cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life, Redrawn: A Memoir of Carl R. Woese (1928–2012)

The term Neo-Darwinism was coined to define the modern era of evolutionary biology as to mechanism, the part of his idea Darwin necessarily skirted. The doctrine of Neo-Darwinism combined the extant science of population genetics with then-emerging molecular definitions of fitness into a “new synthesis.” This revisionist, progressive view sought to explain how something such as the opposable thumb of some primates (including us) or the existence of maternal altruism (birds as the canonical case) might be understood in the context of what came to be known in evolutionary biology as “purifying selection.” (This term is totally legit in the vocabulary of population genetics, even though it evokes—as it should—many dark chapters in the eugenics era, both here and abroad.) Stated in perhaps clearer terms, Neo-Darwinism sought to explain how something as obvious as industrial melanism (the noted increase in the frequency of dark-pigmented moths on the sooted trees around British factories in the 19th century) could be the same phenomenon that gives rise to all biological diversity on earth. This was certainly a perfectly legitimate question. The formal science of population genetics was laid down by Ronald A. Fisher (1890–1962), but the two most powerful influences in the rise of Neo-Darwinism were Susumu Ohno (1928–2000) and James Crow (1916–2012). They brought us new ways of thinking about population structure-dynamics and how what today is called “microevolution” bears on much longer timescales (a perceived “chink” into which creationists typically aim their arrows). Neo-Darwinsim was, to be sure, afoot well before Ohno and Crow, with shades in the work of Theodosius Dobzhansky, for example. Dobzhansky was a forwardlooking population geneticist in his time (1900–1975), who is now enjoying a second era of fame as a result of his famous sentence uttered in a lecture to high school science teachers: “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” (1). The reason this now-famous quote of Dobzhansky has such a good ring to our ears is that it uttered a truth that had long been forgotten (if ever known in the first place): evolution is not simply about the past; it informs all that has happened since, and it thus is about the present and the future, not simply about those ancient days. Dobzhansky’s statement, now an iconic quote in the history of biology, is a perfect endorsement for the prescience of Carl Woese. Whereas cerebral foreplay by a geneticist could set up a fruit fly-breeding experiment in a population cage or seek insights in the wild by going
Mg 3pnd (J=3) autoionization spectra using isolated-core excitation.

The Mg 3pnd J=3 autoionizing spectra have been studied for n values ranging from 9 to 40, using an isolated-core excitation technique with ion detection. The measured spectra are found to be in generally excellent agreement with results from a calculated reaction matrix. The observed spectra exhibit strong interseries interactions between the 3${\mathit{p}}_{1/2}$${\mathit{nd}}_{5/2}$ and 3${\mathit{p}}_{3/2}$${\mathit{nd}}_{\mathit{j}}$ series, and, for n\ensuremath{\le}15, interferences between the amplitudes for excitation of the core electron to the 3${\mathit{P}}_{1/2}$ and 3${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$ ion states. Classifications of states for n\ensuremath{\le}29 are tabulated. We discuss the difficulties in deducing autoionization rates for Mg from the experimental and theoretical data, the implications of which could have relevance to dielectronic recombination rate calculations.
Effect of Ag on processing and properties of Bi- and Ti-based HTSC materials

High temperature x-ray diffraction was used to determine the effect of Ag on the peritectic melting sequence of low carbon content Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8. Only slight changes in the solid solution compositions were found with 20 wt.% Ag added to the system, with the phases and stability regions remaining the same. Micro-structure, sintering behavior, lattice parameters, and superconducting property changes in Tl0.5Pb0.5Sr2CaCu2O7 were investigated with different amounts of Ag added to investigate the effect of Ag. From the results in both systems, the presence of Ag does not seem to change the intrinsic properties of these superconductors, but affects the processing variables, like reaction temperatures, which change the optimum temperatures for obtaining best properties. The temperature at which melting occurs and the amount of liquid formed depends both on the amount of Agand carbon content of the materials.
Role of cytokines in bone resorption

It has been established during the past few years that interleukin(s)-1, -6, -11 (IL-1, IL-6, IL-11), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) can stimulate osteoclast development and thereby the process of bone resorption. Moreover, upregulation of the production and/or action of IL-6 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease states characterized by excessive osteoclastic bone resorption, including the osteopenias associated with loss of either ovarian or testicular function. This article highlights this evidence and attempts to clarify the role of cytokines in the bone loss associated with gonadal deficiency. Specifically, it reviews data demonstrating that the protective effects of estrogens and androgens on the skeleton are mediated through their ability to inhibit IL-6 production. Both of these steroids exert their effects by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of the IL-6 gene promoter via mechanisms involving their respective specific receptors. Upon loss of gonadal function in either sex, there occurs an upregulation of osteoclast formation which is mediated by IL-6. Consistent with this, IL-6-deficient mice do not exhibit an increase in the formation of osteoclasts after ovariectomy or orchidectomy, and are protected from the bone loss caused by the loss of gonadal function in either sex. Even though these observations establish that IL-6 is an essential pathogenetic factor in the bone loss caused by gonadal deficiency, it remains unclear whether IL-6 is the sole pathogenetic factor or whether IL-1, TNF, and IL-11 may also be involved. However, in contrast to IL-6, these cytokines do not seem to be directly regulated by sex steroids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Movement disorders associated with complex regional pain syndrome in children.

