cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure theory of finite conformal algebras

After the seminal paper [BPZ] of Belavin, Polyakov and Zamolodchikov, conformal field theory has become by now a large field with many remarkable ramifications to other fields of mathematics and physics. A rigorous mathematical definition of the “chiral part” of a conformal field theory, called a vertex (= chiral) algebra, was proposed by Borcherds [Bo] more than ten years ago and continued in [DL], [FHL], [FLM], [K], [L] and in numerous other works. However, until now a classification of vertex algebras, similar, for example, to the classification of finite-dimensional Lie algebras, seems to be far away. In the present paper we give a solution to the special case of this problem when the chiral algebra is generated by a finite number of quantum fields, closed under the operator product expansion (in the sense that only derivatives of the generating fields may occur). In this situation the adequate tool is the notion of a conformal algebra [K] which, to some extent, is related to a chiral algebra in the same way a Lie algebra is related to its universal enveloping algebra. At the same time, the theory of conformal algebras sheds a new light on the problem of classification of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras. About thirty years ago one of the authors posed (and partially solved) the problem of classification of simple Z-graded Lie algebras of finite Gelfand-Kirillov dimension [K1]. This problem was completely solved by Mathieu [M1]-[M3] in a remarkable tour de force. The point of view of the present paper is that the condition of locality (which is the most basic axiom of quantum field theory) along with a finiteness condition, are more natural conditions, which are also much easier to handle. In this paper we develop a structure theory of finite rank conformal algebras. Applications of this theory are two-fold. On the one hand, the conformal algebra structure is an axiomatic description [K] of the operator product expansion (OPE) of chiral fields in a conformal field theory [BPZ]. Hence the theory of finite conformal algebras provides a classification of finite systems of fields closed under the OPE. On the other hand, the category of finite conformal algebras is (more or less) equivalent to the category of infinite-dimensional Lie algebras spanned by Fourier coefficients of a finite number of pairwise local fields (or rather formal distributions)
Effect of Torrefaction on Water Vapor Adsorption Properties and Resistance to Microbial Degradation of Corn Stover

The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of biomass affects transportation, storage, downstream feedstock processing, and the overall economy of biorenewables production. Torrefaction is a thermochemical process conducted in the temperature regime between 200 and 300 °C under an inert atmosphere that, among other benefits, aims to reduce the innate hydrophilicity and susceptibility to microbial degradation of biomass. The objective of this study was to examine water sorption properties of torrefied corn stover. The EMC of raw corn stover, along with corn stover thermally pretreated at three temperatures, was measured using the static gravimetric method at equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) and temperatures ranging from 10 to 98% and from 10 to 40 °C, respectively. Five isotherms were fitted to the experimental data to obtain the prediction equation that best describes the relationship between the ERH and the EMC of lignocellulosic biomass. Microbial degradation of the samples was tested at 97% ERH and 30 °...
Theories of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Implications for ergonomic interventions

There are a growing number of theories and models that describe how work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are caused. Nine of these theories and models are described, compared and contrasted. The models are then integrated to form a composite model that incorporates the various paths and mechanisms that have been proposed. This composite model illustrates the complexity of WMSD aetiology by describing 35 proposed pathways between the 12 major constructs that have been proposed in previous models. This complexity helps to explain difficulties encountered in interventions to control WMSDs. Several implications for ergonomic intervention research that are based on the integrated model are considered, including suggestions for measurement, treatment and analysis. Specific suggestions for measuring multiple outcomes, measuring and analysing possible confounders and selecting appropriate controls for known risk factors are discussed.
Ni-NiO-Ni tunnel junctions for terahertz and infrared detection.

We present complete experimental determinations of the tunnel barrier parameters (two barrier heights, junction area, dielectric constant, and extrinsic series resistance) as a function of temperature for submicrometer Ni–NiO–Ni thin-film tunnel junctions, showing that when the temperature-invariant parameters are forced to be consistent, good-quality fits are obtained between I–V curves and the Simmons equation for this very-low-barrier system (measured ϕ ≈ 0.20 eV). A splitting of ≈10 meV in the barrier heights due to the different processing histories of the upper and lower electrodes is clearly shown, with the upper interface having a lower barrier, consistent with the increased effect of the image potential at a sharper material interface. It is believed that this is the first barrier height measurement with sufficient resolution for this effect to be seen. A fabrication technique that produces high yields and consistent junction behavior is presented as well as the preliminary results of inelastic tunneling spectroscopy at 4 K that show a prominent peak at ∼59 meV, shifted slightly with respect to the expected transverse optic phonon excitation in bulk NiO but consistent with other surface-sensitive experiments. We discuss the implications of these results for the design of efficient detectors for terahertz and IR radiation.
Longitudinal Trajectories of Suicidal Ideation and Subsequent Suicide Attempts Among Adolescent Inpatients

