cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of the kagome lattice Ising antiferromagnet in weak transverse fields

We study the quantum Ising antiferromagnet on the kagome lattice, with weak transverse field dynamics and other local perturbations. We analytically demonstrate the possibility of a disordered zero-temperature phase that is smoothly connected to the phase at strong transverse fields. This is done by means of an appropriate mapping to a compact U(1) gauge theory on the honeycomb lattice that is coupled to a charge-1 matter field. Our results are consistent with existing Monte-Carlo calculations. The differences with commonly studied quantum Ising models on other two-dimensional lattices (in which such disordered phases are not obtained at weak transverse fields) is explained. Ordered phases are also shown to be possible in principle in the weak transverse field limit, and are briefly studied.
On some quantum and analytical properties of fractional Fourier transforms

Fractional Fourier transforms (FrFT) are a natural one-parameter family of unitary transforms that have the ordinary Fourier transform embedded as a special case. In this paper, following the efforts of several authors, we explore the theory and applications of FrFT, from the standpoints of both quantum mechanics and analysis. These include the phase plane interpretation of FrFT, FrFT’s role in the order reduction of certain classes of differential equations, the integral representation of FrFT, and its Paley-Wiener theorem and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Our two major tools are quantum operator algebra and asymptotic analysis such as the singular perturbation theory and the stationary phase technique. a
Role of platelet inhibitor therapy in myocardial infarction.

Atherosclerotic plaque disruption is the predominant pathogenetic mechanism underlying the acute coronary syndromes. Plaque rupture leads to the exposure of collagen and vessel media, resulting in platelet and clotting activation, and occlusive thrombus formation. While drugs that interfere with platelet activation and function have been available for years, more powerful agents with novel mechanisms of action are being developed. Of the available platelet inhibitor drugs, only aspirin, sulfinpyrazone, and dipyridamole have undergone extensive clinical testing in patients with cardiovascular disease. More recently ticlopidine, a new and potent platelet inhibitor, has been successfully tested in patients with coronary and vascular disease. In acute myocardial infaction, aspirin significantly reduces cardiovascular mortality and reinfarction. Furthermore, the combination of aspirin and a thrombolytic agent produces maximal benefit. A role for heparin in the prevention of early mortality and reinfaction is emerging. This drug is effective for the prevention of left ventricular thrombosis in patients with anterior myocardial infarction. In the secondary prevention of reinfarction and cardiovascular mortality, available data support the use of a platelet inhibitor. Trials have shown that aspirin is as effective alone as in combination with dipyridamole, and is probably more effective than sulfinpyrazone. Long-term anticoagulant therapy also appears to be beneficial, but is associated with a high cost, need for extensive monitoring, and potential for hemorrhagic side effects. The role of aspirin in primary prevention is controversial. It may be indicated for patients at high risk for coronary disease in whom the benefit of therapy may outweigh the potential risk of cerebral bleeding. Coronary atherosclerotic plaque rupture, associated with thrombus formation, is fundamental to the development of acute myocardial infarction. Based on this concept, the role of antithrombotic therapy for the prevention or treatment of ischemic events in patients with coronary artery disease has stimulated enormous interest among clinicians and basic investigators. In this review we will examine: a) the pathogenesis of coronary thrombosis, b) the pharmacology of plateletinhibitor agents, and c) their role in the management of patients with acute myocardial infarction and in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Platelets interact with both the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. While the purpose of this review is to discuss the role of platelets and platelet inhibitors in coronary disease, the use of anticoagulant or thrombolytic agents will be analyzed briefly when pertinent.
Energy efficiency as an inexhaustible energy resource with perspectives from the U.S. and Turkey

We are familiar with fossil fuels as the primary energy resources, but the time has come to firmly establish energy efficiency as an important energy resource to be considered in future energy investment decisions. Energy efficiency is already being touted as the ‘6. Fuel’ after coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewable energy (hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, etc). Energy efficiency is also the cheapest resource: The cost of electricity obtained from energy efficiency is usually between 1 and 3 cents (U.S.) per kWh. Further, energy efficiency is local and labor intensive with significant benefits to the environment by displacing pollution. The impact and importance of energy efficiency is well-established in developed countries, but this is not yet the case in developing nations. Therefore, there is a need to raise awareness about energy efficiency, and this is best done by publicizing the successful applications and their impacts. As a striking example, if the refrigerators in the U.S. were to consume electric power at the 1974 levels, the U.S. would need about 30 000 MW of additional installed power to meet this extra demand, which is equivalent to the peak power of Turkey—a country of 70 million. This means 60 coal plants with an average rated power of 500 MW and a construction cost of about $60 billion. Also, the conservation measures that were put in place in 1970s and 1980s in the U.S. became sufficient to meet most power needs of the growing economy, and consequently, a total of 97 nuclear power plants at different stages of construction with a total capacity of 107 000 MW were cancelled. Energy efficiency continues to be recognized as a major energy resource. As detailed in its energy policy report Vision 2025, the U.S. plans to meet at least 50% of the expected future load growth by energy efficiency. The developing nations should take notice of these developments and give energy efficiency the highest priority in energy investment decisions to meet growing demand. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived Level of Benefits and Risks of Core Functionalities of an EHR System

