bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Mediators Enhance the Excitability of Chronically Compressed Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Ma C. , Greenquist K. W. , LaMotte R. H.
Published: December 2005

A laterally herniated disk, spinal stenosis, and various degenerative or traumatic diseases of the spine can sometimes lead to a chronic compression and inflammation of the dorsal root ganglion and chronic abnormal sensations including pain. After a chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD) in rats, the somata in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) become hyperexcitable, and some exhibit ectopic, spontaneous activity (SA). Inflammatory mediators have a potential role in modulating the excitability of DRG neurons and therefore may contribute to the neuronal hyperexcitability after CCD. In this study, an inflammatory soup (IS) consisting of bradykinin, serotonin, prostaglandin E2, and histamine (each 10−6M) was applied topically to the DRG. The responses of DRG neurons were electrophysiologically recorded extracellularly from teased dorsal root fibers or intracellularly from the somata in the intact DRG or from dissociated neurons within 30 h of culture. In all three preparations, IS remarkably increased the discharge rates of SA CCD neurons and evoked discharges in more silent-CCD than control neurons. IS slightly depolarized the resting membrane potential and decreased the current and voltage thresholds of action potential in both intact and dissociated neurons, although the magnitude of depolarization or decrease in action potential threshold was not significantly different between CCD and control. IS-evoked responses were found in a proportion of neurons in each size category including those with and without nociceptive properties. Inflammatory mediators, by increasing the excitability of DRG somata, may contribute to CCD-induced neuronal hyperexcitability and to hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia.
Circuit Properties Generating Gamma Oscillations in a Network Model of the Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Bathellier Brice , Lagier Samuel , Faure Philippe , Lledo Pierre-Marie
Published: December 2005

The study of the neural basis of olfaction is important both for understanding the sense of smell and for understanding the mechanisms of neural computation. In the olfactory bulb (OB), the spatial patterning of both sensory inputs and synaptic interactions is crucial for processing odor information, although this patterning alone is not sufficient. Recent studies have suggested that representations of odor may already be distributed and dynamic in the first olfactory relay. The growing evidence demonstrating a functional role for the temporal structure of bulbar neuronal activity supports this assumption. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this temporal structure have never been thoroughly studied. Our study focused on gamma (40–100 Hz) network oscillations in the mammalian OB, which is a form of temporal patterning in bulbar activity elicited by olfactory stimuli. We used computational modeling combined with electrophysiological recordings to investigate the basic synaptic organization necessary and sufficient to generate sustained gamma rhythms. We found that features of gamma oscillations obtained in vitro were identical to those of a model based on lateral inhibition as the coupling modality (i.e., low irregular firing rate and high oscillation stability). In contrast, they differed substantially from those of a model based on lateral excitatory coupling (i.e., high regular firing rate and instable oscillations). Therefore we could precisely tune the oscillation frequency by changing the kinetics of inhibitory events supporting the lateral inhibition. Moreover, gradually decreasing GABAergic synaptic transmission decreased the degree of relay neuron synchronization in response to sensory inputs, both theoretically and experimentally. Thus we have shown that lateral inhibition provides a mechanism by which the dynamic processing of odor information might be finely tuned within the OB circuit.
Compensatory Contribution of Cav2.3 Channels to Acetylcholine Release at the Neuromuscular Junction ofTotteringMice
Authors: Kaja Simon , Van de Ven Rob C. G. , Ferrari Michel D. , Frants Rune R. , Van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M. , Plomp Jaap J.
Published: December 2005

Tottering ( Tg) mice carry the mutation P601L in their Cacna1a encoded Cav2.1 channels. Transmitter release at the wild-type neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is almost exclusively mediated by Cav2.1 channels, and we used this model synapse to study synaptic consequences of the Tg mutation. With electrophysiology, and using subtype-specific Cav2 channel-blocking toxins, we assessed a possible compensatory contribution of non-Cav2.1 channels to evoked acetylcholine (ACh) release at Tg NMJs. Release was reduced by ∼75% by the Cav2.1 channel blocker ω-agatoxin-IVA, which was less than the ∼95% reduction observed in wild-type. Release at Tg NMJs, but not at wild-type synapses, was reduced by ∼15% by SNX-482, a Cav2.3 channel blocker. No Cav2.2 channel involvement was found. Probably, there is a small reduction in functional presynaptic Cav2.1 channels at Tg NMJs, which is compensated for by Cav2.3 channels. The remaining Cav2.1 channels are likely to convey enlarged Ca2+flux, because evoked ACh release at Tg NMJs, at low extracellular Ca2+concentration, was approximately sixfold higher than at wild-type NMJs. This is the first report of compensatory expression of non-Cav2.1 channels at NMJs of mice with a single amino acid change in Cav2.1.
Line profile analysis at the Universities of Rennes and Birmingham: 1967 to 2000
Authors: Langford J. Ian
Published: December 2005

