditions to change, but in this case the governmental authority makes the appropriate adjustments. (We use the term “ratcheting” to describe this last phenomenon.) In all cases, we assume that the innovating polluter correctly predicts the reactions of the governmental authority and bases his innovation decisions on that prediction. A profit-maximizing entrepreneur would normally be expected to adopt any innovation that promised gains (present discounted value) to him in excess of initial
Dermatological perspectives of malignant melanoma

Early recognition and treatment of thin cutaneous melanoma have contributed to a decreased case-fatality rate over the past 60 years. The only known preventive measure for melanoma is sun protection in childhood, which directly affects the number of melanocytic nevi developing as an adult. Additional melanoma risk factors, clinical features, and malignant potential of precursor lesions are discussed. The four major clinicopathologic subtypes of melanoma are described, with recommendations for appropriate biopsy techniques for suspected melanoma. Nationwide skin cancer screenings by dermatologists and greater public awareness of the warning signs of melanoma have enhanced detection of early melanoma, and promoted chances for cure.
Modulation and correlation lengths in systems with competing interactions

We examine, principally via large $n$ methods ($n$ refers to the number of components of the classical field or the spin), correlation functions in systems that harbor competing long- and short-ranged interactions. We report, in detail, on various characteristics of the multiple correlation and modulation lengths that these systems generally exhibit. We compute the ground state stripe width of an Ising ferromagnet that is frustrated by long-range interactions. We investigate related systems with vectorial order parameters. The bulk of our results concerns the evolution of modulation lengths in such systems with temperature. We find that crossover temperatures ${T}^{*}$ mark the onset of modulations. For asymptotically weak frustration, the crossover temperature ${T}^{*}$ tends towards the critical temperature of the unfrustrated ferromagnetic system (in which the frustrating long-range interaction is absent). We illustrate that apart from certain special crossover points, the total number of correlation and modulation lengths remains conserved as temperature is varied. We illustrate that the correlation functions associated with the exact dipolar interactions differ substantially from those in which a simple scalar product form between the dipoles is assumed.
Control of catalytic debenzylation and dehalogenation reactions during liquid-phase reduction by H2

Abstract Heterogeneous catalysis, which is being used more frequently in the fine chemicals industry, does not always provide the desired selectivity because various functional groups become labile to reduction by hydrogen on a noble metal under similar reaction conditions. To study the selectivity of debenzylation versus dechlorination in an aromatic compound, the kinetics of the reduction of 4-chloro-N,N-dibenzylaniline on supported Pd catalysts in a buffered solvent under hydrogen reduction conditions were investigated. The turnover frequency on a Pd/C catalyst was 2–40 times higher than that on Pd dispersed on SiO2, TiO2, and Al2O3. The effects of hydrogen pressure, organic substrate concentration, temperature, solvent, and catalyst support on the selectivity were not great at a pH of 5.4, whereas the effect of acid or base modifiers was very significant. Only dechlorination reactions occurred under basic conditions, and the use of an acid confirmed a preferential promotion of debenzylation reactions; consequently, as the pH decreased from 12 to 0.1, the selectivity for dechlorination decreased from essentially 100% to almost 0. Using a triethylamine/acetic acid buffer system to control pH, it was determined that the inflection point in selectivity corresponds to a pH value equal to the p K a of the benzyl-protected amine (4.5 in this case). Consequently, one important finding is that the dechlorination reaction can occur at high rates even under acidic conditions, as long as the pH of the reaction mixture is greater than the p K a of the protected amine. Furthermore, generation of an acidic product like HCl during a dechlorination reaction can decrease the system pH and markedly alter selectivity unless a buffer is present. For reactions carried out at a pH of 5.4, the initial rate of organic substrate consumption was modeled by a classical Langmuir–Hinshelwood sequence, with the assumption of two types of active sites, one site to adsorb H atoms and the other to adsorb the organic substrate, yielding a slightly better fit to the data. The Weisz–Prater criterion was applied to verify the absence of mass transfer effects.
Two-dimensional inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductors composed of double-layered ZnS and monoamines with aromatic and heterocyclic aliphatic rings: Syntheses, structures, and properties

Abstract As an addition to the II–VI based inorganic–organic hybrid semiconductor family, five new two-dimensional (2D) double-layered structures have been synthesized employing monoamines with different aromatic or heterocyclic aliphatic rings. Zn2S2(bza) (1), Zn2S2(mbza) (2), Zn2S2(fbza) (3), Zn2S2(pca) (4), and Zn2S2(thfa) (5) (bza=benzylamine, mbza=4-methoxybenzylamine, fbza=4-flurobenzylamine, pca=3-picolylamine, and thfa=tetrahydrofurfurylamine) are prepared by solvothermal reactions and characterized by different analytical methods, including powder X-ray diffraction, optical diffuse reflection, thermogravimetric analysis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that all five compounds adopt 2D double-layered structures. Optical diffuse reflectance spectra of these compounds suggest that they have notably lower band gaps than those of the similar compounds composed of aliphatic alkyl amines. Their photoluminescence properties and thermal stability are also analyzed.
The influence of training-detraining upon the heart, muscle and adipose tissue of female rats.

