cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of renormalization group pathologies in some critical dyson-ising ferromagnets

The Dyson-Ising ferromagnet is a one-dimensional Ising model with a power law interaction. When the power is between -1 and -2, the model has a phase transition. Van Enter and Le Ny proved that at sufficiently low temperatures the decimation renormalization group transformation is not defined in the sense that the renormalized measure is not a Gibbs measure. We consider a modified model in which the nearest neighbor couplings are much larger than the other couplings. For a family of Hamiltonians which includes critical cases, we prove that the first step of the renormalization group transformation can be rigorously defined for majority rule and decimation.
AXL Is a Potential Target for the Treatment of Intestinal Fibrosis.

Background Fibrosis is the final common pathway to intestinal failure in Crohn's disease, but no medical therapies exist to treat intestinal fibrosis. Activated myofibroblasts are key effector cells of fibrosis in multiple organ systems, including the intestine. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in fibrogenic pathways involving myofibroblast activation. We aimed to investigate the AXL pathway as a potential target for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. Methods To establish proof of concept, we first analyzed AXL gene expression in 2 in vivo models of intestinal fibrosis and 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. We then tested whether pharmacological inhibition of AXL signaling could reduce fibrogenesis in 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro testing included 2 distinct cell culture models of intestinal fibrosis (matrix stiffness and TGF-β1 treatment) and a human intestinal organoid model using TGF-β1 cytokine stimulation. Results Our findings suggest that the AXL pathway is induced in models of intestinal fibrosis. We demonstrate that inhibition of AXL signaling with the small molecule inhibitor BGB324 abrogates both matrix-stiffness and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1)-induced fibrogenesis in human colonic myofibroblasts. AXL inhibition with BGB324 sensitizes myofibroblasts to apoptosis. Finally, AXL inhibition with BGB324 blocks TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic gene and protein expression in human intestinal organoids. Conclusions The AXL pathway is active in multiple models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro experiments suggest that inhibiting AXL signaling could represent a novel approach to antifibrotic therapy for intestinal fibrosis such as in Crohn's disease.
A Tale of Two Cities: Mark Cuban, David Einhorn, and the Ethics of Insider Trading Reform

The similarities between the insider trading stories of Mark Cuban and David Einhorn suggest that their circumstances are not uncommon, and the contrasting results also help to illustrate some significant differences between the common law fraud-based insider trading regime in the U.S. and the statutory parity-of-information regime in Europe. And, as Congress and the SEC continue to weigh the merits of reform in the U.S., I think the examples of Cuban and Einhorn are particularly instructive for the following reasons. First, as will be explained in Part II of this Article, contrasting the enforcement actions against Cuban and Einhorn throws into stark relief the lack of ex ante guidance under the U.S. regime for good-faith traders who must make real-time decisions for themselves and for those who are relying upon them to invest their money. The examples help to illustrate why the ethics of legal certainty, due process, and the principle of legality weigh in favor of following Europe in adopting a relatively clear statutory insider trading enforcement regime. Second, however, it will be argued in Part II of this Article that if statutory reform is needed in the U.S., the liability imposed upon Einhorn despite the fact that his conduct (as I will argue) was neither deceptive nor unfair, shows why adopting the Europe’s broad parity-of-information model would be a mistake.
Genetic-Algorithm-based Light-Curve Optimization Applied to Observations of the W Ursae Majoris Star BH Cassiopeiae

I have developed a procedure utilizing a genetic-algorithm (GA) based optimization scheme to fit the observed light curves of an eclipsing binary star with a model produced by the Wilson-Devinney (W-D) code. The principal advantages of this approach are the global search capability and the objectivity of the final result. Although this method can be more efficient than some other comparably global search techniques, the computational requirements of the code are still considerable. I have applied this fitting procedure to my observations of the W UMa type eclipsing binary BH Cassiopeiae. An analysis of V-band CCD data obtained in 1994–1995 from Steward Observatory and U- and B-band photoelectric data obtained in 1996 from McDonald Observatory provided three complete light curves to constrain the fit. In addition, radial velocity curves obtained in 1997 from McDonald Observatory provided a direct measurement of the system mass ratio to restrict the search. The results of the GA-based fit are in excellent agreement with the final orbital solution obtained with the standard differential corrections procedure in the W-D code.
Ventricular contraction and relaxation rates during muscle metaboreflex activation in heart failure: are they coupled?

