cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Captive America: Smart, Rowlandson and the Colonial Sentiment

In 1682, Mary Rowlandson published The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, which documented her kidnapping by neighboring Native Americans in New England. Over three centuries later in 2003, Ed and Lois Smart published their own captivity narrative about the kidnapping of their daughter Elizabeth Smart in Salt Lake City by a homeless religious zealot. Both Rowlandson and Elizabeth are high profile, white churchgoing women who become iconographically tied to their communities following their abductions and escapes. While the events in each of these narratives occur at widely different times in history, they both encapsulate the same rhetorical tools and are presented for largely the same reasons. The reason I will be addressing in this paper is that of bringing their communities together against a common foe. Rowlandson’s book and Bringing Elizabeth Home are both narratives which foster colonialism and American sentiment through the construction of the “other.” For Rowlandson, this other was the Native American. With the extraction and return of Rowlandson as a matriarchal figure, the Puritans as family closed ranks against those who threatened to break the familial bond. This collective self represents Good, and the wild other represents Evil. Her narrative is a didactic tool to help the collective self embrace the Good. For Ed Smart, as a member of the politically correct 21st century, the other is not quite as easy to define. However, he also states the importance of family and community unity, and sees his daughter’s kidnapping as a reason to support the current war in Iraq. He also sees his daughter as not only his child, but America’s, and therefore a symbol that all of America must work to protect. Speaking of their book, Ed and his wife write: “It is a journey of hope and faith, an odyssey filled with good and evil, shadow and light. It is a story we hope people will still be talking about one hundred years from now—not because it is about our daughter, but because it is a story about all of us. It is a remarkable saga of a community and a country banding together in collective prayer and coming together with a common goal: to bring Elizabeth home” (15). These two narratives, which represent the prototype and one of the latest offsprings of the literary genre, show the rhetorical impact of the captivity narrative in creating a real life heroine who is at the mercy of an other, but who ultimately prevails due to her inner strength and that of her community. This us and other must exist in order to foster colonialism, and the forced travel of these vulnerable women is the perfect tale of tragedy and triumph for the continued suppression of those whom we deem the evil to our good, the shadow to our light.
The φ-dimension of cyclic Nakayama algebras

Igusa and Todorov introduced the φ function which generalizes the notion of projective dimension. We study the behavior of the φ function for cyclic Nakayama algebras of infinite global dimension. ...
Retranslation: A Comparative Study of Two English Translations of Vimalakīrti Sutra

Retranslation is a widespread phenomenon which has been discussed and studied by translators and Translation Studies scholars for years. The meaning of retranslation lies in its difference (not necessarily improvement) from the previous ones, which means retranslation would provide something new both to readers and translators. Through the prism of the theory of retranslation, the study examines two English translations of Vimalakīrti Sutra, showcasing that although Burton Watson’s rendition is recognized as one in high quality, John McRae’s retranslation still helps us to contemplate on how to keep balance between literary interest and religious interest during the process of translating sacred texts.
Postoperative complications and recurrence rates after rectal prolapse surgery versus combined rectal prolapse and pelvic organ prolapse surgery

Our primary objectives were to compare < 30-day postoperative complications and RP recurrence rates after RP-only surgery and combined surgery. Our secondary objectives were to determine preoperative predictors of < 30-day complications and RP recurrence. A prospective IRB-approved cohort study was performed at a single tertiary care center from 2017 to 2020. Female patients with symptomatic RP underwent either RP-only surgery or combined surgery based on the discretion of the colorectal and FPMRS surgeons. Primary outcome measures were < 30-day complications separated into Clavien-Dindo (CD) classes and rectal prolapse on physical examination. Seventy women had RP-only surgery and 45 had combined surgery with a mean follow-up time of 208 days. Sixty-eight percent underwent abdominal RP repair, and 32% underwent perineal RP repair. Twenty percent had one or more complications, 14% in the RP-only group and 29% in the combined surgery group (p = 0.06). On multivariate analysis, combined surgery patients had a 30% increased risk of complications compared to RP-only surgery patients (RR = 1.3). Most of these complications were minor (14/17, 82.4%) and categorized as CD I or II, including urinary retention and UTI. Twelve percent of this cohort had RP recurrence, 11% in the RP-only group and 13% in the combined surgery group (p = 0.76). Preoperative risk factors for RP recurrence included a primary complaint of rectal bleeding (RR 5.5) and reporting stools consistent with Bristol Stool Scale of 1 (RR 2.1). Patients undergoing combined RP + POP surgery had a higher risk of complications and equivalent RP recurrence rates compared to patients undergoing RP-only surgery.
Isopropyl 3-deoxy-α-D-ribo-hexopyranoside (isopropyl 3-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside): evaluating trends in structural parameters.

