cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Classification of k-Involutions☆

Let G be a connected reductive algebraic group defined over a field k of characteristic not 2, θ an involution of G defined over k, H a k-open subgroup of the fixed point group of θ, and Gk (resp. Hk) the set of k-rational points of G (resp. H). The variety Gk/Hk is called a symmetric k-variety. These varieties occur in many problems in representation theory, geometry, and singularity theory. Over the last few decades the representation theory of these varieties has been extensively studied for k=R and C. As most of the work in these two cases was completed, the study of the representation theory over other fields, like local fields and finite fields, began. The representations of a homogeneous space usually depend heavily on the fine structure of the homogeneous space, like the restricted root systems with Weyl groups, etc. Thus it is essential to study first this structure and the related geometry. In this paper we give a characterization of the isomorphy classes of these symmetric k-varieties together with their fine structure of restricted root systems and also a classification of this fine structure for the real numbers, p-adic numbers, finite fields and number fields.
Constructions of Reality.

This paper examines the perspectives and practice orientations of professionals influential in local policy making and service delivery for the aged. A study of staff and members of community planning agencies for the elderly reveals that the majority of professionals perceive problems of the aged to be social structural in origin, yet the most influential and expert respondents were more likely to perceive the problems as individually generated by older persons themselves. Suggested solutions to and interventions for problems of the aged were unanimously institutional level, requiring broad social change efforts. In contrast to these beliefs, the professionals studied work in settings that practice traditional accommodative, adjustment-oriented (rather than restorative) approaches to the aged in their social and planning agencies. The sociological and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Number and Specificity of Performance Outcomes in the Prediction of Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions.

The problem of how many performance outcomes to use and how specific they should be in predicting satisfaction and behavioral intentions was addressed. 323 soldiers responded to a desirability and instrumentality scale for each of 16 potential outcomes obtainable from outstanding performance. Scores were factor analysed and composites were formed to reflect each dimension. Three criteria (satisfaction, perceived effort and intention to reenlist) were predicted using (a) all 16 outcome items, (b) only 11 items defining four outcome dimensions and (c) 4 items only, each item reflecting an outcome dimension. In all cases, the 11-item set was a better predictor than the 16-item set, and the 4-item set was nearly as effective as the 16-item set. Instrumentalities were found to be significantly better predictors of satisfaction than of effort, while the reverse was true of valences. It was suggested that adequacy of coverage of the out come domain rather than list length or outcome specificity, was the critical issue in improving predictability.
Conducting Block Copolymers of Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and Poly(methacrylates): Electronic Materials with Variable Conductivities and Degrees of Interfibrillar Order

Integration of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) in diblock copolymers with various poly (methacrylates) yielded electronic materials with variable conductivities and different types of nanoscale order. Solid state analysis of poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(3-hexylthiophene)-blockpoly(t-butyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers revealed the presence of densely packed, locally parallel nanofibrils. By contrast, poly hexylthiophene)-block-poly(isobornyl methacrylate) copolymers containing bulkier isobornyl functional groups exhibited nanofibrillar morphology with isolated fibrils and no interfibrillar order.
Knowledge Transfer: Revisiting Video

Knowledge transfer has been an important issue for organizational knowledge management programs. This article reviews the plethora of user-generated video activity and the issues it creates for knowledge management activities. Videoâ€™s media richness combined with its ability to convey rich narratives can facilitate sensemaking and learning. However, structure and culture are important factors that must be considered in story telling activities to increase the opportunity for effective sensemaking and message retention. Evidence and arguments are presented that should motivate organizations and academics to review video generation activities both internal and external to the organization. Issues concerning video content delivery, liability, spam, and search engine capabilities are discussed. Opportunities for new research inquiries are identified.
Using kinesthetic input to overcome obstacles with snake robots

Snake robots have enormous potential to thread through tightly packed spaces and relay knowledge to search and rescue workers which is currently unattainable during the first hours of rescue operations. However, the existing approaches to snake robot locomotion in three dimensions is primarily limited to cyclic gaits, which lose effectiveness as the ratio of obstacle size to robot size or the irregularity of the environment increase. To this end, this work investigates a kinesthetic input approach to developing joint angle trajectories for overcoming these obstacles for which gaits are inadequate. The second contribution of this paper is the presentation and validation of a method to simplify these trajectories so that they can be easily stored, parameterized, and adjusted. Finally, we demonstrate that a simple sensor deviation filtering and thresholding approach can be used to quickly detect failure when overcoming an obstacle.
Evaluation of Drug Extraction Procedures from Urine

