cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlorophyll-a distribution and associated oceanographic conditions in the upwelling region off northern Chile during the winter and spring 1993

The mesoscale distributions of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and associated physical and chemical variables off the northern coast of Chile are described using quasi-synoptic data obtained during the austral winter (August–September) and spring (November–December) of 1993. Surface temperature, salinity and chlorophyll-a data were collected in the region bounded by 18–24°S and 70–72°W. An area of persistent coastal upwelling (19–22°S, out to 74 km from the coast) was selected to examine the vertical distribution (0–100 m) of these variables together with dissolved oxygen (O2) and nutrient concentrations (phosphate, nitrate and nitrite). Surface temperature indicated that the occurrence of coastal upwelling was not well defined during the winter compared to the spring, but the vertical distribution of temperature, density, dissolved Oz and nutrients within the selected area confirmed that there was activity during both seasons. Low dissolved O2 ( 2 μM within the upper 100 m, together with the vertical salinity distribution, suggested that the main subsurface component of the upwelling water within the selected area was water of equatorial subsurface origin. Surface Chl-a distribution in the region was mostly heterogeneous during the winter, with higher concentrations ( > 1 mg m−3) both inshore and offshore, while during the spring these values were confined to within 37 km of the coast, in association with the upwelling band. Surface concentrations, however, were not significantly different between the two seasons over the whole of the region, and maximum values (> 10 mg m−3) were found in the same zone, inshore off Iquique (20°S), on both occasions. Within the selected upwelling area, most of the Chl-a was present in the upper 25 m layer during both seasons, and surface values were correlated with Chl-a integrated over this layer. Water column Chl-a concentrations in this area were significantly higher during the spring, and, during both periods, the highest Chl-a concentrations ( > 2 mg m−3) were located inshore (<37 km from the coast), with maximum values off Iquique. The predominance of net-phytoplankton was mostly associated with the highest total Chl-a concentration, and it increased towards the coast except inshore off Iquique and offshore off Arica-Iquique. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the overall production of the pelagic system and the important fisheries that it sustains.
A randomized trial of staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis in peritoneal dialysis patients: Mupirocin calcium ointment 2% applied to the exit site versus cyclic oral rifampin☆

The objective of this study was to compare prophylaxis for Staphylococcus aureus infections in peritoneal dialysis patients using 600 mg cyclic oral rifampin for 5 days every 3 months versus mupirocin calcium ointment 2% applied daily to the exit site. The study design was a prospective randomized trial, controlling for S aureus nasal carriage. Eighty-two continuous ambulatory and continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis patients (54% male, 71 % white, 34% insulin-dependent, mean prestudy time on peritoneal dialysis 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to cyclic rifampin (n = 41 patients) or daily exit site mupirocin prophylaxis (n = 41 patients). Mean follow-up was 1 year. S aureus catheter infection rates were 0.13/yr with mupirocin and 0.15/yr with rifampin (P = NS). Both rates were significantly lower than the center's historical rate (the period between 1983 and 1992) of 0.46/yr prior to the study (P < 0.001). S aureus peritonitis rates were 0.04/yr with mupirocin and 0.02/yr with rifampin (P = NS), both significantly lower than the center's historical rate of 0.16/yr (P < 0.02). Catheter loss due to S aureus infections was 0.02/yr with mupirocin and 0/yr with rifampin (P = NS), both significantly lower than the center's historical rate of 0.12/yr (P < 0.001). There were no side effects in patients using mupirocin, but 12% were unable to continue rifampin due to side effects. We conclude that mupirocin ointment at the exit site and cyclic oral rifampin are equally effective in reducing S aureus catheter infections. In addition, rifampin or mupirocin significantly reduced S aureus peritonitis and catheter loss due to S aureus infections. Mupirocin at the exit site provides an excellent alternative prophylaxis for S aureus infections, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate oral rifampin therapy.
Research Training in Doctoral Programs Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Faculty in 38 doctoral counselor education programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs identified the quantitative and qualitative designs and other research topics that were covered in required and elective course work, discipline of course instructors, and opportunities for doctoral students’ hands-on research experience. Results indicated a wide range of research training offerings and modest faculty satisfaction.
Secondary Instabilities of Flows with Elliptic Streamlines

We examine the stability of flows which are the sum of a linear flow with elliptic streamlines and a transverse standing wave. Such flows are exact solutions of the 3D Euler equations for an inviscid incompressible fluid. We examine the stability of such flows under local 3D high frequency perturbations, which can be viewed as secondary perturbations of the elliptic flow itself. We find that these flows are unstable to such perturbations and compute growth rate in several cases. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Assessment of therapeutic potential of amantadine in methamphetamine induced neurotoxicity.

