cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agency Problems and Political Institutions

To a very large extent, politics is agency. Indeed, agent-principal relationships pervade public and public-private behavior. This paper reviews the extensive but not yet integrated literature applying agency concepts to political settings. This includes agency in definitions of politics or political science; the state as agent and as consisting of agents; agents in the state, i.e., representatives and officials; agency in the relation between constituencies and government; bureaucrats as agents; agency in implementation and compliance; and agency in one functional area of government that has recently seen a great deal of scholarly attention, regulation. An "agency problems" approach to studying political and other agency institutions is proposed. A typology of core agency problems is presented that (unlike the majority of the economics literature) clearly defines the key dimensions of moral hazard and adverse selection. "Principal side" and "agent side" functional problems of agency are identified and discussed; the functional analysis produces another typology that may be employed to develop both theory and prescription in agency settings. Particular problems are displayed almost like games (e.g., the "Major General's problem"), reflecting their syndrome-like features. Three examples of the explicit application of the agency approach to political institutions are presented: diplomacy, policy and other advocacy, and the case of lawyer-legislators.
For the Quantum Heisenberg Ferromagnet, Some Conjectured Approximations

We present some conjectured approximations for spin expectations in a Quantum Heisenberg system. The conjectures are based on numerical experimentation, some theoretical insights and underpinning, and aesthetic value. We hope theoretical developments will follow from these ideas, even leading to a proof of the phase transition (in three dimensions).
Management of Burns and Anesthetic Implications

Burn injuries are highly complex and affect almost every major organ system in the body. The treatment of burn patients requires the presence of a well-organized team of caregivers who understand the multifaceted consequences of burn injuries and who are adept at coordinating care. An understanding of the multitude of abnormalities that must be addressed helps to guide therapy in these patients. Careful anesthetic and perioperative management of these patients carries special importance in this fragile patient population as a part of their often lengthy recovery and rehabilitation.
A successful strategy for implementing statistical process controls

In the summer of 1987, the IBM Endicott (NY) Substrate Business Unit Management Team made a commitment to formulate and implement a comprehensive statistical process control (SPC) strategy for the entire substrate manufacturing line. The cornerstone of this strategy was the creation of a management support team consisting of upper-level management and statisticians to develop the strategy, manage the implementation, and resolve any problems. Process teams (one per unique process), consisting of a manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, statistician, and two key manufacturing operators, were then set up to study the process flow and its parameters to determine if control charts were appropriate. The implementation strategy is described. The accomplishments include: 177 control charts on the manufacturing floor, 23 technical reports that were written with 60 first-time authors, elimination of major sampling inspection gates, and control charts that continue to prevent major problems from occurring. >
When Cyclic Modules Have Σ-Injective Hulls

Abstract A theorem of Cartan-Eilenberg (Cartan, H., Eilenberg, S. (1956). Homological Algebra. Princeton: Princeton University Press, pp. 390.) states that a ring Ris right Noetherian iff every injective right module is Σ-incentive. The purpose of this paper is to study rings with the property, called right CSI, that, all cyclic right R-modules have Σ-injective hulls, i.e., injective hulls of cyclic right R-modules are Σ-injective. In this case, all finitely generated right R-modules have Σ-injective hulls, and this implies that Ris right Noetherian for a lengthy list of rings, most notably, for Rcommutative, or when Rhas at most finitely many simple right R-modules, e.g., when Ris semilocal. Whether all right CSIrings are Noetherian is an open question. However, if in addition, R/rad Ris either right Kasch or von Neuman regular (=VNR), or if all countably generated (sermisimple) right R-modules have Σ-injective hulls then the answer is affirmative. (See Theorem A.) We also prove the dual theorems for Δ-i...
The Dy and HoBaCuO systems: Phase relationships in air at ∼950°C and crystal chemistry comparisons

Phase equilibria in air at {approximately} 950 C are presented for the systems Ln{sub 2}O{sub 3}-BaCO{sub 3}-CuO, Ln = Dy and Ho, as a function of cation molar ratios. Symmetry data and unit cell parameters derived from powder X-ray diffraction data and phase compatibilities are presented for the seven Ln:Ba:Cu phases preparable in air between 930-980 C: 011, BaCuO{sub 2}; 202, Ln{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 5}; 220, Ln{sub 2}Ba{sub 2}O{sub 5}; 240, Ln{sub 2}Ba{sub 4}O{sub 7}; 211, Ln{sub 2}Ba-CuO{sub 5}; 123, LnBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}; and 184, LnBa{sub 8}Cu{sub 4}O{sub y}. A solid solution region which can exist in two crystallographic modifications prevails around 184. No other compound exhibits solid solution. In the BaO-rich region phase compatibilities change above 950 C when the 220 phase converts into the 240 phase. The phases observed in the CuO-rich region of the Ln-Ba-Cu-O systems that exhibit 123-type superconductivity, Ln = La-Tm, are correlated with Ln{sup 3+} ionic radii.
Creatine kinase activity in rat skeletal muscle relates to myosin phenotype during development.

