cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All-Spin Logic Device With Inbuilt Nonreciprocity

The need for low-power alternatives to digital electronic circuits has led to increasing interest in logic devices where information is stored in nanomagnets. This includes both nanomagnetic logic, where information is communicated through magnetic fields of nanomagnets, and all-spin logic (ASL), where information is communicated through spin currents. A key feature needed for logic implementation is nonreciprocity, whereby the output is switched according to the input but not the other way around, thus providing directed information transfer. The objective of this paper is to draw attention to possible ASL-based schemes that utilize the physics of spin-torque to build in nonreciprocity, as in transistors, that could allow logic implementation without the need for special clocking schemes. We use an experimentally benchmarked coupled spin-transport/magnetization-dynamics model to show that a suitably engineered single ASL unit indeed switches in a nonreciprocal manner. We then present heuristic arguments explaining the origin of this directed information transfer. Finally, we present simulations showing that individual ASL devices can be cascaded to construct a ring oscillator circuit, which provides a clear signature of inbuilt directionality.
Problematic directives in pedagogical interaction

Abstract Directives are integral to teachers’ pedagogical repertoire, and their efficacy crucial to optimizing learning outcomes. Based on data from a videotaped tutoring session collected at an after-school early literacy program, we describe the specific ways in which certain practices of directives can hinder learner participation and compromise learning opportunities. The analysis is done predominantly in the conversation analytic (CA) framework, and ethnographic details are utilized to contextualize, elaborate, and enrich the CA analysis. Findings of this study contribute to the existing work on directives as well as that on teacher practices in pedagogical interactions.
Transformed estrogen receptor in the regulation of RNA synthesis in uterine nuclei.

Abstract The interaction of estradiol with uterine tissue involves the association of the hormone with an extranuclear receptor protein, followed by temperature dependent translocation of the resulting complex to the nucleus. During this process, the receptor undergoes transformation that can be recognized by an increase in its sedimentation rate from 3.8S to 5.2S, as well as acquisition of the ability to bind to isolated uterine nuclei and to alleviate a tissue-specific deficiency in their RNA synthesizing capacity. Receptor transformation can be effected in the absence of nuclei by warming uterine cytosol with estradiol. This preparation of transformed complex resembles that extracted from nuclei in its sedimentation rate (5.3S) and its ability to bind to uterine nuclei and augment RNA synthesis. It is proposed that receptor transformation is an important step in estrogen action, and that a principal role of the hormone may be to induce conversion of the receptor protein to a biochemically functional form.
SDN for Optical Access Networks

This paper discusses SDN for optical access networks, with a focus on SDN overlays for existing networks, a unified control plane for next-generation optical access, and an overview of recent research progress in this area.
DIFFERENTIATION OF NEUROBLASTOMA, GLIOMA, AND HYBRID CELLS IN CULTURE AS MEASURED BY THE SYNTHESIS OF SPECIFIC PROTEIN SPECIES: EVIDENCE FOR NEUROBLAST-GLIOBLAST RECIPROCAL GENETIC REGULATION

— Protein species from differentiating neuroblastoma, glioma, and hybrid neuroblastoma-glioma cell lines in cell culture were separated and identified initially in the first dimension by the use of isoelectric focusing gels and were further separated in the second dimension by SDS-acrylamide gels. There were two main classes of proteins identified: proteins which were dominantly expressed in neuroblastoma and also in hybrid cell cultures, and proteins which were expressed in glioma and also hybrid cell cultures. In general, proteins were identified which were significantly expressed in neuroblastoma cells and much reduced in glioma cultures, and also conversely so. The hybrid cell line expressed many of the neuroblastoma-type proteins and relatively fewer of the glioma type proteins. A specific protein species (2) was identified in hybrid cells and was not present in either parental neuroblastoma or glioma cultures. Protein z was expressed however by the co-culturing of neuroblastoma and glioma cells suggesting its induction is dependent on a soluble factor. Protein z in hybrid cells was demonstrated in both stained gels and by autoradiography. Chromosome analysis of hybrid cells confirmed the presence of both rat and mouse chromosomes. It is suggested that similar neuronal-glial interaction may be functional in the intact brain, and that similar reciprocal modulation between neurons and glia may be a central mechanism of differentiation in the nervous system.
Modification of the optoelectronic properties of membranes via insertion of amphiphilic phenylenevinylene oligoelectrolytes.

