cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explaining Institutional Perception: The Role of Ego Development in Institutional Entrepreneurship

Despite its success in bringing agency back into organizational studies, some argue that institutional entrepreneurship leaves unresolved the paradox of embedded agency, which asks how actors are able to change the very institutions which have conditioned them. I propose dissolution of this paradox by focusing on the overlooked role of seeing. From this perspective institutional conditions are both constitutive of and constituted by an actor's perceptions. Once the individual is seen as a socius, an ego-alter dialectic, understanding the development of the self becomes central to explaining why some actors see one combination of interests-opportunities-resources while others do not, even when embedded in the same institutional matrix. The paper introduces organization scholars to Loevinger's (1976) ego development, a theory and measure of the developmental sequences of the self, and one of the most extensively validated and widely used constructs in the field of psychology. Using ego development I show that actors vary systematically in their ability to perceive conditions which enable institutional change.
Organoboranes : XI. A study of the mercuration of organoboranes containing secondary alkyl groups

Abstract The reaction of mercury(II) salts with trialkylboranes containing secondary alkyl groups is far more sluggish than the corresponding reaction of trialkylboranes with primary alkyl groups and only two of the three secondary alkyl groups react. The relative rates of reaction of a variety of mercury(II) salts with tricyclopentylborane are reported. The reactivities of a representative series of tri-sec-alkylboranes towards mercuric benzoate were found to decrease in the order: cyclopentyl > cyclohexyl > cyclooctyl > sec-butyl > norbornyl. The mercuration of tri- exo -norbornylborane proceeds with predominant retention of configuration. The reaction of mercuric benzoate with tricyclopentyl- and tricyclohexylboranes gives good yields of the corresponding alkylmercuric salts, but organoboranes containing more bulky alkyl groups exhibit exceedingly slow rates and the resulting decomposition of the organomercurials limits the synthetic utility of the reaction.
Understanding the scholarly writing development of nurses enrolled in U.S. clinical doctoral programs.

Problem Faculty teaching nurses enrolled in clinical doctoral programs need to understand the process of student scholarly writing development so that students can be prepared to share knowledge and communicate effectively in scholarly formats. Methods A hermeneutic phenomenological study that sought to understand the scholarly writing development of nurses enrolled in a clinical doctoral program was conducted. Findings Findings from interviews with six Doctor of Nursing Practice students revealed three themes: learning throughout life, influence of emotions, and getting through the gate. Conclusion Based upon these findings, recommendations for further development of doctoral student writing are suggested so that students can disseminate their knowledge in a scholarly manner, improve practice, and contribute to the profession.
The integrin αvβ8 mediates epithelial homeostasis through MT1-MMP–dependent activation of TGF-β1

Integrins, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), and the cytokine TGF-β have each been implicated in homeostatic cell behaviors such as cell growth and matrix remodeling. TGF-β exists mainly in a latent state, and a major point of homeostatic control is the activation of TGF-β. Because the latent domain of TGF-β1 possesses an integrin binding motif (RGD), integrins have the potential to sequester latent TGF-β (SLC) to the cell surface where TGF-β activation could be locally controlled. Here, we show that SLC binds to αvβ8, an integrin expressed by normal epithelial and neuronal cells in vivo. This binding results in the membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP–dependent release of active TGF-β, which leads to autocrine and paracrine effects on cell growth and matrix production. These data elucidate a novel mechanism of cellular homeostasis achieved through the coordination of the activities of members of three major gene families involved in cell–matrix interactions.
Proliferation-dependent Cytotoxicity of Anticancer Agents: A Review

One of the factors of importance in determining the killing of mammalian cells following exposure to a variety of anticancer agents is the proliferative state of the cell population. Generally, proliferating cells are much more sensitive to anticancer agents than are nonproliferating cells. In this review, the cellular aspects of this differential sensitivity are discussed with the hemopoietic stem cell population and tissue culture cells as the focus for the analysis. This phenomenon is not only of concern to the cell biologist but also has implications with regard to scheduling of anticancer agents against human tumors.
An analogue of continued fractions in number theory for Nevanlinna theory

We show an analogue of continued fractions in approximation to irrational numbers by rationals for Nevanlinna theory. The analogue is a sequence of points in the complex plane which approaches a given finite set of points and at a given rate in the sense of Nevanlinna theory.
Some Effects of Uncertainty: Simulation of a Model of Price

I. Introduction, 73. â€” II. The formal model, 75. â€” III. The functions and parameter values in the simulation, 77. â€” IV. The notion of stochastic equilibrium, 79. â€” V. Results of the simulation, 81. â€” VI. A numerical example, 84. â€” Appendix, 86.
Steady state thermal behavior of an adiabatic three phase slurry reactor—coal liquefaction under slow hydrogen consumption reaction regime