The aim of the present study was to review the history, clinical course, treatment, and outcome of movement disorders in children and young people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Case notes were reviewed retrospectively of children and young people who presented with movement disorders in CRPS to our tertiary paediatric pain service over a period of 13 years. Ten children with CRPS presented with movement disorders (eight females, two males). The age at first presentation with symptoms of CRPS ranged from 8 to 15 years (mean 11y 2mo, median 13y). The most common movement disorder was dystonia (n=8), followed by tremors (n=3) and myoclonus (n=3); two patients had all three movement disorders. The movement disorder affected mainly the lower limb (n=9) with a predilection for the foot (n=7) and was frequently initiated by minor trauma (n=7). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 14 years. The outcome was variable, with good prognosis in nearly half of the cases: four children experienced complete resolution of symptoms. Two children showed a slight improvement. Four children showed no improvement. Movement disorders in CRPS are under-recognized in children. The management has to be multidisciplinary with an expertize in paediatric pain.
Extracellular polysaccharide produced from glucose by Arthrobacter viscosus NRRL B-1973: Chemical and physical characterization†

The polysaccharide produced in good yields by Arthrobacter viscosus NRRL B-1973 when grown in liquid medium containing glucose has been isolated from the culture fluids, purified and characterized. The constituents of this water-soluble polysaccharide have been shown to be D-glucose, D-galactose, and D-mannuronic acid (as the potassium salt) in approximately equimolar proportions, and about 25% of O-acetyl groups. The rarity of known occurrences of D-mannuronic acid in polysaccharides other than alginates is documented. Properties which have been observed as significant for utilization include, for both native and deacetylated forms of the polysaccharide: high viscosity of dispersions in water and in solutions containing chlorides, stability of viscosity to shear and to pH change in the normal range, and excellent quality of unsupported films; and for the native polysaccharide: stability in storage and the favorable influence of alcohol-water solvent on rate of dispersion and viscosity attained.
Economic rights and government in developing countries: Cross-national evidence on growth and development

Most analysts assume that economic rights (especially to property and to contracts) help foster economic development, but the relationship is rarely studied empirically. Using three recently developed indexes of economic freedom, this article explores this issue for the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. It finds that developing countries that score better in protecting economic rights also tend to grow, faster and to score higher in human development. In addition, economic rights are associated with democratic government and with higher levels of average national income.
Fracture toughness of highly ordered carbon nanotube/alumina nanocomposites

The fracture toughness of highly-ordered multi-wall carbon-nanotube-reinforced alumina composites is calculated from experimental data on nanoindentation cracking. A combined analytical and numerical model, using cohesive zone models for both matrix cracking and nanotube crack bridging and accounting for residual stresses, is developed to interpret the indentation results and evaluate the fracture toughness of the composite. Results show that residual stress and nanotube bridging play important roles in the nanocomposite fracture. The contribution to toughness from the nanotube bridging for cracking transverse to the axis of the nanotubes is calculated to be similar to5 MPa-m(1/2). From the nanotube bridging law, the nanotube strength and interfacial frictional stress are also estimated and range from 15-25 GPa and 40-200 MPa, respectively. These preliminary results demonstrate that nanotube-reinforced ceramics can exhibit the interfacial debonding/sliding and nanotube bridging necessary to induce nanoscale toughening, and suggest the feasibility of engineering residual stresses, nanotube structure, and composite geometry to obtain high-toughness nanocomposites.
Mantel-Haenszel Methodology for Detecting Item Bias: An Introduction and Example Using the Guide to the Assessment of Test Session Behavior

This paper presents a conceptual overview of the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) technique for evaluating item bias. It then briefly contrasts MH with Rasch methodology and provides an applied example wherein MH is used to examine possible racial/ethnic and gender bias on the Guide to the Assessment of Test Session Behavior. Results from the applied example show that among the 80 possible instances of bias, 10 were statistically significant. This number barely exceeded the chance rate of 9 significant comparisons. Results therefore align with findings from previous studies that show that test observations display few instances of bias. Implications are discussed.
Crash avoidance potential of four large truck technologies

