bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing civilizations as systems
Authors: Bahm Archie J.
Published: February 2011

Comparison of Western, Indian and Chinese civilizations as cultural systems exhibiting persisting ideals constituting important structural differences reveals that two taproots of Western civilization (the Hebraic stressing will and the Greek stressing reason) as characteristics essential to the nature of the world and man, are opposed in Hindu culture idealizing Nirguna Brahman as complete absence of both will (desire) and reason (distinctions) and yogic endeavor designed to eliminate both from persons, are partially integrated as complementary opposites in Chinese taoistic yin‐yang ideals about both the universe and man. Opportunities for further research comparing cultural systems seem unlimited.
On the modelling relation
Authors: Kampis György
Published: February 2011

Some conceptual problems which are related to the way data (i.e. empirical information) are represented in model building are discussed. Elements of a framework for modelling are proposed in which a constructive relationship between the data and the modelling relation itself is incorporated. The main novelty of this approach is the use of the notion of information set, which is defined as the set of observed values of those observables which are actually available as data sources for a given model, as contrasted to a complete set of observations where questions of restricted availability cannot be raised. This permits the application of complexity theory in a new way. Some examples are given where, as a consequence, essential differences between descriptions, otherwise considered equivalent, will be revealed. One application, showing the existence of fundamentally inequivalent forms of dynamics which belong to different information sets, is elaborated in more detail.

la science occidentale est fondée sur la doctrine monastique d'un univers ordonné, créé par un Dieu qui reste hors de la nature et la gouverne par des lois accessibles á la raison humaine.
Correspondence: An application of interpretive structural modeling to a university research committee's grant decisions
Authors: Rappaport Allen , Scott Cawelti G. , Ratliff Ruth E.
Published: February 2011

Universities maintain many systems that help order activities. Among these are the systems that provide financial support for research activity. One frequently occurring system is a university level committee that reviews the merits of research funding requests. In this study. Interpretive Structural Modeling is used to generate the hierarchy of criteria employed by a university research committee to evaluate and fund proposals from faculty in the arts, music, mathematics, science, and the applied disciplines. Thirty‐four elements and 20 levels are developed. The resulting hierarchy is a preference list suitable for judging proposals that lend themselves to formal research design. The existing system using the current project evaluation framework to simultaneously encourage creative work in art and music along with traditional research in other disciplines is deemed unsatisfactory. A separate allocation system for the arts and music is under study.
Correspondence aging and evolving systems
Authors: Hershey Daniel
Published: February 2011

Models describing the history of systems are discussed, from the stable equilibrium state to the aging non‐equilibrium stationary state to the evolving, order through fluctuations state. Social systems, traditionally equilibrium states, are shown to be more suited to an evolution model. Living systems as well as corporations are similarly better served when viewed as dissipative systems which find stability through fluctuations.
The fall of capitalism and socialism
Authors: Kostopoulos Tryphon
Published: February 2011

Nomocracy is the new mode of production that is replacing capitalism. Intelligence and knowledge are replacing capital and commodity. Knowledge appears as the objectivized reflection of nature and its laws. Nature and man acquire an abstract twin in formula form, and the aggregation of formulas makes the Nomos that gradually takes one crucial role in the production process. Material production becomes a derivative of knowledge. Advances in modern sciences are making mass production into hypermass, and the market system unworkable. Scarcity of knowledge is replacing scarcity of commodities, and accumulation and concentration of knowledge displaces that of capital. A shift to knowledge production sweeps all our preconceptions of work, administration, justice, racial equality, freedom, ethics, etc. from the board. We are moving into a situation where the real material world (inclusive man) will be subordinated to the abstract Nomos.
A theory of practice in the social systems sciences
Authors: Ackoff Russell L.
Published: February 2011

The principles that guide the practice of the author and the reasons for them are presented. These principles have been extracted from 40 years of applying the systems sciences to managerial problems in practitioner—client relationships. These principles focus on the role of the practitioner in encouraging and facilitating the development of the relevant stakeholders during an engagement. This is done primarily through participative idealized redesign of the system which has the problems being addressed. What the practitioner must bring to the design process, his or her personal relationships with the responsible decision maker, and ‘selling’ are among the other aspects of practice that are discussed.
Towards designing an information‐flow‐structure of resource wastes for national planning
Authors: Gupta M. P. , Gupta Sushil
Published: February 2011