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does the muscle metaboreflex affect the ratio of left ventricular contraction/relaxation rates and does heart failure impact this relationship. What is the main finding and its importance? The effect of muscle metaboreflex activation on the ventricular relaxation rate was significantly attenuated in heart failure. Heart failure attenuates the exercise and muscle metaboreflex-induced changes in the contraction/relaxation ratio. In heart failure, the reduced ability to raise cardiac output during muscle metaboreflex activation may not solely be due to attenuation of ventricular contraction but also alterations in ventricular relaxation and diastolic function. ABSTRACT The relationship between contraction and relaxation rates of the left ventricle varies with exercise. In in vitro models, this ratio was shown to be relatively unaltered by changes in sarcomere length, frequency of stimulation, and β-adrenergic stimulation. We investigated whether the ratio of contraction to relaxation rate is maintained in the whole heart during exercise and muscle metaboreflex activation and whether heart failure alters these relationships. We observed that in healthy subjects the ratio of contraction to relaxation increases from rest to exercise as a result of a higher increase in contraction relative to relaxation. During muscle metaboreflex activation the ratio of contraction to relaxation is significantly reduced towards 1.0 due to a large increase in relaxation rate matching contraction rate. In heart failure, contraction and relaxation rates are significantly reduced, and increases during exercise are attenuated. A significant increase in the ratio was observed from rest to exercise although baseline ratio values were significantly reduced close to 1.0 when compared to healthy subjects. There was no significant change observed between exercise and muscle metaboreflex activation nor was the ratio during muscle metaboreflex activation significantly different between heart failure and control. We conclude that heart failure reduces the muscle metaboreflex gain and contraction and relaxation rates. Furthermore, we observed that the ratio of the contraction and relaxation rates during muscle metaboreflex activation is not significantly different between control and heart failure, but significant changes in the ratio in healthy subjects due to increased relaxation rate were abolished in heart failure.
Looping into hyperspace: Mechanisms of distributed imagination during a collaborative multimodal science fiction writing project

Abstract Imagination is critically important in student learning and development. However, it does not receive enough attention in mainstream schooling. In cases when imagination is forefronted, it has often been interpreted as capacity within individual minds. We created an integrated STEM learning program that aims to help students develop imaginative capacity while they work in small teams to produce multimodal science fictions. Adopting a framework based on imagination loop (Zittoun & Gillespie, 2015) and distributed cognition ( Cole & Engestrom, 1993 ), we examined how a pair of sixth grade students engaged in distributed imagination. Through conversation and interaction analysis, we illustrated how imagination is distributed in different ways between the pair. Findings point to the phases and features of imaginative loops that result in collaborative production. Our analysis demonstrates the value of documenting the detailed shifts in participants’ perceptions of their tasks, products, partners, and relationships with each other over the course of their collaborations.
Administration of testosterone attenuates neuronal loss following axotomy in the brain-stem motor nuclei of female rats.

This study was undertaken to elucidate whether (1) administration of testosterone to female rats attenuates axotomy-induced neuronal loss; (2) the efficacy of testosterone treatment is related to the age of animals, the dosage given, and the time and duration of the treatment; (3) neurons which project or terminate aberrantly can survive; and (4) the trophic actions of testosterone on neuronal survival and axonal outgrowth are operated under the same mechanisms. The hypoglossal and facial nerves were transected unilaterally at 3 and 6 weeks of age. In order to establish the dose-response curve, testosterone propionate (TP) at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 mg was injected subcutaneously twice weekly during the first 4 postaxotomy weeks, and once weekly thereafter for an additional 6 weeks. Neuronal numbers in the hypoglossal and facial motor nuclei were counted 10–12 weeks after axotomy in serial paraffin sections stained with cresyl violet. To determine the time course of TP effect, neuronal numbers were counted at 1, 4, 12, and 20 weeks after axotomy. In addition, neuronal loss 12 weeks after axotomy in rats treated with TP for the first 3 postaxotomy weeks only was compared with that in rats withheld TP treatment until the 5th postaxotomy week. To determine axonal projections and terminations of the surviving neurons, HRP retrograde tracing technique was used. Results indicated that TP treatment significantly attenuated neuronal loss in prepubertal and young adult female rats in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Only doses which elevated serum testosterone to levels comparable to or surpassing normal male levels were effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Psychopathology in the Aged

In this chapter, we examine the theoretical assumptions and empirical status of research on psychopathology in old age. In studying the relationship between psychopathology and aging, one is compelled to examine the topic from the following positions: (a) Disorders may develop for the first time in old age; (b) disorders first evident earlier in adulthood may continue in old age and remain basically unaltered by the aging process; (c) disorders that begin in early or middle adulthood may continue into old age but be significantly altered by the aging process; (d) and disorders that begin in early or middle adulthood may remit in old age. Examination of the literature concerning clinical gerontology indicates that, for many disorders, we do not have enough information to allow us to draw firm conclusions about the relationship between aging and psychopathology. The study of psychopathology in old age is complicated by such methodological problems as the confounding of age and cohort effects and the lack of standardized measures normed on an elderly population. For each of the disorders we examine in the chapter, we have attempted to address the relevance of these problems. Before reviewing research on the prevalence, etiology, and assessment of specific disorders, we attempt to provide a general orientation by examining some major issues relevant to this field of study.
The Centrality of Memory in Wm. James's Epistemology & the Implications for Voegelin's Theory of Anamnesis

