bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HORIZONS AND THE THERMAL HARMONIC OSCILLATOR
Authors: CADONI M.
Published: July 2005

We show that two-dimensional anti-de Sitter spacetime (AdS2) can be put in correspondence, holographically, both with the harmonic oscillator and the free particle. When AdS2 has a horizon the corresponding mechanical system is a thermal harmonic oscillator at temperature given by the Hawking temperature of the horizon.
GUT PARTICLE SPECTRUM FROM HETEROTIC COMPACTIFICATION
Authors: HE YANG-HUI
Published: July 2005

This review intends to introduce the reader to the general methodology of computing GUT particle spectrum from compactifying the E8 × E8 heterotic string on smooth Calabi–Yau threefolds endowed with stable vector bundles. We use the spectral construction for the bundle and show, with illustrative examples, how one computes the requisite cohomology groups that determine the spectrum. Moreover, physical constraints lead to an algorithmic classification scheme. Finally, we will see the fascinating moduli-dependence, a so-called jumping phenomenon, of the particle spectra.
INTEGRABLE EXPANDING MODELS FOR DISCRETE SYSTEMS APPLICATION: COUPLED TODA AND RELATIVISTIC TODA LATTICE
Authors: YANG HONGXIANG , XU XIXIANG
Published: July 2005

A direct method for constructing integrable expanding models for lattice soliton hierarchies is developed through enlarging associated Lax pairs. As illustrated by examples, the integrable expanding models for Toda and relativistic Toda lattice hierarchies are investigated.
FREQUENCY DOMAIN CRITERION FOR CHAOS SYNCHRONIZATION OF LUR'E SYSTEMS VIA LINEAR STATE ERROR FEEDBACK CONTROL
Authors: WU XIAOFENG , ZHAO YI
Published: July 2005

Some frequency domain criteria for chaos synchronization of Lur'e system by linear state error feedback control are proposed and applied to design the controller that synchronizes the master-slave Chua's circuits coupled by linear state error feedback. A simple synchronization controller is obtained.
DELAY-DEPENDENT APPROACH TO STABILIZATION OF TIME-DELAY CHAOTIC SYSTEMS VIA STANDARD AND DELAYED FEEDBACK CONTROLLERS
Authors: XU SHENGYUAN , LAM JAMES , ZOU YUN
Published: July 2005

In this paper, the stabilization problem of time-delay chaotic systems via standard feedback control (SFC) and delayed feedback control (DFC) methods is investigated. First, new delay-dependent conditions for stabilization via SFC method are obtained in terms of matrix inequalities. The proposed feedback controller stabilizes an unstable equilibrium point in the chaotic system. Then, based on this, delay-dependent conditions for stabilization via DFC method are derived. In both the SFC and DFC cases, algorithms on the design of desired state feedback controllers are proposed. Examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
WHAT MAPS CAN ADMIT TWO-SIDED SYMBOLIC DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS?
Authors: MAI JIE-HUA
Published: July 2005

A continuous map f from a metric space X to itself is said to contain a two-sided symbolic dynamical system if there exists an invariant set X0 of f such that the subsystem f|X0 is topologically conjugate to the shift map on a two-sided sequence space of some symbols. In this paper we show that, for any given integer n ≥ 2, there exists a Lipschitz continuous interval map which contains a two-sided symbolic dynamical system of n symbols. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of differentiability and monotonicity assumptions, and prove that neither piecewise monotonic nor piecewise continuously differentiable graph map can contain a two-sided symbolic dynamical system.
CRITICAL STRANGE NONCHAOTIC DYNAMICS IN THE FIBONACCI MAP
Authors: DATTA SANDIP , NEGI SURENDRA , RAMASWAMY RAMAKRISHNA , FEUDEL ULRIKE
Published: July 2005

We study a driven quasiperiodic skew-product dynamical mapping in which orbits with all Lyapunov exponents equal to zero lie on fractal attractors. These form a special category of strange nonchaotic attractors (SNAs), and we describe the scenario for their formation as well as methods for their characterization.
ON THE NUMBER OF LIMIT CYCLES IN PIECEWISE-LINEAR LIÉNARD SYSTEMS
Authors: TONNELIER A.
Published: July 2005

In a previous paper [Tonnelier, 2002] we conjectured that a Liénard system of the form ẋ = p(x) - y, ẏ = x where p is piecewise linear on n + 1 intervals has up to 2n limit cycles. We construct here a general class of functions p satisfying this conjecture. Limit cycles are obtained from the bifurcation of the linear center.
NONEXISTENCE OF PERIODIC SOLUTIONS IN A CLASS OF DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS WITH CYLINDRICAL PHASE SPACE
Authors: YANG YING , DUAN ZHISHENG , HUANG LIN
Published: July 2005

