cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the binding and functional properties of two structurally different D2 dopamine receptor subtype selective compounds.

We previously reported on the synthesis of substituted phenyl-4-hydroxy-1-piperidyl indole analogues with nanomolar affinity at D2 dopamine receptors, ranging from 10- to 100-fold selective for D2 compared to the D3 dopamine receptor subtype. More recently, we evaluated a panel of aripiprazole analogues, identifying several analogues that also exhibit D2 vs D3 dopamine receptor binding selectivity. These studies further characterize the intrinsic efficacy of the compound with the greatest binding selectivity from each chemical class, 1-((5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-4-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)piperidin-4-ol (SV 293) and 7-(4-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one (SV-III-130s), using an adenylyl cyclase inhibition assay, a G-protein-coupled inward-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channel activation assay, and a cell based phospho-MAPK (pERK1/2) assay. SV 293 was found to be a neutral antagonist at D2 dopamine receptors using all three assays. SV-III-130s is a partial agonist u...
Near optimal event-based control of nonlinear discrete time systems in affine form with measured input and output data

In this paper, an event-based near optimal control of uncertain nonlinear discrete time systems is presented by using input-output data and approximate dynamic programming (ADP). The nonlinear system dynamics in affine form are transformed into an input-output form. Then, three neural networks (NN) with event sampled input-output vector are used, namely, the identifier NN to relax the knowledge of the system dynamics, a critic NN to approximate the value function which is the solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation, and an actor NN to approximate the optimal control policy, in an online manner without utilizing value or policy iterations. In addition, the NN weights of all the three NNs are tuned only at event-triggered instants leading to a novel non-periodic update rule to reduce computation when compared to traditional NN based scheme. Further, an event-trigger condition to decide the trigger instants is derived. Finally, the Lyapunov technique is used in conjunction with the event-trigger condition to guarantee the uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB) of the closed-loop system. The analytical design is substantiated with numerical results via simulation.
Effects of schedule changes on human performance: An empirical test of the contrasting predictions of the law of effect, the probability-differential model, and the response-deprivation approach

Abstract A 3 × 3 factorial design utilizing the schedule requirements for the instrumental and contingent responses as the main independent variables was employed to assess the predictions of the law of effect, the probability-differential model, and the response-deprivation approach to instrumental performance. The methodology involved an experimental laboratory study in which 108 subjects, assigned randomly to one of nine groups, were allowed to perform in an unconstrained (free) baseline session on two tasks before contingencies were imposed upon them. Comparisons of the general pattern of results from this study provided support for the qualitative predictions of the response-deprivation model over those made by either the law of effect or by the probability-differential approach. The response-deprivation condition was found to be both a necessary and sufficient condition for reinforcement. In addition, support for the working hypothesis that the amount of instrumental performance varies with the amount of the disparity produced between the ratios of the instrumental and contingent responses from the baseline to the contingency session was also provided by the data. Comparisons of the obtained levels of responding with those predicted by utilizing a response-substitution formula suggested that instrumental response facilitation was not wholly attributable to substitution of the instrumental response into the time left vacant by removing the availability to the contingent response; thereby suggesting that the contingencies imposed did have effects on subjects' performance.
Does Nanoparticle Activity Depend upon Size and Crystal Phase

A method to investigate the dependence of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (e.g. size, surface area and crystal phase) on their oxidant generating capacity is proposed and demonstrated for TiO(2) nanoparticles. Gas phase synthesis methods that allow for strict control of size and crystal phase were used to prepare TiO(2) nanoparticles. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating capacity of these particles was then measured. The size dependent ROS activity was established using TiO(2) nanoparticles of 9 different sizes (4 - 195 nm) but the same crystal phase. For a fixed total surface area, an S-shaped curve for ROS generation per unit surface area was observed as a function of particle size. The highest ROS activity per unit area was observed for 30 nm particles, and observed to be constant above 30 nm. There was a decrease in activity per unit area as size decreased from 30 nm to 10 nm; and again constant for particles smaller than 10 nm. The correlation between crystal phase and oxidant capacity was established using TiO(2) nanoparticles of 11 different crystal phase combinations but similar size. The ability of different crystal phases of TiO(2) nanoparticles to generate ROS was highest for amorphous, followed by anatase, and then anatase/rutile mixtures, and lowest for rutile samples. Based on evaluation of the entire dataset, important dose metrics for ROS generation are established. Their implications of these ROS studies on biological and toxicological studies using nanomaterials are discussed.
Cognitions: help or hindrance?