We report on the modification of membranes by incorporation of phenylenevinylene oligoelectrolytes with the goal of tailoring their optical and electronic properties and their applications. A water-soluble distyrylstilbene oligoelectrolyte (DSSN+), capped at each end with nitrogen bound, terminally charged pendant groups, was synthesized. The photophysical and solvatochromatic properties of DSSN+ and the shorter distyrylbenzene analogue DSBN+ were probed and found to be useful for characterizing insertion into membranes based on phospholipid vesicle systems. A combination of UV/visible absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopies, together with confocal microscopy, were employed to confirm membrane incorporation. Examination of the emission intensity profile in stationary multilamellar vesicles obtained with a polarized excitation source provides insight into the orientation of these chromophores within lipid bilayers and indicates that these molecules are highly ordered, such that the hydrophobic elec...
Female genital swellings have no effect on chimpanzee agonism in well‐established groups

Reducing the incidence of aggression and wounding is a major concern for those managing socially housed chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Competition among adult males for access to sexually receptive females is believed to be one factor contributing to undesirably high levels of agonism. An observational analysis of two chimpanzee groups (n = 9, n = 8) was initiated to study this phenomenon. All-events sampling was used to record agonistic and sexual behavior on days when one female in the group showed a maximal genital swelling and on other days when no female in the group had a tumescent swelling. The result of the multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the presence of a female with a tumescent swelling had no effect on bluff displays or aggressive, submissive, or reconciliatory behavior but that sexual behavior was significantly increased. These results may be explained by the fact that long-term stability in group membership may reduce male–male competition for sexual access to females and the sometimes associated aggression and wounding. Colony managers dealing with well-established groups of chimpanzees should invest more of their effort in controlling aggression elicited by factors other than the cycling of a single female group member.
The unique minimal dual representation of a convex function

Abstract Suppose (i) X is a separable Banach space, (ii) C is a convex subset of X that is a Baire space (when endowed with the relative topology) such that aff ( C ) is dense in X, and (iii) f : C → R is locally Lipschitz continuous and convex. The Fenchel–Moreau duality can be stated as f ( x ) = max x ∗ ∈ M [ 〈 x , x ∗ 〉 − f ∗ ( x ∗ ) ] , for all x ∈ C , where f ∗ denotes the Fenchel conjugate of f and M = X ∗ . We show that, under assumptions (i)–(iii), there is a unique minimal weak∗-closed subset M f of X ∗ for which the above duality holds.
Recovery of Mitral Isthmus Conduction Leads to the Development of Macro-Reentrant Tachycardia after Left Atrial Linear Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Background— Left atrial linear ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) may be proarrhythmic, leading to left atrial macro-reentrant tachycardia (LAT). Whether due to failure to achieve block initially or to recovery of conduction after ablation is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of recovery of mitral isthmus (MI) conduction compared with cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) conduction, and the relationship between recovery of MI conduction and postablation LAT. Methods and Results— Of 163 patients with AF who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein ablation plus left atrial linear ablation, in whom MI and CTI ablation produced bidirectional conduction block, 52 underwent repeat ablation for recurrent atrial arrhythmias (AF or LAT). Of these 52 patients, coronary sinus ablation was required in 48 to achieve bidirectional MI block at the index ablation. During repeat ablation, MI and CTI conduction was assessed in sinus rhythm. At repeat ablation, MI conduction had recovered in 38 of 52 patients, as compared with CTI conduction which recovered in only 12 of 52 patients ( P =0.001). At repeat ablation, the recurrent clinical arrhythmia in 12 patients was MI-dependent LAT. Recovery of MI conduction was associated with development of MI-dependent LAT ( P =0.01). Conclusions— Despite using bidirectional conduction block as a procedural end point, recovery of MI conduction is common and may lead to LAT after left atrial linear ablation for AF. The reason for greater recovery of MI versus CTI conduction is unknown but could be due to differences in isthmus anatomy or lower power used for ablation in the left versus right atrium.
Atmospheric methylchloride (CH3Cl)

Abstract A global time series of atmospheric methylchloride (CH 3 Cl) concentrations is reported showing the variability with latitude and season. Springtime concentrations of CH 3 Cl at 45°N latitude are 7.5%±3.5% higher than during other seasons. Lowest concentrations were generally observed during fall. CH 3 Cl was found to be more abundant by about 6% (±5% NH, ±3% SH) in the tropical regions of both hemispheres. No significant difference in the burdens of CH 3 Cl was observed between the two hemispheres. Based on these data the ratio of the average hydroxyl radical (HO) concentration over the southern hemisphere to that over the northern hemisphere was estimated to be 1.3 or less.
Hans Sachs, John the Baptist, and the Dark Days in Nuremberg CA. 1548

Hans Sachs dated his play Die Enthauptung Johannis in January 1550, and the most recent editors suspect it expresses his bitter disappointment at developments unfavourable to German Lutheranism. This is true, but the play is much more precise and topical: in the story of the martyred Baptist, Sachs depicts the persecution of the two principal preachers of Nuremberg. The play’s epilogue laments the death or exile of the ‘Gottesknecht’ who attacks the wrongdoings of ‘certain high-placed persons’ and thus makes enemies of them; they, in turn, complain to the ‘Magistrat’, which yields to their pressure and punishes the preachers. It is not the general course of religious history at mid-century that grieves Sachs, but the harsh treatment of Veit Dietrich and Andreas Osiander by the Nuremberg council in the years 1547–9: for his attacks on the ‘wuocher’ of three prominent men, Dietrich was suspended as a preacher and died twenty-one months later; for his scurrilous song attacking the three men who drafted the Interim of 1548, Osiander was forced into exile. The latter event explains Sachs’s introduction of the motif of exile into the dialogue between Herod, Herodias and Salome, for which neither the Bible nor Josephus’s Jewish Antiquities offers a precedent.
Succinic acid as a precursor of the tropane alkaloids