Isopropyl 3-de­oxy-α-d-ribo-hexo­pyran­oside (isopropyl 3-de­oxy-α-d-gluco­py­ran­oside), C9H18O5, (I), crystallizes from a methanol–ethyl acetate solvent mixture at room temperature in a 4C1 chair con­form­ation that is slightly dis­torted towards the C5SC1 twist-boat form. A com­parison of the structural parameters in (I), methyl α-d-gluco­pyran­oside, (II), α-d-gluco­pyranosyl-(1→4)-d-glucitol (maltitol), (III), and 3-de­oxy-α-d-ribo-hexo­pyran­ose (3-de­oxy-α-d-gluco­pyran­ose), (IV), shows that most endocyclic and exocyclic bond lengths, valence bond angles and torsion angles in the aldohexo­pyranosyl rings are more affected by anomeric configuration, aglycone structure and/or the con­form­ation of exocyclic substituents, such as hy­droxy­methyl groups, than by mono­deoxy­genation at C3. The structural effects observed in the crystal structures of (I)–(IV) were confirmed though density functional theory (DFT) calculations in com­puted structures (I)c–(IV)c. Exocyclic hy­droxy­methyl groups adopt the gauche–gauche (gg) con­form­ation (H5 anti to O6) in (I) and (III), and the gauche–trans (gt) con­form­ation (C4 anti to O6) in (II) and (IV). The O-glycoside linkage con­form­ations in (I) and (III) resemble those observed in disaccharides containing β-(1→4) linkages.
Radiation-Induced Phosphorylation of a Prion-Like Domain Regulates Transformation by FUS-CHOP

Chromosomal translocations generate oncogenic fusion proteins in approximately one-third of sarcomas, but how these proteins promote tumorigenesis is not well understood. Interestingly, some translocation-driven cancers exhibit dramatic clinical responses to therapy, such as radiotherapy, though the precise mechanism has not been elucidated. Here we reveal a molecular mechanism by which the fusion oncoprotein FUS-CHOP promotes tumor maintenance that also explains the remarkable sensitivity of myxoid liposarcomas to radiation therapy. FUS-CHOP interacted with chromatin remodeling complexes to regulate sarcoma cell proliferation. One of these chromatin remodelers, SNF2H, co-localized with FUS-CHOP genome-wide at active enhancers. Following ionizing radiation, DNA damage response kinases phosphorylated the prion-like domain of FUS-CHOP to impede these protein-protein interactions, which are required for transformation. Therefore, the DNA damage response after irradiation disrupted oncogenic targeting of chromatin remodelers required for FUS-CHOP-driven sarcomagenesis. This mechanism of disruption links phosphorylation of the prion-like domain of an oncogenic fusion protein to DNA damage after ionizing radiation and reveals that a dependence on oncogenic chromatin remodeling underlies sensitivity to radiation therapy in myxoid liposarcoma.
Sideway terahertz emission from a flowing water line

We compared the forward and sideway THz wave emission from a flowing water line excited by subpicosecond laser pulses. The peak field of THz sideway emission from a 210 μm waterline in is about twice stronger than that in forward direction when a 2-inch focal length lens is used to focus the optical beam. This observation indicates that the length of plasma in water is much shorter than that in air, resulting in more THz emission to sideway. Moreover, we measured the THz emission energy from water line with different diameters. The forward THz emission decreases greatly when the diameter of the water line increases from 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm. However, the diameter shows a much less influence on the THz emission to sideway, especially for the large diameter of waterline. Our study shows that the sideway detection of THz wave from an ionized waterline is a better scheme to collect more THz signal. These observations are helpful to understand the THz generation from water and laser-induced ionization in water.
Caspase-3 knock-down reverses contractile dysfunction induced by sepsis in adult rat ventricular myocytes.

Background and purpose: The present study tested the hypothesis that selective caspase-3 (C-3) knock-out would regulate the contractile actions of noradrenaline (NA) in the dysfunction of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) induced by sepsis. Here, we have studied the contractile response of ARVMs, transfected with C-3 small interfering RNA (C-3 siRNA), to NA. Experimental approach: Single ARVMs were isolated from the hearts of male Sprague-Dawley rats 3 days after induction of sepsis, and from sham-treated rats. The sham and septic ARVMs were treated with NA (10 µM) alone or after transfection with C-3 siRNA or non-silencing RNA (2 µM). Mechanical properties were measured digitally, and immunoblotting and immunocytochemical analyses were carried out. Key results: The NA-induced increase in peak shortening (PS) was less in septic ARVMs and transfection with C-3 siRNA produced a significant increase in this PS. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot analyses revealed that NA exacerbated sepsis-induced up-regulation of C-3. Transfection of septic ARVMs with C-3 siRNA exhibited a decreased expression of C-3 fluorescence after NA. In septic ARVMs, we also observed a down-regulation of contractile proteins (α-actin, myosin light chain-1 and tropomyosin) along with DNA damage. Transfection of septic ARVMs with C-3 siRNA produced an increase in the expression of contractile proteins, and a decrease in DNA damage. Conclusions and implications: These data suggest that C-3 knock-down improved the loss of contractile response to NA in septic ARVMs, suggesting that C-3 regulated contractile dysfunction induced by sepsis in ARVMs.
A Review of “Foodies: Democracy and Distinction in the Gourmet Foodscape”