Radioactive methadone, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and diazepam were easily and efficiently removed from human urine samples by adsorption on C18 bonded silica phases. These techniques were simpler than conventional extractions at pH 9.3 or 5.2 with dichloromethane, XAD-2 and methanol, or Celite 560 and dichloromethane.
Improved Method for In-situ Elastic Constants of Isotropic and Orthotropic Composite Materials Using Plate Modal Data With Trimodal and Hexamodal Rayleigh Formulations

This paper relates a further development of an earlier work by the authors, in which they presented a method for deriving the four independent elastic constants (longitudinal and transverse Young’s moduli, in-plane shear modulus and major Poisson’s ratio) of an orthotropic material from resonance data obtained in a modal analysis of a freely-supported plate made out of the material. In the present work, simple averaging, as opposed to the weighted averaging employed in the earlier version, is utilized. The use of three modes and six modes is compared on the basis of results of both the forward and the inverse problems. Results are obtained for materials spanning orthotropy ratios from unity (i.e., isotropic) to about 13. The results suggest that, in comparison with our earlier method, the improved method is easier to use and is just as accurate. The adaptability of the basic method developed by the authors to various levels and types of refinement is also demonstrated, as is the potential of the method for fast characterization of elastic properties of advanced composites.
Immunophenotypic variations in hairy cell leukemia.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) exhibits a characteristic immunophenotypic profile that is strongly positive for pan–B-cell markers; positive for CD103, CD11c, and CD25; and usually negative for CD5, CD10, and CD23. We evaluated 35 HCL cases and identified atypical immunophenotypes in 12 cases (34%), including CD103– in 2 (6%), CD25– in 1 (3%), CD10+ in 5 (14%), and CD23+ in 6 (17%) cases. Among these cases one was CD103–/CD10+ and one was CD10+/CD23+. All available specimens from the 12 cases were reviewed and showed morphologic features characteristic for HCL. The initial clinical information was reviewed and showed no significant differences with that reported for typical HCL. Of the 12 cases, 11 patients received purine analogue therapy and achieved complete remissions. Our study indicates that it is not uncommon for HCL to display an unusual immunophenotype, including negativity for CD103 or CD25. Recognizing the variability of immunophenotype and correlating with morphologic and clinical features are essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis of HCL. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon but distinct form of chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, comprising about 2% of lymphoid leukemias. It affects primarily elderly men and is characterized by splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and monocytopenia. 1 The major sites of disease involvement are bone marrow (BM) and spleen with rare or only a small number of leukemic cells in the peripheral blood (PB). The distinction between HCL and other chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders is clinically important because patients with HCL do not respond well to conventional lymphoma chemotherapy but are highly sensitive to purine analogues such as cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine) and pentostatin (2'-deoxycoformycin). These drugs can induce longterm complete remission even in a significant portion of patients with relapsed disease. 2-7 Newer therapies such as BL22, a recombinant immunotoxin targeting CD22, also have been proven to be highly effective for patients with refractory HCL. 8,9 Therefore, accurate diagnosis of HCL is critical for
Parenting and Intimate Relationship Effects on Women Offenders' Recidivism and Noncompliance with Probation

This study disentangled the effects of intimate relationships and parenting on women probationers’ noncompliance. Data from a sample of 257 women were analyzed using logistic and negative binomial regression. Women with nonconforming intimate partners missed treatment more frequently, had a higher likelihood of missing a probation appointment, and had a higher chance of a new arrest for substance abuse or misdemeanor crimes during a 3-year follow-up period. Women parenting children had fewer missed probation appointments. Missed probation appointments increased the risk of recidivism for all crime categories except driving under the influence. Implications of these findings are discussed.
G-protein-coupled Receptor Agonists Activate Endogenous Phospholipase Cϵ and Phospholipase Cβ3 in a Temporally Distinct Manner

Phospholipase Cϵ (PLCϵ) is one of the newest members of the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) family. Previous studies have suggested that G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) stimulate phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis by activating PLCβ isoforms through Gq family G proteins and Gβγ subunits. Using RNA interference to knock down PLC isoforms, we demonstrate that the GPCR agonists endothelin (ET-1), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and thrombin, acting through endogenous receptors, couple to both endogenous PLCϵ and the PLCβ isoform, PLCβ3, in Rat-1 fibroblasts. Examination of the temporal activation of these PLC isoforms, however, reveals agonist- and isoform-specific profiles. PLCβ3 is activated acutely within the first minute of ET-1, LPA, or thrombin stimulation but does not contribute to sustained PI hydrolysis induced by LPA or thrombin and accounts for only part of ET-1 sustained stimulation. PLCϵ, on the other hand, predominantly accounts for sustained PI hydrolysis. Consistent with this observation, reconstitution of PLCϵ in knockdown cells dose-dependently increases sustained, but not acute, agonist-stimulated PI hydrolysis. Furthermore, combined knockdown of both PLCϵ and PLCβ3 additively inhibits PI hydrolysis, suggesting independent regulation of each isoform. Importantly, ubiquitination of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors correlates with sustained, but not acute, activation of PLCϵ or PLCβ3. In conclusion, GPCR agonists ET-1, LPA, and thrombin activate endogenous PLCϵ and PLCβ3 in Rat-1 fibroblasts. Activation of these PLC isoforms displays agonist-specific temporal profiles; however, PLCβ3 is predominantly involved in acute and PLCϵ in sustained PI hydrolysis.
Anisotropy and the optimal aspect ratio of a bent crystal