Abstract A major advance in the last decade has been interest in the psychological environment that people generate by their own responses. These responses may be parts of larger social acts and may serve as reinforcing and discriminative stimuli. Problems arise when professionals make abstractions out of manipulate human acts to cover gaps in theory; and then make these abstractions their clinical target rather than the individual's behavior in response to specific situations.
Optical waveguides from low-melting-temperature glasses with organic dyes

Polymers and, more recently, sol-gel glasses are generally regarded as the better hosts for optical devices which rely on organic dye molecules as the active component. Most traditional low melting temperature glasses are too easily attacked by water to be a serious alternative; however, a novel composition family based on SnF2 eliminates many of the shortcomings of other glasses with similar viscosity properties and they seem to have an affinity for dissolving many organic dye molecules. The properties of these glasses and the ongoing efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating guided wave structures are described.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tongue measures in individuals with normal and impaired swallowing.

Purpose This investigation sought to add to the extant literature on measures of normal tongue function, to provide information on measures of tongue function in a group of individuals with oral ph...
The case for frequency domain PD testing in the context of distribution cable

Frequency domain PD testing offers a rich set of PD characterization tools, the most basic of which are described in the article. PD detection sensitivity under field conditions is one to two orders of magnitude greater than for time domain testing as a result of (i) no need to trigger on the first PD pulse above the broadband noise, and (ii) the filtering effect of the cable between the PD detection site and the terminations. As a result of this greatly increased sensitivity and the rich set of characterization tools, frequency domain PD testing has been developed into a highly sensitive and reliable tool for characterizing the condition of distribution cable during normal operation, the sensitivity and accuracy of which have been confirmed through independent testing.
A comparison of problems and technical assistance needs of small agribusiness and nonagribusiness firms

Agribusiness professionals have claimed that the agribusiness complex is unique within the business world. However, little empirical research exists to support this conclusion. This article analyzes Wyoming and Montana data, using the Fisher's exact and chi-square tests. The results indicate that serious business problems and critical technical assistance needs vary significantly within the agribusiness complex and between the agribusiness and nonagribusiness sectors.
Organizational Readiness for Stage-Based Dynamics of Innovation Implementation

Implementing innovations in social and health-related service programs is a dynamic stage-based process. This article discusses training, adoption, implementation, and practice as sequential elements of a conceptual framework for effective preparation and implementation of evidence-based innovations. However, systems need to be prepared for change in terms of organizational readiness and functioning as well as their service delivery infrastructure. Emphasis is given to practical methods for advancing innovation implementation through collection and applications of better information about staff perceptions of need, organizational climate and resources, leadership commitments to change, and barriers likely to be faced. Measurement tools for these constructs, along with evidence of their applications in field studies, are presented.
Regulation of bombesin-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expression in prostate cancer cells

Background Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the bombesin (BBS)-like peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), have been implicated in the progression of hormone-refractory prostate cancer; however, a mechanistic link between the bioactive peptide and COX-2 expression in prostate cells has not been made.
The axial anomaly and the dynamical breaking of chiral symmetry in the reaction

Abstract Using the quark triangle diagram for the Adler-Bell-Jackiw axial anomaly, we calculate the form factor for the γ ∗ π 0 → γ transition. This form factor depends on the quark mass, and we predict the right behavior with m q ⋍250 MeV , the same quark mass generated by the dynamical breaking of chiral symmetry through a Nambu-Jona-Lasinio mechanism.
A study of local time and longitudinal variability of the amplitude of the equatorial electrojet observed in POGO satellite data

The local time and longitudinal variations of the amplitude of the equatorial electrojet (EE) are investigated using the POGO series satellite data. An iterative normalization scheme is developed to separate the variations of the amplitude of the EE with respect to longitude and local time. The resulting local time variation of the EE compares favorably with observatory based studies; however, the longitudinal variation is not well resolved. The altitude of the satellite is another factor that affects the amplitude of the EE. We use a simple linear scaling of amplitude of the EE with the inverse of the satellite altitude. An experiment including only the satellite passes below 450 km altitude indicates that there may be problems in correcting the data from higher altitudes. The reason behind the discrepancy between the results from the data limited to below 450 km and the full data set is not understood and requires further investigation.
Are elderly drivers a road hazard?: Problem definition and political impact

Abstract Elderly drivers are increasing in number and some statistics show they are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than all other age groups but those under 25. States have attempted to address the problem in various ways, but very few have required mandatory retesting at license renewal for those beyond a particular age. Why have so few states chosen to act? The key is how the issue is framed for the public and decision makers. Several phases of problem definition are explored to explain the political dynamics of the older driver issue: incidence, causality, severity, crisis labeling, problem population characteristics, and linkage of values to the issue and solutions. Based upon this analysis, it is not surprising that elder interest groups have been successful in containing policy initiatives designed to restrict elderly driving.
The effect of CEO reputation and explanations for poor performance on investors' judgments about the company's future performance and management