Global concern for the severe resource crisis and environmental upsurge has emphasized the need to review the economic policy and planning process and explore the possibility of incorporating waste management aspects in it. This paper specifically deals with the issues related to the development and design of an information‐flow‐structure about resource wastes, with the understanding that waste management is a matter of serious concern for policy formulation, subsequent planning and implementation at the national level. This structure should support the national planning system based on an I–O–W (Input—Output—Waste) model which is the logical extension of an I–O model. Identification of informational needs of national planners about wastes would be the starting point towards designing such a structure. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) is found to be a powerful technique to transform the complex mental models into a visible and well‐defined structural format. This is proposed here to be used for the development of the necessary information‐flow‐structure parallel to the existing productive systems, which should support the informational needs of top‐level planners and decision‐makers.
Design of the modern inquiring system—ii. the contemporary computer
Authors: Van Gigch J. P.
Published: February 2011

This is the second installment of a series of articles which attempts to trace the development of the modern inquiring system (IS), a system dedicated to the acquisition, production and dissemination of knowledge. The system which the writers of this column have in mind is a conceptual entity which need not be embodied in an actual piece of hardware, although the modern version of the computer has propelled the design of the IS system to previously unheard of capabilities
The kondratiev phenomenon: A systems perspective
Authors: De Greene Kenyon B.
Published: February 2011

During periods of social and economic malaise, such as the present, there tends to be renewed interest in Kondratiev cycles or economic long waves. However, the existence of these forms is highly debated. This paper redefines the issues to emphasize deep evolutionary sequences of societal structural changes within which more surficial periodic and aperiodic cycles and spatiotemporal waveforms can be recognized. The history of long‐wave studies and controversy is discussed. The original findings of N. D. Kondratiev are briefly reviewed. The characteristics of the present downturn are discussed. A systems summary of the Kondratiev phenomenon is presented. Then evidence for the existence of the Kondratiev phenomenon and its associated manifestations is provided. Considerable evidence comes from the analysis of time‐series data. However, major emphasis is placed on systems theory and the explanatory role of system dynamics, catastrophe theory and dissipative‐structure theory. The importance of macropsychological driving forces is briefly summarized. Kondratiev theory is interpreted as paradigm shift. The relevance of Kondratiev theory to societal systems planning, policymaking and design is stressed. This paper deals with the levels of the society and supranational system of living systems theory.
Artificial intelligence and philosophy: The knowledge of representation
Authors: Dascal Marcelo
Published: February 2011

Philosophy has recently witnessed a radical critique of the epistemological tradition centered on the notion of representation. It is here argued that such a critique is relevant to the current endeavors of Artificial Intelligence, both in its broad (i.e. as an attempt to elucidate human cognitive capacities) and narrow (i.e. as a practical concern to develop ‘intelligent’ systems, e.g. expert systems) definitions. It is shown that many of the recurrent problems faced by AI researchers stem from their espousal of the old paradigm conceptions of ‘knowledge’, ‘understanding’, ‘justification’, and the like. Some suggestions concerning a possible alternative for such conceptions are made.
Complementary opposition as a systems concept
Authors: Xu Li D. , Li Ling X.
Published: February 2011

The polar opposites and their complementary behaviors are observed in many existing systems, which results in the emergence of the complementary opposition model. The model gives a challenge to the traditional dichotomy model in Western philosophy, and is provided with supportive evidence from both physics and systems research. This paper proposes complementary opposition as an essential concept in general systems theory, and discusses its theoretical and applied aspects in systems perspectives.
Can the information contents of biological systems be quantified?
Authors: Wicken Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2011

The information content of any organized system is difficult to quantify. Reductionist reasoning would suggest that the elements of information are ‘coded’ and ontologically self‐standing within the system itself. This is not so. The generation and interpretation of information always requires larger contexts in which it can be understood, because they involve more information than the system itself can possibly contain. Strictly construed, these contexts contribute to that information content. The ways in which they so contribute are not quantifiable in the present understanding of information theory. This non‐quantifiability applies from biological organizations to machines to linguistic structures. In this paper, I will discuss some of those inherent limitations to informational quantification.
Evolution and thermodynamics: The new paradigm
Authors: Wicken Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2011

This paper introduces the new evolutionary paradigm born of the synthesis of Darwinism and thermodynamics. It also introduces this volume, whose theme is the integration of life and social process with physical law. The sense of this expansion is as follows: Darwinism has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, from several fields. These range from statistical mechanics to developmental biology. In this paper, I will discuss the direction the revision of the Darwinian program is taking through thermodynamics, which is the science of irreversible process and self‐organization. My objective is to show the coherence of life with the rest of nature.
Genetic information and the determination of functional organization in biological systems
Authors: Wills Peter R.
Published: February 2011

