Showing papers by "University of Bergen published in 1975"

The uncertainty of the past: organizational learning under ambiguity*

Abstract: Classical theories of omniscient rationality in organizational decision-making have largely been replaced by a view of limited rationality, but no similar concern has been reflected in the analysis of organizational learning There has been a tendency to model a simple complete cycle of learning from unambiguous experience and to ignore cognitive and evaluative limits on learning in organizations This paper examines some theoretical possibilities for assuming that individuals in organizations modify their understanding in a way that is intendedly adaptive even though faced with ambiguity about what happened, why it happened, and whether it is good To develop a theory of learning under such conditions, we probably require ideas about information exposure, memory, and retrieval; learning incentives; belief structures; and the micro development of belief in organizations We exhibit one example by specifying a structural theory of the relations among liking, seeing, trusting, contact, and integration in an organization The argument is made that some understanding of factors affecting learning from experience will not only be important to the improvement of policy making in an organizational context, but also a necessary part of a theory of organizational choice

On the Mechanism of Protein‐Synthesis Inhibition by Abrin and Ricin

Abstract: The mechanism of protein synthesis inhibition by the toxic lectins, abrin and ricin, has been studied in crude and in purified cell-free systems from rabbit reticulocytes and Krebs II ascites cells In crude systems abrin and ricin strongly inhibited protein synthesis from added aminoacyl-tRNA, demonstrating that the toxins act at some point after the charging of tRNA Supernatant factors and polysomes washed free of elongation factors were treated separately with the toxins and then neutralizing amounts of anti-toxins were added Recombination experiments between toxin-treated ribosomes and untreated supernatant factors and vice versa showed that the toxin-treated ribosomes had lost most of their ability to support polyphenylalanine synthesis, whereas treatment of the supernatant factors with the toxins did not inhibit polypeptide synthesis Recombination experiments between toxin-treated isolated 40-S subunits and untreated 60-S subunits and vice versa showed that only when the 60-S subunits had been treated with the toxins was protein synthesis inhibited in the reconstituted system The incorporation of [3H]puromycin into nascent peptide chains was unaffected by the toxins, indicating that the peptidyl transferase is not inhibited Both the EF-1-catalyzed and the EF-2-catalyzed ability of the ribosomes to hydrolyze [γ-32P]GTP was inhibited by abrin and ricin An 8-S complex released from the 60-S subunit by EDTA treatment possessed both GTPase and ATPase activity, while the particle remaining after the EDTA treatment had lost most of its GTPase activity Both enzyme activities of the 8-S complex were inhibited by abrin and ricin The present data indicate that there is a common site on the 60-S subunits for EF-1- and EF-2-stimulated GTPase activity and they suggest that abrin and ricin inhibit protein synthesis by modifying this site

Mandibular anterior crowding in relation to tooth size and craniofacial morphology.

Abstract: — In the present study the problem of mandibular anterior crowding was investigated by comparing a group of adults having approximately ideal occlusion (n=27) with a group with corresponding occlusion except for a slight crowding in the mandibular anterior segment (n=39). Both sexes were represented. A statistical evaluation revealed that in the latter group the mesiodistal diameter of the four mandibular incisor teeth was significantly greater, whereas the intercanine width and the frequency of third molars were the same in both groups. A comparison of the craniofacial morphology of the two groups displayed limited differences, and only the basal sagittal jaw relationship and the mandibular inclination differed significantly. No significant correlations were observed between the space conditions and any of the variables studied.

Response to electric shock in rats: effects of selective midbrain raphe lesions.