The need to adopt an electronic health record (EHR) system in United States (U.S.) hospitals seems to be more and more obvious when evaluating the benefits of improved patient safety, quality of care, and efficiency. The purpose of the study was to identify the status of EHR systems in U.S. hospitals in regard to the core functionalities implemented (as identified by the Institute of Medicine) and to determine if there was a significant relationship between perceived level of benefit and risk with the use of each core functionality, as well as if there was a significant relationship between the status of the EHR system and size of hospital. A national survey of U.S. hospitals was conducted to answer the research questions. The results showed that 37% had some components in all of the core functionalities of an EHR system, while 27% were using at least some functionalities. Health information and data, administrative processes, and results management were the three core functionalities that a majority of hospitals had as a part of their EHR system. A significant positive correlation between perceived benefits and risks was found in all of the eight core functionalities. There was no significant relationship found between status of EHR system and size of hospitals.
Induction of Cellular DNA Synthesis in Human Leucocytes by Epstein–Barr Virus

THE discovery of Epstein and Barr1 of an antigenically and biologically unique herpes-like virus (EBV) in cultured cells derived from Burkitt's lymphoma aroused much speculation regarding the possible aetiological role of this agent in human lymphoproliferative diseases. Serological and clinical data provided strong evidence for the causal relationship between EBV and infectious mononucleosis2. The case for the possible association of EBV with Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) rests mainly on the observation that patients with these diseases have significantly higher EBV antibody titres than matched controls from the same region3. Similar findings, however, were also reported in patients with sarcoidosis4 and systemic lupus erythematosus5.
A tissue explant system for assessing tendon overuse injury

Tendon overuse injuries are common athletic and occupational problems. When studying mechanisms that cause these injuries, inherent complexities associated with controlling in vivo loading necessitates alternative approaches such as in vitro organ culture. Current devices for loading explants in organ culture, whether custom-built or commercial, have various deficiencies in their loading capability, control mechanism and strain assessment. To overcome these shortcomings, an advanced tissue loading device with video strain analysis capabilities was developed for investigating overuse injuries and its performance/calibration were evaluated. Two tests were used to assess the ability of the system to create and monitor mechanical changes with overuse. Overuse loading significantly increased strains and decreased strength, showing the ability of this system to create and monitor tissue damage. Furthermore, the device design allows for its use in a standard incubator. Coupled with custom loading and data collection programs, this system is suitable for long-term overuse injury studies.
Calculation of static correlations in a fluid of linear molecules

Abstract Recently, both X-ray and neutron diffraction data have been obtained for liquid crystalline materials. While these results contain information about the instantaneous correlations of molecular positions and orientations in such fluids, no relevant calculations are available to aid the interpretation of the data. In this paper a formalism which may be used to describe static, molecular correlations in isotropic or anisotropic fluids of linear molecules is developed. To obtain the theory, the direct and total correlation functions of two molecules are expanded as series of spherical harmonics the arguments of which describe the molecular orientations. A relation between the expansion coefficients of these series is obtained by making use of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. It is shown that this equation may be solved in the Percus-Yevick or Optimized-Random-Phase approximations by a variational technique. This technique is used to find the total correlation function in the Percus-Yevick approximation of hard, linear molecules of various length-breadth ratios at several fluid densities.
Lyapunov stabilization of spinning multibody systems driven by an active/passive PD-feedback control law

For a class of spinning mechanical systems, this article investigates the stability domain of the spun-pose equilibrium state as a function of the commanded spin-rate, which is assumed constant. In order to unify the modelling paradigm with the closed-loop stability analysis, a generalized time-varying Lagrangian function is introduced that simultaneously accounts for both passive PD-feedback (e.g. springs/dashpots) and active PD-feedback (e.g. spin-angle tracking control).
Mesencephalic dopamine cell deficit involves areas A8, A9 and A10 in weaver mutant mice