Abstract This paper presents an axial dispersion model for illustrating the steady state thermal behavior of an adiabatic three phase coal liquefaction reactor. The model predicted temperature profiles are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental data. The model is used to illustrate the effects of various scale up variables on the hydrogen consumption and temperature rise in an adiabatic coal liquefaction reactor with and without a single gas quench. An interstage recirculation model is also developed and used to examine the effects of these variables. The predictions of the interstage recirculation model agree reasonably well with those of the axial dispersion model even when only four stages are considered in the former case. The effects of reactor variables on the critical amount of quench required to maintain a constant reactor outlet temperature are illustrated.
Small-cluster calculations for the simple and extended Hubbard models

The single-band Hubbard model (both with and without first-neighbor interactions) is studied by exact diagonalization on several one- and two-dimensional clusters, ranging from four to nine sites, including rings and arrangements of squares. Occupancies include the half-filled band (one electron per site) and configurations with one and two holes in the half-filled band. Ground-state properties are determined for a wide range of parameters. We discuss the phase diagram in the (U,V) plane and consider spin, charge, and pairing correlations. The binding of a pair of holes is investigated. Circumstances in which binding and pairing are enhanced by first-neighbor interactions are described.
STUDIES OF E-ROSETTE-FORMING CAPACITY OF CORD BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES(CBL)

The capacity of CBL to form E-rosettes with sheep erythrocytes(SRBC) was evaluated at SRBC/CBL ratios ranging from 2 to 80, employing: 1) CBL containing autologous RBC, 2) relatively pure suspensions of CBL, and 3) CBL subjected to hypotonic shock with distilled water. The addition of autologous RBC to purified CBL also depressed E-rosette formation; hypotonic shock did not impair the uptake of 3Hthy by CBL. When the mean % E-rosette values were plotted as a function of different SRBC/CBL ratios, the shape of the curves obtained were similar, with the slope of the curves being very steep at the lower ratios. Moreover, the 50% E-rosette values were consistently observed at SRBC/CBL ratios between 8/1 and 16/1. The quantitative relationship of the curve using purified CBL was similar to that seen with adult lymphocytes. These results indicate that CBL have a capacity to bind SRBC probably comparable to that of adult lymphocytes, that a steric hindrance by autoiogous RBC may occur in the E-rosette phenomenon. They might also explain the divergent values of E-rosette % reported in cord blood.
Hybrid equilibria of field-reversed configurations

This paper presents the first detailed model of hybrid equilibria relevant to field-reversed configuration experiments, leading to a system of equations that are solved for a range of fully two-dimensional equilibria. Several features of these highly kinetic objects are explored. The range of equilibria is primarily dependent on a single free parameter related to the flow shear. The level of flow shear has a profound effect on the structure, especially near the separatrix. This likely has a strong influence on both stability and transport properties. Higher flow shear is favorable in every respect. The key factor behind the influence of flow shear is the relatively rapid end loss of unconfined ions. Differences between hybrid and static-fluid equilibrium models are highlighted, including the integrity of surface functions, the effect of flow shear, and the scrape-off layer thickness.
SYSTEMATIC BIASES IN CODED SOCIAL INTERACTION DATA

Sequential techniques to analyze social interaction (lag-sequential analysis, Markov chains, semi-Markov models) are newcomers to the methodological arsenal of communication researchers. As with any new methodology, these have many as yet unvoiced presumptions whose violation can affect materially the outcome of their applications. I identify one such presumption—“the perfect measurement presumption”—and demonstrate that violations of it can lead to serious systematic bias in parameter estimates. In addition, I discuss briefly a set of palliatives for this source of systematic bias.
Raman and fluorescent scattering by molecules embedded in small particles: Results for coherent optical processes

The work of the previous paper is extended to consider the effect upon coherent processes of embedment of inelastic scattering molecules within small dielectric spheres. In this case the scattered radiation field is obtained in analytic form by integrating the earlier result over the particle. Unlike the case for noncoherent inelastic processes, the scattering diagrams resemble qualitatively the main features of Lorenz-Mie scattering. The implications for developing coherent Raman techniques for diagnostic purposes are clear. Quantitative chemical analysis can only be carried out if the refractive index, the ratio of particle size to exciting and emitting wavelengths, and the scattering angle are specified.
Notch signaling is required for the formation of mesangial cells from a stromal mesenchyme precursor during kidney development