The Central Dogma of molecular biology describes the one‐way flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein, but it excludes the possibility of proteinaceous infectious agents (prions) such as those implicated in certain neurological diseases like scrapie and Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. Rather than carrying genetic information like viruses, prions appear to carry functional information which they use to alter the meaníng of host genes during their cycle of replication. Prions represent an important counter‐example to the accepted theories of molecular genetics, in which biological specificity is determined completely by macromolecular sequence information. Criticism of the proposition that organisms can be constructed from their genes leads to the conclusion that the neo‐Darwinian interpretation of the theory of evolution is seriously deficient, especially in relation to the prebiotic phase. It is suggested that the evolutionary emergence and development of biological function, or teleopoiesis, is as important a determinant of biological evolution as the mutation and selection of genetic information.
Economic evolution and specialization
Authors: Kurre James A. , Louie Kenneth K. T.
Published: February 2011

As an economic system grows and develops, several key processes occur. Growth means greater population and larger markets, allowing the economy to diversify. Economic development leads to improvements in infrastructure, including transportation networks, which facilitate trade and encourage specialization.

In this paper we examine the effects of economic evolution on the structure of 22 national economies, with particular emphasis on their levels of industrial diversification, and how this process affects the international economic system.

Our results show a clear tendency for a nation's specialization to decrease over time as development occurs, but only up to a point. The degree of specialization falls more slowly over time in virtually every case, with specialization tending to increase again in several of the most developed economies. Greater specialization means greater interdependence; increasingly, a change in a distant economy has effects in seemingly unrelated places due to these interconnections. A key consequence of this is an increasing need to take a systems approach in economic analysis.
The evolution of the darwinian research tradition
Authors: Depew David J. , Weber Bruce H.
Published: February 2011

The conceptual development of evolutionary theory is examined from the perspective of scientific research traditions whose core (natural selection for the Darwinian tradition) is preserved by changing auxiliary assumptions. For the Darwinian tradition, there have been three phases to this process. The original Darwinism defined natural selection in terms of a dynamic equilibrium between population growth and scarcity. Selection acts on individual organisms and returns to equilibrium. The conceptual challenge of Mendelian genetics was accommodated in neo‐Darwinism by shifting to a statistical formulation via population genetics, in which natural selection and equilibrium were redefined statistically and thereby preserved. Current ferment in evolutionary theory has come from attempts to integrate self‐organizing systems dynamics, such as the origin of life, development, and ecology, into an adequate theoretical framework. This can be accomplished by changing to non‐equilibrium background assumptions guided by the principles of irreversible thermodynamics. Natural selection is reconceived in terms of process and pattern of energy flow guided by internalized information. What is selected are differential patterns of energy flow that contribute to the stability and coherence of the whole systems of which they are a part.
Micro‐macro interrelations and the order parameter concept in the field theory of societal systems
Authors: De Greene Kenyon B.
Published: February 2011

A historical review and interpretation of the concepts of field theory, field, field of forces, and order parameter is provided. The historical meaning of these concepts in physics and in psychology is discussed, but emphasis is placed on applications to complex societal systems. Evidence for longitudinal attitude and expectancy change and for social learning is reviewed and interpreted. The mathematical formalization of the key concepts is discussed and representative equations presented. The evolution of the world system‐field over the next two decades is discussed and some likely sources of crises and reconfiguration pointed out. Policy implications of this evolution are noted.
A critique of the current state of homelessness in post‐industrial societies
Authors: Nodoushani Omid
Published: February 2011

In the following essay, the author argues that homelessness presents a challenge not only to society in general, but to social theory in particular, insofar as that theory remains bound to a 19th‐century conception of industrial society. Until social theorists are willing to problematize their own assumptions about social processes and associations, they will simply (and unwittingly) continue to reproduce ‘popular’ models of homelessness based upon unexamined notions of subjectivity and individualism. Finally, in this essay I am concerned with uncovering the interrelated set of problems associated with the homelessness ‘mess’ rather than an idealized design for dealing with it.
Introducing philosophical theories to urban transportation planning or why all planners should practice bursting bubbles
Authors: Richmond Jonathan E. D.
Published: February 2011

Teaching in substantive areas of planning has become increasingly calculative. Students have been taught to use techniques, but not to ask whether they are asking the right questions.

A new course which attempted to instead emphasize a meditative approach to transportation planning is described. A theme of exposing and criticizing assumptions—bubble bursting—lies at the heart of the course. Philosophical theories were taught to help accomplish this, and problem setting was shown to be essentially a question of ethics. The shortcomings of current systems analysis approaches in transportation were discussed, and the alternative of a wider form of systems research suggested by Churchman was explored. The interrelationships between transportation and related systems were stressed throughout the course.