This paper investigates the nonexistence of a specific kind of periodic solutions in a class of nonlinear dynamical systems with cylindrical phase space. Those types of systems can be viewed as an interconnection of several simpler subsystems with the interconnecting structure specified by a permutation matrix. Frequency-domain conditions as well as linear matrix inequalities conditions for nonexistence of limit cycles of the second kind are established. The main results also define the frequency range on which cycles of the second kind of the system cannot exist. Based on this LMI approach, an estimate of the frequency of cycles of the second kind can be explicitly computed by solving a generalized eigenvalue minimization problem. Numerical results demonstrate the applicability and validity of the proposed method and show the effect of nonlinear interconnections on dynamical behavior of entire interconnected systems.
CONTROLLABILITY AND INVARIANCE PROPERTIES OF TIME-PERIODIC SYSTEMS
Authors: GAYER TOBIAS
Published: July 2005

In this paper, control sets, i.e. maximal subsets of approximate controllability, are introduced for time-periodic parameter dependent systems with open loop control. It is shown that the time-periodicity causes some special topological properties of control sets that influence their merging and bifurcation process. These properties allow an enhancement of the available set-oriented numerical methods for the approximation of control sets. For the application of these methods, the so-called inner-pair condition must be satisfied. It is shown that this condition holds for a wide class of time-periodic control-affine systems that includes, for instance, coupled excited oscillators if the number of controls equals the degrees of freedom. The application of the methods to the controlled escape equation with periodic driving term where the parameter acts on the control range gives insight into the changing dynamics and different types of mergers of control sets.
ON GLOBAL DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF WEAKLY CONNECTED OSCILLATORY NETWORKS
Authors: GILLI MARCO , BONNIN MICHELE , CORINTO FERNANDO
Published: July 2005

The global dynamics of weakly connected oscillatory networks is investigated: as a case study, one-dimensional arrays of third-order oscillators are considered. Through the joint application of the describing function technique and Malkin's Theorem a very accurate analytical expression of the phase deviation equation (i.e. the equation that describes the phase deviation due to the weak coupling) is derived. The total number of limit cycles and their stability properties are estimated via the analytical study of the phase deviation equation. The proposed technique significantly extends the results available in the literature and can be applied to almost all complex networks of oscillators. In particular two-dimensional, space variant and fully connected networks can be dealt with here.
MULTISTATE ASSOCIATIVE MEMORY WITH PARAMETRICALLY COUPLED MAP NETWORKS
Authors: TANAKA GOUHEI , AIHARA KAZUYUKI
Published: July 2005

The present paper proposes two types of parametrically coupled circle map networks for multistate associative memory. One of the networks uses a circle map exhibiting an attractor-merging crisis of multiple chaotic attractors to represent a multistate element. The other uses another circle map whose bifurcation diagram serves as a substitute for a multilevel activation function. The configuration of each network is suitably selected according to the dynamics of the individual circle map so that the network can bring about self-organizing chaotic dynamics with an association of a memory. Namely, the coupling term is determined by the generalized partial error function in the first network, and by the weighted sum of inputs in the second network. These multistate networks can be considered as extensions of two kinds of interesting binary networks called the parametrically coupled sine map networks [Lee & Farhat, 2001a], respectively. We illustrate that the proposed networks can exhibit desirable associative dynamics that is missing in the conventional multistate networks.
ON THE ROLE OF CHAOTIC SADDLES IN GENERATING CHAOTIC DYNAMICS IN NONLINEAR DRIVEN OSCILLATORS
Authors: TYRKIEL ELŻBIETA
Published: July 2005

In the paper, the most important common dynamical element underlying the build-up of chaotic responses in nonlinear vibrating systems, i.e. the formation and expansion of invariant non-attracting chaotic sets, so-called chaotic saddles, as a result of transverse intersections of stable and unstable invariant manifolds of particular unstable orbits, is highlighted. Characteristic examples of the resulting multiple aspects of chaotic system behaviors, such as chaotic transient motions, fractal basin boundaries and unpredictability of the final state, are shown and discussed with the use of geometrical interpretation of the results completed by color computer graphics. Numerical study is carried out for two low-dimensional but representative models of nonlinear, strictly dissipative oscillators driven externally by periodic force, i.e. the twin-well Duffing oscillator and the plane pendulum. In particular, it is demonstrated that the formation of chaotic saddles (equivalent to the creation of horseshoes in the system dynamics) is the primary mechanism triggering chaotic transient motions independently of either single or multiple attractors exist. The aspect of formation of chaotic saddles as a result of a sequence of global (homoclinic and heteroclinic) bifurcations, which is useful in establishing criteria for the occurrence of chaotic system behaviors as the control parameter changes, is presented.
MONODROMY AND STABILITY FOR NILPOTENT CRITICAL POINTS
Authors: ÁLVAREZ M. J. , GASULL A.
Published: July 2005

We give a new and short proof of the characterization of monodromic nilpotent critical points. We also calculate the first generalized Lyapunov constants in order to solve the stability problem. We apply the results to several families of planar systems obtaining necessary and sufficient conditions for having a center. Our method also allows us to generate limit cycles from the origin.
A NONLINEAR DYNAMICS PERSPECTIVE OF WOLFRAM'S NEW KIND OF SCIENCE PART IV: FROM BERNOULLI SHIFT TO 1/f SPECTRUM
Authors: CHUA LEON O. , SBITNEV VALERY I. , YOON SOOK
Published: July 2005