From 1967 to 2000 Daniel Louër of the Department of Crystal Chemistry, University of Rennes, and J. Ian Langford of the Department of Physics, University of Birmingham, collaborated in studying structural imperfections by means of high-resolution X-ray powder diffractometry. They contributed to the theory and practice of line profile analysis and investigated the microstructure of a variety of nanocrystalline materials. Although many of the projects undertaken were part of the research programme at Rennes to investigate the mechanisms of solid-state reactions, the work is relevant in other fields of materials science.
History of the dichotomy method for powder pattern indexing
Authors: Boultif Ali
Published: December 2005

A short history of the developments of the successive dichotomy method for powder pattern indexing is presented. In the first computer powder indexing programs (P1 and P2), only high lattice symmetries, down to orthorhombic, were considered [Louër and Louër, J. Appl. Crystallogr. 5, 271–275 (1972)]. Later on, an extension to the monoclinic symmetry was reported in DICVOL, including a partition of the volume space to first search solutions with smaller unit cell volumes [Louër and Vargas, J. Appl. Crystallogr. 15, 542–545 (1982)]. However, CPU times were slow in some monoclinic examples. A thorough mathematical analysis resulted in a significant optimization of the CPU times [Boultif and Louër, J. Appl. Crystallogr. 24, 987–993 (1991)]. Simultaneously, the method is extended to triclinic lattices. The stages of development of the various versions of the DICVOL program are described, with a particular emphasis on DICVOL91 (Boultif and Louër, 1991) and DICVOL04 [Boultif and Louër, J. Appl. Crystallogr. 37, 724–731 (2004)]. This article is written to testify to and emphasize the major role played by Daniel Louër, who introduced the successive dichotomy method and continued to its evolution and optimization over almost 40 years.
Grain size distribution of nanocrystalline systems
Authors: Scardi Paolo , Leoni Matteo , Lamas Diego G. , Cabanillas Edgardo D.
Published: December 2005

The diffraction pattern of nanocrystalline Ce0.9Zr0.1O2was analyzed by whole powder pattern modeling, a recently proposed method for the study of line broadening. The main result in this typical case of study—the crystalline domain size distribution—matches closely the corresponding information obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Further information on nature and content of lattice defects is also discussed.
Crystal structure determination of 1-pentanol from low-temperature powder diffraction data by Patterson search methods
Authors: Ramírez-Cardona M. , Ventolà L. , Calvet T. , Cuevas-Diarte M. A. , Rius J. , Amigó J. M. , Reventós M. M.
Published: December 2005

In the course of our research on normal alkanols, the crystal structure of 1-pentanol has been solved by applying Patterson-search methods to laboratory powder X-ray diffraction data recorded on a curved position-sensitive detector (CPS120) at 183 K. The crystal structure was refined with the rigid-body Rietveld least-squares method. The cell is monoclinic, space group P21∕c, Z=4, and the cell parameters are a=15.592(9) Å, b=4.349(1) Å, c=9.157(1) Å, β=104.7(7)°, V=600.6(3) Å3. There is one molecule in the asymmetric unit with the O–H bond in gauche conformation with respect to the alkyl skeleton. Packing is defined by the hydrogen bonds linking the 1-pentanol molecules along zigzag chains parallel to b.
Correlation between subgrains and coherently scattering domains
Authors: Ungár T. , Tichy G. , Gubicza J. , Hellmig R. J.
Published: December 2005

Crystallite size determined by X-ray line profile analysis is often smaller than the grain or subgrain size obtained by transmission electron microscopy, especially when the material has been produced by plastic deformation. It is shown that besides differences in orientation between grains or subgrains, dipolar dislocation walls without differences in orientation also break down coherency of X-rays scattering. This means that the coherently scattering domain size provided by X-ray line profile analysis provides subgrain or cell size bounded by dislocation boundaries or dipolar walls.
FOX: A friendly tool to solve nonmolecular structures from powder diffraction
Authors: Černý Radovan , Favre-Nicolin Vincent
Published: December 2005

Structural characterization from powder diffraction of compounds not containing isolated molecules but three-dimensional infinite structure (alloys, intermetallics, framework compounds, extended solids) by direct space methods has been largely improved in the last 15 years. The success of the method depends very much on a proper modeling of the structure from building blocks. The modeling from larger building blocks improves the convergence of the global optimization algorithm by a factor of up to 10. However, care must be taken about the correctness of the building block, like its rigidity, deformation, bonding distances, and ligand identity. Dynamical occupancy correction implemented in the direct space programFOXhas shown to be useful when merging excess atoms, and even larger building blocks like coordination polyhedra. It also allows joining smaller blocks into larger ones in the case when the connectivity was nota priorievident from the structural model. We will show in several examples of nonmolecular structures the effect of the modeling by correct structural units.
X-ray diffraction analyses of 3D MgO-based replicas of diatom microshells synthesized by a low-temperature gas/solid displacement reaction
Authors: Haluska M. S. , Dragomir I. C. , Sandhage K. H. , Snyder R. L.
Published: December 2005