Abstract Two experiments are conducted in which MBA students make judgments about a company’s future performance and management’s reputation after the company reports poor financial results. Information about the CEO’s pre-existing reputation is manipulated at three levels (favorable, unfavorable, or none) and the plausibility of management’s explanation is manipulated at two levels (plausible or implausible). Generally, the results indicate that management’s explanations influence investors’ judgments of the company’s future performance and that judgments about management were jointly influenced by both manipulated factors. Specifically, our results indicate that a pre-existing favorable management reputation is an enduring trait that is not damaged even when management offers an implausible explanation. Our results are consistent with Mercer (2004) but inconsistent with other research ( Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Meyerson, Weick, & Kramer, 1996 ) suggesting that a good reputation is easily lost. Our results also indicate that offering a plausible explanation improves the reputation of managers with an unfavorable reputation. We also find that judgments about management’s intentions for explaining poor performance represent a partial mediator for judgments about management’s reputation. Finally, we provide evidence that judgments about the company’s future performance and management’s reputation are consequential in that they are associated with investors’ equity judgments.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status, Personal Network Attributes, and Use of Heroin and Cocaine

Background Drug abuse is a significant public health problem because of its association with numerous negative health and social consequences. Examining the social context of drug use represents a burgeoning avenue of research in drug abuse. This study investigates the effects of neighborhood disadvantage and network factors on current heroin and cocaine use among a predominantly African-American adult sample residing in Baltimore City. Methods This study employs a cross-sectional, multilevel design using data from two sources: the SHIELD Study, a network-oriented HIV intervention in Baltimore City and the 1990 U.S. Decennial Census. The sample consisted of 1305 adults from 249 neighborhoods (census block groups) across Baltimore City. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to examine personal network and neighborhood effects on current heroin and cocaine use. Results Neighborhood poverty was significantly associated with current heroin and cocaine use (odds ratio [OR]=1.51, confidence interval [CI]=1.06–2.15). Social support (OR=0.80, CI=0.69–0.92) and having ties to employed people (OR=0.47, CI=0.24–0.92) were protective of current drug use, but did not buffer negative effects of neighborhood poverty in the face of negative drug influences in the network (OR=8.62, CI=5.81–12.79). Conclusions The contexts of neighborhoods and networks represent key determinants in understanding the social epidemiology of drug abuse. Network attributes have strong influences on drug use, and neighborhood poverty may increase odds of use. Further research is warranted to determine other aspects of neighborhood environments that may put individuals at risk for drug use and abuse.
Volcanic and tectonic deformation on Unimak Island in the Aleutian Arc, Alaska

+3.3 � 10 6 m 3 yr � 1 . The GPS data indicate that inflation may have slowed down slightly compared with interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations between 1993 and 1998. The accumulated subsurface volume increase during the GPS and InSAR observation period (1993–2001), � 70 � 10 6 m 3 , already accounts for at least 15% more than the erupted volume from the last eruption in 1991–1992. Fisher caldera shows subsidence and contraction across the caldera center. The data are fit best with a rectangular dislocation source at a shallow depth. It is 14 km long and 0.5 km wide, dips 80� to the NW, and strikes N35� E, with rather large uncertainties for most of these parameters. Its volume decrease is 2.0 � 10 6 m 3 yr � 1 . The main mechanisms to explain the subsidence and contraction are degassing and contractional cooling of a shallow magma body and depressurization of Fisher’s hydrothermal system, possibly triggered by an earthquake in 1999. At the 95% confidence level, no significant strain accumulation due to subduction is observed across the entire island. The low coupling across the rupture zone of the 1946 earthquake is a strong argument for the idea that the earthquake and tsunami did not result from a purely double-couple (earthquake) source. INDEX TERMS: 1206 Geodesy and Gravity: Crustal movements—interplate (8155); 8135 Tectonophysics: Evolution of the Earth: Hydrothermal systems (8424); 8145 Tectonophysics: Evolution of the Earth: Physics of magma and magma bodies; 8150 Tectonophysics: Evolution of the Earth: Plate boundary—general (3040); KEYWORDS: volcanic deformation, caldera deformation, Aleutian Arc, Alaska, Unimak Island Citation: Mann, D., and J. Freymueller, Volcanic and tectonic deformation on Unimak Island in the Aleutian Arc, Alaska, J. Geophys. Res., 108(B2), 2108, doi:10.1029/2002JB001925, 2003.
Determination of the onset of crystallization of N1-2-(thiazolyl)sulfanilamide (sulfathiazole) by UV-Vis and calorimetry using an automated reaction platform; subsequent characterization of polymorphic forms using dispersive Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract This work describes the use of UV/visible spectroscopy and calorimetry to follow the onset of crystallization of a commercially available compound, N 1 -2-(thiazolyl)sulfanilamide (sulfathiazole), during crystallization reactions performed using an automated reaction platform. Sulfathiazole has been the subject of numerous publications through which considerable confusion about the morphic form is apparent. This work does not attempt to investigate exhaustively the polymorph issue, but rather to exploit the use of the HEL auto-MATE for monitoring the onset of crystal formation. Real-time calorimetry and UV-Vis spectroscopy are compared as tools for determining the onset of crystallization. Subsequently, differential scanning calorimetry, dispersive Raman, and infrared spectroscopy analysis serve to identify the crystal forms generated by the HEL auto-MATE. A solvent–anti-solvent matrix and several bench-top crystallization experiments were performed to supplement the investigation in terms of generating the desired polymorphs.
Serum uric acid and risk of ischemic stroke: The ARIC Study