Abstract Objectives The objective of this paper was to estimate the maximum potential large truck crash reductions in the United States associated with each of four crash avoidance technologies: side view assist, forward collision warning/mitigation, lane departure warning/prevention, and vehicle stability control. Estimates accounted for limitations of current systems. Methods Crash records were extracted from the 2004–08 files of the National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System (NASS GES) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Crash descriptors such as location of damage on the vehicle, road characteristics, time of day, and precrash maneuvers were reviewed to determine whether the information or action provided by each technology potentially could have prevented the crash. Results Of the four technologies, side view assist had the greatest potential for preventing large truck crashes of any severity; the technology is potentially applicable to 39,000 crashes in the United States each year, including 2000 serious and moderate injury crashes and 79 fatal crashes. Vehicle stability control is another promising technology, with the potential to prevent or mitigate up to 31,000 crashes per year including more serious crashes — up to 7000 moderate-to-serious injury crashes and 439 fatal crashes per year. Vehicle stability control could prevent or mitigate up to 20 and 11 percent of moderate-to-serious injury and fatal large truck crashes, respectively. Forward collision warning has the potential to prevent as many as 31,000 crashes per year, including 3000 serious and moderate injury crashes and 115 fatal crashes. Finally, 10,000 large truck crashes annually were relevant to lane departure warning/prevention systems. Of these, 1000 involved serious and moderate injuries and 247 involved fatal injuries. Conclusions There is great potential effectiveness for truck-based crash avoidance systems. However, it is yet to be determined how drivers will interact with the systems. Actual effectiveness of crash avoidance systems will not be known until sufficient real-world experience has been gained.
Synergistic interactions between NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, paraquat, and iron in the generation of active oxygen radicals.

The toxicity associated with paraquat is believed to involve the generation of active oxygen radicals and the production of oxidative stress. Paraquat can be reduced by NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase to the paraquat radical; this results in consumption of NADPH. A variety of ferric complexes, including ferric-ATP, -citrate, -EDTA, ferric diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and ferric ammonium sulfate, produced a synergistic increase in the paraquat-mediated oxidation of NADPH. This synergism could be observed with very low concentrations of iron, e.g. 0.25 microM ferric-ATP. Very low rates of hydroxyl radical were generated by the reductase with paraquat alone, or with ferric-citrate or -ATP or ferric ammonium sulfate in the absence of paraquat; however, synergistic increases in the rate of hydroxyl radical generation occurred when these ferric complexes were added together with paraquat. Ferric-EDTA and -DTPA catalyzed some production of hydroxyl radicals, which was also synergistically elevated in the presence of paraquat. Ferric desferrioxamine was essentially inert in the absence or presence of paraquat. This enhancement of hydroxyl radical generation was sensitive to catalase and competitive scavengers but not to superoxide dismutase. The interaction of paraquat with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and ferric complexes resulted in an increase in oxygen radical generation, and various ferric complexes increased the catalytic effectiveness and potentiated significantly the toxicity of paraquat via this synergistic increase in oxygen radical generation by the reductase.
Measurement of strut chordal forces of the tricuspid valve using miniature C ring transducers

Tricuspid valve (TV) leaflets, papillary muscles (PM), and tendinous chords must work together to ensure proper coaptation. Alterations in valvular mechanics, including chordal forces, may lead to improper coaptation resulting in tricuspid regurgitation. Little is known about TV mechanics as right-sided heart diseases have been overlooked. We sought to fill this gap by understanding the role of TV strut chords with the objective to understand how strut chordal force varies depending on papillary muscle (PM) origin and leaflet attachment in the normal state. Additionally we investigated how these forces are altered with abnormal geometry. Porcine TVs (n=18) were studied in a right-heart simulator capable of reproducing physiological and pathological conditions. Miniature force transducers were placed on strut chords to measure forces throughout the cardiac cycle. In the normal state, chordal force depended upon PM attachment in which chords branching from the septal PM (SPM) carried significantly less force compared to those branching from the anterior PM (APM) (p≤0.05). Annular dilatation resulted in significant increase in chordal force (p≤0.05) on all strut chords. Severe PM displacement led to increased chordal force in chords attaching the APM to the posterior leaflet as well as chords attaching the PPM to the septal leaflet. Elevated chordal force due to isolated annular dilatation was further increased only with addition of apical displacement of the APM. These results provide initial knowledge of TV chordal force mechanics and may be applied to future studies on TV repair techniques.
Toward an empirical approach to evidentiary ruling.