The nanostructural features of the gas-phase displacement reaction 2Mg(g)+SiO2→2MgO(s)+{Si}, where SiO2 is in the form of diatom shells were studied via X-ray diffraction and Fourier methods. Diatomaceous powder heated to 700 °C in a sealed graphite cell in the presence of Mg vapor formed MgO via a displacement reaction. Warren-Averbach analysis performed on samples reacted for different times showed an initial sharp MgO grain size distribution which broadened with time. New MgO crystallization was shown to occur until about 60 min, whereafter only MgO grain growth occurred. Median MgO crystallite size increased from 7.5 to 24.9 nm during this period, whereas microstrain decreased dramatically past 60 min annealing time.
Full powder pattern decomposition and direct phasing inEXPO2004: A statistical study
Authors: Altomare Angela , Cuocci Corrado , da Silva Iván , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Giuseppina Moliterni Anna Grazia , Rizzi Rosanna
Published: December 2005

Ab initiocrystal structure solution by powder diffraction data is based on the experimental full pattern decomposition process: the resulting structure factor moduli are used for direct phasing. The extracted intensity estimates are scarcely accurate (overlapping, background, and preferred orientation are the main causes of the lack of accuracy), no matter if Le Bail or Pawley method is adopted: consequently the structure solution process is not straightforward. We have focused our attention on the relation between the efficiency of theEXPO2004phasing process and the various parameters which are normally used in the full pattern decomposition process, e.g., the peak shape function, the number of refinement cycles, the degree of overlapping. Different steps of the phasing process are considered: the definition of the unit cell, the determination of the space group, and the application of direct methods.
Instrumental aspects in X-ray diffraction on polycrystalline materials
Authors: Guinebretière R. , Boulle A. , Masson O. , Dauger A.
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this paper is to give a rapid overview of the recent developments in the field of X-ray diffraction on polycrystalline materials from the viewpoint of the instruments. After a brief historical report, the main types of laboratory diffractometers are presented. At the end of the twentieth century the apparition of position sensitive detectors and artificial crystal monochromators have induced the conception of new diffractometer often based on old geometrical arrangements. Those modern diffractometers are described with respect to the more conventional ones. Among the experimental parameters which can characterize a given diffractometer, the instrumental resolution function and the acquisition time of the pattern are of primary importance. The different apparatus are compared with respect to those two parameters.
Microstructural analysis of nickel hydroxide: Anisotropic size versus stacking faults
Authors: Casas-Cabanas Montse , Palacín Maria Rosa , Rodríguez-Carvajal Juan
Published: December 2005

Two different approaches for studying sample’s contributions to diffraction-line broadening are analyzed by applying them to several nickel hydroxide samples. Both are based in the refinement of powder diffraction data but differ in the microstructural model used. The first one consists in the refinement of the powder diffraction pattern using theFAULTSprogram, a modification ofDIFFaX, which assigns peak broadening mainly to the presence of stacking faults and treats finite size effects by convolution with a Voigt function. The second method makes use of the programFULLPROF, which allows the use of linear combinations of spherical harmonics to model peak broadening coming from anisotropic size effects. The complementary use of transmission electron microscopy has allowed us to evaluate the best approach for the Ni(OH)2case. In addition, peak shifts, corresponding to reflections 10l(l≠0) were observed in defective nickel hydroxide samples that can be directly correlated with the degree of faulting.
On symmetries and invariant solutions of a coupled KdV system with variable coefficients
Authors: Singh K. , Gupta R. K.
Published: December 2005

We investigate symmetries and reductions of a coupled KdV system with variable coefficients. The infinitesimals of the group
of transformations which leaves the KdV system invariant and
the admissible forms of the coefficients are obtained using the
generalized symmetry method based on the Fréchet derivative of
the differential operators. An optimal system of conjugacy
inequivalent subgroups is then identified with the adjoint action
of the symmetry group. For each basic vector field in the optimal
system, the KdV system is reduced to a system of
ordinary differential equations, which is further studied with the
aim of deriving certain exact solutions.
Stability of nonaxisymmetric ferrofluid flow in rotating cylinders with magnetic field
Authors: Singh Jitender , Bajaj Renu
Published: December 2005

Effect of an axially applied magnetic field on
the stability of a ferrofluid flow in an annular space between two coaxially
rotating cylinders with nonaxisymmetric disturbances has been
investigated numerically. The critical value of the ratio Ω∗
of angular speeds of the two cylinders, at the onset of the first
nonaxisymmetric mode of disturbance, has been observed to be
affected by the applied magnetic field.
Coset enumeration of groups generated by symmetric setsof involutions
Authors: Sayed Mohamed
Published: December 2005