Methamphetamine epidemic has a broad impact on world’s health care system. Its abusive potential and neurotoxic effects remain a challenge for the anti-addiction therapies. In addition to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, excitotoxicity is also involved in methamphetamine induced neurotoxicity. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate receptor is thought to be one of the predominant mediators of excitotoxicity. There is growing evidence that NMDA receptor antagonists could be one of the therapeutic options to manage excitotoxicity. Amantadine, a well-tolerated and modestly effective antiparkinsonian agent, was found to possess NMDA antagonistic properties and has shown to release dopamine from the nerve terminals. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of amantadine pre-treatment against methamphetamine induced neurotoxicity. Results showed that methamphetamine treatment had depleted striatal dopamine, generated of reactive oxygen species and decreased activity of complex I in the mitochondria. Interestingly, amantadine, at high dose (10 mg/kg), did not prevent dopamine depletion moreover it exacerbated the behavioral manifestations of methamphetamine toxicity such as akinesia and catalepsy. Only lower dose of amantadine (1 mg/kg) produced significant scavenging of the reactive oxygen species induced by methamphetamine. Overall results from the present study suggest that amantadine should not be used concomitantly with methamphetamine as it may results in excessive neurotoxicity.
Pulse-spray thrombolysis with reteplase: optimization and comparison with tPA in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE To critically evaluate and optimize methodology for pulse-spray thrombolysis with reteplase in a rabbit inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis model and to compare results with optimized parameters for the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Occlusive IVC thrombus was produced in 102 rabbits and treated 2 days later for 1 hour with pulse-spray thrombolysis using reteplase. Methodologic variables included pulse frequency, concentration and amount of reteplase, infusion versus pulse therapy, and admixture of heparin. After the rabbits were killed, residual thrombus was weighed and percent lysis was estimated on the basis of previous control values. Results were compared with those achieved with tPA in 18 additional rabbits and also with previous tPA results. RESULTS As in earlier tPA studies, pulse-spray methods were far more effective than constant infusion. Pulses at 30-second intervals produced better results than pulses at 2-minute intervals. At the optimal concentration of 0.02 U/mL (molarity 90 × 10 −8 ), reteplase produced 79% lysis. At two-fold higher or lower concentrations, lysis was reduced by approximately 25%, and at eight-fold higher or six-fold lower concentrations, lysis was reduced by approximately 50%. Optimal concentration of tPA was 0.02 mg/mL, yielding 78% lysis. Admixture of reteplase with heparin suggested improvement, but differences were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION When used with pulse-spray methodology, reteplase demonstrated a steep bell-shaped response–concentration curve similar in pitch and amplitude to that of tPA. The optimal molar concentration of reteplase was approximately three times that of tPA. However, at their respective optimal concentrations, reteplase and tPA were equally effective.
Study of Instructional Modes for Introductory Computing

The School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University requires all engineering students in their first semester to take a course that introduces computers in engineering. Two questions arise: is the best setting in which to teach this type of material either a combination of lecture and laboratory or all-laboratory; and does a student-owned laptop computer contribute more to learning? For two years the course was organized with these two different modes of instruction. For a third year the students learned in the all-laboratory environment and 30 percent of the students used their own laptop computer. At the end of the semester an in-depth questionnaire with quantitative ratings was given to the students to determine if there were differences in their learning preferences. Contingency tables were used to compare responses. There were several statistically significant differences in student responses favoring the all-laboratory mode and students using laptop computers. Several of them are: the students are much more comfortable with computers at the end of the semester; either laboratory or working by oneself were the preferred settings for learning; and lecture was not a preferred setting for learning any topic.
Natural history of the recombinant (8) syndrome

The recombinant 8 [Rec(8)] syndrome [rec(8), (8qter8q22.1::8p23.18qter] is due to a parental inv(8)(8pter8p23.1::8q22.18p23.1::8q22.18qter). All inv(8) parents we have studied were of Hispanic origin. The Rec(8) phenotype consists of a characteristic set of minor facial anomalies, cardiovascular and other major malformations, and moderate to severe mental retardation. The clinical phenotype is relatively consistent in all published cases; however the natural history of the condition has remained unknown. Retrospective and prospective information on 42 propositi, spanning a period from 5 days to 23 years, allowed us to define the natural history of this syndrome, tabulate the frequency and the evolution of phenotypic abnormalities, and share our experience with different therapeutic approaches. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Problems and Possibilities of Theological Models: Responding to David Klemm and William Klink