Abstract: The forebrain serotonin (5-HT) concentrations of rats with lesions in the median (M; n = 5), dorsal (D; n = 5), and both (DM; n = 6) midbrain raphe nuclei were, respectively, 22, 48 and 70% lower than in control animals (n = 10). The lesion and control groups, However, did not evidence differences in pain sensitivity as measured by the flinch-jump technique. On the other hand, of the animals tested, those with M (n = 3) and DM (n = 4) lesions required more trials than controls (n = 6) to acquire a one-way avoidance response. D lesion rats (n = 2) did not differ from controls in one-way avoidance learning, except in terms of prolonged escape latencies during the first three trials. The previously reported increased sensitivity to painful stimuli subsequent to medial forebrain bundle lesions or para-chlorophenylalanine administration, therefore, does not appear to be due exclusively to disruption of ascending 5-HT fibers originating in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. The effects of midbrain raphe lesions on avoidance learning, furthermore, depend on lesion locus, and are not due to either hypo- or hyperalgesia.

Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Serum and Salivary IgA

Abstract: IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations were determined in sera from 100 patients under treatment for epilepsy for at least 6 months. Low IgA was found in 25% of adult sera and in an even larger percentage of sera from children. IgM concentrations were also low, whereas there was no significant difference in the IgG concentrations compared with normal sera. IgA values were normal in untreated patients but fell during treatment with phenytoin, in one patient from 1.5 to 0.2 mg/ml within 2 months. Low or undetectable salivary IgA was a common finding, especially in gingival hyperplasia.

The metabolism of vanillin and isovanillin in the rat.

Abstract: 1. The metabolism of vanillin, isovanillin and the corresponding alcohols and acids in rats was investigated using t.l.c., g.l.c. and combined g.l.c.-mass spectrometry.2. Oral dosage (100 mg/kg) of the aldehyde resulted in urinary excretion of most metabolites within 24 h, mainly as glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates although the acids formed were also excreted free and as their glycine conjugates. In 48 h 94% of the dose of vanillin was accounted for as follows (%). vanillin (7), vanillyl alcohol (19), vanillic acid (47), vanilloylglycine (10), catechol (8), 4-methylcatechol (2), guaiacol (0-5) and 4-methylguaiacol (0·6). Similarly, 89% of the dose of isovanillin was accounted for as follows : isovanillin (19), isovanillyl alcohol (10), isovanillic acid (22), vanillic acid (11), isovanilloylglycine (19), catechol (7) and 4-methylcatechol (1). Protocatechuic acid was also formed from both aldehydes.3. By means of (a) investigation of biliary metabolites, (b) prevention of biliary excretion, (c) suppre...

The adrenal medulla: a model for studies of hormonal and neuronal storage and release mechanisms.

Abstract: We have observed that phospholipids and protein of the catecholamine (CA) storage granules, i.e. the chromaffin granules, interact in an in vitro system to form liposomal particles, which in many respects resemble the intact matrix of the bovine chromaffin granule. A model has been suggested which consists of an aqueous phase, containing the acidic chromogranins and intact dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) ATP and CA, embedded in a liquid crystal of the matrix phospholipids. Ca2+ may play a significant role in the sequence of functional transitions of such an organelle, not only in the accumulation of Ca2+, as during the secretory phase of the intact cell, but also as the agent inducing a separation of the outer membrane bilayer from the matrix phase to be released, as during exocytosis. Furthermore, a liposome model of the matrix may also tentatively explain the occurrence of intact matrices in the interstitium of stimulated glands. Recent evidence for the identity between chromogranin A and DBH subunits have been summarized and a possible role for the inactive subunits in the ionic binding of ATP and CA in the aqueous phase of the matrix is discussed. A role of Ca2+ and cyclic AMP in the mediation of beta-adrenergic modulation is postulated on the basis of our recent work on acetylcholine-induced release of CA from perfused and stimulated bovine adrenals. We conclude that such a beta-adrenergic modulation is secondary to that of the cholinergic response. Hence, this activation is able to enhance the output induced by mild cholinergic stimulation although insufficient to evoke a CA release by itself.

Coagulase and heat-resistant nuclease producing Staphylococcus epidermidis strains from animals.