In their sociological analysis of “foodie” discourse, Johnston and Baumann assert that there are “at least two stories to tell about food … the first storyline insists that anybody can be a foodie,...
Studies in approximation methods—IV: Double orthogonal collocation with an infinite domain

Abstract It is suggested that when one or more of the independent variables in a partial differential equation vary over infinite domains a single judiciously chosen orthogonal polynomial may be quite feasible. A sample problem is used to illustrate the technique and a Kronecker product representation of the constitutive equations used to simplify the development. The results of computation on this sample problem show that the overall approach permits accurate solutions at low computational cost.
Sequence of Genes Replicated in Salmonella typhimurium as Examined by Transduction Techniques

5-Bromouracil (BU) was pulsed into the genome of synchronously growing cells of an F − strain of Salmonella typhimurium of LT2. BU-labeled genes were transduced with P22 phage to a series of recipient auxotrophs. When BU was incorporated early in the replication cycle, the transducing markers that had hybrid densities were those that lie between 9 and 12 o9clock on the genetic map. When BU was incorporated during the terminal period of the synchronous cycle, the transducing particles had hybrid densities for genes that lie from 1 to 8 o9clock clockwise. When phages were prepared on cells in which the middle period was BU-labeled, transducing particles with hybrid densities appeared for genes that lie in two separate regions: between 7 and 9 o9clock and between 12 and 2 o9clock. Analysis of the map sequences of the transduced BU genes, the relative frequency of transduction for each marker, and the time sequence of replication led to a hypothesis that the origin of replication is near the isoleucine-valine gene on the chromosome map. As for direction of replication, several models were considered, including the possibility that replication may proceed in both directions in the same chromosome. It was also found that the aroB, cysG , and strA genes are cotransduced and strA and aroC are also cotransduced. The relative order of the four genes was found to be aroB, cysG, strA, aroC , but the orientation in the circular map was not determined.
Consumer demands and regional preferences for meat

Abstract: Consumer preference for meat is examined via the determinates of demand. Price, income, cross and supply elasticity are discussed, explained and compared among various countries. Regional preferences for meat are explored and a comparison is given of developing and developed countries. General economic and demographic rules are listed as a way to forecast future meat consumption patterns.
Self-heating characterization of FinFET SOI devices using 2D time resolved emission measurements

Self-heating of FinFET devices is a reliability concern, especially for large devices with dense arrays on SOI. In this paper, we leverage the Picosecond time resolution of Time-Resolved Emission (TRE) measurements to quantitatively measure the modulation of the off-state leakage current due to self-heating in individual FinFETs fabricated in SOI technology. This provides the first direct measurement of the self-heating from individual FinFET devices.
Effects of Modified Ultrafiltration on Coagulation Factors in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Purpose. Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children has been reported to reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusion and minimize postoperative blood loss. This study was undertaken to quantify the effects of MUF on coagulation factors in pediatric patients. Methods. Seven children scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery for congenital heart defects were studied. CPB cir-cuits were primed with crystalloid solutions and no blood transfusions were performed. Hematocrit, platelet count, total plasma proteins, albumin, fibrinogen, prothrombin, factor VII, factor IX, and factor X were measured preoperatively, at the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass, and at the end of modified ultrafiltration. Results. MUF was associated with significant (P < 0.05) increases in hematocrit (17.6% ± 1.6% to 21.6% ± 2.4%), platelet count 11.1 ± 2.5 to 12.8 ± 2.4 × 104/mm3), total plasma proteins (2.7 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.4 g/dl), and albumin (1.6 ± 0.2 to 2.1 ± 0.2 g/dl). Fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factor VII also increased significantly (P < 0.05) during MUF, but factor IX and factor X did not change. Conclusion. We conclude that MUF attenuates the dilutional coagulopathy that occurs during CPB in children. There were slight improvements in the coagulation factors when MUF was employed.
Measured Effects of Vibratory Sheetpile Driving

The installation of sheetpiles using a vibratory hammer is becoming more common. However, this process induces vibrations into the ground which can be transmitted to nearby structures and which may produce settlements in sandy soil layers. A series of field case histories from San Francisco are reviewed where the effects of vibratory sheetpile driving were measured. Typically the soils at the sites consisted of a 10-m (33-ft) layer of loose to medium sand-rubble fill underlain by either dense natural sands or soft San Francisco Bay mud. Horizontal and vertical accelerations and velocities are reported, as well as ground settlements. Accelerations and velocities are found to diminish rapidly with distance from the pile, with greater damping effects observed for cases where softer soils underlie the fills. Where the sheetpiles encountered hard rubble objects, accelerations are double those of the normal case. Settlements are found to correlate with the density of sands in the fills and the level of acceleration.
A Semester in Exile: Experiences and Lessons Learned During Loyola University New Orleans School of Law's Fall 2005 Hurricane Katrina Relocation