This essay is a response to the proposals of David Klemm and William Klink concerning the construction and testing of theological models. A number of issues are raised for critical attention. (1) The exclusive attention to Christian theology, with no discussion of other religions, poses some significant prob ems, not the least of which is that cognitive claims of religious thinking are not universal but rather are defined by the particularities of the religious context in which they are made. (2) Although the authors wish to transcend conficssionalism, their focus on Christianity and on the concept of God as a basic assumption can be construed as a kind of confessionalism. (3) The argument that theological and scientific models stand in analogy to each other requires more critical examination, particularly with respect to the issues of explanation, prediction, falsification, nesting, and openness. (4) While the argument is persuasive when referred to certain theologians, such as Paul Tillich, it requires some adjustment if it is to apply to other theological systems, such as Process theology.
Buyer-seller relationships in just-in-time purchasing environments

Abstract Manufacturers involved in just-in-time production systems must also form close relationships with suppliers if waste reduction, higher quality products, and reduced operating costs are to be achieved. This paper describes the operational characteristics of JIT purchasing, examines specific relational characteristics between buyers and sellers influenced by the adoption of JIT systems, and describes the results of tests which differentiate firms.
Laboratory investigation of moisture damage in rubberised asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement

In many parts of the world, highway officials are utilising crumb rubber and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in order to save money, protect the environment, and improve the life of asphalt pavement. However, due to the use of these materials, the effects of moisture damage should be investigated for rubberised asphalt concrete (RAC) mixtures containing RAP. The objective of this research involved investigating the moisture susceptibility of RAC containing RAP. The testing conducted included the determination of binder viscosity, toughness and indirect tensile strength (ITS) analysis. Several mixtures containing different crumb rubber types, two different RAP sources and various percentages of rubber and RAP were evaluated. The results indicated that, in general, the additional of RAP was beneficial in improving the ITS values and reducing the moisture susceptibility of the mixture although the addition of crumb rubber had a slightly negative effect.
RISK AND UNCERTAINTY IN WORLD GRAIN MARKETS

(1982). RISK AND UNCERTAINTY IN WORLD GRAIN MARKETS. Agrekon: Vol. 21, No. sup1, pp. 13-23.
Evidence for increased degeneration of mitochondria in old rats. A brief note

An isotonic density gradient technique for separating mitochondria into two major components was applied to mitochondria isolated from young and old rats. Respiratory measuremtns indicate that the depression of state 3 respiration rates observed in the mitochondria from old rats when glutamate--malate is used as a substrate is due primarily to the faster sedimenting mitochondrial component.
Uptake and release of 2-aminoisobutyrate by Leishmania donovani: Culture-age dependent effects of osmolality and of protein kinase inhibitors

The rate of uptake of 2-aminoisobutyrate (AIB), a non-metabolizable analogue of alanine, by Leishmania donovani was investigated as a function of culture age and osmolality in the presence of protein kinase inhibitors and of glucose, glutamate or proline. Hyperosmolality inhibited AIB uptake by cells of both growth stages, but to a greater extent for log than for stationary cells. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, had no effect on AIB uptake by cells of either culture age, but it reduced the rate of AIB release in response to hypo-osmolality, and more so in stationary cells than in log cells. Genistein, a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, caused a small increase in AIB uptake by log cells under both iso- and hyperosmotic conditions, but had no effect on AIB uptake by stationary cells. Genistein also caused a small increase in the rate of release of AIB in response to a decrease in osmolality. Brief preincubation with glucose, glutamate or proline of cells that had been depleted of their osmolytes by prior exposure to hypo-osmolality caused an increase in AIB release by log cells, but a decrease by stationary cells. Similarly, whereas glucose and glutamate increased the rate of AIB uptake by log cells, and proline inhibited it, they had no effect on AIB uptake by stationary cells. Thus AIB uptake and release are sensitive to changes in osmolality, to protein kinase inhibitors, and to certain nutrients in a manner that changes markedly with culture age.
Spatial Regulation of BMP Signaling by Patterned Receptor Expression

Abstract Local delivery of TGF-β/BMP ligands is commonly used as a tissue engineering strategy for the spatial regulation of cell growth and differentiation. While the location and the dose of ligand are the only parameters that influence the spatial distribution and biological effects of the ligand in vitro, in vivo genetic studies of development reveal that spatial control of TGF-β/BMP signaling can be accomplished at multiple levels, from ligand release to signal interpretation. Here we focus on spatial control of BMP signaling by patterned receptor expression. Motivated by our recent experimental analysis of the two-dimensional BMP signaling patterns in the developing Drosophila egg, we formulate one- and two-dimensional models of ligand diffusion and internalization in the presence of patterned receptor expression. Our analysis of these models shows that they can capture the quantitative features of the experimentally observed pattern of phosphorylated SMAD in Drosophila oogenesis and shows that patt...
Discussion: ‘Recommendations for intrauterine contraception’ by Dehlendorf et al

In the roundtable that follows clinicians discuss a study published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methodology relevance to practice and implications for future research. Article discussed: Dehlendorf C Ruskin R Grumbach K et al. Recommendations for intrauterine contraception: a randomized trial of the effects of patients race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010;203:319.e1-8. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby Inc. All rights reserved.
Enhanced inositide turnover in brain during bicuculline-induced status epilepticus.