James, a cognitive realist, has produced a philosophical system with empirical and metaphysical levels giving it a unity and power to circumscribe our knowledge of reality as we encounter it. In his radical empiricism he distinguishes between conceptual or discursive knowledge and what he calls 'knowledge by acquaintance'. The latter includes the reality we know in feeling, relation, and even in the non sensory experiences of our own thoughts when twice taken. In this latter knowledge James claims that we can place ourselves 'at the point of view of the thing’s interior doing, . . . get at the expanding centre of a human character, the elan vital of a man, as Bergson calls it, by living sympathy'. Voegelin’s anamnetic experiments are exercises in recollection which have this very purpose. They are experiences buried deep in our consciousness, often ones we had during the wondering period of childhood, which because they are own can be re-experienced directly with warmth and sympathy. These experiences have excited consciousness with an ‘awe’ of existence and they impel towards reflection. This reflection, like these experiences are a part of the biography of our consciousness - they are are direct encounters with reality including the mysterious super realms of it. Anamnesis, because it is a form of self knowledge, can take us to James’s 'inner doings' of the psyche, and to the radical empiricism of an experience of the mysterious, dynamic inter-relation of the psyche with the ground of its being-ness. James’s psychological studies on memory, both elementary and reproductive, attention, and apperception demonstrate in a practical way how anamnesis works. They show its real possibilities for cumulative and progressive insights into the dynamic relations grounding the human psyche that are ours when the 'transcendent feeling' known directly in a knowledge of acquaintance is twice taken in the present with greater 'warmth and intimacy', and when it is associated with more mature encounters of the mysterious 'fringes' of the world. Anamnesis itself is a purifying exercise, because it effects a 'turning around' of mind and heart to a search in fath for wisdom, and the opening of the self to higher realms of the real.
Vehicle Classification in Infrared Video Using the Sequential Probability Ratio Test

This chapter develops a multilook fusion approach for improving the performance of a single-look vehicle classification system for infrared video. Vehicle classification is a challenging problem since vehicles can take on many different appearances and sizes due to their form and function and the viewing conditions. The low resolution of uncooled infrared video and the large variability of naturally occurring environmental conditions can make this an even more difficult problem. Our single-look approach is based on extracting a signature consisting of a histogram of gradient orientations from a set of regions covering the moving object. We use the multinomial pattern-matching algorithm to match the signature to a database of learned signatures. To combine the match scores of multiple signatures from a single tracked object, we use the sequential probability ratio test. Using infrared data, we show excellent classification performance, with low expected error rates, when using at least 25 looks.
BENIGN INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION AND OTITIC HYDROCEPHALUS

BENIGN intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri, as the condition is termed more frequently, is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure with a normal ventricular system and cerebrospinal fluid of normal composition. Headache of moderate degree is the most common symptom and vomiting, impairment of vision and diplopia occur less often; papilledema and abducens palsy are the usual neurologic signs. The prognosis is almost invariably good. Although few reports of the syndrome are found in pediatric literature, its occurrence is relatively common during childhood. The review of reports by Davidoff, Foley, and others has disclosed that 84 (37%) of 224 patients were children and of these 75 (90%) were between 5 and 15 years of age. The infrequent occurrence or recognition of the syndrome in infants and young children is noteworthy.
Monte Carlo Evaluation of the Likelihood for Ne From Temporally Spaced Samples

A population's effective size is an important quantity for conservation and management. The effective size may be estimated from the change of allele frequencies observed in temporally spaced genetic samples taken from the population. Though moment-based estimators exist, recently Williamson and Slatkin demonstrated the advantages of a maximum-likelihood approach that they applied to data on diallelic genetic markers. Their computational methods, however, do not extend to data on multiallelic markers, because in such cases exact evaluation of the likelihood is impossible, requiring an intractable sum over latent variables. We present a Monte Carlo approach to compute the likelihood with data on multiallelic markers. So as to be computationally efficient, our approach relies on an importance-sampling distribution constructed by a forward-backward method. We describe the Monte Carlo formulation and the importance-sampling function and then demonstrate their use on both simulated and real datasets.
Pituitary growth hormone and placental lactogen levels measured in normal term pregnancy and at the early and late postpartum periods.