This paper responds to criticisms/misconstruals of our measure of the maximum probative value of evidence (D. Davis & W. C. Follette, 2002), and our conclusions regarding the potentially prejudicial role of “intuitive profiling” evidence, including motive. We argue that R. D. Friedman and R. C. Park's (2003) criticisms and example cases are largely based on inappropriate violation of the presumption of innocence. Further, we address the merits of our absolute difference measure of probative value versus those of the Bayesian likelihood ratio championed by D. H. Kaye and J. J. Koehler (2003). We recommend methods for presentation of measures of evidence utility that convey complexities of interdependence between new and existing evidence. Finally, we propose a “probable cause” standard for admission of potentially prejudicial evidence, dictating that admissibility of such evidence should be contingent upon other substantial evidence of guilt.
Group purchasing, nonlinear tariffs, and oligopoly

Abstract Loyalty discounts are nonlinear tariffs that condition rebates or marginal prices on meeting aggregate purchase or market share targets. These discounts are widespread, and are often the impetus for consumers to form buying groups, or group purchase organizations (GPOs). This paper models the competitive effects of the introduction of a GPO into a market within which the preferences of the GPO's members are horizontally differentiated. While nonlinear tariffs are an effective way for a monopolist to extract consumer surplus, when two suppliers compete using such schedules, the results are far more competitive in comparison to simple Bertrand–Nash competition with linear tariffs. This result holds when the product of each of the suppliers is attractive to a substantial portion of consumers. In our model, the nonlinear schedule puts all customers “in play” to a degree that contrasts sharply with the competition at the margin characteristic of constant per unit prices. Moreover, competing in nonlinear tariffs removes allocative inefficiency that can result from single price competition.
Bringing the Spatial In The Case of the 2002 Seattle Monorail Referendum

Contests over public goods remain at the forefront of urban political battles in nearly every major city in the United States. The spatial location of the good can play an instrumental role in understanding the contours and outcomes of such conflicts. The authors explore a particular case—voting for a growth-related development project, the monorail, by referendum in the city of Seattle—and examine how a grassroots campaign successfully mobilized voters by targeting both their particularistic and collective interests. The authors conduct analysis at the precinct level and use spatial tools of analysis and ecological inference, finding that voter support for the monorail stemmed from the location of the proposed route and the campaign's progressive appeals to environmental, social justice, and high tech concerns. Although cost overruns ultimately derailed construction of the monorail in 2005, when passed in 2002, the monorail was the most expensive infrastructure project in Seattle's history.
The Marital Communication Rating Schedule: An instrument for clinical assessment

The Marital Communication Rating Schedule (MCRaS) is presented as an observationally based clinical rating system for assessing verbal behavior in marital communication. Data from 35 response display discussions lasting from 20 to 30 min each, which took place between 11 married couples, were used to examine aspects of the reliability and validity of the instrument. Three raters made independent ratings of 37 MCRaS categories for each husband and wife for each discussion period. Reliability among the raters was shown to be high when calculated within one scale point. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing MCRaS ratings for four categories with observationally based validation criteria independently coded and measured. Results indicated that for three categories — negative statements, overgeneralizations, and amount of talk — ratings produced results that were similar to those yielded by laborious coding of audiotapes. For one category, opinions requested, a relationship between the ratings and coded data was not found. The validation results were discussed in terms of possible differences in the basis of ratings for the categories subjected to validation. Although further research is needed, it was concluded that MCRaS has many of the desirable qualities needed in a clinically useful, observationally based rating system.
Fungal Infections in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients: Incidence, Prophylaxis, and Treatment

The authors reviewed the charts of 26 recipients of a left ventricular assist device to determine the incidence of fungal infections and the clinical course of these patients. Nine patients (35%) had positive fungal cultures. Of these, six had clinical infections and three were colonized asymptomatically. Three of the six infected patients (including one with mediastinal sepsis and another requiring left ventricular assist device replacement for intractable fungemia) underwent orthotopic heart transplantation after successful therapy. Of the remaining three, one died of a thromboembolic stroke (probably septic in nature), one died secondary to driveline rupture, and the third succumbed to culture-negative sepsis. Two of the colonized patients underwent transplantation, and the third succumbed to perioperative right sided circulatory failure and hypoxia. Positive fungal cultures were a common finding in our series. Because of a significant incidence of fungal infection-related morbidity, the authors revised their pre operative and post operative protocol to include: 1) 2 weeks of fluconazole therapy (200 mg intravenously daily) for patients receiving broad spectrum antibiotics and for those with evidence of preoperative fungal colonization; 2) daily dressing changes around drivelines; 3) daily nystatin swish and swallow; and 4) empiric fluconazole treatment for culture-negative sepsis. Using this protocol, three left ventricular assist device recipients received prophylactic fluconazole and had no evidence of fungal morbidity or mortality on short-term follow-up.
Cavernous angiomas of the central nervous system in children

✓ A surgical series of 19 patients under the age of 18 years with pathologically verified cavernous angioma is presented. Most lesions were located in the cerebral hemispheres, but four were in the pons or midbrain, two in the diencephalon, and one in the spinal cord. Fourteen patients presented with an acute or progressing neurological deficit, three with seizures, one infant with irritability, and one with headache alone. Five patients had family histories of vascular malformations of the central nervous system, and five had multiple lesions. Surgery for small or deep lesions was aided considerably by intraoperative ultrasonographic or stereotactic localization techniques. Pathological examination of the resected malformations revealed a complex histology containing not only typical closely approximated cavernous vessels, but also areas of marked proliferation of granulation tissue and partially re-endothelialized hemorrhage, suggesting a mechanism for the apparent growth of certain cavernous angiomas. ...
Fluorescent False Neurotransmitters Visualize Dopamine Release from Individual Presynaptic Terminals