By exploiting the new concepts of CA characteristic functions and their associated attractor time-τ maps, a complete characterization of the long-term time-asymptotic behaviors of all 256 one-dimensional CA rules are achieved via a single "probing" random input signal. In particular, the graphs of the time-1 maps of the 256 CA rules represent, in some sense, the generalized Green's functions for Cellular Automata. The asymptotic dynamical evolution on any CA attractor, or invariant orbit, of 206 (out of 256) CA rules can be predicted precisely, by inspection. In particular, a total of 112 CA rules are shown to obey a generalized Bernoulli στ-shift rule, which involves the shifting of any binary string on an attractor, or invariant orbit, either to the left, or to the right, by up to 3 pixels, and followed possibly by a complementation of the resulting bit string.

The most intriguing result reported in this paper is the discovery that the four Turing-universal rules [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], and only these rules, exhibit a 1/f power spectrum.
GEOMETRIC ALGORITHMS FOR DENSITY-BASED DATA CLUSTERING
Authors: CHEN DANNY Z. , SMID MICHIEL , XU BIN
Published: July 2005

Data clustering is a fundamental problem arising in many practical applications. In this paper, we present new geometric approximation and exact algorithms for the density-based data clustering problem in d-dimensional space ℝd (for any constant integer d ≥ 2). Previously known algorithms for this problem are efficient only when the specified range around each input point, called the δ-neighborhood, contains on average a constant number of input points. Different distributions of the input data points have significant impact on the efficiency of these algorithms. In the worst case when the data points are highly clustered, these algorithms run in quadratic time, although such situations might not occur very frequently on real data. By using computational geometry techniques, we develop faster approximation and exact algorithms for the density-based data clustering problem in ℝd. In particular, our approximation algorithm based on the ∊-fuzzy distance function takes O(n log n) time for any given fixed value ∊>0, and our exact algorithms take sub-quadratic time. The running times and output quality of our algorithms do not depend on any particular data distribution. We believe that our fast approximation algorithm is of considerable practical importance, while our sub-quadratic exact algorithms are more of theoretical interest. We implemented our approximation algorithm and the experimental results show that our approximation algorithm is efficient on arbitrary input point sets.
LABELING POINTS ON A SINGLE LINE
Authors: CHEN YU-SHIN , LEE D. T. , LIAO CHUNG-SHOU
Published: July 2005

In this paper, we consider a map labeling problem where the points to be labeled are restricted on a line. It is known that the 1d-4P and the 1d-4S unit-square label placement problem and the Slope-4P unit-square label placement problem can both be solved in linear time and the Slope-4S unit-square label placement problem can be solved in quadratic time in Ref. [8]. We extend the result to the following label placement problem: Slope-4P fixed-height (width) label or elastic label placement problem and present a linear time algorithm for it provided that the input points are given sorted. We further show that if the points are not sorted, the label placement problems have a lower bound of Ω(n log n), where n is the input size, under the algebraic computation tree model. Optimization versions of these point labeling problems are also considered.
AN EFFICIENT METHOD TO DETERMINE THE INTENDED SOLUTION FOR A SYSTEM OF GEOMETRIC CONSTRAINTS
Authors: VAN DER MEIDEN HILDERICK A. , BRONSVOORT WILLEM F.
Published: July 2005

The number of solutions of a geometric constraint problem is generally exponential to the number of geometric elements in the problem. Finding a single intended solution, satisfying additional criteria, typically results in an NP-complete problem. A prototype-based selection scheme is presented here that avoids this problem. First, a resemblance relation between configurations is formally defined. This relation should be satisfied between the intended solution and a prototype configuration. The resemblance relation is in our approach satisfied by applying selection rules to subproblems in a bottom-up solving approach. The resulting solving algorithm is polynomial, because the selection rules are not used as search heuristic, but to unambiguously select a single solution such that no backtracking search is needed. For many applications, in particular CAD, this solution is both meaningful and intuitive.
EVALUATION OF NON-UNIFORM DOO-SABIN SURFACES
Authors: WANG HUAWEI , QIN KAIHUAI , SUN HANQIU
Published: July 2005

Parameterization approaches for non-uniform Doo-Sabin subdivision surfaces are developed in this paper using the eigenstructure of Doo-Sabin subdivision. New methods for evaluation of values and derivatives of Doo-Sabin surfaces at arbitrary parameters by means of non-iterative approaches are presented. Furthermore, generalized basis functions for non-uniform Doo-Sabin surfaces are derived. Thus, many algorithms and analysis techniques developed for parametric surfaces can be extended to Doo-Sabin surfaces.
A SCALABLE CLUSTERING METHOD FOR CATEGORICAL SEQUENCE DATA
Authors: OH SEUNG-JOON , KIM JAE-YEARN
Published: July 2005