All non‐abelian finite simple groups can be symmetrically
generated by involutions. An algorithm which performs coset
enumeration for a group defined in this manner on the cosets of a
subgroup of automorphisms of these involutions is presented.
Analytic Erdös‐Turán conjectures and Erdös‐Fuchs theorem
Authors: Haddad L. , Helou C. , Pihko J.
Published: December 2005

We consider and study formal power series, that we call supported
series, with real coefficients which are either zero or bounded
below by some positive constant. The sequences of such
coefficients have a lot of similarity with sequences of natural
numbers considered in additive number theory. It is this analogy
that we pursue, thus establishing many properties and giving
equivalent statements to the well‐known Erdös‐Turán
conjectures in terms of supported series and extending to them a
version of Erdös‐Fuchs theorem.
Completely regular fuzzifying topological spaces
Authors: Katsaras A. K.
Published: December 2005

Some of the properties of the completely regular fuzzifying
topological spaces are investigated. It is shown that a fuzzifying
topology τ is completely regular if and only if it is induced
by some fuzzy uniformity or equivalently by some fuzzifying
proximity. Also, τ is completely regular if and only if it is
generated by a family of probabilistic pseudometrics.
Non‐Archimedean valued quasi‐invariant descending at infinity measures
Authors: Lüdkovsky S. V.
Published: December 2005

Measures with values in non‐Archimedean fields, which are
quasi‐invariant and descending at infinity on topological vector
spaces over non‐Archimedean fields, are studied in this paper.
Moreover, their characteristic functionals are considered. In
particular, measures having convolution properties like classical
Gaussian measures are investigated in the paper. Applications of
such measures to pseudodifferential operators and stochastic
processes are considered. Nevertheless, it is proved that there
does not exist the complete non‐Archimedean analog of Gaussian
measures. Theorems about either equivalence or orthogonality of
measures from the considered class are proved. In addition, a
pseudodifferentiability of such measures is investigated.
Rate of convergence of beta operators of second kind for functions with derivatives of bounded variation
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Abel Ulrich , Ivan Mircea
Published: December 2005

We study the approximation properties of beta operators of second
kind. We obtain the rate of convergence of these operators for
absolutely continuous functions having a derivative equivalent to
a function of bounded variation.
New error inequalities for the Lagrange interpolating polynomial
Authors: Ujević Nenad
Published: December 2005

A new representation of remainder of Lagrange interpolating
polynomial is derived. Error inequalities of Ostrowski‐Grüss
type for the Lagrange interpolating polynomial are established.
Some similar inequalities are also obtained.
A series transformation formula and related polynomials
Authors: Boyadzhiev Khristo N.
Published: December 2005

We present a formula that turns power series into series of
functions. This formula serves two purposes: first, it helps to
evaluate some power series in a closed form; second, it transforms
certain power series into asymptotic series. For example, we find
the asymptotic expansions for λ > 0 of the incomplete gamma function γ(λ, x) and of the Lerch transcendent Φ(x, s, λ). In one particular case, our formula reduces
to a series transformation formula which appears in the works of
Ramanujan and is related to the exponential (or Bell) polynomials.
Another particular case, based on the geometric series, gives rise
to a new class of polynomials called geometric polynomials.
Chaos: Challenges from and to socio‐spatial form and policy
Authors: Dendrinos Dimitrios S.
Published: December 2005

A brief assessment is given of the major accomplishments made through the mathematics of chaos to the understanding of socio‐spatial dynamics to date. Certain shortfalls are also presented, mostly associated with model testing and falsifiability which transcend socio‐spatial dynamics. Beyond such shortcomings, lie an array of challenges for chaotic dynamics involving specifically socio‐spatial form and policy. A few directions on meeting these challenges are suggested including the case of limited chaos.
The new science of complexity
Authors: McCauley Joseph L.
Published: December 2005

Deterministic chaos, and even maximum computational complexity, have been discovered within Newtonian dynamics. Economists assume that prices and price changes can also obey abstract mathematical laws of motion. Sociologists and other postmodernists advertise that physics and chemistry have outgrown their former limitations, that chaos and complexity provide new holistic paradigms for science, and that the boundaries between the hard and the soft sciences, once impenetrable, have disappeared like the Berlin Wall. Three hundred years after the deaths of Galileo, Descartes, and Kepler, and the birth of Newton, reductionism appears to be on the decline, with holistic approaches to science on the upswing. We therefore examine the evidence that dynamical laws of motion may be discovered from empirical studies of chaotic or complex phenomena, and also review the foundation of reductionism in invariance principles.
Linear bifurcation analysis with applications to relative socio‐spatial dynamics
Authors: Sonis M.
Published: December 2005