A thin bent rectangular crystal plate can be used as the second crystal in a double-crystal monochromator to focus sagittally a wide synchrotron X-ray beam. When bent in the sagittal direction, the plate also bends in the tangential direction (so-called anticlastic bending), which can adversely affect the diffracted beam. It is known that the undesirable anticlastic deformation can be minimized if the plate aspect ratio (length to width) is optimized. The present study investigates the influence of crystal material anisotropy and shows that ignoring it in the design of a sagittally bent crystal can lead to a significant underestimation of anticlastic deformation. For example, analysis shows that the optimal aspect ratio for a simply supported bent Si(220) plate ranges from 2.13 to 2.82 depending on the in-plane orientation of the cut rectangular plate. Treating silicon as isotropic with material properties in the literature leads to a plate design with an optimal aspect ratio of 2.36 and a plate with significant anticlastic bending.
Comparison of outcomes in early stage uterine carcinosarcoma and uterine serous carcinoma

Abstract Objective To assess whether contemporary adjuvant management of early stage uterine carcinosarcoma (CS) produces equal outcomes as in uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Methods We reviewed 172 women treated from 2000 to 2011 for stage I–II USC (n=112, 65%) or CS (n=60, 35%). Adjuvant therapy was initiated in 154 (90%) patients, with 111 patients receiving intravaginal radiotherapy (IVRT)/chemotherapy. Median follow up was 4.6years for surviving patients. Results Characteristics for USC vs. CS did not differ significantly by age ≥60, pelvic or para-aortic node sampling, stage, lymphovascular invasion, chemotherapy use, RT use or omission of adjuvant therapy. Outcomes were better for USC vs. CS in 5-year actuarial rates of recurrence [17% (C.I. 10–25%) vs. 45% (C.I. 31–59%), p p =0.016], and all-cause mortality [12% (C.I. 6–18%) vs. 34% (C.I. 20–48%), p =0.007]. In multivariable analysis, CS histology remained a significant predictor of risk for recurrence [HR 3.1 (C.I. 1.7–5.7), p p =0.024], and all-cause mortality [HR 2.4 (C.I. 1.2–4.8), p =0.012]. On sub-group analysis of 111 patients (77 USC, 34 CS) able to receive IVRT/chemotherapy, CS no longer was associated significantly with increased recurrence (29% vs. 15%, p =0.18), DRM (22% vs. 10%, p =0.39), or all-cause mortality (22% vs. 10%, p =0.45). Conclusions CS was associated with worse outcomes than USC. However, that difference was not maintained in patients able to receive IVRT and chemotherapy. While intriguing, this result may be due in part to selection against rapid early relapsing CS patients in this group.
Femtosecond clocking of the chemical bond.

When a chemical bond is broken in a direct dissociation reaction, the process is so rapid that it has generally been considered instantaneous and thus unmeasurable. However, the bond does persist for times on the order of 10^(-13) seconds after the photon has been absorbed. Femtosecond (10^(-15) second) laser techniques can be used to directly clock this process, which describes the dynamics of the chemical bond. The time required to break the chemical bond in an elementary reaction has been measured and the characteristic repulsion length for the potential governing fragment separation has been obtained.
Multipliers of a family of almost modular functions

The goal of this paper is to complete an investigation begun by Cohn and Knopp in their 1994 paper, “Application of Dedekind eta-multipliers to modular equations.” The paper concerned Λ k (z), a family of modular forms on Γ0(N) (N a positive integer) with possibly non-trivial multiplier systems. Cohn and Knopp defined new functions Ψ k (z) and a new group containing Γ0(N) and proved that for all S in the larger group and for all k, Λ k (Sz) = M k(S)Ψ k (z), where M k(S)24 = 1. This yielded interesting invariance properties of Λ k , dependent on the values of M k(S). Fixing a constant integer e, independent of k, Cohn and Knopp proved that for all k and all S in the larger group, M k(S) e = (±1) e . They determined the sign of M k(S) e in many, but not all, cases. In this paper, we give a complete determination of the values of M k(S) e in the remaining cases.
Nodes in an alternatively defined order parameter in HTSC