After Hurricane Katrina, Loyola University New Orleans School of Law faced the loss of the Fall 2005 semester and a potentially devastating loss of revenue if it couldn't retain most of its students. Overcoming a post-evacuation communications vacuum, the law school accepted an offer from the University of Houston Law Center to set up a satellite program at their facilities, with Loyola law school faculty teaching their own students during a semester in exile. This article provides a detailed narrative of Loyola New Orleans School of Law's post-Katrina relocation and offers some suggestions about law school disaster preparation and business continuity planning.
The Gifford-McMahon Cycle

A new refrigeration cycle was introduced in 1959 which has seen considerable application for small cryogenic refrigerators [1–7]. The thermodynamic cycle employed In this refrigeration method has become known as the Gifford-McMahon cycle. Since only rather incomplete thermodynamic analyses have been given in the past, an attempt will be made here to give a more extensive description and analysis.
RITALIN VS. RESPONSE COST IN THE CONTROL OF HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN: A WITHIN‐SUBJECT COMPARISON

A within-subject comparison was made of the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and response cost in reducing the off-task behavior of two boys, 7 and 8 years of age, who had been diagnosed as having an attentional deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Several dosages of Ritalin (5 to 20 mg/day) were evaluated with the results indicating varying effects of the drug for both children. Response cost (with free-time as the reinforcer) was superior to Ritalin in raising levels of on-task behavior and in improving academic performance.
Biocontainment laboratory risk assessment: perspectives and considerations

The ability to respond to public health emergencies involving infectious diseases as well as our ability to adequately prepare for as yet unknown or unrecognized emerging infectious diseases requires suitable facilities within which scientific investigations can take place. To ensure the safe conduct of such investigations so that laboratory workers and the general public are protected from potential consequences of accidental or intentional release of high consequence pathogens, special containment facilities have been designed and constructed. Evaluation of the adequacy of containment for these types of investigations requires a risk assessment (RA) as part of the overall construction project for these types of laboratories. A discussion of the RA process along with considerations that impact the design of such studies and the overall results is presented.
Spatial and temporal variability in oceanographic and meteorologic forcing along Central California and its implications on nearshore processes

Abstract In the past two decades, the understanding of the important large-scale phenomena (El Nino, upwelling, California current, etc) that drive physical, chemical, and biological processes along the US West Coast has greatly improved. However, the ability to predict the influence of annual and inter-annual events on a regional scale still remains limited. High-resolution hourly data from 6 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) buoys deployed since the early 1980's off Central California were analyzed to improve our understanding of spatial and temporal variability of oceanographic and meteorologic forcing along the coastline. Seasonal to inter-annual trends in wave height, wave period, sea level barometric pressure, sea-surface temperature, and wind direction were identified, as were significant departures in these trends during El Nino and La Nina periods. The results suggest there are increasing wave heights and wave periods, decreasing sea level barometric pressures and variability in sea-surface temperatures, and increasingly variable winds off Central California between 1980 and 2002. The impact of these climatic trends on coastal physical, geological and biologic processes will also be addressed.
Shame, Embarrassment, and Formal Sanction Threats: Extending the Deterrence/Rational Choice Model to Academic Dishonesty

Following the lead of Harold G. Grasmick and Robert J. Bursik, the authors propose that significant others and conscience both function as agents of social control to deter illicit behavior in a manner similar to that provided by the law and more formal, bureaucratic organizations. All three-conscience, significant others, and formal organizations-entail potential threats and costs (i.e., shame, embarrassment, and formal sanctions). Actors consider these potential threats and costs, and assess the certainty and severity of them, in deciding whether or not to engage in criminal or deviant behavior. In the research reported here, data from a sample of undergraduate students are employed to examine the effects of perceived certainty and severity of shame, embarrassment, and formal sanction threats of the self-reported prevalence of involvement in a variety of forms of academic dishonesty. The results suggest rather limited support for the deterrence/rational choice model, nearly all of which is due to the influence of conscience (shame).
Ophthalmic Light Sensitive Nanocarrier Systems

The eye is afflicted by chronic vision debilitating neovascular disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and corneal angiogenesis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative, evolving approach for treating neovascular diseases of the eye. PDT refers to the process of activating a light sensitive agent or carrier with non-thermal light to induce chemical reactions that ameliorate a pathological condition. Key components of PDT include a photosensitizer, a colloidal carrier or formulation and a light source. This article summarizes currently available clinical PDTs, desirable features of PDTs and photosensitizers, useful light sources for PDT and investigational nanosystems, and colloidal carriers for PDT.
Alterations in left ventricular function, coronary hemodynamics and myocardial catecholamine balance with MDL 17043, a new inotropic vasodilator agent, in patients with severe heart failure.