Creatine kinase (CK) has been implicated in the maintenance of skeletal muscle intracellular energy supply via its ATP buffering capacity. We examined the postnatal expression of CK activity and isoform phenotype in four skeletal muscles [diaphragm (DIA), intercostal (IC), external abdominal oblique (EAO), and the soleus (SOL)] of the rat. Moreover, we correlated CK activity during development with postnatal changes in myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype, the latter an index of relative changes in the energetic demands of muscle contractile proteins. CK activity was lowest in the immediate newborn period and increased in all muscles during postnatal development; the highest levels of CK activity were observed in the adult IC and EAO. CK activity did relate to the MHC phenotype as indexed by the ratio of adult MHC isoform content(slow + IIa + IIx + IIb) to developmental MHC isoform content (slow + neonatal; r2 = 0.93, p < 0.001). Stepwise regression revealed that type IIb MHC expression alone accounted for 79% of the developmental variance in CK activity. We conclude that CK activity increases during postnatal development in a muscle specific fashion and relates to the energetic demands of the muscle contractile proteins as reflected by MHC isoform composition. We speculate that the role of CK as an energy buffer is greatest in muscles expressing the IIb MHC isoform.
Disfluencies affect the parsing of garden-path sentences

Abstract Spontaneous speech differs in several ways from the sentences often studied in psycholinguistics experiments. One important difference is that naturally produced utterances often contain disfluencies. In this study, we examined how the presence of “uh” in a spoken sentence might affect processes that assign syntactic structure (i.e., parsing). Four experiments are reported. In the first, participants judged the grammaticality of sentences that had disfluencies either right before the head noun of the ambiguous phrase or after (e.g., Sandra bumped into the busboy and the uh uh waiter told her to be careful or Sandra bumped into the busboy and the waiter uh uh told her to be careful ). Sentences in the latter condition were judged grammatical less often. This result was replicated in the second experiment, in which disfluencies were replaced with environmental sounds. These findings suggest that interruptions can affect syntactic parsing, and the content of the interruption need not be speechlike. In Experiments 3 and 4 we tested whether these effects occurred because listeners use interruptions as cues to help resolve a structural ambiguity. Results from these latter two grammaticality judgment tasks suggest that when an interruption occurs before an ambiguous noun phrase, comprehenders are more likely to assume that the noun phrase is the subject of a new clause rather than the object of an old one, and furthermore, it appears that the parser is relatively insensitive to the form of the interruption. We conclude that disfluencies can influence the parser by signaling a particular structure; at the same time, for the parser, a disfluency might be any interruption to the flow of speech.
Coherence and the Quantum

Several quantum effects associated with coherence are discussed. The conditions under which a gas will spontaneously radiate coherently are described. Possibilities are examined for the excitation of optical “superradiant” states of gas. Comparisons are made with microwave spectroscopy. There is a discussion of the connection between coherence and photon correlation effects.
An Agent Simulation Study on Conflict, Community Climate and Innovation in Open Source Communities

More than ever the complexity of innovation requires group efforts, as teams of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds work together to solve problems. One of the significant problems in understanding emergence of innovation involves how virtual innovation organizations and communities govern and coordinate to maximize innovation output. An agent simulation study is conducted to examine the impact of culture and conflict management styles on collective creativity in open source innovation systems. Findings suggest that decentralized coordination schemes such as emergent selection such as found in utility communities and moderate degrees of assertiveness and cooperation for conflict management result in higher incidence of innovation.
Representation of the maximal (A, B)-invariant subspace in a given nullspace

For multi-output systems, necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the maximal (A, B) -invariant subspace in the nullspace of C to be given by a generalization of the expression that holds in the single-output case. Some sufficient conditions are also given. These results are applied to extend to the multi-output case the result of Falb and Wolovich (1967) for Morgan's decoupling problem (1964).
Diffusion and self-adhesion of the polyimide PMDA-ODA

Abstract The relationship between the interdiffusion of two layers of the polyimide PMDA-ODA and the adhesion between the two layers has been examined. The polyimide layers were made by successively depositing a polyamic acid layer from solution and then curing the layers at elevated temperature to the polyimide. Diffusion occurred during the curing process of the second layer and was controlled by the cure schedule. The interdiffusion was measured using forward recoil spectrometry (FRES) and the adhesion measured by peel tests. Good correlation was found between the interdiffusion distance and the adhesion. It was found that a large diffusion distance, at least 200 nm, was required to obtain a bond whose strength was equal to that of bulk material.
Play is Not the Work of the Child: Young Children's Perceptions of Work and Play.