The succinic acid used for the biosynthesis of the tropane alkaloids is probably included in their molecule as a whole, and forms the fragment of the alkaloid molecule consisting of carbon atoms 1, 7, 6, and 5.
A variable precision approach to speedup iterative schemes on fine grained parallel machines

Abstract With the advent of massively parallel machines, such as AMT DAP and MASPAR, having bit, 4-bit nibble, or byte level processing capabilities an interesting question arises: Is it possible to exploit their variable precision capabilities to speedup iterative schemes? In this paper we address this question, and show that on a fine grained parallel machine it is possible to speedup iterative schemes like the Newton, Jacobi, and Gauss-Seidel schemes by performing computation in variable precision. Experimental results are obtained for the AMT DAP 510.
The Effect of Mathematics Instruction Using Manipulative Models on Attitude and Achievement of Prospective Teachers.

The mathematics curriculum of the elementary school has undergone many changes in the past decade. Mathematics educators are aware of the fact that elementary teachers often are inadequately prepared to teach the newer mathematics, as evidenced from the results of numerous surveys that have been made of preservice teachers' mathematical backgrounds. For example, after testing 356 elementary teachers, Kenney stated that elementary teachers lack understanding in language, vocabulary, concepts, relationships, and generalizations.1 Furthermore, he concluded that an effort should be made to improve the mathematics background and understanding of elementary teachers. Reys investigated the present understanding of contemporary mathematics by elementary education majors at the University of Missouri." Fifty-five percent of his sample scored below the median of 8thand 9th-grade pupils on a contemporary mathematics test. This finding reveals a critical need for improving the mathematics preparation of elementary teachers. Concern also has been expressed regarding teachers' attitudes toward mathematics-attitudes that often are transmitted to their pupils. For instance, the Dutton attitude scale was administered to students enrolled in one of three courses in the mathematics preparatory program for elementary school teachers at the University of Missouri by Reys and Delon.3
Pyritization of trace metals in anoxic marine sediments

The pyritization of reactive trace elements in different anoxic marine sediments was investigated to determine the importance of factors such as ∑H2S, reactive-Fe, pyrite content and salinity in controlling this process. The areas studied included anoxic-sulfidic sediments (Baffin Bay, a hypersaline coastal lagoon from Texas and Green Canyon, a hemipelagic oil seepage area), anoxic-nonsulfidic sediments with high sedimentation rates (Atchafalaya Bay-Mississippi Delta system), hemipelagic anoxic-nonsulfidic sediments with low sedimentation rates (Gulf of Mexico shelf and slope and Orca Basin, an euxinic hypersaline basin) and organic-rich marsh sediments (Atchafalaya Bay). Results indicate that the degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) of all trace metals, except Cd, increased with increasing degree of pyritization (DOP), irrespective of the type of sedimentary environment involved. However, for As, Hg and Mo, the DTMPDOP values were generally above the 1:1 ratio line, whereas the transition metals Co, Cu, Mn and Ni displayed a close to linear increase in DTMP with DOP and moderate incorporation into pyrite. Chromium and the class B metals Pb and Zn were also gradually incorporated into the pyrite phase but without reaching the DTMP levels exhibited by the transition metals. Cadmium was not incorporated to a significant extent. These results are consistent with the chemical attributes of these different classes of trace elements. Availability of dissolved trace metals and organic matter content are apparently important factors controlling the incorporation of Co, Cr, Cu and Ni into pyrite in anoxicsulfidic (Fe-poor and H2S-rich) environments.
Natural Family Planning in Education and Practice: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Abstract Natural family planning (NFP), which comprises multiple, variegated methods, is an underutilized form of birth control. This is despite women's interest in it. It is unclear why this is the case. One hypothesis is that nurses and physicians, main sources of information on reproductive health matters, are not adequately trained to provide NFP services to patients. The extant English language literature on the subject of NFP and professional education was examined and analyzed for information on the breadth, content, and depth of NFP teaching in medical and nursing programs. Data on physicians' and nurses' practice and attitude toward NFP were also examined. Few articles and limited data exist to indicate what type of training in NFP student doctors and nurses receive, though it is clear that some information about it is obtained through the undergraduate nursing or medical curriculum. The literature suggests that many health-care providers would offer an NFP method to specific patients, but that...
A cruciform crack deformed by an arbitrary internal pressure

Abstract An exact solution is obtained for a line crack in the form of a cross located in an elastic medium, when the arms of the crack are subjected to an equal, but arbitrary, pressure distribution. Expressions are given for the stress intensity factor, the strain energy of the system and the normal displacement at the junction of the crack arms. A relation is obtained between this displacement and the stress factor.
Pfeiffer syndrome: systemic and ocular implications.