A period of particularly high risk for suicide attempts among adolescent inpatients is within 12 months after discharge. However, little is known about longitudinal trajectories of suicidal ideation in this high-risk group and how these relate to posthospitalization suicide attempts and rehospitalizations. Our objectives were to identify these trajectories and examine their relationships with posthospitalization psychiatric crises. We also examined predictors of trajectory group membership. Participants (N = 376; ages 13–17; 72% female) were assessed at hospitalization and 3, 6, and 12 months later. Trajectory groups, and their predictors, were identified with latent class growth modeling. We used logistic regression to examine associations between trajectory groups and likelihood of suicide attempts and rehospitalization, controlling for attempt history. Three trajectory groups were identified: (a) subclinical ideators (31.6%), (b) elevated ideators with rapidly declining ideation (57.4%), and (c) chroni...
Social–sexual behavior seasonality in captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas)

Observation of wild beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) indicates that this species breeds seasonally, and hormonal assays of captive animals show corresponding fluctuations in reproductive hormones. The question remains, however, whether copulatory behavior itself occurs seasonally. As an index of copulatory behavior, data are reported here on the frequency with which pelvic thrusting occurs over the calendar year. Male-on-female thrusting did vary significantly across months, with a clear peak in activity in March. On the other hand, male-on-male pelvic thrusting did not differ significantly across months. Possible functional roles are suggested for this latter enigmatic behavior.
A lot to learn from ASAPS 2012 statistics.

On March 12, 2013, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) released its 16th annual Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank multispecialty procedural statistics.1,2 The overall results of the ASAPS survey of board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists (projected to reflect nationwide statistics) show that cosmetic surgical procedures in 2012 were up 3.1% from the previous year, with nearly 1.7 million procedures performed. Nonsurgical procedures increased 10.4%, exceeding 8.4 million. These figures are encouraging and consistent with what many of us are seeing in our practices: a steady increase in the number of patients seeking both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. ASAPS released its first groundbreaking statistics early in 1998, providing detailed data on cosmetic procedures performed during the previous year. From the beginning, ASAPS recognized the value of collecting data from multiple specialties so that a more accurate picture could be painted regarding the frequency of the full range of cosmetic procedures. This concept was, at the time, somewhat foreign to organized plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons had previously promoted statistics developed by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS; now the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [ASPS]) as generally representative of the total number and scope of procedures performed. Yet ASPRS obtained its data solely from board-certified plastic surgeons. ASAPS, however, recognized the changes occurring in cosmetic surgery and the need to educate the public not only about plastic surgery but also the core specialties' specific areas of expertise. With so many practitioners entering the cosmetic arena, it was imperative that the public be able to separate qualified from unqualified providers. Sixteen years later, this insight has proved invaluable, particularly with regard to cosmetic medicine, where the core specialties all play an important role in treatment options within our communities. In the past 16 …
Non-classical effects in multiparticle propagation through a nucleus and the π→A1 problem

Abstract The effective cross-section for the propagation of n independent particles through a nucleus can be appreciably less than the sum of their individual cross-sections. Applied to the A 1 problem we conclude that the A 1 is not an unbound ϱπ (Deck mechanism) or 3 π system.
Ultrafast Laser Induced Structural Modification of Fused Silica—Part II: Spatially Resolved and Decomposed Raman Spectral Analysis

Nonlinear absorption of femtosecond laser pulses enables the induction of structural changes in the interior of bulk transparent materials without affecting their surface. In the present study, femtosecond laser pulses were tightly focused within the interior of bulk fused silica specimen. Localized plasma was formed, initiating rearrangement of the random network structure. Cross sections of the induced features were examined via decomposition of spatially resolved Raman spectra and a new method for the quantitative characterization of the structure of amorphous fused silica was developed. The proposed method identifies the volume fraction distribution of ring structures within the continuous random network of the probed volume of the target material and changes of the distribution with laser process conditions. Effects of the different process conditions and the material response to different mechanisms of feature generation were discussed as well.
Java: An Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

From the Publisher: Written by a best-selling author, this concise, accessible introduction covers key language features as well as uses a conversational style to teach programmers problem solving and programming techniques with Java. Readers are introduced to object-oriented programming and important computer science concepts such as testing and debugging techniques, program style, inheritance, and exception handling. It includes thorough coverage of the Swing libraries and event driven programming. Thorough early coverage of objects is included, with an emphasis on applications over applets. Java: An Introduction to Computer Science and Programming starts from the beginning and teaches traditional, more basic techniques, such as algorithm design. The author includes a highly flexible format that allows instructors and readers to adapt coverage of topics to their preferred order. Covers Java2, Sun's latest version of the Java language and contains a flexible design. Appropriate for readers interested in an introduction to Computer Science using Java (CS1 with Java) and other introductory programming courses.
Health care decision making and physician-aid-in-dying in Hawaii.