The mesencephalic dopamine (DA) cell system was examined in mice homozygous and heterozygous for the weaver (wv) gene and in wildtype controls to estimate the extent of cell losses associated with the genetically determined central DA deficiency observed in weaver homozygotes. Animals of the three genotypes (+/+, wv/+, wv/wv) were studied at postnatal day (P)20 and P90. Serial coronal sections were obtained through the brainstem. Half of the sections were immunolabeled with antiserum to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Cell counts were obtained in areas A8 (retrorubral nucleus, RRN), A9 (substantia nigra, SN), and A10 (ventral tegmental area, VTA). The counts were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance followed by individual comparisons among group means. In A8, weaver homozygotes did not differ significantly from wild-type controls at P20, whereas there was a significant difference of 56% at P90. In A9, weaver homozygotes differed significantly from wild-type mice by 42% at P20 and by 69% at P90. The decrease in cell number between P20 and P90 in weaver homozygotes was 54%. In A10, weaver homozygotes did not differ significantly from wild-type controls at P20, whereas there was a significant difference of 26% at P90. Cell numbers in all three areas of heterozygotes did not differ significantly from wildtype control values at either age point. These findings demonstrate that by three months of age homozygous weaver mutants exhibit nerve cell losses in all three areas of the mesencephalic DA cell system. Such losses account for the DA deficiency seen in striatal, limbic and cortical projection fields.
Patterns in terpolymerization

A program has been written and used to compute vinyl terpolymer compositions as a function of monomer feed. The results are presented as a set of triangular contour maps. Six hypothetical monomers of typical reactivity have been investigated in their 20 possible terpolymerizations. With respect to composition it is concluded that variation in electronegativity is less important than the variation in resonance stabilization commonly encountered in vinyl monomers. The approach of these terpolymer systems to azeotropic behavior is graphically derived from the contour maps. Loci of partial azeotropy are drawn for a number of systems. No true ternary azeotropes have been observed.
Compliance, adherence and the therapeutic alliance: steps in the development of self-care.

Abstract Starting with the observation that all too often a person's initial experience with the health care system is coercive, this paper describes some of the issues that have to be dealt with if the nature of the relationship between a patient and a provider is to evolve into a therapeutic alliance. First, it was pointed out that for a person becoming a patient was a developmental process that consisted of the person being socialized into the health care system. The object of any socialization is the development of self-control, as in this case, the development of self-care behaviors. Five models of self-care were described — naturalistic, egoistic, ideological, existential and exchange — to emphasize the fact that no consensus exists on how to socialize a person into the role of being a patient. Next the various functions of self-care were described: to alleviate illness, to alleviate symptoms. to prevent disease and to regulate bodily processes. Finally, the available literature on self-care and self-help groups was briefly reviewed, and the elements identified which would be required for the establishment of a program that would lead to the development of self-care.
B-lymphocyte associated differentiation antigen expression by ‘non-B, non-T’ acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We investigated the neoplastic cells obtained from 37 cases of 'non-B, non-T' (SIg-E-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for their expression of 13 distinct monoclonal antibody defined B lymphocyte associated differentiation antigens. We correlated the expression of these B cell antigens with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), HLA-DR antigen, common ALL antigen (cALLa), and cytoplasmic mu heavy chain (Cu) expression by these neoplastic cells. In this way, we were able to describe a hierarchy of B lymphocyte associated differentiation antigens as well as the marked phenotypic heterogeneity of 'non-B, non-T' ALL. TdT and HLA-DR are expressed throughout the stages of B cell differentiation represented by 'non-B, non-T' ALL. The earliest B cell antigen appears to be Leu 12 (B4) followed by BA-2 and then BL2. OKB2, BL1 and BA-1 are acquired next, followed by B1, BL3, cALLa and Cu. BL7 appears just prior to SIg. OKB1, OKB4, OKB7 and BL4 appear at or after the time of SIg expression and hence are not expressed by 'non-B, non-T' ALL cells. This developmental hierarchy is supported by the results of phorbol ester (TPA) induction studies. Thus, cases of 'non-B, non-T' ALL constitute a useful model for probing the hierarchal expression of B cell antigens and delineating the B cell developmental pathway(s).
The Relation of High Environmental Temperature to Feather and Skin Temperatures of Laying Pullets

Abstract THE high insulating value of chicken feathers is well known. The effect of feathers as a deterrent to heat loss from the chicken’s body in warm weather has not been thoroughly investigated. Feathers which form a loose covering over the body are apparently not adapted to radiation of body heat but instead help to impede its loss. The purpose of this study of the skin and feather temperature was to shed light on the manner in which heat is lost from the chicken’s body. Such a study may suggest practical methods of alleviating some of the effects of high summer temperatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The laying pullets used in these tests were S. C. White Leghorn and New Hampshire pullets approximately 8 months old. They were kept in a triple deck hen battery housed in a shed roof house. The birds were allowed access to food and water throughout the . . .
Potter's Response to Hobbs

As I read Renee Hobbs' essay “The State of Media Literacy: A Response to Potter,” it evoked the image of Saul Steinberg's “View of the World from 9th Avenue,” sketch that appeared on the cover of t...
Integrating a Focus on Academic Language, English Learners, and Mathematics: Teacher Candidates' Responses on the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT).