The nervous system transmits signals between neurons via neurotransmitter release during synaptic vesicle fusion. In order to observe neurotransmitter uptake and release from individual presynaptic terminals directly, we designed fluorescent false neurotransmitters as substrates for the synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter. Using these probes to image dopamine release in the striatum, we made several observations pertinent to synaptic plasticity. We found that the fraction of synaptic vesicles releasing neurotransmitter per stimulus was dependent on the stimulus frequency. A kinetically distinct "reserve" synaptic vesicle population was not observed under these experimental conditions. A frequency-dependent heterogeneity of presynaptic terminals was revealed that was dependent in part on D2 dopamine receptors, indicating a mechanism for frequency-dependent coding of presynaptic selection.
/spl delta/f Simulation of the collisionless tearing mode instability with a gyrokinetic ion response

The evolution of the collisionless tearing mode instability is studied using an electromagnetic gyrokinetic /spl delta/f particle-in-cell simulation model. Drift-kinetic electrons are used. High resolution, small box (less than 10 ion gyroradii) simulations have been well benchmarked with eigenmode analysis and their nonlinear evolution agrees well with theory. In this regime, the ion response is not important and can be either fixed, adiabatic or fully gyrokinetic. Here, results are presented with larger box sizes (64 ion gyroradii radially) where the ion gyrokinetic response is important and cannot be neglected. In these larger box simulations, the instability exhibits an odd parity, different than the even tearing parity.
FDG-PET in Esophageal Cancer. Incremental Value over Computed Tomography.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the clinical utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in patients with cancer (CA) of the esophagus, and its incremental value over computed tomography (CT) scan. Methods: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan and CT scan reports of all patients with biopsy-proven CA esophagus from December 1995 to August 1998 were reviewed. PET images were acquired on a high-resolution dedicated PET scanner 45 minutes to 1 hour after intravenous injection of 370 MBq of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG). Emission images of the neck, chest, and abdomen were obtained, followed by transmission scans at selected sites. Results: One hundred fifty-one scans were performed on 109 patients. The clinical indications were staging (67), follow-up evaluation after chemoradiation (66), and evaluation of possible recurrence after surgery (18). A final diagnosis was reached in 99 patients at 276 sites by histology (91.3%) or clinical follow-up of over 6 months (8.7%). FDG-PET scan showed a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 95%, and accuracy of 86% compared with 68%, 81%, and 73% for CT. Of the 32 false negatives, 23 were perigastric or paraesophageal lymph nodes close to the primary, and 5 were peritoneal or pleural spread. PET detected 99% of the primary lesion (66 out of 67) with a mean standardized uptake value (SUV) of 11 (3.6 to 46). There was no apparent difference in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake between squamous cell CA (N = 15, mean SUV 10.5), adenoCA (N = 48, mean SUV 11.2), and other cell types (N = 3, mean SUV 10.3). The one case where PET missed the primary lesion turned out to have a lesion measuring 0.4 cm in its maximum diameter. In 20 patients out of the 99 with confirmed diagnosis (20%), PET detected 24 confirmed lesions not seen on CT, and in 14 patients (14%) management was changed as a result of the PET finding. Conclusion: FDG-PET scan is more accurate than CT (86% vs. 73%; P = 0.0002) in the evaluation of patients with CA esophagus. It provides additional information over CT, impacting on management in 14% of patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Aluminum-polyaniline Thin Films and Membranes

Polyaniline (PAni) films of different intrinsic oxidation states, including emeraldine salt, emeraldine base and leucoemeraldine base, were synthesized. Free-standing membranes and thin film bilayers of aluminum–polyaniline were fabricated by magnetron sputter deposition of aluminum onto polyaniline films. Aluminum–polyaniline samples were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the microstructures of specimens, including cross-sectional TEM micrographs of the metal-polyaniline interfacial structure not previously reported in the literature. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to study the chemical bonding and interaction between deposited aluminum and polyaniline at the interface. Results indicated that the intrinsic oxidation state of the polyaniline influenced the chemistry of the aluminum–polyaniline interface. Distinct interaction between aluminum and polyaniline in the emeraldine salt-form was observed. However, there was no evidence of direct interactions of the aluminum with emeraldine base and leucoemeraldine base polyaniline. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High endothelial venules through a transcriptomics lens

Transcriptional profiling of endothelial cells from diverse secondary lymphoid organs reveals distinctions that underlie their functional specification.
Socially responsible investment and financial institution's response to secondary stakeholder requests