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a 10 week training, 3 week detraining cycle upon heart, muscle and adipose tissue of the rat. Specific pathogen-free female Wistar rats, 175 g at the onset of the experiments, were separated into three treatment groups; Sedentary Control (SC), Trained (T) and Detrained (DT). Animals from the T group were killed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks and animals from the DT group were killed at 7, 14 and 21 days after the last day of training. Unweighted swimming — 6 h/day, 5 day/week, was the form of training employed. The animals, after being sacrified, were anesthetized with nembutal (45 mg/kg body wt.) and muscle samples and heart removed. These tissues were frozen and analyzed at a later date for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity (muscles), total protein (TP), total hydroxylprotein (TH) and wet and dryg weight (heart). Adipose tissue was removed last, digested in collagenase (5 mg/ ml) and the isolated cells used to measured 2-[3H]deoxyglucose uptake (DOG) and the conversion of D-[1-14C]glucose (C-1) and D-[6-14C]glucose (C-6) to CO2. The results of this study show that 10 weeks of endurance training induced myocardial hypertrophy (P < 0.05) which involved increases in both TP and TH, the heart of the trained animals having 20.8% more protein and a 28.5% more hydroxlprotein than the sedentary controls. With detraining hypertrophy was lost within 21 days. Training maintained fat cell size at its pre-trained diameter, while inactivity allowed growth in the adipocytes of the control animals. The uptake of DOG and the conversion of glucose C-1 and glucose C-6 to CO2, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the adipocytes of trained animals indicating that they were more responsive to insulin than the sedentary controls, which corresponded to increases in the respiratory enzyme levels of the muscles. During the first 7 days of detraining DOG uptake and both C-1 and C-6 glucose oxidation remained elevated. In conclusion the results of this study clearly demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between adiposity and training that can be related to the insulin responsiveness of the adipose tissue.
SEARCH FOR CHARGED HIGGS BOSONS IN DECAYS OF PAIR-PRODUCED TOP QUARKS AT DØ

We present a search for t → bH+ in candidate events at DO based on two methods. The first seeks a deficit in signal relative to expectations from the standard model (SM). Such a deficit would imply the presence of a non-SM decay of the top quark. This search involves the full data sample of ≈ 110 pb-1 of collisions at , collected with the DO detector. The second method looks for charged Higgs decays to τ leptons (and associated neutrinos), and is based on a 62 pb-1 subset of the aforementioned data sample.
The amalgamation of neural networks and fuzzy logic systems—a survey

Abstract Both neural networks and fuzzy logic systems exhibit human-like mental processing. The similarities and dissimilarities of these two technologies, such as multi-layer operations of neural networks and max-min operation in fuzzy logic systems, make apparent that there are advantages to combining them. However, this was not done until the late 1980's. Surveying the literature revealed eight different approaches to combining the merits of fuzzy logic systems and neural networks.
Production of positive inotropism in the dog heart by some constituent of intocostrin.

ConclusionA highly purified curare preparation (Intocostrin) produces a positive inotropic effect in the isolated dog heart. This effect is not due to the d-tubocurarine content of the preparation or to the preservative and, therefore, must be due to some unidentified component.
Purification and amino acid compositions of the structural proteins of sindbis virus.

The envelope glycoproteins El and E2 of Sindbis virus (a member of the alphavirus group of the Toga virus family) have been purified on the basis of their differential binding to glass wool in the presence of the nondenaturing detergent Triton X-100, and milligram amounts of all three structural proteins of the virus have been prepared. The amino acid compositions of these proteins have been determined for two strains of the virus, wt and HR. Although it is clear from other studies that one or more structural proteins of the heat-resistant variant have been altered relative to the wild type, we were unable to detect such changes at the level of amino acid composition. As expected, the capsid protein is rich in the basic amino acids, and in this respect shows a strong similarity to the capsid protein of the closely related Semliki Forest virus. The molecular weight of the capsid protein has been estimated from the composition data to be 30,000 ± 600 daltons, in good agreement with the results obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The envelope proteins El and E2 contain a proportion of polar amino acids which is typical of water-soluble proteins, with no apparent excess of amino acids with hydrophobic side chains. Thus it is unlikely that extensive regions of these proteins are buried in the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer of the viral envelope.
Thiadiazole-induced myelodysplasia in rats†