Background In 1964, Pfeiffer described a three-generation family in which eight individuals had a syndrome consisting of craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and great toes, and partial syndactyly of the hands and feet. Pfeiffer syndrome affects males and females equally, and is most commonly a result of de novo mutations, but can be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Pfeiffer syndrome is considered Type V of the five acrocephalosyndactly syndromes (ACS), a group of rare genetic diseases that involve premature closure of the cranial sutures. Cohen, in 1993, further described Pfeiffer syndrome and it’s various expression patterns by creating three subgroups of the syndrome. Conclusions While Pfeiffer syndrome is clearly a rare disorder, affecting 15 of every 1 million births, there has been a series of publications reviewing the difficult differential diagnosis among Pfeiffer types and between the other acrocephalosyndactly syndromes. While these publications individually focus on a variety of specific systemic and ocular implications of the syndrome, together they encompass the scope of the syndrome. Since Pfeiffer syndrome mainly affects the craniofacial regions, the eye care professional plays an essential role in diagnosis and management. What follows are guidelines to aid in the diagnosis, ophthalmic and functional testing, and management of this disorder.
On uniqueness of multiple-slip solutions in constrained and unconstrained F.C.C. Crystal deformation problems

Abstract A modification of the simple theory of rotation-dependent anisotropy is applied to the analysis of f.c.c. crystals, in both constrained and unconstrained multiple-slip orientations, with the object of resolving the question of uniqueness of solution. Specifically, tensile loading in each of 4-, 6- and 8-fold symmetry and [110] loading in channel die compression for each of [ 1 10] and [00 1 ] lateral constraint are investigated. It is established that the modified simple theory, augmented by the postulate of minimum plastic work, uniquely predicts equal multiple-slip and lattice stability (relative to the force axis or axes) in all cases.
VOLATILE FATTY ACIDS, "COPULINS", IN HUMAN VAGINAL SECRETIONS

Abstract (1) In a double-blind study using a new tampon method, 682 samples of vaginal secretions were collected from 50 healthy young women attending a university. (2) Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography for the volatile fatty acids (C2-C6) that have sex-attractant properties in infra-human primates. (3) All subjects produced some acids but acetic predominated; however, 30% of women provided samples containing more than 10 μg of other acids in addition to acetic, and these women formed a sub-group termed ‘producers’. (4) The content of volatile acids increased significantly during the first half of the cycle and declined during the second half of the cycle. (5) Increases in propanoic, methylpropanoic, butanoic, methylbutanoic and methylpentanoic acids contributed especially to the increased content during the first half of the cycle. (6) Women taking oral contraceptives had a lower overall content of acids in their vaginal secretions, and the mid-cycle increase was absent. (7) The mid-cycle increase was particularly well-marked in women ‘producers’. (8) The biosynthesis of the acids is discussed.
Multiple cyclin kinase inhibitors promote bile acid -induced apoptosis and autophagy in primary hepatocytes via p53 - CD95 -dependent signaling

Previously, using primary hepatocytes residing in early G1 phase, we demonstrated that expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor protein p21Cip-1/WAF1/mda6 (p21) enhanced the toxicity of deoxycholic acid (DCA) + MEK1/2 inhibitor. This study examined the mechanisms regulating this apoptotic process. Overexpression of p21 or p27Kip-1 (p27) enhanced DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor toxicity in primary hepatocytes that was dependent on expression of acidic sphingomyelinase and CD95. Overexpression of p21 suppressed MDM2, elevated p53 levels, and enhanced CD95, BAX, NOXA, and PUMA expression; knockdown of BAX/NOXA/PUMA reduced CDK inhibitor-stimulated cell killing. Parallel to cell death processes, overexpression of p21 or p27 profoundly enhanced DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor-induced expression of ATG5 and GRP78/BiP and phosphorylation of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and eIF2α, and it increased the numbers of vesicles containing a transfected LC3-GFP construct. Incubation of cells with 3-methyladenine or knockdown of ATG5 suppressed DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor-induced LC3-GFP vesicularization and enhanced DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor-induced toxicity. Expression of dominant negative PERK blocked DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor-induced expression of ATG5, GRP78/BiP, and eIF2α phosphorylation and prevented LC3-GFP vesicularization. Knock-out or knockdown of p53 or CD95 abolished DCA + MEK1/2 inhibitor-induced PERK phosphorylation and prevented LC3-GFP vesicularization. Thus, CDK inhibitors suppress MDM2 levels and enhance p53 expression that facilitates bile acid-induced, ceramide-dependent CD95 activation to induce both apoptosis and autophagy in primary hepatocytes.
Fuzzy logics and artificial intelligence

Abstract A short overview of artificial intelligence and its relationship with fuzzy logic is provided. We emphasize the role fuzzy logics can play in extending some of the models of Artificial Intelligence.
Connected graphs without long paths

We determine the maximum number of edges in a connected graph with n vertices if it contains no path with k+1 vertices. We also determine the extremal graphs.
Surface effects in preequilibrium reactions of incident neutrons

Recent $(n,xp)$ continuum spectra at incident energies of 28 to $63\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{MeV}$ have been used to expand an earlier study at lower neutron energies of the amount of surface localization of the initital target-projectile interaction. The $(n,xp)$ data show a reduction in surface localization for heavy targets\char22{}a trend that grows with increasing bombarding energy. This target mass dependence is not evident in $(n,xn)$ reactions up to $26\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{MeV}$ and should be verified with additional heavy target $(n,xp)$ data as well as $(n,xn)$ data at higher bombarding energies. It can be described and included in model calculations in terms of a difference in surface localization between initial $nn$ and $np$ interactions.
Adenylate cyclase in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: solubilized but active.