Mesangial cells are specialized pericyte/smooth muscle cells that surround and constrain the vascular network within the glomerulus of the kidney. They are derived from the stromal mesenchyme, a progenitor population distinct from nephron stem cells. Whether mesangial cells have a distinct origin from vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the pathways that govern their specification are unknown. Here we show that Notch signaling in stromal progenitors is essential for mesangial cell formation but is dispensable for the smooth muscle and interstitial cell lineages. Deletion of RBPjk, the common DNA-binding partner of all active Notch receptors, with Foxd1(tgCre) results in glomerular aneurysm and perinatal death from kidney failure. This defect occurs early in glomerular development as stromal-derived, desmin-positive cells fail to coalesce near forming nephrons and thus do not invade the vascular cleft of the S-shaped body. This is in contrast to other mutants in which the loss of the mesangium was due to migration defects, and suggests that loss of Notch signaling results in a failure to specify this population from the stroma. Interestingly, Pdgfrb-positive VSMCs do not enter the vascular cleft and cannot rescue the mesangial deficiency. Notch1 and Notch2 act redundantly through γ-secretase and RBPjk in this process, as individual mutants have mesangial cells at birth. Together, these data demonstrate a unique origin of mesangial cells and demonstrate a novel, redundant function for Notch receptors in mesangial cell specification, proliferation or survival during kidney development.
Finite element formulatons of structural acoustics problems

Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews several finite element formulations used to solve structural acoustics and fluid-structure interaction problems. The fluid can be modeled using finite element formulations based on fluid pressure, displacement, velocity potential and displacement potential, each of which has advantages in different situations. In addition, finite element structural models can be coupled with either boundary element or infinite element fluid models. The formulations are applicable to a variety of applications, including acoustic cavity analyis, acoustic radiation and scattering from elastic structures vibrations of submerged structures, dynamics of fluid-filled piping systems, underwater shock analyis and transient acoustics.
Factors Influencing Regional Myocardial Contractile Response to Inotropic Stimulation Analysis in Humans With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Background We hypothesized that the response of a myocardial segment to maximal dobutamine reflects not only maximal blood flow but also tethering, metabolic, and β-blocker status. Methods and Results Patients with stable ischemic heart disease (n=27) had positron emission tomographic measurement of blood flow at rest and with adenosine, and echocardiography at rest and with dobutamine. Positron emission tomographic measurement of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose myocardial distribution also was made. Adenosine blood flow in segments that contracted normally at peak dobutamine was similar to that of segments that became hypokinetic (1.06±0.72 versus 1.02±0.77 mL·g−1·min−1). Segments that became akinetic failed to augment blood flow (0.68±0.30 mL·g−1·min−1). Fluorodeoxyglucose–blood flow mismatch was more common in segments with abnormal wall motion at peak dobutamine (24 of 59, 41%) versus those that contracted normally (63 of 269, 23%; χ2, 7.40; P <.01). In patients off β-blockers, segments that contracted normally at peak dobutamine increased blood flow with adenosine (0.70±0.31 to 0.86±0.46 mL·g−1·min−1; P <.05), whereas those that became abnormal did not (0.63±0.24 to 0.65±0.19 mL·g−1·min−1; P =NS). Segments of patients on β-blockers that contracted normally at peak dobutamine increased blood flow with adenosine (0.78±0.31 to 1.10±0.70 mL·g−1·min−1; P <.05), as did segments that became abnormal (0.74±0.34 to 1.06±0.82 mL·g−1·min−1; P =NS). However, segments adjacent to ones with abnormal wall motion at rest had higher frequency of abnormal response at peak dobutamine in groups on (48% versus 16%; χ2, 14.1; P <.001) and off (51% versus 21%; χ2, 10.9; P <.01) β-blockers. Conclusions Augmented contraction at maximal dobutamine depends not only on increased myocardial blood flow but also on tethering, metabolic, and β-blocker status. Furthermore, impaired flow reserve does not preclude a normal response to maximal dobutamine, since blood flow need not increase greatly to meet demand.
A continuum of InsP3-mediated elementary Ca2+ signalling events in Xenopus oocytes

1 The elementary release events underlying inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-mediated calcium signalling were investigated in Xenopus oocytes by means of high-resolution confocal linescan imaging together with flash photolysis of caged InsP3. 2 Weak photolysis flashes evoked localized, transient calcium signals that arose at specific sites following random latencies of up to several seconds. The duration, spatial spread and amplitude of these elementary events varied widely. Event durations (at half-maximal amplitude) were distributed exponentially between about 100 and 600 ms. Fluorescence magnitudes (F/F0 of Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1) showed a skewed distribution with a peak at about 1.5 and a tail extending as high as 3.5. 3 Individual release sites exhibited both small events (blips) and large events (puffs). The spatiotemporal distribution of calcium signals during puffs was consistent with calcium diffusion from a point source (< a few hundred nanometres), rather than with propagation of a microscopic calcium wave. 4 Estimates of the calcium flux associated with individual events were made by integrating fluorescence profiles along the scan line in three dimensions to derive the ‘signal mass’ at each time point. The smallest resolved events corresponded to liberation of < 2 × 10−20 mol Ca2+, and large events to about 2 × 10−18 mol Ca2+. The rise of signal mass was more prolonged than that of the fluorescence intensity, suggesting that calcium liberation persists even while the fluorescence begins to decline. Rates of rise of signal mass corresponded to Ca2+ currents of 0.4-2.5 pA. 5 Measurements of signal mass from different events showed a continuous, exponential distribution, arising through variability in magnitude and duration of calcium flux. 6 We conclude that localized calcium transients in the oocyte represent a continuum of events involving widely varying amounts of calcium liberation, rather than falling into separate populations of ‘fundamental’ and ‘elementary’ events (blips and puffs) involving, respectively, single and multiple InsP3 receptor channels. This variability probably arises through stochastic variation in both the number of channels recruited and the duration of channel opening.
First Report of Rhizoctonia solani on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Sprouts in California.