“Death has not been managed as well as it could be….” 1 1 Final Report of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Living and Dying with Dignity (Honolulu, Hawaii, May 1998). Lamentations on end-of-life...
Distribution and polysome association of full-length and 3′ truncated preproenkephalin mRNA in the guinea-pig brain

The preproenkephalin gene is expressed in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous system as well as in other tissues, including the pituitary, adrenal medulla, lymphocytes, and reproductive and digestive systems. In the guinea-pig brain, preproenkephalin mRNA transcripts are cleaved at a specific site located in the 3' untranslated region. We used a solution hybridization RNAse protection assay to measure total levels of preproenkephalin mRNA and to determine the ratio of full-length to truncated forms in the pituitary and 12 brain regions of the guinea-pig. The overall distribution of preproenkephalin mRNA was found to be similar to that observed in other species in which it has been measured, with the highest levels of expression located in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. The 3' truncated form was found throughout the brain in varying levels depending on the region. In nine regions examined, levels of the shorter form varied between 35 and 59% of total preproenkephalin mRNA content. The cerebellum and pons/medulla contained 17% each. In the pituitary, the only non-brain tissue studied, the truncated form constituted only 4% of total preproenkephalin mRNA. No correlation between absolute mRNA levels and the distribution between the two forms was observed. Both the full-length and 3' truncated mRNA forms were associated with polysomes isolated from the guinea-pig caudate putamen by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, suggesting that both mRNA forms may be actively translated. The distribution between the two forms, however, was different on the polysomal and dissociated monosomal gradients: the polysomal preproenkephalin mRNA contained a higher proportion of the full-length form whereas the monosomal fractions contained slightly more of the truncated form. This discontinuity in the amount of the two forms between polysomal and non-polysomal mRNA may suggest that the full-length form is more readily incorporated into polysomes.
Dynamic empathy: A new formulation for the simulation theory of mind reading

The controversy between the theory-theory (TT) and simulation-theory (ST) has evolved so that it is often hard to tell exactly what the difference is between a simulation and a theory. I believe that this distinction was originally inspired, and can be freshly reconceived, as the distinction between verbal abstractions and concrete pictures. I argue that the multi-dimensional spaces described by connectionist neuroscience are best understood as pictures of a special sort. These multi-dimensional pictures do not have the limitations of ordinary three-dimensional pictures, and are capable of performing many of the cognitive functions that were traditionally thought to be the exclusive domain of abstract linguistic concepts. Consequently, there is a real possibility that a pure simulation theory could actually explain some sophisticated kinds of social cognition, without having to rely on a hybrid that combines simulations and theories. Paradoxically, such a pure simulation theory would not actually use simulations in the strictest sense of that word, because something can be a simulation only if it is verbally labeled as a copy of something else. Rather this kind of social cognition would establish vector transformations between perception and behavior without requiring any verbal labels at all. This would mean that the emotions caused by perceptions of other people would not be simulations of other people's emotions, but rather the same emotion transferred by a kind of emotional contagion.
Determinants of Money Management Behavior

Financial debt continues to rise, especially among college students, indicating a need for behavioral research to develop more effective money-management interventions. This study examined social psychological variables relevant to money management decision making among college students. Attitude, affect, perceived ability, and past experience were found to influence money-management behavior (i.e., maintaining a budget). We also examined an attitude model of money management and found 9 variables (e.g., normative influence, perceived barrier, perceived control) that determined attitudes toward maintaining a budget. The relevance of our findings to debt prevention is discussed.
Current-voltage characteristics of in situ doped polycrystalline diamond field-effect transistors

Summary form only given. The authors report the first demonstration of a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) FET which exhibits saturation and pinchoff. The PCD material was grown by a microwave enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. Following room-temperature characterization, the devices were tested at elevated temperatures in atmosphere. As the temperature was increased, the current level increased significantly. At a temperature of 150 degrees C, the zero gate-bias drain-to-source current was -34 nA at -20 V and the channel resistance had dropped to 990 M Omega . The drain to source I-V characteristics were linear at this temperature. Gate voltages were applied in 8-V steps while the drain-to-source voltage was swept from 0 to -30 V. The I-V characteristics clearly showed evidence of saturation. Also, at applied gate biases in excess of 32 V, the active channel is pinched off. The peak transconductance at 150 degrees C was 6.4 nS/mm. Device failure occurred at a temperature above 200 degrees C and was due to failure of the gate oxide layer. >
Rat hepatic mitochondria are more sensitive to allyl alcohol than are those of mice