The objective of this research is the elaboration of elements of linear bifurcation analysis for the description the qualitative properties of orbits of the discrete autonomous iteration processes on the basis of linear approximation of the processes. The basic element of this analysis is the geometrical and numerical modification and application of the classical Routhian formalism, which is giving the description of the behavior of the iteration processes near the boundaries of the stability domains of equilibria. The use of the Routhian formalism is leading to the mapping of the domain of stability of equilibria from the space of control bifurcation parameters into the space of orbits of iteration processes. The study of the behavior of the iteration processes near the boundaries of stability domains can be achieved by the converting of coordinates of equilibria into control bifurcation parameters and by the movement of equilibria in the space of orbits. The crossing the boundaries of the stability domain reveals the plethora of the possible ways from stability, periodicity, the Arnold mode‐locking tongues and quasi‐periodicity to chaos. The numerical procedure of the description of such phenomena includes the spatial bifurcation diagrams in which the bifurcation parameter is the equilibrium itself. In this way the central problem of control of bifurcation can be solved: for each autonomous iteration process with big enough number of external parameters construct the realization of this iteration process with a preset combination of qualitative properties of equilibria. In this study the two‐dimensional geometrical and numerical realizations of linear bifurcation analysis is presented in such a form which can be easily
extended to multi‐dimensional case. Further, a newly developed class of the discrete
relative m‐population/n‐location Socio‐Spatial dynamics is described. The proposed algorithm of linear bifurcation analyses is used for the detail analysis of the log–log‐linear
model of the one population/three location discrete relative dynamics.
Sociodynamics applied to the evolution of urban and regional structures
Authors: Weidlich Wolfgang
Published: December 2005

The article consists of two parts. In the first section the concepts of sociodynamics are briefly explained. Sociodynamics is a general modelling strategy for the quantitative description of dynamic processes in the human society. The central concepts of sociodynamics include transition rates depending on dynamic utilities and the master equation for the probability distribution over macrovariables. From it the set of nonlinear coupled differential equations for the quasi‐meanvalues of the macrovariables can be derived.

In the second part this modelling strategy is applied to two “windows of perception” of the evolution of settlement structures: one model refers to the relatively fast urban evolution on the microscale and the other refers to the relatively slow regional evolution on the macroscale.

The micromodel considers the urban structure as a system of sites on which different kinds of buildings (dwellings, schools, stores, service‐stations, factories…) can be erected. The step by step evolution of the city configuration is treated as a stochastic process guided by utility considerations. The sociodynamic formalization of this concept leads to equations for the evolution of the urban city configuration. Numerical simulations illustrate this urban “microdynamics”.

The macromodel treats the settlement formation in a region on a more global scale. The evolution of the density of economically active populations who produce and consume goods is considered. The driving force of density changes is the spatial difference of incomes motivating the individuals to migrate to locations of optimal income. This nonlinear process leads to the self‐organisation of spatially heterogeneous population distributions forming the settlements. Their micro‐structure can thereupon be treated by the micromodel.
Universality of oscillation theory laws. types and role of mathematical models
Authors: Landa Polina S.
Published: December 2005

The universality of oscillation theory laws is discussed. It is suggested that all models of concrete systems be separated into four categories: models – “portraits” of investigated systems, models of the type of “black box”, aggregating models, and models of certain phenomena which can occur in real systems. As an example of the model of the fourth type, the equation of oscillations of a pendulum with a randomly vibrating suspension axis is considered for the purpose of clarifying the mechanism of the transition to turbulence.
Active stabilization of a chaotic urban system
Authors: Haag Günter , Hagel Tilo , Sigg Timm
Published: December 2005

A new method to stabilize dynamical systems by forcing the system variables into the desired unstable stationary point is proposed. The key conception of the method is based on parametric perturbation. This means that the equations of motion are influenced by continuous variation of some selected parameters. Thus – without using any external forces – the motion of the system approaches the chosen unstable stationary point. The variation of the parameters will vanish after the successful stabilization. Therefore, the system and its parameters are changed during the control process only. The algorithm is applied to an urban system within a metropolitan area obeying a Lorenz‐type dynamics as well as to the Hénon attractor as an example for a discrete scenario.
Ergodic cobweb chaos
Authors: Matsumoto Akio
Published: December 2005

This study augments the traditional linear cobweb model with lower and upper bounds for variations of output. Its purpose is to detect the relationship between the output
constraints and the dynamics of the modified model. Due to the upper and lower bounds,
a transitional function takes on a tilted z‐profile having three piecewise segments with
two turning points. It prevents the price (or quantity) dynamics from explosive
oscillations. This study demonstrates, by presenting numerical examples, that the
modified cobweb model can generate various dynamics ranging from stable periodic
cycles to ergodic chaos if a product of the marginal propensity to consume and the
marginal product is greater than unity.
Characteristic phenomena in combustion
Authors: Meinköhn Dirk
Published: December 2005