Throughout the United States, teacher educators are developing new strategies to improve the preparation of mainstream teachers for linguistic diversity. In this article, we explore teacher candidates’ responses to the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT), a preservice assessment required for credentialing that requires candidates to consider the English language demands of content-area instruction, to enact supports for English learners and others who may struggle with those demands, and to develop ways to promote the academic language development of these students. We report on a study examining written responses on the PACT from 8 elementary teacher candidates who chose mathematics as the focus for their teaching event. We found that the PACT induced teacher candidates to consider language issues and the needs of language learners in a content area often thought to be language-free, yet one in which language in fact plays a crucial role. Such responses provide important information tha...
Microtesla MRI with dynamic nuclear polarization

Magnetic resonance imaging at microtesla fields is a promising imaging method that combines the pre-polarization technique and broadband signal reception by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors to enable in vivo MRI at microtesla-range magnetic fields similar in strength to the Earth magnetic field. Despite significant advances in recent years, the potential of microtesla MRI for biomedical imaging is limited by its insufficient signal-to-noise ratio due to a relatively low sample polarization. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is a widely used approach that allows polarization enhancement by 2-4 orders of magnitude without an increase in the polarizing field strength. In this work, the first implementation of microtesla MRI with Overhauser DNP and SQUID signal detection is described. The first measurements of carbon-13 NMR spectra at microtesla fields are also reported. The experiments were performed at the measurement field of 96 μT, corresponding to Larmor frequency of 4 kHz for protons and 1 kHz for carbon-13. The Overhauser DNP was carried out at 3.5-5.7 mT fields using rf irradiation at 120 MHz. Objects for imaging included water phantoms and a cactus plant. Aqueous solutions of metabolically relevant sodium bicarbonate, pyruvate, alanine, and lactate, labeled with carbon-13, were used for NMR studies. All the samples were doped with TEMPO free radicals. The Overhauser DNP enabled nuclear polarization enhancement by factor as large as -95 for protons and as large as -200 for carbon-13, corresponding to thermal polarizations at 0.33 T and 1.1 T fields, respectively. These results demonstrate that SQUID-based microtesla MRI can be naturally combined with Overhauser DNP in one system, and that its signal-to-noise performance is greatly improved in this case. They also suggest that microtesla MRI can become an efficient tool for in vivo imaging of hyperpolarized carbon-13, produced by low-temperature dissolution DNP.
The Impact of the Frequency of Ingratiation on the Performance Evaluation of Bank Personnel

Abstract The effect of frequency of ingratiation on the performance assessment of 108 bank subordinates by their supervisors was assessed using the recently developed Measure of Ingratiatory Behaviors in Organizational Settings (MIBOS; Kumar & Beyerlein, 1991). The results revealed that workers who engaged in greater self-ingratiation were judged more favorably by their supervisors. Specifically, they were viewed as being more competent and motivated and as possessing greater leadership ability and promotion potential. A significant and positive relationship (r = .34) was also found between ingratiation and the fear of negative evaluation.
A dominantly inherited syndrome with continuous motor neuron discharges

A distinct syndrome with continuous motor neuron discharges apparently developed in seven members of a single family, involving both sexes and spanning three generations. Persistent vermiform twitching and episodic stiffness predominantly in lower extremity muscles occurred in early childhood and tended to be less severe in adulthood. In 2 patients the clinical manifestations improved with oral phenytoin and carbamazepine but not with parenteral diazepam. Insertional activity was normal, and continuous, rhythmical, normal-appearing muscle discharges were observed on electromyography. The cerebrospinal fluid levels of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were increased in the proband. The disappearance of continuous muscle discharges during spinal anesthesia and the lack of response to diazepam indicated generation of the discharges from the proximal portion of the motor unit.
Evaluation of support matrices for immobilization of anaerobic consortia for efficient carbon cycling in waste regeneration.