Abstract An intrinsic “insoluble” membrane-bound enzyme, adenylate cyclase (ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing) EC 4.6.1.1) was analyzed in a detergent solubilized but active form by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis provided improved resolution of the enzyme from contaminant proteins compared to previously used column chromatographic procedures, and allowed the analysis of much smaller quantities of material. The success of this approach depended on a particular choice of the nature and concentration of the detergent, of pH, of buffer constituents, of temperature, and of gel architecture. Using either the basal enzyme or enzyme pretreated in the membrane with guanyl-5′-yl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) in the presence or absence of glucagon, up to 90% of enzymatic activity was recovered. However, the basal enzyme lost sensitivity to stimulation by Gpp(NH)p but not fluoride during electrophoresis. Ferguson plot analysis was used to determine the size and charge parameters of the enzyme, and bandwidth to estimate the degree of polydispersity. Increasing detergent concentrations reduced the effective size and degree of polydispersity of the enzyme, although this also led to progressive inactivation. The size of the enzyme was independent of preactivation by Gpp(NH)p alone or Gpp(NH)p plus glucagon. The “smallest and least polydisperse” size to which the active enzyme could be reduced was 3.6 ± 0.8 to 4.0 ± 0.8 nm (geometric mean radius).
Cytokines and thermoregulation: interleukin-9 injected in preoptic area fails to evoke fever in rats.

Abstract A number of the members of the family of cytokines including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-11 act directly in the brain to induce a febrile response in the rat and other species. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of interleukin-9 (IL9) when this cytokine is applied directly to the thermosensitive and pyrogen reactive region of the anterior hypothalamic, preoptic area (AH/POA). In male Sprague-Dawley rats, guide cannulae for microinjection into the AH/POA were implanted stereotaxically, and radio transmitters for monitoring body temperature (T b ) were placed intraperitoneally. Following postoperative recovery, recombinant murine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β was microinjected in the AH/POA of each rat in a dose of 28 pg/1μl to identify pyrogen reactive sites in the AH/POA. Then recombinant human IL-9 was suspended in pyrogen-free CSF vehicle and microinjected in the same sites in concentrations of 2.4, 24, and 240 U/μl. In contrast to the pyrexic action of MIP-1β, IL-9 failed to elicit a significant alteration in the T b of the rats at any of the doses tested. IL-9 was also without effect on the intakes of either water or food. These results demonstrate that IL-9 applied to the region of the diencephalon in which other cytokines act to evoke fever may not play a direct role in the thermogenic component underlying the acute phase response. However, as demonstrated in several different cell systems, IL-9 may require a cofactor related to pyrogen for a febrile response to develop.
Colony and Empire: The Capitalist Transformation of the American West

Popular writers and historians alike have perpetuated the powerful myth of the rugged-individualist single-handedly transforming the American West. In reality, William Robbins counters, it was the Guggenheims and Goulds, the Harrimans and Hearsts, and the Morgans and Mellons who masterminded what the West was to become. Remove the romance, he shows, and a darker West emerges a colonial-like region where "industrial statesmen," aided by eastern U.S. and European capital, manipulated investments in pursuit of private gain while controlling wage-earning cowboys and miners. Robbins argues that understanding the impact of capitalism on the West from the fur trade era to the present is essential to understanding power, influence, and change in the region. Showing how global capitalism had a more profound impact on the modern West than individual initiative, he explores violence and racism along the Texas/Mexican border; colonial-style company towns in Montana and the Northwest; contrasting traditions astride the U.S./Canadian boundary; pace-setting agribusiness and exploitation of labor in California; the growing power of metropolitan centers and dependence of rural areas; and the emergence of a sizable federal influence. To grasp the essence of the West's dramatic transformation, Robbins contends, you must look to the mainstays of material relations in the region the perpetually changing character of political and economic culture; the inherent instability of resources; and the larger constellations of capitalist decision making. Consequently, he shows shy Western success and failure, prosperity and misfortune, and expansion and decline were all inseparably linked to the evolution of capitalism at the local, regional, national and global levels. In the tradition of Patricia Nelson Limerick's "Legacy of Conquest," Robbins's study challenges some of our most revered images of the West and invigorates the ongoing debates over its history and meaning for our nation. "
Atrial natriuretic peptide responses during anaesthesia in patients with refractory cardiomyopathies