Abstract Because brain inositides are enriched in the 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl species, they form a likely source for the tetraenoic free fatty acids (FFA) and diacylglycerols (DG) that are accumulated during seizures. To study inositide turnover during bicuculline-induced seizures, rats were injected intraventricularly and bilaterally with 10–20 μCi 32 P, mechanically ventilated and sacrificed by 6.5 KW head-focused microwave irradiation. Seizure activity was recorded by electroencephalography. Bicuculline-induced seizure activity resulted in: a) almost 50% increase in 32 P labeling of phosphatidic acid (PA); phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) also increased (24% and 36%, respectively); b) no change in other lipids; and c) water-soluble phosphodiesteratic degradation products, analyzed by high voltage paper electrophoresis, increased 24% in the amount of radiotracer recovered as inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (IP 2 ) and by 44% in the amount recovered as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ). These data indicate that during experimental status epilepticus the cerebral inositide cycle is accelerated: PIP 2 → ( (IP 3 → IP 2 → IP → I) + DG → PA → PI → PIP → PIP 2 .
Influence of Time Period and Birth Cohort Effects on Age-Specific Incidence Rates of Pancreatic and Kidney Cancer

The influence of time period and birth cohort effects on age-specific incidence rates of pancreatic cancer (PC) and kidney cancer (KC) in white males and females was analyzed using SEER 9 data collected during 1975-2004. To estimate these effects, we used our novel approach that is applicable for any arbitrary hazard function. By utilizing the incidence rates of first primary, microscopically confirmed cases observed in six five-year time periods and 17 cohorts, we found turnovers in the PC and KC incidence rate distributions at old ages. For PC, no systematic changes were revealed in both time period and cohort coefficients during the considered time observation. For KC, however, we found systematically increasing trends for time period coefficients, while trends of birth cohort effect coefficients remain unchangeable during 1975-2004. The proposed approach can be used in the mathematical modeling of different types of carcinogenesis.
On the reduction of a class of Fredholm integral equations to equivalent matrix problems

Abstract The generalization of the work of Roark, Shampine, and Wing given here increases the class of kernels to which their ideas can be applied, and leads to some rather interesting results concerning the case of displacement kernels. Under the assumption that g merely belong to L1, Roark and Shampine were able to show only that a subsequence of { λ n N } converged to gln. By passing from their diagonal C matrix to a full matrix, we have been able to show that the entire sequence { λ n N } convejges as N → ∞. Additional investigations are being carried out for the case A = ∞ in (2.2). Various representations of the kernel, besides (2.2), are also being considered. In each case it appears that we can obtain a matrix problem similar to (2.12). Finally, the expansion (3.9) suggests several avenues of investigation, and these too are being explored.
TCT-7 Prolonged QTc Interval as a Predictor of In-hospital Heart Failure in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Prolonged QTc interval has been shown to have a predictive value for major adverse cardiac event including death, recurrent ischemia, and urgent coronary revascularization in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. However, little is known about the correlation between prolonged QTc interval and
Combined Amphotericin B-Tetracycline Therapy for Experimental Coccidioidomycosis

Although amphotericin B is the principal antibiotic for treating systemic mycoses, its clinical use is restricted, primarily because of the toxicity associated with the required prolonged therapy. Other investigators have reported results from in vitro experiments demonstrating that amphotericin B can potentiate antifungal activity of other antibiotics which are ineffective when used alone. In the present study, amphotericin B was used in combination with tetracycline for treating experimental coccidioidomycosis in mice. The results show that the combination of antibiotics is effective with a dosage of amphotericin B reduced 2.5 to 4 times of that required for effective chemotherapy with amphotericin B alone.
Pancreatic Neoplasia: A Practical Cross-sectional Imaging Primer for the Nonradiologist

The purpose of this article is to provide a practical review of basic pancreatic imaging protocols and key cross-sectional imaging findings of the more common pancreatic neoplasms. We performed a literature search and reviewed numerous cases archived in the radiology department of a large university hospital to find examples which illustrate the key cross-sectional imaging findings of pancreatic neoplasms. We reviewed the literature and provided several practical examples of common cross-sectional imaging findings in patients with pancreatic neoplasms. Cross-sectional imaging plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms and allows proper triage of patients for conservative, medical or surgical management due to its ability to reliably detect and characterize pancreatic lesions, determine involvement of local structures, and assess metastatic disease. Familiarity with the key imaging findings will allow the clinician to better implement imaging data into daily practice.
Waveguide optical micromachined ultrasound transducer (WOMUT) for high frequency ultrasound detection