Pregnant Wistar rats were injected ip with a teratogenic dose (100 mg/kg) of 2-amino-l,3,4-thiadiazole hydro-chloride (ATDA) on day 11 of gestation (sperm day = day 0). Pregnancy was terminated at various intervals following drug injection. At autopsy some embryos were dead, some severely affected, and others only mildly affected by the treatment. The neural tube was more sensitive to ATDA than was any other tissue. The first histologically observable effect of maternal ATDA treatment was embryonic cell death in the caudal end of the neural tube, 12 h after treatment. During the next 24 h additional cells in the neural tube died, as well as cells in associated ganglia and in areas of condensing mesenchyme and somites. The tissues of the tail were especially sensitive to ATDA treatment. Forty-eight hours after treatment repair and regeneration of neural tissue was evident. At day 20, spinal cords of affected fetuses had excrescences growing from the luminal wall, rosettes, duplication of the central canal, premature termination, and disruption of normal cellular patterns. Fetuses with myelodysplasia also had short or absent tails. It is postulated that malformations resulting from maternal ATDA treatment are due to cell death caused by ATDA acting directly on embryonic cells, with the ultimate outcome depending on the number of mitotically active cells that survive treatment to continue the process of organogenesis.
Asymptotic behavior and uniqueness of blow-up solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations

In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the problem Δpu = f (u) in Ω, u = ∞ on ∂Ω, under general conditions on the function f, where Ωp is the p-Laplace operator. We show that the technique used by the author for the special case p = 2 works in this more general setting, and that the behavior described by various authors for the case p = 2 is easily derived from this technique for the general case.
Impact constraints on the age and origin of the lowlands of Mars

[1] Visible and buried impact basins, seen as “Quasi-Circular Depressions” (QCDs) in MOLA data, provide important new constraints on the age of the Martian lowlands. The buried lowlands are no younger than Early Noachian, at least as old as the oldest exposed (visible) surface units in the highlands. A model absolute age for these buried lowlands is 4.04–4.11 GY (or earlier) but similar model ages for the largest lowland basins are older yet, 4.08–4.18 GY. The lowland crust both formed and became low no later than 500 million years after Mars formed, and likely even earlier. This constrains models for the origin of the fundamental crustal topographic dichotomy on Mars. Mechanisms which operated both early and quickly during the earliest history of Mars (e.g., large impacts) may be more likely than those requiring extended periods of time (i.e., endogenic models).
A Fast Iterative Digital Volume Correlation Algorithm for Large Deformations

Digital volume correlation (DVC), the three-dimensional (3D) extension of digital image correlation (DIC), measures internal 3D material displacement fields by correlating intensity patterns within interrogation windows. In recent years DVC algorithms have gained increased attention in experimental mechanics, material science, and biomechanics. In particular, the application of DVC algorithms to quantify cell-induced material deformations has generated a demand for user-friendly, and computationally efficient DVC approaches capable of detecting large, non-linear deformation fields. We address these challenges by presenting a fast iterative digital volume correlation method (FIDVC), which can be run on a personal computer with computation times on the order of 1–2 min. The FIDVC algorithm employs a unique deformation-warping scheme capable of capturing any general non-linear finite deformation. The validation of the FIDVC algorithm shows that our technique provides a unique, fast and effective experimental approach for measuring non-linear 3D deformations with high spatial resolution.
Low-Level Airflow in Southern Wyoming during Wintertime

Abstract A number of low-level flights were conducted with an instrumented aircraft to investigate wind characteristics in the planetary boundary layer over the low regions of the continental divide in southern Wyoming. The airflow upwind of the continental divide is stably-stratified and as it converses through Wyoming's “wind corridor&rdquo, a strong horizontal thermal gradient or baroclinic zone develops. The coldest air moves through the northern part of the wind corridor and is ovelain by a very stable layer. Trapped lee waves are prevalent in the planetary boundary layer of the wind corridor. Through the corridor the forces normal to the flow an in approximate balance and the flow is an anomalous anticyclonic flow around a low. Downwind of the wind corridor the airflow forms a convergence zone on its southern boundary with air from north-central Colorado. The convergence zone appears to remain distinct for ∼ 100 km downwind of the Medicine Bow Mountains. The flow through smaller gaps was also invest...
Baylisascariasis in Raccoons from Southern Coastal Texas

Two hundred and two Baylisascaris procyonis were collected from 23 (70%) of 33 raccoons (Procyon lotor) at three localities in southern coastal Texas (USA). Abundances of B. procyonis were similar among collection localities. The presence of B. procyonis in Texas is confirmed, and this record considerably extends the potential range of baylisascariasis larval migrans in North America.
Hemodynamic effects of a new histamine H2 receptor agonist (impromidine) and antagonist (ranitidine).