In March 2007, mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts produced in an indoor sprouting facility in northern California developed brown lesions beginning 5 days after germination. Dark brown-to-reddish brown lesions with distinct margins developed on the stem, hypocotyl, and first true leaves of affected sprouts. Although all seed is routinely soaked in 20,000 mg Ca(OCl)2/liter of water for 15 min before germination, approximately 5 to 10% of the bean sprouts in several growing baskets (1.5 × 1.5 m) were affected and had to be discarded. Each basket contained approximately 1 t of sprouts. To isolate the causal organism, symptomatic stems were surface disinfested for 1 min in 0.5% NaOCl and incubated on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C. Cultures were identified as Rhizoctonia solani on the basis of morphological features including right-angled branching of brown hyphae and the presence of sclerotia. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region was performed with primers RS1 and RS4 (2)....
Utility as a rationale for choosing observer performance assessment paradigms for detection tasks in medical imaging

Purpose: Studies of lesion detectability are often carried out to evaluate medical imaging technology. For such studies, several approaches have been proposed to measure observer performance, such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), the localization ROC (LROC), the free-response ROC (FROC), the alternative free-response ROC (AFROC), and the exponentially transformed FROC (EFROC) paradigms. Therefore, an experimenter seeking to carry out such a study is confronted with an array of choices. Traditionally, arguments for different approaches have been made on the basis of practical considerations (statistical power, etc.) or the gross level of analysis (case-level or lesion-level). This article contends that a careful consideration of utility should form the rationale for matching the assessment paradigm to the clinical task of interest. Methods: In utility theory, task performance is commonly evaluated with total expected utility, which integrates the various event utilities against the probability of each event. To formalize the relationship between expected utility and the summary curve associated with each assessment paradigm, the concept of a “natural” utility structure is proposed. A natural utility structure is defined for a summary curve when the variables associated with the summary curve axes are sufficient for computing total expected utility, assuming that the disease prevalence is known. Results: Natural utility structures for ROC, LROC, FROC, AFROC, and EFROC curves are introduced, clarifying how the utilities of correct and incorrect decisions are aggregated by summary curves. Further, conditions are given under which general utility structures for localization-based methodologies reduce to case-based assessment. Conclusions: Overall, the findings reveal how summary curves correspond to natural utility structures of diagnostic tasks, suggesting utility as a motivating principle for choosing an assessment paradigm.
Highly resolving two-dimensional gels for protein sequencing.

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) PAGE, using carrier ampholytes for the first-dimension separation, has provided a tool for the simultaneous analysis of cellular proteins. To extend the utility of 2D PAGE to the preparative level, we have investigated the use of immobilized pH gradients (IPG) for the first-dimension separation. The results we have obtained indicate that as much as 1 mg of cellular protein can be loaded onto a single IPG gel without loss of resolution. Mutant polypeptides previously detected in carrier ampholyte-based 2D gels were equally detectable in IPG-based 2D gels. With IPG gels several hundred cellular polypeptides can be isolated, from as few as 10 gels, in sufficient amount for sequencing with current sequencing technology. We therefore conclude that IPG greatly enhances the prospects for the large-scale sequencing of cellular proteins for the development of 2D gel-related protein data bases and for the identification of new polypeptide gene products, with the attendant implications for a genome sequencing effort.
Susceptibility of hop to Phorodon humuli