For the case of a reaction–diffusion system, the stationary states may be represented by means of a state surface in a finite‐dimensional state space. In the simplest example of a single semi‐linear model equation given. in terms of a Fredholm operator, and under the assumption of a centre of symmetry, the state space is spanned by a single state variable and a number of independent control parameters, whereby the singularities in the set of stationary solutions are necessarily of the cuspoid type. Certain singularities among them represent critical states in that they form the boundaries of sheets of regular stable stationary solutions. Critical solutions provide ignition and extinction criteria, and thus are of particular physical interest. It is shown how a surface may be derived which is below the state surface at any location in state space. Its contours comprise singularities which correspond to similar singularities in the contours of the state surface, i.e., which are of the same singularity order. The relationship between corresponding singularities is in terms of lower bounds with respect to a certain distinguished control parameter associated with the name of Frank‐Kamenetzkii.
Catastrophe models and the expansion method: A review of issues and an application to the econometric modeling of economic growth
Authors: Casetti Emilio
Published: December 2005

Many negative reactions to Catastrophe Theory have been triggered by overly simplistic applications unintended and unsuited for statistical‐econometric estimation, inference, and testing. In this paper it is argued that stochastic catastrophe models constructed using the Expansion Method hold the most promise to widen the acceptance of Catastrophe Theory by analytically oriented scholars in the social sciences and elsewhere. The paper presents a typology of catastrophe models, and demonstrates the construction and estimation of an econometric expanded cusp catastrophe model of economic growth.
Well‐posedness of difference elliptic equation
Authors: Sobolevskii Pavel E.
Published: December 2005

The exact with respect to step h ∈ (0, 1] coercive inequality for solutions in Ch of difference elliptic equation is established.
About chaotization mechanisms of the distributed dynamical systems which are close to discrete
Authors: Bliokh Yu. P. , Lyubarsky M. G. , Podobinsky V. O.
Published: December 2005

The investigations of stochastization mechanisms of distributed dynamical systems (DDS) are developed not so complete as stochastization of dynamical systems with concentrated parameters (CDS). Therefore the corresponding DDS which is close (in one or other sense) to the CDS under consideration is used. Such substitution means some roughening of an initial problem. However, there are such important stochastization mechanisms understanding properties, which are connected with system “distributivity” on principle. In this paper the conception of a proximity to the CDS is introduced for one particular class of the DDS. It is shown that such kind of systems has two stochastization mechanisms, one of which is common to the DDS and the corresponding CDS. Another stochastization mechanism inherent in DDS disappears under transition from DDS to CDS.Distributed dynamical system considered below is not abstract but describes the set of concrete physical devices, for example, microwave oscillators. It may be devices in which kinetic energy of an accelerated electron beam is transformed into electromagnetic radiation energy, or oscillators with delayed feedback.
Discrete dynamics in transitional economies
Authors: Rosser, J. Barkley , Rosser Marina Vcherashnaya
Published: December 2005

This paper traces the transition from planned command socialism to market capitalism and the accompanying complex non‐linear dynamics involved. Long wave chaotic hysteretic investment cycles emerge under socialism leading to crisis and breakdown. Macroeconomic collapse occurs with bifurcations of coordination structures during transition. During recovery, transitional cobweb labor market dynamics exhibit chaos, fractal basin boundaries between coexisting non‐chaotic attractors, discontinuous phase transitions, strange attractors, and cascades of infinitely many period‐doubling bifurcations.
Nonlinear feedback control of spatiotemporal chaos in coupled map lattices
Authors: Fang Jin-Qing , Ali M. K.
Published: December 2005

We describe a nonlinear feedback functional method for study both of control and synchronization of spatiotemporal chaos. The method is illustrated by the coupled map
lattices with five different connection forms. A key issue addressed is to find nonlinear
feedback functions. Two large types of nonlinear feedback functions are introduced. The
efficient and robustness of the method based on the flexibility of choices of nonlinear
feedback functions are discussed. Various numerical results of nonlinear control are
given. We have not found any difficulty for study both of control and synchronization
using nonlinear feedback functional method. The method can also be extended to time
continuous dynamical systems as well as to society problems.
A Fusion Bomb over Andalucía: U.S. Information Policy and the 1966 Palomares Incident
Authors: Stiles David
Published: December 2005

The fiery mid-air collision of two U.S. Air Force planes in January 1966 caused a payload of hydrogen bombs to fall on the countryside near the village of Palomares in the southern Spanish region of Andalucía. Although no nuclear explosions resulted, the incident scattered small amounts of radioactive material. A more serious problem, however, was the loss of one of the hydrogen bombs in the nearby waters of the Mediterranean Sea. During the prolonged period in which U.S.military teams worked to recover the missing bomb, government of ficials hastily cobbled together an information policy to deal with members of the press. Their efforts were almost not enough to quell rising concerns in Spain and in other European countries. The Palomares incident is an excellent historical illustration of the need for a versatile information policy that can be organized and set into action almost immediately after a sensitive military incident.
Ireland, the Marshall Plan, and U.S. Cold War Concerns
Authors: Whelan Bernadette
Published: December 2005