In order to gain influence over firms, secondary stakeholders can opt for socially responsible investment (SRI) – an investment approach that uses both financial and non-financial criteria to determine which assets to purchase [Guay, T., J. P. Doh, and G. Sinclair. 2004. “Non-governmental Organizations, Shareholder Activism and Socially Responsible Investments: Ethical, Strategic and Governance Implications.” Journal of Business Ethics 52 (1): 125–139]. In this article, we argue that SRI, besides a tactic to gain influence over firms, can also be seen as a financial institution's characteristic on the basis of which secondary stakeholders can decide to (not) target a financial institution. It is theorized – based on organizational legitimacy theory – that a financial institution's supply of socially responsible financial products (proxied by the number of products and/or assets/deposits managed) signals a financial institution's likelihood of response to specific stakeholder requests. This relationship is...
Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future

Questions about global warming concern climate scientists and the general public alike. Specifically, what are the reliable surface temperature reconstructions over the past few centuries? And what are the best predictions of global temperature change the Earth might expect for the next century? Recent publications [National Research Council (NRC), 2006; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007] permit these questions to be answered in a single informative illustration by assembling temperature reconstructions of the past thousand years with predictions for the next century. The result, shown in Figure 1, illustrates present and future warming in the context of natural variations in the past [see also Oldfield and Alverson, 2003]. To quote a Chinese proverb, “A picture's meaning can express ten thousand words.” Because it succinctly captures past inferences and future projections of climate, the illustration should be of interest to scientists, educators, policy makers, and the public.
A Contribution To Knowledge of the Larval Development of Macrobrachium Olfersii (Wiegmann, 1836) (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

Species of the genus Macrobrachium are widely distributed in fresh and brackish waters mainly in subtropical and tropical parts of the world. In the past fifteen years interest in these shrimps, many of which reach large size, has increased greatly, largely due to the possibility of the commercial culture of some of them. Among the studies that have been carried out in this period have been a number dealing with the larval and early postlarval development of various species. Thus Ling & Merican (1961), Ling (1969), and Uno & Kwon (1969) studied Macro brachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) Lewis & Ward (1965) and Choudhury (1971) worked on M. carcinus (L., 1758), Kwon & Uno (1969) investigated M. nipponense (De Haan, 1849), Fielder (1970) M. australiense Holthuis, 1950, and Choudhury (1970) and Dobkin (1971) M. acanlhurus (Wiegmann, 1836). Other works dealing with the larval development of species of this genus in a somewhat less complete fashion were those of Henderson & Matthai (1910) and Rajyalakshmi (1961) on AL lamarrei (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), Sollaud (1923) on M. borellii (Nobili, 1896), M. potiuna (M?ller, 1880) M. iheringi (Ortmann, 1897), and M. pilimanus (De Man, 1879), and Boschi (1961) on M. borellii (Nobili, 1896). Species of Macrobrachium thus far discovered in Florida are M. acanthurus (Wiegmann), M. carcinus (L.), M. faustinum (De Saussure, 1857), M. hetero chirus (Wiegmann, 1836), M. ohione (Smith, 1874), and M. olfersii (Wieg mann). The latter species, the object of this study, shows a rather peculiar distri bution. Holthuis (1952) reported it from Central and South America from Mexico to southern Brazil, with a single record of its occurrence in northern Florida at St. Augustine. Holthuis & Provenzano (1970) found the species just south of Miami and state that "the Florida finds of M. olfersii are so eccentric that it has been suggested that the species was introduced into Florida waters with
Effects of Mixing Schemes on Kerosene Combustion in a Supersonic Airstream

A study of kerosene combustion in a supersonic vitiated aire ow at Mach 4.75 e ight enthalpy was conducted in direct-connect tests at Mach 1.8 at a stagnation temperature of 1000 K. The effects of shockand vortex-enhanced mixing mechanisms on the combustion efe ciency were evaluated. Also included in this study were the effects of fuel heating and jet penetration. The experimental conditions corresponded to the low end of the hypersonic e ight regime. The following geometric cone gurations were employed: 1) a generic, rearward-facing step, 2 ) a modie ed rearward-facing step with beveled edges to facilitate vortex-enhanced mixing, and 3 ) a rearward-facing wedge (15 or 30 deg) placed downstream of the rearward-facing step to induce shock-enhanced mixing. In all cone gurations, a gaseous hydrogen ‐ pilot jet was injected parallel to the main e ow from the base of the rearward-facing step and the liquid kerosene was injected normal to the main e ow at three or e ve step heights downstream of the step (the step height was 10 mm). Stable kerosene combustion was obtained for a maximum injected kerosene equivalence ratio of 0.86. For efe ciency evaluation, the pilot ‐ hydrogen equivalence ratio was selected between 0.02 ‐ 0.04, while the kerosene equivalence ratio was maintained at 0.325. In all experiments, locally rich stratie ed kerosene combustion took place in a layer close to the injection wall. The wedge e ameholder contributed to an increased kerosene combustion efe ciency by the generation of shock ‐ jet interactions. The beveled-edge step improved far-e eld mixing, thereby reducing the local kerosene equivalence ratio, resulting in the highest kerosene combustion efe ciency among all cone gurations tested. Fuel heating below levels required for e ash vaporization (one-third of the e ash vaporization energy, in this case ) did not contribute to increased combustion efe ciency. On the contrary, this level of heating reduced the fuel density with adverse effects on penetration and mixing.
Transport spectroscopy of a Coulomb island in the quantum Hall regime.