Clustering of sequences is relatively less explored but it is becoming increasingly important in data mining applications such as web usage mining and bioinformatics. The web user segmentation problem uses web access log files to partition a set of users into clusters such that users within one cluster are more similar to one another than to the users in other clusters. Similarly, grouping protein sequences that share a similar structure can help to identify sequences with similar functions. However, few clustering algorithms consider sequentiality. In this paper, we study how to cluster sequence datasets. Due to the high computational complexity of hierarchical clustering algorithms for clustering large datasets, a new clustering method is required. Therefore, we propose a new scalable clustering method using sampling and a k-nearest-neighbor method. Using a splice dataset and a synthetic dataset, we show that the quality of clusters generated by our proposed approach is better than that of clusters produced by traditional algorithms.
ANALYSIS OF IMPERFECT COMPOSITES AND SANDWICH LAMINATES SUBJECTED TO IN-PLANE PARTIAL EDGE LOADING
Authors: CHAKRABARTI ANUPAM , SHEIKH ABDUL HAMID
Published: July 2005

The static response of imperfect composites and sandwich laminates subjected to in-plane partial edge loading is studied. An efficient finite element model based on a refined plate theory is developed for the present purpose. In this theory, the transverse shear stresses are continuous at the layer interfaces along with stress free conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The imperfection is considered in the form of in-plane displacement jumps at the layer interfaces, which is characterized by a linear spring-layer model. It is quite encouraging to note that the plate model having all these refined features requires unknowns only at the reference plane. However, this theory demands C1continuity of transverse displacement at the element edges, which is difficult to accommodate arbitrarily in any existing finite element. To deal with this problem a new triangular element developed by the authors is used in the present study.
THE GREAT ESCAPE: When Cancer Cells Hijack the Genes for Chemotaxis and Motility
Authors: Condeelis John , Singer Robert H. , Segall Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2005

The combined use of the new technologies of multiphoton-based intravital imaging, the chemotaxis-mediated collection of invasive cells, and high sensitivity expression profiling has allowed the correlation of the behavior of invasive tumor cells in vivo with their gene expression patterns. New insights have resulted including a gene expression signature for invasive cells and the tumor microenvironment invasion model. This model proposes that tumor invasion and metastasis can be studied as a problem resembling normal morphogenesis. We discuss how these new insights may lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of the invasive behavior of tumor cells in vivo, which may result in new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of metastasis.
T-Box Genes in Vertebrate Development
Authors: Naiche L.A. , Harrelson Zachary , Kelly Robert G. , Papaioannou Virginia E.
Published: July 2005

The myriad developmental roles served by the T-box family of transcription factor genes defy easy categorization. Present in all metazoans, the T-box genes are involved in early embryonic cell fate decisions, regulation of the development of extraembryonic structures, embryonic patterning, and many aspects of organogenesis. They are unusual in displaying dosage sensitivity in most instances. In humans, mutations in T-box genes are responsible for developmental dysmorphic syndromes, and several T-box genes have been implicated in neoplastic processes. T-box transcription factors function in many different signaling pathways, notably bone morphogenetic protein and fibroblast growth factor pathways. The few downstream target genes that have been identified indicate a wide range of downstream effectors.
Jeremiah's in/effective plea: another look in Jeremiah I 6
Authors: Strawn Brent A.
Published: July 2005

The use of in Jer. i 6 is best understood, not as a precise indicator delineating Jeremiah's chronological age, but as a rhetorical device in which a pray-er appeals to their weak or insignificant status in order to summon the Deity's compassion. While the appeal is ultimately ineffective in eluding the prophetic calling, Yahweh's response to it is nothing short of an oracle of salvation/deliverance, which shows Jeremiah's plea to have been heard and answered.
The watchman metaphor in Isaiah lvi-lxvi
Authors: Tiemeyer Lena-Sofia
Published: July 2005

The theme of the watchman is a Leitmotiv throughout Is. lvi 9-lix 21. It is first introduced in Is. lvi 10-11 and continues in lvii 14 and lviii 1. In these verses, the prophet calls the leaders to reassume their role as watchman and to lead their people in justice and righteousness. In contrast, the following Is. lix 4, 15-16 describe the leaders' failure to fulfil their very duty, leading up to God's decision to intervene Himself. In this way, these verses stress the responsibility and the subsequent failure of the Judahite leadership. The idea of the watchman is closely connected with that of an intercessor. In this way, the author of Is. lvi 9-lix 21 is indebted to the earlier Is. lxii 6, where "guards" are commanded to intercede daily for the fate of Jerusalem, and to Is. lxii 1, where divine or prophetic intercession is alluded to.
"There is no deliverer (from my hand)"— A formula analysis
Authors: Chalmers Aaron
Published: July 2005

This paper traces the context, origins, development and Sitz-im-Leben, function and meaning of the formula 'ên maşşîl (miyyadî) which appears with Yahweh as subject five times in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Can Percentiles Replace Raw Scores in the Statistical Analysis of Test Data?
Authors: Zimmerman Donald W. , Zumbo Bruno D.
Published: July 2005