To evaluate changes in myocardial energetics and systemic and cardiac sympathetic activity associated with improved left ventricular function after MDL 17043, a new inotropic vasodilator agent, systemic and coronary hemodynamics and myocardial catecholamine balance were determined in 17 patients with severe heart failure. After the administration of MDL 17043, cardiac index increased by 67% and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased (25 ± 5 to 14 ± 7 mm Hg, p These findings suggest that MDL 17043 improves left ventricular pump function, but produces no detectable change in systemic and cardiac sympathetic activity. Improved left ventricular function is associated with increased myocardial oxygen consumption despite primary coronary vasodilation.
Autumn Sward Suppression and Insect Control Effects on Late-Winter No-Till Establishment of Ladino Clover

Ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.) has traditionally been established in the autumn in the southeastern USA. Grass suppression and insect control have proven beneficial for successful autumn no-till establishment. Winter planting offers and alternative, yet little is known about late winter grass suppression and insect or mollusk control. Herbicide applied at planting in late winter usually failed to suppress or kill cool-season grasses. Field studies were conducted to evaluate (i) the influence of fall suppression or kill with paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4' bipyridinium ion) of the tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) sward on late-winter (February or March) no-till establishment of ladino clover, (ii) establishment by drilling versus surface planting and (iii) the influence of suppression of insect and/or mollusk populations on the late-winter no-till establishment of ladino clover into tall fescue []
Evaluation and Comparison of the Nutrition Care Process for Persons with Diabetes Among Inpatient and Outpatient Dietitians

The purpose of this study was to compare the problem-solving skills used by dietitians when planning care for inpatient and outpatient persons with type II diabetes. Telephone interviews were conducted with 44 inpatient dietitians and 45 outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietitians used more information from the medical record to make clinical judgments than outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietitians reported condensing their assessment more frequently due to time pressure than outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietilians were more likely to identify nutrition-related problems via information from the medical record while outpatient dietitians reported using diet history information. Outpatient dietitians more frequently identified specific behavioral goals whereas inpatient dietitians recommended general goals. The increased availability of objective, detailed information necessary for a thorough nutritional assessment is an advantage of inpatient care planning. However, outpatient diabetes education may ...
Familial clustering of scleroderma spectrum disease

This is the second case report of familial scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) in South Carolina. The family includes two cases of scleroderma meeting American Rheumatism Association criteria, one of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma, and two other cases of undifferentiated connective tissue disease with features of scleroderma spectrum disorders; there are also two cases of Raynaud's phenomenon (one associated with rheumatoid arthritis), for a total of seven affected relatives. Evidence of scleroderma spectrum disorders was sought in six siblings of the two co-index cases and in 23 of the 35 offspring. Laboratory studies included antinuclear antibody determinations and typing for the following genetic markers: HLA (A, B, C, DR), complotypes, Gm and Km allotypes, and alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotypes. No common genetic markers restricted to affected members of this family were found, and no environmental exposures were detected that could explain this familial clustering of cases. This report should, however, add to the slowly accumulating information on the genetic characteristics of families at unusually high risk for scleroderma spectrum disorders. Positive antinuclear antibody tests at a titer of 1/40 or higher were present in 57 percent of the first-degree relatives of the affected cases.
Effects of Electron and Ion Irradiation on the Annealing Behavior of Fission Tracks and the Microstructure of Fluorapatite

Fission tracks in fluorapatite have been extensively used in mineral dating. Due to the shortening of spontaneous tracks over their life times up to tens of millions years, the geological thermal history can be interpreted by measuring etched track length. Numerous efforts have been made to quantify the kinetics of fission track annealing on the basis of laboratory experiments in which track length distributions are measured in crystals subjected to controlled thermal histories. However, the measured length of the etched tracks depends not only on original track length, but also on the mineral’s response to the etchant. In this study, we report the results of in situ TEM studies of the annealing behavior of unetched Durango apatite fission tracks at temperature up to 700 °C, with the emphasis on the effects of electron irradiation.
Genetic control of cell division patterns in the Drosophila embryo

In Drosophila embryogenesis, mitotic control undergoes a significant transition during the 14th interphase. Mitoses before interphase 14 run on maternal products, and occur in metasynchronous waves. Mitoses after interphase 14 require zygotic transcription, and occur asyncronously in an intricate, highly ordered spatio-temporal pattern. Mutations at the string (stg) locus cause cell-cycle arrest during this transition, in G2 of interphase 14, yet do not arrest other aspects of development. This phenotype suggests that stg is required specifically for initiating mitosis. We describe the cloning of stg, and show that its predicted amino acid sequence is homologous to that of cdc25, a regular of mitotic initiation in the yeast S. pombe. In addition, we show that zygotic expression of stg mRNA occurs in a dynamic series of spatial patterns which anticipate the patterns of the zygotically driven cell divisions. Therefore we suggest that regulated expression of stg mRNA controls the timing and location of these embryonic cell divisions.
Billiards in the lp unit balls of the plane

Abstract We study a one-parameter family of billiard maps Tp given by the convex tables ¦x¦ p + ¦y¦ p = 1 for p ϵ [1, ∞] . We note that the topological entropy is positive if p ∉ {1, 2, ∞}. We study the linear stability of some periodic orbits and observe that the stability of these orbits changes for p = 2. For p ∉ {1, 2, ∞}, there exist elliptic periodic orbits suggesting that Tp is not ergodic for all p. We compute numerically the metric entropy of the maps Tp in the interval [1, 12] and the limiting behavior near p = 2.
Phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity and fungitoxic metabolites produced by potato cultivars in response to Fusarium tuber rot.