A portion of the USDA World Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Germ Plasm Collection was screened for antibiosis to the hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Shrank). Hop aphid development and reproduction on the retained accessions 58016, 21090M, 21211, 21240, and 60038 were then compared to hop aphids reared on the commercial hop cultivars (cvs) L-8, Perle, Chinook, Galena, Eroica, Willamette, and Cascade. In general, hop aphids matured faster and reproduced more on the commercial cvs than on 21090M, 58016, 21211, or 21240. Accession 60038, of note because it supported unusually high numbers of aphids during screening, was found to be the most susceptible of any hop tested. Mortality and natality schedules were then combined to construct matrix models of aphid population growth on 60038, 58016, Cascade, and Perle (the most and least susceptible noncommercial and commercial hops, respectively). Beginning with one one-day-old nymph per leaf, the models predicted that P. humuli would require 24 days to surpass an action threshold of 100 aphids per leaf on 58016. This was seven days longer than on the susceptible Cascade and five days longer than on Perle. A commercial hop with the antibiosis of 58016 would probably require fewer insecticide applications during the growing season, thus retarding the development of insecticide resistance in P. humuli and enhancing the effectiveness of integrated management programs by protecting beneficial insects. Zusammenfassung Anfalligkeit von Hopfen auf Phorodon humuli Ein Teil der Genbank des USDA von Hopfen (Humulus lupulus L.) wurde auf Resistenz gegen Phorodon humuli (Shrank) getestet. Dabei wurden die besonders widerstandsfahigen Klone 58016, 21090M, 21211, 21240 sowie Klon 60038, der ungewohnlich viele Blattlause ertrug, ausgewahlt. Anschliesend wurde die Entwicklung und Vermehrung der Blattlause auf den ausgewahlten Klonen und auf den Handelssorten (cvs) L-8, Perle, Chinook, Galena, Eroica, Willamette, Cascade untersucht. Im Allgemeinen entwickelten sich die Blattlause auf den Handelssorten reascher und vermehrten sich starker als auf den resistenten Klonen. Klon 60038 war dagegen die anfalligste Sorte. Mortalitats- und Natlitatsdaten wurden kombiniert um Matrixmodelle des Populationswachstums der Blattlause auf 60038, 58016, Cascade und Perle (die am meisten und am wenigsten anfalligen kommerziellen und nichtkommerziellen Sorten) zu konstruieren. Die Modelle begannen bei 1 Larve pro Blatt und sagten voraus, dass die Aktionsgrenze von 100 Tieren pro Blatt auf 58016 nach 24 Tagen erreicht wird. Das ist 7 Tage spater als auf den anfalligen Sorten Cascade und 5 Tage spater als auf Perle. Eine kommerzielle Sorte mit der Anfalligkeit von 58016 wurde vermutlich wahrend der Vegetationszeit weniger Insektizidspritzungen benotigen. Damit wurde die Resistenzentwicklung bei Phorodon humuli verlangsamt und die Wirkung von IPM Programmen durch Schutz der naturlichen Feinde verbessert.
Spontaneous fusion and nonclonal growth of adult neural stem cells

Multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) can be isolated from various regions of the adult brain and propagated in vitro. Recent reports have suggested spontaneous fusion events among NSCs when grown as free-floating neurospheres that may affect the genetic composition of NSC cultures. We used adult NSCs expressing either red fluorescent protein (RFP) or green fluorescent protein (GFP) to analyze the fusion frequency of rat and mouse NSCs. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) revealed that, under proliferating conditions, approximately 0.2% of rat and mouse NSCs coexpressed RFP and GFP irrespective of whether the cells were grown as neurospheres (mouse NSCs) or as attached monolayers (rat and mouse NSCs). Fused cells did not proliferate and could not be propagated, suggesting that aberrantly fused cells are not viable. Furthermore, we found that neither neurospheres nor monolayers grew clonally, because even very low-density cultures had spheres containing both GFP- and RFP-expressing cells and monolayer patches with GFP- and RFP-expressing cells in close proximity. The nonclonal growth between distinct NSC populations strongly suggests the use of careful and precise culture conditions, such as single-cell assays, to characterize potency and growth of NSCs in vitro.
Optimizing Service Selection in Dynamic Workflow Composition: Using Social Media to Develop Recommendations

There is a nexus between information technology and the physical world, where the developments of service science intersect with the technological innovations offered by modern communication systems. When completing a business process, users rarely consume just one type of service; most business processes are a combination of both physical and electronic services. This paper examines a method for automating workflow composition from an assortment of physical and web services, and the utility of social media in recommending one composition over another based on consumer reviews.
Improving experimental phasing: the role of strongest reflections.

Very strong reflections have a dominant impact on the initial phasing and model-building stages of structure determination. However, experimental phasing (MIR, SAD or MAD) fails on some of the strongest reflections when the heavy-atom contribution to scattering is relatively weak or absent. It is shown that when just a few (∼50–100) of these reflections are assigned low-error phases, the entire set of isomorphous replacement phases becomes significantly improved after density modification. This improvement is indicated by higher map correlation coefficients and reduced mean phase errors of the updated data. The problem of phasing the strongest reflections may be solved by the direct measurement of triplet phases in a three-beam diffraction experiment. The analysis shows that merging isomorphous replacement data with a limited number of highly accurate phases from the reference-beam diffraction experiment would significantly improve conventional experimental phasing.
The Design and Enforcement of a Rule-based Constraint Policy Language for Service Composition