Educational and psychological testing textbooks typically warn of the inappropriateness of performing arithmetic operations and statistical analysis on percentiles instead of raw scores. This seems inconsistent with the well-established finding that transforming scores to ranks and using nonparametric methods often improves the validity and power of significance tests for nonnormal distributions. This study compared Student’s t test performed on raw scores, on the ranks of scores, and on percentiles of these scores obtained from larger populations for normal and various skewed and symmetric nonnormal distributions. Using percentiles instead of raw scores protected the Type I error rate of t tests, like using ranks instead of raw scores, for all distributions studied. Using percentiles markedly increased the power of t tests for skewed distributions, more so than using ranks, and percentiles were nearly as effective as ranks for symmetric distributions. These findings are relevant to experimental designs involving test scores and other measures when both raw scores and percentiles are available.
A Comparison of Missing-Data Procedures for Arima Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Velicer Wayne F. , Colby Suzanne M.
Published: July 2005

Missing data are a common practical problem for longitudinal designs. Time-series analysis is a longitudinal method that involves a large number of observations on a single unit. Four different missing-data methods (deletion, mean substitution, mean of adjacent observations, and maximum likelihood estimation) were evaluated. Computer-generated time-series data of length 100 were generated for 50 different conditions representing five levels of autocorrelation, two levels of slope, and five levels of proportion of missing data. Methods were compared with respect to the accuracy of estimation for four parameters (level, error variance, degree of autocorrelation, and slope). The choice of method had a major impact on the analysis. The maximum likelihood very accurately estimated all four parameters under all conditions tested. The mean of the series was the least accurate approach. Statistical methods such as the maximum likelihood procedure represent a superior approach to missing data.
Comparability of TOEFL CBT Essay Prompts: Response-Mode Analyses
Authors: Breland Hunter , Lee Yong-Won , Muraki Eiji
Published: July 2005

Eighty-three Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) writing prompts administered via computer-based testing between July 1998 and August 2000 were examined for differences attributable to the response mode (handwriting or word processing) chosen by examinees. Differences were examined statistically using polytomous logistic regression. A variable measuring English-language ability (ELA) was developed from the multiple-choice components of the TOEFL and used as a matching variable. Although there was little observed difference in mean writing scores, when examinees were matched on ELA, small differences were observed in effect sizes consistently favoring the handwriting response mode. This difference favoring the handwriting response mode occurred for all of the writing prompts analyzed, suggesting a general effect for response mode. Differences for individual writing prompts were small, however.
Sexual Arousal in Rapists
Authors: Looman Jan , Marshall W. L.
Published: July 2005

This research explores the validity of phallometric assessments with rapists. The sexual responses of a group of rapists on two assessments of sexual arousal to rape depiction are compared. Data on a group of child molesters are also examined for comparison. Relationships between sexual arousal and offense history variables, psychopathy, and actuarial risk assessment scores are also examined. Rapists, as a group, do not exhibit a sexual preference for depictions of rape as opposed to depictions of consensual sex with adult females on any of the assessments. Furthermore, when men are classified as either deviant or nondeviant according to their deviance indices, there is very low agreement between stimulus sets as to group membership. No meaningful relationships are found between sexual arousal and offense-related variables, psychopathy, or risk assessment measures. Results are discussed in terms of the validity of phallometric assessments.
Antisocial Personality, Psychopathy, and Violence in Persons with Dual Disorders
Authors: Crocker Anne G. , Mueser Kim T. , Drake Robert E. , Clark Robin E. , Mchugo Gregory J. , Ackerson Theimann H. , Alterman Arthur I.
Published: July 2005

Few studies have explored correlates of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy among individuals with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder. This study examined the reliability and validity of measures of ASPD and psychopathy among 203 clients with dual disorders and their prospective relationship to criminality and violence over 3 years. Except for the interpersonal/affective factor, the total Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (SRP-II) and antisocial lifestyle factor displayed good reliability and convergent validity with other measures of antisociality. SRP-II scores had limited associations with criminality and violence, whereas ASPD, thought disturbance, negative affect, and earlier age at psychiatric hospitalization were predictive of aggressive behavior. Further research on community violence should examine other measures of psychopathy as well as ASPD and symptoms.
An Exploratory Use of Musical Metaphors to Enhance Student Learning
Authors: Weinrauch J. Donald
Published: July 2005

This article provides the role, scope, instructional experiences, and prospects of employing musical metaphors as a possible teaching tool. Interactive student learning is encouraged by actually playing songs in marketing strategy courses. First, an overview on the explanation and popularity of metaphors in both nonbusiness and business fields including marketing is provided. A brief discussion is then offered on the potential value and opportunities for using musical metaphors in the classroom. A narrative is then given on the instructional process of four stages that the professor experienced in adopting music metaphors. Student benefits as well as the limitations and suggestions on the process of trying musical metaphors are then summarized. Last, anecdotal student reactions are described and some illustrated experiential music assignments are given in the appendix. The contents of the article have interesting implications for marketing educators who may like to experiment with musical metaphors.
Social Styles of Students and Professors: Do Students’ Social Styles Influence Their Preferences for Professors?
Authors: Schlee Regina P.
Published: July 2005