The hepatotoxic effects of allyl alcohol with particular reference to mitochondrial morphology and function were compared in male CD1 mice and male CD rats 24 h after 0.05 ml/kg i.p. in corn oil. As already noted by others, allyl alcohol-treated rats usually showed histologic evidence of tissue necrosis when hematoxylin-eosin-stained tissue sections were examined whereas mouse tissue sections did not. The serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) activities were significantly elevated in both mice and rats but to a much greater extent in the latter. Pentobarbital sleeping time was significantly increased over that of corn oil control groups in rats but decreased in mice. In rats electron microscopy showed mitochondria which contained flocculent densities. State 4 respiration was not altered by allyl alcohol in rats, but state 3 respiration was significantly depressed indicating an absence of respiratory control and an inability to perform energy coupling. In allyl alcohol-treated mice the isolated mitochondria were found to be primarily in a condensed form. Except for the effect on pentobarbital sleeping time and SGPT, no other findings were different from those in control groups given only corn oil. When the dose of allyl alcohol in mice was increased to 0.15 ml/kg in an attempt to elicit more severe signs of hepatotoxicity, there was a high mortality in the first 24 h period without histologic evidence of liver necrosis. Thus, we confirm that at equivalent doses, male rats are more sensitive to the hepatotoxic effects of allyl alcohol than are male mice, and extend the generalization to the liver mitochondria of the 2 species.
Fitness and the effect of exercise training on the dietary intake of healthy adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: In healthy, nonobese, adolescent males and females to: (1) Determine the relationship between fitness and energy intake; (2) assess the effect of five-weeks endurance training on energy intake and food choice and (3) compare food record assessments of energy intake with doubly-labeled water (DLW) measurement of total energy expenditure (TEE). DESIGN: (1) Cross sectional analysis of fitness and food intake and (2) Prospective, randomized, controlled interventional study of endurance-type exercise training in 44 females and 44 males (age range, 15–17 y). MEASUREMENTS: Pre and end interventional three day food records were successfully collected from 32 females (15 controls, 17 trained) and 39 males (19 controls, 20 trained). Fitness was assessed from cycle ergometry as peak oxygen uptake normalized both to thigh muscle mass and body weight. Thigh muscle mass was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. TEE using the DLW technique was measured in 12 females (6 controls, 6 trained) and 20 males (10 controls, 10 trained) during weeks 4–5 of the exercise training program (simultaneously with the second assessment of food records). Food record data were analyzed using the Minnesota Nutrition Data System. RESULTS: Fitness was correlated with self reported total caloric intake in males but not females. In females, there was a significant increase in fat intake (19.8±9%, P<0.05) and a significant decrease in carbohydrate intake (−9.8±4%) in the trained subjects. No changes were observed in the control subjects. Energy expenditure (2072±52 kcal/d) was significantly greater than the estimated energy intake (1520±112 kcal/d, P<0.007) during the intervention in the trained, but not control, subjects. However, there was no weight change in either control or trained subjects. In males, no changes were observed in food choice in either control or trained subjects. Similar to the females, energy expenditure (2425±22 kcal/d) was significantly greater than the estimated energy intake (2168±117 kcal/d, P<0.05) during the intervention in the trained, but not control, subjects. No weight changes were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness is associated with increased self-reported energy intake in males but not females, while exercise training led to alterations in food selection (greater fat and reduced carbohydrate) only in females. These observations could reflect specific gender differences, or, alternatively, the generally lower levels of fitness in the females. The apparent negative energy balance without evidence for weight loss in both the trained males and females suggests a systematic under reporting of food intake during exercise programs in adolescents, and indicates the possibility that errors in self reported food intake might be greater during transitions from one level of energy expenditure to another.
Surface and volume loss of atomic nitrogen in a parallel plate rf discharge reactor

The loss of atomic nitrogen due to surface and volume reactions in a parallel plate rf reactor was investigated using a pulsed N2 discharge and two-photon laser induced fluorescence detection of ground-state atomic nitrogen. Stainless-steel and aluminium electrode surfaces as well as silicon and boron nitride substrates were investigated for their reactivity with atomic nitrogen within the pulsed discharge environment at 1-5 Torr N2. Aluminium was found to have a surface loss rate of three to five times less than that of stainless-steel, while boron nitride had the lowest N atom recombination rate of the materials studied. The N atom recombination probability coefficient was found to have an inverse pressure dependence for each of the materials, with values ranging from 0.5 to 0.02%. The volume loss rate of N atoms was also quantified due to minute O2 impurities introduced into the pulsed rf N2 discharge.
On choosing between experimenting and thinking when learning