Abstract Using qualitative methods of participant observation and in-depth interviewing, this research explored kindergarten and first and second grade children's perceptions of classroom activities. Young children perceived classroom activities in terms of what they considered to be work and what they considered to be play. Children identified many messages they received from the classroom context, their peers, and their teachers that contributed to their distinctions. Distinguishing elements included the obligatory nature of activities, the cognitive and physical effort required, the involvement and evaluation of the teacher, and the fun children experienced while engaged in activities. Children saw some activities as “in-between” work and play. A work-play continuum is presented that incorporates children's characterizations.
Colonial form, free-living corals, and macroborers from the Pleistocene of South Florida

Study of corallum shape in free-living colonies of Manicina, Siderastrea and Solenastraea collected from the Pleistocene Bermont formation in southern Florida indicates that they were mobile, either self-righting (Manicina), or rotatory (Siderastrea and Solenastraea), with colony forms that are the result of movement during growth. In rotatory corals, growth of a radial and centrifugal nature away from the corallum center indicates that rolling was frequent enough to maintain the health of individual corallites along the skeleton's entire spherical surface, as postulated previously by several authors. Post-mortem sponge boring and boring of sipunculid worms and the bivalves Lithophaga and Gastrochaena during the life of these colonies were common. Colonization by barnacles during the life of some colonies also occurred, but they were generally overgrown. Boring of rotatory coralla decreased the mass of the skeleton and probably increased the ease and frequency of rolling of round colonies. The presence of these rotatory coralla strongly suggests that the lower Bermont sediments accumulated on and around shallow banks populated by numerous free-living corals and some fixed corals such as branching Porites, along with a diverse molluscan assemblage indicative of a Thalassia (turtle grass) community. The Pleistocene Bermont formation also contains numerous well-preserved colonies of Manicina areolata, indicative of deposition in shallow subtidal environments with abundant sea grass. This species was well-suited to life in this environment, and to overturning by current action, as it has the capacity to right itself after overturning, either biologically or hydrodynamically or both. The Bermont specimens of Manicina all (100%) possess a flat or slightly concave base, typical of self-righting forms. Colonies collected in the Bermont formation show several types of macroborers, sponges, sipunculid worms, but above all, the bivalve genera Lithophaga and Gastrochaena as well as epibionts, bryozoans and serpulid worms. Manicina is associated stratigraphically with rotatory colonies of Siderastrea radians, but the two have not been found within the same lamina. However, the two, taken together, provide strong indications of depositional environments on banks populated by sea grasses and associated fauna.
Magnetic nanocomposites for magnetic refrigeration

Enhanced magnetocaloric effects have been predicted to occur in composite materials possessing magnetic species which have been reduced to nanometer-sized dimensions. Convincing experimental evidence is first presented here verifying these predictions. A new type of magnetic nanocomposite, one which is a single crystallographic phase, is also reported which possesses magnetocaloric effects between 6 K and 30 K which at ΔH = 800 kA/m (1 tesla) exceed those of gadolinium gallium garnet, the best paramagnetic refrigerant in this temperature range. This new magnetic nanocomposite, Gd3Ga3.25Fe1.75O12, has the potential for both increasing the temperature range of operation and decreasing the magnetic field requirements for magnetic refrigerators using it.
Nanotechnology and society

Past experience has shown that the successful introduction of a new technology requires careful attention to the interactions between the technology and society. These interactions are bi-directional: on the one hand, technology changes and challenges social patterns and, on the other hand, the governance structures and values of the society affect progress in developing the technology. Nanotechnology is likely to be particularly affected by these kinds of interactions because of its great promise and the unusually early public attention it has received. Moreover, it represents a new kind of experiment in packaging a rather wide range of fundamental research activities under a single “mission-like” umbrella. Although this gives it more impetus as a field, it sets a higher bar for showing successful applications early on and because it links disparate fields, regulatory regimes reasonable for one kind of nanotechnology development may be inappropriately extended to others. There are a number of lessons to be gleaned from experience with the introduction of other technologies, which offer guidance with respect to what pitfalls to avoid and what issues to be sensitive to as we move forward with the development of nanotechnology applications. The problems encountered by nuclear power point out the dangers of over-promising and the role the need for the technology plays in ameliorating fears of risk. The public reaction to biomedical engineering and biotechnology highlights, in addition, the cultural factors that come into play when technologies raise questions about what is “natural” and what is “foreign” and what conceptions are involved in defining “personhood”. In all cases, it has been clear that a main task for those introducing new technology is building public trust-in the safety of the technologies and the integrity of those introducing it. The advocates of nanotechnology have already shown that they are generally aware of the need to consider the public’s reaction, and they have taken the first steps to act on that awareness. We have to build on those beginnings, not limiting our considerations simply to issues of safety. If we do so well, we have the opportunity to develop a new paradigm for technology introduction, which will serve society well in the future.
School-Aged Children's Depressive Rumination is Associated with Their Reactivity to Sadness but not Fear