In patients with congestive heart failure, the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is decreased. This study sought to determine the extent of ANP, sympathetic and haemodynamic responses to acutely increased atrial pressure in patients with cardiomyopathies undergoing orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Haemodynamic variables, plasma ANP, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations were measured in 17 patients at five times before and after induction of anaesthesia using either ketamine 1.5 μg·kg−1 or sufentanil 3.6 ± 0.3 μg·kg−1. Preinduction values in the ketamine and sufentanil groups were not significantly different. Compared with preinduction values, increases in mean arterial pressure (26%), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (90%), right atrial pressure (107%), and heart rate (24%) occurred in the ketamine group while cardiac index decreased by 19% (P < 0.05). Haemodynamic variables in the sufentanil group did not change at any of the times studied. Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide were not different within or between treatment groups. Following tracheal intubation plasma norepinephrine levels increased by 116% in the ketamine group (P < 0.05), but did not change in the sufentanil group. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations differed significantly between the ketamine and sufentanil groups. There were no differences in epinephrine concentrations in either group. Despite the anticipated haemodynamic and catecholamine differences found between the ketamine and sufentanil groups, the levels of plasma ANP were similar. Based upon these results, it is concluded that ANP exerts little influence in the control of fluid volume or blood pressure in patients with refractory cardiomyopathy.
Biofilm parameters influencing biocide efficacy.

The influence of biofilm areal cell density, species composition, and the presence of abiotic particles on the disinfection and removal of bacterial biofilms by monochloramine was investigated. Mono- and binary population biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were grown on stainless-steel slides in a continuous flow annular reactor. Biofilms were treated in the reactor with a pulse/step dose of 4 mg/L monochloramine for 2 h. Biofilm samples were disaggregated and assayed for colony formation on R2A agar and for total cell numbers by acridine orange direct counts. These data were used to determine apparent first order rate coefficients for the processes of disinfection and detachment. Disinfection rate coefficients exceeded detachment rate coefficients by as much as an order of magnitude and the two coefficients were poorly correlated (r = 0.272). The overall decay rate coefficient (disinfection plus detachment) depended strongly on the initial biofilm areal cell density. It displayed a parabolic dependence on cell density with a maximum near 108 cfu/cm2. This result points to multiple factors influencing biofilm susceptibility to antimicrobial challenge. Decay rates of K. pneumoniae measured in binary population biofilms were comparable with those measured in monopopulation biofilms (p = 0.61). P. aeruginosa decayed more slowly in biofilsm dominated by K. pneumoniae (p = 0.028), indicating some interaction between species. The presence of kaolin and calcium carbonate particles in the biofilm reduced disinfection efficacy. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Constitutional scholarship in the United States

The status and character of constitutional scholarship depends upon the nature of constitutional law. In the United States, the content of constitutional law is typically negotiated within a dialogue between the Supreme Court and the American people. Constitutional scholarship accordingly seeks to mediate this dialogue by clarifying the systematic and jurisprudential implications of potential constitutional developments. In Europe, constitutional law is more independent of political dialogue; hence constitutional scholarship is relatively more autonomous. Whereas European constitutional scholars imagine their project as the development of an apolitical and internally coherent structure of constitutional norms, American constitutional scholars tend to develop theory in the context of its practical implications for case-by-case adjudication.
Iterative learning based repetitive disturbance rejection with application to color registration error reduction in flatbed document scanners

For systems that perform repetitive tasks with identical initial condition for each trial, we propose an iterative learning control framework with repetitive disturbance rejection based on quadratic optimal zero phase repetitive control. Asymptotic stability condition is presented. The proposed method can be implemented as a calibration algorithm that requires less memory and computation resources. Experimental validation by reducing the repetitive color registration error on a flatbed document scanner illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The common apolipoprotein A-1 polymorphism −75A>G is associated with ethnic differences in recurrent coronary events after recovery from an acute myocardial infarction

Since data regarding the relationship between a common polymorphism (SNP) of the apoA1 gene with apoA1 levels and risk of coronary artery disease are inconsistent, we hypothesized that its association with recurrent coronary events differs for White and Black individuals with diagnosed coronary heart disease. The apoA1 −75G>A SNP was genotyped in a cohort of 834 Black (n=129) and White (n=705) post-myocardial infarction patients. Recurrent coronary events (coronary-related death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or unstable angina) were documented during an average follow-up of 28 months. Thirty percent of White and 21% of Black patients carried the SNP. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, adjusting for clinical and laboratory covariates, demonstrated that the SNP was not associated with recurrent events in the total cohort (HR=1.37, 95% CI 0.95–1.97; p= 0.09) but was the only variable associated with an increased risk of recurrent cardiac events in Blacks (HR=2.40, 95% CI 1.07–5.40; p= 0.034). Conversely in Whites, the SNP was not associated with recurrent events (HR=1.12, 95% CI 0.75–1.67; p= 0.59) whereas apoB (HR=1.78, 95% CI 1.20 −2.65; p= 0.0042) and calcium channel blocker use (HR=2.53, 95% CI 1.72–3.72; p<0.001) were associated; p= 0.0024 for interaction between ethnicity and the SNP. A common apoA1 SNP is associated with a significantly increased risk of recurrent cardiac events among Black, but not White, postmyocardial infarction patients. Relationships with lipoproteins may help explain this finding.
Medical students' perceptions of an emergency medicine clerkship: an analysis of self-assessment surveys