Abstract Pituitary growth hormone (HGH) and placental lactogen (HPL) were measured by separate radioimmunoassay procedures in 38 normal subjects tested at three times: during the last month of pregnancy; during the first week post partum; and again more than 6 weeks post partum. The hormones were measured in the fasting resting state and serially during an insulin induced hypoglycemia episode. The results show a significantly marked depression of the HGH in late pregnancy. This is associated with the presence of HPL and a relative insulin resistance. There was an increase in HGH output after delivery, but this did not become maximal until the late postpartum period. The early postpartum period is associated with no detectable HPL and a deficient output of HGH. This relative lack of contra-insulin factors was associated with the lowest fasting blood glucose values.
Chemical and physical findings from pollution studies on the East Gallatin River and its tributaries

Abstract A section of the East Gallatin River and its tributaries in the vincinity of Bozeman, Montana, were studied in an effort to determine, by chemical-physical means, the water quality at various points and to determine the effects of suspected pollutant sources on this system. Comparison of the detailed chemical analyses at the upstream and downstream stations demonstrated that the tributaries contributed little if any pollution to the East Gallatin River. The major pollutant of the stream was found to be the Bozeman City Sewage effluent.
Blind ML detection of CPM signals via the EMV algorithm

We propose a blind maximum-likelihood (ML) detection algorithm for continuous-phase modulated (CPM) signals transmitted over a noisy linear FIR channel. This is referred to as the Expectation-Maximization-Viterbi algorithm (EMVA) [1, 2]. The EMVA is a blind algorithm capable of simultaneously performing system identification and signal estimation whenever the transmission system can be modeled as a finite-state machine with unknown parameters, a scenario frequently encountered in signal processing for communications. We specifically focus on CPM, but t he algorithm is equally applicable to any other modulation type, linear or nonlinear. The channel estimate obtained via the EMVA is shown via simulations to, asymptotically (as the SNR increases) attain the most optimistic Cramer-Rao bo und and to have an error performance close to that of the true channel; a 0.5 dB difference is seen at BER equal to 10−4.
Training in integrated mental health-primary care models: a national survey of child psychiatry program directors.

The objective of this study was to assess current trainee exposure to integrated mental health/primary care models in US child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs. In June 2013, an electronic survey was sent to all US child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program directors (N = 123). Fifty-two responses were obtained from the 120 eligible participants (43 %). The majority of the program directors who responded (63 %) indicated that fellows in their programs regularly participate in clinical care and/or consultation within an outpatient pediatric primary care setting. Program directors identified barriers to increasing training exposure to integrated care delivery as competing clinical demands and challenging financial models for indirect consultation in primary care settings. Many child psychiatry fellowship program directors view training in integrated care models as an important part of their teaching and service mission, and are creating novel avenues for exposure. Current funding models, however, may limit the widespread implementation of these opportunities.
Use of a repeated-measures logistic regression model to predict chronic mastitis in dairy cows

Abstract The use of a repeated-measures logistic regression model is shown by evaluating the use of somatic cell counts to identify cows with chronic mastitis as determined by bacteriologic culture. The most important variable to predict wether a cow had chronic mastitis was the average linear score of all of the previous Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) test dates. The model did not accurately classify cows with chronic mastitis. Results from this study suggest that DHIA centers should be cautious using algorithms of the somatic cell count type to report cows with chronic mastitis to dairy farmers.
Seasonal changes of gastrointestinal nematode populations in yearling beef cattle in Louisiana with emphasis on prevalence of inhibition in Ostertagia ostertagi.

Abstract Investigation of seasonal changes in the composition of nematode populations, principally Ostertagia oslertagi , was conducted over 3 years at three locations in Louisiana. This is the most commonly occurring parasite of cattle in the state. Naturally infected yearling cattle were killed monthly over extended periods and tracer calves were grazed for monthly intervals from late autumn to summer at two locations in 1978–1979. Major objectives were to determine seasonal incidence of common gastrointestinal nematodes and for O. ostertagi , in particular, the time period during which larval inhibition was prevalent, circumstances under which larvae were conditioned to inhibition, and the duration of inhibition. Small numbers of inhibited O. ostertagi were recovered between November and February. Large numbers were found initially in March and increased numbers in April and May. Both normally developing and inhibition prone larvae were acquired during late winter-early spring, with the proportion of the latter being more prevalent in April and May. Evidence from tracer calves indicated that few O. ostertagi larvae were acquired after early June. Large burdens of inhibited larvae persisted in yearling cattle through summer; numbers of developing larvae and adults were minimal. Maturation of inhibited larvae occurs from August to October and in one instance was associated with cases of clinical parasitism. Factors responsible for inhibition were not defined, but increasing temperatures of late winter-early spring, host resistance, and density-dependence of populations were considered. Other abomasal genera were most prevalent in spring while intestinal genera were most common during autumn through spring.
Genetic differentiation between sun and shade habitats in populations of Lindera benzoin L.