Transport measurements of a Coulomb island, a semiconductor dot small enough that Coulomb interactions dominate transport, are presented. At moderate magnetic fields (B=2−4T) the amplitude and position of the Coulomb-regulated conductance peaks show distinct periodic structure as a function of B. This structure is shown to result from the B dependence of the quantized single-particle energy states on the island. Analysis of successive peaks is used to map out the single-particle level spectrum of the island as a function of B
Investigations of laser damage in KDP using light-scattering techniques

Interest in producing high damage threshold KH2PO4 (KDP) and (DxH1-x)2PO4 (DKDP) for frequency conversion and optical switching applications is driven by the requirements of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. At present only the best crystals meet the NIF system requirements at the third harmonic and only after a laser conditioning process. Neither the mechanism for damage in bulk KDP nor the mechanism for conditioning ins understood. As part of ta development effort to increase the damage thresholds of KDP and DKDP, we have been developing techniques to pinpoint the locations where damage will initiate in the bulk material. After we find these locations we will use other measurement techniques to determine how these locations differ from the other surrounding materials and why they cause damage. This will allow crystal growers to focus their efforts to improve damage thresholds. Historically, damage thresholds have increased it is believed as a consequence of increased purity of the growth solution and through the use of constant filtration during the growth process. As a result we believe that damage is caused by defects in the crystals and have conducted a series of experiments using light scatter to locate these defects and to determine when and where damage occurs. In this paper we present results which show a low correlation between light scatter from bulk defects in KDP and the initiation sites for damage. We have also studied the effects of thermal conditioning on light scatter, strain induced birefringence and damage threshold. We have seen evidence that regions of high strain also exhibit lower damage threshold than the surrounding lower strain material. When thermally conditioned, these crystals show a decrease in some of the strong linear scattering features and a decrease in the strain birefringence while the damage threshold in these regions increased to that of the surrounding bulk material.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SERVICE TYPOLOGIES: A STATE OF THE ART SURVEY

Services comprise an ever-expanding source of employment in the world's economies and are of significant interest to both academicians and practitioners. In this study, historical perspectives from which to view service typologies are provided and four decades of service typologies are chronicled. The interest in services demonstrated by academicians is tracked over time as are the purposes for which typologies have been developed. A unified schematic representation of services is developed in which the common themes underlying service typology development are identified from both a macro and micro level. Based on this study, areas for future research are identified.
Detachment folds with fixed hinges and variable detachment depth, northeastern Brooks Range, Alaska

Abstract Detachment anticlines in the northeastern Brooks Range accommodated displacement above a detachment by buckling of a competent unit over an incompetent unit. Meso- and microstructures in hinges and a lack of relict hinge structures in limbs suggest that these folds grew with fixed hinges. The structural thickness of the incompetent unit beneath the folds (detachment depth) varies from less than to greater than the stratigraphic thickness. A model in which incompetent unit thickness varies with fold area better approximates the geometry of the folds than does a more conventional constant-depth model. Additional discrepancies between modelled and observed incompetent unit thickness and field observations suggest non-plane strain and/or transport of material through the boundaries of the fold in the plane of the cross-section. The results of this study suggest a typical evolutionary sequence for detachment folds in the northeastern Brooks Range, which may be applicable elsewhere. Anticlines initiate as fixed-hinge buckle folds. Rapid initial increase in anticlinal cross-sectional area results in a decrease in incompetent unit thickness. Fold area begins to decrease with tightening beyond an interlimb angle of 90 dg. Decreasing fold area is accommodated through some combination of structural thickening of the incompetent unit, transport of solid or dissolved material out of the plane of section, transport of material through the boundaries of the fold in the plane of the cross-section, and/or truncation by thrust faults.
Age- and sex-dependent induction of liver microsomal benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity in rats treated with pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN)