No studies have been performed that evaluate the perceptions of medical students completing an emergency medicine (EM) clerkship. Given the variability of exposure to EM in medical schools nationwide, assessment of the student rotation may inform the structure and content of new and existing clerkships, particularly in relation to student’s acquisition of the core competencies. To investigate whether undergraduate medical students rotating through an EM clerkship improved their understanding and abilities in core content areas and common procedural skills; to evaluate whether improvement was affected by rotation length. All students participating in an EM clerkship over a 12-month period were asked to complete an anonymous voluntary pre- and post-rotation survey. Confidence with patient assessment, diagnosis, and management plans; trauma and medical resuscitations; formal and informal presentations; basic procedure skills and understanding of the modern practice of EM were self assessed using a Likert scale. Group mean scores on each question on the pre- and post-clerkship surveys were calculated and compared. The mean scores on each survey item, both pre- and post-clerkship, were compared between 2- and 4-week clerkship rotation groups. Two hundred thirty-nine students participated in the rotation during the 12 months of the study. One hundred sixty-one (161), or 67.4%, completed the pre-rotation survey, and 96 (40.2%) completed the post-rotation survey. Overall, students showed significant mean gains in confidence with initial patient assessment, diagnosis, and management plans (p < 0.01, 0.02, <0.01) and with basic procedure skills (p < 0.01 for all). Students completing a 2-week rotation did not differ significantly from f4week rotators in confidence levels, except in the area of formal presentation skills (p = 0.01), where the 4-week students demonstrated a statistically significant advantage. The 2-week clerkship participants were significantly less confident in all procedures except EKG interpretation, splinting, and venipuncture (p = 0.28, 0.22, 0.05). Regardless of rotation length, students generally felt they had sufficient exposure to patients and opportunities for hands-on learning and practice, and overwhelmingly would recommend the EM clerkship to a fellow student, regardless of their chosen specialty. Medical students show significant gains in confidence with acute care knowledge, disease management, and procedure skills after completion of an EM clerkship. Although a 4-week clerkship may be preferable to expose students to the widest variety of patients and procedures, all students can benefit and improve in core competencies after an EM undergraduate experience.
Id2 expression during apoptosis and satellite cell activation in unloaded and loaded quail skeletal muscles

Inhibitor of differentiation-2 (Id2) is a basic helix-loop-helix protein that acts as a negative regulator of the myogenic regulatory transcription factor family, but Id2 has also been implicated in apoptosis in several cell lines. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Id2 has a role in both apoptosis-associated muscle atrophy and muscle hypertrophy. A weight corresponding to 12% of the body weight was attached to one wing of Japanese quail to induce hypertrophy in the patagialis (PAT) muscle. Birds in group 1 were killed after 5 (n = 8), 7 (n = 10), or 14 days (n = 10) of loading. The left wing was loaded for 14 days in group 2 birds, and then the weight was removed and the PAT was examined after 7 (n = 10), 14 (n = 10), or 21 (n = 5) days of unloading. A time-released bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pellet was implanted subcutaneously with wing weighting to identify activated satellite cells during loading. The left wing was loaded for 14 days, unloaded for 14 days, and then the weight was reattached for a subsequent 7 (n = 10) or 14 days (n = 10) in group 3 birds. BrdU was implanted on the second loading phase in this group. Id2 mRNA as measured by kinetic PCR increased by 3.9-, 2.7-, and 1.6-fold, relative to control levels after 7, 14, and 21 days of unloading (group 2). Id2 protein as estimated by Western blots increased by 1.5-, 1.4-, and 0.75-fold after 7, 14, and 21 days of unloading (group 2). Muscle unloading induced apoptosis, because poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-(PARP)-positive nuclei increased and caspase 8 levels increased by 2.6- and 1.7-fold after 7 or 14 days of unloading, respectively (group 2). Although BrdU-positive nuclei increased during loading (groups 1 and 3), 50% failed to survive during unloading (group 2). Id2 mRNA increased by 2.2- and 1.8-fold after 5 and 7 days of loading, respectively, but decreased to control levels by 14 days of loading in group 1. Id2 protein levels increased 2.1-fold after 5 days of loading (group 1). In contrast, Id2 did not increase in reloaded muscles of group 3 birds. These data suggest that Id2 may have a role in apoptosis-associated atrophy of skeletal muscles, but its role in muscle hypertrophy is less clear.
Kinetics of the conversion of glucose to gluconic acid by Pseudomonas ovalis