Abstract The specific activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), glycoalkaloid and sesquiterpene accumulation were measured in potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) at 48, 96, and 168 h following wounding or inoculation with a spore suspension of the dry rot pathogen Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum. Activity of PAL was higher in inoculated than in wounded tissues and remained higher up to 168 h after inoculation in both resistant and susceptible cultivars. PAL activities in inoculated tissues of four clones of divergent genotype varied threefold but very high resistance shown by the breeding clone BR6316-7 was not related to its PAL activity. Challenge with the nonpathogen Fusarium reseum resulted in less stimulation of PAL activity than did inoculation with the virulent Fusarium roseum var. sambucinum or with the relatively weak pathogen Alternaria solani. Steroid glycoalkaloid accumulation was repressed in inoculated tissues of both resistant and susceptible clones compared to wounded controls. This repression was least, however, in the highly resistant clone. The terpenoids, rishitin, phytuberin, and a compound tentatively identified as lubimin, were detected in inoculated tissues of both resistant and susceptible cultivars 48 h after inoculation. Total accumulation after 168 h was least in the highly resistant clone and greatest in the most susceptible clone. The three factors measured appear to be involved in a generalized response to the dry rot pathogen for both resistant and susceptible cultivars. Moderate resistance as shown by the cultivar Pioneer may be related to an intensification of this generalized response following inoculation, but very high resistance involves other mechanisms.
Simulation study for evaluating the performance of response-adaptive randomization

A response-adaptive randomization (RAR) design refers to the method in which the probability of treatment assignment changes according to how well the treatments are performing in the trial. Holding the promise of treating more patients with the better treatments, RARs have been successfully implemented in clinical trials. We compared equal randomization (ER) with three RARs: Bayesian adaptive randomization, sequential maximum likelihood, and sequential posterior mean. We fixed the total number of patients, considered as patient horizon, but varied the number of patients in the trial. Among the designs, we compared the proportion of patients assigned to the superior arm, overall response rate, statistical power, and total patients enrolled in the trial with and without adding an efficacy early stopping rule. Without early stopping, ER is preferred when the number of patients beyond the trial is much larger than the number of patients in the trial. RAR is favored for large treatment difference or when the number of patients beyond the trial is small. With early stopping, the difference between these two types of designs was reduced. By carefully choosing the design parameters, both RAR and ER methods can achieve the desirable statistical properties. Within three RAR methods, we recommend SPM considering the larger proportion in the better arm and higher overall response rate than BAR and similar power and trial size with ER. The ultimate choice of RAR or ER methods depends on the investigator's preference, the trade-off between group ethics and individual ethics, and logistic considerations in the trial conduct, etc.
Tissue repair in presence of locally applied inhibitors of fibrinolysis

Abstract The effects of protease inhibitors on tissue repair was studied by incorporation of inhibitor preparations in homologous plasma clots implanted subcutaneously in the rat. The two inhibitor preparations, one isolated from bovine lung tissue and another prepared from raw peanuts, differed markedly in purity and content of contaminating proteins. The influence on tissue repair was uniform. The inhibitors enhanced formation of connective tissue with increased tensile strength of the wound tissue. Vascularization was delayed. Presence of inhibitors prevented the demonstration of fibrinolytically active sites except at the later stages (3–4 weeks), when the repair process approached the pattern of the controls. There was only insignificant lysis related to leukocytic immigration. There was no marked foreign body reaction. The results support the concept that fibrinolytic activity, caused by the local release of plasminogen activator, assists in the regulation of reparative connective tissue formation.
Cell organization, growth, and neural and cardiac development require αII-spectrin

Spectrin α2 (αII-spectrin) is a scaffolding protein encoded by the Spna2 gene and constitutively expressed in most tissues. Exon trapping of Spna2 in C57BL/6 mice allowed targeted disruption of αII-spectrin. Heterozygous animals displayed no phenotype by 2 years of age. Homozygous deletion of Spna2 was embryonic lethal at embryonic day 12.5 to 16.5 with retarded intrauterine growth, and craniofacial, neural tube and cardiac anomalies. The loss of αII-spectrin did not alter the levels of αI- or βI-spectrin, or the transcriptional levels of any β-spectrin or any ankyrin, but secondarily reduced by about 80% the steady state protein levels of βII- and βIII-spectrin. Residual βII- and βIII-spectrin and ankyrins B and G were concentrated at the apical membrane of bronchial and renal epithelial cells, without impacting cell morphology. Neuroepithelial cells in the developing brain were more concentrated and more proliferative in the ventricular zone than normal; axon formation was also impaired. Embryonic fibroblasts cultured on fibronectin from E14.5 (Spna2−/−) animals displayed impaired growth and spreading, a spiky morphology, and sparse lamellipodia without cortical actin. These data indicate that the spectrin–ankyrin scaffold is crucial in vertebrates for cell spreading, tissue patterning and organ development, particularly in the developing brain and heart, but is not required for cell viability.
Platinum(II) catalyzed alkoxide exchange and isomerization of vinyl ethers