This article uses Merrill and Reid’s classification of social styles as drivers, analyticals, expressives, and amiables to examine differences between the personalities of different business majors and student choices of favorite professors. Significant differences were found in the social styles of different business majors. Furthermore, one’s major interacted with his or her gender to have a significant effect on the student’s social style. Students relied on cues both inside and outside the classroom to determine a professor’s social style. They were fairly accurate in guessing a professor’s level of assertiveness and responsiveness and, to a lesser extent, a professor’s specific social style. Students’ social styles and specific majors had a significant effect in preferences for specific faculty chosen as “favorites.” Recommendations are included on how marketing professors can develop a classroom persona to minimize personality conflicts in courses containing a mix of business majors.
A Simplified Stability Study for a Biped Walk with Underactuated and Overactuated Phases
Authors: Miossec Sylvain , Aoustin Yannick
Published: July 2005

This paper is devoted to a stability study of a walking gait for a biped. The walking gait is periodic and it is composed of a single-support phase, a passive impact, and a double-support phase. The reference trajectories are described as a function of the shin orientation versus the ground of the stance leg. We use the Poincaré map to study the stability of the walking gait of the biped. We only study the stability of dynamics not controlled during the single-support phase, i.e., the dynamics of the shin angle. We then suppose there is no perturbation in the tracking of the references of the other joint angles of the biped. The studied Poincaré map is then of dimension one. With a particular control law in double support, it is shown theoretically and in simulation that a perturbation error in the velocity of the shin angle can be eliminated in one step only. The zone of convergence in one step is determined. The condition of existence of a cyclic gait is given, and for a given cyclic gait, the stability condition is also given. It is shown that due to the given control law for the overactuated double-support phase, a cyclic motion is practically guaranteed to be stable. It should be noted it is possible for the biped to reach a periodic regime from a stopped position in one step.
Peer Assessment, Individual Performance, and Contribution to Group Processes
Authors: Bamberger Peter A. , Erev Ido , Kimmel Michal , Oref-Chen Tali
Published: July 2005

Drawing from game theoretical research, we explore the degree to which rater anonymity affects consequences of peer assessment with respect to individual effectiveness and contribution to group processes. Using longitudinal data collected in a kibbutz-owned manufacturing facility in Israel, we found peer assessment to be associated with a general improvement of supervisory ratings of subordinates over time. More important, this improvement was found to be significantly greater among individuals working in departments assigned to a nonanonymity assessment condition relative to those assigned to an anonymous condition. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Radio and Populism in Brazil
Authors: Haussen Doris Fagundes
Published: July 2005

Brazil, as well as several Latin American countries, experienced a strong nationalistic movement in the first half of the twentieth century, which was mainly due to the emergence of urban masses. During the same period, the radio began to broadcast and take part in the Brazilian society. This article aims at analyzing the role of the radio during Getúlio Vargas’s populist government (1930-1945).
Radio and Everyday Life
Authors: Winocur Rosalía
Published: July 2005

This article shows the place that radio occupies in everyday life through the systematic observation of a set of practices and discourses that structure the relationship with this means of communication in families of different sociocultural backgrounds in Mexico City. Within this framework, the author analyzes different scenarios, consumption times and styles, listening practices, and ways in which the discourse is appropriated.
Optimal biologic dose of metronomic chemotherapy regimens is associated with maximum antiangiogenic activity
Authors: Shaked Yuval , Emmenegger Urban , Man Shan , Cervi Dave , Bertolini Francesco , Ben-David Yaacov , Kerbel Robert S.
Published: July 2005

Low-dose metronomic chemotherapy is a promising therapeutic cancer treatment strategy thought to have an antiangiogenic basis. However, the advantages of reduced toxicity, increased efficacy in some cases, and ability to combine chemotherapy administered long term in this way with targeted therapies can be compromised by the empiricism associated with determining the optimum biologic dose (OBD). Using 4 distinct metronomic chemotherapy regimens in 4 different preclinical tumor models, including a hematologic malignancy, we established the OBD by determining the maximum efficacy associated with minimum or no toxicity. We then found each OBD to be strikingly correlated with the maximum reduction in viable peripheral blood circulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2–positive (VEGFR-2+) endothelial precursors (CEPs). These results suggest that CEPs may serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker to determine the OBD of metronomic chemotherapy regimens.
Determinants of response to a parent questionnaire about development and behaviour in 3 year olds: European multicentre study of congenital toxoplasmosis
Authors: Salt A , Freeman K , Prusa A , Ferret N , Buffolano W , Malm G , Schmidt D , Tan HK , Gilbert RE ,   The European Multicentre Study on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (EMSCOT)
Published: July 2005

Background

We aimed to determine how response to a parent-completed postal questionnaire measuring development, behaviour, impairment, and parental concerns and anxiety, varies in different European centres.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 3 year old children, with and without congenital toxoplasmosis, who were identified by prenatal or neonatal screening for toxoplasmosis in 11 centres in 7 countries. Parents were mailed a questionnaire that comprised all or part of existing validated tools. We determined the effect of characteristics of the centre and child on response, age at questionnaire completion, and response to child drawing tasks.