Summary The current study was designed to evaluate a) the effects of a relatively new histamine H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine, on H2 mediated increases in canine renal and mesenteric blood flows and b) the effects of a relatively new H2 agonist, impromidine, on canine mesenteric hemodynamics. Ranitidine was nearly 10 times as effective as cimetidine (a widely prescribed H2 antagonist) in inhibiting dimaprit (an H2 agonist) induced increases in renal and mesenteric blood flows. Studies with impromidine revealed that this H2 agonist is about 100 times more potent than dimaprit in producing equivalent increases in mesenteric blood flow.
Anolis Cupreus: The Response of a Lizard to Tropical Seasonality

Seasonal changes in the population ecology of Anolis cupreus, a sexually dimorphic lizard, were studied over a 2—yr period in a deciduous and riparian forest ecosystem in western Costa Rica. This tropical environment undergoes strong seasonal changes, including a 6—mo yr dry season during which maximum air temperatures, hours of daily sunshine, and heavy winds occur. Many aspects of the ecology of A. cupreus undergo striking seasonal changes in response to this climatic seasonality. Both sexes were sexually active for about 6 mo of the year, with the ♀ cycle coinciding with the wet season. Fat body cycles in both sexes were inversely related to the reproductive cycles. Males and ♀ ♀ attain sexual maturity at 1 yr or less, and the population apparently undergoes an annual turnover. Population density was high (> 1,200 anoles/ha) in the dry season, but in part because of changes in the structural habitat of ♂ ♂ and territorial behavior, density was much lower in the wet season. In the dry season social interactions were rarely seen, both sexes perched at or near ground level, and ♀ ♀. In contrast, in the wet season social interactions occupied a majority of the ♂ ♂ time as they defended territories and courted ♀ ♀. At this time of the year ♂ ♂ perched much higher than ♀ ♀ fed primarily on the ground; ♂ ♂ obtained at least half their food up to 6 m aboveground in the wet season. Because of seasonal changes in perch heights and size of prey items eaten, intrasexual (seasonal) values of place x food niche overlap were lower than intersexual values. The response of this anole to stressful climatic conditions is analogous to that of its Temperate Zone congener, Anolis carolinensis. Whereas A. carolinensis hibernates to avoid low winter temperatures, A. cupreus becomes inactive during periods of high winds and air temperatures.
Epidemiology of Mycobacterium avium Complex Disease

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a common environmental organism. Disease in humans due to this organism is primarily manifested by three clinical syndromes: disseminated disease, usually in persons with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; pulmonary disease, in persons whose systemic immunity is intact; and cervical lymphadenitis, also a disease of normal hosts. Disseminated disease in persons with AIDS is the most common clinical presentation, and all three syndromes are increasing in frequency. Research is needed to identify the environmental reservoirs and modes of acquisition leading to MAC disease in humans and to explain recent increases in occurrence.
Computer-facilitated instructional strategies for education: designing Webquests

SUMMARY This article describes the use of WebQuests, a computer-facilitated instructional strategy for social work education. Pedagogical constructs relevant to the use of WebQuests as a computer-facilitated instructional strategy are identified and discussed. Examples of the application and integration of WebQuest activities in an undergraduate social work curriculum are presented.
EFFECT ON WEAKNESS AND SPASTICITY IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS OF THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE

Very high intravenous doses (2-19 mg/min) of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, L-pyroglutamyl-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide) given to 12 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) produced a moderate to marked improvement of functions caused by deficiency of lower motor neurons (weakness) and upper motor neurons (spasticity). The improvement was sustained throughout the infusion and for about 1 h thereafter; sometimes a slight improvement was evident 20 h after infusion. At a given dose benefits and side-effects were more evident in men than in women. Whether TRH is replacing an ALS-associated deficiency or is simply a symptomatic treatment is unknown. The results of this study raise the possibility of a treatment for ALS, and may provide new insight into its pathogenesis. The potential response to TRH of spasticity and/or lower motor neuron involvement of other causes is proposed.
A "no-hybrids" screen for functional antagonizers of human p53 transactivator function: dominant negativity in fission yeast.