Abstract Efficient metabolism of fatty acids during anaerobic waste digestion requires development of consortia that include “fatty acid consuming H 2 producing bacteria” and methanogenic bacteria. The objective of this research was to optimize methanogenesis from fatty acids by evaluating a variety of support matrices for use in maintaining efficient syntrophic–methanogenic consortia. Tested matrices included clays (montmorillonite and bentonite), glass beads (106 and 425–600 μm), microcarriers (cytopore, cytodex, cytoline, and cultispher; conventionally employed for cultivation of mammalian cell lines), BioSep beads (powdered activated carbon), and membranes (hydrophilic; nylon, polysulfone, and hydrophobic; teflon, polypropylene). Data obtained from headspace methane (CH 4 ) analyses as an indicator of anaerobic carbon cycling efficiency indicated that material surface properties were important in maintenance and functioning of the anaerobic consortia. Cytoline yielded significantly higher CH 4 than other matrices as early as in the first week of incubation. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis from crushed cytoline matrix showed the presence of Syntrophomonas spp. (butyrate oxidizing syntrophs) and Syntrophobacter spp. (propionate oxidizing syntrophs), with Methanosaeta spp. (acetate utilizing methanogen), and Methanospirillum spp. (hydrogen utilizing methanogen) cells. It is likely that the more hydrophobic surfaces provided a suitable surface for adherence of cells of syntrophic–methanogenic consortia. Cytoline also appeared to protect entrapped consortia from air, resulting in rapid methanogenesis after aerial exposure. Our study suggests that support matrices can be used in anaerobic digestors, pre-seeded with immobilized or entrapped consortia on support matrices, and may be of value as inoculant-adsorbents to rapidly initiate or recover proper system functioning following perturbation.
Nature of the C-Cluster in Ni-Containing Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenases

The C-cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) appears to be the active site for the oxidation of CO to CO2. We have studied with EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy the enzymes from Rhodospirill...
Long-term response of spring flora to chronic herbivory and deer exclusion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Abstract Chronic herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) can have profound impacts on the function and structure of forest ecosystems. We examined the combined influence of intense herbivory associated with a deer population eruption and chronic herbivory by the post eruption population on the spring flora of Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the 1970s the deer population reached a peak of 43 deer per km2, from which it has slowly declined in recent decades. To examine the influence of intense herbivory, we compared the abundance and flowering rates of early flowering plants in Cades Cove to a nearby reference site with similar bedrock geology, vegetation, and disturbance history but contrasting history of deer abundance. Our results suggest that significant changes (p ⩽ 0.05) in the diversity, evenness, and species richness of the spring flora occurred during the eruptive phase. Trillium spp. and other liliaceous species appeared to be disproportionately impacted. Comparisons between control and exclosure plots established after the deer population eruption indicate that recovery has been largely restricted to species that were able to persist under intense herbivory. These species have increased in number in exclosures, suggesting continued impacts by deer on the plant community outside the exclosures. Little to no recolonization by browse sensitive species was observed. Consequently, to restore the natural diversity of early flowering plants once present in Cades Cove, active restoration may be necessary in addition to maintaining deer densities below current levels.
Condensation of FC-72

Abstract Heat transfer coefficients for condensing FC-72® vapor on vertical copper and Teflon plates are reported as a function of sub-cooling at one atmosphere. Results include the evolution of the average heat transfer coefficient with time and a visual record of droplet formation and coalescence owing to non-condensable gas. Experiments are run for a Reynolds number of 15.1, wall heat flux of 0.92–2.88 W/cm2, and 6–44 K sub-cooling. Film condensation heat transfer coefficients compare reasonably well with those of prior studies run under different convective conditions. High resolution video captures evolution of droplet size (average diameter) and number density. A correlation is shown to exist between overall heat transfer coefficients and droplet size and number density. When droplet number density exceeds 10 cm−2 and droplet area exceeds ∼1.5 mm2, average heat transfer coefficients approach a limiting value.
Effective pair potentials and the properties of water

Abstract We describe an attempt to derive an effective pair potential for rigid water molecules that incorporates polarization in a meanfield approximation. The potential parameters have been adjusted to fit the position of the first peak in the oxygen-oxygen pair distribution function at room temperature, the experimental density and energy, and the dielectric constant of the liquid. The properties of this potential are compared and contrasted with those of two other commonly used effective pair potentials, namely the SPC and TIP4P potentials, each of which fails to give a good fit to the oxygen-oxygen radial distribution function. Some comparisons are also made with the properties of the flexible SPC water potential and the SPC/E potential that was the first rigid molecule potential to account correctly for the mean field self-polarization. The inter-comparison between these potentials highlights the difficulty of achieving a quantitative fit to the properties of water within the pair potential approximation. Particular attention is given to the dielectric properties of the models.
Why isn't the whole world experimenting with the East Asian model to develop?: Review of the East Asian miracle

Abstract Like Narcissus, the World Bank sees its own reflection in East Asia's success. It attributes the East Asian miracle to macroeconomic basics–high saving and investment rates, expenditures on education, and exports–but in reality, these are anchored in micro-institutions that exhibit pervasive state intervention. East Asia created competitiveness by subsidizing learning, whereas Bank policy emphasizes methods that effectively cut real wages. The Report is rich in empirical data, but they do not support the Bank's dismissal of industrial policy as “ineffective,” and they are presented in a way that makes it difficult for students to corroborate Bank findings. The greatest disappointment of the Report's market fundamentalism is a failure to study seriously how elements of the East Asian model can be adapted to suit conditions in other countries.
Targeted Deletion of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Modulates Experimental Colitis