Differences in selection patterns among habitats can alter the distribution of genetic diversity even when this is estimated with neutral markers. For plants, light is an essential resource that can influence both abiotic and biotic components of habitat. We examined genetic differentiation between sun and shade habitats in Lindera benzoin L. (Spicebush), a perennial understory shrub. Genetic diversity of 127 plants from sun and shade habitats in two populations of L. benzoin was determined using 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers. We analyzed patterns of genetic diversity using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and we assessed correlation between genetic and geographic distance using Mantel tests. We found (1) low levels of differentiation among populations (F ST = 0.028), (2) little evidence of genetic structure within populations due to isolation-by-distance, and (3) some evidence of habitat-based genetic differentiation. Specifically, the AMOVA showed a small (0.5%) but significant portion of overall variation could be explained by differences between habitats. The overall low levels of differentiation we saw were likely a result of extensive gene flow in this dioecious, bird-dispersed species.
Effects of Growth Factor Presence on Mineralization of Porous Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Scaffolds In Vitro

Basic design requirements of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications include biocompatibility, temporally controlled degradability, osteoconductivity, mechanical integrity, and mass transport capabilities. A recent study has attempted to meet design criteria via the growth of a carbonated apatite (bone-like) mineral on the inner pore surfaces of a highly porous 85:15 poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold using a biomimetic process. It has also been recently demonstrated that the mineralization strategy can be combined with sustained growth factor delivery to induce vascular tissue ingrowth. The present study examines the effect of protein presence on the mineralization process by measuring the amount of protein incorporated into the scaffold during the process of mineral formation. Surprisingly, vascular endothelial growth factor incorporates more readily into control scaffolds than into scaffolds subjected to mineralization treatment. This finding suggests that there is little incorporation of protein into the growing mineral film, and offers insight into the mechanism for sustained drug delivery from the mineralized scaffolds.
Selective changes in angiotensin II AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes in the rat superior colliculus following eye enucleation.

Abstract In the brain of young (two weeks old) rats, angiotensin II receptors (AT 2 receptors) are found in brain nuclei which receive and integrate direct visual input from the retina, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (containing only AT 1 receptors), the lateral geniculate nuclei (containing AT 2 receptors) and the superior colliculus (which contains both receptor types with a majority of AT 2 ). In adult rats, angiotensin II receptors are present in the suprachiasmatic nuclei and the superior colliculus but not in the lateral geniculate. Using quantitative autoradiography we found that, in adult rats, bilateral eye enucleation caused a significant decrease in AT 2 receptor binding, but not in AT 1 receptor binding, and only in the superior colliculus. Unilateral enucleation of 12-day-old pups led to a decrease in AT 2 receptor binding from the contralateral superior colliculus, as early as day 2 postenucleation. Conversely, there was a significant increase in binding to AT 1 receptors in the ipsilateral superior colliculus after seven days. No changes were seen in the lateral geniculate or suprachiasmatic nuclei. Angiotensin II binding to subcellular fractions of tissue from the superior colliculus region of 19-day-old pups suggested that AT 2 receptor sites were present on the plasma membrane of the postsynaptic cell body. Membrane binding studies also showed a significant decrease in AT 2 receptor binding to the same subcellular fractions when 19-day-old pups, enucleated seven days earlier, were compared to sham-operated animals. Our results suggest that expression of AT 1 and AT 2 receptors in the superior colliculus may be regulated by retinal input.
Molecular dosimetry in fish: quantitative target organ DNA adduction and hepatocarcinogenicity for four aflatoxins by two exposure routes in rainbow trout

Abstract Rainbow trout, a species highly sensitive to aflatoxins, was used to investigate the relative carcinogenicities of four structurally related aflatoxins in terms of their target organ DNA binding characteristics. Tritiated syntheses were carried out, DNA binding dose–response curves were established, and liver DNA binding indices were calculated for the four aflatoxins following a 2-week dietary fry exposure protocol. The results indicated that adduct levels increased linearly with dietary dose concentration, with relative DNA binding indices of 20.7, 20.3, 2.35, and 2.22×103 (pmoles aflatoxin mg−1 DNA)/(pmoles aflatoxin g−1 diet) for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxicol (AFL), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and aflatoxicol M1 (AFLM1), respectively. A similar protocol used over 7200 trout fry averaging 1.2 g initial body weight to establish full carcinogen dose–response curves for each aflatoxin, along with a single-dose estimate of DNA binding index within the tumor study animals. Owing to trout sensitivity a total of 180 μg or less of each aflatoxin was required. Data analyzed on logit incidence vs. Ln dose coordinates generated four curves which were modeled as parallel in slope over most or all dose ranges studied. By this analysis, relative tumorigenic potencies were: AFB1 1.00; AFL 0.936; AFM1 0.086; and AFLM1 0.041. When data were plotted as logit incidence vs. Ln adducts (effective dose received), all aflatoxin adducts described the same dose–response curve; that is, they were equally tumorigenic, except those from AFLM1, which were 2–3 fold less potent. Therefore, by these molecular dose studies, differences in tumorigenicity among the four dietary aflatoxins are largely or entirely accounted for by differences in uptake and metabolism leading to DNA adduction, rather than any inherent differences in tumor initiating potency per DNA adduct.
Analysis of relative motion splint in the treatment of zone VI extensor tendon injuries