Abstract: Strains isolated from the skin and the upper respiratory tract of chickens and from bovine udders showed characteristics typical for Staphylococcus epidermidis biotype 2, but produced a heat-resistant nuclease (DNase) and reacted in the tube coagulase test. The strains were physiologically, biochemically and serologically indistinguishable from Staphylococcus hyicus strains isolated from swine. However, in contrast to S. hyicus, they appeared to be devoid of pathogenicity when tested in colostrum deprived piglets. The poultry strains occur frequently as skin inhabitants.

Metabolism in the rat of some pyrazine derivatives having flavour importance in foods.

Abstract: 1. The metabolism of several alkyl- and alkoxy-substituted pyrazines in the rat has been investigated. 2. Alkyl substituted compounds were oxidized to the corresponding acids which were excreted in the urine as such or as their glycine cojugates. The extent of oxidation was reduced when two adjacent alkyl groups were present. In the latter case ring hydroxylation also occurred. Methoxy-substituted pyrazines underwent O-demethylation and ring hydroxylation. 3. Little or no biliary excretion of the pyrazines or their metabolites occurred. 4. Some preliminary results on the metabolism of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxy-pyrazine (the major characteristic flavour component of bell pepper) have been obtained. 5. For comparative purposes the metabolism of some similarly substituted pyridines was investigated.

Protein concentration and hydrostatic pressure in subcutaneous tissue of rats in hypoproteinemia.

Abstract: Protein concentration and hydrostatic pressure were measured in subcutaneous tissue of rats during development of aminonucleoside nephrosis. Samples of interstitial fluid for protein analysis were collected from subcutaneous tissue by a wick method, and hydrostatic pressure was measured by a modified Scholander technique. When the serum protein concentration was reduced from 6.1 to 4.8 g/100 ml, interstitial fluid protein concentration fell from 3.0 to 1.1 g/100 ml. This corresponds to a reduction of calculated oncotic pressures from 18.0 to 13.0 mm Hg and from 7.8 to 3.0 mm Hg in serum and interstitial fluid, respectively, thus leaving a nearly constant net transcapillary oncotic pressure. When serum protein concentration was further reduced to 3.8 g/100 ml, interstitial fluid protein concentration was reduced to 0.5 g/100 ml, reducing net transcapillary oncotic pressure by 2–3 mm Hg. The average hydrostatic pressure in subcutis was 1.0 mm Hg sub-atmospheric under control conditions and did not change du...

Kinetics and Effect of Salts and Polyamines on T4 Polynucleotide Ligase

Abstract: The kinetics of T4 polynucleotide ligase has been investigated at pH 8, 20 °C and using the double-stranded DNA substrate (dA)n [(dT)10]n/10. Double-reciprocal plots of initial rates vs substrate concentrations as well as product inhibition studies have indicated that the enzyme reacts according to a ping-pong mechanism. The overall mechanism was found to be non-processive. The true Km for the DNA substrate was 0.6 μM and that of ATP 100 μM. Several attempts were made to reverse the T4 polynucleotide ligase joining reaction using 32P-labelled (dA)n [(dT)40]n/40 as substrate. No breakdown of this DNA could be detected. The joining reaction was inhibited by high concentrations, i.e. above approximately 70 mM, of salts such as KC1, NaCl, NH4Cl and CsC1. At a concentration of 200 mM almost 100% inhibition was observed. Polyamines also caused inhibition of the enzyme, the most efficient inhibitor being spermine followed by spermidine. At a concentration of 1 mM spermine, virtually no joining took place. Addition of salts or polyamines resulted in a large increase in the apparent Km for the DNA substrate whereas the apparent Km for ATP remained unchanged. It is suggested that the affinity of the enzyme for the DNA substrate is decreased in the presence of inhibiting agents.

Respiratory patterns as predictors of laughter.

Abstract: Earlier research on respiratory patterns indicates that they are sensitive to emotional processes. Abdominal and thoracic patterns were therefore used as predictors of laughter responses in 25 subjects participating in an entertainment situation. The abdominal respiratory body circumference changes (the abdominal amplitude) of the women predicted their laughter responses; the greater the abdominal amplitudes during the entertainment period, the more frequent and enduring were their laughter responses. No prediction was obtained by the respiratory patterns of men. The results suggest that respiratory patterns are sensitive indicators of laughter response habits in women only. The variability of tonus in the abdominal muscles was suggested to be of particular importance to the results, i. e. great variability yields frequent and enduring laughter responses in women.