Abstract Alkoxide exchange of vinyl ethers (RCHCHOR′) with alcohols is catalyzed by both [PtCl2(C2H4)]2 (I) and t-[PtCl2(C2H4)(C5H5N)] (II). The catalytic cis—trans isomerization of substituted vinyl ethers by II has been achieved by conducting the reaction in acetonitrile solvent.
Embryonic and postembryonic morphogenesis of a grasshopper interneuron

The object of this study was to describe the embryonic and postembryonic morphogenesis of a grasshopper interneuron in order to determine how, and when, this cell comes to assume its mature form. DCMD is an intensively investigated interneuron whose morphology, input and output physiology, and role in behavior are relatively well-known in the adult. We examined the morphology of DCMD in the brain at each stage of its development with silver-intesified cobalt-fills. It arises at 40 ± 4% of embryogenesis and is probably one of the early progeny from its stem cell. In the ensuing 40% of development, its brain arborization grows quite directly into its mature form. Branches appear first and are always longest and densest in the brain region where the adult arborization is found. Thus, the adult form arises by initially directed growth and not by secondary selection of branches from a diffuse or overgrown arborization. Restricted secondary branch loss of lateral filopodia and probably of a few early branches does occur. Embryonic and postembryonic development of the cell are distinctly different. Embryogenesis is the period of morphological differentiation as indicated by the growth and shaping of the brain and also thoracic (axonal) arborizations, the appearance of cytological specializations, and the logarithmic growth of the neurite and soma. The brain arborization has its mature form, although not size, by the completion of embryogenesis. Postembryonic development is a period of substantial, but primarily allometric, growth. The soma and neurite grow linearly (with time), and the arborization grows in proportion to brain size.
Dynamic characteristics of spherical agglomerate for study of cathode catalyst layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)

Abstract There has been growing interest in the modeling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) over the last two decades. While a variety of steady-state models have been proposed, literature is scarce in PEMFC dynamic models and transient studies. Typical dynamic models for PEM fuel cell are empirical current–voltage relationships. The internal transients associated with reactant and product species and other components are usually neglected. A detailed dynamic model for spherical agglomerate in PEM fuel cell is presented in this work. The dynamic model includes detailed mathematical equations for conservation of oxygen and hydrogen ions inside the agglomerate. The agglomerate dynamic model is simulated for typical operating conditions inside the PEMFC catalyst layer. Simulation studies show that the time scales in which the dynamics of agglomerate potential and concentration of dissolved oxygen respond differ by several orders of magnitude. Transient response of agglomerate current to step changes in surface boundary conditions are also presented. Reasons for the typical characteristics observed in the dynamic behavior of agglomerate current are also highlighted.
The self-worth theory of achievement motivation: Findings and implications.

The Elementary School Journal Volume 85, Number 1 o 1984 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 0013-5984/85/850 1 -0001 $0 1.00 The purpose of this article is to describe the self-worth theory of achievement motivation, to summarize the research generated under this model, and to consider the implications of research for classroom teaching and learning. The self-worth theory assumes that a central part of all classroom achievement is the need for students to protect their sense of worth or personal value. Perceptions of ability are critical to this self-protective process, since for many students the mere possession of high ability signifies worthiness. Moreover, ability is widely perceived as a major cause of success, and success in turn reflects well on the individual. For these reasons, I will focus on the topic of ability perceptions and on developmental changes in these perceptions. A second main theme of this article concerns the various strategies that students employ to maintain a sense of worthiness in the face of failure, an outcome that would otherwise lead to suspicions of inability. A third theme concerns a potential conflict of values between teachers and students. Specifically, the failure-avoiding strategies that students often use to maintain a sense of competency involve various subterfuge such as procrastination, not trying, and excuses. These tactics come in direct conflict with
Infantile Spasms Are Associated With Abnormal Copy Number Variations

The authors tested the hypothesis that de novo copy number variations (CNVs) implicated in known genomic disorders (“pathogenic CNVs”) are significant predisposing factors of infantile spasms. The authors performed a genome-wide analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping microarray data to identify the role of de novo/known pathogenic large CNVs in 13 trios of children affected by infantile spasms. A rare, large (4.8 Mb) de novo duplication was detected in the 15q11-13 region of 1 patient. In addition, 3 known pathogenic CNVs (present in the patient as well as 1 of the parents) were detected in total. In 1 patient, a known pathogenic deletion was detected in the region of 2q32.3. Similarly, in 1 other patient, 2 known pathogenic deletions in the regions of 16p11.2 and Xp22.13 (containing CDKL5) were detected. These findings suggest that some specific pathogenic CNVs predispose to infantile spasms and may be associated with different phenotypes.
Expression of Fluid from Biological Solids