Abstract We introduce a model of inductive inference, or learning, that extends the conventional Bayesian approach by explicitly considering the computational cost of formulating predictions to be tested. We view the learner as a scientist who must divide her time between doing experiments and deducing predictions from promising theories, and we wish to know how she can do so most effectively. We explore several approaches based on the cost of making a prediction relative to the cost of performing an experiment. The resulting strategies share many qualitative characteristics with "real" science. This model is significant for the following reasons: • It allows us to study how a scientist might go about acquiring knowledge in a world where (as in real life) both performing experiments and making predictions from theories require time and effort. • It lays the foundation for a rigorous machine-implementable notion of "subjective probability." Good (1959, , 443-447) argues persuasively that subjective probability is at the heart of probability theory. Previous treatments of subjective probability do not handle the complication that the learner′s subjective probabilities may change as the result of pure thinking; our model captures this and other effects in a realistic manner. In addition, we begin to answer the question of how to trade off versus -a question that is fundamental for computers that must exist in the world and learn from their experience.
Una lectura de El Gran Vidrio de Marcel Duchamp y La Nueva Novela de Juan Luis Martínez como articulación meta-poética y auto-reflexiva

El presente articulo tiene por objeto investigar y analizar el texto La Nueva Novela de Juan Luis Martinez en una articulacion en bisagra con la obra El Gran Vidrio de Marcel Duchamp a traves de la nocion apariencia/aparicion como elemento de transparencia textual. Desde esta perspectiva, se propone una lectura meta-poetica y auto-reflexiva en el marco de un mundo moderno puesto en crisis.
Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis or Küttner's tumor associated with a giant sialolith: a case report

Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis (Kuttner's tumor [KT]) is a chronic inflammatory salivary gland disease primarily affecting the submandibular gland. Sialolithiasis is considered the most common etiologic factor for KT. We report a case of KT associated with a giant sialolith of the submandibular gland and a secondary smaller sialolith in the associated submandibular duct.
Association of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with sites of aortic catheter-induced injury in rabbits

Abstract The kinetics of the association of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with arterial balloon catheter-induced injury have been examined. An average of 6 × 10 7 PMNs were isolated from 20 ml of blood and labelled with 111 In-oxine for reinfusion into the donor rabbit. The cells remained viable as demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo tests of cell function. The abdominal aorta of rabbits was denuded of endothelium and immediately, 24 h, or 5 weeks later, exposed to autologous radiolabelled PMNs for 1 h. The presence of PMNs at sites of denudation was demonstrated by detection of the radioactive label and was confirmed by light and electron microscopy after 24 h, but not at 5 weeks. Immediately following denudation radioactivity was 2.44 ± 0.33 times control ( P = 0.006); 2.52 ±0.18 at 24 h ( P = 0.005); and 1.88 ± 0.32 times control at 5 weeks ( P = 0.045). The presence of PMNs, or their products, 5 weeks after denudation suggests a more complex role of PMNs and possibly a direct involvement in the long term changes resulting from arterial balloon catheter injury.
The Central Engine of Gamma-Ray Bursters

Cosmic gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to be created when relativistic blast waves that are powered by "central engines" emit gamma rays between 10 and 10,000 AU from where the explosive energy has been released. To account for the observed duration and variability of GRBs, the central engines must remain active from several to very many seconds and must usually fluctuate strongly in their output on much shorter timescales. We show how neutron stars that are initially rotating differentially at millisecond periods could be such engines, emitting, on the observed timescales, energetic pulses of the right variety and power for as long as the differential motion remains sufficiently vigorous. The energy stored in the differential rotation would be released mainly in sub-bursts, as toroidal magnetic fields are repeatedly wound up to ~1017 G and, only then, pushed to and through the surface by buoyant forces. The same mechanism could also operate in nuclear density tori. The differentially rotating neutron stars or tori could be formed in several ways and at rates sufficiently high to explain the observed frequency of occurrence of GRBs.
Which Boolean Functions Maximize Mutual Information on Noisy Inputs

We pose a simply stated conjecture regarding the maximum mutual information a Boolean function can reveal about noisy inputs. Specifically, let X n be independent identically distributed Bernoulli(1/2), and let Yn be the result of passing X n through a memoryless binary symmetric channel with crossover probability α. For any Boolean function b : {0, 1} n → {0, 1}, we conjecture that I(b(X n ); Y n ) ≤ 1 - H(α). While the conjecture remains open, we provide substantial evidence supporting its validity. Connections are also made to discrete isoperimetric inequalities.
Acousto-optically switched optical delay lines