We have developed a functional‘no-hybrids’ screen in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe based on the transcription transactivator activity of human p53. The screen can be used to identify antagonizers and modulators of p53 activity. Expression of functional full-length human p53 is conditionally lethal to the screen reporter strains. Co-expression of specific inhibitory proteins promotes cell survival and growth. We have validated the‘no-hybrids’ system by (a) successful modeling of human wild-type p53 interaction with SV40 large T antigen, Mdm2 and a panel of tumor-derived human p53 mutants, (b) demonstrating the screening system's efficiency through identification of a dominant negative fragment of p53 itself in a library screen context and (c) using Drosophila p53 to demonstrate that the system can detect evolutionarily distant p53 homologues based on their transactivator activity. The‘no-hybrids’ screen will be of utility in searches for p53 function-modulators of both cellular and viral origin.
investigations at the Perkins Observatory of changes in the Kennelly‐Heaviside layer as a function of lunar altitudes

Observations of radio intensities by the writer and by G. W. Pickard have provided material for showing a close correlation between solar activity and the apparent level of the Kennelly-Heaviside layer as interpreted in measured signal-strengths. Recent investigations of accumulated radio data exhibit an apparent dependence of signal-strengths upon the position of the moon in the sky in respect to the path of transmission.
Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites infect CD36-deficient mice.

Sinnis, P. and Febbraio, M. 2001. Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites infect CD36-deficient mice. Experimental Parasitology100, 12–16.
A Robust K Estimation Scheme using Mesh-Insensitive Structural Stresses

In this paper, the applications of a new structural stress method, referred as a mesh-insensitive structural stress method developed recently, in estimating stress intensity factors for welded joints will be discussed. The new structural stress method is based on the considerations of separating an actual stress state into two parts: (1) equilibrium-equivalent part and (2) self-equilibrating part. Both parts are consistent with the far-field stress state with respect to a hypothetical crack location within fracture mechanics context. Therefore, the stress intensity factors (K) can be estimated once the mesh-insensitive structural stresses become available. The method is particularly suited for applications in welded joints in complex structures. In this paper, a brief description of the mesh-insensitive structural stress procedure is reviewed. A robust K estimation procedure is then presented. The new K solution procedures were then validated against a series of well-known K solutions for welded joints in the literature. Finally, discussions are given in terms of the implications of the present solutions in applications in complex structures.
Evaluating the Statistical Significance of Models Developed by Stepwise Regression

Information for evaluating the statistical significance of stepwise regression models developed with a forward selection procedure is presented. Cumulative distributions of the adjusted coefficient...
Molecular computations of preferential interaction coefficients of proteins.

Estimation of the thermodynamic properties of proteins in mixed solvents is crucial for understanding the effect of cosolvents on rates and equilibrium constants of reactions involving proteins. In...
Differential methylation of pluripotency gene promoters in in vitro matured and vitrified, in vivo-matured mouse oocytes.

Objective To assess the methylation patterns of four pluripotency gene promoters in mouse oocytes after in vivo maturation, in vitro maturation (IVM), and vitrification followed by IVM. Design Experimental study. Setting Research laboratory. Animal(s) Three populations of metaphase II mouse oocytes were analyzed after in vivo maturation, IVM, and vitrification followed by IVM (V-IVM). Cumulus cells and blastocyst embryos were controls. Intervention(s) The CpG methylation patterns (overall and CpG specific) in the promoters of four pluripotency genes ( Oct4 , Nanog, Foxd3, and Sox2) were analyzed for each cell type by traditional DNA bisulfite sequencing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Differences for overall methylation were evaluated using the Student's t -test and for individual CpG sites by χ 2 analysis. Result(s) Significantly lower levels of overall methylation in promoters of Oct4 (25%) and Sox2 (4.5%) were noted in V-IVM oocytes compared with in vivo-matured oocytes (62.5% and 8.5%, respectively). Cumulus cell promoters were generally hypomethylated at Nanog, Foxd3. and Sox2, but hypermethylated at Oct4. Conclusion(s) The methylation status of Oct4 and Sox2 promoters of V-IVM mouse oocytes are altered when compared with in vivo-matured oocytes. The biological risk and significance of these changes are unknown and this study indicates caution and that further analyses are warranted.
On the interface stability of a neck propagating in a sheet reinforced with shape-memory fibers

Abstract We propose a simple model of necking in a sheet reinforced with straight fibers made of a shape-memory alloy and examine conditions under which the interface between the necked and the unnecked region is morphologically stable. We use the Mullins and Sekerka (1963, J. Appl. Phys. 34, 323–330; 1964, J. Appl. Phys. 35, 444–450) method, established for studying the stability of a moving interface in a solidification problem, to investigate the interface stability of a propagating neck. It is found that the moving straight interface is morphologically stable for several typical cases even in the absence of surface-tension effects, and the stationary interface is always stable.
Shareholder and stakeholder value in corporate downsizing: the case of United Technologies Corporation