Abstract Aims Since serum uric acid (UA) is strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors, it has been debated whether serum UA is a stroke risk factor or whether UA may be simply “marking” subjects with other, causal risk factors. We therefore investigated the relation between UA and ischemic stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Methods and results Of 15,792 ARIC participants, 13,413 who were free of recognized stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline and had a baseline UA measurement were included in the analysis. We followed the participants for ischemic stroke incidence ( N = 381) over 12.6 years. Although serum UA was independently and positively related to ischemic stroke incidence when we adjusted for age, sex, race, and education, the positive relation was weakened when additionally adjusted for possible confounding variables. The positive multivariate-adjusted association between serum UA and ischemic stroke was observed among subjects not using diuretics (adjusted relative hazard in the highest quartile versus the lowest: relative hazard (RH) = 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–2.23) ( P for trend: 0.02), but not among diuretic users ( P for interaction: 0.08). Conclusion Our findings suggest that UA is an independent predictor of ischemic stroke among subjects not using diuretics, but that elevated UA itself may not cause ischemic stroke.
Effects of exercise training on coronary collateralization and control of collateral resistance

Coronary collateral vessels serve as a natural protective mechanism to provide coronary flow to ischemic myocardium secondary to critical coronary artery stenosis. The innate collateral circulation of the normal human heart is typically minimal and considerable variability occurs in extent of collateralization in coronary artery disease patients. A well-developed collateral circulation has been documented to exert protective effects upon myocardial perfusion, contractile function, infarct size, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Thus therapeutic augmentation of collateral vessel development and/or functional adaptations in collateral and collateral-dependent arteries to reduce resistance into the ischemic myocardium represent a desirable goal in the management of coronary artery disease. Tremendous evidence has provided documentation for the therapeutic benefits of exercise training programs in patients with coronary artery disease (and collateralization); mechanisms that underlie these benefits are numerous and multifaceted, and currently under investigation in multiple laboratories worldwide. The role of enhanced collateralization as a major beneficial contributor has not been fully resolved. This topical review highlights literature that examines the effects of exercise training on collateralization in the diseased heart, as well as effects of exercise training on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle control of regional coronary tone in the collateralized heart. Future directions for research in this area involve further delineation of cellular/molecular mechanisms involved in effects of exercise training on collateralized myocardium, as well as development of novel therapies based on emerging concepts regarding exercise training and coronary artery disease.
Axial ligand exchange of N-heterocyclic cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes: molecular structure and NMR solution dynamics.

The kinetic and thermodynamic ligand exchange dynamics are important considerations in the rational design of metal-based therapeutics and therefore, require detailed investigation. Co(III) Schiff base complex derivatives of bis(acetylacetone)ethylenediimine [acacen] have been found to be potent enzyme and transcription factor inhibitors. These complexes undergo solution exchange of labile axial ligands. Upon dissociation, Co(III) irreversibly interacts with specific histidine residues of a protein, and consequently alters structure and causes inhibition. To guide the rational design of next generation agents, understanding the mechanism and dynamics of the ligand exchange process is essential. To investigate the lability, pH stability, and axial ligand exchange of these complexes in the absence of proteins, the pD- and temperature-dependent axial ligand substitution dynamics of a series of N-heterocyclic [Co(acacen)(X)2]+ complexes [where X = 2-methylimidazole (2MeIm), 4-methylimidazole (4MeIm), ammine (...
Precision measurements of the SLC reference magnets

Two spectrometers, one on each extraction line of the SLC (Stanford Linear Collider), have been installed to momentum analyze each SLC beam pulse and determine the electron and positron beam energies. A method of determining and monitoring the absolute magnetic field strength for these dipoles has been developed. A total error on the magnetic field integral of delta integral Bdl/ integral Bdl=1*10/sup -4/ has been achieved. The field integral can be monitored continuously during SLC beam operation using radiation-hardened equipment. The laboratory field mapping techniques and the field monitoring methods are described. >
Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in southern Chesapeake Bay surface water: Evaluation of three methods for determining freely dissolved water concentrations