Abstract In a previous study the BCS wave function was generalized to include the motion of the center-of-mass of Cooper pairs. It was found that the Ginsburg–Landau order parameter could be identified with a wave function describing this motion. Here attention is focussed on the effects of replacing free electron orbitals by Bloch waves. In the copper oxides, where the Fermi surface lies contiguous to the Brillouin zone boundary, and with pairs coupled by soft phonon modes, limitations on the wave vectors associated with the center-of-mass coordinates are found. These limitations lead to nodes in the Fourier transform of the Ginsburg–Landau order parameter. Possible relevance of the nodes to the more recently discovered properties of high T C superconductors is discussed.
Consensus in networked multi-agent systems with adversaries

In the past decade, numerous consensus protocols for networked multi-agent systems have been proposed. Although some forms of robustness of these algorithms have been studied, reaching consensus securely in networked multi-agent systems, in spite of intrusions caused by malicious agents, or adversaries, has been largely underexplored. In this work, we consider a general model for adversaries in Euclidean space and introduce a consensus problem for networked multi-agent systems similar to the Byzantine consensus problem in distributed computing. We present the Adversarially Robust Consensus Protocol (ARC-P), which combines ideas from consensus algorithms that are resilient to Byzantine faults and from linear consensus protocols used for control and coordination of dynamic agents. We show that ARC-P solves the consensus problem in complete networks whenever there are more cooperative agents than adversaries. Finally, we illustrate the resilience of ARC-P to adversaries through simulations and compare ARC-P with a linear consensus protocol for networked multi-agent systems.
TD Models of reward predictive responses in dopamine neurons

This article focuses on recent modeling studies of dopamine neuron activity and their influence on behavior. Activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is phasically increased by stimuli that increase the animal's reward expectation and is decreased below baseline levels when the reward fails to occur. These characteristics resemble the reward prediction error signal of the temporal difference (TD) model, which is a model of reinforcement learning. Computational modeling studies show that such a dopamine-like reward prediction error can serve as a powerful teaching signal for learning with delayed reinforcement, in particular for learning of motor sequences.Several lines of evidence suggest that dopamine is also involved in 'cognitive' processes that are not addressed by standard TD models. I propose the hypothesis that dopamine neuron activity is crucial for planning processes, also referred to as 'goal-directed behavior', which select actions by evaluating predictions about their motivational outcomes.
Universal Banking in Pre-World War I Germany: Model or Myth?

Abstract This paper underscores the influence of political and legal environments and historical accident in shaping financial systems and in determining their ability to promote growth. The study suggests that many widely cited characteristics of the German banking system emerged only to a limited extent during industrialization. Many features that did appear were unrelated to the banks' universal structure, and provided no exceptional impetus to growth. I hypothesize that institutional banking design generally has little impact on capital mobilization or risk diversification. I conclude by questioning the usefulness of the Gerschenkronian framework for understanding problems of financial system design and by proposing an alternative agenda structured around theoretical principles.
Unintended Effects on Morale of Mandatory Postincident Testing

Physician morale is at an all time low. A recent survey of American Medical Association (AMA) Physicians, capturing approximately 14,000 doctors across the Unites States, found that more than three...
Use of Proficiency Testing as a Tool to Improve Quality in Microbiology Laboratories

Proficiency testing (PT) is a valuable tool for assessing laboratory performance and verifying the accuracy and reliability of test results. Participation is required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 for each of the microbiology subspecialties (bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology), and the regulations include specific PT requirements for each subspecialty. To determine the use and perceived value of PT beyond meeting CLIA requirements, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded a cooperative agreement with the Association of Public Health Laboratories to convene a series of focus groups to query laboratory professionals responsible for PT. The seven focus groups were comprised of 60 laboratory professionals representing large and small clinical laboratories, microbiology subspecialties, and public health. While participants acknowledged the need to perform PT to meet regulatory requirements, many also cited benefits and challenges beyond regulatory compliance.
Heat transport in a convecting layer heated from within and below

[1] The heat transport scaling relationships for fluids heated from within and below are established based on numerical calculations of isoviscous Boussinesq convection at infinite Prandtl number. The internal temperatures scale in a way that is similar to the internally heated case but with an offset equal to the average of the two boundary temperatures, reflecting the underlying temperature structure of bottom-heated convection. The heat fluxes through the boundaries scale as a linear combination of the end-member modes of heat transport, consistent with the effects of internal heating on the interior temperature. The boundary layer thicknesses, however, depend on H and Ra in a nonintuitive way. As the internal temperature increases with the addition of internal heating, the upper thermal boundary layer thickens despite the increased temperature drop across the layer (the reverse is true for the bottom boundary layer). This is inconsistent with the idea that the boundary layer thickness is controlled by a stability condition on the local Rayleigh number, which would predict that the boundary layer would thin as the temperature drop increases. Deriving boundary layer thicknesses from the scalings for heat flux and boundary layer temperature drop provides an excellent fit to the model results and reveals the importance of plumes arriving from the other boundary layer in establishing the boundary layer thickness. This suggests that, although widely used, boundary layer stability analysis is not an accurate description of the processes controlling boundary layer thickness in systems with two active boundary layers at moderate Ra.
Sequence detection and equalization for pulse-position modulation