We introduce a new method to increase the sensitivity of an optical ultrasound receiver by utilizing a waveguide between the mirrors of the Fabry-Perot resonator. This approach eliminates diffraction loss from the cavity and therefore the finesse is only limited by mirror loss and absorption. Recently, we have reported our measurements of high finesse (695) and quality factor (59000) in a waveguide Fabry-Perot film resonator of 100 µm thickness. Here we describe the implementation of this method for the design of a thin film ultrasound detector. By applying this method, we have achieved noise equivalent pressure of 178 Pa over a bandwidth of 30 MHz which is 20 folds better than the sensitivity of our previous non-waveguide detector.
Appropriateness of Advice as L2 Solidarity Strategy.

Researchers have established that advice-giving is an intrinsically face threatening act in the Anglo-American culture. However, NSs of English and NNSs may view the appropriateness of giving advice differently and use it with different communicative goals. This study focuses on the differences in native speaker and non-native speaker judgments of situations in which giving advice is appropriate and the forms which this advice can take. In a survey based on written role-plays, NNSs and NSs similarly recognized the difference in social distance between a peer acquaintance and an authority figure, but in both contexts, NNSs chose substantially more direct and hedged advice than did NSs. L2 learners are not necessarily aware of the negative politeness impact in L2 of advice- giving, a strategy often viewed positively in several L1s, and they need to be taught conversational strategies more appropriate in L2.
Cost-Effectiveness of Strategies for Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism Among Emergency Department Patients Presenting with Undifferentiated Symptoms

Study objective Symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism can be nonspecific and similar to many competing diagnoses, leading to excessive costly testing and treatment, as well as missed diagnoses. Objective studies are essential for diagnosis. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of different diagnostic strategies in an emergency department (ED) for patients presenting with undifferentiated symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism. Methods Using a probabilistic decision model, we evaluated the incremental costs and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years gained) of 60 testing strategies for 5 patient pretest categories (distinguished by Wells score [high, moderate, or low] and whether deep venous thrombosis is clinically suspected). We performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results In the base case, for all patient pretest categories, the most cost-effective diagnostic strategy is to use an initial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay D-dimer test, followed by compression ultrasonography of the lower extremities if the D-dimer is above a specified cutoff. The level of the preferred cutoff varies with the Wells pretest category and whether a deep venous thrombosis is clinically suspected. D-dimer cutoffs higher than the current recommended cutoff were often preferred for patients with even moderate and high Wells categories. Compression ultrasonography accuracy had to decrease below commonly cited levels in the literature before it was not part of a preferred strategy. Conclusion When pulmonary embolism is suspected in the ED, use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay D-dimer assay, often at cutoffs higher than those currently in use (for patients in whom deep venous thrombosis is not clinically suspected), followed by compression ultrasonography as appropriate, can reduce costs and improve outcomes.
Scrape-off layer flows with pressure gradient scale length ∼ρp

Abstract A heuristic model for the plasma scrape-off width balances magnetic drifts against parallel loss at c s /2, resulting in a SOL width ∼ ρ p . T sep is calculated from Spitzer–Harm parallel thermal conduction. This results in a prediction for the power scrape-off width in quantitative agreement both in magnitude and scaling with recent experimental data. To achieve the ∼ c s /2 flow assumed in this model and measured experimentally sets requirements on the ratio of upstream to total SOL particle sources, relative to the square-root of the ratio of target to upstream temperature. The Pfisch–Schluter model for equilibrium flows has been modified to allow near-sonic flows, appropriate for gradient scale lengths of order ρ p , resulting in a new quadrupole radial flow pattern. The strong parallel flows and plasma charging implied by this model suggest a mechanism for H-mode transition, consistent with many observations.
Diagnosis of congenital heart disease in acyanotic infant

Abstract Customarily, differential diagnosis of congenital heart defects consists of correlating symptoms and signs with radiographic and electrocardiographic findings which belong to one isolated defect more than another. This approach, while academically interesting to the physician infrequently involved in cardiac problems, has proved to be unhelpful either in early detection of heart disease in the infant or in better management, once recognized. The approach presented in this review has intentionally avoided reference to specific anomalies in order to place emphasis where it is obviously needed— on functional assessment of the cardiovascular system rather than on clinical diagnosis of the anatomical defect. The plan of evaluation, if effective, would reduce prompt referral to a cardiac center of the healthy infant with a benign heart defect just as much as it would promote early referral of the infant with a morbid form of heart disease. The infant with heart disease has been featured since his problems are greater in number and complexity and because his nonverbalized complaints of cardiorespiratory distress are so frequently misinterpreted. The roles and competence of the several physicians who will be responsible for the infant with heart disease have been candidly discussed, since each has his function and his limitations in the total cardiovascular assessment. The first physician who sees the infant and is accountable for his overall care, has the most exacting assignment. It is for him that this plan is proposed, and it is to him that this article is very respectfully dedicated.
Justice, Solidarity, Subsidiarity: The Demise of East German Communism