Gas sparging, semipermeable-membrane devices (SPMDs), and filtration with sorption of dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to XAD-2 resin were evaluated for determining the concentrations of freely dissolved PAHs in estuarine waters of southern Chesapeake Bay at sites ranging from rural to urban and highly industrialized. Gas sparging had significant sampling artifacts due to particle scavenging by rising bubbles, and SPMDs were kinetically limited for four-ring and larger PAHs relative to short-term temporal changes in water concentrations. Filtration with sorption of the dissolved contaminant fraction to XAD-2 resin was found to be the most accurate and feasible method for determining concentrations of freely dissolved PAHs in estuarine water. Concentrations and distribution coefficients of dissolved and particulate PAHs were measured using the filtration/ XAD-2 method. Concentrations of PAHs in surface waters of southern Chesapeake Bay were higher than those reported for the northern bay; concentrations in the Elizabeth River were elevated relative to all other sites. A gradient for particulate PAHs was observed from urban to remote sites. No seasonal trends were observed in dissolved or particle-bound PAH fractions at any site. Distributions of dissolved and particulate PAHs in surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay are near equilibrium at all locations and during all seasons.
On the minimal weight of some singly-even codes

It is shown that the minimal distance d of a singly-even self-dual [24t+8, 12t+4] code is at most 4t+2 if its shadow contains a weight 4 vector, t is even, and (/sub t//sup 5t/) is odd. It is proved particularly that there does not exist a [56, 28, 12] singly even self-dual code with 4862 words of weight 12. This answers a question raised by Conway and Sloane (see ibid., vol.36, p.1319-33, 1990).
PARASITOID COEXISTENCE: LINKING SPATIAL FIELD PATTERNS WITH MECHANISM

Coexistence of resource specialists can be maintained through various spatial mechanisms, each potentially inducing different resource dynamics. We used observational data to suggest plausible spatial coexistence mechanisms for Aphytis melinus and Encarsia perniciosi, two parasitoids of California red scale. Aphytis consistently produced more progeny from scale insects on leaves, and Encarsia produced progeny equally from scale insects on leaves and stems. To investigate the mechanism inducing this pattern, we performed field experiments to test two possible explanations. In the absence of substrate choice and at a given abundance of scale, the number of progeny produced by each species was the same on stems as on leaves. When given a choice, Encarsia had no substrate preference, while Aphytis preferred scale insects on leaves, producing results qualitatively similar to the field observations. Ecological theory suggests that this form of habitat preference may facilitate coexistence. Although this mechanism of coexistence is clearly compatible with biological control by multiple natural enemies in the red scale system, theory dealing with this type of interaction has not thoroughly examined the predictions for resource dynamics.
Pulp Fiction and the Culture of Violence

Exploring the intersection of entertainment, politics, and pedagogy, Henry Giroux analyzes some recent films as popular cultural texts, arguing that the cinematic violence and racist stereotypes portrayed are inextricably linked to what has been called the rising culture of violence in the United States. Offering a schematic definition of different representations of violence in film, particularly focusing on what he refers to as the "hyper-real" violence of Pulp Fiction, Giroux challenges educators to engage critically the pedagogical and political implications of popular culture with students and others.
Second Language Oral Proficiency Characteristics of Low, Intermediate, and High Second Language Readers

Investigating relationships between second language (L2) oral proficiency and reading, this study examined differences between low, intermediate, and high L2 readers on four L2 oral language variables. Subjects were 57 native Spanish-speaking third-grade children, who began learning English as a second language after entering kindergarten. Subjects were divided into three groups according to their performance on a diagnostic reading test: low, intermediate, and high L2 readers. L2 oral proficiency was individually assessed using an interactive, simulated science lesson. Resulting oral language samples were rated on four variables: grammatical complexity, well-formedness, informativeness, and comprehension. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect significant differences among the three groups. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were then made, using the Mann-Whitnney U to test for significance. Results indicated significant differences on all four oral language variables between the low and high L2 readers. ...
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of retinal dehydrogenase type II

This is the publisher's version. Copyright 1998 by the International Union of Crystallography.
Dissociation between resistance to apoptosis and the transformed phenotype in IGF-I receptor signaling.