We propose several strategies for detecting digital pulse-position modulation (PPM) in the presence of intersymbol interference and additive white Gaussian noise. We develop an equivalent vector channel by viewing PPM as a binary block code, and use this vector channel to derive the maximum likelihood (ML) sequence detector. We also propose three sub-optimal block-by-block detectors, all of which use block decision-feedback equalization (DFE) to mitigate inter-block interference, but differ in how they mitigate intra-block interference: the ML-BDFE accounts for it in an optimal way, the comparator-BDFE uses linear equalization, and the correcting-scalar-DFE uses DFE. We illustrate low-complexity implementations of these equalizers, and compare their performance to the ML detector using Monte-Carlo simulations. >
The analysis and design of multidimensional FIR perfect reconstruction filter banks for arbitrary sampling lattices

A general analysis of multidimensional multirate filter banks is presented. The approach is applicable to discrete signal spaces of any dimension, to multirate systems based on arbitrary downsampling and upsampling lattices, and for filter banks with any number of channels. A new numerical design procedure is also presented for multidimensional multirate perfect reconstruction filter banks, which is based on methods of nonlinearly constrained numerical optimization. An error function that depends only on the analysis filter impulse response coefficients is minimized, subject to a set of quadratic equality constraints that involve both the analysis and synthesis filter coefficients. With this design framework, it is possible to design a wide variety of filter banks that have a number of desirable properties. The analysis and synthesis filters that result are finite impulse response (FIR) and of equal size. In addition, both paraunitary and nonparaunitary filter banks can be designed with this method. Unlike paraunitary filter banks, nonparaunitary filter banks are capable of performing analysis bank functions more general than band-splitting with flat passband filters. >
STREAM: A workshop on the use of Robotics in K--12 STEM education [Education]

The STREAM workshop held at iRobot in June 2009 introduced K-12 teachers to a number of robotics modules designed to capture the imagination of school students, small and big. The enthusiastic teaching and learning at this workshop demonstrates that it is never too early to introduce students in schools everywhere to robotics.
Don’t panic! The need for change and for curricular pluralism:

The proposal for a more quantitative geography curriculum from Johnston et al. (2014) is a welcome contribution to ongoing debates. However, their arguments rely in part on an overly pessimistic assessment of the current status of quantitative methods in the discipline – perhaps reflecting their UK focus. They also underplay the importance of geometry and the models of theoretical geography to any comprehensive treatment of quantitative methods in contemporary geography. These are themes that should be considered in any modern geography curriculum. The future of quantitative methods in geography seems secure and is likely to lead to different curricula in different geographical contexts.
Perceived Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity, and Burnout Among Special Education Teachers:

This study examined the relationship of mle conflict and role ambiguity to teacher burnout among Connecticut urban special education teachers (N = 443) afier contmlling for select personal and professional backgrouvd variables. The relationship of these background variabkj to teacher burnout was also examined Role conjict and ambiguity explained a signifcant amount of variance in feelings of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Whde perceived burnout among teachers was molrate, the level varied significantly with respect to age, experience, sex, and whether one taught in a resource mom or a self-contained classmom.
A multidimensional Bayesian global search method which incorporates knowledge of an upper bound

The authors present a method of incorporating a priori information into an N-dimensional Bayesian method of global optimization. Many real-world optimization problems are of such variety that the objective function is not convex. Therefore, a global algorithm which considers the entire search space is necessary. A priori knowledge of a bound on the objective function can be incorporated into the search algorithm. The algorithm restricts its sampling to areas most likely to contain the global maximum of the function. Past work on 1D algorithms has provided a means of incorporating this information into a Bayesian method of global optimization to hasten convergence. Numerical results of this method on a standard test function are presented. >
Proposal for a Model State Watershed Management Act