It is well documented that a ruminative response style is associated with greater risk for depression in children and adults. Less is known about the association between rumination and stress reactivity, particularly among children. Similarly, the extent to which depressive rumination is associated with general reactivity to negative emotion, or more specifically to sadness, has not received sufficient attention. The current study examines the association between depressive rumination and stress reactivity in response to a mild laboratory stressor in school-aged children. A diverse sample of 94 children between the ages of 8 and 12 participated in this 2-session study in which they reported on their tendency to engage in depressive rumination. Children's cardiovascular reactivity (operationalized as respiratory sinus arrhythmia) was assessed while they completed a task in which they read vignettes depicting children experiencing sadness and fear. Children also reported on their emotional reaction to the sad and fear vignettes, and we assessed the length of time it took them to respond to these questions (reaction time). Rumination was associated with greater decreases in respiratory sinus arrhythmia and greater increases in self-reported negative emotion in response to the sad but not the fear vignettes, suggesting that children higher in depressive rumination experienced more subjective arousal and showed evidence of greater regulatory effort when contemplating sadness. Rumination was associated with slower reaction time to both types of vignettes in one condition of the paradigm only. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for rumination and stress reactivity.
The cell to cell mapping technique and chapman-kolmogorov representation of system dynamics

Abstract The cell to cell mapping technique (CCMT) is a numerical technique for the global analysis of non-linear dynamic systems. The CCMT is particularly useful if the system has a strange attractor. Using a Chapman-Kolmogorov representation of system dynamics, two new CCMT algorithms are presented which substantially reduce the computational time and computer storage requirements compared to the conventional implementation of CCMT in the determination of the attractors of the system and their domains of attraction. The new algorithms are also advantageous when it is difficult to identify a unique probability density function (pdf) to represent the uncertainty in the system parameters and several pdfs need to be considered to assess the impact of the choice of the pdf on the predicted asymptotic system behaviour. These features of the new algorithms are illustrated using a second order Duffing oscillator under harmonic forcing.
The contribution of the UN's special procedures to national level implementation of human rights norms

As independent experts within the UN system, special procedures play a unique role in calling attention to emerging and chronic human rights problems and calling on states to improve their performance in accordance with international law. Yet there is no empirical study documenting what kind of impact they have at the national level. Based on an exhaustive review of nearly 9000 communications by 17 thematic mandates to 174 states, as well as field research and interviews with over 200 experts, our research team concluded that this mechanism plays a direct, positive but uneven role in influencing government behaviour. Lack of state cooperation with special procedures represents the chief obstacle to their work. They are also hobbled by a host of other challenges, including inadequate resources and training, insufficient understanding of the local context for their work, and the lack of a systematic process for following up their recommendations. Despite these obstacles, the special procedures mechanism rep...
Experimental systems for optogenetic control of protein activity with photodissociable fluorescent proteins

Fluorescent Light-inducible Proteins are proteins of interest that have Dronpa domains fused to both termini. In the dark, the Dronpa domains tetramerize and cage the protein, but light induces Dronpa dissociation and activates the protein. Here, we describe four experimental systems for light activation of mammalian cells expressing FLiPs.
Skin relaxation predicts neural firing rate adaptation in SAI touch receptors

In response to ramp-and-hold indentation, the slowly-adapting type I (SAI) afferent exhibits an exponential decrease in its firing frequency during the hold phase. Such adaptation may be tied to skin relaxation but is neither well understood nor has it been quantitatively modeled. The specific hypothesis of this work is that skin relaxation is a primary contributor to observed changes in firing rate. Double exponential functions were fit to 21 responses from a mouse SAI afferent for both instantaneous firing rate and indenter tip force over time. The model was then generalized by using a linear transformation between fit parameters for force and firing rate data, allowing prediction of firing rates from force. The results show that the generalized model matches the recorded firing rate (R2 = 0.65) equally well as fitting a doubleexponential function directly to firing rate (R2 = 0.67) for a second dataset. When the procedure was repeated with two D-hair fibers, the generalized model matched the recorded firing rate (R2 = 0.47) much more poorly compared to the fitted double-exponential function (R2 = 0.89). Thus, firing rate adaptation in SAI responses can be predicted by skin relaxation, whereas this factor alone did not adequately describe adaptation in the D-hair.
The influence of seed size on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] emergence under simulated soil crust conditions

Abstract Two soybean cultivars [ Glycine max (L.) Merrill], ‘Mack’ and ‘Hill’, were selected for an evaluation of seed size influence on emergence under simulated soil crust conditions. Seed of both cultivars were separated into large and small seed groups for comparison with an unsized sample. Weights of 30 and 60 g were placed over seed 24 h after planting to simulate a soil crust. A specially designed apparatus was used to develop data on total and cumulative percent emergence, shoot and root development, and emergence force. Large seed, in general, had a greater percent emergence and shoot and root fresh weight accumulation than unsized and small seed. Large seed were significantly greater ( α = 0.01) with respect to percent emergence, shoot and root fresh weight and emergence force than small seed. The use of the stress emergence test described has potential as a seed vigor index.
Pressure-shear recovery experiments