Service composition is a new paradigm for efficient and cost-effective IT service provisioning over the network. To safely and effectively deploy composed services within an organization or among multiple domains, one must be able to specify and enforce a variety of constraints such as those derived from legal regulations, Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and privacy and security policies. In this paper, we show through concrete examples that constraints involving topologies are common for composed services but are rarely supported by existing service composition policy languages. We then present a rule-based constraint policy language built on top of a general graph-based service composition model. The language provides a unified treatment to support both attribute-based and topology-based constraints. We further design an ontology-based policy framework for effective policy enforcement and analysis. Finally, we implement a prototype policy management system for service composition, and conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Technology Development Roadmaps - a Systematic Approach to Maturing Needed Technologies

Abstract. Planning and decision making represent important challenges for all projects. This paper presents the steps needed to assess technical readiness and determine the path forward to mature the technologies required for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant. A Technology Readiness Assessment is used to evaluate the required systems, subsystems, and components (SSC) comprising the desired plant architecture and assess the SSCs against established Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). A validated TRL baseline is then established for the proposed physical design. Technology Development Roadmaps are generated to define the path forward and focus project research and development and engineering tasks on advancing the technologies to increasing levels of maturity. Tasks include modeling, testing, bench-scale demonstrations, pilot-scale demonstrations, and fully integrated prototype demonstrations. The roadmaps identify precise project objectives and requirements; create a consensus vision of project needs; provide a structured, defensible, decision-based project plan; and, minimize project costs and schedules.
Fundamental theory of institutions: a lecture in honor of Leo Hurwicz

We follow Hurwicz in considering fundamental questions about social institutions. Hurwicz’s concept of incentive compatibility may help clarify old debates about socialism, where such questions arose. Moral hazard models show disadvantages of socialism, while adverse selection models may delimit its advantages. We review Hurwicz’s general theory of how institutions can be enforced in larger games, suggesting curb sets as an alternative enforcement theory that admits focal point effects. Finally, we consider specific problems of leadership and trust in establishing sovereign political institutions, where high officials can be deterred from abuse of power only by promises of large future rewards, which a leader must be credibly committed to fulfill.
Differential effects of simple repeating DNA sequences on gene expression from the SV40 early promoter.

The influence of simple repeat sequences, cloned into different positions relative to the SV40 early promoter/enhancer, on the transient expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was investigated. Insertion of (G)29•(C)29 in either orientation into the 5′-untranslated region of the CAT gene reduced expression in CV-1 cells 50-100 fold when compared with controls with random sequence inserts. Analysis of CAT-specific mRNA levels demonstrated that the effect was due to a reduction of CAT mRNA production rather than to post-transcriptional events. In contrast, insertion of the same insert in either orientation upstream of the promoter-enhancer or downstream of the gene stimulated gene expression 2-3-fold. These effects could be reversed by cotransfection of a competitor plasmid carrying (G)25•(C)25 sequences. The results suggest that a G•C-binding transcription factor modulates gene expression in this system and that promoter strength can be regulated by providing protein-binding sites in trans. Although constructs containing longer tracts of alternating (C-G), (T-G), or (A-T) sequences inhibited CAT expression when inserted in the 5′-untranslated region of the CAT gene, the amount of CAT mRNA was unaffected. Hence, these inhibitions must be due to post-transcriptional events, presumably at the level of translation. These effects of microsatellite sequences on gene expression are discussed with respect to recent data on related simple repeat sequences which cause several human genetic diseases.
Computer Minimization of Multivalued Switching Functions

A cubical representation for multivalued switching functions, which is very convenient for digital computer processing, is presented. A p-valued switching function of n variables is represented by an array of cubes. Each cube is composed of a logical co-efficient and n coordinates with each coordinate represented by p bits. A set of operators for multivalued logic design (such as sharp, union, etc.) for manipulating arrays of cubes is defined and used for minimizing multivalued switching functions. The idea of ``compound literals'' is introduced, which yields a realization with less hardware than the existing methods. Algorithms for finding all prime implicants, essential prime implicants, and a near-minimum cover for multivalued switching functions are presented that are suitable for both computer and hand execution. These algorithms have been programmed in Fortran.
The Economics and Ethics of Mixed Communities: Exploring the Philosophy of Integration Through the Lens of the Subprime Financial Crisis in the US