Students expressed some concern that the course did not emphasize the practical side of transportation planning, but responded positively to the new perspectives for criticism that were introduced. Teaching the course demonstrated that there is a useful role for courses which expose and criticize assumptions rather than merely teach techniques and which reveal the essentially ethical nature of planning and all social inquiry; and that if we want future generations of thinking planners, we need to teach them how to think.
Paradoxes of science as a system: (Fragments from the philosophy of science)
Authors: Cowan Thomas A.
Published: February 2011

I. The general paradox of systems science: Systems scientists think that science is a system and that system science is a science. No one feels called on to explicate these relationships. Systems theorists do not believe it is incumbent on them to tell what way their discipline is a science. Nor do scientists feel obliged to say how the generic notion of system is binding on them.

II. The paradox of theory versus practice: If theory is taken to be basic, practice is taken to be lower level applied theory. If practice is taken to be basic, theory is felt not to be able to pay its way.

III. The paradox of basic research versus R & D: To the extent that Science embraces R & D, the scientist becomes a manager; a manager is not a Scientist.

IV. When science as management becomes an integral part of the political economy, the scientific manager becomes a politician.

V. Philosophy tries to unscramble this mess. For scientific practice it suggests a division of the work of science into experimentation governed by something like lab control and for the emotional romantic side of science a newly furbished discipline, essentially preaching, which it calls hermenuetics.

VI. It has been said the ‘philosophy is the misuse of a vocabulary expressly designed for that purpose.’ Is this true? It almost looks like it. Since the early part of the century, and increasingly before WWII philosophy has been burying more of its messes under the catch‐all word ‘vocabulary.’ If you took the term away from logical positivists, logicians and Richard Rorty, they would not have much left. Leibniz said that mathematics is a well‐made language. Is the mathematician also a vocabulary? Nothing but a vocabulary? What about the philosopher or systematist who is one of Freud's anals, that is, ‘orderly, parsimonious and abstinate’? When will philosophers recognize that orality is a personality trait characteristic of only certain people?
Longevity projections for human females using excess entropy production (EEP)
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Lee William E. , Fisher Christian P. , Lin Da‐Sheng
Published: February 2011

The life's course for a human system can be tracked by tracing Excess Entropy Production with age. For the average female, this relationship is linear and diminishes to zero at about age 100, which is the longevity potential for the average female who ages without catastrophic, life‐altering events.
Matter and consciousness: A contemporary introduction to the philosophy of mind by Paul M. Churchland. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 1988, 184 pages
Authors: Stryker Nancy
Published: February 2011

The Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution by Howard Gardner. Basic Books, New York, U.S.A., 1985, Epilogue, 1987, 430 pages, and

Mind Design: Philosophy, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence by John Haugeland, ed. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 1981, 368 pages, Fifth Printing 1987.
Linkages of key elements in fuzzy program planning
Authors: Saxena J. P. , Vrat Prem , Sushil
Published: February 2011

Any system small, medium or large can function effectively if all aspects relating to the system are considered in detail and proper planning is done to organize the various activities involved. It is always difficult to define in quantitative terms the attention needed to various aspects of the program planning for optimum utilization of input resources. Program Planning based on detailed analysis of the system is, therefore, a necessity. The utility of program planning can be increased further by application of fuzzy set theory to incorporate the qualitative aspects associated with the system.

The paper deals with the application of Fuzzy Program Planning to ‘Energy Conservation in Indian Cement Industry’, identifying and analysing various elements and sub‐elements of the program, the key elements and the key sub‐elements based on Possibility of Interactions (POI) between them. Ranking of each sub‐element based on the POI has also been worked out and compared with rankings worked out using binary (0–1) analysis.

Identification of key sub‐elements, their interaction with other sub‐elements and the ranking based on the fuzzy interaction is an extension of the work already done in the field of program planning. The superiority of Fuzzy Program Planning over the Program Planning based on binary (0–1) analysis has also been demonstrated successfully.
Correspondence humans in cosmos
Authors: Franklin J. Stuart
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a synopsis, in picture form of the essence of the tetrahedral, conceptual model proposed in the original paper ‘A Philosophical Inquiry into the Geometry of Knowledge.’ This proposed model is only for humans of planet Earth and clearly illustrates that each individual sees the world differently. The concepts expressed were developed from an analysis of the 48 basic measure formulas of physics. They determine the repetitious tetrahedral pattern inherent throughout the model. Suggested redefinitions of several terms and concepts in the areas of chemistry and physics are necessary to satisfy this model of cosmic reality.
On integrative study
Authors: Engelberg Joseph
Published: February 2011