In recent years, many corporations have initiated downsizing programs to eliminate jobs, close facilities and withdraw from major lines of business. These initiatives have been justified in the name of creating “lean and efficient” organizations. In many cases, top management is rewarded with large bonus compensation packages. Such rewards are considered to be consistent with the goal of maximizing shareholder value. We compare stakeholder and shareholder value models of management accountability to gain insights into the broader economic and societal consequences of the current financial reporting model. Specifically, we examine downsizing at United Technologies Corporation to demonstrate how current financial reporting practices privilege shareholder/management interests over other stakeholders and favor actions that may result in detrimental effects to corporate stakeholders and society at large. This paper extends extant research by providing a concrete example of how “generally‐accepted” financial reports may be used to analyze economic events (like corporate downsizing) through multiple perspectives.
Shareholder Voting on Auditor Selection, Audit Fees, and Audit Quality

ABSTRACT: The Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession (ACAP), formed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has recommended that all public companies be required to have shareholder ratification of auditor selection. Using data from 1,382 firms for the year ending December 31, 2006, we find that audit fees are higher in firms with shareholder voting on auditor ratification. We also find that firms that started having a shareholder vote pay higher fees than firms that stopped having a shareholder vote. In the second part of our study, we find that in firms with shareholder voting on auditor selection (1) subsequent restatements are less likely and (2) abnormal accruals are lower. Our findings are consistent with the experimental results in Mayhew and Pike (2004), and provide empirical grounding for the debate about mandating shareholder voting on auditor selection.
Loratadine: A Potent, Nonsedating, and Long-Acting H1 Antagonist:

Loratadine, a nonclassical selective, peripheral H1-receptor antagonist has undergone extensive preclinical studies and clinical trials in over 6,000 patients. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis...
Assessment of engineering controls designed for handling unstable loads: An electromyography assessment

Abstract Low back injury due to manual lifting is historically prevalent in labor intensive industries. Improving risk management options is necessary to reduce the risk of low back injury. Workers lifting unstable loads are at greater risk of back injury compared to workers lifting stable loads. This study focused on the effect of engineering controls on trunk muscle activity. Engineering controls were designed to control the instability of a liquid load. Thirty-nine healthy subjects manually lifted asymmetrically in the transverse direction stable loads, unstable loads, and unstable loads with engineering controls. Trunk and load kinematic and trunk muscle electromyography data were collected during lifting. Unstable loads with engineering controls significantly (p Relevance to industry Manually handling containers filled with liquids is necessary in many industrial workplaces. Risk management solutions for low back injury due to manual lifting of such loads should focus on reducing muscular demand. This study demonstrates that engineering controls designed to increase the stability of a liquid load reduced muscular demand.
Teaching professional and humanistic values: suggestion for a practical and theoretical model.

Abstract Objectives To suggest and describe a practical and theoretical underpinning for teaching professional and humanistic values. Methods The author describes four learning methods that together comprise a model for teaching professional and humanistic values. The author defends this model by citing evidence and relevant literature as well as his extensive experience with numerous colleagues in successfully applying the model in large scale programs. Results The combination of teaching methods that comprise the model evolved over 30 years from the experience of several large collaborations with educators in teaching learners at all levels of medical education. The four teaching methods are (1) experiential learning of skills, (2) critical reflection, (3) a supportive group process, and (4) a sufficiently longitudinal curriculum. Together, these methods create a theoretical model with mutually reinforcing elements for enhancing commitment to core values and optimizing professional identity formation. Conclusions This paper describes the combined model and the methods in detail and reviews evidence favoring incorporation into curricula. Practice implications The combined model educationally enhances core values that underlie the professional identity formation of physicians. The model is practical and generalizable, and should be used by curriulum planners.
Circulation in the cephalopod, Octopus dofleini.

Abstract 1. 1. Simultaneous recordings of pressure from the cephalic aorta, the afferent and efferent branchial vessels and the vena cava cephalica have been made in unanethetized, unreastrained cephalopods, Octopus dofleini . 2. 2. The frequency of the systemic heart varied between 8–18 beats/min at a water temperature of 7–9°C. The aortic systolic pressure varied during normal conditions between 45–70 cm of water with a pulse pressure of 20 cm of water. The pressure level in the afferent branchial vessels ranged from 25 to 50 cm of water systolic and about 15 cm of water diastolic pressure. Similar values in the efferent branchial vessels were 10–25 cm of water systolic and 5–15 cm of water diastolic. In the vena cava cephalic the pressure ranged under normal conditions between 0–17 cm of water with a pulse pressure of 3–5 cm of water. 3. 3. The pressure recordings indicate that the ctenidia contract actively in a rhytmic fashion, promoting the propulsion of blood. The pressure changes in the vena cava cephalica are thought to be passively mediated from pressure changes created by the respiratory movements. 4. 4. During exercise there is a marked increased in both pulse pressure and diastolic pressure in the aorta. The heart sometimes showed great acceleration during exercise. 5. 5. Experiments with infusion of sea water into the vascular system demonstrated a capacity for accomodation of large volumes without noteceable disturbance of the general circulation. 6. 6. Pressure recordings in a symmetrical arrangement in the branchial vessel indicate a crucial importance of the nervous system for coordination of activity in the octopus vascular system. 7. 7. The haemodynamics of the cardiovascular system in Octopus dofleini are discussed.
Curbing energy cravings in networks: a cross-sectional view across the micro-macro boundary