Sees East Germany as an important case study of an ideologically dogmatic bureaucracy which ignored people′s deep‐seated ethical norms and values. The principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and justice were insufficiently exercised. The political leadership failed to recognize and understand the degree of people′s resignation and frustration, being out of touch with socioeconomic reality. Hence it programmed false decision making and inefficiencies into a system which was held together by an excessive police apparatus, repression, corruption and propaganda. As a result, the East German system imploded under its own irrationality, induced by an almost complete loss of confidence in the ruling party and the government. Addresses primarily ethical rather than economic issues which successfully challenged the East German state.
Framing effects in inference tasks--and why they are normatively defensible.

Framing effects occur when logically equivalent redescriptions of objects or outcomes lead to different behaviors, and, traditionally, such effects have been seen as irrational. However, recent evidence has shown that a speaker’s choice among logically equivalent attribute frames can implicitly convey (or “leak”) normatively relevant information about the speaker’s reference point, among other things. In a reinterpretion of data published elsewhere, in this article it is shown that some common effects in inference tasks (covariation assessment and hypothesis testing) can also be seen as framing effects, thereby expanding the domain of framing. It is also shown that these framing effects are normatively defensible because normatively relevant information aboutevent rarity is leaked through the description of data and through the phrasing of hypotheses, thereby broadening the information leakage approach to explaining framing effects. Information leakage can also explain why framing effects in such inference tasks disappear under certain conditions.
Multiple ligand-specific conformations of the β2-adrenergic receptor

Seven-transmembrane receptors (7TMRs), also called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), represent the largest class of drug targets, and they can signal through several distinct mechanisms including those mediated by G proteins and the multifunctional adaptor proteins β-arrestins. Moreover, several receptor ligands with differential efficacies toward these distinct signaling pathways have been identified. However, the structural basis and mechanism underlying this 'biased agonism' remains largely unknown. Here, we develop a quantitative mass spectrometry strategy that measures specific reactivities of individual side chains to investigate dynamic conformational changes in the β(2)-adrenergic receptor occupied by nine functionally distinct ligands. Unexpectedly, only a minority of residues showed reactivity patterns consistent with classical agonism, whereas the majority showed distinct patterns of reactivity even between functionally similar ligands. These findings demonstrate, contrary to two-state models for receptor activity, that there is significant variability in receptor conformations induced by different ligands, which has significant implications for the design of new therapeutic agents.
A Perchloric Acid Procedure for the Selective Removal of Rna from Tissue Blocks

In studies of the mechanisms of nuclear stains, sections in which RNA, DNA, or both are extracted or blocked are essential. As Lillie et al. (1976) have stated, there are practical limitations to the routine use of specific enzymes or acid extraction procedures for this purpose. These workers also mention, as many can confirm, that when these procedures are carried out on-slide there are heavy section losses. Their solution to these problems was to extract thin, fixed tissue blocks in 1 N HNO3 at 60 C. This treatment removed both DNA and RNA, and slight differences in temperature markedly affected the results.
Introducing the Citi LMM Term Structure Model for Mortgages

Valuation of mortgage-backed securities pairs a prepayment model with a term-structure model of interest rates. While the prepayment model is crucial, the choice of the term-structure model matters as well. The article presents Citigroup’s Libor Market Model for MBS valuation and compares it to the short-rate term-structure model currently in production. The new LMM term-structure model improves control over the volatility and correlations structure of forward LIBORs. This leads to more realistic correlations of swap rates. The new model achieves a more accurate calibration to the entire volatility surface. The authors discuss consequences for serial correlation of swap rates and mortgage option volatility. The Mortgage Option-Adjusted Term Structure (MOATS) model, Citi’s approach to arbitrage-free mortgage rate modeling, has been re-implemented to work with LMM, retaining all desirable properties. The LMM produces wider OASs and longer durations than in the current model; the partial durations and vegas are comparable.
Cluster Analysis Methods Help to Clarify the Activity—BMI Relationship of Chinese Youth