Integrative Study Contemplates principles of integration revealed by life at its many hierarchic levels. Since living systems can be understood only by reference to their transformations over time, the objects of integrative study are narratives (histories, case histories, works of literature, etc.). The discourse does not stop at any disciplinary boundary, yet integrative study is not anarchic but is guided by frameworks of thought which it constructs. In this form of study the asymmetry between teacher and student, speaker and audience is greatly reduced; participants derive from a diversity of backgrounds; the common language, the language of everyday life is used; communication is primarily oral, face‐to‐face, rather than via the written word. Integrative study takes place where we are, with the people among whom we live, and exerts a benign integrative influence on the community in which it takes place.
Economic development, cognitive dissonance and the theory of change
Authors: Krowitz Edward J.
Published: February 2011

This paper examines causal models used to explain conflict interactions between aid donors and aid recipients in the Third World and proposals to resolve the conflicts. These adversarial relationships are accentuated by efforts to change economic systems and policies without addressing the underlying belief systems of policy makers and governing elites in Third World nations. Several theories are examined, including cognitive dissonance, information theory, spiral loops and dissipative structures which attempt to explain decision making processes. It is proposed that, new information to change the decision making process is not so much lacking as it is ignored, being at odds with accepted paradigms and the self‐interest and beliefs of elite groups, whose goals may not be consistent.

It is concluded that strategies, which seek acceptance of policy adjustments without concern for a prerequisite paradigm shift in elite belief systems, are not likely to succeed. The success in resolving the domestic internal conflict among these coalitions may be a prerequisite to the resolution of adversarial relationships of national systems with international institutions. Some strategies are suggested at arriving at this resolution.
A symmetry number for the analyses of organizational structure
Authors: Hershey Daniel
Published: February 2011

A symmetry Number and organizational entropy were calculated for various organizational structures. It was found that as the Summetry Number increased, entropy increased.
Socialization/specialization as context/actor
Authors: Murphy Dennis
Published: February 2011

Socialization and specialization are seen as interdependent. The analysis derives from an understanding of context and actor. Notions of social change, human communication, medical cybernetics and artificial intelligence are brought to bear upon this interdependence. The main conclusion is a call to rethink criticism of socialization and specialization in terms of cybernetics.
15 Years of the dialectical system notion
Authors: Mulej Matjaž , Kajzer Štefan , Rebernik Miroslav , Majerič Avgust
Published: February 2011

Ashby[1] said that the fight against (too much) diversity is possible only by developing diversity. This is expressed also in the title of this conference and paper. Both need a methodological support. A phenomenological systems theory does not provide it. We have been developing an alternative paradigm on the basis of the “Dialectical System “ notion. Fifteen years of development on this basis are briefed in the paper.
Parts and wholes in management and organization
Authors: Broekstra Gerrit
Published: February 2011

This paper argues that its propensity to specialization, and its preoccupation with analytical/parts‐thinking, has locked Western society through a socialization process, based on a mechanistic/materialistic world view, in a situation of harmful imbalance. Counterforces are arising, however, that pertain to a systemic/holistic model, emphasizing a more balanced view which includes such concepts as intuition, synthesis and wholes‐thinking. A few salient examples will be pointed out from the field of organization and management. It is suggested that a new socialization process may be rooted in a synthesis of Eastern and Western norms and values.
The limits of management
Authors: Henke John W.
Published: February 2011

As the 21st century approaches, firms will move toward becoming information‐based organizations. This change will be accompanied by a decrease in the number of organizational levels needed to run the firm. The compression of the organizational structure will approach four basic management levels, each of which will be bounded by specific limits of management activities. The role of each level will be more definitive, the relationship between the levels will become more purposeful, and the primary role of the individuals at each level will be associated with very specific activities. An understanding of the levels, the associated management activities and limits, and the changes that will accompany the structure transition is necessary if management is to successfully take full advantage of being an information‐based organization and the opportunities provided by the smaller number of management levels.
An emerging organizational structure: A study of levels and information needs
Authors: Henke John W.
Published: February 2011

The increasingly competitive nature of business is causing firms to rethink the manner in which they are organized, while the availability of more advanced information technologies are enabling significant organizational change tot take place. One change is the compression of organizational structures towards four basic hierarchical levels. Each level requires information specific to its unique orientation and related activities. To meet this requirement three types of support will be needed: Intelligence support, which provides information on the internal and external environments of the organization; decision support, which organizes the information and facilitates the decision‐making process; and technical support, which enables a sharing of the organization's information. A study of the procurement areas in several firms in a single manufacturing industry found that the areas appear to be moving towards the four‐level organizational structure. However, they are doing so without recognition of the orientation and activities associated with the various levels. Also, none of the firms have gone beyond developing minimal intelligence support capability. This study indicates that systems thinking is not driving the organizational structure in the procurement areas, which may be indicative of other functional areas in the firm. Such systems thinking must come about if each functional activity is to contribute to the competitive capabilities of the firm.
A synthesis of systems inquiry and the eastern mode of inquiry
Authors: Evan Pressman Todd
Published: February 2011