The soaring power dissipation of computing infrastructures has effectively become a key performance bottleneck. At the same time, thermal issues arising from power hungry devices result in compromising reliability of such systems. At present, the processor cores within a chip multiprocessor (CMP) are interconnected using on-chip networks. At the same time, the emerging era of cloud computing and the associated large-scale distributed computing model are stretching the limits of computer networking. Hence, as an essential and pervasive fabric that binds all computing machinery, there is an underlying network that appears with varying scale and characteristics. In this paper, we take a look at methodologies for better management of the power budget across the cross-section of computing systems traversing the boundary between micro-level on-chip networks to macro-level cloud computing. We discuss methodologies for power and thermal management both at micro and macro scales and explore the role of one in reducing the power budget of the other.
A highly electrically conductive polymer–multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite membrane

Abstract Electrically conductive polymeric ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated by pressure filtering a thin layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) – cross-linked with carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and succinic acid – onto a support membrane. The effect of the degree of cross-linking and that of CNT concentration on the performance of these membranes was evaluated. These membranes demonstrated high pure water flux with good particle separation, high electrical conductivity, low polymer crystallinity, and low surface tensions. Membranes formed with 20 min cross-linking curing times and 20 w/% CNT concentration showed electrical resistivity as low as 2.8×10−4 Ω m (conductivities as high as 3.6×103 S/m), pure water flux of 1440 L/m2 h at pressures of 550 kPa, and triple-point initial contact angles as low as 40° with high hysteresis.
The Imperial Sportive: Sporting Lives in the Service of Modern Japan

Modern Japan has a long history of sports literature. After the successful diffusion of Western sport through the school system, sport literature became popular with the advent of mass culture in 1920s Japan. In order to encourage ‘proper’ moral associations to be made between Western sport and masculinity in Japanese youth, literature about sport was actively published by Japanese media and focused primarily on schoolboys. Serialised magazines stories and short novels focused on sports and athletes as the embodiment of vitality and values requisite of an expanding imperial nation. Athletes and various Western sports were glorified for Japanese youth and enabled a generation to deepen their appreciation of how hard work, industry and athletic masculinity could be trained through sport. With the sensational performance by Japanese Olympic athletes in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Tanaka Hidemitsu wrote the short novel, Orinposu no kajitsu (‘The Fruits of Olympus’) which became an instant best-seller ...
A Note on the Estimation of the Multinomial Logit Model With Random Effects

The multinomial logit model with random effects is often used in modeling correlated nominal polytomous data. Given that there is no standard software of fitting it, we advocate using either a Poisson log-linear model or a Poisson nonlinear model, both with random effects. Their implementations can be carried out easily by many existing commercial statistical packages including SAS. A brand choice dataset is used to illustrate the proposed methods.
ENERGETICS OF EXPLOSIVE EVENTS OBSERVED WITH SUMER

Observations of solar chromosphere-corona transition region plasma show evidence of small-scale, short-lived dynamic phenomena characterized by significant nonthermal broadening and asymmetry in the wings of spectral line profiles. These impulsive mass motions (explosive events) are thought to be the product of magnetic reconnection and to be similar in driving mechanism (though larger in size) to nanoflares, the small-scale events proposed to heat the corona. In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of the energetics of explosive events to address the viability of the nanoflare heating theory. We consider high spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution spectra of the C III λ977, N IV λ765, O VI λ1032, and Ne VIII λ770 lines observed with the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) telescope and spectrometer. Each line profile exhibiting explosive event characteristics was analyzed using the velocity differential emission measure (VDEM) technique. A VDEM is a measure of the emitting power of the plasma as a function of its line-of-sight velocity and hence provides a method of accurately measuring the energy flux associated with an explosive event. We find that these events globally release ~4 × 104 ergs cm-2 s-1 toward both the corona and chromosphere. This implies that explosive events themselves are not energetically significant to the solar atmosphere. However, the distribution of these explosive events as a function of their energy has a power-law spectral index of α = 2.9 ± 0.1 for the energy range 1022.7-1025.1 ergs. Since α is greater than 2, the energy content is dominated by the smallest events. Hence, if this distribution is representative of the size distribution down to lower energy ranges (~1022 ergs), such small and (currently) undetectable events would release enough energy to heat the solar atmosphere.
Calcium-mediated effects of calcitonin on cyclic AMP formation and lymphoblast proliferation in thymocyte populations exposed to prostaglandin E1†