Background Neurogenic inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in modulating colitis. Methods Colitis was induced by administration of dextran sodium sulphate (3% DSS) or streptomycin pre-treated Salmonella typhimurium (S.T.) in wild type (WT) and NPY (NPY−/−) knockout mice. Colitis was assessed by clinical score, histological score and myeloperoxidase activity. NPY and nNOS expression was assessed by immunostaining. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring catalase activity, glutathione and nitrite levels. Colonic motility was assessed by isometric muscle recording in WT and DSS-treated mice. Results DSS/S.T. induced an increase in enteric neuronal NPY and nNOS expression in WT mice. WT mice were more susceptible to inflammation compared to NPY−/− as indicated by higher clinical & histological scores, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (p<0.01). DSS-WT mice had increased nitrite, decreased glutathione (GSH) levels and increased catalase activity indicating more oxidative stress. The lower histological scores, MPO and chemokine KC in S.T.-treated nNOS−/− and NPY−/−/nNOS−/− mice supported the finding that loss of NPY-induced nNOS attenuated inflammation. The inflammation resulted in chronic impairment of colonic motility in DSS-WT mice. NPY –treated rat enteric neurons in vitro exhibited increased nitrite and TNF-α production. Conclusions NPY mediated increase in nNOS is a determinant of oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation. Our study highlights the role of neuronal NPY and nNOS as mediators of inflammatory processes in IBD.
Prevention of high-risk behaviors in adolescent women.

Abstract Purpose: To better delineate the impact of health risk behaviors on adolescent women's current and future health and development. Method: The Commonwealth Fund Survey of Adolescent Health, a national survey of adolescents in Grades 5–12 designed to better understand their health and health care needs, was used as the basis for this study. Survey data were collected in 1997 from a total of 6730 adolescents (3568 females, 3162 males). Areas examined include smoking, drinking, use of other drugs, violence, safety, reproductive risks, and the prevention of risk behaviors in adolescent women. Results: Adolescent women are almost equally likely to smoke, drink, and engage in other substance use as their male counterparts, but with increased health risks. Different motivations for engaging in risk behavior also are evident. Adolescent women are also more likely than adolescent men to experience physical abuse, and they are twice as likely to be sexually abused. Conclusions: Effective prevention programs need to recognize that the motivations for engaging in risk behaviors may differ by gender. Developmental awareness, proper assessment, and pivotal institutions can provide and shape what is needed for healthy development.
Cognitive Effects of Marijuana

To the Editor. —The report by Drs Pope and Yurgelun-Todd 1 on residual cognitive effects of heavy marijuana use highlights the importance of recognizing that chronic and abusive use of psychotropic compounds such as marijuana may have serious negative sequelae. However, the strength of these conclusions are not without methodological caution. Perhaps the most important of these concerns drawing inferences from research based on short-term clinical trials. Deficits in intellectual and neuropsychological functioning may represent antecedents, concomitants, or consequences of chronic drug (ie, marijuana) use. The short-term nature of their study prohibits teasing apart these temporal and often confounding relationships. Comparison with matched controls represents a potentially effective means of statistically controlling for underlying differences (ie, premorbid psychopathology). However, there are a number of psychosocial conditions that cannot be statistically corrected through the use of matched controls. Studies of adolescents have consistently found that low self-esteem, poor social (eg, assertive)
Monomial gorenstein curves in A4 as set-theoretic complete intersections

It is shown that if the prime ideal\(P(S) \subseteq k[x_1 , \cdots ,x_4 ]\),⋯, x4], k an arbitrary field, has generic zero xi=tni, ni positive integers with g.c.d. equal l, l ≤ i ≤ 4, then P(S) is a set-theoretic complete intersection if the numerical semigroup S= is symmetric (i.e. if the extension of P(S) in k[[x1,⋯, x4]] is a Gorenstein ideal).
Self-efficacy, reasoning ability, and achievement in college biology