Dysmenorrhea in industrial workers.

Abstract: In two Norwegian industrial companies 234 women of menstruating age were examined by the industrial nurse with regard to menstrual complaints. Every second woman experienced pain, 23% had consulted a doctor previously, about 30% had to stay in bed, and about 30% had been absent from work recently due to dysmenorrhea. Although pain was prevalent in all age groups, there were age-specific differences in other complaints, such as headache and depression, which were more frequent among the older women. In a selected group of 32 women with severe complaints, the history and gynecological examination indicated secondary dysmenorrhea in only a few cases. Hormonal assays and endometrial biopsy indicated anovulatory cycles in 4 out of 12 women, in spite of dysmenorrhea.

The ultrastructural localization of iron in rat incisor enamel.

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that the pigmented surface layer of rat incisor enamel contains up to 30% iron but have left the question open as to whether iron is bound to the hydroxyapatite crystals or is present as a separate crystalline phase. Maxillary incisors from adult rats were demineralized for an extended period of time in EDTA. An insoluble membranous structure representing the remaining superficial portion of the enamel was collected and analyzed in the electron microprobe. The analyses showed that the demineralization procedure had removed calcium and phosphorus nearly completely, whereas the iron content of the surface layer had not been appreciably reduced. Electron microscopic examination of these specimens showed that the residual material contained electron-dense particles whose size, form and orientation indicated that they were remnants of the original crystal population. Several other demineralized and undemineralized specimens were also examined electron microscopically. The results indicate that iron is not present as a separate particulate phase but is, probably, bound to the surface of hydroxyapatite crystals.

Reconnaissance Rb/Sr isochron study in the Bergen Arc System and regional implications

Abstract: On the basis of reconnaissance geo chronological investigations, and the preliminary results of the reinvestigation of the tectono/metamorphic patterns of the Bergen Arc System it is possible to present a series of results which help to clarify the relationships of the rocks units involved in this system. These results fundamentally affect the interpretation of the Bergen Arc System in Caledonian reconstructions of the geology of Western Norway.

False positive rubella virus haemagglutination inhibition reactions: Occurrence and disclosure

Abstract: A floatation centrifugation procedure is described by which antibodies and non-specific rubella virus haemagglutination inhibitors can be completely separated. Using this method it was shown that false positive reactions occur with the conventional pretreatments of sera for removing inhibitors, especially with the heparin-MnCl2 procedure. Other methods for removal of inhibitors were examined in view of recent knowledge about the chemical nature of the inhibitors. Treatment with phospholipase C proved useful for disclosure of false positive reactions, while floatation centrifugation was the most sensitive method for demonstration of low antibody concentrations.

Neurological findings at follow-up in neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Abstract: Fluge, G. (Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway). Neurological findings at follow-up in neonatal hypoglycaemia. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64:629, 1975.–Follow-up examination was carried out in 37 children who had been hypoglycaemic during the neonatal period. Mean age was 3 1/2 years. Five out of 7 children with asymptomatic hypoglycaemia neonatally were completely normal, while minimal brain dysfunction was evident in one, and another child showed pathological EEC Symptomatic, transient hypoglycaemia seemed to carry a poor prognosis as only one out of 9 individuals was normal. Four patients in this group had convulsions after the neonatal period; two of these had recurrence of hypoglycaemia. One had infantile spasms and was severely mentally retarded with spastic diplegia and epilepsy. One girl was blind due to optic nerve atrophy. Four cases of cerebral palsy were detected in this group. Among 21 cases of secondary hypoglycaemia there were no cases of serious neurological sequelae. It is reasonable to assume that neonatal hypoglycaemia is an important prognostic factor. The deleterious effect on the CNS seems to be related to the duration and severity of the hypoglycaemia.