The calcitonin (SCT) from salmon ultimobranchial bodies which (like mammalian calcitonins) lowers the plasma calcium concentration in mammals can also affect cyclic AMP (cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate) metabolism and proliferation of lymphoblasts in normal and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)-treated rat thymocyte populations in three different ways. In the first case, low concentrations (0.5–5.0 ng per milliliter) of SCT lower (by a calcium-mediated process) the ability of PGE1 to transiently increase cyclic AMP synthesis, but the reduced surge of cyclic AMP production is still ample to stimulate lymphoblasts in the cell population to initiate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis. Secondly, these low SCT concentrations affect the eventual progression of the PGE1-stimulated, DNA-synthesizing lymphoblasts into mitosis by a calcium-mediated process. Depending on the extracellular calcium concentration and the magnitude of the initial increment in the intracellular cyclic AMP content, SCT can either promote or inhibit the progression of the stimulated cells into mitosis. SCT's third action is a rapid (within 5 minutes), calcium-independent elevation of the cellular cyclic AMP content in otherwise untreated thymic lymphocyte populations exposed to a very high concentration (100 ng per milliliter) of the hormone. This early, transient rise in the cyclic AMP level is followed by a calcium-dependent increase in lymphoblast proliferation. An attempt is made to interrelate and explain the different actions of SCT on cyclic AMP metabolism and mitogenesis.
The operant conditioning of verbally mediated self-control in the classroom

Abstract Traditional behavior modification often does not entirely eliminate misbehaviors. Operant principles imply that precise control may be obtained by conditioning vebal behaviors, such as descriptions of consequences of target behaviors, to mediate between temptation and target responses as self-produced discriminative stimuli and to follow target responses as conditioned reinforcers. To test these ideas, a controlled experiment was carried out with 12 children who had been given traditional behavior modification treatment. Mediation training was given to six children, the other six serving as control subjects. During a 15-day post-treatment period, mediation trained children emitted fewer misbehaviors than the control children did.
Revenue-sharing voucher program (RSVP)

There has been a significant shift in government towards decentralized power and responsibility as exemplified by the State and Local Assistance Act. The trend occurs at a time when society faces the double challenge of encouraging more and better informed, public participation in decision-making, and also improving the efficiency in governmental delivery of services. A proposal is made to use general revenue sharing moneys to meet this dual challenge through a revenue sharing voucher program (RSVP). The program entails turning back to citizens the incoming funds in the form of vouchers to be allocated by them to various local government agencies. The implications for the City of Seattle are discussed as an example of the operation and the tradeoffs involved.
Complement component C3 and complement receptor type 3 contribute to the phagocytosis and clearance of fibrillar Aβ by microglia

Complement components and their receptors are found within and around Aβ cerebral plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Microglia defend against pathogens through phagocytosis via complement component C3 and/or engagement of C3 cleavage product iC3b with complement receptor type 3 (CR3, Mac-1). Here we provide direct evidence that C3 and Mac-1 mediate, in part, phagocytosis and clearance of fibrillar amyloid-β (fAβ) by murine microglia in vitro and in vivo. Microglia took up not only synthetic fAβ42 but also amyloid cores from AD patients, transporting them to lysosomes in vitro. Fibrillar Aβ42 uptake was significantly attenuated by the deficiency or knockdown of C3 or Mac-1 and scavenger receptor class A ligands. In addition, C3 or Mac-1 knockdown combined with a scavenger receptor ligand, fucoidan, further attenutated fibrillar Aβ42 uptake by N9 microglia. Fluorescent fibrillar Aβ42 microinjected cortically was significantly higher in C3 and Mac-1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice 5 days after surgery, indicating reduced clearance in vivo. Together, these results demonstrate that C3 and Mac-1 are involved in phagocytosis and clearance of fAβ by microglia, providing support for a potential beneficial role for microglia and the complement system in AD pathogenesis.
TMS strategic planning: a journey and a destination

Strategic planning is an activity that pervades the organizations from which TMS members come, be they industry, government, or university. So it is appropriate that the professional society that represents these members also has a plan for where the society should be headed. While TMS has been focused on delivering value to its members for its 136-year history, including the last 50 as a member society, the “modern” version of the TMS strategic planning process can be traced to a board of directors retreat held in 1997. A result was the establishment of a new vision statement and a modifi ed mission statement that provided the guiding direction for the plan. Approved at the TMS Board of Directors meeting in San Antonio, Texas in February 1998, those vision and mission statements continue to be the guideposts by which our efforts are led: • TMS Vision Statement: The vision of TMS is to be the professional society of choice for the worldwide minerals, metals, and materials community. • TMS Mission Statement: The mission of TMS is to promote the global science and engineering professions concerned with minerals, metals, and materials.