Abstract We report the results of successful pressure-shear plate impact recovery experiments. The technique makes use of a flyer configuration involving two plates which are separated by a thin lubricant layer, and a target assembly consisting of a specimen backed by a momentum trap. This enables the recovery of the specimen that has been subjected to combined longitudinal and transverse loading pulses. A small amount of residual shear, equal to the shear strength of the lubricant, cannot be eliminated. The transmitted stress waves have been measured using interferometry.
Sedimentary geolipid records of historical changes in the watersheds and productivities of Lakes Ontario and Erie

The organic matter contents of sediments deposited in Lakes Erie and Ontario contribute to the record of changes in the lake watersheds and aquatic ecosystems which have resulted from European settlement and cultural eutrophication of these systems over the past two centuries. Compositions of n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids extracted from lake sediments track the clearing of the original natural forests and the appearance of agriculture in the watershed areas beginning about 1820. Aquatic productivity increased as runoff of soil nutrients increased. Cultural eutrophication in the 1950s is recorded in increases in organic C and in n-C 17 alkane concentrations. Diagenetic effects overprint source changes as shorter chain length and unsaturated lipid components are preferentially removed from the sedimentary record.
Leading beyond tragedy: the balance of personal identity and adaptability

Purpose – As a way to understand contemporary leadership, aims to examine an organization living through tragedy and study how its leader responded to extraordinary challenges over 12 years as chief executive officer. Proposes exploring leadership behavior through the lens of paradox, where leaders face conflicting choices in their decision‐making processes.Design/methodology/approach – Primary case study research was conducted through on‐site interviews, participant observation, and archival research. Building from the careers and leadership literature, illustrates how one leader sorted through key paradoxical choices and studies how his sense of personal identity and adaptability served as bedrock metacompetencies in navigating complex change.Findings – Two metacompetencies – personal identity and adaptability – help explain how effective leaders respond to situations requiring seemingly contradictory sets of behaviors. Here, leaders navigate traumatic situations and conflict by drawing on a deep awaren...
H-2-LINKED IMMUNE RESPONSE (Ir) GENES INDEPENDENT LOCI FOR Ir-IgG AND Ir-IgA GENES

Two H-2-linked autosomal dominant immune response (Ir) genes Ir-IgG and Ir-IgA were demonstrated to be at separate loci. Ir-IgG controls the immune response to IgG (γ2a) myeloma proteins and Ir-IgA the immune response to IgA meyloma proteins. Both genes are associated with the H-2K region specificities of the H-2 chromosome, specifically Ir-IgG with H-2b and Ir-IgA with H-2a. Different recombinants derived from H-2a/H-2b crossovers were examined for their immune responsiveness to BALB/c IgG (γ2a) and IgA myeloma proteins. B10 (H-2b) parental type responded only to IgG; B10.A (H-2a) responded only to IgA. All the recombinants except for B10.A (4R) responded to either IgG or IgA. B10.A (4R), however, responded to both IgG and IgA. This indicated that the crossover event giving rise to B10.A (4R) occurred between the Ir-IgG and Ir-IgA loci.
An approach to automation of medical interviews

Abstract A standardized, common language for describing branching medical interviews is proposed. Such a language must be easy to use by the non-computer-specialist, flexible enough to describe the patient-computer dialogue yet not require a very large computer system to support its operation. These attributes would facilitate the automation of medical interviews by simplifying the coding of the program. Of greater importance, such a language would allow easier communication and wider use of such programs beyond the centers where they originate.
Effects of Feeding Frequency and Handling on Growth and Mortality of Cultured Walking Catfish Clarias fuscus

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of feeding freqnency on growth, and of handling stress on growth and mortality, in intensive tank culture of the walking catfish Clunas fuscus. In the first experiment, fish were grown from an initial weight of 37 g for 34 d. A fixed ration of 3.0% body weight per day was divided into either 1, 2, or 3 feedings per day, and fish were either handled weekly or left unhandled for the entire experiment. Fish given 3 feedings per day experienced 19% faster growth (P < 0.05) than fish given the same ration in a single feeding per day. These differences in growth reflect differences in assimilation efficiency, assuming dl other metabolic costs were constant among treatments. Handling of individuals caused decreased growth however, there was no effect on mortality. In the second experiment, fish were grown from an initial weight of 78 g for 29 d. Fish were fed either 1 or 2 satiation feedings per day and were either handled weekly or left unhandled for the entire experiment. Fish fed 2 satiation feedings per day experienced 47% faster growth (P < 0.05) than fish fed 1 satiation feeding per day, which was assumed to reflect a higher level of food consumption. No effect of handling on either growth or mortality was observed for fish in experiment 2. Multiple meals per day also reduced depensatory growth among individuals in both experiments.
Solvent Role in Protein Crystallization as Determined by Pressure Dependence of Nucleation Rate and Solubility