MONDA, KERI L. AND BARRY M. POPKIN. Cluster analysis methods help to clarify the activity–BMI relationship of Chinese youth. Obes Res. 2005;13: 1042–1051. Objective: To use cluster analysis to create patterns of overall activity and inactivity in a diverse sample of Chinese youth and to evaluate their use in predicting overweight status. Research Methods and Procedures: The study populations were drawn from the 1997 and 2000 years of the longitudinal China Health and Nutrition Survey, comprised of 2702 and 2641 schoolchildren in the 1997 and 2000 crosssectional samples, respectively, and 1175 children in the longitudinal cohort. Cluster analysis was used to group children into nonoverlapping activity/inactivity “clusters” that were subsequently used in models of prevalent and incident overweight. Results were compared with traditional models, with activity and inactivity coded separately, to assess whether further insight was gained with the cluster analysis methodology. Results: Moderately and highly active youth were shown to have significantly decreased odds of overweight in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses using cluster analysis. In incident longitudinal models, youth in the high activity/high inactivity cluster had the lowest odds of overweight [odds ratio 0.12 (0.03, 0.44)]; in contrast, results from traditional models failed to show any significant relationship between overweight and activity or inactivity. Discussion: Cluster analysis methods allow researchers to simultaneously capture activity and inactivity in new ways. In this comparative study, only with the clustering methodology did we find a significant effect of activity on incident overweight, furthering our ability to examine this complex relationship. Interestingly, no effect of increasing levels of inactivity was observed using either method, indicating that activity seems to be the more important determinant of overweight in this population.
Broadcast throughput Capacity of Wireless Ad Hoc Networks with Multipacket Reception

We study the broadcast throughput capacity of random wireless ad hoc networks when the nodes are endowed with multipacket reception (MPR) capability. We show that, in such networks, a per-node throughput capacity of Theta(R2(n)) bits per second can be achieved as a tight bound (i.e., upper and lower bounds) for broadcast communication, where R(n) is the receiver range that depends on the complexity of the nodes. Compared to ad hoc networks in which receivers decode at most one transmission at a time, the minimum capacity gain of MPR-based networks is Theta(logn). This is attained when the minimum value for R(n) is used, which equals the minimum transmission range needed to guarantee connectivity in the network (r(n) = Theta(radiclogn/n)).
Febrile seizures and epilepsy: the contributions of epidemiology.

Summary. In the past, febrile seizures were considered to be a sign of epilepsy, a disorder characterised by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Currently, febrile seizures are considered to be a benign seizure syndrome that is distinct from epilepsy. This distinction has been possible largely because of the epidemiological evidence which is presented here in the form of a two-part argument. If febrile seizures are epilepsy one might expect that: (1) following a first febrile seizure, the risk of a second febrile seizure should be similar to the risk of an unprovoked seizure (in fact, the risk of a recurrent febrile seizure is approximately 34%, whereas the risk of an unprovoked seizure after having had a febrile seizure is approximately 2% to 3%); (2) the factors that predict recurrent febrile seizures should also predict subsequent unprovoked seizures. From the available literature, young age at the time of the first febrile seizure and a family history of febrile seizures predict recurrent febrile seizures, but do not predict subsequent unprovoked seizures. By contrast, a family history of epilepsy, complex febrile seizures and neurological abnormality are associated with an increased risk of subsequent epilepsy but are not consistently associated with the risk of a recurrent febrile seizure.
Nonsymmetrical, Nonlinear Aerospace Alternators on Nonlinear Loads

A two-dimensional numerical analysis of the cross section of a homopolar inductor alternator supplying a rectifier load is developed. Besides the effects of the nonlinearities of the magnetic materials, the eddy currents induced in the rotor by the nonlinear load are considered. Results for a 95-kVA homopolar inductor alternator are presented and include magnetic induction and flux distribution at two instants of time, output voltage, eddy current densities, and loss. The theoretical results have been found to be in good agreement with available test data on the alternator.
Comparison of anchor-based and distributional approaches in estimating important difference in common cold.

Context Evaluative health-related quality-of-life instruments used in clinical trials should be able to detect small but important changes in health status. Several approaches to minimal important difference (MID) and responsiveness have been developed.
The AutoVenture Forum: Demonstrating a new process for managing automotive innovation

Clemson University and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have designed and demonstrated the anchor service for an open innovation network that would accelerate the pace of innovation in the auto industry. This demonstration, called the AutoVenture Forum (AVF), marks the first time that an open-innovation service has been attempted at the industry level. The purpose of AVF is to link selected entrepreneurial companies with the technology base, systems integration, manufacturing, and market channels of the established auto industry. The first demonstration of the AutoVenture Forum was held near Detroit, Michigan on 22 September, 2010. Four important lessons for managing open innovation at the industry level emerged from this project: (a) the tiered supply industry forms the essential link between the OEM and the entrepreneurs because it solves the scale-up issue; (b) supply chain innovation builds job creation; (c) a high-quality flow of deal-ready entrepreneurs is essential to attract industry participation; and (d) industry leadership will be required to establish the complete innovation network.
THE WRITHE OF ORIENTED POLYGONAL GRAPHS