The implementation of the Marshall Plan in Europe from 1947 to 1951 has been increasingly well documented as archival materials have become available. Although U.S. motivations and the extent of the U.S. contribution to rehabilitating and uniting Europe, thwarting Communism, and consolidating democracy are still debated by historians, there is little disagreement about the impressive size and logistics of the program. However, not all of the assistance delivered was in the form of food, finance, and technical advice. Ideological and psychological weapons were also used. This article examines all of these aspects of the Marshall Plan and how the campaigns actually worked in a country that has often been left out of analyses of the postwar reconstruction Ireland. Because Ireland had been neutral during the war and wanted to remain neutral afterward, the question of participating in a U.S. sponsored program that did not include the Communist European states (because the Soviet Union vetoed their participation) raised sensitive questions within Ireland about the desirability of being so conspicuously aligned with a Western bloc.
Esotericism Ancient and Modern
Authors: Frazer Michael L.
Published: December 2005

Leo Strauss presents at least two distinct accounts of the idea that the authors in the political-philosophical canon have often masked their true teachings. A weaker account of esotericism, dependent on the contingent fact of persecution, is attributed to the moderns, while a stronger account, stemming from a necessary conflict between philosophy and society, is attributed to the ancients. Although most interpreters agree that Strauss here sides with the ancients, this view fails to consider the possibility that Strauss's writings on esotericism may themselves be composed esoterically. A reevaluation of Straussian hermeneutics in light of this possibility suggests that the elitism and secrecy often associated with “Straussianism” may stem, not from Strauss's true account of esotericism, but instead from an exoteric doctrine designed to seduce students into a life of philosophy.
The Solitary Walker in the Political World
Authors: Lane Joseph H. , Clark Rebecca R.
Published: December 2005

Rousseau argued forcefully for the superiority of a life lived in accordance with “the simplest impulses of nature,” but his complex (somewould say contradictory) understanding of the relationship between humans and “nature” is rarely cited as a source of inspiration by those seeking to reform the human relationship with the natural world. We argue that the complexities of Rousseau's political thought illuminate important connections between his works and the programs put forth by deep ecology. In Part One, we explore the theoretical connections between Rousseau's account of the human fall from nature and major works of radical environmentalism. In Part Two, we offer suggestions for a reconsideration of Rousseau's work that may illuminate the paradoxical political requirements of deep ecology's recommendations for a more ecological human life. We hope to illustrate howa careful reading of Rousseau'swork may serve as the basis for fruitful questioning of environmentalist thought.
The Impact of Mother-Daughter and Father-Daughter Relationships on Drug Refusal Self-Efficacy Among African American Adolescent Girls in Urban Communities
Authors: Boyd Kimberly , Ashcraft Amie , Belgrave Faye Z.
Published: December 2005

This study yielded interesting findings on the effect of mother-daughter and father-daughter relationships on drug refusal self-efficacy for urban African American girls between the ages of 11 and 14. The questionnaire consisted of assessments on the quality of the girls’ mother and father relationships and their perceived ability to refuse drugs. The quality of the father-daughter relationship significantly predicted drug refusal self-efficacy for urban African American girls. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Perceived Racism as a Predictor of Paranoia Among African Americans
Authors: Combs Dennis R. , Penn David L. , Cassisi Jeffrey , Michael Chris , Wood Terry , Wanner Jill , Adams Scott
Published: December 2005

Recent theoretical models suggest that perceived racism acts as a stressor for African Americans and may be associated with a variety of negative psychological consequences, notably paranoia. Paranoia among African Americans is believed to reflect the lower end of the paranoia continuum based on experiences with racism. Thus, it may be beneficial to measure paranoia on a continuum, but few studies have adopted this strategy. This study examined the relationship between perceived racism and paranoia across the continuum in 128 African American college students. Participants completed three measures of paranoia and measures of perceived racism, depression, anger, self-consciousness, and hostile perceptions. The continuum of paranoia included measures reflecting cultural, nonclinical, and clinical paranoia. Perceived racism predicted cultural mistrust and nonclinical paranoia (lower end of the paranoia continuum) but not clinical paranoia. The implications of perceived racism in the prediction of paranoia for African Americans are discussed.
African American Feminist Fathers’ Narratives of Parenting
Authors: White Aaronette M.
Published: December 2005

This study investigated father involvement among African American feminist fathers. Five interrelated parenting themes emerged from a narrative analysis of individual semistructured interviews that each father deemed important: (a) nurturance and emotional intimacy with children, (b) politically conscious parenting, (c) nonviolent discipline, (d) supportive social arrangements, and (e) open attitudes concerning who can parent a child. Each man’s personal commitment to feminist principles reflected how his parenting went beyond wanting the best for his child and included what was best for women, African American communities, broad societal change, and the psychosocial development of African American men. The findings offer practical insights and recommendations for understanding the best practices of some African American fathers who connect with their children despite societal barriers.
Shock Attenuation of Various Protective Devices for Prevention of Fall-Related Injuries of the Forearm/Hand Complex
Authors: Kim Kyu-Jung , Alian Ali M. , Morris William S. , Lee Young-Hwa
Published: December 2005

Background

Attenuation of the peak impact force is essential in any protective devices for prevention of fall-related injuries.