The effects of pressure on the nucleation rate provide information about the transition state during crystal nucleation, providing insight into solvent roles in nucleation. Nucleation kinetics and equilibrium solubilities of Properase subtilisin were measured at four pressures: 0.1, 6.8, 13.6, and 34 MPa for nucleation; 0.1, 13.6, 34, and 68 MPa for solubility. The nucleation rate varied with supersaturation to the 1.30 power over this range; crystal morphology was unchanged. Assuming Le'Chatelier's law to be applicable to the kinetic rate equation used to model the nucleation kinetics, the activation volume for nucleation was estimated to be 226 cm3/mol. The solubility dependence on pressure corresponded to a 37 cm3/mol overall volume change for crystallization. These results could be attributed largely to the volume change resulting from movement of water from the hydration layers to the bulk.
HiPCNA-PG 2011 keynote presentation: high performance computing in power systems: demand pull and technology push

The operation and development of power system is undergoing tremendous changes that are driven in part by new challenges, such as the integration of renewable energy sources, and new technologies, such as the availability of phasor measurement units. Managing these changes in a way that satisfies the competing objectives of economics, reliability and sustainability provides new opportunities for applications of high performance computing. This presentation will review the drivers for changes, outline opportunities created by demand pull and technology push, and discuss some of the constraints that computing solutions must respect.
Changes in regional myocardial function after coronary artery bypass graft surgery are predicted by intraoperative low-dose dobutamine echocardiography.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular dysfunction is often reversed after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; however, this change is not easily predicted. The authors hypothesized that functional changes after a low dose of dobutamine (5 microgram. kg-1. min-1) intraoperatively would predict functional changes when complete revascularization was achieved. METHODS The authors analyzed 560 segments in 40 patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery for regional wall motion (1-5 scoring system) at four stages: baseline (after induction and intubation), with administration of low-dose dobutamine before cardiopulmonary bypass, after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (early), and after administration of protamine (late). Two independent observers scored the myocardial regions according to a 16-segment model in multiple imaging planes. For each segment, the response to dobutamine was dichotomized as improved or not improved from baseline and analyzed with logistic regression. The influence of covariates (ejection fraction, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and beta blockers) was also determined with logistic regression models. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Changes in myocardial function after low-dose dobutamine were highly predictive for early (P < 0.0001) and late (P < 0.0001) changes in myocardial function from baseline regional scores. The overall odds ratio for early and late improvement increased by 20.7 and 34.6, respectively, when improvement was observed after low-dose dobutamine was administered. The overall positive predictive value of improved regional wall motion after CABG did not vary with left ventricular ejection fraction, a history of myocardial infarction, or beta blocker use, and it varied little with diabetic status (range, 0.86-0.96) if regional wall motion improved with low-dose dobutamine before CABG. The overall negative predictive value was 0.70; however, the range varied with diabetic status (i.e., lowest in diabetic patients and highest in nondiabetic patients). CONCLUSION Intraoperative low-dose dobutamine is a reliable method to predict myocardial functional reserve and to determine functional recovery expected after coronary revascularization.
Use of covalently bound adjuvant peptide to increase tumor immunogenicity

Mice were immunized in vitro and in vivo against the tumor-associated antigens of a methylcholanthrene-induced tumor, with immunogen cells coupled to the p-nitrophenyl ester of N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine (adjuvant peptide). Immune activity was measured either with a short-term 51chromium release assay or by following the regression of small tumors. Interposing a glycylglycylcystamide spacer between the adjuvant peptide and the tumor cell surface further increased tumor immunogenicity. Beige mice developed good anti-tumor immunity, whereas nude mice developed none.
Disparities in patient reports of communications to inform decision making in the DECISIONS survey.

Abstract Objective To identify patient- and decision-type predictors of two key aspects of informed decision making: discussing the cons (not just the pros) of medical interventions and asking patients what they want to do. Methods Using data from 2473 members of the DECISIONS survey, a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults age 40+, we used logistic regression analysis to identify which patient characteristics predicted patient reports of healthcare providers discussing cons or eliciting preferences about one of 9 common medical decisions. Results Multiple demographic characteristics predicted both discussions of cons and elicitations of preferences, although the specific characteristics varied between decision contexts. In particular, African-American respondents reported being more likely to receive a discussion of the cons of cancer screening (OR = 1.69, p p p Conclusions Important disparities in patient communication and involvement appear to exist both between different types of medical decisions and between different types of patients. Practice implications Providers must make sure to consistently discuss the cons of treatment and to solicit input from all patients, especially African-Americans.
Involvement of Fas-dependent apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cell deletion in chronic renal failure