— The goal of science is presented as the achievement of a completely unified and consistent account of all possible phenomena. The process of advancement in methodological approaches to this goal is discussed, with emphasis given to the exposing and refining of limiting assumptions. Two methodologies are examined, that of systems inquiry and the Eastern mode of inquiry, and are viewed as refinements to the limiting assumptions of traditional scientific methodology. Each is then taken in the context of the assumptions of the other, and a synthesis is achieved. This synthesis maximizes the refinement potential of each, coordinating them into an ever‐deepening process of refinement that approaches a theoretically “complete” account of all possible phenomena.
On the dynamics of the estrangement between body and mind
Authors: Jansen Fred
Published: February 2011

— This paper puts forth the thesis that self‐alienation is not a modern phenomenon. It is an outcome of self‐inhibition, believed to be the price we have to pay for civilization.

Submitting this belief to a test, we notice on the contrary that just saying no is an obstacle to bringing out the best in us. It requires the will to go counter to survival mechanisms that have been refined over eons. It involves inevitably an unwitting and systematic suspension of adaptive functioning. What we glimpse ourselves to be capable of remains largely unrealized.

The structure and function of such an environment, the context in which such disabling occurs, is compared with situations in which adaptive functioning is not impaired. Thus we see that problems attributed to inhibition gone awry are instead inextricably bound up with our reliance on it as a strategy for self‐management.
Diffusion and Phase Transformation at the Interface between an Austenitic Substrate and a Thermally Sprayed Coating of Ledeburitic Cold‐Work Tool Steel
Authors: Röttger Arne , Weber Sebastian , Theisen Werner , Rajasekeran Balasundaram , Vaßen Robert
Published: February 2011

An overlay coating against wear or corrosion on components is required for various technical applications. Thermal spraying is a well‐established and near‐net‐shape deposition method. In this work, high‐velocity oxy‐fuel spraying of two different ledeburitic cold‐work tool steels was employed to produce wear‐resistant Fe‐base coatings on a stainless steel substrate. This work focuses on the investigation of diffusion processes across the coating/substrate interface. Specimens were heat‐treated for different dwell times and then analyzed by means of EBSD, XRD, OM, as well as SEM. Results of phase formation and diffusion profiles were compared with equilibrium and diffusion calculations obtained with ThermoCALC® and DICTRA®. The influence of diffusion processes across the coating/substrate interface on the mechanical properties, such as adhesive bond strength and hardness, was investigated by shear tests and microhardness profiles.
The Pathology of Bleomycin-Induced Fibrosis Is Associated with Loss of Resident Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells That Regulate Effector T-cell Proliferation
Authors: Jun Du , Garat Chrystelle , West James , Thorn Nathalie , Chow Kelsey , Cleaver Timothy , Sullivan Timothy , Torchia Enrique C. , Childs Christine , Shade Theodore , Tadjali Mehrdad , Lara Abigail , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Malkoski Stephen , Sorrentino Brian , Meyrick Barbara , Klemm Dwight , Rojas Mauricio , Wagner David H. , Majka Susan M.
Published: February 2011

Tissue-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important regulators of tissue repair or regeneration, fibrosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor formation. Here, we define a population of resident lung MSCs (luMSCs) that function to regulate the severity of bleomycin injury via modulation of the T-cell response. Bleomycin-induced loss of these endogenous luMSCs and elicited fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis), inflammation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Replacement of resident stem cells by administration of isolated luMSCs attenuated the bleomycin-associated pathology and mitigated the development of PAH. In addition, luMSC modulated a decrease in numbers of lymphocytes and granulocytes in bronchoalveolar fluid and demonstrated an inhibition of effector T-cell proliferation in vitro. Global gene expression analysis indicated that the luMSCs are a unique stromal population differing from lung fibroblasts in terms of proinflammatory mediators and profibrotic pathways. Our results demonstrate that luMSCs function to protect lung integrity after injury; however, when endogenous MSCs are lost, this function is compromised illustrating the importance of this novel population during lung injury. The definition of this population in vivo in both murine and human pulmonary tissue facilitates the development of a therapeutic strategy directed at the rescue of endogenous cells to facilitate lung repair during injury.
Self-Renewal Versus Lineage Commitment of Embryonic Stem Cells: Protein Kinase C Signaling Shifts the Balance
Authors: Dutta Debasree , Ray Soma , Home Pratik , Larson Melissa , Wolfe Michael W. , Paul Soumen
Published: February 2011

