The LHMC Algorithm for Free Field Theory: Reexamining Overrelaxation

We analyze the autocorrelations for the LHMC algorithm in the context of free field theory. In this case this is just Adler's overrelaxation algorithm. We consider the algorithm with even/odd, lexicographic, and random updates, and show that its efficiency depends crucially on this ordering of sites when optimized for a given class of operators. In particular, we show that, contrary to previous expectations, it is possible to eliminate critical slowing down (z[int]=0) for a class of interesting observables, including the magnetic susceptibility: this can be done with lexicographic updates but is not possible with even/odd (z[int]=1) or random (z[int]=2) updates. We are considering the dynamical critical exponent z[int] for integrated autocorrelations rather than for the exponential autocorrelation time; this is reasonable because it is the integrated autocorrelation which determines the cost of a Monte Carlo computation.Comment: LaTeX, 33 pages, 3 postscript figure

Nicotinic mechanisms mediating prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (Spine title: Nicotinic mechanisms mediating PPI of the startle response)

Prepulse inhibition (PP1) is the attenuation of a startle response brought-on by a non-startling sensory stimulus (prepulse) presented 5-1000ms before the startle-evoking stimulus. It is a measure of sensory gating that is seen disrupted in schizophrenia, and other mental disorders. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in PPI of acoustic startle at both a systemic level and at the level in which the primary startle pathway can receive modulatory input - the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC). This research will help clarify the role that nicotine plays in PPI at both a systemic level and at a level of the PnC. We show that the systemic effect of nicotine is at least partly mediated by non-PnC a7 nAChRs, and that the effect of nicotine in the PnC is mainly mediated by non-a7 nAChRs (likely a4p2 nAChRs). This research helps clarify the role that nicotine plays in sensorimotor gating, and may help in drug development in schizophrenia

Powers of Frances Willard

William Kennedy Brown discusses a review of the work of Frances Willard, an educator and member of the temperance and women’s suffrage movements, that appeared in the Philadelphia Press. Brown compares the leadership styles of three women in the suffrage movement to those of three contemporary men, saying that the followers of Willard and General George McClellan were inspired by loyalty, the followers of Mary Livermore and Ulysses Grant by an intellectual decision, and the followers of Susan B. Anthony and Abraham Lincoln by the heroic nature of their lives.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms147_wkb_papers/1002/thumbnail.jp

An Incident with its Sequel (2)

William Kennedy Brown describes an 1869 meeting with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Stanton wanted to convince Martha McClellan Brown, who was in New York at the time, to join her in advocating for women’s suffrage. William Kennedy Brown argued that by aligning herself with Cady Stanton she would damage her reputation among evangelical women. He felt that his wife would more effectively advance the cause of suffrage by continuing her efforts to organize the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms147_wkb_papers/1004/thumbnail.jp

Regulating intersectional activity : privacy and energy efficiency, laws and technology

Funding The London workshop upon which this article builds was kindly funded by the British and Irish LawEducation and Technology Association (BILETA) 2015–2016.Peer reviewedPostprin

The Scriptural Status of Woman

A pamphlet in which Brown argues that scripture supports equal rights for women.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/special_ms147_wkb_papers/1005/thumbnail.jp

Designing whole-systems commissioning: lessons from the English experience

The paucity of formal evidence, allied to the requirement for strategies that are sensitive to local history and context, means that a ‘blueprint’ for successful strategic commissioning is not currently available for adoption. We are therefore confined to proposing ‘design principles’ for those seeking to embark upon a transition towards a whole systems approach to strategic commissioning. People and relationships are of critical importance all the way through the chain from strategic commissioning to micro-commissioning. Most crucially, experience suggests that structural solutions alone cannot deliver effective relationships and will not be effective when relationships are neglected. The need to ensure staff, partner and political buy-in suggests that relationship management and consensus-building are an integral component of the leadership role in moving toward strategic commissioning. As with any major re-organisation, the move to strategic commissioning is essentially a change management initiative and therefore will stand or fall according to whether it adheres to good practice in the change management process. Central to this, and to achieving commissioning outcomes, is the requirement for meaningful service user and public engagement. Effective commissioning emphasizes individual capabilities as well as needs, and community assets as well as deficits and problems. Adoption of strategic commissioning approaches is still at the developmental and learning stage and arguably all structural arrangements should be regarded as transitional