High speed microsecond domain switching optical delay lines are introduced for time-delay based photonic signal processing applications such as phased array control and transversal filtering. These delay lines use acousto-optic deflectors for both optical delay path selection and optical beam realignment, producing inherently self-aligning control architectures. Both transmissive and reflective designs are introduced that can operate with either fiber, free-space, and solid-optic delay paths. High accuracy analog tuning of both beam position and beam optical power are possible with these modules.
Improved automated lactate determination

Abstract An accurate, reproducible, simple, and inexpensive method for determination of lactate concentration is presented. The method utilizes the enzymic conversion of lactate and NAD + to pyruvate and NADH in the presence of lactic dehydrogenase. The fluorescence of the NADH formed by the reaction is measured. The coefficient of variation of duplicate plasma determinations is less than 2%. Thirty samples may be assayed per hour without contamination of a subsequent sample by preceding samples up to a sample level of at least 216 mg % or serum level of 432 mg %. The sensitivity of the method can give a full-scale deflection of the recorder scale for a lactate concentration of 0.74 mg % (82 μ M ). The method offers several advantages over other previously reported automated methods for lactate determination.
Teacher Preparation in Moderate and Severe Disabilities A State Tool for Intern Support

Teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities must possess the skills and knowledge to address a unique set of needs and challenges. These may include, but are not limited to, manageme...
Nuclear regulation in transition

Abstract This article examines the current state of nuclear regulation. Since Three Mile Island the regulation of the nuclear power industry has been undergoing a noticeable transition. It will be argued here that the transition is characterized by two indicia. First, the primary focus of state and federal regulators has been on the financial aspects of the industry: this is best seen in the context of decisions allocating the costs of nuclear plant cancellations. Second, decisionmaking power has been decentralized: although the regulatory history of nuclear power demonstrates the tradition of centralized decisionmaking power (i.e., formerly the primary decisionmaking body was the Atomic Energy Commission), now states share decisionmaking power with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In Section 1 a brief legislative history of nuclear regulation is presented to establish the assertion that nuclear regulation, both de jure and de facto , was centralized. Next, Section 2 canvasses recent United States Supreme Court opinions regarding nuclear regulation. The Court frequently acts as policymaker through the consequences of its opinions, if not by its intent. In the area of nuclear policymaking, the Court has paid allegiance recently both to the tradition of centralization and to the movement toward decentralization. This dualism is reflected in other federal court decisions as well which will be briefly mentioned. Continuing the analysis of federal regulation, Section 3 examines the current reform efforts of the NRC. Section 4 presents an examination of state responses to nuclear plant cancellations. In this section, state administrative agency and court decisions will be examined and recent state legislation will be discussed.
Partial Inhibition of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca Release Evokes Long-Lasting Ca Release Events in Ventricular Myocytes: Role of Luminal Ca in Termination of Ca Release

In cardiac myocytes, local sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca depletion during Ca sparks is believed to play an important role in the termination of SR Ca release. We tested whether decreasing the rate of SR Ca depletion by partially inhibiting SR Ca release channels (ryanodine receptors) delays Ca spark termination. In permeabilized cat ventricular myocytes, 0.7 mM tetracaine caused almost complete Ca spark inhibition followed by a recovery significantly below control level. The recovery was associated with increased SR Ca load and increased Ca spark duration. Additionally, SR Ca release events lasting several hundred milliseconds occurred consistently. These events had a significantly lower initial Ca release flux followed by a stable plateau, indicating delayed release termination and maintained SR Ca load. Increasing SR Ca load (without inhibiting SR Ca release rate) or decreasing SR Ca release rate (without increasing SR Ca load) both induced only a small increase in spark duration. These results show that the combination of decreased release flux and increased SR Ca load has synergistic effects and exerts major changes on the termination of Ca release events. Long-lasting Ca release events may originate from highly interconnected release junctions where Ca diffusion from neighboring sites partially compensates Ca depletion, thereby delaying SR Ca-dependent termination. Eventually, these events terminate by luminal Ca-independent mechanisms, such as inactivation, adaptation, or stochastic attrition.
Ultrastructure of the tentacle nerve plexus and putative neural pathways in sea anemones