Hypothesis

Common wrist guards have limited effectiveness because of the multifaceted nature of wrist injury mechanisms, and other modalities may provide enhanced shock-absorbing functions.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

A free-fall device was constructed using a mechanical surrogate to simulate falling impact. At 4 different falling heights, 5 different hand conditions were tested: bare hand, a generic-brand wrist guard, a Sorbothane glove, an air cell, and an air bladder condition. The impact force from the ground and the transmitted impact force to the forearm/hand complex were simultaneously measured.

Results

The falling height and hand condition significantly modulated the impact responses. The padded conditions always had significantly smaller peak impact forces compared with the bare-hand condition. The wrist guard became ineffective in impact force attenuation beyond the falling height of 51 cm. On the other hand, the air bladder condition maintained less than 45% of the peak impact force of the bare-hand condition and remained below the critical value, whereas other conditions were all ineffective.

Conclusion

It was reconfirmed that common wrist guard design could provide limited impact force attenuation, whereas damped pneumatic springs would provide substantially enhanced shock-absorbing functions.

Clinical Relevance

A wrist guard incorporating volar padding with the pneumatic spring design principle might be more effective at preventing injuries than are currently available designs.
Range of Joint Movement in Female Dancers and Nondancers Aged 8 to 16 Years
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Hershkovitz Israel , Peleg Smadar , Dar Gali , Masharawi Youssef , Heim Michael , Siev-Ner Itzhak
Published: December 2005

Background

Little data are available on changes that occur with age in joint range of motion in dancers and nondancers.

Hypothesis

In dancers, joint range of motion will increase with age, whereas it will decrease in nondancers, independent of the joint studied.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The study population included 1320 female dancers, aged 8 to 16 years, who participated in different types of dancing classes (classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, etc) and 226 nondancers of similar age. Range of motion was measured for the hip, knee, ankle, foot, and spinal joints.

Results

The pattern of differences in range of motion with age varied in different joints and types of movement. (1) For combined ankle and foot plantar flexion (pointe), ankle plantar flexion, and hip external rotation, there was no change in range of motion in dancers, whereas range of motion diminished with age in the nondancers. (2) For ankle dorsiflexion, neither group showed any change with age, and range of motion was significantly greater in the nondancer group. (3) For knee flexion, hip flexion, and hip internal rotation, range of motion decreased with age in both groups. (4) For hip abduction, range of motion decreased with age in dancers and remained constant in the nondancers. (5) For hip extension, range of motion increased in both groups. (6) For lower back and hamstrings, range of motion increased among dancers with age and remained constant among nondancers.

Conclusion

Dancers and teachers should realize that passive joint range of motion is unlikely to improve with age. Therefore, the major goal of a dancing program should focus on exercises that retain the natural flexibility of the dancers’ joints rather than trying to improve them.
Gender Differences in Outcome after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon Autograft
Authors: Salmon Lucy J. , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Russell Vivianne J. , Roe Justin P. , Linklater James , Pinczewski Leo A.
Published: December 2005

Background

It is now well documented that women are more likely to suffer anterior cruciate ligament injuries than are men. A few studies have examined gender differences in the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon graft and hamstring tendon with Endo Button fixation, but no well-controlled studies have specifically compared men and women after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft and interference screw fixation.

Hypothesis

There is no difference in outcome between men and women after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and interference screw fixation.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

There were 100 men and 100 women who underwent isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by a single surgeon. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 7 years after surgery. Variables were compared between female and male patients.

Results

Laxity on physical evaluation was greater in women than in men on Lachman (P= .04), pivot-shift (P= .05), and mean manual maximum testing (P= .05) at 7 years. However, the magnitude of this difference was small. No patient had a greater than grade 1 Lachman or pivot-shift test result, and the mean difference between men and women was 0.6 mm on instrumented testing. Anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture occurred in 11 men and 10 women. There was no difference between male and female patients for self-reported knee function or symptoms of instability or radiologic examination.

Conclusion

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft affords excellent self-reported and objective results in both men and women after 7 years. Although significantly greater laxity on physical examination was present in female patients than in male patients, the magnitude of this difference was small and had no effect on activity level, graft failure, or subjective or functional assessment.