This article specifically aims to address both the economic and ethical implications of mixed communities in the US through the lens of market failure, and more specifically, the recent subprime financial crisis. Relative to the research of mixed communities and social integration efforts, I first intend to explore income mix as an explanatory variable of census tract level foreclosure rates in the state of Ohio, USA. I aim to show that counter-homogenous income communities display a greater capacity to absorb the adverse affects of the recent subprime financial crisis than concentrated communities of poverty. Second, I intend to provide an ethical appraisal of foreclosure effect on vulnerable communities using John Rawls’ “Veil of Ignorance” as an ethical framework by which to evaluate the “fairness” of social segregation. Ethically speaking, a Rawlsian critique exposes the sub-optimality of concentrated pockets of neighborhood deprivation, where the uneven affects of subprime foreclosures are not only disproportionately shouldered by lower-income communities, but also found to be unjust. This study is not intended to suggest the unqualified support of existing US dispersal efforts, but it does contribute to exposing the sub-optimality and injustices of inert, segregated communities.
Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health problem and significant burden for patients and health care providers in most parts of the world.1 HF is commonly classified as "diastolic" (preserved ejection fraction) or "systolic" (reduced ejection fraction), and currently heart failure with preserved or normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) accounts for more than 50% of all HF patients.2•3 Although the revised American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of HF adopted the tenn "heart failure with preserved" or normal "ejection fraction" rather than "diastolic HF,'14 the later term is still preferred by several investigators and certainly prevails in current diagnostic billing codes. Both tenns are used interchangeably in our own institution. Recent clinical studies have provided sufficient data to develop standardized diagnostic criteria to define HFNEF.1•5•7 HFNEF is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and/or signs of fluid retention with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and evidence of abnormal diastolic function. The purpose of this article is to provide perspective on the clinical and diagnostic (nonechocardiographic) aspects of HFNEF.
The Use and Interpretation of Standardized Grade Equivalents

The advantages and disadvantages of grade equivalents as indexes of academic achievement are discussed. One of the major drawbacks of grade equivalents is a lack of information regarding variability (viz., standard deviations) for different age groups. A method isproposed in which z scores, percentile tanks, or stanines could be used to provide grade equivalents. This approach eliminates several of the deficiencies associated with most grade equivalents while at the same time providing an index that has a known standard deviation.
Suboptimal weight loss after gastric bypass surgery: correlation of demographics, comorbidities, and insurance status with outcomes

Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGBP) is safe and effective at achieving weight loss in the majority of severely obese patients, a subset fails to achieve expected weight loss outcomes. Factors associated with poor weight loss are not well defined. Patients undergoing open RYGBP using a standardized surgical technique and clinical pathway by a single surgeon at a dedicated bariatric center were reviewed. Suboptimal weight loss was defined as failure to lose at least 40% excess body weight by 12 months postoperatively. Of 555 consecutive patients who underwent RYGBP from 1999 to 2004, a 12-month follow-up was available for the 495 (89%). Suboptimal weight loss occurred in 55 (11%) and was associated on unadjusted bivariate analysis with increased body mass index (BMI; p = 0.0002), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0002), Medicaid insurance (p = 0.04), and male sex (p = 0.01). On adjusted multivariate analysis, increased BMI (p = 0.003), diabetes (p = 0.002), and male gender (p = 0.04) were associated with suboptimal weight loss, but type of insurance (p = 0.11) was not. Medicaid patients were younger (p = 0.01) and had higher BMI (p = 0.0002). Suboptimal weight loss after RYGBP appears to be associated with greater BMI, male sex, and diabetes but not type of insurance. This study may help identify patients who could benefit from increased perioperative education and counseling or selection of procedures with greater malabsorption.
Ex vivo Expansion of Tumor-reactive T Cells by Means of Bryostatin 1/Ionomycin and the Common Gamma Chain Cytokines Formulation

It was reported that breast cancer patients have pre-existing immune responses against their tumors1,2. However, such immune responses fail to provide complete protection against the development or recurrence of breast cancer. To overcome this problem by increasing the frequency of tumor-reactive T cells, adoptive immunotherapy has been employed. A variety of protocols have been used for the expansion of tumor-specific T cells. These protocols, however, are restricted to the use of tumor antigens ex vivo for the activation of antigen-specific T cells. Very recently, common gamma chain cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 have been used alone or in combination for the enhancement of anti-tumor immune responses3. However, it is not clear what formulation would work best for the expansion of tumor-reactive T cells. Here we present a protocol for the selective activation and expansion of tumor-reactive T cells from the FVBN202 transgenic mouse model of HER-2/neu positive breast carcinoma for use in adoptive T cell therapy of breast cancer. The protocol includes activation of T cells with bryostatin-1/ionomycin (B/I) and IL-2 in the absence of tumor antigens for 16 hours. B/I activation mimics intracellular signals that result in T cell activation by increasing protein kinase C activity and intracellular calcium, respectively4. This protocol specifically activates tumor-specific T cells while killing irrelevant T cells. The B/I-activated T cells are cultured with IL-7 and IL-15 for 24 hours and then pulsed with IL-2. After 24 hours, T cells are washed, split, and cultured with IL-7 + IL-15 for additional 4 days. Tumor-specificity and anti-tumor efficacy of the ex vivo expanded T cells is determined.
Too many twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on: a call for new priorities.