Neurons of sea anemone tentacles receive stimuli via sensory cells and process and transmit information via a plexus of nerve fibers. The nerve plexus is best revealed by scanning electron microscopy of epidermal peels of the tentacles. The nerve plexus lies above the epi- dermal muscular layer where it appears as numerous parallel longitudinal and short intercon- nected nerve fibers in Calliactis parasitica. Bipolar and multipolar neurons are present and neurites form interneuronal and neuromuscular synaptic contacts. Transmission electron mi- croscopy of cross sections of tentacles of small animals, both C. parasitica and Aiptasia pallida, reveals bundles of 50-100 nerve fibers lying above groups of longitudinal muscle fibers sep- arated by intrusions of mesoglea. Smaller groups of 10-50 slender nerve fibers are oriented at right angles to the circular muscle formed by the bases of the digestive cells. The unmyelinated nerve fibers lack any glial wrapping, although some bundles of epidermal fibers are partially enveloped by cytoplasmic extensions of the muscle cells; small gastrodermal nerve bundles lie between digestive epithelial cells above their basal myonemes. A hypothetical model for sen- sory input and motor output in the epidermal and gastrodermal nerve plexuses of sea anemones is proposed.
PKCγ Regulates Syndecan-2 Inside-Out Signaling during Xenopus Left-Right Development

The transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-2 cell nonautonomously regulates left-right (LR) development in migrating mesoderm by an unknown mechanism, leading to LR asymmetric gene expression and LR orientation of the heart and gut. Here, we demonstrate that protein kinase C gamma (PKCgamma) mediates phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of syndecan-2 in right, but not left, animal cap ectodermal cells. Notably, both phosphorylation states of syndecan-2 are obligatory for normal LR development, with PKCgamma-dependent phosphorylated syndecan-2 in right ectodermal cells and nonphosphorylated syndecan-2 in left cells. The ectodermal cells contact migrating mesodermal cells during early gastrulation, concurrent with the transmission of LR information. This precedes the appearance of monocilia and is one of the earliest steps of LR development. These results demonstrate that PKCgamma regulates the cytoplasmic phosphorylation of syndecan-2 and, consequently, syndecan-2-mediated inside-out signaling to adjacent cells.
Near-far resistant detection of CDMA signals in dispersive channels

The near-far problem in a multiuser setting places fundamental limitations on the performance of CDMA communication systems. In this paper, one method which can enhance the near-far resistance of the suboptimum detectors under multipath channels is presented. The proposed method is able to overcome some shortcomings of existing method.
Computed tomography-based radiation therapy of ovarian remnants for symptomatic persistent endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis, a major cause of pelvic pain in women, is driven by estrogen. Ovarian remnant irradiation may alleviate pelvic pain by eliminating estrogen production in appropriately selected women with endometriosis. CASE: Three patients with endometriosis causing incapacitating pelvic pain received 3D-imaging-based external beam radiation to doses of 1,500 to 2,100 cGy. All had pre-irradiation premenopausal follicle stimulating hormone levels and imaging evidence of ovarian remnants. None were candidates for further medical or surgical interventions. By 3 months after radiation, follicle stimulating hormone levels reached postmenopausal levels in all three patients, with complete resolution of the severe pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy effectively induced menopause and relieved refractory pain from endometriosis. Careful selection of patients is necessary, given the potential for an increased long-term risk of radiation-related complications.
Roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and osteopontin in steatosis and aminotransferase release by hepatocytes treated with methionine-choline-deficient medium.

Feeding mice a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet serves as an experimental animal model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In the present study we examined the effect of exposing AM...
Interorganizational Partnerships as a Strategy for Lobbying: Nonprofit Administrators’ Perspectives on Collaborating for Systems-Level Change

Participation in coalitions has been identified as a policy advocacy behavior for nonprofit organizations, although few studies have examined nonprofit leaders’ perceptions of coalition building as a strategy for lobbying. This study conducted focus groups and in-person interviews with nonprofit administrators to explore how interorganizational collaboration is utilized to address their organizations’ policy advocacy goals. The findings indicate that nonprofit administrators view their participation in coalitions as a means of achieving several policy advocacy goals, including increasing their capacity to lobby and protecting them from exposure as lobbyists. Implications for practice and research are provided.
Imaging features of acute head and spine injuries secondary to difficult deliveries

The imaging features of central nervous system injuries caused by difficult deliveries or by vacuum or forceps extraction are presented.
FcϵRI-mediated expression of mRNA for c-fos in rat basophilic leukemia cells does not require ongoing aggregation of the receptor

Cross-linkage of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcϵRI) by a polyvalent ligand, leads to activation of mast cells and basophils. We have studied FcϵRI-mediated expression of RNA coding for the protoonogene, c-fos, in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells and specifically have examined the requirements for ongoing receptor aggregation in the generation of this signal. RBL cells were sensitized with IgE specific for 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) and incubated at 37°C in the presence of DNP24BSA or BSA alone. Following activation for 0 to 30 min, the reaction was terminated. RNA was isolated and separated on denaturing gels, blotted to nylon membranes and hybridized with a 32P-labelled cDNA probe for c-fos. Messenger RNA for c-fos is detectable as early as 5–10 min following the addition of antigen and increases in a time-dependent fashion over 30 min. Unexpectedly, the addition of the hapten, 10−4M DNP-lysine, 5 min after the addition of antigen (which causes immediate cessation of exocytosis) does not dramatically alter the amount of message detected at 30 min. This effect is present as early as 2 min after cross-linking of the receptor and occurs at various doses of the aggregating stimulus. Thus, in contrast to the case with exocytosis and other well-described intracellular events, FcϵRI-mediated increases in the level of mRNA for c-fos does not require ongoing aggregation of FcϵRI.
Population Education Through Computer Generated Graphics.