Programmed Cell Death (PCD) is known to play an important role in both the development and the growth rate of human tumors. It has in fact been suggested that suppression of the apoptotic pathway is a requirement for the establishment of the transformed phenotype. In order to elucidate the relationship between resistance to apoptosis and transformation, we have asked in this investigation whether or not the two processes can be directly correlated. For this purpose, we have used mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) expressing either the wild-type or several mutants of the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR). The wild-type IGF-IR has both transforming and anti-apoptotic activities, and we have asked whether these two activities can be or not separated in mutant receptors. Using this well-defined system, our results show that certain mutants of the IGF-IR that have strong anti-apoptotic and mitogenic activities, are incapable of transforming MEF (colony formation in soft agar). We have, instead, a good correlation between mitogenic and anti-apoptotic activities, suggesting the possibility that the two processes may share similar signaling pathways from the IGF-IR. On the other hand, our results indicate that transformation requires an additional signal, above and beyond the mitogenic and survival signals. Our conclusion is that, at least in this system, the establishment of the malignant phenotype and resistance to apoptosis can be dissociated, implying the possibility of separate targeting. J. Cell. Biochem. 72:294–310, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pathways to Political Respect in American State Legislatures

We developed a causal model depicting personal and institutional pathways to political respect and tested it with data drawn from a nationwide survey of over 2,400 state legislators. Working from the premise that respected legislators are those most often approached by colleagues for legislative information and advice, we observe that direct paths to political respect include networking, leadership position, seniority, parliamentary expertise, legislative obstructionism, and ambition for higher political office. Institutional factors have the strongest impact on political respect, while personal attributes have the weakest impact. Leadership position serves an important intervening role regarding respect for legislators as all exogenous variables influence political respect indirectly through their effects on leadership position.
Riemannian Manifolds of Positive Curvature

The study of positive sectional curvature is one of the oldest pursuits in Riemannian geometry, but despite the considerable efforts of many researchers, basic questions remain unanswered. In this lecture we will briefly summarize the state of knowledge in this area and outline the techniques which have had success. These techniques include geodesic and comparison methods, minimal surface methods, and Ricci flow. We will then describe our recent work (see [18], [21], [22]) which uses the Ricci flow to resolve the differentiable sphere theorem; that is, the complete classification of manifolds whose sectional curvatures are 1/4-pinched.
Serum levels of luteinizing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in cycling, castrated and anestrous ewes.

Blood samples were collected at 4-min intervals for 4 hr from 2 ewes on the day of estrus and 2 ewes castrated 90 and 120 days previously. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) were determined by double antibody radioimmunoassays. Samples were collected during a portion of the preovulatory LH surge in each ewe with LH levels ranging from <5 ng/ml to=300 ng/ml. Gn-RH levels ranged from 15 to 96 pg/ml and were not significantly elevated when LH levels were high. LH in castrated ewes ranged from 2.7 to 13.3 ng/ml while Gn-RH ranged from 119 to 368 pg/ml during the 4-hr sampling period. There was no apparent correlation between serum levels of LH and Gn-RH. Both cycling ewes and castrated ewes demonstrated rhythmic oscillations in serum levels of Gn-RH with peaks occurring at a frequency of 15.4 ± 4.0 min (SD). Four anestrousewes were given an intramuscular injection of 100μ g 17β-estradiol and blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals from 1 hr pre-injecti...
Performance Limit for Distributed Estimation Systems With Identical One-Bit Quantizers

Full precision Crame?r-Rao lower bound (CRLB) where no quantization is assumed is often employed to evaluate and compare distributed estimation performance even though the sensor observations are quantized before any further processing. However, as it completely disregards quantization and often does not exist when the sensor observation noise is bounded, full precision CRLB is often too optimistic or not applicable. In this work, we determine the performance limit of a distributed estimation system with identical one-bit quantizers in terms of the metric minimax CRLB. The performance limit that a distributed estimation scheme with identical quantizers can achieve is found as well as the set of optimal noise distribution functions and quantizers. Compared to the full precision CRLB, the performance limit is shown to be a much tighter bound when the parameter range is relatively large and reveals the important role of the quantization system.
A Novel neuro-fuzzy assessment index for orthodontics

Orthodontists have developed several occlusal indices during the past few decades to evaluate treatment success. These indices suffer from several limitations including a crisp decision making criterion that sometimes contradicts human intuition. The objective of this study is to develop an expert system that represent orthodontists' visual perception in assessing patients, using adaptive neuro-fuzzy approach and improving the quality of earlier indices. We examined the reliability of our model by comparing the results with the opinion of a panel of expert orthodontists. Our index has shown a greater consistency with practitioners' clinical judgments compare to previous indices. We conclude that utilization of neural network in this design has led to a superior performance.
Average radar cross section for arbitrary transmitter and receiver polarizations with application to wire scatterers

An expression is derived for the average backscattering cross section of an obstacle for arbitrary transmitter and receiver antenna polarizations. Results are given for straight wires, circular loops, and one-turn helices.
CASK Participates in Alternative Tripartite Complexes in which Mint 1 Competes for Binding with Caskin 1, a Novel CASK-Binding Protein