Assisted reproductive technology has enabled thousands of infertile couples to experience the joys of parenthood. At various times, however, significant problems have come to light concerning the providing of infertility treatment in the United States. An early problem was misleading advertising by some infertility programs, particularly in regard to pregnancy success rates. This unacceptable activity suggested the need for more oversight of assisted reproductive technology and prompted the passage of a federal law requiring the reporting of success rates in a standardized format. Another problem, one that was especially disturbing, was the transfer of preembryos to infertile women at the University of California, Irvine, without the consent of the progenitor couples. Disclosure of these events added fuel to the debate over whether assisted reproductive technology should be subject to greater governmental regulation.
Measurement of Effective Knudsen Diffusion Coefficients for Powder Beds Used in Heterogeneous Uptake Experiments

The effective Knudsen diffusion coefficients for characteristic oxide powder beds used in heterogeneous uptake experiments have been measured using countercurrent diffusion and transient pressure drop techniques. Room-temperature thermal-velocity-normalized effective Knudsen diffusion coefficients are found to lie in the 0.15 to 0.35 μm range for magnesium silicate, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide powder beds. Measured values are compared with theoretical estimates and are consistent with low bed tortuosities (below 3) expected for media with open porosity above 0.5. The impact of uncertainties in effective diffusion coefficients on corrections of measured uptake coefficients is discussed. The value of careful uptake measurements in both the low and high sample mass limits is reinforced, as this allows uptake corrections independent of explicitly measured or estimated diffusion coefficient values. It is suggested that correction procedures requiring tortuosity values greater than 3 are suspect.
Emission cross sections for electron impact on Cl 2

We have measured the absolute emission cross section for the Cl{sub 2}{sup +} A {sup 2}{pi}{sub u}-X {sup 2}{pi}{sub g} system for 10-750 eV electrons incident on chlorine molecules. The cross section for the system possesses a broad peak at 100 eV of 2.0x10{sup -16} cm{sup 2}, typical of such ionization processes. At this energy, the A-X cross section is responsible for two-thirds of the total Cl{sub 2}{sup +} production and one-third of the total ionization cross section. We also measured the emission cross section from 7 to 740 eV for the 307 nm system of Cl{sub 2}. The energy dependence of the cross section indicates that the excitation is to a Cl{sub 2} {sup 1}{sigma}{sub u}{sup +} or {sup 1}{pi}{sub u} state with a decay to a repulsive potential.
Anterior thoracolumbar corpectomies: approach morbidity with and without an access surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Anterior approaches for thoracolumbar corpectomies can have sig - nificant morbidity. Spine surgeons have historically performed their own anterior approaches, but recently access surgeons are being used more frequently. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morbidity rates of approaches performed by an access surgeon and by an approach-trained spinal neurosurgeon. METHODS: From 2004 to 2008, 46 patients undergoing anterior thoracolumbar corpectomies (levels T2-L5) by the senior author (D.C.) were identified and subdivided into 2 groups based on whether an access surgeon was involved. Nine patients were excluded, leaving 37 patients in the final analysis. Blood loss, operative times, length of hospital stay, complications, and neurological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had anterior spinal access by an approach-trained spinal neurosurgeon, and 19 patients underwent the approach by an access surgeon. Surgeries performed by the spinal neurosurgeon alone were comparable to those performed by an access surgeon with respect to operative time, days spent in the hospital, blood loss, complication rates, and improvement in neurological function. CONCLUSION: There appears to be no increased morbidity of anterior approaches performed by an approach-trained spinal neurosurgeon compared with approaches performed by an access surgeon in terms of operative time, complication rate, and improvement in neurological function.
Deuterium in North Atlantic Storm Tops

During the ERICA project in 1989, ice crystals were collected from the tops of two winter storms and one broad cirrus cloud. Deuterium concentration in the storm ice samples, together with a model of isotope fractionation, are used to determine the temperature where the ice was formed. Knowledge of the ice formation temperature allows us to determine whether the ice has fallen or been lofted to the altitude of collection. In both storms, the estimated fall distance decreases upward. In the 21 January storm, the fall distance decreases to zero at the cloud top. In the 23 January storm, the fall distance decreases to zero at a point 2 km below the cloud top and appears to become negative above, indicating lofted ice. Cloud particle data from the cloud tops show an ice-to-vapor ratio greater than one and indicate the presence of particles with small terminal velocities; both observations support the idea of ice lofting. The satellite-derived cloud tops lie well below the actual cloud top (e.g., 2.5 km below on 23 January), indicating that the lofted ice in winter storms may not be detectable from space using IR radiance techniques. A comparison of deuterium in cloud-top ice and clear-air vapor suggests that even in winter, when vertical air motions are relatively weak, lofted ice crystals are the dominant source of water vapor in the upper troposphere.
Analogous Reference Tools Produced by the U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments

Abstract This guide lists a number of U.S. government publications frequently used as reference tools in libraries and compares them to Canadian government publications that contain similar material and may be used in similar fashion. Some U.S. and Canadian publications with no equivalent in the other country are also indicated.