The Population Dynamics Group (P.D.G.) computer assisted instruction system is designed to communicate information concerning (a) the structure and dynamics of population and (b) the relationship between population and issues such as economic development, food demand and supply, energy use, etc. This paper focuses on the population model and describes the interactive graphics program as it operates on the University of Illinois PLATO IV system. The P.D.G. programs are a good example of the ability to use currently available developments in computer technology to transmit information in a flexible, interactive and graphic format for instructional purposes.
Life changes, stress, injury and illness in adult runners

This article reports results of a study of the impact of life changes on stress level, running injury and illness among a sample of 572 adult runners. Based on previous research findings and anecdotal data, we hypothesized that greater life change would increase chances of running injury, stress and non-injury-related illness and that a higher stress level, whatever its sources, would raise the probability of injury and illness. Results lend support to each hypothesis. Causality is suggested in each instance. However, the causal influence between stress, on the one hand, and injury and illness, on the other, may be twoway, since measures used cover simultaneous time periods and since other data presented here show that being injured is in itself stressful. A number of possible mediating linkages are explored which might explain the impact of life change on injury and illness.
Filter- and wrapper-based feature selection for predicting user interaction with Twitter bots

High dimensionality (the presence of too many features) is a problem which plagues many datasets, including mining from personality profiles. Feature selection can be used to reduce the number of features, and many strategies have been proposed to help select the most important features from a larger group. Feature rankers will produce a metric for each feature and return the best for a given subset size, while filter-based subset evaluation will perform statistical analysis on whole subsets and wrapper-based subset selection will use classification models with chosen features to decide which are most important for model-building. While all three approaches have been discussed in the literature, relatively little work compares all three with one another directly. In the present study, we do precisely this, considering feature ranking, filter-based subset evaluation, and wrapper-based subset selection (along with no feature ranking) on two datasets based on predicting interaction with bots on Twitter. For the two subset-based techniques, we consider two search techniques (Best First and Greedy Stepwise) to build the subsets, while we use one feature ranker (ROC) chosen for its excellent performance in previous works. Six learners are used to build models with the selected features. We find that feature ranking consistently performs well, giving the best results for four of the six learners on both datasets. In addition, all of the techniques other than feature ranking perform worse than no feature selection for four of six learners. This leads us to recommend the use of feature ranking over more complex subset evaluation techniques.
Scaling and universality in statistical physics

Abstract The twin concepts of Scaling and Universality have played an important role in the description of statistical systems. Hydrodynamics contains many applications of scaling including descriptions of the behavior of boundary layers (Prandtl, Blasius) and of the fluctuating velocity in turbulent flow (Kolmogorov, Heisenberg, Onsager). Phenomenological theories of behavior near critical points of phase transitions made extensive use of both scaling, to define the size of various fluctuations, and universality to say that changes in the model would not change the answers. These two ideas were combined via the statement that elimination of degrees of freedom and a concomitant scale transformation left the answers quite unchanged. In Wilson's hands, this mode of thinking led to the renormalization group approach to critical phenomena. Subsequently, Feigenbaum showed how scaling, universality, and renormalization group ideas could be applied to dynamical systems. Specifically, this approach enabled us to see how chaos first arises in those systems in which but a few degrees of freedom are excited. In parallel Libchaber developed experiments aimed at understanding the onset of chaos, the results of which were subsequently used to show that Feigenbaum's universal behavior was in fact realized in honest-to-goodness hydrodynamical systems. More recently, Gemunu Gunaratne, Mogens Jensen, and Itamar Procaccia have indicated that they believe that a different (and weaker) universality might hold for the fully chaotic behavior of low dimensional dynamical systems. Dynamically generated situations often seem to show kinds of scaling and universality quite different from that seen in critical phenomena. A technical difference which seems to arise in these intrinsically dynamical processes is that instead of having a denumerable list of different critical quantities, each with their critical index, instead there is continuum of critical indices. This so-called multifractal behavior may nonetheless show some kinds of universality. And indeed this might be the kind of scaling and universality shown by those hydrodynamical systems in which many degrees of freedom are excited.