Summary The concept of a “critical oxygen concentration” is conventionally considered to hold for the submerged aerobic fermentation of glucose to gluconic acid. Above the critical level the fermentation rate is supposedly independent of oxygen concentration. In this work it is shown that, at a given agitation rate, the fermentation is independent of dissolved oxygen when above the critical. However, an increase in the agitation rate results in an increase in the fermentation rate. This increase was shown to be accompanied by an increase in the gluconolactone concentration in the broth. Gluconolactone, an intermediate in the reaction pathway, is hydrolyzed nonenzymatically to gluconic acid. Evidence is presented to suggest that the increased gas-liquid interfacial area brought about by increased agitation causes an increased net rate of lactone formation. This in turn results in an increased rate of hydrolysis of the lactone to gluconic acid. A model is presented hypothesizing that negatively charged cells adsorb at the gas-liquid interface. These cells attract hydrogen ions, causing a lowering of the pH in the film around the bubbles. It is this lowered pH which is considered to bring about increased fermentation rates when the interfacial area is increased. Supporting evidence is presented.
Reading (Conservation Subdivision) Plans

This article argues that literary theory, exemplified by an approach authored by Seymour Mandelbaum in 1990, when adapted assists in understanding the complex process of translating land-use bylaw into project design. Literary theory thus addresses the recent resurgence in planning interest in design. The technique is used to follow the implementation of one particular design idea (conservation subdivision design) as legislated in one particular place (Amherst, Massachusetts) and applied to one particular residential development. The substantive analysis demonstrates that conservation subdivision design, at least in this case, fails to achieve some of the theorized ideal goals, and instead achieves different outcomes. Sources for distortion are theorized, and the application of literary theory to planning process is discussed.
Fire and Ice Testing a Model on Culture and Complex Problem Solving

Extending research on complex problem solving (CPS) and dynamic decision making (DDM), this study investigated the relationship between horizontal-vertical individualism-collectivism, complex problem-solving strategies, and performance in two computer-simulated problem scenarios with different task demands. Participants were 535 students from Germany and the United States (both high on horizontal individualism), Brazil (high on horizontal collectivism), and India and the Philippines (both high on vertical collectivism). Path analyses revealed that horizontal individualism, horizontal collectivism, and vertical collectivism were related to action orientation, and action orientation and planning strategies were related to performance. Strategies were even stronger predictors of performance than the control variables computer experience and intelligence. The structural path model was confirmed for the overall sample and for each of the five national samples. Cross-cultural differences in the process model ar...
Delayed-Neutron Emission Probabilities of Li-F Nuclides

Delayed-neutron emission probabilities (P n ) have been measured for eighteen nuclides ranging from 9Li to 25F. Neutron-rich nuclides were produced by the reaction of 800-MeV p on a 232Th target at the LAMPF accelerator at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Recoil nuclides were individually identified as to their mass, nuclear charge, and ionic charge by use of the Time-of-Flight Isochronous (TOFI) spectrometer. The distribution of time intervals between the arrival of a specific ion and the subsequent detection of a neutron was determined. The P n was calculated from the total number of ions observed, the initial neutron count rate, the neutron counting efficiency, and the half-life. The technique is shown to be valid for half-lives ranging from 10 ms (15B) to 4 s (17N) and for P n values as low as 0.3% (13B). Delayed-neutron emission has been measured for 12Be, 14B, 17C, 18N, 21N, and 25F for the first time. A small branch for β-delayed two-neutron emission was observed in 15B (P 2 n = 0.4 ± 0.2%).
The basis for variation in susceptibility to poliovirus in HeLa cells.

Abstract Investigation of HeLa cells which differ in their relative susceptibility to poliovirus has indicated that the “resistant” and “sensitive” cells adsorb virus with the same efficiency and are penetrated equally well by that virus which is destined to initiate infection. However, since the “resistant” cell is equally susceptible to infection by poliovirus ribonucleic acid (RNA), the basis for resistance appears to be that this cell is relatively inefficient in effecting the release of poliovirus RNA from its protein coat. Whether this inefficiency resides in a step in infection that takes place at the cell surface or at some intracellular site remains unresolved.
OnCall: defeating spikes with a free-market application cluster

Even with reasonable overprovisioning, today's Internet application clusters are unable to handle major traffic spikes and flash crowds. As an alternative to fixed-size, dedicated clusters, we propose a dynamically-shared application cluster model based on virtual machines. The system is dubbed "OnCall" for the extra computing capacity that is always on call in case of traffic spikes. OnCall's approach to spike management relies on the use of an economically-efficient marketplace of cluster resources. OnCall works autonomically by allowing applications to trade computing capacity on a free market through the use of automated market policies; the appropriate applications are then automatically activated on the traded nodes. As demonstrated in our prototype implementation, OnCall allows applications to handle spikes while still maintaining inter-application performance isolation and providing useful resource guarantees to all applications on the cluster.
Degradation of GaAs-P Light Emitting Diodes

The expectation of large volume usage of solid-state lamps, using the GaAs-P system, has generated tremendous effort in this infant field. Data on factors affecting the lifetime of GaAs-P devices will be presented. Several conclusions can be derived which yield valuable criteria for the design and operation of long-life expectancy LED's.