Purpose Early protected motion after extensor tendon repair is desirable. The low-profile relative motion splint, described previously by Merritt et al, holds the affected digit in 15° of extension relative to the uninjured digits to allow less-cumbersome early protected motion versus dynamic splinting. Although early clinical results have been favorable, formal biomechanic testing of this approach is lacking. We used an in vitro model to assess the effect of the low-profile relative motion splint on the biomechanics of zone VI extensor tendons by measuring tendon elongation with and without the splint. Tendon elongation also was measured after transection and repair of extensor tendons in zone VI with and without splint protection. Methods Ten fresh-frozen cadeveric upper extremities were prepared and mounted on a testing apparatus with the wrist in 25° of extension. Alternating applications of extension and flexion loads to the tendons induced a full range of motion for 25 cycles. Differential variable reluctance transducers were applied to zone VI of the index, middle, and ring extensor tendons. Measurements of intact tendon microelongation (or strain) were obtained with and without the relative motion splint. The middle finger extensor tendon then was transected (in zone VI) and was repaired immediately. Measurements were repeated with and without splint protection. Elongation ratios were calculated and analyzed statistically. Results For the intact tendon of the middle finger splinting reduced the elongation by 1% in extension, by 2% in flexion, and by 3% in neutral position. After the transection and repair of this same tendon, the splint reduced the elongation by 5% in extension, by 7% in flexion, and by 6% in neutral position. Cycling without splint protection caused permanent stretching at the repair site. Reapplication of the splint decreased elongation at the repair site by 2% in extension, by 3% in flexion, and by 3% in neutral position. Conclusions The relative motion splint reduces the effective strain on intact and repaired zone VI middle finger extensor tendons and supports its clinical use.
Cost Pool Classification and Judgment Performance

ABSTRACT Managers must understand relations among costs in order to make decisions. Prior literature assumes managers' use of cost accounting system output is affected by the information coming from the system, but not by the design of the cost system itself. This study examines how the classification of costs into cost pools affects the accuracy of individuals' understanding of relations among costs. I hypothesize that individuals will estimate relations between costs in the same cost pool first and thus more accurately than relations across different pools, because cost pools provide strong cues that meaningful relations are likely to exist within, but not across, pools. I also hypothesize that cost location (within- versus across-pool) has a greater effect on individuals' judgment accuracy when relations among costs are negative than when they are positive. Experimental results are generally consistent with these hypotheses. This experiment shows that cost pool classification choices not only affect th...
Angiogenesis in vitro

Cloned capillary endothelial cells, cultured in tumour-conditioned medium, form capillary tubes. By light and electron microscopy these tubes resemble capillaries in vivo. This first demonstration of angiogenesis in vitro: (1) shows that all the information necessary to develop an entire capillary network in vitro is expressed by one cell type; (2) suggests a mechanism for lumen formation; and (3) offers a possibility of distinguishing between direct and indirect angiogenesis factors.
Psychopathic personality and utilitarian moral judgment in college students

Abstract Purpose Although psychopathy is characterized by amoral behavior, literature on the association between psychopathy and moral judgment pattern is mixed. Recent evidence suggests that this may be due to the moderation effect of anxiety ( Koenigs, Kruepke, Zeier, & Newman, 2011 ). The current study aims to examine the psychopathy-utilitarian judgment association in college students. Method In this study, a group of 302 college students completed a moral judgment test involving hypothetical dilemmas. Their psychopathic traits were assessed by the Psychopathic Personality Inventory – Short Form (PPI-SF) ( Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996 ). Results Individuals with higher psychopathic traits were more likely to make utilitarian responses to moral dilemmas. Furthermore, the association between utilitarian responses and psychopathy was more salient for the behavioral factor of psychopathy (PPI-II), and this association was mediated by self-reported aggression. However, the moderating effect of anxiety was not found. Conclusions These results build upon work on utilitarian moral judgment in psychopathic individuals in a non-incarcerated, non-institutionalized sample, and have important implications for the behavioral correction system.
Mechanism of the Effect of Dilution With Different Inert Gases on Smoke Point of Propylene Diffusion Flames