During the Montana Constitutional Convention of 1889, John Wesley Powell, envisioning a landscape of watershed commonwealths, proposed that Montana adopt watersheds as the boundaries of its counties. The idea did not catch on. Over time, the power of local governments to regulate land use has grown immensely, but the misfit between their political boundaries and environmental policy problem sheds has persisted. As our understanding of ecosystem dynamics improves, however, natural resources management policy is gravitating, once again, to the watershed as an appropriate unit of governance. Many federal and state natural resource management initiatives have come on line in the past five years using watersheds as their primary focus. Yet, these new programs lack coherence and invest inadequate authority in watershed-based units of government. Representing perspectives from law, geography, economics, and anthropology, the authors propose the framework for a model state watershed management law. They conclude that the federal government is ill-equipped to take on the role of comprehensive watershed management czar as it has for pollution control and other environmental programs. Yet, local governments, even if organized around watershed boundaries, are unlikely to provide the platform for effective policy implementation. Rather, the authors propose a multi-tiered governance system linking state, regional, and local units of government through careful distribution of planning responsibilities and policy implementation authorities. Although for many states this framework would introduce a new layer of governance, its superior correspondence to the inescapable realities of ecosystem dynamics makes it worth serious consideration.
The future of high power electronics in Transmission and Distribution power systems

Although the term "Power Electronics" covers a very wide spectrum of power ratings and applications (from Watts to Gigawatts), Power Electronics applications for the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) market tend to be amongst the very highest in terms of voltage and power rating. Moreover, these applications are part of a very rapidly growing market and one that is closely linked with the emerging field of “Smart Grids”. Some T&D applications of Power Electronics, such as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) have been available for many decades, yet are currently enjoying an unprecedented period of market growth and rapid technical development. Voltage-Sourced Converter technologies (VSC) now sit alongside conventional Current-Sourced (Line Commutated) HVDC solutions and are opening up new market segments. Other "Flexible AC Transmission" (FACTS) systems, such as the STATCOM, are also available in the Transmission (HV) market and are starting to penetrate the Distribution (MV and LV) markets. AREVA T&D was a pioneer in the design of transmission STATCOMs, and built the world's first commercial STATCOM project using its "chain link" technology. MV applications of power electronics are driven mainly by the challenges imposed by distributed generation such as wind energy. The STATCOM can be equipped with battery energy storage to smooth out short-term variability of power generation, or even to connect to other STATCOMs via a DC cable network, creating an "MVDC" grid. With a new generation of MV or HV DC-DC converters, it is even possible that one day DC will once again become the preferred medium for power transmission, just as it was promoted by Thomas Edison in the 1880s.
A Force Balance Model of Early Spindle Pole Separation in Drosophila Embryos

The formation and function of the mitotic spindle depends upon force generation by multiple molecular motors and by the dynamics of microtubules, but how these force-generating mechanisms relate to one another is unclear. To address this issue we have modeled the separation of spindle poles as a function of time during the early stages of spindle morphogenesis in Drosophila embryos. We propose that the outward forces that drive the separation of the spindle poles depend upon forces exerted by cortical dynein and by microtubule polymerization, and that these forces are antagonized by a C-terminal kinesin, Ncd, which generates an inward force on the poles. We computed the sum of the forces generated by dynein, microtubule polymerization, and Ncd, as a function of the extent of spindle pole separation and solved an equation relating the rate of pole separation to the net force. As a result, we obtained graphs of the time course of spindle pole separation during interphase and prophase that display a reasonable fit to the experimental data for wild-type and motor-inhibited embryos. Among the novel contributions of the model are an explanation of pole separation after simultaneous loss of Ncd and dynein function, and the prediction of a large value for the effective centrosomal drag that is needed to fit the experimental data. The results demonstrate the utility of force balance models for explaining certain mitotic movements because they explain semiquantitatively how the force generators drive a rapid initial burst of pole separation when the net force is great, how pole separation slows down as the force decreases, and how a stable separation of the spindle poles characteristic of the prophase steady state is achieved when the force reaches zero.
Childhood Vaccine Beliefs Reported by Somali and Non-Somali Parents

Background: In 2011, an outbreak of measles in Minnesota was traced back to an unvaccinated Somali child. The purpose of this project was to (1) ascertain whether Somali parents are more likely than non-Somalis to refuse childhood vaccinations, particularly the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and (2) determine what factors influence the decision not to vaccinate. Methods: We explored parental perceptions and utilization of vaccines through a survey distributed to a convenience sample of Somali and non-Somali parents of children ≤5 years old in a family medicine clinic in Minneapolis, MN. Results: A total of 99 surveys were completed, 28% (n = 27) by Somali parents. Somali parents were more likely than non-Somali parents to have refused the MMR vaccine for their child (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–18.0). Most of them refused vaccines because they had heard of adverse effects associated with the vaccine or personally knew someone who suffered an adverse effect. Somali parents were significantly more likely to believe that autism is caused by vaccines (35% vs. 8% of non-Somali parents). Somalis were also more likely to be uncomfortable with administering multiple vaccines at one visit (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–11.9) and more likely to believe that children receive too many vaccines. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences in perceptions and use of vaccines were reported by Somali and non-Somali participants. Somali parents are more likely to believe that the MMR vaccine causes autism and more likely to refuse the MMR vaccine than non-Somali parents. These beliefs have contributed to an immunization gap between Somali and non-Somali children.
HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PREDICTION OF COLLEGE GRADES FOR DIFFERENT SUBGROUPS