This study compared the relationships of self-efficacy and reasoning ability to achievement in introductory college biology. Based on the hypothesis that developing formal and postformal reasoning ability is a primary factor influencing self-efficacy, a significant positive correlation was predicted between reasoning ability and degree of self-efficacy to complete biological tasks. Further, reasoning ability was predicted to be more highly correlated with course achievement than self-efficacy. The study involved pre- and posttesting 459 introductory biology students. Both self-efficacy and reasoning ability increased during the semester. As predicted, self-efficacy and reasoning ability were positively correlated. Depending on the nature of the achievement measure, reasoning ability accounted for some 15 to 30 times more variance in achievement than self-efficacy. Also, as predicted, reasoning ability was a strong predictor of self-efficacy, but self-efficacy was not a strong predictor of reasoning ability. Self-efficacy estimates and achievement were higher for the concrete tasks than for the formal tasks and higher for the formal tasks than for the postformal tasks. In general, students tended to overestimate their abilities to carry out the concrete, formal, and postformal tasks. Results support the study's working hypothesis that intellectual development continues for some students during the college years, that a postformal level of intellectual development exists, and that reasoning ability is a primary factor influencing both self-efficacy and achievement. Student overestimation of their abilities may contribute to complacency, lack of effort, and to less than optimal achievement. Consequently, it may be advantageous early in the semester to provide students with particularly challenging tasks that “shock” them out of their complacency and perhaps increase their effort, their reasoning skills, and their achievement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 706–724, 2007
Interactive graphics for the Macintosh: software review of FlexiGraphs.

Abstract To display a set of data and its features directly to an audience, or to represent a relation in a set of data, individuals in business, journalism, and government typically rely on a graph. The FlexiGraphs software package for the Macintosh family of computers provides the means to construct three of the most commonly used two-dimensional graphs: pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs. FlexiGraphs is unique, however, in its attempt to provide the Macintosh user with interactive editing of a graph using graphical instead of numeric manipulation of data. Not only can the user construct graphical representations of data, but can also draw a desired graph and then let the program determine the data points. Characteristics of the distribution can be constrained and then individual data points or sets of data points can be edited to visualize the effects of data manipulations (e.g., growth projections or cumulative losses).
Strength Properties of Sintered Alumina in Relation to Porosity and Grain Size

The strength properties of sintered alumina rods, as determined by modulus of rupture experiments, were measured for the purpose of finding the influence of grain size on strength. Sintering temperatures below and above the recrystallization temperature region were utilized in the fabrication of sintered alumina rods so that a wide variation of grain sizes could be tested. Porosity, measured as bulk density, had the largest influence on the moduli of rupture. No prominent change in strength could be observed as a result of recrystallization, but a minor decrease in strength could be attributed to an increase in void size or an increase in grain size.
STANDARD THERMAL‐SHOCK TEST FOR PORCELAIN ENAMELED UTENSILS

The equipment and method used in testing porcelain enameled utensils for thermal-shock resistance is described. Test results are given which show that increased enamel thickness and decreased metal thickness decrease the thermal-shock resistance of enameled ware. The mechanics of thermal-shock failures is discussed. This study is one of a series sponsored by the Enameled Utensil Manufacturers' Council.
Phylogenetic history of Simosuchus clarki (Crocodyliformes: Notosuchia) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

ABSTRACT The bizarre crocodyliform Simosuchus clarki shares several derived cranial characteristics with basal notosuchian taxa. In the original phylogenetic analysis assessing placement of Simosuchus among other crocodyliforms, it was recovered as a basal notosuchian. Additional preparation of the holotype skull and postcranium, and discovery of additional specimens, provides new information on the suite of morphologies in this notosuchian. Morphological analysis of all available material of S. clarki yields 60 autapomorphies distributed across the skeleton. To provide an updated test of the phylogeny of Notosuchia and placement of Simosuchus within the clade, we added seven new characters and expanded taxon sampling to include recently described notosuchians. A phylogenetic analysis of 301 characters and 84 crocodyliforms supports the position of Simosuchus as sister to Libycosuchus, more derived than Araripesuchus and Uruguaysuchus, and basal to other ziphosuchian notosuchians. We did not recover an An...
The Left in Transition: The Cuban Revolution in US Third World Politics

This article examines the ways in which Cuba's revolution shaped the changing politics of the Left in the United States. Using critical strategies of trans- nationalism, it illustrates how a dialogue developed between US activists and Cuban cultural producers, and reveals how Cuba's revolutionary discourse inflected the radical shift towards Third World nationalism. As the post-Bandung global moment brought a network of new political and cultural affiliations, Cuba's state apparatus invested in the manufacture and dissemination of tricontinental politics worldwide. This alternative moral and political imaginary lent authority to Havana's status as leader of the Third World and drew global attention to Cuba's revolutionary model in new thinking on post-colonial identity and culture. This new thinking imbibed the US Left's humanistic turn which challenged standard boundaries of race, class and nation. The dialectical nature of Cuban political discourse and social activism in the United States changed Cuban exigencies while it enticed US dissidents to experience the exception in the western hemisphere that fought for the greater moral good.
Wireless networks of opportunity in support of secure field operations