The intricate molecular mechanisms that regulate ESC pluripotency are incompletely understood. Prior research indicated that activation of the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) pathway or inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (ERK/GSK3) signaling maintains mouse ESC (mESC) pluripotency. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms maintains mESC pluripotency without the activation of STAT3 or inhibition of ERK/GSK3 signaling pathways. Our analyses revealed that the atypical PKC isoform, PKCζ plays an important role in inducing lineage commitment in mESCs through a PKCζ–nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling axis. Furthermore, inhibition of PKC isoforms permits derivation of germline-competent ESCs from mouse blastocysts and also facilitates reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts toward induced pluripotent stem cells. Our results indicate that PKC signaling is critical to balancing ESC self-renewal and lineage commitment.
CD24: A Novel Surface Marker for PDX1-Positive Pancreatic Progenitors Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Jiang Wei , Sui Xin , Zhang Donghui , Liu Meng , Ding Mingxiao , Shi Yan , Deng Hongkui
Published: February 2011

Human ESCs provide a promising cell resource for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus. Although PDX1-positive pancreatic progenitors can be efficiently generated from human ESCs by stepwise induction, further in vitro differentiation into functional, mature beta cells is not efficient or reproducible. Purification of pancreatic progenitor cells could facilitate the identification of signals that regulate beta cell differentiation and maturation. Here, we report the identification of a novel surface marker for PDX1-positive pancreatic progenitors based on an in vitro human ESC differentiation system. By costaining PDX1 and a panel of cell surface antigens at the pancreatic progenitor stage of human ESC differentiation, we discovered a positive marker, CD24. CD24-positive cells coexpressed most of the key transcription factors of pancreatic progenitors, and the expression of important pancreatic genes was greatly enriched in CD24-positive cells compared with the CD24-negative cells. In addition, CD24-positive cells could differentiate into insulin-producing cells but CD24-negative cells could not. These results indicate that CD24 could be a surface marker for PDX1-positive pancreatic progenitors derived from human ESCs. Enrichment of pancreatic progenitors with this marker will facilitate the investigation of beta cell maturation during the human ESC differentiation.
Authoring identity amidst the treacherous terrain of science: A multiracial feminist examination of the journeys of three women of color in science
Authors: Johnson Angela , Brown Jaweer , Carlone Heidi , Cuevas Azita K.
Published: February 2011

The study of the identity processes of women of color in science‐based fields helps us (a) find ways to support similar women, and (b) study the dynamics of inequity, within and beyond science. Participants in this study (a Black woman, a Latina, and an American Indian woman) survived inadequate high schools and discouraging college science departments to win formal recognition (fellowships, publications). Using multiracial feminist theory, including intersectionality, and practice theory, we conceptualize authoring of identity as an ongoing process. Qualitative methods were designed around Black feminist precepts of caring and personal accountability, the use of concrete experience and of dialogue (Collins, 2000a). Participants' opportunities to author legitimate science identities were constrained by their location in the matrix of oppression. They reported conflicts between their identities as women of color and as credible science students, and having racist, sexist identities ascribed to them. All became more adept at fending off negative ascription and all found settings with less identity conflict; their ability to read a situation and quickly adjust, la facultad (Anzaldúa, 1999) helped them survive. But the fact that they have needed to do this is unjust. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 339–366, 2011
Concept mapping and the cartography of cognition
Authors: Wandersee James H.
Published: February 2011

Since concept maps are designed to find out what the learner knows about a subject and are, in effect, maps of cognition, this article synthesizes relevant facts, concepts, and principles from cartography and applies them to concept mapping. The metaphor of the map and its applicability for representing scientific knowledge are discussed. The context of concept mapping is presented and suggestions for successful application of the technique in the science classroom are offered. Finally, researchers are invited to conduct studies that investigate the graphic representation of scientific knowledge in order to create, evaluate, and improve the graphics and graphic metacognitive tools (such as concept mapping) which are used in science teaching.
Concept mapping: A useful tool for science education
Authors: Novak Joseph D.
Published: February 2011

This article describes the genesis and development of concept mapping as a useful tool for science education. It also offers an overview of the contents of this special issue and comments on the current state of knowledge representation. Suggestions for further research are made throughout the article.
The elaboration of concepts in three biology textbooks: Facilitating student learning
Authors: Lloyd Carol V.
Published: February 2011