Involvement of Fas-dependent apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cell deletion in chronic renal failure. Renal tubular atrophy predicts a poor prognosis in chronic renal failure, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate tubular atrophy are unknown. Because the Fas apoptosis pathway has been implicated in disease pathogenesis and Fas is expressed in kidney, we hypothesized that Fas-mediated renal tubule epithelial cell (RTC) apoptosis contributes to tubular atrophy in chronic renal failure. Immunohistochemical analyses of renal sections from two murine models of progressive renal disease revealed increases in RTC Fas expression and apoptosis compared with tissue sections from age-matched control kidneys. Increased RTC apoptosis was not accompanied by compensatory hyperplasia, suggesting that RTCs targeted for Fas-dependent apoptotic deletion contribute to tubular atrophy. These data are supported by in vitro studies that showed that interleukin-1α or tumor necrosis factor-α, cytokines that are secreted in chronic renal failure, stimulated increases in Fas expression in cultured RTCs. Both murine kidney cortex and RTCs in culture demonstrated constitutive expression of Fas ligand, a feature that is characteristically restricted to lymphocytes and immune-privileged tissues and previously unrecognized in RTCs. Functional studies revealed that interleukin-1α–stimulated RTC Fas expression was accompanied by increased apoptosis, which was inhibited by blocking anti-Fas ligand antibodies. The data suggest that up-regulated RTC Fas binds to Fas ligand on adjacent RTCs, which then leads to RTC death by fratricide. We propose this pathway as an initiating mechanism of tubular atrophy.
Mechanical properties of functionally graded 2-D cellular structures: A finite element simulation

Abstract Functionally graded cellular structures such as bio-inspired functionally graded materials for manufacturing implants or bone replacement, are a class of materials with low densities and novel physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical and acoustic properties. A gradual increase in cell size distribution, can impart many improved properties which may not be achieved by having a uniform cellular structure. The material properties of functionally graded cellular structures as a function of density gradient have not been previously addressed within the literature. In this study, the finite element method is used to investigate the compressive uniaxial and biaxial behavior of functionally graded Voronoi structures. Furthermore, the effect of missing cell walls on its overall mechanical (elastic, plastic, and creep) properties is investigated. The finite element analysis showed that the overall effective elastic modulus and yield strength of structures increased by increasing the density gradient. However, the overall elastic modulus of functionally graded structures was more sensitive to density gradient than the overall yield strength. The study also showed that the functionally graded structures with different density gradient had similar sensitivity to random missing cell walls. Creep analysis suggested that the structures with higher density gradient had lower steady-state creep rate compared to that of structures with lower density gradient.
Supportive Learning Communities and the Transformative Role of Professional School Counselors

This article considers some of the key processes and methods needed to reenvision and transform comprehensive school counseling programs (CSCPs) as strengths-based, prevention-focused learning communities. Specifically, following a discussion of evidence-based "school as community" models found in the literature and how they relate, in part, to the American School Counselor Association's (2005) CSCP framework, professional school counselors are provided with effective techniques to assess student resiliency characteristics and enhance multicultural competency to support and maintain their CSCPs as caring communities of learning.
Auditory word comprehension impairment in acute stroke: Relative contribution of phonemic versus semantic factors

Auditory word comprehension was assessed in a series of 289 acute left hemisphere stroke patients. Participants decided whether an auditorily presented word matched a picture. On different trials, words were presented with a matching picture, a semantic foil, or a phonemic foil. Participants had significantly more trouble with semantic foils across all levels of impairment.
170 Effect of High Versus Standard Early Protein Intake on Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

170 Effect of High Versus Standard Early Protein Intake on Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
6-Bromoindirubin-3′oxime (BIO) decreases proliferation and migration of canine melanoma cell lines

Abstract Despite recent therapeutic advances, malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor in dogs and is associated with a poor outcome. Novel, targeted agents are necessary to improve survival. In this study, 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO), a serine/threonine kinase inhibitor with reported specificity for glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) inhibition, was evaluated in vitro in three canine melanoma cell lines (CML-10C2, UCDK9M2, and UCDK9M3) for β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity, Axin2 gene and protein expression levels, cell proliferation, chemotoxicity, migration and invasion assays. BIO treatment of canine malignant melanoma cell lines at 5 µM for 72 h enhanced β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity, suggesting GSK-3β inhibition, and reduced cell proliferation and migration. There were no significant effects on invasion, chemotoxicity, or apoptosis. The results suggest that serine/threonine kinases may be viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma.
High-enthalpy hydrogen adsorption in cation-exchanged variants of the microporous metal-organic framework Mn3[(Mn4Cl)3(BTT)8(CH3OH)10]2.