Abstract Expression: Expression or pressing is a process in which liquid contained in pores in a solid matrix or contiguous array of solid matrices or particles is expelled by compaction or squeezing. The pressed mixture is often called a “presscake”, or “cake” for short. Mechanically-, hydraulically- and pneumatically-driven moving surfaces provide compaction in most expression equipment. Incidental compaction of solid-fluid mixtures also causes expression. Fluid is pressed out of moist soils when added soil or structures are placed on top of them. If gas pressure acts on a soft cake whose pores are so fine that capillary “suction” pressure exceeds the applied pressure, the gas won't displace fluid directly: but the applied pressure will compact the cake and express fluid.
How well does ‘region’ explain party system characteristics?

Abstract As a follow-up to Janda and Gillies' recent exploration of regional differences in the characteristics of political parties throughout the world, this paper probes for regional differences in the characteristics of party systems . Party systems are compared on two dimensions: (1) ideological-institutional fractionalizarion, and (2) ideological polarization. Substantial regional differences emerge, especially on the first dimension, and controlling for national wealth and political freedom, two factors which help shape party systems, does not dislodge these regional effects.
Effect of bulk lubricant concentration on the excess surface density during R134a pool boiling

Abstract This paper investigates the effect that the bulk lubricant concentration has on the non-adiabatic lubricant excess surface density on a roughened, horizontal flat pool-boiling surface. Both pool boiling heat transfer data and lubricant excess surface density data are given for pure R134a and three different mixtures of R134a and a polyolester lubricant (POE). A spectrofluorometer was used to measure the lubricant excess density that was established by the boiling of an R134a/POE lubricant mixture on a test surface. The lubricant is preferentially drawn out of the bulk refrigerant/lubricant mixture by the boiling process and accumulates on the surface in excess of the bulk concentration. The excess lubricant resides in an approximately 40 μm layer on the surface and influences the boiling performance. The lubricant excess surface density measurements were used to modify an existing dimensionless excess surface density parameter so that it is valid for different reduced pressures. The dimensionless parameter is a key component for a refrigerant/lubricant pool-boiling model given in the literature. In support of improving the boiling model, both the excess measurements and heat transfer data are provided for pure R134a and three R134a/lubricant mixtures at 277.6 K. The heat transfer data show that the lubricant excess layer causes an average enhancement of the heat flux of approximately 24% for the 0.5% lubricant mass fraction mixture relative to pure R134a heat fluxes between 5 and 20 kW/m2. Conversely, both 1 and 2% lubricant mass fraction mixtures experienced an average degradation of approximately 60% in the heat flux relative to pure R134a heat fluxes between approximately 4 and 20 kW/m2. This study is an effort toward generating data to support a boiling model to predict whether lubricants degrade or improve boiling performance.
Anti-Semitism the World Over in the Twenty-first Century

The article reports the numbers and types of anti-Semitic incidents, attacks, media reports, and public opinion against Jews in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Western and Eastern European countries, the Middle East, and Australia. It also reports responses to these actions by police and local and national government officials. The period for which the data are reported is from 2000 to mid-2007. For each country, the size of the Jewish community is reported. What is manifestly clear from the data presented is that anti-Semitism is on the rise in most countries of the world. The data show a dramatic increase in anti-Semitism in Western Europe notably, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, and The Netherlands. Of those countries, France has the worse record.
Verbal conditioning with “positive” and “positive and negative” reinforcement

To test the hypothesis that “positive” (+ only) and “positive and negative” (+ & −) reinforcement schedules will affect conditioning of a random noun schedule, 30 Ss were randomly selected and placed into 3 groups (control, + only, and + & −). The nouns to be conditioned were of the animate form where conditioning was done by generalized conditioned reinforcers “mmm—hmm” for the positive and “huh—uh” for the negative. The results support the hypothesis that with the (+ & −) reinforcers the group conditioned significantly faster than with (+ only) and this faster than the controls.
Effect of chronic guanethidine treatment on vascular norepinephrine content in the neonatal domestic pig

Vinblastine, 6-hydroxydopamine, and antibody to nerve growth factor have been shown to destroy sympathetic neurons in neonatal rats. High doses of guanethidine produce permanent sympathectomies in the adult or newborn rat. Similar studies in the cat, rabbit, and hamster demonstrate that the sympathetic nervous systems are not destroyed with guanethidine. To produce permanent sympathectomy in a large animal model, guanethidine was administered to neonatal pigs. As with the cat, rabbit, and hamster, the sympathetic nervous system in the piglets was not destroyed by guanethidine.