The present studies were undertaken to resolve conflicting reports on the inducibility of liver microsomal benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity in rats treated with pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN). Several studies have shown that treatment of Long Evans rats with PCN causes a 5- to 10-fold induction of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity, whereas little or no induction occurs in Sprague-Dawley or Wistar rats. Studies with one-month-old-male Long Evans, Sprague-Dawley, Wistar and Holtzman rats failed to reveal an anticipated strain difference in the inducibility of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity by PCN. Studies with immature and mature male and female Long Evans rats revealed that the inducibility of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity decreases with age in male but not female rats, i.e., PCN induced benzo[a]Pyrene hydroxylase activity 5- to 8-fold in immature male, immature female and mature female rats but only 2-fold in mature male rats. The age-dependent decrease in inducibility by PCN in male rats coincided with an age-dependent increase (2.4-fold) in the basal activity of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase. These sex-dependent developmental changes can be explained by an age-dependent increase in the constitutive levels of the major PCN-inducible form of cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome P-450-PCN) in male but not female rats. Electrophoresis of liver microsomes and studies on the binding of metyrapone to dithionite-reduced cytochrome P-450 provided additional evidence for age- and sex-dependent differences in the levels of microsomal cytochrome P-450-PCN. In addition to reconciling the conflicting literature reports, the age- and sex-dependent differences in cytochrome P-450-PCN levels account, at least in part, for age and sex differences in certain liver microsomal enzyme activities, including benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity.
Calibration and electrical safety status of therapeutic ultrasound used by chiropractic physicians

Abstract Background Ultrasound therapy is a commonly used therapeutic modality within the chiropractic profession. Previous calibration studies of ultrasound units within the physical therapy communities in Scotland and Canada have shown that approximately two thirds of units tested did not conform to minimum calibration standards. Similar failure rates may exist in the chiropractic profession and need to be addressed. Objective To determine whether ultrasound machines used by chiropractic physicians met established calibration and electrical safety standards, and to assess frequency of ultrasound therapy use. Design This cross-sectional study tested 45 ultrasound units for ultrasonic output and electrical safety. Additionally, we asked the doctors to complete a short survey relating to education, usage, and maintenance of their ultrasound equipment. Results Of the 45 machines tested, 44% failed either calibration or electrical safety inspection. Failure rate was age dependent ( P ≤ .05). Only 2 of the 45 machines tested had been safety checked within the last year. Conclusions A large percentage of ultrasound machines in chiropractic physicians' offices deliver too much or too little dosage to the patient. Electrical safety inspections also revealed a significant failure rate. Chiropractic physicians must become more aware of the requirement for yearly calibration and safety inspections, and understand that failure to maintain their equipment could result in loss of therapeutic effectiveness and pose a threat to the safety of their patients and staff.
The Berezin transform and $m$th-order Bergman metric

We improve upon recent directional derivative estimates for Berezin's operator calculus, and consider the relation between the mth-order Bergman metric of Burbea and the classical Bergman metric in the analysis of higher order directional derivative estimates of the Berezin symbols of general bounded operators. A new metric, naturally arising in our analysis, is introduced and certain comparison theorems are established among this metric, the mth-order Bergman metric and the classical Bergman metric on the unit ball, the polydisk and ℂ n .
Energy start-stop and fluid flow regulated control of multizone HVAC systems

Abstract Temperature control of multizone indoor environmental spaces heated by a water-loop heat-pump system is studied. The system consists of a boiler, an evaporative cooler, heat pumps, a storage tank and environmental zones. An analytical model for the system is developed and a multivariable control strategy, which consists of both start-stop and integral mode controllers, is designed. Results showing the closed-loop system response subject to changes in heating and cooling loads are given.
Parents of Children With Diabetes: What Are They Worried About?:

Parental worries, specific to having a child with diabetes, have been associated with poor diabetes control. This study addressed three questions relating to this issue: Does parental worry affect the metabolic control of the child with IDDM? What specific aspects of diabetes are the most worrisome to parents? Do these concerns change with the child's age and disease duration? Parents of 93 children with IDDM were given a modified version of the Diabetes Quality of Life measure to evaluate diabetes-specific worries. No correlation was found between parental worry and the child's metabolic control. Parents of younger children expressed the largest amount of worry, yet the kinds of things that parents were most concerned about were the same, regardless of age or duration of the child's disease.
Relative Effectiveness of Several Methods of Administering Desoxycorticosterone Acetate1

SUCCESSFUL HORMONE THERAPY depends in a large measure upon three factors, a) a satisfactory hormone preparation of uniform potency, b) moderate cost of adequate therapy and c) a convenient and effective method of administering the hormone. Desoxycorticosterone acetate, a synthetic adrenal cortical hormone, has been employed successfully in the treatment of patients with severe adrenal cortical insufficiency (1). The crystalline hormone preparation ensures uniform potency and it is possible to maintain an effective concentration of hormone by means of a single, daily intramuscular injection of the hormone in oil or by the subcutaneous implantation of pellets of crystalline hormone at intervals of 12 to 14 months. Furthermore, most patients can afford the cost of synthetic hormone therapy. Limiting factors in the exclusive use of desoxycorticosterone therapy are its deficiency in the ‘carbohydrate regulating factor’ of the adrenal cortex and the care which must be exercised in the administration of this pre...