CASK, an adaptor protein of the plasma membrane, is composed of an N-terminal calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein (CaM) kinase domain, central PSD-95, Dlg, and ZO-1/2 domain (PDZ) and Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, and a C-terminal guanylate kinase sequence. The CaM kinase domain of CASK binds to Mint 1, and the region between the CaM kinase and PDZ domains interacts with Velis, resulting in a tight tripartite complex. CASK, Velis, and Mint 1 are evolutionarily conserved in Caenorhabditis elegans , in which homologous genes (called lin-2, lin-7, and lin-10) are required for vulva development. We now demonstrate that the N-terminal CaM kinase domain of CASK binds to a novel brain-specific adaptor protein called Caskin 1. Caskin 1 and a closely related isoform, Caskin 2, are multidomain proteins containing six N-terminal ankyrin repeats, a single SH3 domain, and two sterile α motif domains followed by a long proline-rich sequence and a short conserved C-terminal domain. Unlike CASK and Mint 1, no Caskin homolog was detected in C. elegans . Immunoprecipitations showed that Caskin 1, like Mint 1, is stably bound to CASK in the brain. Affinity chromatography experiments demonstrated that Caskin 1 coassembles with CASK on the immobilized cytoplasmic tail of neurexin 1, suggesting that CASK and Caskin 1 coat the cytoplasmic tails of neurexins and other cell-surface proteins. Detailed mapping studies revealed that Caskin 1 and Mint 1 bind to the same site on the N-terminal CaM kinase domain of CASK and compete with each other for CASK binding. Our data suggest that in the vertebrate brain, CASK and Velis form alternative tripartite complexes with either Mint 1 or Caskin 1 that may couple CASK to distinct downstream effectors.
Submicron silicon carbide CMOS for smartpower applications

This paper describes the development of silicon carbide (SiC) submicron CMOS technology for smart power applications. NMOS transistors are fabricated with 0.5 /spl mu/m (drawn) channel lengths while PMOS transistors exhibit punchthrough at 0.8 /spl mu/m channel lengths. Digital logic circuits are also fabricated and exhibit nanosecond switching performance. Finally, performance limiting factors such as parasitic series resistance are also investigated.
Pattern Classification Based on Local Learning

Local learning methods approximate a target function (a posteriori probability) by partitioning the input space into a set of local regions, and modeling a simple input-output relationship in each one. In order for local learning to be effective for pattern classification in high dimensional settings, regions must be chosen judiciously to minimize bias. This paper presents a novel region partitioning criterion that attempts to minimize bias by capturing differential relevance in input variables in an efficient way. The efficacy of the method is validated using a variety of real and simulated data.
East Asian art and American culture : a study in international relations

This is a discussion of the contribution and effects of East Asian art on American culture. Warren Cohen portrays the assembling of the great American collections of East Asian art and explains how this art became part of the cultural consciousness of the people of the USA, transforming their culture into something more complex than the Western civilization brought from Europe. Cohen tells of art collectors, dealers and historians, of museums and curators, of art and imperialism, art and politics, and art as an instrument of foreign policy. The book demonstrates how art collecting interacts with international politics and business. The recent decline in American economic power, the author argues, was first obvious in the art world when American collectors found themselves unable to compete with their Japanese and Hong Kong counterparts.
Robotic Surgical Outcomes and Safety

Minimally invasive surgery has ushered in many new advances within the field of surgery since its introduction two and a half decades ago. This evolution has dramatically improved hospital length of stay, improved postoperative pain, cosmesis, overall physiologic insult of surgery, and shortened time to return of physical activity when compared with conventional open surgical procedures. Improved imaging, instrumentation, and skills training within this field even led to the development of surgical robotics, microsurgery, and extension into surgical endoscopy via natural orifice surgery.
A Framework for the Recognition of Nonmanual Markers in Segmented Sequences of American Sign Language.

Despite the fact that there is critical grammatical information expressed through facial expressions and head gestures, most research in the field of sign language recognition has primarily focused on the manual component of signing. We propose a novel framework for robust tracking and analysis of non-manual behaviours, with an application to sign language recognition. The novelty of our method is threefold. First, we propose a dynamic feature representation. Instead of using only the features available in the current frame (e.g., head pose), we additionally aggregate and encode the feature values in neighbouring frames to better encode the dynamics of expressions and gestures (e.g., head shakes). Second, we use Multiple Instance Learning [12] to handle feature misalignment resulting from drifting of the face tracker and partial occlusions. Third, we utilize a discriminative Hidden Markov Support Vector Machine (HMSVM) [1] to learn finer temporal dependencies between the features of interest. We apply our signerindependent framework to segmented recognition of five classes of grammatical constructions conveyed through facial expressions and head gestures: wh-questions, negation, conditional/when clauses, yes/no questions and topics, and show improvement over previous methods.
A Judicial Abandonment of Blacks? Rethinking the “State Action” Cases of the Waite Court