An experimental study to compare the smoking characteristics of diffusion flames of propylene diluted nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and helium was performed. The mass flow rate of propylene at smoke point condition, which was defined as the critical fuel mass flow rate (CFMFR), was first determined. Then, CFMFR was divided into ten different fractions for the study of the mechanism of inert gas dilution on smoke point. The mass flow rate of each different inert gas to achieve the smoke point condition was then determined in the same manner. Flame radiation and the visible flame height for all the diluted fuel flames were measured. The axial soot concentration profiles of nitrogen-diluted smoke point flames were also measured using the laser induced incandescence (LII) method for selective conditions. The inert gas dilution study showed two distinct regions (chemical and momentum controlled regions). The study shows the amount diluent needed to achieve smoke point was in the decreasing order of Ar, CO2 , N2 and He on mass basis. The analysis of the results showed that the main reason for this phenomenon was the heat sink capability of the gas. Hence, the specific heat of the gas was an important parameter. In general, nitrogen-diluted flames had higher flame length than other inert gas diluted flames. At higher CFMFR, in helium-diluted flames radiation was higher than in other flames.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Overview of the treatment of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common conditions presented to the family physician. The vast array of topical and systemic medications available can make choosing an appropriate treatment seem overwhelming. Because every case of acne is different, the choice of medication should be selected on a case-by-case basis based on the type of acne, its location and patient factors. In this article, we attempt to provide a concise review of how to quickly diagnose acne based on the type(s) of lesion(s), and how to choose a treatment regimen appropriate for each type. We review the pathophysiology and key clinical features of acne, in addition to treatment options.
Inhibition of the polyadenylation reaction in vitro by polyamines

Abstract The effect of polyamines on the polyadenylation reaction in vitro was investigated. Varying concentrations of spermine were added to the reaction catalyzed by purified poly(A) polymerase using rat liver nuclear RNA, poly(A), Escherichia coli tRNA or (Ap)3A as exogenous primers. The enzyme activity decreased progressively with increasing concentrations of polyamines; complete inhibition was obtained at 0.4 and 1.2 m m spermine for the nuclear RNA- and poly(A)-primed reactions, respectively. No inhibition was observed for the (Ap)3A-primed reaction. Spermidine and putrescine also inhibited polyadenylation but to a lesser extent than spermine. The degree of inhibition by spermine was related to the polynucleotide primer concentrations. Spermine prevented polyadenylation by binding to the primer but not to the poly(A) polymerase molecule as shown by the migration of [14C]spermine through glycerol gradients after preincubation with enzyme or tRNA. At concentrations inhibitory to polyadenylation in vitro, spermine could stimulate the DNA-dependent RNA synthesis catalyzed by RNA polymerase II. The present study suggests that low levels of polyamines could be used as specific inhibitors of the poly(A) synthesis in vitro.
Early Hospital Social Work Practice The Life and Times of Janet Thornton

Janet Thornton (1881–1963) was the director of social services at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City from 1924 to 1947. Drawing on previously unexamined archival letters and documents, this article presents a professional and personal perspective on Thornton’s life. Restoring her to the historical record on hospital social work brings into focus the foundations of present-day social work practice in health care settings and adds new insights into the role of women in the burgeoning profession.
Informing classroom practice: What we know about several task characteristics and their effects on learning

Abstract In this article, I discuss three task characteristics in terms of their possible implications for classroom learning—drawing heavily upon my own research. Of the three, only the spacing effect appears to have clear implications for improving classroom practice. By contrast, the other two—meaning-enhancing additions to what is to be learned and successive presentations of meaningfully related learning material—do not as yet have clear classroom implications.
Geometric algorithms for the minimum cost assignment problem

We consider the minimum‐cost λ‐assignment problem, which is equivalent to the minimum‐weight one‐to‐many matching problem on a complete bipartite graph Γ = (A, B), where A and B have n and k nodes (n ⩾ k), respectively. Formulating the problem geometrically, we given an O(kn + k2.5n0.5 log1.5 n) time randomized algorithm, which is better than the existing O(kn2 + n2 log n) time algorithm if n > k log k. © 1995 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion Solubility in Ice: Calculation of Potentially Favorable Positions of CI− and Na+ Ions in the SPC/E Model of Ice 1 h*

Favorable and unfavorable locations for positive and negative ions in the ice 1 h lattice are investigated by molecular dynamics methods. This is a first step in calculating the solubility of ions in ice as distinct from liquid water.
Measuring the British Slave Trade to Jamaica, 1789–1808: A Comment

IN recent years there have been significant developments in the historiography of the Atlantic slave trade. Scholars such as Philip D. Curtin, J. E. Inikori, and Roger Anstey have improved our understanding of the volume and character of the trade, and have stimulated further inquiry into the topic as a consequence of the variance in their findings.2 The latest contribution to this investigation is Herbert Klein's The Middle Passage: Comparative Studies in the Atlantic Slave Trade (Princeton, 1978), in which he continues to develop the important comparative perspective of slave-trade scholarship.3 This is a work of great scope, and despite Klein's impressive scholarship, lacunae in the data remain. However, in the case of the Jamaican slave trade it is possible to fill some of the gaps. In both value and volume, the slave trade to Jamaica reached its peak between 1783 and i8o8. Within this period, the years from I789 to i8oi witnessed the largest volume of imports. It is here, however, that several lacunae are apparent in Klein's study. Table 7.6 is entitled 'The Number of Africans Arriving in Jamaica and Re-transported off the Island, I 704-I 8oo', but while Klein cites data for all the quinquennia from I 704 to I 788, he omits the years from I 789 to I 795. As the table is prematurely terminated at i 8oo, the final years of the trade are also unrecorded. In addition, the data for the years I 796 to i 8oo undercount both the number of arrivals and reshipments from the island.4 In my study ofJamaican slavery (part of a larger comparative study of sugar and slavery in Jamaica and Louisiana), I have uncovered the data which Klein found elusive. Table i presents the annual arrivals and reshipments for the years from I 789 to the closure of the slave trade in i 8o8. Because of the character of the data-base it is not possible to give a complete
Prospective Respiratory Gated Carbon Nanotube Micro Computed Tomography