Under funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for joint military and law enforcement technologies, demonstrations of secure information transfer in support of law enforcement and military operations other than war, using wireless and wired technology, were held in September 1996 at several locations in the United States. In this paper, the network architecture, protocols, and equipment supporting the demonstration's scenarios are presented, together with initial results, including lessons learned and desired system enhancements. Wireless networks of opportunity encompassed in-building (wireless-LAN), campus-wide (Metricom Inc.), metropolitan (AMPS cellular, CDPD), and national (one- and two-way satellite) systems. Evolving DARPA-sponsored packet radio technology was incorporated. All data was encrypted, using multilevel information system security initiative (MISSI)FORTEZZA technology, for carriage over unsecured and unclassified commercial networks. The identification and authentication process inherent in the security system permitted logging for database accesses and provided an audit trail useful in evidence gathering. Wireless and wireline communications support, to and between modeled crisis management centers, was demonstrated. Mechanisms for the guarded transport of data through the secret-high military tactical Internet were included, to support joint law enforcement and crisis management missions. A secure World Wide Web (WWW) browser forms the primary, user-friendly interface for information retrieval and submission. The WWW pages were structured to be sensitive to the bandwidth, error rate, and cost of the communications medium in use (e.g., the use of and resolution for graphical data). Both still and motion compressed video were demonstrated, along with secure voice transmission from laptop computers in the field. Issues of network bandwidth, airtime costs, and deployment status are discussed.
Micromechanical models of helical fiber organization in crimped tendon and ligament fibers predict large poisson's ratios

The Poisson’s ratio is a measure of how much lateral contraction occurs in response to a uniaxial tensile strain, therefore making it a metric of the volumetric behavior of a material. A Poisson’s ratio greater than 0.5 for an isotropic material subjected to uniaxial tension is indicative of volume loss, which in the scheme of biphasic theory is believed to be manifested as fluid exudation. Experimentally obtained values for the Poisson’s ratio range from 0.8 in rat tail tendon, 1.3 in capsular ligament to 3.0 in flexor tendon [1,2,3]. In spite of the important implications of this volumetric response the micromechanical origins of these large Poisson’s ratios have been largely uninvestigated.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Differences in the effects of salinity on larval growth and developmental programs of a freshwater and a euryhaline mosquito species (Insecta: Diptera, Culicidae).

The effects of salinity on growth and development of the euryhaline Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus and the freshwater Aedes aegypti are compared. O. taeniorhynchus grow larger, and have greater intrinsic growth rates, than A. aegypti. Females of each species attain greater mass, take longer to develop, and have greater growth rates than do males. In O. taeniorhynchus, pupal mass, larval stage duration and growth rates (dry mass) increase with salinity, whereas growth rates (wet mass) remain constant across salinities, reflecting a decrease in percent body water. The pupal mass (wet or dry) of O. taeniorhynchus is determined primarily by effects of salinity on the rate of assimilation of dry mass, because the latter contributes very strongly to final pupal mass in both species. In contrast, the duration of A. aegypti larval stage follows a U-shaped curve, with most rapid development at intermediate salinities. Growth rates of A. aegypti decrease with increasing salinity, and percent body water is constant across salinities. As for O. taeniorhynchus, duration of A. aegypti larval stage increases at high salinity. However, this increase in larval stage duration cannot compensate for the decrease in growth rate at high salinity, resulting in an overall decrease in both wet and dry pupal mass at high salinity. Thus, salinity has fundamentally different effects on developmental programs and phenotypic plasticity in the two species investigated.
Cinema and Agamben: ethics, biopolitics and the moving image

A complete collection of Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben's published writings explicitly about cinema would run scarcely 20 pages, but anyone who knows his provocative 1992 essay ‘Notes on Gest...
Book Review: The Pharmacology of Mu Analgesics: From Patients to Genes

Morphine and most clinical opioids act through mu opioid receptors. Yet, their pharmacological profiles differ. The presence of incomplete cross-tolerance among these drugs clinically was one of the first indications that these mu opioids differed in their receptor mechanisms of action. This was followed by similar studies in preclinical models, which also found genetic differences in sensitivity toward morphine and other mu opioids. This concept of mu receptor multiplicity is now supported by antisense and gene knockout models. Although all the mu opioids are sensitive to antisense probes against the mu opioid receptor gene MOR-1, the sensitivity profiles of the drugs to the antisense probes differ based on the exon being targeted. Knockout mice also reveal striking differences. In one knockout mouse, morphine analgesia is completely lost while the potent mu drugs morphine-6β-glucuronide and heroin both retain analgesic activity. Finally, cloning studies have identified at least seven different splice va...