Results

The questionnaire took 21 minutes to complete on average. 67% (714/1058) of parents responded. Few parents (60/1058) refused to participate. The strongest determinants of response were the score for organisational attributes of the study centre (such as direct involvement in follow up and access to an address register), and infection with congenital toxoplasmosis. Age at completion was associated with study centre, presence of neurological abnormalities in early infancy, and duration of prenatal treatment. Completion rates for individual questions exceeded 92% except for child completed drawings of a man (70%), which were completed more by girls, older children, and in certain centres.

Conclusion

Differences in response across European centres were predominantly related to the organisation of follow up and access to correct addresses. The questionnaire was acceptable in all six countries and offers a low cost tool for assessing development, behaviour, and parental concerns and anxiety, in multinational studies.
Genetic and spectrally distinct in vivoimaging: embryonic stem cells and mice with widespread expression of a monomeric red fluorescent protein
Authors: Long Jonathan Z , Lackan Chantal S , Hadjantonakis Anna-Katerina
Published: July 2005

Background

DsRed the red fluorescent protein (RFP) isolated from Discosoma sp. coral holds much promise as a genetically and spectrally distinct alternative to green fluorescent protein (GFP) for application in mice. Widespread use of DsRed has been hampered by several issues resulting in the inability to establish and maintain lines of red fluorescent protein expressing embryonic stem cells and mice. This has been attributed to the non-viability, or toxicity, of the protein, probably as a result of its obligate tetramerization. A mutagenesis approach directing the stepwise evolution of DsRed has produced mRFP1, the first true monomer. mRFP1 currently represents an attractive autofluorescent reporter for use in heterologous systems.

Results

We have used embryonic stem cell-mediated transgenesis to evaluate mRFP1 in embryonic stem cells and mice. We find that mRFP1 exhibits the most spatially homogenous expression when compared to the native (tetrameric) and variant dimeric forms of DsRed. High levels of mRFP1 expression do not affect cell morphology, developmental potential or viability and fertility of animals. High levels of widespread mRFP1 expression are maintained in a constitutive manner in embryonic stem cells in culture and in transgenic animals. We have used various optical imaging modalities to visualize mRFP1 expressing cells in culture, in embryos and adult mice. Moreover co-visualization of red, green and cyan fluorescent cells within a sample is easily achieved without the need for specialized methodologies, such as spectral deconvolution or linear unmixing.

Conclusion

Fluorescent proteins with excitation and/or emission profiles in the red part of the visible spectrum represent distinct partners, or longer wavelength substitutes for GFP. Not only do DsRed-based RFPs provide a genetically and spectrally distinct addition to the available repertoire of autoflorescent proteins, but by virtue of their spectral properties they permit deeper tissue imaging. Our work in generating CAG::mRFP1 transgenic ES cells and mice demonstrates the developmental neutrality of mRFP1 in an organismal context. It paves the way for the use of DsRed-based monomeric RFPs in transgenic and gene targeted approaches which often necessitate spatially and/or temporally restricted reporter expression. Moreover animals of the CAG::mRFP1 transgenic strain serve as a source of RFP tagged tissue for the derivation of cell lines and explant, transplant and embryo chimera experiments.
Development of ERK Activity Sensor, an in vitro, FRET-based sensor of Extracellular Regulated Kinase activity
Authors: Green Harry M , Alberola-Ila José
Published: July 2005

Background

Study of ERK activation has thus far relied on biochemical assays that are limited to the use of phospho-specific antibodies and radioactivity in vitro, and analysis of whole cell populations in vivo. As with many systems, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be utilized to make highly sensitive detectors of molecular activity. Here we introduce FRET-based ERK Activity Sensors, which utilize variants of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein fused by an ERK-specific peptide linker to detect ERK2 activity.

Results

ERK Activity Sensors display varying changes in FRET upon phosphorylation by active ERK2 in vitro depending on the composition of ERK-specific peptide linker sequences derived from known in vivo ERK targets, Ets1 and Elk1. Analysis of point mutations reveals specific residues involved in ERK binding and phosphorylation of ERK Activity Sensor 3. ERK2 also shows high in vitro specificity for these sensors over two other major MAP Kinases, p38 and pSAPK/JNK.

Conclusion

EAS's are a convenient, non-radioactive alternative to study ERK dynamics in vitro. They can be utilized to study ERK activity in real-time. This new technology can be applied to studying ERK kinetics in vitro, analysis of ERK activity in whole cell extracts, and high-throughput screening technologies.
Serum resistin is associated with C-reactive protein and LDL- cholesterol in type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease in a Saudi population
Authors: Al-Daghri N , Chetty R , McTernan PG , Al-Rubean K , Al-Attas O , Jones AF , Kumar S
Published: July 2005

Aims

Resistin is an adipocyte-derived factor implicated in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study examines the association between human serum resistin, T2DM and coronary heart disease.