Rationale and Objectives Challenges remain in the imaging of the lungs of free-breathing mice. Although computed tomographic (CT) imaging is near optimal from a contrast perspective, the rapid respiration rate, limited temporal resolution, and inflexible x-ray pulse control of most micro-CT scanners limit their utility in pulmonary imaging. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have permitted the development of field emission cathodes, with rapid switching and precise pulse control. The goal of this study was to explore the utility of a CNT-based micro-CT system for application in quantitative pulmonary imaging. Materials and Methods Twelve CB57/B6 mice were imaged during peak inspiration and end-exhalation using the CNT micro-CT system. The respiratory trace was derived from a sensor placed underneath the abdomen of the animal. Animals were allowed to breathe freely during the imaging under isoflurane anesthesia. Images were reconstructed using isotropic voxels of 77-μm resolution (50 kVp, 400 projections, 30-ms x-ray pulse). Lung volumes were measured with region-growing techniques and thresholds derived from the surrounding air and soft tissues. Basic functional parameters, including tidal volume, functional reserve capacity and minute volume, were also calculated. Results The average scan time was 13.4 ± 1.8 minutes for each phase of the respiratory cycle. Mean lung volumes at peak inspiration and end-expiration were 0.23 ± 0.026 and 0.11 ± 0.024 mL, respectively. The average minute volume was 11.93 ± 2.64 mL/min. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate the utility of a CNT-based micro-CT system in acquiring prospectively gated images from free-breathing mice for obtaining physiologic data. This technique provides an alternative to breath-hold techniques requiring intubation and offers greater dose efficiency than retrospective gating techniques.
Genetic Influences on Job and Occupational Switching

Abstract It is well known that individuals appear to differ in their relative probabilities for switching jobs and occupations. Possible antecedents for the decision to switch or not switch, or to turnover or not turnover, have been studied for decades. For example, studies have examined the relations of job satisfaction and work values to turnover. However, no studies have examined the relation between an individual's genetic makeup and turnover even though evidence for the influence of genetic factors on both job satisfaction and work values exists. Using a sample of 1236 monozygotic and 1165 dizygotic white male twin pairs reared together, genetic influences on job and occupational switching were examined. Covariance structure analysis results revealed a significant genetic influence on the propensity to switch jobs and occupations. Job satisfaction and work values only partially mediated this relation. Future research suggestions and limitations are provided.
Effects of Isradipine, a Dihydropyridine-Class Calcium Channel Antagonist, on D-Methamphetamine-Induced Cognitive and Physiological Changes in Humans

D-methamphetamine is abused for its euphoric effects and stimulatory action on cognitive function. Its abuse can, however, be associated with massive hypertension resulting in strokes, ruptured aneurysms, or myocardial infarction. We examined the utility of isradipine, a dihydropyridine-class calcium channel antagonist, in treating d-methamphetamine induced hypertension and evaluated its effects on cognitive function, both of which are mediated by dopaminergic mechanisms. D-methamphetamine dose-dependently increased all vital signs (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, and pulse rate) parameters. Isradipine significantly reduced d-methamphetamine-induced increases in diastolic and mean arterial pressure; however, this potentially beneficial therapeutic effect was offset by a significant reflex rise in pulse rate. D-methamphetamine also improved attention, accuracy of reasoning ability, and performance on computerized cognitive function tasks. D-methamphetamine's cognitive improving effects were not altered significantly by isradipine. Isradipine increased the false responding rate but was without significant effect on any other attentional task, or on reasoning ability, or performance. Isradipine does not appear to enhance cognitive function in healthy humans.
Milk alkaline phosphatase purification and production of polyclonal antibodies

Purification was by electroelution from native polyacrylamide gels or by sequential use of three columns. Electroelution was faster and resulted in a higher yield (23.4 vs 1.6%) than column purification. The enzyme had a molecular mass of 187 kDa, and the isoelectric point ranged from 5.4 to 6.0. ALP purified by electroelution was used as the antigen to immunize rabbits for polyclonal antibody (PAb) production. Western blot analysis showed that PAbs cross-reacted with bovine milk and placenta ALP, but did not cross-react with ALP from calf or bovine intestinal mucosa, Escherichia coli or with other milk proteins.