As the levels of scientific literacy and science achievement have become issues of concern, the necessity of investigating possible causes becomes more urgent. Since textbooks have been shown to have a tremendous impact on curriculum, this is one variable of science instruction that needs further investigation. The purpose of this article is to describe how three biology books present the content related to photosynthesis through the construct of elaboration. The textbooks were selected for their differences in target audiences, as defined by student abilities. Results are discussed in terms of quantity of elaboration, relevance of ideas used to elaborate major concepts, relationship of the nature of elaboration to intended readers, and the general relationship between how texts present information and student learning.
Molecular genetics and molecular biology of dyslexia
Authors: Kere Juha
Published: February 2011

Developmental dyslexia has been recognized as a distinct entity among learning disabilities as early as the late 1800s and its partially genetic nature has been firmly established by family and twin studies. The application of genetic mapping and molecular cloning methods has revealed specific genes that contribute to the genetic risk, but those known now do not yet suffice for explaining all of it. More importantly, the first genes, some of them found by the study of rare families, have indicated specific neurodevelopmental processes important for the development of dyslexia, including control of neuronal migration for the DYX1C1, DCDC2, and KIAA0319 genes, and a role of axonal and dendritic guidance suggested by the ROBO1 gene. I anticipate that forthcoming research within only a few years will yield molecular networks with fundamental roles in the molecular biology of dyslexia, and may aid in resolving relationships between comorbid disorders. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 441–448 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.138

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Development
The erosion of psychiatric confidentiality
Authors: Bursten Ben
Published: February 2011

What is happening to psychiatric confidentiality must be understood in terms of shifting values and priorities in society at large.
A program for difficult‐to‐treat patients
Authors: Stein Leonard I. , Diamond Ronald J.
Published: February 2011

The Training in Community Living program is the keystone of a comprehensive system of care. It works with the most difficult‐to‐treat patients.
The bridge: An assertive outreach program in an urban setting
Authors: Witheridge Thomas F. , Dincin Jerry
Published: February 2011

The Training in Community Living model has been adapted for use in the center of a major metropolitan area, for the benefit of carefully selected recipients at the highest risk of hospitalization.
Economic analysis in community treatment of the chronically mentally ill
Authors: Gilman Sari R. , Diamond Ronald J.
Published: February 2011

Chronically mentally ill individuals are costly for society, no matter what kind of treatment they receive. Effective community treatment can be provided without increasing these costs, but it requires a change in the way resources are distributed so that the money currently used for hospitalization can be used for community support.
Psychosocial assessment in community treatment
Authors: Kanter Joel S.
Published: February 2011

When professionals focus on chronic patients' expressed wishes for independence, they may neglect powerful unarticulated needs to be cared for and accepted, as well as their fear of abandonment should they ever achieve a measure of autonomy.
Case management of the young adult chronic patient: A clinical perspective
Authors: Kanter Joel S.
Published: February 2011

With young adult chronic patients struggling to create more fulfilling lives, case management interventions can provide support and structure in titrated dosages that facilitate community survival while offering opportunities for further development.
Psychiatric emergency services: Can they cope as last‐resort facilities?
Authors: Bassuk Ellen L.
Published: February 2011

As the entire system of mental health care changes, psychiatric emergency services find themselves redefining who they treat and how.
Crisis‐oriented therapy
Authors: Slaby Andrew E.
Published: February 2011

An old Chinese proverb says, “Welcome crises.” The Chinese character for the word crisis combines the characters for opportunity and change—that one may then gain more than at a point where life is more tranquil.
Issues in emergency psychiatric research
Authors: Chafetz Linda
Published: February 2011

Research in emergency psychiatric settings is often complicated by unusual clinical, methodological, and staff problems.
Equity in the application of civil commitment criteria
Authors: Segal Steven P. , Watson Margaret A. , Nelson L. Scott
Published: February 2011

Psychiatric emergency service clinicians employ shared concepts of danger to self, danger to others, and grave disability that are identifiable across the great variety of cases they encounter, but increased environmental pressures may interfere with equitable application of this professional standard.
Assembly of a New Cadmium(II)‐bis(Triazole) Coordination Polymer Templated by Keggin Polyoxometalate
Authors: Ying Jun , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Tian Ai‐Xiang , Wang Xiu‐Li
Published: February 2011

Through utilizing the flexible bis(triazole) ligand 1,3‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐y1)propane (btp), the new Keggin POM‐templated compound, [Cd2(H2O)2(btp)4(SiMo12O40)]·2H2O (1), was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. It was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. In compound 1, the [SiMo12O40]4– polyanions serving as template induce the Cd–bis(triazole) coordination polymer to construct a ladder‐like chain. In the 1D chain, two btp ligands act as “middle rails”. The template polyanions insert into the grids of the 1D chain. Furthermore, these chains can construct a 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bondings.