Exchange of the guest Mn2+ ions in Mn3[(Mn4Cl)3(BTT)8(CH3OH)10]2 (1-Mn2+; BTT = 1,3,5-benzenetristetrazolate) with selected cations results in the formation of isostructural framework compounds 1-M (M = Li+, Cu+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+). Similar to the parent compound, the new microporous materials are stable to desolvation and exhibit a high H2 storage capacity, ranging from 2.00 to 2.29 wt % at 77 K and 900 torr. Measurements of the isosteric heat of adsorption at zero coverage reveal a difference of 2 kJ/mol between the weakest and strongest H2-binding materials, which is attributed to variations in the strength of interaction between H2 molecules and unsaturated metal centers within each framework. The Co2+-exchanged compound, 1-Co2+, exhibits an initial enthalpy of adsorption of 10.5 kJ/mol, the highest yet observed for a microporous metal−organic framework.
Education, trade and development

A two-sector trade model with scale economies in education can account for some broad features of the contrasting development of those countries which have pursued import substitution and those pursuing export promotion, assuming that the former group is at a ‘low education’ equilibrium where relatively few workers are educated and that the latter group is at a ‘high education equilibrium’ where most workers receive an education. Our analysis suggests that the recent switch toward export promotion by countries disappointed with import substitution may fail to achieve some important development goals, unless the switch is accompanied by major initiatives in education.
Fatal pneumococcal septicemia in a patient with a connective tissue disease

Fulminant pneumococcal sepsis is a rare but life-threatening illness usually occurring in patients with known splenic absence (postsplenectomy) or dysfunction (sickle cell anemia). Several medical illnesses, not typically recognized as being associated with abnormal spleen function, may be complicated by fulminant pneumococcal sepsis. We report a case of fatal pneumococcal sepsis in a patient diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease who likely had systemic lupus erythematosus and unsuspected splenic fibrosis. Medical illnesses associated with functional asplenia, hematological findings suggesting splenic dysfunction, and confirmatory tests of hyposplenism are discussed.
Lower blood pressure goals for cardiovascular and renal risk reduction: are they defensible?

Most guidelines in the Western world uniformly recommend two blood pressure (BP) goals, <140 ⁄90 mm Hg for the general population and <130 ⁄80 mm Hg for those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD). These recommendations for a lower BP goal in these specific groups stem from retrospective data analyses that suggest a slower decline in CKD and greater cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction when BP is <130 ⁄80 mm Hg. The question to be addressed: are these more aggressive BP goals defensible based on appropriately powered prospective outcome trials? Meta-analyses of all clinical trials, to date, demonstrate that reducing BP reduces risk for stroke and coronary heart disease. However, none have achieved a mean BP goal of <130 ⁄80 mm Hg. This lack of lower BP goal achievement is even true in CVD outcome trials of diabetes. In trials such as the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) and the Hypertension Optimal Treatment Trial (HOT), the systolic BP was more than 10 mm Hg higher than this lower goal. Nevertheless, a benefit occurred on CVD reduction. One prospective study that achieved this lower BP goal in patients with diabetes and no overt nephropathy was the Appropriate Blood Pressure Control in Diabetes (ABCD) trial. This trial demonstrated reduced CV risk, but there was no difference between the groups with a mean systolic pressure of 138 mm Hg vs the intensive group at 132 mm Hg. A summary of large CVD outcome trials during the past decade with the relative CVD risk reduction and achieved mean systolic BP are presented in the Figure. It is clear that none of the trials achieved a systolic BP below 130 mm Hg. The definitive answer regarding whether lower levels of systolic BP further reduce CVD risk will come from the results of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial within the year. If negative, the BP goal of <130 ⁄80 mm Hg will be clearly indefensible.
Folate-mediated tumor cell targeting of liposome-entrapped doxorubicin in vitro

Abstract Receptors for the vitamin folic acid are frequently overexpressed on epithelial cancer cells. To examine whether this overexpression might be exploited to specifically deliver liposome-encapsulated drug molecules in vitro, folate-targeted liposomes were prepared by incorporating 0.1 mol% of a folate-polyethyleneglycol-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (folate-PEG-DSPE) construct into the lipid bilayer, and were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), an anti-cancer drug. Uptake of folate-PEG-liposomal DOX by KB cells was 45-fold higher than that of non-targeted liposomal DOX, and 1.6-times higher than that of free DOX, while the cytotoxicity was 86 and 2.7-times higher, respectively. Folate-targeting is fully compatible with PEG-coating of the liposomes, since incorporation of 4 mol% PEG2000-DSPE does not reduce the uptake or cytotoxicity of folate-PEG-liposomal DOX. Uptake of folate-PEG-liposomes was inhibited by 1 mM free folic acid but was unaffected by physiological concentrations of folate. In HeLa/W138 co-cultures, folate-PEG-liposomes encapsulating calcein, a fluorescent dye, were found to be almost exclusively internalized by the HeLa cells which overexpress the folate receptors. We suggest that folate targeting constitutes a possible mechanism for improving the specificity of PEG-coated liposomes for cancer cells.