The purpose of this paper was to examine the problems and opportunities of academic prediction for different ethnic groups. Several recent studies of academic prediction for blacks and whites were reviewed in regard to: 1) the situation in which the data were obtained; 2) the prediction technique employed, and 3) the data distribution likely to give rise to the obtained prediction indices. It was suggested that a total-group regression equation which “benefits” a minority group by overpredicting mean grade may actually be very disadvantageous if accompanied by a large error of estimate. The damage can be produced by precluding selection of the most qualified minority group members and thus lowering the groups’ performance. Differential process theory was proposed as a potential source of explanations for differential prediction. It was proposed that alternative strategic approaches to scholastic tasks might alter the covariance of predictor tests with grades. Finally, it was suggested that, under certain circumstances, the patterns of standardized regression weights in the prediction of grades, might suggest group difference in problem-solving strategies.
CT angiography in the evaluation of acute stroke.

PURPOSE: To determine the worth of CT angiography of the circle of Willis as a supplement to routine CT in the examination of patients with symptoms of acute stroke in terms of its depiction of the number and distribution of arterial stenoses or occlusions. We also sought to compare the accuracy of CT angiography with MR angiography and/or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). METHODS: One hundred forty-five patients with symptoms of acute stroke were examined with routine head CT and CT angiography of the circle of Willis. MR angiography was also performed in 27 patients and DSA in 28 patients. CT and MR angiograms and DSAs were reviewed for stenoses or occlusions involving the vessels about the circle of Willis. MR and CT angiograms were also evaluated for image quality, and the corresponding routine CT and MR studies were evaluated for the presence of arterial infarction. RESULTS: CT angiograms were rated good or excellent in 89% of cases whereas MR angiograms were rated good or excellent in 92% of cases. Arterial stenoses or occlusions were present on 43% of CT angiograms, 48% of MR angiograms, and 21% of DSAs. Findings were in agreement in 98% of the vessels analyzed by CT angiography and MR angiography. Similarly, there was overall agreement of findings in 99% of vessels analyzed by CT angiography and DSA. None of the patients had any immediate adverse reactions after administration of intravenous nonionic iodinated contrast material. CONCLUSION: CT angiography is an accurate and safe method for evaluating arterial stenoses or occlusions in the vessels about the circle of Willis. CT angiography should be used in patients with symptoms of acute stroke for whom evaluation of the intracranial vasculature is desirable.
A Design for a Sustained Assessment of Climate Forcing and Feedbacks Related to Land Use and Land Cover Change

Land use and land cover change (LULCC) significantly influences the climate system. Hence, to prepare the nation for future climate change and variability, a sustained assessment of LULCC and its climatic impacts needs to be undertaken. To address this objective, not only do we need to determine contemporary trends in land use and land cover that affect, or are affected by, weather and climate but also identify sectors and regions that are most affected by weather and climate variability. Moreover, it is critical that we recognize land cover and regions that are most vulnerable to climate change and how end-use practices are adapting to climate change. This paper identifies a series of steps that need to be undertaken to address these key items. In addition, national-scale institutional capabilities are identified and discussed. Included in the discussions are challenges and opportunities for collaboration among these institutions for a sustained assessment.
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF γ-IRRADIATION AGAINST HYPOCHLOROUS ACID- INDUCED HAEMOLYSIS IN HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