Methods

One hundred and fourteen Saudi Arabian patients (male: female ratio 46:68; age 51.4 (mean ± SD)11.7 years; median and range: 45.59 (11.7) years and BMI: 27.1 (mean ± SD) 8.1 Kgm2 median and range: 30.3 (6.3) were studied. Serum resistin and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation CRP levels, were measured in all subjects. (35 patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); 22 patients had coronary heart disease (CHD).

Results

Serum resistin levels were 1.2-fold higher in type 2 diabetes and 1.3-fold higher in CHD than in controls (p = 0.01). In addition, CRP was significantly increased in both T2DM and CHD patients (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002 respectively). The use of regression analysis also determined that serum resistin correlated with CRP levels (p = 0.04, R2 0.045).

Conclusion

The findings from this study further implicate resistin as a circulating protein associated with T2DM and CHD. In addition this study also demonstrates an association between resistin and CRP, a marker of inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients.
Measurement of vaccination coverage at age 24 and 19–35 months: a case study of multiple imputation in public health
Authors: Santibanez Tammy A , Barker Lawrence E , Shaw Kate M
Published: July 2005

Aim

Childhood immunization coverage in the United States (U.S.) is often measured at age 24 months or, in the National Immunization Survey (NIS) at age of interview, which is between 19 and 35 months. This paper compares these standards.

Methods

Data from the NIS is used to compare immunization coverage at time of interview, retrospectively among all children aged 24 or more months at time of interview, and obtained via multiple imputation (with 10 imputations) for all children, both nationally, by state, and by demographic groups.

Results

At the national level, the difference between the 19–35 month estimate and the 24 month complete-case estimate was 1.9 percentage points. For most but not all states and subgroups, the 19–35 month estimate was higher than the 24 month complete-case estimate. The difference between vaccination coverage measured at 19–35 months and 24 months ranged from -2.3 to 7.5 percentage points among states. For three states, the difference between the 19–35 month and 24 month complete-case estimate was more than 6 percentage points, in twelve states there was a 4–6 percentage point difference, and in sixteen states a 2–4 percentage point difference. Conversely, five states had higher 24 month complete-case estimates than 19–35 month estimates.

Conclusion

We found that the coverages at 19–35 and 24 months differ such that they would rarely be adequate surrogates for one another, particularly at a state level. Multiple imputation, which is easily implemented, increases precision of estimates of coverage at age 24 months.
UV irradiation induces homologous recombination genes in the model archaeon, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1
Authors: McCready Shirley , Müller Jochen A , Boubriak Ivan , Berquist Brian R , Ng Wooi Loon , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: July 2005

Background

A variety of strategies for survival of UV irradiation are used by cells, ranging from repair of UV-damaged DNA, cell cycle arrest, tolerance of unrepaired UV photoproducts, and shielding from UV light. Some of these responses involve UV-inducible genes, including the SOS response in bacteria and an array of genes in eukaryotes. To address the mechanisms used in the third branch of life, we have studied the model archaeon, Halobacterium sp. strain NRC-1, which tolerates high levels of solar radiation in its natural hypersaline environment.

Results

Cells were irradiated with 30–70 J/m2 UV-C and an immunoassay showed that the resulting DNA damage was largely repaired within 3 hours in the dark. Under such conditions, transcriptional profiling showed the most strongly up-regulated gene was radA1, the archaeal homolog of rad51/recA, which was induced 7-fold. Additional genes involved in homologous recombination, such as arj1 (recJ-like exonuclease), dbp (eukaryote-like DNA binding protein of the superfamily I DNA and RNA helicases), and rfa3 (replication protein A complex), as well as nrdJ, encoding for cobalamin-dependent ribonucleotide reductase involved in DNA metabolism, were also significantly induced in one or more of our experimental conditions. Neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic excision repair gene homologs were induced and there was no evidence of an SOS-like response.

Conclusion

These results show that homologous recombination plays an important role in the cellular response of Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 to UV damage. Homologous recombination may permit rescue of stalled replication forks, and/or facilitate recombinational repair. In either case, this provides a mechanism for the observed high-frequency recombination among natural populations of halophilic archaea.
What's the Point?*
Authors: Schank Roger C. , Collins Gregg C. , Davis Ernest , Johnson Peter N. , Lytinen Steve , Reiser Brian J.
Published: July 2005

We present a theory of conversation comprehension in which a line of the conversation is “understood” by relating it to one of seven possible “points”. We define these points, and present examples where it seems plausible that the failure to “get the point” would indeed constitute a failure to understand the conversation. We argue that the recognition of such points must proceed in both a top down and bottom up fashion, and thus is likely to be quite complicated. Finally, we see the processing of information in the conversation to be dependent upon which point classification the user decides upon.
Ideal Learning Machines*
Authors: Osherson Daniel N. , Stob Michael , Weinstein Scott
Published: July 2005

We examine the prospects for finding “best possible” or “ideal” computing machines for various learning tasks. For this purpose, several precise senses of “ideal machine” are considered within the context of formal learning theory. Generally negative results are provided concerning the existence of ideal learning‐machines in the senses considered.