Given an edge-oriented polygonal graph in ℝ3, we describe a method for computing the writhe as the average of weighted directional writhe numbers of the graph in a few directions. These directions are determined by the graph and the weights are determined by areas of path-connected open regions on the unit sphere. Within each open region, the directional writhe is constant. We obtain a closed formula which extends the formula for the writhe of a polygon in ℝ3, including the important special case of writhe of embedded open arcs.
Health-care worker mortality and the legacy of the Ebola epidemic

The recent outbreak of Ebola in West Africa will leave a legacy significantly deeper than the morbidity and mortality caused directly by the disease. Ebola deaths have been disproportionately concentrated among health personnel. The fact that health-care workers are at greater risk of contracting Ebola will exacerbate existing skill shortages in countries that had few health personnel to begin with. The authors modelled how the loss of healthcare workers - defined here as doctors, nurses, and midwives - to Ebola may affect maternal, infant, and under-five mortality in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with the aim of characterizing the order of magnitude of likely effects, not providing specific pre dictions. The model’s use of cross country mortality coefficients assumes that the effect of health-care worker supply on maternal, infant, and under-five mortality in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone is similar to the cross-country average and has not changed since those coefficients were estimated. This work further assumes that unmeasured elements of health systems (such an overall measure of quality), associated with both health-care worker density and mortality, are not driving the result. The estimates suggest that substantial investment in health systems - and specifically in the health workforce - is urgently required not only to improve future epidemic preparedness and meet basic needs, but also to limit the secondary health effects of the current epidemic owing to the depletion of the health workforce.
Introducing programming logic in a one-credit course

Deciding on the best approach to introduce non-CS students to programming logic in a one-credit course can be a formidable task. Due to time constraints, it is essential that the curriculum content, as well as the programming tools of choice, be planned and chosen with great care. This paper will present three diverse approaches to creating an introduction to programming logic course and will suggest recommendations for best practices.
Selective oxidation and ammoxidation of propene on bismuth molybdates, ab initio calculations

In this paper we use first principles quantum mechanical methods (B3LYP flavor of density functional theory) to examine the mechanism of selective oxidation and ammoxidation of propene by BiMoOxcatalysts. To do this we use finite clusters chosen to mimic likely sites on the heterogeneous surfaces of the catalysts. We conclude that activation of the propene requires a Bi(V) site while all subsequent reactions involve di-oxo Mo(VI) sites adjacent to the Bi. We find that two such Mo sites are required for the most favorable reactions. These results are compatible with current experimental data. For ammoxidation, we conclude that ammonia activation would be easier on Mo(IV) rather than on Mo(VI). Ammonia would be activated more easily for more reducing condition. Since ammonia and propene are reducing agents, higher partial pressures of them could accelerate the ammonia activation. This is consistent with the kinetic model of ammoxidation proposed by Grasselli and coworkers that imido sites (Mo=NH) are more abundant in higher partial pressures of feed. Our calculations also indicate that allyl groups produced as a result of the hydrogen abstraction from propenes would be adsorbed more easily on imido groups (Mo=NH) than on oxo groups (Mo=O) and that the spectator oxo effect is larger than spectator imido effect. Thus, we propose that the best site for ammoxidation (at least for allyl adsorption) is the imido group of the “oxo–imido” species.
Infinite systems for a biharmonic problem in a rectangle: discussion of non–uniqueness

Meleshko & Gomilko, referred to below as MG, developed a systematic technique, based on Mellin transforms, for analysing the infinite systems that occur in various biharmonic problems for the rectangular domain. By estimating the asymptotic behaviour of the solution sequences, the convergence of the series is considerably improved, even at the corner points. However, MG overlooked the existence of solutions of the homogeneous systems, the consequent non–uniqueness and the need to satisfy solvability conditions in order for the solutions to exist. Fortunately, their main results remain valid and so the brief discussion here is aimed at elucidating the structures of the systems.
Homogeneous flow field effect on the control of Maxwell materials

The controllability of viscoelastic fields is a fundamental concept that defines some essential capabilities and limitations of the resulting materials. In this paper, we study the controllability of different homogeneous flow fields of viscoelastic fluids governed by the upper convected Maxwell model. The approach is largely based on the nonlinear geometric control theory. Through the analysis of the control Lie algebra, we find the submanifolds in the state space on which the homogeneous flow fields are weakly controllable. Our approach can be generalized to more complicated systems. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.