Radiations may trigger protective response within a threshold of doses applied. Exposures above an upper threshold are generally detrimental, while exposures below a lower threshold may or may not increase risks for health. We recently reported that a cellular protective response occurs in interventional cardiologists to counteract the oxidative damage caused by radiation. Here, we demonstrated in an in vitro model represented by whole blood of healthy donors γ-irradiated with 220–440 mGy, that haemolysis of erythrocytes induced by hypochlorous acid was reduced by 40%. The protection triggered by γ-radiations made erythrocytes more resistant to oxidative insult caused by hypochlorous acid which was induced 3 h after irradiation and involved biochemical changes in the synthesis and turnover of glutathione. Overall, the biochemical remodelling induced by exposure to γ-radiations might contribute to generate new guidelines in professionally exposed workers.
Parathyroid Hormone Critical Bridge Between Bone Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a principal regulator of calcium balance in physiological and pathological conditions associated with cardiovascular disorders and plays a major physiological role in bone homeostasis (Figure 1). PTH systemically controls bone remodeling by modulating the bone marrow microenvironment and regulating osteogenic signaling pathways.1 PTH and its related peptide can have both anabolic and catabolic effects. Although intermittent administration of PTH is osteoanabolic and antiosteoporotic via stimulation of bone formation, its continuous administration may cause catabolic osteoporotic changes. Experimental studies showed that intermittent injection of full length PTH (PTH1–84) or its N-terminal fragment (PTH1–34) increases bone formation with normal microarchitecture by coupling bone remodeling1 as well as promoting bone vascular structure and function.2 Clinically, intermittent administration of PTH is an established osteoanabolic therapy that improves quality of life in patients with severe osteoporosis.3 However, potential adverse effects by long-term use of PTH have not been fully elucidated. Figure 1. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a novel mediator of bone–vascular–renal interaction. Cardiovascular disorders include but are not limited to valvular and vascular calcification, atherosclerosis (inflammation), and hypertension. See accompanying article on page 1567 The presence of PTH receptors within the cardiovascular system,4 including vasculature (smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells) and heart (cardiomyocytes), suggests that secreted PTH may play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases beyond its role in mineral and bone metabolism (Figure 2). Figure 2. Hypothetical signaling pathways of parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor in cardiovascular disorders based on previously published reports. cAMP indicates cyclic adenosine monophosphate; C-PTH, carboxyl-terminal PTH; dotted arrows, postulated but unknown pathways; ECs, endothelial cells; ERK, …
TGFbeta3 promotes transformation of chicken palate medial edge epithelium to mesenchyme in vitro

Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation plays an important role in the disappearance of the midline line epithelial seam in rodent palate, leading to confluence of the palate. The aim of this study was to test the potential of the naturally cleft chicken palate to become confluent under the influence of growth factors, such as TGFbeta3, which are known to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. After labeling medial edge epithelia with carboxyfluorescein, palatal shelves (E8-9) with or without beak were dissected and cultured on agar gels. TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2 or TGFbeta3 was added to the chemically defined medium. By 24 hours in culture, medial edge epithelia form adherent midline seams in all paired groups without intact beaks. After 72 hours, seams in the TGFbeta3 groups disappear and palates become confluent due to epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, while seams remain mainly epithelial in control, TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2 groups. Epithelium-derived mesenchymal cells are identified by carboxyfluorescein fluorescence with confocal microscopy and by membrane-bound carboxyfluorescein isolation bodies with electron microscopy. Labeled fibroblasts completely replace the labeled epithelia of origin in TGFbeta3-treated palates without beaks. Single palates are unable to undergo transformation, and paired palatal shelves with intact beaks do not adhere or undergo transformation, even when treated with TGFbeta3. Thus, physical contact of medial edge epithelia and formation of the midline seam are necessary for epithelial-mesenchymal transformation to be triggered. We conclude that there may be no fundamental difference in developmental potential of the medial edge epithelium for transformation to mesenchyme among reptiles, birds and mammals. The bird differs from other amniotes in having developed a beak and associated craniofacial structures that seemingly keep palatal processes separated in vivo. Even control medial edge epithelia partly transform to mesenchyme if placed in close contact. However, exogenous TGFbeta3 is required to achieve complete confluence of the chicken palate.
Numerical analysis of magnetostrictive effects in an electrical steel sample including experimental testing

This paper investigates experimental testing as well as numerical results relating to inverse magnetostrictive effects in an electrical steel sample. The numerical analysis is based upon the 3d magnetoelastic formulation. The magnetic field causes elastic deformation and mechanical stress changes the magnetic properties. It is found that an increase in the mechanical stress causes the material to contain more flux density. This result has the promise of increased power density inside the electrical device on stressing the material. Also the numerical results enable us to determine the field variables at any point inside and outside the sample.
Expression of T1Rs and Gustducin in Palatal Taste Buds of Mice

The palatal region of the oral cavity in rodents houses 100–300 taste buds and is particularly sensitive to sweet and umami compounds; yet, few studies have examined the expression patterns of transduction-related molecules in this taste field. We investigated the interrelationships between members of the T1R family and between each T1R and gustducin in palatal taste buds. Similar to lingual taste buds, T1R1 and T1R2 are generally expressed in separate palatal taste cells. In contrast to lingual taste buds, however, T1R2 and T1R3-positive palatal taste cells almost always coexpress gustducin, suggesting that sweet taste transduction in the palate is almost entirely dependent on gustducin. T1R1-positive palate taste cells coexpress gustducin about half the time, suggesting that other G proteins may contribute to the transduction of umami stimuli in this taste field.
Wide Area Networks

A wide area network (WAN) provides long-haul communication services to various points within a large geographical area. A WAN often uses communication facilities provided by common carrier such as telephone companies. The most popular WAN is the global public switched telephone network (PSTN), which is not suitable for data transport because it was originally designed for voice. But it is rare that data networks (such the global X.25) do not interface with the PSTN. Today’s WANs are expected to integrate data, voice, and video traffic.