This article reconsiders the conventional wisdom that the Supreme Court definitively abandoned the freedmen to their former masters through the “state action” decisions of the 1870s and 1880s. Arguing that anachronisms distort our understanding of this critical period, I offer an historical institutional analysis of state action doctrine by recovering the legal categories, assumptions, and distinctions that constituted judicial discourse about the state action rule. Showing that federal power to protect blacks was more intact than scholars realize, I also add a perspective from the sociology of knowledge. By examining a series of modern developments that erased the contexts of the state action decisions, I show how institutional practices gave rise to the anachronisms that this article seeks to correct.
A transportation network assessment tool for hazardous material cargo routing: Weighing exposure health risks, proximity to vulnerable areas, delay costs and trucking expenses

Abstract The inherent risks associated with accidental releases of hazardous materials during transport have drawn attention and concerns in the recent decades. The aim of this study is to propose a tool for evaluation and comparison of the transportation networks which can be used to assess the routing options between origins and destinations of the cargos for their suitability for transporting hazardous material cargos by tanker trucks and to identify routes which provide lower accidental release risks, lower public exposure risks, and offer economical benefits. Each route segment of transportation networks were evaluated using specific criteria which included health risk and cost of delay in case of an accidental release of materials, trucking cost and proximity to vulnerable areas. Since, the health impact of hazardous materials differ depending on the characteristics of the material being transported as well as release quantities and atmospheric conditions; this paper aimed in providing a tool that can be used to estimate the impact radius (for health risks) after accidental release of hazardous materials by taking into account different atmospheric conditions based on the meteorological data and solar elevation angle. The Gaussian air dispersion model paired with ArcGIS using Python programming were employed to estimate the health risk impact zones by considering the meteorological data, and accordingly to analyze road segments for cost impacts (delay and trucking costs), and the proximity to vulnerable areas. The route assessment tool was demonstrated with a case study. The results of this study can efficiently aid decision makers for transportation of hazardous materials.
Efficacy of STI571, an Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in conjunction with other antileukemic agents against Bcr-Abl–positive cells

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a malignancy of a hematopoietic stem cell, is caused by the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase. STI571(formerly CGP 57148B), an Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has specific in vitro antileukemic activity against Bcr-Abl-positive cells and is currently in Phase II clinical trials. As it is likely that resistance to a single agent would be observed, combinations of STI571 with other antileukemic agents have been evaluated for activity against Bcr-Abl-positive cell lines and in colony-forming assays in vitro. The specific antileukemic agents tested included several agents currently used for the treatment of CML: interferon-alpha (IFN), hydroxyurea (HU), daunorubicin (DNR), and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). In proliferation assays that use Bcr-Abl-expressing cells lines, the combination of STI571 with IFN, DNR, and Ara-C showed additive or synergistic effects, whereas the combination of STI571 and HU demonstrated antagonistic effects. However, in colony-forming assays that use CML patient samples, all combinations showed increased antiproliferative effects as compared with STI571 alone. These data indicate that combinations of STI571 with IFN, DNR, or Ara-C may be more useful than STI571 alone in the treatment of CML and suggest consideration of clinical trials of these combinations.
Modulating Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Oppositely Charged Nanoparticles Using a Short Amphiphilic Molecule

Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of silica (SiO2) and titania (TiO2) nanoparticles leads to the generation of multifunctional thin films with useful properties. However, favorable film growth for thes...
Hammer Toe in Cerebral Paralysis

Since hammer toes in cerebral paralysis are hyperflexed, body weight bears on the nails. It causes severe pain and finally gait disturbance. We treated three cases of hammer toe in cerebral paralysis. All of them were above 15 years of age showed and rigo-spastic type paralysis, or so-called double hemiplegia. They were treated by lengthening of digital flexor tendon, arthrodesis of PIP joint or both. One case resulted in good. Another case resulted in nothing. The last case needed revision.
In Vitro Rearing of the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Ectoparasitoid Catolaccus grandis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on Meridic Diets

The pteromalid Catolaccus grandis (Burks), an obligate ectoparasitoid of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, successfully completed development on 5 original meridic diets. These diets produced C. grandis females of significantly higher quality than those produced on a previously reported meridic diet. Pupal weight and fecundity of females reared in the 5 meridic diets were lower than for females reared in vivo, but, higher than for females reared in a previously developed diet. There was no significant difference between progeny sex ratio of females reared in the 5 new diets from those of females reared in vivo. Based on net reproductive rate (R 0 ) values of females reared in the 5 new diets, the best artificial diet showed a R 0 value of 135.16 as compared to an R 0 value of 143.6 for parasitoids reared in vivo. Parasitoids reared in previously developed artificial diets had significantly lower pupal weight, fecundity, survival, and R 0 value as compared with C. grandis reared in the 5 new diets. This implies that the presence of some amino acids such as histidine, proline, and glutamic acid in the correct proportions is essential for the growth and development of C. grandis.